HTC Flyer Tablet is Awesome…Mostly

At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, HTC unveiled the HTC Flyer tablet running Google Android. The Flyer combines sleek design, strong specs, and numerous HTC software customizations, including OnLive gaming. On paper and in photos, this looks like an amazing Android tablet, save for one feature. Here’s a chunk of press release action for you:

Encased in a sleek aluminum unibody, the HTC Flyer tablet exudes the iconic style and build quality HTC is known for. It is also ultra-light, weighing as little as a paperback book, and compact enough to fit in a jacket pocket only. With a seven-inch display, lightning fast 1.5Ghz processor and high-speed HSPA+ wireless capabilities, the HTC Flyer tablet is perfect for those who have been waiting for a tablet that is both compact and powerful.

Touch interaction lights up the HTC Flyer tablet experience, but it also offers a groundbreaking pen experience. With the new HTC Scribe Technology on the HTC Flyer tablet, people can rediscover the natural act of writing. HTC Scribe Technology introduces a wave of integrated digital ink innovations that make it easy and natural to take notes, sign contracts, draw pictures, or even write on a web page or photo.

The HTC Flyer tablet premieres HTC Watch, HTC’s new video download service. The HTC Watch service enables low-cost on-demand progressive downloading of hundreds of High-Definition movies from major studios. The intuitive, natural design of the HTC Watch service makes it easy to find the latest movie and video content, while advanced technology on the back-end enables instant playback over the HTC Flyer tablet’s high-speed wireless connection.

HTC takes mobile gaming to an entirely new level by being the first mobile device in the world to integrate OnLive Inc.’s revolutionary cloud-based gaming service. OnLive is leading in the home gaming market by letting people play top video games on their televisions and computers without the need to buy expensive gaming hardware or software. When integrated fully, the OnLive service will enable customers to pipe the OnLive service through the HTC Flyer tablet’s broadband wireless to their television sets, or let them play directly on the tablet. When integrated on the HTC Flyer tablet, people can play a variety of games, including hits like Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, NBA 2K11 and Lego Harry Potter.

I adore the aluminum unibody construction. I love that this thing packs OnLive for gaming. I’m intrigued by the stylus software. Unfortunately, there are two things that prevent the HTC Flyer from being a must-have product (for me, anyway). The 1.5GHz processor should provide ample power, but going with a dual-core chip would have aided the Flyer’s battery life. While HTC Sense will add a lot of differentiation, the base code is still Android 2.4 — a version of the OS that was never meant to run on tablets. I understand that HTC hasn’t had enough time to apply Sense to Android 3.0, but I prefer Android tablets that use an OS version that was specifically designed for the tablet form factor. Call me crazy.

Anyway, let me know what you think of this baby when you have a chance.

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Coffee Talk #302: They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To

As I was mesmerized by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s promo on last night’s Raw, I was thinking, “They don’t make ’em like they used to.” Whether you’re talking about WWE, games, movies, or music, this is true.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, iPhone 5 rumors, President Obama’s plans for mini nuclear reactors, or the start of MLB spring training, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

As I was mesmerized by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s promo on last night’s Raw, I was thinking, “They don’t make ’em like they used to.” Whether you’re talking about WWE, games, movies, or music, this is true. In this context, I was reminded that there hasn’t been a face with extraordinary mic skills in years. On the heel side, guys like Chris Jericho and The Miz have been outstanding. On the face side there have been good talkers, but I can’t think of a truly great one.

Naturally, I started thinking about games — specifically what I miss about gaming from 10, 15, and 20 years ago. As a fan of Japanese RPGs, I’ve spent thousands of hours of my life in turn-based combat. I absolutely loved those battles. Part of it was depth that wasn’t found in other genres, but part of it was that I enjoyed spending time to think about my next several moves. Sadly, turn-based combat is considered archaic in 2011. Sure, there are some niche titles and portable games that offer this style of gameplay, but it’s never used in mainline games with big budgets. I wish that wasn’t the case.

What do you miss about gaming, music, and movies from “the good old days”? Is there anything that creators don’t make like they used to but wish they did?

DC Universe Online is Super — Super Untradeable

Gamers hoping to buy a used copy of DC Universe Online (PS3) so that they can’t engage in super heroics (or villainy) for a bargain price are SOL. Gamers that tried DCUO and want to get rid of it will have a difficult time doing so. Lazy Gamer discovered that the game is currently worthless in the used market because the disc and account are tied together. Here’s what the site learned from Sony Online Entertainment:

Once the PSN key has been consumed with a disk it cannot be resold/replayed with the second user adding a sub — only the original consumer can use that acct.

Disk and account are one.

That…kind of sucks. That said, my copy was comped, so I wanted to see how you feel about the matter. Is this practice unfair? Or is it a smart way for publishers to counter used-game sales? Are you less interested in DCUO and supporting SOE because of this practice? I can’t wait to see your comments on this one!

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to Host WrestleMania XXVII

On last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw, the WWE announced that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will be the special host of WrestleMania XXVII. The Rock cut a brilliant promo — one of the best face promos in years — calling out WWE Superstars The Miz and John Cena. Several people have come to the conclusion that The Miz will successfully defend his title and John Cena will win the right to face him on Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event. This would lead to a WWE Championship match between the two at WrestleMania XXVII.

The Miz facing off with The Rock is a natural. Love him or hate him — and I still think it’s hilarious that some of you think he’s “unworthy” — there’s no denying that The Miz has been one of the best heels on the microphone over the last few years. His future exchanges with The Rock will be memorable.

Cena and The Rock is, perhaps, more interesting. Cena has been critical of The Rock for “abandoning” the WWE for Hollywood. Mixing in some reality into “sports entertainment” has always led to some of the best angles in the WWE. I’m terribly interested to see how far they go with it. Last night The Rock ripped into Cena’s merchandise and silly catchphrase. One easy and obvious comeback would be The Tooth Fairy.

Although The Rock will only be a WWE regular for a short period of time, his presence has already invigorated the WWE. It’s been years since I’ve seen a face totally capture a crowd the way he did last night. It was an excellent reminder of how extraordinary he was — and still is! — on the microphone. If you didn’t mark out then you don’t really like pro-wrestling.

EEDAR’s Jesse Divnich Talks Nintendo 3DS vs. Sony NGP

EEDAR vice president Jesse Divnich was kind enough to chat with me about the upcoming console war between the Nintendo 3DS and the Sony NGP. As the #1 analyst in the videogame business, IMHO, Jesse’s opinion is meaningful and powerful. He also answered one of RPadholic bsukenyan’s excellent questions. Naturally, I threw a playful jab a Wedbush Morgan’s Michael Pachter…but it was all in jest. Check it out (please)!

Quad-Core Snapdragon Chipsets Coming in 2012

Qualcomm has announced its next generation Snapdragon products at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The most interesting product is the high-end APQ8064, which features four cores that can run as fast as 2.5GHz each. Here are some tantalizing details from the press release:

The new processor micro-architecture, code-named Krait, in the next-generation Snapdragon will redefine performance for the industry, offering speeds of up to 2.5GHz per core and delivering 150 percent higher overall performance, as well as 65 percent lower power than currently available ARM-based CPU cores.

The quad-core APQ8064 will be designed to meet the performance requirements of the next generation of computing and entertainment devices while minimizing power consumption. As with the Snapdragon dual-core, the APQ8064 will include four asynchronous CPU cores which can be independently controlled for maximum efficiency. The Adreno 320 quad-core GPU debuts in the APQ8064 processor where it enables console-quality gaming and renders rich user interfaces.

The APQ8064 will also include a variety of features that make it a compelling processing solution for use in mobile entertainment and computing devices, including support for both PC and LP DDR memory, serial and PCIe interfaces, and multiple USB ports. The APQ8064 will also seamlessly integrate with Qualcomm 3G and LTE MDM modems and modules, giving OEMs a flexible and cost-efficient platform that can meet all of their design configuration needs and help reduce time to market.

Man, these CPU/GPU combos sound ridiculous. I can’t wait to see what these chips — especially the Adreno 320 on the graphics — can do! At CES 2011, I was drooling over all the dual-core phones on display. The prospect of quad-core processing in the palm of my hand sounds…brilliant. Now please excuse as I glare at my T-Mobile G2 for having a single-core chip running at 800MHz.

iPhone Nano (Mini?) on the Way?

It looks like the iPhone will be getting a diminutive sibling in the near future — perhaps the iPhone Nano or iPhone Mini? That’s the word according to The Wall Street Journal. The rumored model would be small and cheaper than the mainline iPhone. Here are the details:

One of the people, who saw a prototype of the phone late last year, said it is intended for sale alongside Apple’s existing line. The new device would be about half the size of the iPhone 4, which is the current model.

The new phone — one of its code names is N97 — would be available to carriers at about half the price of the main iPhones. That would allow carriers to subsidize most or all of the retail price, putting the iPhone in the same mass-market price range as rival smartphones, the person said. Apple currently sells iPhones to carriers for $625 each on average. With carrier subsidies, consumers can buy iPhones for as little as $199 with a two-year contract.

Although Apple competes in the mid-range market with older iPhone models, it stands to do even better with a new model that costs $49 to $99 (on contract). That part of the rumor makes sense.

What doesn’t make sense is the whole “half the size” thing. The iPhone 4 is pretty damn small as it is. Even if the iPhone Nano does use an edge-to-edge screen, something half the size of the iPhone 4 sounds tough to use. I’m having visions of Derek Zoolander’s phone.

What do you think of the iPhone Nano rumor? Do you expect to hear about it at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June? What features do you expect to have (and lack)?

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This Week’s Videogame Releases

Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is getting a ton of buzz from hardcore fighters and casual fans alike. I’m not really sure how Viewtiful Joe stands a chance against the Hulk, but the kids are loving it. RPG fans looking for something quirky and imaginative will want to give Hyperdimensional Neptunia a look. If you’re behind in all things Gears then Gears of War Triple Pack will save your day.

The games that have my super excited are a pair of portable RPGs. The Nintendo DS has Dragon Quest VI, while the PSP has Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together. I’ve been psyched for the Tactics Ogre remake since it was announced last July. I can’t wait to play!

Any of you picking up new games this week?

Perrin Kaplan Talks Nintendo 3DS, Mario, and More

It was excellent catching up with Perrin Kaplan at DICE 2011. Currently the principal at Zebra Partners, Kaplan is the former vice president of Nintendo of America. She gave her thoughts on how Nintendo is doing these days, as well as the Nintendo 3DS. She also shared her favorite Mario moment and told a precious story about Shigeru Miyamoto’s first time at GDC. I also wanted to spotlight some of the cool charity work she does with Saving Great Animals. Check it out (please)!

P.S. It was actually Perrin’s birthday yesterday. I’m sure she’d appreciate any warm wishes you’d like to send her.

Coffee Talk #301: Charged and Inspired From DICE 2011

For the last two years, actor Jay Mohr has told the attendees of DICE, “I will never be as good at what I do as you are at making games.” You can’t help but get that feeling at DICE. It’s crazy how many…

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, the Cleveland Cavalier’s awesome winning streak, your favorite condiment for steak, or Manny Pacquiao’s Bieber hair, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

For the last two years, actor Jay Mohr has told the attendees of DICE, “I will never be as good at what I do as you are at making games.” You can’t help but get that feeling at DICE. It’s crazy how many talented developers attend the show. It’s impossible not to bump into someone that has helped create a beloved game or a franchise that has sold tens of millions. Being around some of the gaming industry’s top creators at DICE 2011 was inspiring and an excellent way to kick off the year.

DICE was a great reminder how incredible the gaming business is and how lucky I am to be writing verbally entertaining about it (especially after that downer of a column I wrote last week — ha!). Being surrounded by people that have entertained millions and millions of gamers was amazing. What’s even more amazing is that so many of them — Ted Price, Dr. Ray Muzyka, Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Mark Cerny, etc. — are wonderful people too. I know that what I do pales in comparison to what these guys do, but seeing these brilliant creators has me motivated to do better and be nicer.

So yeah! DICE 2011 was amazing and I hope you like the interviews N8R and I worked on. I’m feelin’ groovy and hope you are too. Thanks DICE!!!