Google Voice Apps Hit iPhone: Time to Ditch Android for iOS?

Google Android is the best mobile OS for me. Its Gmail integration is perfect. Since I have four Gmail accounts that serve four different purposes, I really appreciate how slick Gmail is on Android. Another reason I’m a fan of Google’s OS is that I rely on Google Voice for work and play. With these two factors in mind, Apple’s iPhone wasn’t a practical option for me…until last weekend.

Recently, Apple relaxed its developer requirements for iOS and allowed two Google Voice apps into its “walled garden” — GV Connect and GV Mobile. Many tech reporters believe that Google’s official app will be available shortly. If Apple allows a Google Voice app that’s as tightly integrated as the Android version then the iPhone would be far more useful to me.

Having said that, I don’t think I could ditch Android entirely. The most likely scenario is that an Android handset would be my primary phone, while an iPhone 4 would be used for games (you know, for work purposes) and media. My previous plans was to just rock a SIM-less iPhone 4, but now that Google Voice is available for iOS, I just might have to activate it.

Any of you iPhone users happen to use Google Voice? Have you tried any of the new Google Voice apps for iOS? (And yes, this post was partially written to help me think out my future purchases.)

Final Fantasy XIV Collector’s Edition Details and Pictures

Square Enix has sent out a reminder with details on the Final Fantasy XIV Collector’s Edition. Available now for an MSRP of $74.99, the collector’s edition includes:

  • Eight days early access prior to the release of the Standard Edition
  • The exclusive in-game item Onion Helm item
  • A behind-the-scenes DVD featuring insight from the development team
  • A Final Fantasy XIV branded Security Token
  • A Final Fantasy XIV branded Travel Journal
  • A voucher to receive a personalized right of passage certificate
  • A buddy pass to invite a friend to play free for a limited time

It looks like a great package…but I have no idea how Square Enix expects to compete with the likes of Planet Michael and Hello Kitty Online. *snicker* Seriously, I’m tempted to pick this up. If you’re tempted then why not click on that handy Amazon link in the first sentence of this article (*wink* *wink* *nudge* *nudge*).

Here are some more pictures of the included goodies.

Nintendo 3DS Specs Leaked?

One of IGN’s trusted sources has provided information on the silicon powering Nintendo’s upcoming 3DS handheld system. The Nintendo 3DS will allegedly be packing:

  • Two 266MHz ARM11 CPUs
  • A PICA-200 133MHz GPU by DMP
  • 64MB of RAM
  • 4MB of Video RAM
  • 1.5GB of Flash storage

Some writers have been making a big deal about the 3DS supposedly having twin CPUs. They’re dumb. The Nintendo DS has two CPUs.

What’s more interesting — to me anyway — is that Nintendo is (again allegedly) going with ARM chips. For the longest time, the 3DS was rumored to be using Nvidia’s Tegra chip. With ARM chips being in iPhones, iPods, Android phones, and Zune media players, this would be a tremendous win for ARM Holdings. Being in the Nintendo DS guarantees millions of chip sales.

Anyway, kindly let me know what you think of the rumored 3DS specs when you have a moment.

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Pokemon Black/White Sells 2.6-Million in Two Days

Enterbrain, courtesy of Andriasang, has reported that Pokemon Black and Pokemon White have sold more than 2.6-million units in its first two days of availability. This is a new record for the series. I’m posting this information for all those people that say things like, “Pokemon is so dead!” and, “People still play Pokemon?” Take that! Muahahahahaha!!! Like the season two theme song says, “We all live in a Pokemon world!”

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Coffee Talk #217: Who’s Your Favorite Videogame Voice Actor?

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, Intelligentsia’s El Salvador El Ausol Honeyed Pacamara, Golden Boy Promotions suing Top Rank Promotions, or how the lawsuit is horrible for (the already messed up) sport of boxing, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Today’s column was inspired by RPadholic bsukenyan’s wish for more Judi Dench in videogames. While I was terribly amused by his wish, I also wondered about your favorite videogame voice actors and actresses. At the very least, strong performances can cover up some weak scriptwriting. At best, great voice acting can truly bring a game’s story to life. As for my favorite, it’s definitely the legendary Cam Clarke.

I became a Cam Clarke fan from his work as Maximillian Sterling and (especially) Lance “Lancer” Belmont in the Robotech cartoons. As I started paying attention to acting in videogames, I noticed that his name popped up…a lot. The man has performed in more than 100 games! From Metal Gear Solid to Baldur’s Gate to God of War to World of Warcraft to Assassin’s Creed, chances are you’ve played dozens of games Clarke has acted in.

Now it’s your turn! Who are some of your favorite videogame voice actors and actresses?

HTC Video Shows Off Desire HD and New Sense UI

The HTC Desire HD has me drooling and this sizzle reel has increased my drool flow to waterfall levels (too gross for you?). Seriously though, this clip shows off this Google Android phone’s features, as well as the latest additions to HTC’s Sense user interface. While I found it interesting, I also found it too long. Most people aren’t going to watch a seven-minute video on a mobile phone. Perhaps the company should hire me to produce its videos. Ha!

Vote For an October Xbox Live Deal of the Week

Microsoft is letting Xbox Live Gold members select an upcoming Xbox Live Deal of the Week. It’s a smart move that keeps the community involved and engaged. The choices include:

  • Deathspank for 33% off
  • Perfect Dark for 50% off
  • Assorted Dragon Age: Origins DLC discounts
  • Assorted Trials HD DLC discounts
  • Assorted Battlefield: Bad Company 2 discounts

I’m going to log in and vote for Dragon Age so that I can support the boys and girls at BioWare. What’s your vote going to be?

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Planet Michael: An MMO Based on Michael Jackson

I swear I’m not making any of this up — I just received a press release on Planet Michael, an MMO based on Michael Jackson. What does the King of Pop have to do with a massively multiplayer online game? Here’s some press release info to help you (and me) figure it out:

SEE Virtual Worlds, an entertainment company developing a virtual reality universe of connected planets tied to licensed franchises, today announced a collaborative deal with the Michael Jackson Estate to publish Planet Michael, a massively multiplayer online virtual world set to launch in late 2011. Planet Michael will offer fans around the globe an innovative, first-of-its-kind interactive gaming and social experience that truly celebrates Michael Jackson’s extraordinary life as an artist and humanitarian.

The new planet, currently under development and slated for launch next year, will be an immersive virtual space themed after iconic visuals drawn from Michael’s music, his life and the global issues that concerned him. Entire continents will be created that will celebrate Michael’s unique genius in a way that underscores his place as the greatest artist of all time. Michael’s longtime fans will feel at home as they find themselves in places that seem familiar and yet unknown at the same time, and new generations will discover and experience Michael’s life in a way never before imagined. At its core, Planet Michael is a massive social gaming experience that will allow everyone, from the hardcore fan to the novice, to connect and engage in collaborative in-game activities with people worldwide.

Hrm. I thought only Mormons got their own planets in the afterlife. Also, do I get this or a Hello Kitty Online account? Decisions, decisions. Anyway, I’m anxiously awaiting all the jokes you can make about a Michael Jackson MMO. Let the invasion of Planet Michael begin!!!