Otterbox Defender for iPhone 4 Unboxing Photos

Here are some pictures of the super sturdy Otterbox Defender for iPhone 4. Otterbox makes makes some of the strongest cases around and is definitely one of the first companies you should consider when it comes to protecting your precious iPhone 4. This three-piece case has a hard plastic exoskeleton with felt lining, a screen protector, and a silicone exterior for a tacky grip. These photos show off all the case’s parts and includes a naked Droid 2 for size comparison.

While the Defender is definitely one of the best cases when it comes to protection, it does add bulk. This is especially true if you use the holster, which is pretty enormous. I prefer the look and feel of the case without the holster. While I find it perfectly pocketable, some of you will think otherwise.

Check out the pics and let me know what you think of the Otterbox Defender for iPhone 4 (please)!

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Morrigan’s Fate Revealed in “Witch Hunt” DLC for Dragon Age

The biggest cliffhanger in the outstanding Dragon Age: Origins will be addressed on September 7, 2010 in the “Witch Hunt” DLC. Along with a new tale than answers a juicy question — what the hell happened to Morrigan? — the game adds three new playable characters. Here’s the official description from BioWare:

The dreaded Archdemon has been slain and the advance of the darkspawn halted by a lone, heroic Grey Warden. The kingdom rejoices, but at least one question remains: what happened to Morrigan? The sorceress joined the Wardens cause, but it is said her true purpose was not revealed until the eve of the last battle. She vanished into the shadows, and while rumors claimed she crossed over the mountains into Orlais no trace of her path could be found. She was never heard from again… until now. Nearly a year has passed since the Archdemon’s death, and word has reached the Wardens that Morrigan has returned to Ferelden. She has been sighted in the southern wilderness where she was first encountered. Is it truly her? If it is, then why has is she here and what secret does she carry with her? The Warden heads into the forest to find out and tie up this last loose end once and for all.

I can’t wait for this DLC!!! Dragon Age: Origins was my favorite game of 2009. In 2010 I’ve been feasting on the DLC and the Awakening expansion pack. I’m pretty sure that “Witch Hunt” will increase my BioWare markdom by at least +100.

“Witch Hunt” will cost 560 BioWare Points on PC, 560 MS Points on Xbox 360, $6.99 on PlayStation 3. Anyone else psyched for this game? How do you think it will play out? Time to write some Morrigan fan fiction!!!

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Today’s Poll: What’s Your Favorite “Morning After” Food?

Being jet lagged in a foreign land means eating strange foods at 3:00AM. A lot of people swear by cold pizza, as if it undergoes a magical transformation overnight that turns it into a completely different food. Growing up in New York, my pizza standards are pretty high and I dislike what passes for pizza — cold or hot — in most of the world (especially California). As far as morning after foods go, I love cold KFC. Colonel Sanders secret blend of herbs and spices definitely combine for some magic that makes it taste great hot or cold in two very different ways.

Anyway, vote in on this silly poll I’ve concocted and share your thoughts. I’m sure you’ll provide some excellent answers.

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Coffee Talk #205: Games You Hate Because of Their Writing

The other day we talked about games we loved because of their writing. Now it’s time to enter the bitter barn and drink some Haterade, because we’re going to talk about games we loathed because of their writing! A bad story can ruin an otherwise excellent interactive experience. In my opinion, game writing has been getting better and better. Even games that are essentially mindless exercises in action are using top-quality writers. Still, there are plenty of dark episodes of the past to discuss.

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, Chad Ochocinco’s expensive tweeting, whether Ochocinco should start using foursquare, or the joys of jet lag, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

The other day we talked about games we loved because of their writing. Now it’s time to enter the bitter barn and drink some Haterade, because we’re going to talk about games we loathed because of their writing! A bad story can ruin an otherwise excellent interactive experience. In my opinion, game writing has been getting better and better. Even games that are essentially mindless exercises in action are using top-quality writers. Still, there are plenty of dark episodes of the past to discuss.

As for me, I’m going to cast a vote for Superman 64. Not only was it a crap game that set a new (and horrific) standard for crap games, but the plot somehow made it okay for the Man of Steel to fly through rings like an idiot. That particular activity is just fine for dolphins, seals, and killer whales. Superman jumping through hoops?!? Preposterous, lame, mind-jarringly awful — too many negative descriptors come to mind. I feel worse just for thinking about Superman 64 and it’s stupid story.

Now it’s your turn! What games did you hate based on their writing?

Motorola Droid 2 (Verizon) Unboxing Gallery

Here are my photos of the Motorola Droid 2 for Verizon. The follow up to one of the most successful Android phones ever, the Droid 2 is a nice piece of hardware and one of the few high-end choices for an Android phone with a full keyboard. That said, it has been outdone by keyboard-less Android phones like the HTC Evo 4G and Motorola Droid X. More importantly, it has a pretty annoying software flaw that might be a deal breaker for some of you (until it’s fixed).

I have loads of thoughts on the phone after using it for the last week and a half. My rolling review will start shortly. For now, please check out these photos and let me know if you have any questions about the phone. I’ll either answer them here or address them in the review.

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This Week’s Videogame Releases

The biggest release this week is, by far, 2K’s Mafia II for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The buzz on the game is strong and I’m expecting some cool things from this one. Hopefully it lives up to the hype. Hockey fans can hit the virtual ice…on the Wii with NHL 2K11. Last, and definitely least, is Grease for Wii. Yes, it’s a game based on that crap musical. I’m hoping one of you plays it just so you can regale me with stories (that are much more entertaining than the actual game…in my head, anyway).

As always, let me know if you guys and dolls are picking up any new games this week.

Coffee Talk #204: Mobile Gaming is About to Erupt

Mobile gaming is about to get huge. Yeah, I know it’s a pretty big deal now and one of the fastest growing segments of the entire gaming industry, but it’s going to get super huge. More importantly, it’s going get super huge in a way that you care about. Why do I say this? Two reasons: Epic Games’ Unreal Engine and id Software’s id Tech 5.

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 three hottest MILFs you can think of, why Christina Aguilera did/didn’t make your MILF list, or that crazy red stuff my Chinese clients made me drink last night, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Mobile gaming is about to get huge. Yeah, I know it’s a pretty big deal now and one of the fastest growing segments of the entire gaming industry, but it’s going to get super huge. More importantly, it’s going get super huge in a way that you care about. Why do I say this? Two reasons: Epic Games’ Unreal Engine and id Software’s id Tech 5.

At the end of last year, Epic was showing off Unreal Engine for iPhone. At the recent QuakeCon event, id showed off an iPhone engine that uses some of same technology as id Tech 5. In both cases the demos were extremely impressive — way better graphics than what you see in the vast majority of mobile games. Developers are already doing a much better job of making fun games that utilize a touch interface. With tools like Unreal Engine and id Tech, mobile games are going to get even better.

What do you think of the mobile gaming market? Do you think it’s set for a huge boom in 2011? Do you think Epic and id can kickstart a graphics race on the iOS and Android platforms? I know that a few of you just aren’t into mobile gaming at all. Will sharper graphics change your mind?

Playing Games on United Airlines’ In-Flight Entertainment Center

Here are a bunch of photos of the gaming options in United Airlines’ in-flight entertainment centers (business class). Sure, it’s not the same as playing on your Nintendo DS or PlayStation Portable, but these games can help kill a few hours on a long flight. I’m pretty sure I spent two hours on poker alone. Ha!

Check out the games and let me know which games you would play.

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T-Mobile G2 Looks Like an HTC Nexus One with a Keyboard

The super sleuths at Engadget have posted pictures of the upcoming HTC G2 for T-Mobile. It totally looks like an HTC Nexus One with a keyboard…which is not at all impressive for a phone being released in September 2010. While its innards are most likely the third-best CPU/GPU combo available today (Snapdragon), I’m really turned off by the 3.7-inch screen. That simply doesn’t cut if for a flagship product in Q3. Oh well. Hopefully the rumored November “Project Emerald” release will be more impressive.

Let me know what you think of the phone when you have a chance.

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Ancient Greek Statues Were Once Fruity and Tacky

This is one of the most disappointing things I’ve learned all year — ancient Greek statues were probably extremely tacky when they were first erected. Accroding to i09, “Original Greek statues were brightly painted, but after thousands of years, those paints have worn away.” Scientists have used ultraviolet-light techniques to get a picture of what these statues originally looked like…and it’s jarringly gaudy.

Here’s a technical explanation:

Infrared and X-ray spectroscopy can help researches understand what the paints are made of, and how they looked all that time ago. Spectroscopy relies on the fact that atoms are picky when it comes to what kind of incoming energy they absorb. Certain materials will only accept certain wavelengths of light. Everything else they reflect. Spectroscopes send out a variety of wavelengths, like scouts into a foreign land. Inevitably, a few of these scouts do not come back. By noting which wavelengths are absorbed, scientists can determine what materials the substance is made of. Infrared helps determine organic compounds. X-rays, because of their higher energy level, don’t stop for anything less than the heavier elements, like rocks and minerals. Together, researchers can determine approximately what color a millennia-old statue was painted.

I’ve always loved the look of ancient Greek statues, but these colored ones look more Las Vegas than Athens. Bummer.

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