東西 | dongxi

This week rumors swirled around the “Xbox 720“. One of the biggest surprises was the speculation that the new system would deny users the ability to run used games. The market for used games, which has become a large thorn on the sides of game publishers all over, will eventually fade away. The bigger question is when.

The used game market is as old as the video game industry itself. With games costing a hefty dollar, no matter the decade, gamers have relied on the second hand game market to widen their reach of gameplay. The real game changer, however, was the eventually dominance of GameStop. Though the primary retail destination for console games, GameStop sees even greater profit margins from used games. Not all that different from other second hand markets, GameStop buys low and sells high from gamers as they finish (or return) games. Over the years, GameStop has continued to incentivize consumers to trade in their games, with extra bonuses, deals, and loyalty programs. While others have tried, GameStop remains relatively unchallenged in the market.

The biggest problem with this market is that it ultimately hurts the game publishers and, in turn, game developers. A game’s success is ultimately determined by its sales. With used games, any additional sales and profits go to the third party (most likely GameStop) and not the publisher. Complicating things further is GameStop’s position as the dominant retailer for gaming companies; it prevents these companies from taking drastic action against GameStop. As Sony was pursuing digital downloads only options for the PlayStation Portable, GameStop made clear threats of dropping retail support for the fledgling system. It’s one reason why digital distribution in video games have not developed to the extent many have expected.

Many publishers have found other ways of addressing the used games. One common tactic is the development of DLC, digital downloaded content. Oftentimes DLC will provide extra maps, levels, or characters in hopes of extending the life of the game with the consumer, thus holding it off from being sold. It’s a new direction Epic Games now swears by. Another tactic is the development of online passes. Each game is shipped with a unique code for multiplayer function and support. With the code attached to that one account, the next owner of the game will find themselves unable to go online unless they pay to secure a new code. Also, with the growth of XBLA, PSN, and WiiWare, the market continues to grow in the digital space, forcing retailers like GameStop to rethink their long term strategy.

The PC gaming market has already long since moved past this issue. For years, publishers have implemented unique codes and DRM to restrict users from buying games second hand. Furthermore, digital services such as Steam have weened consumers away from physical copies and pushed users to accept the digital copies as the default.

So while console gamers may revolt at this prospect of used game lockouts, this shift is only leading to the inevitable. Ultimately, this shouldn’t be seen so much as a loss for consumers. The used game market have ravaged the profit margins of smaller publishers and developers; reshifting the money flow away from retailers and back to the game makers will help to continue the library and variety of games so many of us have come to enjoy.

CES once again  kicked off the year showcasing some of the hottest tech and gadgets, from TVs and tablets to cameras and printers. Oftentimes groundbreaking tech will make its way down the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, but this year’s CES seemed to focus more on product evolution, as opposed to revolution. Most of the devices and technology shown this year seemed to be updated or improved iterations of what was shown last year. Of course, that didn’t stop things from wowing and impression attendees. So what are some of the highlights from this year? Here’s some of the best from this year’s CES.

Televisions

It was all about slim. In fact, LG boasted that their new OLED TVs were slimmer than smartphones! This year marked a variety of televisions, from 3DTVs to OLED displays to smart TVs with embedded apps and programs.

LG's Booth Entrance

LG 3D OLED TV

LG Ultraslim TVs

Panasonic Booth

Smartphones

While Android phones of all shapes and sizes spanned across halls, the Nokia Numia 900 stole the show, running Windows Phone 7.

Nokia Lumia 900

Tablets & Laptops

There seems to be a convergence between tablets and laptops. As tablets become more powerful with the ability to offer more productivity, laptops continue to shed pounds creating the new “ultrabook” category to win back consumers from their slimmer cousins. Windows 8 showcased a promising UI that would span across tablet, laptop and hybrid devices.

HP Envy

All about ultrabooks

ASUS Transformer Prime

Windows 8

Waterproofing

Next-Gen Controls

With products like Kinect and Siri out in the market, many companies looked to build upon gesture and voice-based controls.

Kinect-like Controls

Magnetic Field-based Motion Controls

Motion Control Gaming

3D Modeling

Brain Wave TV

Home Appliances

CES 2012 continued the promise the idea of connected and smart devices including refrigerators that would know when food is about to expire, washing machines that will tweet when clothing is dry, and smarter Roomba-like vacuums.

Smart Fridge

Food Expiry

Smart Washer Dryers

Instantly chill beverages within minutes

Double doors to conserve energy use

Automotive

CES is also a big destination for those in the automotive industry. HUD displays were the hot item, overlaying useful information such as GPS, points of interest and personal messages could be highlighted while behind the wheel.

Ford

Ford Sync

Ford Interior

KIA

Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Smart Dashboard

Points of Interest

H.U.D. Overlay

Other Highlights

Other highlights at CES included Maker Bot’s Replicator, which allows users to replicate items in its entirety.

Replicating a chess piece

Finished Replica

One way to showcase cameras...

Despite mixed news of PS Vita sales in Japan, Taiwanese sales have left the system sold out in most shops. Currently retailers are only looking to restock on the bundle pack. In contrast to the US version, the Taiwan bundle includes the WiFi model, a case, a screen protector, a 4GB memory card and a card holder as well as a copy of Uncharted.

Importing the Vita is a possibility as the system is not region locked. Normally Asian PS systems reverse the O and X buttons, but so far all controls have been touch based. The system only allows one account at a time.

The PS Vita will be available in the US February 15th with the 3G pre-order bundle. All else is available the week after.

PS Vita Bag

Value Pack Box

Inside Bundle Box

Inside Bundle Box

Accessory Pack

Vita Box

AC Adapter

Power On Screen

Home Screen

Near Selection Screen

Locating Nearby Gamers

Like the PS3, language Settings are available. The Vita is not region locked.

The US PSN Store is currently unavailable.

Select already open programs

Uncharted for PS Vita

A slew of credit card and ATM fraud stories recently hit the Big Apple. Stories include skimmers across a popular Chase branch in Union Square (stealing $264,000) as well as shifty waiters across several of New York’s top steakhouses. Experts already caution using outdoor ATMs (or the ones found in delis), but it’s a bit daunting to hear even trusted establishments fall prey to skimmers and scams.

At the end of the day, it’s always good to check your bank and credit card statements for any fraudulent charges.

Stories

• ATM Skimmers Accused Of Stealing Nearly $300,000 From Union Square Chase [Gothamist]
• Two Busted For $18,000 Dunkin’ Donuts Gift Card Scam [Gothamist]
• City Steakhouse Servers Arrested in Massive Credit-Card-Skimming Ring [Grub Street]

In the last couple of weeks, Google has been actively revamping its portfolio of sites with redesigns. Google Reader and Gmail now carry the black barred, extremely white-spaced style found in Google+. As of this morning, YouTube is sporting a new look as well. It hasn’t quite adopted the same look found across other Google sites, but the company has always been reluctant to overtly fold YouTube into the Google mold. Still there’s quite a few changes across the site.

Old YouTube Homepage

New YouTube Homepage

The changes focus on a lot more greyscale. The homepage now has a slight grey gradient on the homepage (when logged in). The login, found on the top right corner of the page, now includes a larger icon linked to one’s Google account. Pages, such as Subscriptions, carry a thick grey bar on top.

The actual video pages now use a dark canvas that wraps around the video, with larger buttons and icons on bottom. The spacing of the video also makes the 300×60 ad unit much more pronounced. Suggested videos (as well as the promoted video ad) thumbnails are also much larger. Channel pages have been readjusted as well, although upon initial examination, some channels are not fully optimized yet to this new format.

New YouTube Video Page

YouTube Channel Page

It looks like Google is heavily stepping up their game to focus on aesthetics across all their sites. So what do you think? Does YouTube look a bit classier?

Well, it’s official, GTA V is going back to the West Coast to the sunny beaches of Los Angeles. Or at least, some sort of version of LA. As Liberty City was for New York, GTA V will feature some sort of amalgamation of the Los Angeles metro area.

Some initial thoughts and observations from the trailer, by timecode:

0:07: Typical LA beach

LA Beaches

0:11: Santa Monica Pier (though a bit dirtier than real-life)
0:13: Downtown skyline
0:18: Clear view of the US Bank building in downtown LA
0:19: Port of Los Angeles
0:21: Yosemite/Big Bear/mountain hiking in LA

Hiking Outside of LA

0:24: Venice (corner of Windward and Pacific Ave)

Venice

0:32: 5-Freeway with references to “Little Seoul” (Ktown)

5 Freeway

0:34: Muscle Beach in Venice
0:39: Downtown LA, right by the US Bank building. Reminds me of the construction back when they were building the Ritz Carlton. “Mile High Club” building by the “STD” company
0:43: Clear shot of the farms outside of LA
0:48: Perhaps Rodeo Drive, maybe the Grove?
0:53: 110 underpass near downtown; graffiti looks like it says “Los Santos”

Los Santos?

0:55: Foreclosures – bad housing market (present day)
0:59: Another shot of the 110 near downtown with a Niko look a-like

Is that Niko?

1:01: Will planes be an option this time?
1:03: Oil derricks commonly found throughout LA

LA Sunet

1:10: Hollywood or “Vinewood”

No word on release date yet.

When the iPhone 4S was first announced, the response was less than stellar. The iPhone 4S seemed like a minor upgrade from the iPhone 4, far from the next-gen iPhone 5 models so many had predicted. Still, one of the phone’s new features, Siri, marks a potentially major point in technology. Just as “touch” has drastically changed the way we’ve use our devices, Siri’s voice-based interactions may be the first step in a whole new way we interact with technology in our daily lives.

So what’s Siri? Developed back as early as 2007, Siri is a type of software that works upon voice recognition and comprehension. In short, you speak to Siri and “she” responds to you. In the iPhone 4S, this works for several functions, including weather, maps, contacts, etc., where users can ask to access information. Voice activated control has existed before the iPhone 4S. Google itself via Android, as well as several third party apps, allow users to access apps or information based on voice commands. The difference is that Siri takes it an additional step; rather than very succinct language such as “steakhouse, Midtown,” Siri allows for a more “natural” language such as “I’m in the mood for steaks in Midtown today,” simulating a more natural human conversation.

Siri Offers Several Voice Activated Functions

The ability to access several apps and information is also a major difference. Many voice controlled apps only access a handful of apps: contacts, maps, music. Siri can access weather, stocks, calendar, even alarms. Though it sounds minor, voice commands can potentially remove several steps to what currently exists with a touch interface. Rather than opening an app, finding the alarm setting, dialing each hour, minute, and second, etc., all of it can be done in six to ten words. Not only is it a potential time saver, it nearly removes all of the physical interaction with the device.

What is truly amazing about Siri is its potential outside of the iPhone. Apple can easily construct a device, much like an Apple TV/iPad hybrid, made to live in the living room that would replace or augment nearly every item. The television, music player, game console, SmartTV widgets could all be activated by voice, removing the need for the remote control. Microsoft is already leading the way with voice commands with the Kinect, allowing users to watch TV, movies, etc. through the Xbox. Apple can take it a step further with their extensive reach across multiple media and entertainment channels. Imagine being able to swap between TV shows while asking Siri to book movie tickets for the 8:15 showing of the latest blockbuster or asking for the weather for the day while making a Skype video call on the TV.

There’s definitely going to be learnings to be picked up, as natural language tends to skip all rules found in a textbook. The hardest thing for AI to learn is the idiosyncrasies in our day to day speech. Still, we’ve gone a long way, and it could be just a matter of iterations before we see a future not so far off from what we’ve imagined in sci-fi like Star Trek and Demolition Man.

To the disappointment of many, Apple announced the upcoming release of the iPhone 4S, the next iteration of the iPhone line. It wasn’t that people didn’t want a new iPhone. It was that nearly everyone expected the iPhone 5.

Sunny Skies for Apple

Is Apple becoming a victim of its own success? The last few months and weeks have been marked by a frenzy of iPhone 5 rumors and speculations. Without a single word from Apple, the media jumped on screenshots of purported iPhone prototypes, exhibiting everything from new bevels, stretched display screens, and redesigned home buttons. There were rumors of carrier deals, including a last minute $20 billion Sprint-iPhone 5 exclusivity deal that sent blogs and analysts to a fury up until the final minutes leading up to the keynote. And like internet fan fiction, stories have circulated throughout the web on a dream iPhone 5 – replete with NFC, a larger display, and 4G functionality – none of which materialized. As Apple continues to hold the title as the leader in smartphones, the public has come to expect nothing but the very most from the Cupertino giant. It’s challenged the market with leaps and bounds with the initial iPod, iPhone, and even the iPad. Yet to expect groundbreaking changes in each yearly product iteration may be a feat too big for even Apple to tackle.

Still, despite downtrodden consumers taking to the web in protest post-announcement, Tuesday’s “disappointment” is expected to be but a blip on Apple’s continued dominance of the smartphone market. iPhone 4 owners who were hoping to upgrade will simply wait out to what will now be next year’s anticipated iPhone 5. Sprint users and those looking for a new phone will still have a solid option with the iPhone 4S. The real question is, despite the “failure” to deliver the iPhone 5, will Apple truly lose any consumers? No, in fact, their consumer base is expected to continue to grow, especially as the US smartphone penetration is only at around 33% according to a July comScore report. There’s still plenty of new fish for Apple.

So lesson of the year? Rumors are only rumors until it’s official. Despite all the speculations from every analyst, website, and blog out there, nearly all but a few of the rumors ended up true. It seemed like every website, news channel, and blog labeled yesterday as an iPhone 5 event – a pretty big miss on everyone’s part. As it turns out, Apple tends to play things rather conservatively. We saw the iPhone 3G move to the 3GS, now the 4 is followed with the 4S. So we’ll probably see the 5 next year, with some sort of 5″S” model the year after. Molly Wood of CNET actually has a pretty good theory to that pattern – it comes down to carriers. Plus Apple doesn’t need to rush – it’s got the top selling phone in the market.

And so now what? Well, my suggestion, if you have an older iPhone (not iPhone 4) and your contract is up, it might be worthwhile to look into the 4S. It’s still among the best smartphones in the market and the upgrades are still quite substantial (dual-code A5 chip, Siri voice commands, improved camera). For current iPhone 4 users, you might want to wait. It’s pretty likely the iPhone 5 will be released sometime next year, with substantial upgrades to the hardware – you don’t want to lock yourself into a two year contract at this point. And for the rest of us, enjoy the 24-48 hours of rest before the next batch of iPhone rumors start cropping up. Oh wait, too late.

Hate losing that signal when you walk down to take the subway? Good news for smartphone users looking to stream their music or update their Twitter feeds as they wait for the train. NYC has begun rolling out wireless voice and data services in their subway platforms.

The service is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile, providing commutes with access to the mobile network on the subway platforms. While currently installed in only four of the most trafficked areas (14th Street, 23rd Street), the city plans to install the service across the rest of its 271 stations in the next four years.

[CBS News]

Losing  a phone –  it’s happened to many, if not most. For those on iOS (iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches), the solution is simple. Subscribe to MobileMe. It’s a free service from Apple, that’ll allow you to track the location of your devices, based on GPS, cell signals, or Wi-Fi. Of course, it only works if you set it up before you lose your device, but there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t install it as soon as you first open the box. (Hint: If you haven’t yet, do it now!)

For Android, it’s just as simple, and perhaps even better. After leaving my phone in a taxi cab one night, I was able to go online and do a remote installation of a location app, called Plan B. That’s definitely one great perk of Android phones – the ability to install apps remotely from a different computer. So long as my phone was still on and had a 3G signal, I’d be able to get this app up and running. Did I forget to mention that it’s free? Once installed, the phone starts using cell signals and GPS to determine its location, sending periodic email updates. Within minutes, I was able to confirm that my phone was in Queens, and to my luck, at the cab company, where I was able to pick it up right away.

PlanB Emailed Map

While getting a lost phone back is still somewhat based on luck (having the right person find it, having enough battery power left, etc.), it’s still good to know that gone are the days where you’re completely out of options. So if you have an Android phone, or perhaps more accurately, without your Android phone, definitely check out Plan B on the Android Market.