For the past few days I’ve been refreshing my mailbox nonstop, waiting for the shipping confirmation for the new HTC EVO 4G LTE. I was hoping to get a brand new phone before my trip to London next week. Unfortunately it looks like I’ll have to go with my old phone, as my phone will, at least for now, be stuck at US Customs, pending investigation of Apple patent infringement. We’ve all joked about patent wars, but the war has now hit home, and consumers are caught in the crossfire.

So let’s jump back to last year. Apple won a order to ban HTC Android devices based on a claim that HTC had infringed on several of Apple’s patents, one of which included the ability to turn phone numbers and email addresses into active links. The International Trade Commission (ITC) delayed the ban to April 19^th, to allow HTC to work around this issue. Now Customs has to investigated to see if the two devices in question (HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE) have been tweaked enough to be cleared.

The web was instantly filled with angry remarks from both the Apple and Android fan camps. Apple is being ridiculous to resorting to such actions when the company itself was built on ideas “taken” from others. HTC didn’t do enough to work around clearly defined technical issues and patent infringements. Sprint didn’t do enough to inform the many fans who rushed in line to pre-order, thinking that their phone would arrive before the original release date of May 18. Then there’s just the overall patent system, which many have called broken or in need of major reform.

While it’s very easy and tempting to start pointing fingers while I fume at the idea of having to deal with a two year old phone for my weekend vacation, one thing is clear – no matter what the outcome is, it’s clear that consumers are losing out. Competition is supposed to force companies to strive to build better products. Instead of focusing on innovation, many technology and manufacturing companies are more focused on entangling themselves and everyone around them in a web of patent lawsuits, threats, and settlements in a legal Cold War. Then again, perhaps it takes a Cuban Missile Crisis for everyone to realize that this madness needs to stop.

It’s a shame that I probably won’t get my phone in time but all the same, there’s not much I can do. Well, I’m less inclined to consider buying a Macbook to avoid supporting Apple (although I’ll still use my iPad). Still, like pawns stuck in a war, I’ll be spending my time on the fringe of the western front, dreaming of a world where cases like this could be settled in a boxing match between Tim Cook and Peter Chou.

For a more technical read on the case, check out the Verge.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Tony at @hotmilkgt). Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post

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Show Links

Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/start#home

Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/

Windows SkyDrive: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/skydrive/home

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Tony at @hotmilkgt). Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post

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Instagram (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.android

Instagram (iOS): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252?mt=8

Path (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.path&hl=en

Path (iOS): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/path/id403639508?mt=8

Pocket (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ideashower.readitlater.pro

Pocket (iOS): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocket-formerly-read-it-later/id309601447?mt=8

Draw Something (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.omgpop.dstfree&hl=en

Draw Something (iOS): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/draw-something-free/id488628250?mt=8

TuneIn Radio (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tunein.player

TuneIn Radio (iOS): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tunein-radio/id418987775?mt=8

Doubletwist Alarm Clock (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.doubleTwist.alarmClock

PAX East crowds

Tabletop at PAX East

Game publishers came out as well. Notable appearances included:

• Microsoft: Star Wars Kinect, Kinect Sports II
  

  Star Wars Kinect

• Ubisoft: Assassin’s Creed III, Far Cry 3
• 2K Games: Borderlands 2, Spec Ops: The Line
  

  Borderlands 2



Spec Ops: The Line

• Capcom: Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor, Dragon’s Dogma, Street Fighter X Tekken
• Square Enix: Sleeping Dogs, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, Heroes of Ruin
  

  Theatrhythm Final Fantasy

• Rockstar: Max Payne 3
• BioWare: Star Wars: The Old Republic
• WBIE: The Witcher 2, Lollipop Chainsaw, Mortal Kombat Vita
• Nintendo: Kid Icarus: Uprising, Mario Kart 7
• SEGA: Aliens: Colonial Marines
• Harmonix: Dance Central 2, Rock Band Blitz


Dance Central 2



Rock Band Blitz

PAX East didn’t really offer too much in major announcements. Unfortunately the convention falls in the first half of the year, when gaming publishers are holding off on major announcements until E3. The show floor normally focuses on games releasing before June, but aside from a few teases, usually won’t offer anything groundbreaking. The biggest exception, however, is Rockstar, who skips out on E3, especially as several games often release around the May timeframe. This year was no exception as Max Payne 3 took center stage. Assassin’s Creed III and Borderlands 2 were also fan favorites, as lines grew so long, new two hour queues were established just to get on the regular queue!

Lollipop Chainsaw

PAX East was not without its controversies. Several publishers were found to have violated PAX regulations. Notable incidents included real tattoos for Far Cry 3 (Ubisoft) and a scantily-clad “booth babe” for Lollipop Chainsaw (WBIE). Both incidents were resolved the next day. Ubisoft changed live tattoos to buzz cut haircuts and WBIE redressed their model. Speaking of buzz cut haircuts, fans were definitely ready to shed their hair as the convention center quickly filled with mohawks and heads spray painted with FC3.

A copy of Far Cry 3 for a buzz cut

Poison

Portal 2

Overall, PAX East is still a sight to see, especially for gaming fans. It’s rare for gaming conventions to make it to the East Coast. Given how quickly tickets sold out this year, be sure to be on the look out when 2013 tickets go on sale.

The REAL Samara in full costume

PAX East 2012

BioWare delivers the final installment to an epic trilogy rivaling the Matrix, Battlestar Galactica, and perhaps even Star Wars. Make no mistake, despite the controversies surrounding this latest release, this game and the ones before it should be considered a must buy for entertainment fans and sci-fi aficionados.

Mass Effect puts you in the shoes of Commander Shepard as he explores the galaxy and defends human and alien life in the galaxy against the looming threat of the Reapers, a rumored and feared race that threatens all life in the galaxy. The beauty of the game is that from the first screen, the choices, decisions, even the look and gender of your character is in your hands. The game has always been about options, allowing you to guide the flow of conversation while making key decisions that will ripple throughout the three part story.

*WARNING* The rest of the review touches upon the first two games.

From the start of Mass Effect 3, you’re immediately thrusted into the foreshadowed Reaper invasion. As shown in the trailers put forth by EA, you’re goal is to “take back Earth.” While the initial battle is on Earth, the war will take you to places new and old across the galaxy.

Mass Effect 3 brings several improvements and changes from Mass Effect 2. For starters, gone are the days planet mining. Well, sort of. Instead of stocking up on probes to mineral mine on each planet, you’re limited to searching for artifacts and bonuses. Further hampering your efforts is the increase to raising attention to the Reapers each time you scan an area for anamolies. The question is, did you enjoy the exploration found in ME2? If not, the need to search the galaxy for random artifacts to raise your score will still seem as tedious as the hours back spent mining for Element Zero.

Another improvement is the focus on weapon (and armor) customization. Now you’re given more options in upgrades and modifications on the various guns found throughout the game. Each comes with its pros and cons, whether it is extra ammo capacity or added weight (increasing your recharge time). Everyone has the same access to all weapons, but you’ll want to fine tune the balance between heavy and light weaponry amongst your squad.

While paragon and renegade option still exist, a neutral reputation score has been added to the game, granting you access to additional options and choices, should your score be high enough.

What really stands out for Mass Effect 3, however, is how the game serves as the final chapter to the trilogy. Not only does the game feel epic, it also takes you back through the people, the decisions, and the memories of the games before. It’s a great attempt to bring closure to an epic journey. For Mass Effect, it’s never been about having the fanciest graphics or craziest gun battles. It had always been about being personally invested in the characters, stories, and universe before you. You’re not playing Commander Shepard, you are Commander Shepard. Mass Effect 3 does an incredible job preserving this key element.

It’s clear that I’m recommending the game, but it’s not without it’s flaws and issues. One major issue is the need to invest in multiplayer mode or iOS apps/games. As you progress through the game, you acquire various “assets” to raise your readiness score which ultimately determines the outcome of the ending. However, the preparedness level by default halves your total score. The only way to bump that score up is to play outside. It’s a bit of a pain if you’re more of a single-player gamer. Fortunately, it only takes a few rounds of the multiplayer mode to up your percentage points. So long as you’re willing to take a day or so out, you shouldn’t need to shell any additional dollars to improve your ending.

While it’s clear the writers spent their time crafting depth into the plot and storyline, there are a few glaring plot holes. Scouring the galaxy for scattered artifacts and missions in obscure locations while Earth is burning seems to feel a bit off. It definitely helps to have played both games as well. Having only played ME2 with the help of the PS3 digital comic, I at times felt slightly left out in a few plot lines and character interactions. In fact, most of the romance options in the game are wholly dependent on actions made in previous games. The emotional impact of the game has a direct correlation to the amount of time spent across the series. Remarkably, even if you only start with this final chapter, there’s still more than enough in the game to pack a punch.

Despite the hooplah over the game’s ending (which will be tackled in a separate post) Mass Effect 3 delivers an amazing journey and experience, taking you to the far corners of the galaxy and back. The game brings the grandness of a blockbuster franchise while fully immersing you in the story. If you’re a fan of sci-fi or epic stories, this is the game for you. Did I mention that Caprica Six (of BSG), Trinity (of the Matrix series), Seth Green, and Martin Sheen are among the many famous voice actors in the game? Believe me, it’s that good.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Tony at @hotmilkgt). Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post

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Show Links

Real-time Updates on Google Maps: http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2012/03/find-out-your-trip-duration-based-on.html

Google Android App Problem: http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/23/2896253/google-play-android-mobile-ads-angry-birds

Assassin’s Creed on Kinect:

App of the Week

Paper (iPad): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/paper-by-fiftythree/id506003812?mt=8

1. It gets warm. Already the debates and “controversy” have spread across tech blogs and newspapers. The new iPad definitely gets warm, especially in the back corner. I never noticed it in my iPad 2. It could be that the smart cover conveniently blocks direct contact to that area, but never once have felt any heat. The new one, as I played around with it at the Apple store, was immediately warm to the touch. The keyword is “warm.” It’s not hot. It’s certainly nowhere close to my laptop and shouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker at all, but it is worth noting, especially if you’re planning on using power-intensive apps and games. The verdict is still out as the iPad continues to get tested. Initial reports from Consumer Reports suggest that the new iPad can get as hot as 116 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether or not the new iPad poses an actual risk will most certainly be determined in the days to come.
   

   Thermal Image of New iPad & iPad 2 from tweakers.net

2. The world isn’t ready for retina display yet. One of the major selling points of the iPad is the retina display. There is a noticeable difference when viewing things on the new iPad. However, it’s usually limited to text, HD video, and high-res photos. The retina display requires a resolution that most websites and apps aren’t built out for. In the past few days, several apps have been updating to accommodate for the new display, but you’ll occasionally notice things like logos, icons, or pictures looking a bit pixilated. When web browsing, text appears extremely sharp but everything else, including pictures, graphics, etc. will seem less than stellar – in fact, it’s the retina display that makes it stand out more. Apple’s shown the ability to change the market – we’ll most likely see the web shift to “hi-def,” but it will take some time before the rest of the internet catches up to Apple.
   

   Only viewable on HD screens

3. Get used to HD video… and spending more money for it. Following the previous point of the retina display, the new iPad will demand HD quality. Anything under looks noticeably bad. Just remember, when it comes to HD video, you’ll be shelling out more money to buy/rent movies. Even with streaming, you’ll need a strong connection to avoid buffering issues and if you’re using LTE, be careful of those data caps. HD doesn’t come cheap!
   

   Verizon's iPad Data Plan

4. More storage is needed. As apps and games shift to take full advantage of the retina display, you’ll find less available storage. If you’re looking to store a lot of movies and games, you may want to look past the basic 16GB model.

None of the points above should be a deterrent if you’re considering an iPad, but it’s at least worth a second thought to which iPad you’d get. Still, whether it’s the new iPad or the iPad 2, the iPad remains, dare I say, amazing.

Retina Display on the New iPad

With the new iPad finally out, we discuss our initial impressions on it. Is it really as impressive as Apple claims it to be or are there some blemishes to the new retina display.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Tony at @hotmilkgt). Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post

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Show Links

New iPad Warmer Than Previous iPads: http://www.imore.com/2012/03/17/ipad-hot-corner/

No New Xbox at E3 2012: http://kotaku.com/5893685/microsoft-new-xbox-wont-be-shown-at-this-years-e3

Game of the Week

Draw Something (iOS/Android): http://omgpop.com/drawsomething

1. It’s powerful enough. Yes, the iPad’s new A5X processor is definitely stepping up the game for tablets. Still, comparing it to six to seven year old consoles is a bit misleading. It’s clear that both the Xbox 360 and PS3 are towards the end of their life cycle. With a rumored next-gen Xbox in the works for this year’s E3, let’s wait and see how the new iPad stacks against the specs of a 2012 video game console before drawing true comparisons.
2. Speaking of, the new iPad one-ups the PS3 and Xbox 360 in onscreen pixels. While the new retina display will be a big point of differentiation for the new iPad, the hype behind it is a bit overblown. Gamers aren’t exactly rioting over the lack of high pixel resolution. In fact, it’s been quite the opposite. Games like Uncharted 3 and Batman: Arkham City have continued to dazzle and impress gamers all around. Sure the iPad display has a higher pixel density, but it’s limited to the 9.7” screen. When gaming at home, it’s the pixels on the TV that count.
   

   A lack of pixels was the last thing I thought of when I saw this game

3. Hello instant, massive, multi-demographic games library. The iOS games library, though vast, is still few and far between for the serious gamer. Sure, my parents can stay occupied for hours on Angry Birds and Sudoku, but even the most “hardcore” of games on iOS still have a long way to go to replace the console gaming experience. Console games still outscore their iOS counterparts on Metacritic. While Mass Effect 3 is scoring in the high 90s, Mass Effect Infiltrator currently scores a 67. At best, we’re seeing 16-bit era ports and simplified versions of current console games on the App Store. Rage HD is an on-rails “shooter.” Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies is a spin-off of a side game from the Black Ops franchise. Neither of these games come close to the full games found on consoles. As fancy as the screen may be, the iPad still has a long way to go to recreate the depth, gameplay experience, and longevity that console games offer.
   

   Not quite 1:1 yet

4. iOS games cost peanuts next to console game prices. Comparing an iOS game price to a console game price is like comparing a candy bar to a meal at a steakhouse. Sure, there’s plenty of 99 cent games, but most of them last a few hours at best. Even the more expensive “hardcore” games on iOS are extremely simplified or are stripped down versions of the console game. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that the Apple app ecosystem has led to terrible freemium models where gameplay is completely stripped away and replaced with money farming and level capping schemes. EA’s new game “The Simpsons: Tapped Out” takes hours and days just to advance one level unless one is willing to spend real money for the extremely hard to come by donut currency. “Fun” is not quite the word I would use to describe the game.
   

   Waiting 8 hours or having to pay is NOT gaming

5. You can take it with you. I’m a big fan of the iPad for its portability but to use it as an argument against the PS3 and Xbox 360 is a bit unfair. One was specifically built for portability, the other is meant for home use. However, even when stacked against the 3DS and PlayStation Vita, the iPad still falls short in providing the gameplay experience. iPad games are great when waiting at the doctor’s office or when taking the bus, but I have yet to encounter a game on iOS that has gotten me as engrossed and engaged as Uncharted on the Vita or Resident Evil: Revelations on the 3DS.
   

   Uncharted on the PlayStation Vita

6. It’s a lot more than just a game console. Again, the iPad just isn’t there for gaming. It’s like an all-in-one fax-printer-copier. It can do many things including gaming, but when you’re talking about the hardcore gaming audience that wants that true gaming experience, Angry Birds HD just doesn’t cut it. I enjoy the iPad for doing all the things it does, but the overlap between the iPad and gaming consoles isn’t quite there where one replaces the other. In fact, even the overlap is debatable. While both the iPad and gaming consoles can play movies and Netflix, the experience is completely different between the two. While one can certainly attach the iPad to the TV, personally speaking, I’ve seen the iPad movie experience more for when one is on the go or outside the living room. The gaming consoles (set-top box) bring the movie experience to the couch at home.
7. It’ll eventually stream video wireless to your TV and support gamepads. The first half of the statement goes to the above point – until we see that wireless stream, the iPad won’t supplant the set-top box. Even if it does gain the ability, if the iPad is indeed replacing the home computer, will users even want to give up iPad functionality (browsing, chatting, etc.) to stream a movie? It seems that one of the iPad’s biggest draws is the ability to multitask while at home. As for gamepads, it would be hard to imagine Apple standing behind such a peripheral when even the stylus has been vilified by the Cupertino company. There are a few peripherals in development, but to see anything of substance, there would have to be a much bigger collaboration between game developers and these manufacturers.
   

   Project Fiona from Razer

While I’m a big fan of the iPad and happily use it every day, it still has a long way to go before it replaces game consoles, at least for the moderate to hardcore gamer. When it comes to more casual games, like those found on the Wii, there’s definitely an argument to be had on whether or not the iPhone/iPad has cut into Nintendo’s market. That being said, Microsoft and Sony should take note. As the industry continues to change, the market five years from now will continue to evolve. As for 2012 and 2013, I’ll stick to my PlayStations and Xboxes for true gaming.

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Tony at @hotmilkgt). Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post

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Show Links

New iPad: http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/7/2850403/ipad-3-vs-transformer-pad-infinity-vs-galaxy-note-10-1-vs-kindle/in/2615987

iPhone “4G”: http://consumerist.com/2012/03/is-att-misleading-iphone-4s-users-about-4g-access.html

Game of the Week

Mass Effect 3 (Xbox 360/PS3/PC): http://masseffect.com/agegate/?url=%2F