Month: May 2014

Apple Smart Home Software Rumored

Apple patent

It is rumored that Apple will announce Smart Home Software at WWDC next week. This software is supposed to let the iPhone control lights, security systems and other gadgets around the house. I could imagine walking into a room and having certain lights turn on based on my location. I also think it would be awesome to be able to control the thermostat, television, and microwave with one device. It is rumored that Apple will work closely with device manufactures to make the iPhone compatible with more gadgets.

Source: MacRumors

-MT 

Do you want to ride a Hoverbike?

A company called Aerofex is currently developing a Hoverbike. The technology has been in development for 15 years and it will be available to the public in 2017. The Hoverbike is called Aero X and it will cost $85,000. It looks like the Hoverbikes that are in Starwars Return of the Jedi. I have never rode on a Motorcycle before but I think I would prefer to ride a Hoverbike. It will be interesting to see this technology when it is released to the public. If you had a chance, would you want to ride a Hoverbike?

Source: IGN

-MT

The Retron 5 Gets a hard Release Date

The Retron 5 is a retro console that can play 10 systems in one console. It was delayed earlier this year because of a pin issue. According to Hyperkin’s Facebook page the console is coming out on June 6. It looks like a really capable system and it is really cool that it can play ten classic systems. The Retron 5 can play NES, SNES, Super Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, Famicom, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, and GBA games. The Retron 5 has an output of 720p and it includes a Bluetooth Wireless Controller. The system also has original controller ports for NES, SNES and Genesis. Some other features that I thought were pretty neat include the ability to add different filters and the ability to save at any point in a game. The system allows ten save slots per game.

Source: Hyperkin

-MT

Microsoft Surface 3 Announced

Microsoft recently announced that the Surface 3 would ship on June 20th. It is the third iteration of the Microsoft Surface Tablet. The biggest change to the Microsoft Surface is the screen size; it is now 12 inches. I like smaller tablets because they are easier to carry around and easier to hold. However, the new Surface Tablet supports up to 8GB of ram and 512GB of Storage. It is a very powerful tablet. If I had to choose between a Laptop and the Surface Tablet, then I would choose the Surface Tablet because of it’s specifications. The Microsoft Surface 3 price range goes from $799 to $1,949. I can’t wait to try out the new Surface tablet when it hits stores next month.

Source: Microsoft

-MT

Nintendo WiFi connection is closed for Nintendo DS and Wii

Nintendo-WiFi

On May 20th, 2014 Nintendo WiFi ended for Nintendo DS and Wii titles. It is sad to see this service go away. I enjoyed playing many games on this service including Mario Kart Wii, Super Smash Bros Brawl, Pokemon Black/White, Mario Kart DS and Tetris DS. My favorite game to play on the Nintendo WiFi connection was Super Smash Bros Brawl. The 3DS and Wii U are unaffected by this. For a full list of games please click this list. What games will you miss playing on the Nintendo WiFi?

-MT

Halo 5 Guardians Revealed

Late last week 343 industries announced that Halo 5 Guardians will be coming to the Xbox One in fall 2015. Halo 5 is supposed to be bigger in scope then Halo 4. The game will run at 60 frames per second and will be powered by a new engine. I am excited to see the new worlds that Master Chief visits in Halo 5. The new image that 343 industries posted also shows a new character. It will be interesting to see who this new character is.

Source: Microsoft

-MT

Kinectless Xbox One is coming

Xbox One

The Xbox One will get a new price option on June 9th. Microsoft will be selling the Xbox One without the Kinect for $399. I think that this is a really good decision and I hope that it will increase Xbox One sales. I have a Kinect for my Xbox 360 and I haven’t used it in months. It is an interesting piece of technology but it is not the future of gaming. I wouldn’t be surprised if the most used feature for the Kinect is the Voice Commands. The Kinect, like the Wii Remote is very gimmicky and it will never have a strong presence in the gaming industry. It is interesting to see Microsoft back away from the Kinect especially since they were pushing it so much. I am happy to see Microsoft go with this new pricing option. What do you think of the Kinectless Xbox One?

Source: Major Nelson

-MT