Month: November 2006

  • November 26, 2006

    Xbox Marketplace gets better

    Xbox Live Marketplace

    One of the selling points of the Xbox 360 was free access to the Xbox Marketplace, where you could download game demos, new levels, trailers, etc. This is called the “Silver Package” on Live. Since November 22nd 2006, one year after the 360 came out, you could also download TV and Movies (available in HD as well). You use Microsoft points to get TV shows like South Park, UFC, The Nine and much more. Movies include V for Vendetta, The Matrix and The Untouchables to name a few. The list of companies partnered with Xbox Live can be found here and the pricing can be found here

    According to Joysig, the prices break down like this:

    • New 720p HD movies- $6
    • New 480p SD movies – $4
    • “Classic” 720p HD movies – $4.50
    • “Classic” 480p SD movies – $3
    • 720p HD television – $3
    • 480p SD television – $2

    Not to shabby if you ask me! I have not tried the service yet, but will most likely post my experience when I do. Later!

  • November 23, 2006

    Gears of War (for Xbox 360)

    Gears of War Screen

    Two Tuesdays ago was a pretty big day for games on the 360. Call of Duty III (CoD III), a game I was highly anticipating due to its amazing prequel, and Gears of War (GoW) came out. I happened to pick up both that week and promptly played CoD III until I got to busy to play, and then when the work let up, played Gears of War. Here is how that game stacks up.

    I didn’t really know what to expect from GoW. It looked cool, with a Halo-esq feel to it. However, I grossly underestimated this game. Not only does it look kick ass graphics wise, but the game play is pretty awesome. It takes place in the future, where you are fighting in a post-apocalyptic world against “The Locusts.” It’s a team based game where you have to look after your squad or you won’t win. The controls are pretty sophisticated, and because of that the game has a pretty high learning curve but the basics are intuitive. It’s in third person, which allows you to hide against walls and behind almost anything. From there you can move to another hiding spot or rush out, jump over walls, etc. When behind these formations you can blind shoot, a feature I like a lot. You can shoot enemies while still hiding, which isn’t very accurate, but effective against a lot of locusts.

    The weapon set is also really sweet. The default weapon is an AK/chainsaw, and when you are up close and personal with an enemy, that chainsaw comes in handy. And using it looks awesome. There is also a weapon called “The Hammer of Dawn,” which harnesses the power of the sun to obliterate the target.

    As for multiplayer, you can do co-op, versus and Live. Co-Op is fun- your friend becomes part of your squad, and you guys have to communicate and work together to beat the levels. VS pits you 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 and you guys just find each other and go to town. Once you die, you’re dead until the end of the round. Live is the same way, just with more people. It’s cool with bigger teams, but again, if you guys don’t work together, you will probably lose.

    Over all, the game is amazing. One of the best. The graphics and detail, the game play, the online experience. I was excited about Call of Duty III, but Gears of War is clearly the better game here. Later.

  • November 16, 2006

    Using GMail as a ToDo list

    GMail

    At the beginning of the semester I wrote a post about staying organized with tasks lists, etc. One method I did not mention, but might be most prevalent, is GMail. GMail is one of about 4 websites I check constantly, making it a great way to check my to do list.

    Usually when someone asks me to do something, I have them email me or email myself a reminder. That will stay in my inbox until it gets done. And I hate having a lot of stuff in my inbox. This coupled with email reminders from Remember the Milk, I usually know all of the stuff I need to do at any given time, and when my inbox starts to fill I know it’s to to crack down.

    What do you think? Gmail a good tasks list- what’s your method? Later!

  • November 5, 2006

    GooSync

    GooSync

    GooSync is the 3rd party software I have been waiting for. Ever since I got my Treo and started using Google Calendar, I longed for something that could sync both of them. GooSync provides me with just that. Supporting a multitude of devices, GooSync seamlessly syncs Google Calendar over the air with your phone.

    With the Treo (or any Palm/Windows Mobile device), I needed an app to do it, which I am OK with. Once I put my log in info in the app, it quickly synced everything. And just what I hoped for too- Device to GCal, but not GCal to device. I have my class schedule on GCal, but not my Treo to avoid clutter. Now, all of my appointments are on GCal with the push of a button- I couldn’t be happier! Later.

  • November 1, 2006

    Creative Zen Vision:M

    Zen

    I recently got the Creative Zen Vision:M for my birthday and I’ve got to say I am very happy with it. It has been about 2 years since I got an mp3 player, and following trends, it was about time for a new one. I needed something first of all, that held more than 5GB. With a music library of over 15GB I’d like to have most/all of my music with me, I needed something that only held 1/3 of what I’ve got. The Zen Vision:M has 30GB. That was my only real requirement, though FM Radio was a nice feature I had tucked away in the back of my mind.

    The Zen Vision:M offers those 2 purposes and so much more. I can store not only music, but video and photos. The video quality is great- the videos appear really clear on the screen. Along with an FM radio it has an FM recorder, something that won’t be around much longer. I can also store files on it if I so desired. The surprising but awesome features include the ability to make play lists right on the device, and synchronization with Outlook (calendar, contacts, tasks). I find it particularly cool because it something I find pretty useful and didn’t think of.

    As for interface design, it is pretty intuitive and their alternative to the beloved iPod click-wheel is a pretty good one. It allows me to quickly cycle through my music collection and easily switch screens. It also comes with a search by letter feature or you can search by keyword with an on screen QWERTY keyboard. The software it comes with is also easy to use, and has a number of great features like Rip CD, Convert Video, and Sync music collection. The battery life is about 8 hours, which is fine for me and I think pretty good in general. The only problem I have found with it is the screen gets pretty scratched up if you don’t protect it. However, it does come with a nice little pouch. All-in-all, a nice device to check out, and a great alternative to the Video iPod. Later!