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  • Microsoft Looking to Shore Up First-Party Development for Xbox, Buys Four Game Studios

    Microsoft Looking to Shore Up First-Party Development for Xbox, Buys Four Game Studios

    During their E3 press conference, Microsoft aimed to dispel the doubts about the Xbox One. The biggest doubts they took aim at, of course, where those of exclusive games. Recently, Sony has been absolutely sprinting past Xbox in terms of sales, and many gamers chalk this up to the exclusives. Sony has huge names like Uncharted, The Last of Us, God of War, Nier Automata and many more to bolster their brand. This is understandably frustrating for the company, as their Xbox One X system outpaces the PS4 Pro in terms of raw power. Microsoft’s answer? Their greatest strength: money to throw at the problem. 

    As it Has Been, so it Shall Be 

    This isn’t a new strategy for Microsoft, either. In the earliest days of the Xbox, monetary incentives were the primary reasons developers made games for the system. Halo creator Bungie was bought by Microsoft in 1999, and Rare, Banjo-Kazooie creators, were bought a few years later. This strategy helped Xbox make a name for itself with its exclusives.  

    That strategy worked once, and clearly the compnay behind Xbox hopes it can work again. At their E3 conference they announced their acquisition of four game studios. The studios in question: Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Playground Games and Undead Labs. 

    Why Now? 

    It is a bit late in the Xbox One’s life cycle for Microsoft to only just now be acquiring these studios. Surely, any future games from these studios won’t be out for a year at least, meaning that their contributions likely won’t be felt on the Xbox One. Instead, it seems, this is a preemptive move to bolster the launch of the next Xbox. 

    Phil Spencer, head of the gaming division of Microsoft, confirmed at E3 that the hardware teams are hard at work on the next Xbox consoles. The pluralization is interesting, too. Is Microsoft working on multiple systems? Only time will tell. 

    Microsoft Learning from Their Own Mistakes 

    Hopefully Microsoft now sees the importance of their exclusives, and the importance of a consoles first impression. In 2013, their Xbox One announcement was met with near-universal criticism. Between the strong DRM and lack of focus on games, many saw the system as a step backwards. The next Xbox will need a stronger announcement and launch if it hopes to dislodge Sony and compete with Nintendo.  

    Hopefully the wealth of new talent being brought on board means stellar new IPs to bolster the brand. After all, competition between Microsoft and Sony just means more awesome games for us! 

  • Top Ten Father’s Day Gifts Under $100

    Top Ten Father’s Day Gifts Under $100

    Father’s Day is this Sunday! Have you picked out a gift for Dad yet? If not, don’t worry, we’ve got a list of our favorite gifts for Father’s Day under $100! Giver your Dad something awesome! 

    Cord Taco 

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    Dad probably has a ton of cords and cables loose in a drawer somewhere. Why not help him organize with these handy tools? They’re stylish and functional and Dad will love them! 

    Amazon Echo Dot 

    Photo Credit: Venture Beat 

    Commanding a virtual assistant with your voice is pretty cool. Alexa helps you schedule your day, reads your messages to you, tells you the news and so much more. The best part is, an Echo Dot is only $40 from Amazon! Talk about a cool gift at a great price! 

    Philips Hue 

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    If your dad already has an Alexa device, you could get him these awesome smart bulbs from Philips. The Philips Hue bulbs can be controlled via Alexa, and they are seriously bright! You can even change the color of light they produce. You can even control the lights with an app, so if Dad forgets to cut the lights off before he leaves, no sweat! It’s just a tap away! 

    Looftlighter 

    Photo Credit: Williams Sonoma 

    If your dad is like mine, he loves to put on a bonfire in the back yard. An awesome gift for a grillmaster dad is a Looftlighter! This handy wand sets fire to wood or kindling without need for lighter fluid. As we all know, lighter fluid is bad for the environment, so finding sustainable alternatives is awesome! You can pick one of these awesome flame wands up for $80. 

    Hoveric Levitating Speaker 

    Photo Credit: MoMA Design Store 

    Every dad loves goofy magic tricks, so give your dad the gift of a cool floating speaker! When music is played through this futuristic speaker, it is lifted from I’s pedestal by the sound waves. How awesome is that? Dad will certainly love this one! It’s only $99, too, which is awesome! 

    Misfit Ray 

    Photo Credit: PC Mag 

    Dad probably doesn’t want some big flashy screen like an Apple Watch, but he’d probably love a fitness tracker. For the dad who’s trying to stay in shape, check out the Misfit Ray. It’s slick and doesn’t call attention to itself, and it sports a long battery life. You don’t need to charge it for four months after a full charge! It pairs to a smartphone app to show you your statistics. It’s a great price, too, at $40. 

    Kindle E-Reader 

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    Your dad might just love an e-reader. There are so many awesome books out there, but it can be difficult to find enough shelf space for all of them! And they’re hard to bring with you on a long trip, or to the beach. To remedy that, get your dad a Kindle! Their simple interface and non-reflective screen make them excellent for reading by the pool or at the beach! You can snag one from Amazon for $60. 

    Roku Streaming Stick 

    Photo Credit: Roku 

    Dad’s probably complained about the cable bill. Loudly. And often. If your dad hates the price of cable but loves TV, consider getting him a Roku Streaming Stick. Roku lets him watch Netflix or Hulu through his account, and it even supports Sling streaming TV. All that for just $54! Not too shabby! 

    Tile Sport 

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    If your dad’s constantly misplacing stuff, you should get him a Tile. Tile will help him find nearly anything he loses. All he has to do is attach the tracker to his valuables and install the Tile app. Ta-da, never lose that particular thing again! Well, not permanently, at least. 

    Our Favorite Gift for Father’s Day: UE Wonderboom 

    Photo Credit: Allround PC 

    Our favorite Father’s Day gift? The portable, loud and waterproof UE Wonderboom Bluetooth speaker. Sporting a great amount of battery life and durability, it’s perfect for any situation. Whether by the pool, at a party or at the beach, the Wonderboom provides excellent sound. The Wonderboom is a great value, too, costing only $70. You can usually find it on sale for less, too! 

  • Net Neutrality Repeal Likely to Occur Monday

    Net Neutrality Repeal Likely to Occur Monday

    By the time you’re reading this article, it is likely that Ajit Pai’s net neutrality repeal will have been finalized. And with it, a great deal of protections that keep consumers safe will have been stripped away. While the sky likely won’t fall overnight, it is certain to be the beginning of a very different era for the internet.  

    Challenges to Net Neutrality 

    Net neutrality regulations that were put into place during the Obama era have been under fire for some time. The regulations, which saw that internet providers must treat all data equally, has been instrumental in keeping the internet fair and free. Republicans, however, have largely railed against the protections, claiming they are evidence of governmental overreach and that they compromise the free market. While this is ironic, it is also tragic.  

    The repeal of net neutrality will likely be a non-issue for giants like Amazon and Facebook, but it will be crippling for smaller sites. Start-up sites are likely to be largely relegated to back-channels by ISPs, as they don’t bring in the same revenue as larger sites. As such, the internet will likely grow more homogenous and it will become harder to navigate away from “preferred” content. ISPs may even block access to certain sites unless those sites, or consumers, pay a premium. 

    The Repeal 

    The Senate voted to negate FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s repeal on May 16th, but the issue hasn’t come to a vote in the House of Representatives. Since the House has a Republican majority, it is unlikely that it will have come to a vote by the time this article is published. This is a shame, and a great loss for the freedom of expression on the internet. Hopefully the repeal won’t cause dramatic shifts overnight, but the outlook is not good.  

    With luck, the worst of the effect we could see won’t have gotten in full swing by the end of the next election cycle. If the right people are voted into office, net neutrality legislation could become a focus of the legislative branch. Then, hopefully, consumer protections could be reinstated. For the time being, we have our fingers crossed. On June 11th, the internet will be without its previous guidelines, and we will be at the mercy of internet providers to act in good faith.  

  • Laptop Review: HP Spectre 13

    Laptop Review: HP Spectre 13

    The HP Spectre 13 is marketed as the world’s thinnest touchscreen laptop. Is it a good laptop, though? Has it made too many sacrifices to be as thin and portable as it is? Or is it just right? To find out, check out our review! 

    HP Spectre 13: Razor Thin 

    It is seriously thin. That’s not just marketing hype, this laptop only measures 0.41 inches thick. That’s not the thinnest laptop in the world, that honor currently belongs to the Swift 7. Runner-up Dell XPS 13 has a taper that ranges from being thinner than the Swift 7 at one end to thicker than the Spectre 13 at the other, so it’s sort of cheating. What makes this thinness truly impressive, though, is the touchscreen. None of the other laptops mentioned have touchscreen functionality, which gives this razor thin laptop a natural edge. 

    Design 

    The HP Spectre 13 is a pretty machine, with a very alluring form factor that looks right at home in an office or on the go. The lid is aluminum and the bottom is carbon fiber, and the body is scratch-resistant. It has a trimmed-down, fashionable design that appeals to those who want a stylish computer. The only complaint about the design is that the model’s signature thin frame renders it a bit fragile. Be careful applying too much pressure to it or carrying it in a bag without padding. 

    Inputs 

    The keyboard is punchy and responsive in ways that are surprising for its dimensions. The screen is somewhat below-average, but it can be forgiven for just how novel the touchscreen is on such a small notebook. The speakers are above-average and situated underneath the display, which makes them rather inconspicuous. The touchpad does leave a pit to be desired, sadly, and is a bit of a black spot on an otherwise nice input suite. 

    Verdict 

    This is a very sleek and attractive notebook. If you really like the thin design and want a computer that is also fashionable, this one is right for you. However, if you’re remotely interested in gaming or anything computationally demanding, this one isn’t the right pick. However, if you’re okay with a fragile computer that doesn’t have too much power under the hood, this one might be your speed. This one is great for college students or high school kids who just need a device to type essays and do homework on. The HP Spectre 13 retails for around $1,400 when outfitted with a decent chipset, which is a pretty big drawback for how weak its computing power is. 

  • Luxury Car Breakdown: 2018 Tesla Model 3

    Luxury Car Breakdown: 2018 Tesla Model 3

    Everyone’s talking about Tesla right now. Their CEO, Elon Musk, is something of a celebrity and their cars are hot-ticket luxury items. Tesla’s newest luxury car, the 2018 Model 3, is here. Well, for some people. If you happened to reserve yours in advance. And you happened to be towards the front of the line. What’s the verdict? Read on to find out our thoughts on the futuristic vehicle. 

    Biggest Draw: Price 

    Tesla has a bit of a reputation as a company that makes cars rich people can afford, and that’s it. In order to bring themselves to mass-market, though, Tesla has made the Model 3 affordable. Musk has been promising a $35,000 electric car for years now, and the Model 3, nominally, delivers. It is worth noting, however, that the models currently available for reservation are closer to $58,000 than $35,000. Why is that, you might ask? 

    Well, there’s a few reasons. For one, the car is currently only available in its long-range configuration, which starts at $44,000. The long-range version can drive 310 miles on a full charge, while the standard-range gets about 220 miles on a full charge. Not to mention the price for wheels and paint, which add Additionally, amenities like heated seats come in the “Premium Package,” which adds $5,000 to the price tag, as does Autopilot. If you want to enable the vehicle to use the eventual self-driving functionality, you’ll spend another $3,000. Finally, you have to pay another $1,000 to have it delivered.  

    Okay, we finally have the thing paid for. Now what? Well, according to those who’ve gotten theirs and taken it for a spin, the next part is pretty sweet. 

    Interior 

    To get into the vehicle, you use a sleek black card that comes with it to unlock it. You can also pair an iPhone or Android phone to the car to have it unlock as you approach, which is awesome. Once you’re in, the interior is sparse and minimal. The design is either incredibly clean or dreadfully bland depending on who you ask. Personally, I tend towards the former, but I can see how someone might be put off by just how spartan it is for how much the car costs.  

    Oddly, the vehicle has no gauge cluster. Instead, it has a large, iPad-like display that handles all of the measurements and functions usually displayed on such gauges. It’s… it’s weird. But also, kind of cool? So, this display handles everything from speedometer to displaying how much charge is left. You control the radio, the autopilot, the wiper blades and nearly every other feature through it. It’s the only spot of note in the otherwise bare interior. If you’re into discreet, sleek tech you might love it. It’s as though Apple made a car with their focus on slick, immutable form. 

    The Drive: Worthy of the Title “Luxury Car”? 

    Is the car fun to drive, though? That’s the really important part. Thankfully, the answer is yes, and dreadfully so. The vehicle almost begs to be driven hard and fast, which, tragically, drains the battery pretty rapidly. That said, it hugs turns very well and steers like a dream. All reports say the Model 3 is a zippy, mean machine, especially considering it’s 100% electric.  

    The Verdict: Awesome, but Unfinished 

    Time will make the Model 3 the coolest car ever. Once it’s available for the (much more affordable) $35,000 and the kinks are worked out of the awkward interface, that is. As it stands, for how much you spend for the thing, and how clunky (and dangerous) it is to take your eyes off the road to fiddle with settings, it’s a bit disappointing. That said, the car is still stellar. It’s sleek, fast and high-tech, so enthusiasts won’t be disappointed. The average consumer will still be left wanting by the few wrinkles in the design, but I’m confident Tesla will have them ironed out in time. 

  • Is Your Home Smart Yet? Best Smart Home Gadgets for Alexa

    Is Your Home Smart Yet? Best Smart Home Gadgets for Alexa

    Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of Alexa. Amazon’s virtual assistant is indispensably useful for anyone looking to organize their lives and homes. She can read your messages, tell you the news, shop for you online and so much more. If you’ve recently hopped on the bandwagon and gotten an Amazon Echo, you’re probably on the look-out for great gadgets to pair with it. Which ones are the best? Which cool functions did you not even know you could tie into Alexa? Let’s get into it! 

    Robot Vacuum 

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    Robot vacuums, like the picture iRobot Roomba 690, are awesome with Alexa. No one wants to do chores, but with a voice-activated robot assistant, vacuuming is easy. Just call out to Alexa and tell her to vacuum the house for you, and, boom! That’s one less chore on your to-do list. Not to mention, you’ll feel like Tony Stark, commanding your robot fleet with your voice. Well, not quite a fleet, but you know, it’s the thought that counts! In any event, you can find the iRobot Roomba on Amazon for $300, and the rest of the Roomba line is awesome too. Check it out! 

    Streaming Devices 

    Photo Credit: Best Buy 

    If you like controlling your TV with your voice, you’ll want an Alexa-enabled streaming device. We recommend the Amazon Fire TV Stick. However, the Amazon Fire TV Cube, a successor to the technology, was recently announced, so that one might steal the spotlight when it launches later this month. In either event, being able to tell Alexa which shows you want to watch is pretty sweet. It also helps you cut down on the number of remotes you have to juggle or trying to find the remote to play the next episode. The Fire TV Stick is $40, and the TV Cube will go for $120 when it launches.  

    Smart Bulbs 

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    The first of Alexa’s compatible devices, Philips Hue is still the best in this field. Commanding your room to illuminate with your voice is not only convenient, it’s very safe! Entering a dark room and unable to find the light switch? Call out for Alexa to turn the lights on! You can also change the color of the lights to change the mood of the room. Having company over for the evening? Consider casting a soft, pink glow over the room!  

    Smart Thermostat 

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    A must-have for Alexa users, smart thermostats are great at helping you save energy and stay comfortable. Programming automation is a breeze with products like the picture Nest Learning Thermostat. Setting your thermostat with your voice is much easier than having to fiddle with tons of menus. Setting your thermostat to “away” mode as you leave the house is easy to forget, so getting to automate it can really help your power bill. A Nest Thermostat runs about $220. 

    Security Cameras 

    Photo Credit: Arlo 

    Alexa is awesome for streamlining your home security cameras. The pictured Netgear Arlo Q works with Alexa and can be displayed on Echo Show and Amazon Fire TV. You can use your voice to arm and disarms cameras in different parts of the house. You can also remotely view the camera’s feed, which is great for when you’re on vacation or keeping an eye on pets at work.Security and convenience in one package, how awesome! This one would set you back only $150. 

    Smart Plugs 

    Photo Credit: CNET 

    Smart plugs, like Belkin’s Wemo ($30 from Amazon), can turn any electronic device into a smart device. Effectively a glorified on-off switch that connects to Alexa, Wemo is great for lamps or appliances you don’t want powered on all the time. Fans and hairdryers come to mind immediately. You can control them with your voice, of course, or set them on schedules. If you get home from work late every night and want to make sure the lamp in your living room is on when you get home, you can schedule that! 

    Doorbell Cameras 

    Photo Credit: SkyBell 

    If you’re a fan of security, doorbell cameras are great smart home gadgets. The SkyBell HD doorbell camera, pictured above, is a great pick. With Alexa functionality, you can use your voice to ask the virtual assistant to take stills or video of the doorbell cam. You can even have Alexa display the video on your Echo Show or Echo Spot. Or, if you’re entertaining company and don’t want to be bothered, you can disable the chime through Alexa. The SkyBell HD retails for $200, but you can find it for $160 through Amazon. 

    Smart Locks 

    Photo Credit: Kwikset 

    A natural companion to a doorbell camera, smart locks like the Kwikset Kevo ($183 from Amazon) are a must-have for smart homes. When paired with the Kevo Plus Hub, which retails for an additional $100, enables a ton of smart features. For one, it allows you to use your smartphone to lock and unlock the door remotely, which is awesome for guests. Say you’re late getting home from work but your guests are already at your house. No sweat, just use the app and let them in! Similarly, if you’re expecting company but are upstairs when they arrive, Alexa could help. You could just tell Alexa to show you who’s at the door with your doorbell camera. Then, seeing it’s your friends, you tell her to unlock the door. Just like that, you’re a high-tech host.  

    Smart Light Switches 

    Photo Credit: Home Depot 

    Smart switches like the pictured Lutron Caseda ($55) are awesome for controlling entire lighting systems. For instance, you could pair the Caseda to Alexa and use your voice to control all the lights in your living room. Saying, “Alexa, turn off all living room lights,” would bring down the entire system controlled by the Caseda. Trying to do that without a system hub would be a pain. Imagine having to tell Alexa to cut off four or five different smart bulbs! It’s doable, but far from optimal. If you plan to have complex lighting systems controlled by Alexa, a smart light switch is the way to go! 

    Our Favorite Smart Home Gadgets: Smart Home Hubs 

    Photo Credit: PC Mag 

    While Alexa is handy, you can make her even more useful with automations. Automations make your smart home gadgets even smarter. For instance, when you say “Alexa, I’m getting ready for work,” she can unlock the door, set the thermostat to an “away” temperature and read you the news. How do you do that, you ask? Why, with a smart hub! By hooking some of your smart devices into your hub and programming automations, you’re that much closer to full control of your house with your voice. Pictured here is the Samsung SmartThings Hub, which retails for around $85. Treat yourself to a nice smart home system! 

  • Streaming Games Instead of Consoles? Ubisoft CEO Thinks This is Last Console Gerenation

    Streaming Games Instead of Consoles? Ubisoft CEO Thinks This is Last Console Gerenation

    In an interview with Variety, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemont has stated that he thinks the next console generation shall be the last. In the interview Guillemont stated “I think we will see another generation, but there is a good chance that step-by-step we will see less and less hardware.” This prediction somewhat echoes the scenario that occurred for movies and music. Hardly anyone still uses CDs or DVDs, and, in fact, most houses don’t have a CD or DVD player even hooked up. However, Guillemont and others in the industry seem to think gaming will also move into the realm of streaming. Will streaming games become as normal as streaming movies, or is Guillemont talking nonsense? 

    Technological Hurdles 

    The first problem that would need to be overcome for streaming games with console quality would, of course, be internet connections. Currently, most Americans don’t live in areas with infrastructure that supports fast enough internet for streaming games to be feasible. Places like Japan and Europe, where servers are much closer to users, have no such issues. It makes sense that Guillemont, from France, would see streaming becoming the new industry standard. And maybe in Japan and Europe, it will! 

    However, in America, the infrastructure to make game streaming anything other than an exercise in frustration just isn’t there yet. Many areas are so remote and distant from the nearest server hub that they will likely never get internet speeds to rival more urban areas.  

    What do you Own When all Games are Streaming Games? 

    The other issue that would need to be tackled, of course, would be one of ownership. Or rather, convincing gamers to give up their ownership of their games. This issue has already cropped up with music and movies. If you opt to just use streaming services for everything and physical media becomes a relic of the past, you actually won’t be able to own any of the things you love.  

    Take this anecdote from Xbox Live Arcade, for instance. The video game adaptation of Scott Pilgrim vs the World was pulled from that service due to licensing issues. Now, unless you have that game saved on a hard drive already, it’s gone. That video game has effectively been erased due to its digital-only distribution method. If the gaming industry wants seriously to move towards streaming, there will absolutely be major pushback. Gamers who value owning physical media will be some of the loudest voices if gaming moves in this direction. 

    Even now, you can see some pushback against digital-only trends in other industries. Vinyl record sales stay steady, despite the prevalence of streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify. Print book sales remain solid in the face of e-readers. There’s something inherently desirable about holding physical media and owning the art you love. 

    A Likely Future? 

    That all said, Guillemont’s future isn’t exactly an impossibility. Streaming services will certainly be here soon, but they will likely never fully replace the home console. Nintendo, for instance, has recently revolutionized what can even be considered a “home” console with the Switch! Were all games streaming-only, innovation like a hybrid console wouldn’t have come to be.  

    In much the same way that the cell phone didn’t kill handheld gaming, I am fairly certain that streaming won’t kill the home console. You’re fighting more than just technological hurdles, you’re fighting people’s sense of ownership and attachment. And if we’ve learned anything, it’s that people like their stuff. 

    Feature Image Credit: jeuxvideo.com 

  • E3 is Soon! What are We Expecting to See?

    E3 is Soon! What are We Expecting to See?

    It’s almost time for E3! Are you excited? I know we are! We had an article about what we were hoping to see, but now that we’re in the home stretch before the big event, let’s round up what we’re expecting to see. The Hype Train is moving full speed ahead, hop on board! 

    Nintendo at E3: Super Smash Bros and Pokemon 

    Nintendo surprised everyone when they announced Pokemon Let’s Go a full two weeks ahead of the event. You can rest assured we’ll see an in-depth breakdown of Nintendo’s newest Pokemon games at the event. Given that these are the first big console Pokemon RPGs since the Gamecube’s Gale of Darkness, they’re going to be huge. Expect to see Switch sales bolstered immensely by Nintendo’s yellow mouse mascot. 

    Speaking of Nintendo mascots, the other surefire topic at the event is assuredly Super Smash Bros. After the surprise reveal during March’s Nintendo Direct, the internet has been abuzz with rumors and speculations. Expect to see gameplay footage, new stages, new characters, and tons more. Nintendo has promised a tournament in the new game featuring some of the top Smash Bros players from around the world during the event. We’re sure to see new characters and gameplay features during this event. 

    Microsoft: More Exclusives? Please? 

    The Xbox One X is the most powerful home console out there, no doubt. The PS4 Pro doesn’t keep up. But that means very little when the system has next to no exclusives. Sea of Thieves doesn’t count, sorry; that game doesn’t come close to making the system flex. (Even if it is super fun.) Rumor has it that Microsoft is looking to remedy this with a slew of first-party titles to be revealed during E3. 

    Big names like Crackdown 3, Forza Horizon 4, Gears of War 5, Halo 6 and more are expected at the show. Hopefully Microsoft has more than just sequels to aging franchises, though. Something fresh, exciting and new should be at the top of their list of reveals this year. 

    Sony: Upward Trajectory 

    Sony’s doing pretty well in the gaming world. They’re not doing too amazingly well elsewhere, but they’re leading the current console war. Expect to see news on first-party titles like Spider-Man and The Last of Us 2. New IPs like Ghost of Tsushima, Days Gone and Dreams will also likely make appearances.  

    Sony’s PS4 has been selling well and riding a wave of newfound popularity. God of War, the revival of the popular action series, has already sold over 3 million units. All Sony needs to do this year is keep telling us about awesome new games on the way and we’ll be happy! 

    The Other Stuff 

    Other big names at the event will be showing off their multiplatform efforts, of course. Bethesda will talk about Fallout 76, that one is for sure. They launched a teaser video last week with scant details, so fans will be ravenous for more come showtime. Borderlands 3 will likely be on display from Gearbox. We can expect Just Cause 4 and Kingdom Hearts 3 to also make appearances. Also, oddly, Rage seems to be getting a sequel and will be unveiled at E3 this year.  

    What Won’t We See? 

    Next gen consoles, probably. Sony and Microsoft have both only just pushed out updated versions of their existing consoles with better hardware. The odds of them overshadowing these updated consoles with announcements of next gen are pretty low. Similarly, Nintendo just released the Switch last year, and its sales have been quite strong.  

    Odds are good that this year is going to have the focus on games, first and foremost. This is good news for gamers who were getting sick of too much focus on gimmicks like Kinect and AR and the Wii U. Wait, that last one was its own console? Man, Nintendo fumbled the marketing for that thing… 

  • Having Trouble Connecting? Check out Our Favorite Wireless Routers

    Having Trouble Connecting? Check out Our Favorite Wireless Routers

    Nothing’s more frustrating than being in the middle of your favorite show and having the signal drop out. Or, worse, playing a match of your favorite game and then the dreaded “disconnected” image pops up. What are some of the best wireless routers to make sure this doesn’t happen to you? We’ve got our picks for favorite wireless router right here, so don’t worry about disconnecting due to a faulty signal anymore! 

    ASUS RT-AC3200 

    This router supports all three bands: short, medium and long. It is noted for its excellent long-range band and fantastic self-monitoring tools. The router provides graphs and charts for network usage which helps for troubleshooting network issues. It is somewhat difficult to set up and get the most out of, though. This makes it hard to recommend to those who are just looking for a solid router without having to fiddle with tons of options. If you’re relatively tech-savvy and like the idea of having great monitoring of devices, this one is a good pick. You can find it at around $190 from Amazon.  

    Netgear R7000P Nighthawk 

    Netgear’s offering is much easier to set up and use than ASUS’. It features an easy-to-use online portal and offers tons of options for those that want them. However, out of the box it does a great job distributing devices between its two bands. It makes sure there’s less overlap in signals and has excellent range. The Nighthawk is a pretty solid router for $190, and you can’t go wrong with its straightforward, simple functionality. 

    The Best Wireless Router: Google Wi-Fi 

    Google Wi-Fi is absolutely awesome. Rather than relying on one device to juggle various bands, it uses a mesh system. By hooking up multiple receivers, the system is able to produce an area of even coverage of Wi-Fi. The device is sleek and minimalist, as one could ecxpect from Google. The best part, though, is the software.  

    Google Wi-Fi’s app is the portal through which you set up and monitor the system. It allows for easy set-up of guest and family networks. It even sports smart home functional through the app! The best part? A single Google Wi-Fi router is only $120, and one will cover most houses. If you have a bigger house you can opt for a two- or even three-pack set, offering excellent mesh coverage. All in all, the best router for your money. You won’t be disappointed by Google Wi-Fi! 

     

  • Full Cadillac Line and Other Luxury Car GM Brands to Incorporate Super Cruise

    Full Cadillac Line and Other Luxury Car GM Brands to Incorporate Super Cruise

    Self-driving tech is red hot at the moment. Cars equipped with self-driving functionality are in the news constantly. Many car makers seem convinced that the technology is on the brink of being ready to release to consumers. GM’s take on the driverless technology is called Super Cruise, and the auto maker plans to incorporate it in to their luxury car brands, name Cadillac, by 2020.  

    Super Cruise 

    The 2018 Cadillac CT6 was the first car to incorporate Super Cruise. Super Cruise is designed for divided highways and can operate as a mostly hands-free self-driving suite. GM’s technology uses advanced driver monitoring to make sure the driver is still paying attention to the road. For instance, if the technology senses the driver’s attention drifting, it can give visual and audio warnings to the driver.  

    In an emergency situation, Super Cruise can even pull the car over and call OnStar for assistance. All in all, GM’s driverless technology is rather advanced and works well for its niche. However, it’s hardly the “true” self-driving technology that many are anticipating in the coming years. While Super Cruise uses similar technology to Tesla, with lidar and advanced mapping, it encounters many of the same issues as that technology. 

    Which Luxury Car Lines are Getting Super Cruise? 

    GM has stated that they intend to incorporate Super Cruise into the full Cadillac line by 2020. Their other luxury car brand names, like Buick and GMC, are likely to see the technology next. GM has been investing heavily in driverless tech and has expressed plans to commercialize the technology by 2019. This would make the Detroit-based auto maker one of the first to market with the technology. 

    While driverless tech still has a number of kinks to work out, it is still a nice addition to otherwise luxurious rides. Specifically, GM’s luxury brands all feature quiet, peaceful cabins and high-tech amenities. Super Cruise is a welcome companion to other features, like parking assist and blind spot monitoring. GM has stated that we can expect to see driverless technology incorporated across all their cars by 2023.