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  • Ready for Some Tunes? Find out Which High-Fidelity Headphones are Our Favorites

    Ready for Some Tunes? Find out Which High-Fidelity Headphones are Our Favorites

    Whether you’re rocking out on the go or jamming in your living room, there’s something really quite special about getting lost in your music. What headphones are the best for losing yourself to the beat? Read on to find out which high-fidelity headphones are our favorite! 

    Sony MDR Z7 

    Sony’s name usually indicates a degree of quality that most audio brands can’t match. The MDR Z7 is no exception: it’s a phenomenal piece of technology. In fact, these headphones are probably Sony’s best bet at squaring off with true “audiophile” headphones. The quality of these high-fidelity headphones is no joke, but neither is the price. These great-sounding headphones will set you back $700. 

    While Sony isn’t usually a company known for producing audiophile-quality headphones, the MDR Z7 breaks that trend with aplomb. While many headphones in this price range opt for an open-back design to open the sound, these instead go with a closed-back design to keep ambient sounds out. They still manage to have a great, open sound though. These are a great choice for anyone looking for a great audio experience on the go without sacrificing quality! 

    Beyerdymanic T90 

    While the MDR Z7 is great for on-the-go listening, the Beyerdymanic T90 headphones are much more well-suited for home listening. Their open-back design leaks sound, but also offers a fantastic, open sound profile. The Beyerdymanic T90’s make use of incredibly powerful Tesla magnets to produce their sound. And it shows: the sound profile is balanced, rich and incredibly high-fidelity. There are few compromises found in these headphones. 

    What’s more, they can usually be found for around $600 online! With these high-fidelity headphones, you get audiophile-quality without paying an audiophile price! 

    Our Favorite High-Fidelity Headphones: Sennheiser HD 800 

    These supremely comfortable headphones are our absolute favorite. They’re luxuriously well-built and gorgeous, and feature some of the most incredible sound quality you can get from headphones. Their most impressive feature isn’t just how loud they can be, how much bass they can produce, etc. No, their most impressive feature is how they cease to be when the music comes on. These headphones don’t feel like a medium for the sound, they’re a portal to the concert hall where the song is being played. 

    There are a few drawbacks to these headphones, though. For one, they’ll set you back quite a bit: they cost around $1,000 online. Secondly, there’s no converter for a 3.5mm jack, which makes them pretty much exclusively for home use. That said, these are still some of the best headphones you can find, and they make a great companion to any home entertainment system. 

  • HP Spectre x360 15 Impresses With 4K

    HP Spectre x360 15 Impresses With 4K

    The HP Spectre is a big, gorgeous convertible laptop that doesn’t fail to impress. While it isn’t the most portable device in the world, it more than makes up for that in power and flexibility. Today we’re breaking down our favorite new features of the HP Spectre x360 15 for 2018. 

    Design and Feel 

    This year’s Spectre is a fantastic machine and is built very well. The hinges feel smooth and steady when opening the laptop, and the finish feels sleek and high-quality. The display is certainly the star of the show: the Spectre comes stock with a 4K touchscreen. There is, interestingly, no option for a standard 1080p display, which certainly accounts for the computer’s price. Retailing for $1,220, this one is definitely aimed at professionals who want a big, bold display with a touch screen. 

    Performance 

    The base version of the laptop comes with a quad-core Intel processor and an MX150 graphics card, courtesy of Nvidia. These are both solid components and will serve all but the most demanding of users. Those who do demand more, though, will be happy to hear a version with a much beefier hexa-core Intel processor and a Radeon RX Vega M graphics card is also available. Both versions perform great, keeping up with common applications and never putting out too much heat or noise from the strain.  

    Keyboard and Pen 

    The computer comes included with an HP active pen, which is great for most common applications. Seriously creative-minded individuals can instead opt to buy the Tilt Pen, which is around $90. While the active pen is awesome for most uses, those who plan to be extensively drawing will appreciate the more flexible and responsive Tilt Pen. 

    The keyboard is also great, and thanks to the redesign from last year’s Spectre, is huge. It even sports a full number pad to the right of the normal keyboard! The keys have a good, non-slippery finish and their action is fine, if a little “sticky.” Those accustomed to mechanical keyboards might be a bit put off, but this laptop was definitely not made with serious gaming in mind. 

    Bottom Line: Spectre x360 15 is Great for Creative Pros 

    If you’re looking for a convertible that performs well and has a great display, this one is a fine pick. If you’re looking for a serious gaming laptop, of course, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Similarly, if you’re in the market for a budget laptop for doing homework and watching YouTube videos, this one isn’t the right choice. However, if you need a good computer for both work and drawing, look no further than the 2018 HP Spectre x360 15. 

  • 10 Science Questions Every American Should Know the Answers To. Do You?

    10 Science Questions Every American Should Know the Answers To. Do You?

    The National Science Foundation is an organization that keeps up with American’s scientific aptitude. To that end, every two years the NSF releases a series of ten basic science questions. These questions are meant to test the average American’s knowledge of science. Every American should know the answers to these questions, but do you? Let’s find out! 

    Are Electrons Smaller or Larger than Atoms? 

    Photo Credit: Inventions and Inventors 

    Yes! Electrons are one of the smaller parts of an atom. Electrons, together with protons and neutrons, make up each and every atom. Those atoms, in turn, make up all matter in the observable universe. Cool, huh? 

    Does the Earth Go Around the Sun, or Does the Sun Go Around the Earth? 

    Photo Credit: YouTube 

    Much to the surprise of flat-Earth conspiracy theorists, the Earth actually orbits the sun. This was a major scientific breakthrough during the Enlightenment. Astronomer Galileo Galilee is largely credited with popularizing the “heliocentric,” or sun-centered, model of the cosmos. 

    Is All Radioactivity Man-Made? 

    Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

    No, it isn’t! The vast majority of natural radioactivity is in the depths of outer space. However, everything from soil to flowers to certain minerals on Earth contains certain amounts of radioactivity.  

    True or False: The Continents Have Been Moving for Millions of Years, and Will Keep Moving 

    Photo Credit: Encyclopedia Britannica 

    This one’s true! Yeah, believe it or not, the continents are on the move. They’re just really slow about it! A few million years ago, a map of the Earth would have looked like some alien planet to us. In a few million years, the continents as we know them will be a thing of the past. Mind-blowing, right? 

    True or False: The Center of the Earth is Very Hot 

    Photo Credit: Wonderopolis 

    True! Earth’s core is comprised of molten metal. The immense pressure of the planet’s mass keeps the core as hot as the surface of the Sun! 

    True or False: Lasers Work by Focusing Soundwaves 

    Photo Credit:  Laser World 

    False! Lasers work, instead, by focusing light energy. That focussed light can then be applied in all kinds of neat ways, from cutting diamonds to detecting intruders and more! 

    True or False: Humans Developed from Earlier Animal Species 

    Photo Credit: How Stuff Works 

    This one is a bit controversial to some, but it’s true! Scientists agree that humans are evolved from earlier animals and share a common ancestor with the great ape family of animals.  

    Do Antibiotics Kill Viruses as well as Bacteria? 

    Photo Credit: News Medical 

    No, they don’t! The clue is in the name: antibiotics are only effective against living things. Oddly enough, viruses are technically not alive. They’re incredibly good at replicating themselves and taking over cells, but they don’t possess the right qualities to be considered living beings. 

    True or False: It’s the Father’s Genetics that Decide Whether a Child is Male or Female 

    Photo Credit: Quora 

    True! Weird, right? Since only a male can pass down their Y chromosome, it’s actually on the dad’s genetics to determine the sex of their child. This one trips a lot of folks up, but it’s easy to remember since women can only pass down their X chromosomes, and it takes an XY combination to create a biological male.  

    The Last of Our Science Questions: True or False: The Universe Began with a Big Explosion 

    Photo Credit: Sputnik International 

    True! Scientists largely agree that the universe (as we know it) began after a fantastic expansion we refer to as the Big Bang. Now, the term ‘explosion’ might be a bit inaccurate, as that would imply preexisting space into which things were being scattered. The Big Bang, instead, was more of a sudden expansion of an infinitely dense and infinitely small point in space. 

  • Sony 4K Projector Redefining 4K Displays

    Sony 4K Projector Redefining 4K Displays

    4K TVs are limited in what they can display, size-wise, by their very nature. If you’ve been shopping around for an affordable 4K TV, you’ve probably noticed this. Panels can only get so big. What if you want a 4K image on an 85-inch display? What if you want the 4K quality without the same energy draw? Surely a 4K projector would be the right way to go. Enter Sony’s Ultra Short Throw Projector LSPX-A1.  

    Is It a Coffee Table? 

    No, it’s not just a piece of furniture, though it may look like one. The coffee-table sized projector housing is very slick, fitting right in with modern décor. It sports an incredible array of speakers in its stylish housing: the legs conceal tweeters, the body houses a subwoofer and three mid-level speakers are hidden in the front panel. The Ultra Short Throw LSPX-A1 is a tremendously stylish piece of technology. 

    Is it a Good 4K Projector, Though? 

    Impressions from attendees at CES 2018 point to this being one of the most impressive projectors they had ever seen. When flush with a surface, the Ultra Short Throw produces an 85-inch image. If you pull it back a bit, it can scale all the way up to a 125-inch image, which is downright massive. This dwarfs any conventional panel TV and takes up far less space than said panels. While traditional TVs are often seen as a status symbol, there’s a lot to be said for the clean simplicity of a room without one.  

    The only downside to this incredibly impressive projector? It’s impressive price tag. If you want to outfit your living room with this gorgeous projector, you’ll have to shell out $30,000. No joke, it actually costs that much. Maybe that Samsung 4K TV doesn’t look so pricey after all… 

    Bottom Line 

    Jokes aside, this is a gorgeous centerpiece for a room. If you’re in the market for a luxury 4K display, this is the item for you. Maybe someday stylish furniture pieces like this will be the norm! In the meantime, if you have one of these, expect to be the envy of your social circle. 

  • Razer Blade 2018: Worth the Hype?

    Razer Blade 2018: Worth the Hype?

    Razer’s name is synonymous with computer gaming. Despite some diversions, like the Razer phone, the company is still dedicated to delivering top-notch gaming experiences. The new line of Razer Blade gaming laptops is no exception. What are some early impressions of the new line? Is it worth all the hype? And, more to the point, are these laptops worth all the money? 

    Speaking of Price… 

    How much value you get out of your computer really depends on how much you’re willing to spend. The Razer line certainly will have you spending: the cheapest of them, a 1080p-equipped rig, runs for $1,900. A 4K-enabled version is at market for even more, retailing for $2,900. These are some high numbers, so it’s a good thing Razer’s name is attached. How do they stack up, though? 

    How Does it Look? 

    It looks great. The screen is crisp and luminous, and a great companion for modern games. The laptop itself has an angular, industrial look akin to the Razer Phone line. The iconic Razer logo glows a neon green on the back of the laptop, glistening like the eyes of a hidden snake. In short, the machine looks mean. It looks like it means business, and the powerful processors within certainly deliver on that promise. 

    A Razer Blade for Any Problem 

    Performance-wise, this laptop is a beast. Silky smooth graphics and impressive heat management in this laptop rival modern-day home consoles. Performance rarely slows down or overheats the machine. Razer’s Synapse software lets you customize your cooling profile, helping ensure the best perfomance from your computer. 

    Even better, the keyboard is (of course) a Razer Chroma, which looks awesome in any light. The keys have great travel time, they’re super responsive and offer great feedback. If you’ve ever used a Chroma keyboard and loved it, you’re in for a treat with this laptop. 

    Bottom Line 

    If you’re looking for 4K gaming on the go and don’t mind spending a bit of money, this Razer Blade line is a fantastic choice. It’ll set you back nearly $3,000 to pick up the 4K-ready laptop, but it’s a fine investment. The Razer Blade models offer upgradeable RAM, ensuring they’ll stay relevant for a number of years. This is money well-spent, and a great consideration for any serious gamer. 

  • Must Have Apps for Apple Watch

    Must Have Apps for Apple Watch

    If you’re a wearables enthusiast, odds are good you have an Apple Watch. Apple’s entry into the wearable market has been around for some time, but many users still don’t have some of the most useful apps! To remedy that, we’ve rounded up our favorite Apple Watchs apps. Check it out! 

    News 360 

    While it may seem counterintuitive at first to read articles on the small watch face, it’s actually quite handy. You can check the news on your workplace commute or just by over your morning coffee. Having it right at your fingers on your watch it quite convenient. Also, going through your watch can help you resist the urge to goof off, in case you’re reading on your lunch break. 

    Merriam-Webster Dictionary 

    For all the big-word and grammar enthusiasts out there, this app is for you. If you like punctuating debates with definitions, or just like reading, this is a great app to have on hand. Checking your watch for a word you don’t recognize is very useful: Give it a shot and you’ll see what we mean! Similar to the News 360 app, the font is pretty small, but it’s still convenient to have on hand. 

    Gymaholic 

    This is the kind of app everyone should have on their Apple Watch if they’re interested in fitness. Gymaholic has a different exercise for you each day, helping you keep interested in your fitness. The app will even show you how to do exercises you’re unfamiliar with. It then uses the watch’s biometric scanners to count reps and monitor your heartrate. You can even look back at your history to see your progress. This app is a must-have for fitness-minded Apple Watch users! 

    Our Favorite Apple Watch App: Pandora Music 

    If you already listen to Pandora on your phone, this one is a no-brainer! You can create new stations from the app with voice commands, scroll through your stations and thumb things up and down. While you have to have your phone on hand as an intermediary, this app is great for athletes or for office use. For instance, if you’re out for a jog, it’s much easier to control your music from your watch than having to go digging for your phone.  

    Additionally, the Pandora app for the watch is great for when you’re at work. If you don’t want your boss thinking you’re just messing on your phone, you can control your music from your wrist. This looks more professional and keeps you off your boss’s radar! Win-win! 

  • Heads-Up, Android Users: Galaxy Note 9 Leaks Suggest New Features

    Heads-Up, Android Users: Galaxy Note 9 Leaks Suggest New Features

    Samsung is a huge name in the world of Android phones. And that’s no mistake: the Galaxy series of course phones has been, with some exceptions, phenomenal. Whats next for the storied brand? The Galaxy Note 9. So, let’s break it down: what’s in store for the next Samsung phablet? The rumor mill is here to help fill us in. 

    In Screen Fingerprint Scanner? 

    This rumor has gone back and forth a ton. Whether it’s true or not, it would make sense. Phone makers the world over are trying to maximize screen space without making the handset too massive. This is what led to the infamous iPhone X notch.
    That said, a purported in-screen fingerprint scanner would be an interesting solution. Just how such a thing might work is anyone’s guess. 

    Note 9: Better Speakers than the Note 8? 

    The Note 8 was a great phone… except it’s speakers. It would be fantastic if the rumors of the Note 9’s speakers came true. Huge, front-facing speakers would be great. Considering how massive the Note line is, it’s underwhelming to think of them as having small sound. 

    Battery Life 

    The rumors that the phone will have an in-screen fingerprint scanner also claimed the phone will have an enormous battery. The battery rumored would be a 3,850mAh battery. In plain terms, that’s freaking huge compared to the battery in the Note 8.
    With such a huge screen and the purported sound quality, a huge battery is a must. Why even have such a massive phone if it’s going to just die soon after it’s pulled from the charger? 

    Pricing 

    Samsung would be wise to keep the price around the same place that the Note 8 launched. Even though the Note 9 is likely to be one of the most high-tech phones of the year, it still has to compete with the iPhone X. A price point around $950 seems to be a sweet spot. 

  • Seismic Shifts: Netflix Now Worth More than Comcast

    Seismic Shifts: Netflix Now Worth More than Comcast

    Cord cutters: it’s working. Comcast, everyone’s least favorite telecom company, is now worth less than streaming giant Netflix. This is a monumental moment, signaling the pendulum shift from traditional cable to streaming services. For many users, this is hardly a bad thing.  

    Netflix Ruling the Roost? 

    Netflix is a giant in the streaming field. Between their streaming of syndicated shows and big-budget movies and their original programming, Netflix has established itself as a major force in entertainment. Comcast, on the other hand, is a very different beast. Comcast operates a broadband network and owns Dreamworks Studios. They even own NBC! But that hasn’t stopped Netflix from overtaking them in total worth.  

    What’s Changed? 

    How did a website that once mailed DVDs to people end up overtaking a telecom titan? Comcast has been losing subscribers pretty steadily for the last few years, as Netflix has offered an attractive alternative to traditional cable. Cable packages are comprised of a lot of filler channels (and still bombard the viewer with ads), are terribly expensive, and are typically tied to their provider’s broadband internet. Netflix, on the other hand, is significantly less expensive and doesn’t run ads in the middle of its shows.  

    It’s not hard to see why users grew fed up with Comcast, and similar telecom companies like Charter Spectrum and Comporium. Additionally, pressure from companies like AT&T and Verizon has whittled away at Comcast’s broadband subscriber base. 

    What’s Next? 

    What does this mean for the future? Nothing is set in stone, yet, of course. But it does seem like traditional cable is working on limited time now. Without major initiatives to win back wary consumers, it seems likely the precipitous drop in subscribers will continue its freefall. Inversely, Netflix just keeps adding more subscribers and producing ever more quality content.  

    While Comcast is in no danger of going out of business, their current business model is in mortal peril. They’ve begun investing in Netflix competitor Hulu, and this seems like a much more long-term investment than their cable service. In the meantime, it seems quite possible that today will be remembered as the beginning of the end for traditional cable services. 

  • Top Ten Things We Want to See at E3 2018

    Top Ten Things We Want to See at E3 2018

    It’s almost that time again. E3, the biggest conference for gaming news, starts on June 12th, and runs through the 14th. What kinds of news can we expect from the big three console makers? And what news will break from third party developers? Buckle up and get ready for a one-way ride to hype town, because we’re counting down our biggest E3 wishes! 

    Rocksteady Superman 

    Photo Credit: Comic Vine 

    Rocksteady, the developers behind the phenomenal Batman: Arkham series, have been rumored to be working on a Superman game. Such a project may well represent a chance for the big blue Boy Scout to finally star in a good open-world video game.  

    After seeing what Rocksteady could do for the Caped Crusader, it’s exciting to think about how they could handle Superman. Free-flying through Metropolis, beating up bad guys and saving the innocent? Sounds like a recipe for an awesome adventure! Here’s hoping it doesn’t play anything like Superman 64… 

    Fable 4 

    Photo Credit: Game Skinny 

    There are rumors circulating that a reboot of the storied Fable franchise might be on the way. An announcement at E3 would be met with trepidation by some, and joy by others. Lionhead Studios, the team responsible for the series, was shuttered back in 2015. This came after a series of downright awful Fable titles that experimented with the series’ direction. Namely the disastrous “Fable: The Journey,” an on rails (!) shooting game (!!) that was played with Kinect (!!!). 

    However, Microsoft would be handling Fable 4’s development in-house. If they stick to the RPG roots the franchise was founded on, it could be something truly exciting for the struggling Xbox brand. Fingers crossed that Microsoft learns from past mistakes made with the franchise and just makes a freaking RPG. If this one even mentions the word Kinect, I’ll be disappointed. 

    Borderlands 3 

    Photo Credit: DSO Gaming 

    It’s been rough for Gearbox lately. Their foray into the hero shooter genre, Battleborn, was absolutely trounced by Blizzard’s Overwatch. While Battleborn was quirky and cool in its own ways, it was unfavorably matched up against Blizzzard’s smash-hit. That’s in the past now, though, and Gearbox can push forward with their flagship franchise: Borderlands. The famous frenetic shooter was a smash-hit for Gearbox back in 2009, and its sequels were fantastic.  

    Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, the last entry in the looter-shooter franchise, came out in 2014. In the meantime, the gaming world has changed pretty tremendously. Here’s hoping Gearbox sticks to their guns (ha) on this one and makes a solid Diablo-like shooting RPG. If they try to go toe-to-toe with Fortnite and make this one a battle royale I might scream. Gearbox, come on, guys: do what you’re best at! 

    Elder Scrolls VI 

    Photo Credit: GamingScan 

    With the exception of Elder Scrolls Online, we haven’t seen an Elder Scrolls game since 2011’s Skyrim. Many single-player RPG fans have been clamoring for another entry in the open-world series. While Bethesda has been experimenting with spin-off card game titles and their MMO, they’re clearly still dedicated to their core games.  

    Odds are pretty good we’ll see at least a trailer or some gameplay footage from a hypothetical new Elder Scrolls. However, some of Bethesda’s other franchises like Prey or Doom might be receiving the next full-game treatment. If so, we’ll be sure to see them at E3. With luck, we might just see one of those in addition to a new single-player Elder Scrolls!  

    Next Gen Systems from Sony and Microsoft 

    Photo Credit: NDTV Gadgets 

    The Xbox One and PS4 are five years old now. There’s definitely some speculation that Sony and Microsoft might be showing off some new hardware at this year’s E3. If so, pricing, graphical capabilities and exclusive games will certainly be the topic of conversation.  

    However, it is worth noting that the Xbox One X and the PS4 Pro were recently released. This might give a bit of extra life to the aging systems. However, with the Nintendo Switch only recently being released, it might be wise of the other two console makers to fast-track their follow ups.  

    Star Fox 

    Photo Credit: DeviantArt 

    Star Fox is one of Nintendo’s flagship franchises, but it’s had a bit of a rough patch lately. The unusual and pervadingly awkward Star Fox Zero has somewhat sullied the franchise. However, rumor has it that a racing game like F-Zero is in the works with the Star Fox cast. This would be more than a little odd, but it would be interesting.  

    Nintendo hasn’t released an F-Zero title in America since 2003. Seeing it live on, even in spirit, would be great. I would definitely rather see a new F-Zero than see Star Fox become a racing game, I wouldn’t dismiss it out of hand. Hopefully, though, the rumor is empty, and we’ll see a real follow-up to 2006’s fantastic Star Fox: Command. Either way, expect to see something from Star Fox at E3! 

    Fire Emblem 

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons 

    Fire Emblem, once circling the drain and ready for cancellation, is now one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises. Buoyed tremendously by its characters appearing in Super Smash Bros, Fire Emblem is an example of the latter franchise’s propensity for playing king-maker.  

    Announced at last year’s E3, the Switch version of Fire Emblem is likely to be part of Nintendo’s June 12th presentation. The Switch is a perfect fit for the franchise: console releases like Path of Radiance have delivered huge, gorgeous maps. Handheld releases like Awakenings have delivered deliciously-difficult strategy on the go. Marrying these two aspects of the franchise is a match made in heaven. If Nintendo releases this game in the same window as Pokemon and Smash Bros, it’s going to be a very good year for gamers. 

    Gears of War 5 (Or Really Any Xbox Exclusives) 

    Photo Credit: Game Rant 

    The Xbox One isn’t doing too well when compared to the PS4 and the Switch. A lot of momentum Microsoft carried into this console generation was wrecked by their awful DRM policies when the system was announced. Following the abysmal reaction to the announcement, early games on the system were plagued by network issues and bugs. Notably, the Master Chief Collection, a game that should have been an easy home run for the company, was bungled out of the gate and nearly unplayable.  

    Needless to say, Microsoft needs some wins. While they’re in no danger of going out of business or anything (hello, Windows), they do run the risk of becoming irrelevant. Sony does everything Xbox does, but with better graphics and better exclusives. At least, for now. Maybe Microsoft has some heavy hitters up their sleeve for E3. Maybe something like… Gears of War 5? Alright, I guess Gears games are cool. Maybe try somehting new, guys? Oh well, time will tell. 

    Pokemon 

    Photo Credit: Den of Geek 

    It’s absolutely astonishing that it took this long for a core Pokemon game to make it to home consoles. It’s almost funny: Nintendo had to make a hybrid console to finally maneuver Game Freak into making a Pokemon for one of their home consoles. In any event, the internet is collectively abuzz with hype for this release. This one is guaranteed money for Nintendo if they just put in a few much-demanded features.  

    A “pro” mode where they don’t teach you how to throw a damn Pokeball would be cool. Let my Pokemon follow me around in the overworld. Give me a 3D, over-the-shoulder camera. Little things, man. You guys should knock this one out of the park. Hell, Game Freak already made 1080p 3D renders of the entire Pokedex for X and Y. (Don’t believe me? Emulators can extract those models, and they’re gorgeous.) Fingers crossed that we see a lot of this one at E3. 

    Most Hyped Game of E3: Super Smash Bros 

    Photo Credit: Screen Rant 

    Nintendo set the Internet ablaze when they announced Smash Bros for Switch at the end of their March Nintendo Direct. This series has achieved legendary status among Nintendo fans. Smash Bros singe-handedly ignited interest in the Fire Emblem series in the US. Characters included in this fighting game’s roster become instant icons. The promise of Smash on the go on a big, gorgeous Switch screen is a huge one. Two-player fighting in table top mode with split Joy Cons! Huge LAN-style parties with linked Switch systems! The Switch was seriously made for Smash. 

    Nintendo likely plans to launch their paid online service alongside Smash, so we’re likely to see it in September. I don’t think there’s another game that deserves as much attention at E3 as Smash. Seriously, any information Nintendo gives during their E3 Direct will be dissected, obsessed over and talked to death in the months before the game finally drops. Hopefully we can all keep our hype contained in the meantime. 

  • Steam Link iOS App Blocked from Release

    Steam Link iOS App Blocked from Release

    Steam Link, Valve’s game streaming app, has been blocked from release by Apple, Valve claimed in a statement to Ars Technica. The app, which can stream PC games to a separate device on the same Wi-Fi network, was blocked due to “conflicting with app guidelines,” according to Apple. 

    Why Was it Blocked? 

    The answer to that question is somewhat unclear. Perhaps Steam Link’s ability to stream games purchased through Valve’s Steam store didn’t comply with Apple’s guidelines. Apple requires a thirty percent share of every in-app purchase. This may have conflicted with the way Valve presents the Steam Link service. 

    Valve claimed in their statement that “the Steam Link app simply functions as a LAN-based remote desktop similar to numerous remote desktop applications already available on the App Store.” The decision was appealed, but the appeal was dismissed by Apple.  

    So No Steam Link on iOS? 

    Valve expressed their hopes for Apple to reconsider their decision in the future. As such, it’s not impossible that there may be a Steam Link on iOS someday. However, for the time being, the app remains blocked from release. Perhaps the two companies can work out a deal in order to greenlight the app. 

    While the app definitely competes directly with one of the App Store’s biggest revenue streams: games. Allowing users to stream games from their PC from a free app may have been a step too far for Apple. It seems the phone giant would rather be the big fish in a small pond in this fight. Allowing Valve to offer a free app for game streaming could have been seen as too big a threat to their games sales. 

    What if I Want to Stream to My Phone? 

    While the app was blocked from iOS, it is available on Android devices. While this is no help for iPhone users, it might convince those on the fence to switch to Android. Other alternatives include Steam’s Big Picture Mode, which allows users to play their Steam Library on a TV screen. In any event, it doesn’t seem Valve will be too badly hurt by Apple’s snub. Steam made $730 million dollars in 2014 alone, according to PC Gamer.