Even if they are corded, will they be able to put up with abuse? (I've seen what some of the light-guns at the local arcade are put through, and those are designed to be abused).
I'm not saying people are going to try to break them, but there is a major difference between what sort of abuse they would get in a store compared to at home...
okay... maybe in some homes the difference is smaller, but its still a more fragile situation than any previous console controler that was basically bolted to a metal enclosure so they didn't have to worry about wear on the cord, or someone walking off with the remote.
alternatively, in a country where housing space is more at a premium than in the U.S. (except perhaps Manhattan and parts of California), the fact that there IS an overwhelming PS2 fan base (with accumulated games), might mean that the PS3s features, along with the need NOT to keep a second gaming unit means that in a small apartment the 'up and coming' japanese citizen could displense with:
PS2 CD player DVD player Blu-Ray player (TiVo-ish device? -- heard rumors of something like this for the PS3)
As someone living in a small apartment right now, thats an awful lot of stuff to put "under the tv".
And speaking of TVs, Japans adoption of HDTV, as well as the thinner form factor those TVs take up (again using the idea of 'tight space' and 'techno-chique' as driving points), mean that HD output might be more of a selling point in japan than in the U.S.
Yes, but how well are the Wii-motes going to stand up to demo use?... and if they don't, how well will the demo really go? (or will the Wii-motes be chained down hard to the console so you are limited to 'standard' use... keeping the inovative aspects from being presented)
BBEdit (and TextWrangler) are absolutely fabulous.
I use it every day, and it was worth every penny (Text Wrangler is the free version which is still pretty feature complete).
We use SVN at work and the integrated SVN tools (runs against the local repository), are great. They also support CVS, although both of these features require purchasing the BBEdit version of the product.
Another of those nice features available in both versions is the ability to open a file remotely via ftp/sftp.
(Also obviously has syntax highlighting and the ability to convert file formats between native Mac, Unix and Windows which can be useful with text files sometimes).
I've found a similar experience since my wife and I got a TiVo about 2 years ago.
I may watch more television, but I actually do it in less time, and it tends to be more of what I want (instead of just "what garbage is on now").
TiVo's suggestions list acts as a low priority slush pile that you can wade through to find things that might be of interest, even if there is nothing left in the "I told you to record this" menu:)
I work in IT. When I joined my company I was surprised to find they were a mac/linux shop for development. The reason was the wonderful flexability developing on a full *nix platform, especially when you are targetting linux. Some of the stuff our developers come up with is certainly 'creative':)
We are currently migrating our laptops to MacBook Pros (from G4's), primarily because of the speed advantage, and the virtualization abilities.
Privately I do some network consulting. Based on my experiance I would recomend OSX Server for a few small-ish Companies in know, but right now the only version offered runs only on PowerPC hardware, something only offered on their desktop and xserver line.
I can't in good conscience recomend people spend a sizable chunk of money (for a small office that maintains an internet presense and wants to host web/mail in-house), on End Of Life hardware (especially since I don't know how long OS updates/upgrades will support it), and no, they don't have a rack, because they only have two servers in their closet (although they do at least have a patch-panel).
Until OS X server for Intel (which I assume is going to announced along with the desktop replacement), come out, these companies are playing the 'hurry up and wait' game on their upgrades.
Perhaps what McAfee is really afraid of is the open dialog and response of something like ClamAV?
If enough developers 'pool' into working on it, and an open dialog of faults and vulnerabilities continues, could they find themselves out of a job from an Open Source solution?
(especially as they are about to be challenged by MS Defender, which could also benefit from open dialoge to augment a shallower background in the field?)
Nah, but the OSS community needs to be taking note of this!
"Malware writers use CVS! They're the scum of the earth. Shouldn't you use SVN instead?"
or
"9 out of 10 malware writers use CVS. Their software runs on millions of desktops world-wide. Shouldn't you use CVS too?"
(note: I am non-denominational on version control systems and could see the marketing go either way. I don't really care as long as it makes me laugh:D )
I don't think the Pocketstation was released outside of Japan, and my impressions were that the Dreamcast never really achieved a high market penetration (and the VMU even lower).
I still believe that the N64 and GBA were the first pair of systems with wide spread adoption to be able to achive such "crossover play", with the current and next generations continuing the trend.
Still, you are right that it is a feature that relatively few games have exploited as anything more than a gimick.
I was pointing out that those who are composing a checklist of features may see this as a reason why MS HAS to develop a handheld (I don't think its a compelling reason though). On the other hand I believe that all it may take is a developer or two with vision to change the landscape.
In my mind there are two types of interaction: 1) Using the handheld as an augmented controller
The ability to receive a 'limited' copy of a game from another handheld could be used to upload the 'handheld' component for a game where the handheld can become the controller. The screen(s) could be used for inventory control, HUD, or some other function.
The DS could add 'touch screen' to a Wii title, but this would probably mean sacrificing the Wii-mote (with the motion sensing, etc.). So this it really more of a trade-off.
The PSP would add an extra screen, but would provide 2 fewer shoulder buttons and 1 fewer analog sticks.
PROS: All it would take is a few innovative developers to figure out how to use it, and I think the idea will take off (the classic example which never DID happen was as a controller for sports games so you could pick your plays without the other person seeing). Don't need to provide an additional ROM/Disk/etc.
CONS: You still might need to code 'standard' controller support. This would probably relegate the use to "gimmick". Alternatively require the handheld and you might shrink your target market (although a 'killer' app could get away with it, and for Nintendo I believe this could easily be a requirement).
2) Crossover play between handheld and game titles.
The problem is figuring out how to have the two titles interact, and still have each title maintain enough individuality that you don't NEED to have both. Usually game developers have chosen to allow you to unlock extra content in one game if you have the other, howver imagine if they could take it farther.
This would require them to commit to the idea of the game actualy being for two platforms (the handheld and the console). Perhaps they could even package both games in the same box. Not sure how to divide/work out gameplay, that would depend on the game itself, but the idea of moving saves back and forth between the two, affecting things in both, could be interesting.
Ultimately the handheld is probably going to be suplimental to the console, and the trick is that most people would rather use the two in different situations, so balancing the ability to use the handheld as an auxilary with the desire to play the console when you are at home and can, is tricky.
I think part of it might be the inherent connectivity between a Game System and a Handheld finally kicking in.
Until now, the only popular Game Systems that could interact with a handheld came from Nintendo (yes there were others but Nintendo has dominated the handheld market for a while now).
Fast forward to the 'new' generation.
The Wii can connect with the DS (and/or GBA?). The PS3 can connect with the PSP. The XBox 360 can connect with the?
I know a few Nintendo and Playstation titles have started exploring this in the generation thats ending (Gamecube/PS2), but this crossover play is something that really hasn't been explored much (although ironically, in Japan, cell phones are being hooked into the equation as well).
If you are expecting to see this sort of thing as a "wave of the future" then of course [sarcasm] MS must be developing their own handheld, or else be ready to give up that advantage to their competitors [/sarcasm]
I don't expect MS to tackle the handheld market just yet, competing with the iPod seems an easier target (the content already exists, you don't have to develop/publish it).
It also seems a harder target (most people love their iPod more than their handheld, of course a good device that did both would ROCK:D )
... Wait till Eclipse happens, then attempt coup or other act of Subversion.
This is particularly effective in places relying on visual recognition algorithms using only the visual spectrum in ambient light conditions.
Unfortunately it might take several tried to get the timing right, and rebuilding a system just to have another go-around can be too time comsuming for most practitioners.
absolutely true but, as the argument goes, if the PS3 dominates the next-gen console wars (admittedly a big if), then a large percentage of "early adopter" households will have a blu-ray player.
Assuming you wanted to get Blu-Ray OR HD-DVD disks, which would you get?
Disks that you already owned a player for, or disks that you had to shell out an additional XXX$* for?
(* your price and currency symbol may vary... see store for details:) )
It might be dangerously close to anti-competitive, but it doesn't sound like it actually IS anti-competitive.
MS's argument: We just want to scan the songs the users have purchased and load them into our WMA protected media player.
Apple's argument: No. If the users really want to load them, then they can download them into iTunes, burn them to a CD, and then rip the CD into your WMA encrypted format. We don't prevent our users from accessing their music or moving it to another player, we just prevent the other player from accessing our back-end. Its for security, I'm sure you understand.
Unless Apple lets MS do this, I don't see this as being something they will let happen. Heck, all they have to do is encrypt the communication between iTunes and the iTunes store (assuming it isn't already being done), and they could (conceivably) go after MS for DMCA violations (which would be fun to watch, but I wouldn't know who to root for).
On the other hand, this could also be excelent leverage for Apple to get something they want/need from MS (a contract for office support through 2020?)
That way, when they release the iPod Video HD (with a big wide screen w/ touch sensitivity, and built in tuner for over the air TV, AM/FM reception and WiFi), and crush MS's attempt, they can still get something out of them:)
BTW, has anyone ever noticed that MS enters the Hardware market, stays for a few years, and then promptly exits, leaving those who bought with no upgrade path? I for one wouldn't buy any hardware from MS after my last two experiances. They usually get it right, but don't plan on continued support (even in their own OS!), or being able to buy the product, or an upgraded product, later on.
the harder it is for the corporations to charge us money for cheesy applications.
Just think of how many cell phones lock down Blue-Tooth capabilities so you can't add your own ringtone unless you buy/download them on-line. Its one of the things at least, that T-Mobile got right.
Offer applications, and upgrade contents, but don't treat your customers like convicts.
Back in the real world however, you can't overthrow the government whenever you don't agree with it, especially when they have lots of guns and tanks and all you have are disgruntled peasents.
Obligatory Kung Fu Hustle Quote:
Sing: That old woman with the onion!
You look real tough. Want to try me?
I'll let you hit me first.
(woman punches him in the stomach and he spits out blood)
Sing: What do you do? Woman: I'm a farmer. Sing: Farmers don't fight. Piss off!
China has quite a history of the Farmers and Peasents rebelling when they don't like what the government is doing, they just don't usually care most of the time.
In "olden" times the disgruntled peasents armed themselves with the tools of their trade (since they weren't allowed traditional arms and armor). Most of those impliments went on to become the "traditional" weapons on most Martial Arts schools.
In more modern times, I wouldn't be surprised if things like Information Warefare became prevelant one one front, and other "home made" ingeneous device fit into the more tactical 'weapon' roles (HERF Guns, Potato Guns, I.E.D.s, etc.), although bricks seemed to work pretty well against the police forces they faced.
Don't forget one of the main issues when looking at India, China, and most of the "Far East" countries are their burgeoning populations. If they all gets moving in one particular direction, then they are truly a force to be reckoned with.... Of course with the draw down of troops in the U.S. and most European countries, the disparity is equally compelling should a large enough segment of the population truly feel inclined to rise up against their government. The argument is just that the severe disparty in the far-east allows the lower technological armament of the populace to counter the much higher tech base of the government, assuming a civil-war/revolution (and thats not even taking into account the possibility of some portion of the military siding with those revolting).
true, but I still remember the bloody hell people were screaming when a "Service Pack" upgraded functionality and changed the way their OS worked (and broke quite a few things).
They felt that sort of thing should be left for an upgrade, a 'dot' release (which MS curiously, doesn't really do any more, prefering to wrap up everything into their Service Packs).
Perhaps you're right and MS is ahead in the way that they are doing things, but I wish they didn't break things as badly during updates as they have.
I don't believe the automatic Apple updates have had the same impact (if only because they are more limited in scope).
True... on the other hand, Apple's service packs tend to be more tested, include functionality that upgrades the system, and are more like OS upgrades than Service Packs.
The Apple equivalent of Service packs are the Z level revisions (as in X.Y.Z, patch level, for Major, Minor and Patch level). They only charge for the X and Y upgrades.
Of course... considering how often they come out, I mean, we're on the fourth or fifth version of OS X now, and the third or fourth patch level of it.
Won't they be coming out with "OS Horizons" soon?;)
What? They're just going to release 10.5... where's the fun in that?
While there are reasonable levels of co-operation between their respective security services, there is no top level organisation comparable with the NSA or the Chinese equivelent.
Slashdot Mirror
Yes, but the difference is that MS holds a court verified monopoly (on desktop OS installations).
Once Vista ships from MS (ready or not, here it comes), it WILL ship on consumer boxes (want it or not, here it comes).
So that within a year or so after launch, most new PCs purchased will come with Vista pre-installed, especially after they stop selling XP.
If Intel decided to stop shipping all chips but the Itanium, most PC makers would laugh, and probably abandon them to use AMD.
Considering how little buzz this article seems to be generating (even on Slashdot), it seems like this might be a case of too little, too late.
The world has moved on from iTanic to x86-64.
Even if they are corded, will they be able to put up with abuse? (I've seen what some of the light-guns at the local arcade are put through, and those are designed to be abused).
...
... maybe in some homes the difference is smaller, but its still a more fragile situation than any previous console controler that was basically bolted to a metal enclosure so they didn't have to worry about wear on the cord, or someone walking off with the remote.
I'm not saying people are going to try to break them, but there is a major difference between what sort of abuse they would get in a store compared to at home
okay
alternatively, in a country where housing space is more at a premium than in the U.S. (except perhaps Manhattan and parts of California), the fact that there IS an overwhelming PS2 fan base (with accumulated games), might mean that the PS3s features, along with the need NOT to keep a second gaming unit means that in a small apartment the 'up and coming' japanese citizen could displense with:
PS2
CD player
DVD player
Blu-Ray player
(TiVo-ish device? -- heard rumors of something like this for the PS3)
As someone living in a small apartment right now, thats an awful lot of stuff to put "under the tv".
And speaking of TVs, Japans adoption of HDTV, as well as the thinner form factor those TVs take up (again using the idea of 'tight space' and 'techno-chique' as driving points), mean that HD output might be more of a selling point in japan than in the U.S.
Yes, but how well are the Wii-motes going to stand up to demo use? ... and if they don't, how well will the demo really go? (or will the Wii-motes be chained down hard to the console so you are limited to 'standard' use ... keeping the inovative aspects from being presented)
BBEdit (and TextWrangler) are absolutely fabulous.
I use it every day, and it was worth every penny (Text Wrangler is the free version which is still pretty feature complete).
We use SVN at work and the integrated SVN tools (runs against the local repository), are great. They also support CVS, although both of these features require purchasing the BBEdit version of the product.
Another of those nice features available in both versions is the ability to open a file remotely via ftp/sftp.
(Also obviously has syntax highlighting and the ability to convert file formats between native Mac, Unix and Windows which can be useful with text files sometimes).
I've found a similar experience since my wife and I got a TiVo about 2 years ago.
:)
I may watch more television, but I actually do it in less time, and it tends to be more of what I want (instead of just "what garbage is on now").
TiVo's suggestions list acts as a low priority slush pile that you can wade through to find things that might be of interest, even if there is nothing left in the "I told you to record this" menu
I try to only use the Vista Vapourware-2005 Edition.
Its the only one I've found to be compatible with Duke Nukem Forever RC1.
Not all 'creative pro' works in 'art'
:)
As an added bonus.
I work in IT. When I joined my company I was surprised to find they were a mac/linux shop for development. The reason was the wonderful flexability developing on a full *nix platform, especially when you are targetting linux. Some of the stuff our developers come up with is certainly 'creative'
We are currently migrating our laptops to MacBook Pros (from G4's), primarily because of the speed advantage, and the virtualization abilities.
Privately I do some network consulting. Based on my experiance I would recomend OSX Server for a few small-ish Companies in know, but right now the only version offered runs only on PowerPC hardware, something only offered on their desktop and xserver line.
I can't in good conscience recomend people spend a sizable chunk of money (for a small office that maintains an internet presense and wants to host web/mail in-house), on End Of Life hardware (especially since I don't know how long OS updates/upgrades will support it), and no, they don't have a rack, because they only have two servers in their closet (although they do at least have a patch-panel).
Until OS X server for Intel (which I assume is going to announced along with the desktop replacement), come out, these companies are playing the 'hurry up and wait' game on their upgrades.
I can't immagine they're the only ones waiting.
Perhaps what McAfee is really afraid of is the open dialog and response of something like ClamAV?
If enough developers 'pool' into working on it, and an open dialog of faults and vulnerabilities continues, could they find themselves out of a job from an Open Source solution?
(especially as they are about to be challenged by MS Defender, which could also benefit from open dialoge to augment a shallower background in the field?)
Nah, but the OSS community needs to be taking note of this!
:D )
"Malware writers use CVS! They're the scum of the earth. Shouldn't you use SVN instead?"
or
"9 out of 10 malware writers use CVS. Their software runs on millions of desktops world-wide. Shouldn't you use CVS too?"
(note: I am non-denominational on version control systems and could see the marketing go either way. I don't really care as long as it makes me laugh
I hadn't forgotten the Pocketstation or VMU.
I don't think the Pocketstation was released outside of Japan, and my impressions were that the Dreamcast never really achieved a high market penetration (and the VMU even lower).
I still believe that the N64 and GBA were the first pair of systems with wide spread adoption to be able to achive such "crossover play", with the current and next generations continuing the trend.
Still, you are right that it is a feature that relatively few games have exploited as anything more than a gimick.
I was pointing out that those who are composing a checklist of features may see this as a reason why MS HAS to develop a handheld (I don't think its a compelling reason though). On the other hand I believe that all it may take is a developer or two with vision to change the landscape.
In my mind there are two types of interaction:
1) Using the handheld as an augmented controller
The ability to receive a 'limited' copy of a game from another handheld could be used to upload the 'handheld' component for a game where the handheld can become the controller. The screen(s) could be used for inventory control, HUD, or some other function.
The DS could add 'touch screen' to a Wii title, but this would probably mean sacrificing the Wii-mote (with the motion sensing, etc.). So this it really more of a trade-off.
The PSP would add an extra screen, but would provide 2 fewer shoulder buttons and 1 fewer analog sticks.
PROS: All it would take is a few innovative developers to figure out how to use it, and I think the idea will take off (the classic example which never DID happen was as a controller for sports games so you could pick your plays without the other person seeing). Don't need to provide an additional ROM/Disk/etc.
CONS: You still might need to code 'standard' controller support. This would probably relegate the use to "gimmick". Alternatively require the handheld and you might shrink your target market (although a 'killer' app could get away with it, and for Nintendo I believe this could easily be a requirement).
2) Crossover play between handheld and game titles.
The problem is figuring out how to have the two titles interact, and still have each title maintain enough individuality that you don't NEED to have both. Usually game developers have chosen to allow you to unlock extra content in one game if you have the other, howver imagine if they could take it farther.
This would require them to commit to the idea of the game actualy being for two platforms (the handheld and the console). Perhaps they could even package both games in the same box. Not sure how to divide/work out gameplay, that would depend on the game itself, but the idea of moving saves back and forth between the two, affecting things in both, could be interesting.
Ultimately the handheld is probably going to be suplimental to the console, and the trick is that most people would rather use the two in different situations, so balancing the ability to use the handheld as an auxilary with the desire to play the console when you are at home and can, is tricky.
I think part of it might be the inherent connectivity between a Game System and a Handheld finally kicking in.
:D )
Until now, the only popular Game Systems that could interact with a handheld came from Nintendo (yes there were others but Nintendo has dominated the handheld market for a while now).
Fast forward to the 'new' generation.
The Wii can connect with the DS (and/or GBA?).
The PS3 can connect with the PSP.
The XBox 360 can connect with the?
I know a few Nintendo and Playstation titles have started exploring this in the generation thats ending (Gamecube/PS2), but this crossover play is something that really hasn't been explored much (although ironically, in Japan, cell phones are being hooked into the equation as well).
If you are expecting to see this sort of thing as a "wave of the future" then of course [sarcasm] MS must be developing their own handheld, or else be ready to give up that advantage to their competitors [/sarcasm]
I don't expect MS to tackle the handheld market just yet, competing with the iPod seems an easier target (the content already exists, you don't have to develop/publish it).
It also seems a harder target (most people love their iPod more than their handheld, of course a good device that did both would ROCK
... Wait till Eclipse happens, then attempt coup or other act of Subversion.
This is particularly effective in places relying on visual recognition algorithms using only the visual spectrum in ambient light conditions.
Unfortunately it might take several tried to get the timing right, and rebuilding a system just to have another go-around can be too time comsuming for most practitioners.
absolutely true but, as the argument goes, if the PS3 dominates the next-gen console wars (admittedly a big if), then a large percentage of "early adopter" households will have a blu-ray player.
... see store for details :) )
Assuming you wanted to get Blu-Ray OR HD-DVD disks, which would you get?
Disks that you already owned a player for, or disks that you had to shell out an additional XXX$* for?
(* your price and currency symbol may vary
It might be dangerously close to anti-competitive, but it doesn't sound like it actually IS anti-competitive.
:)
MS's argument: We just want to scan the songs the users have purchased and load them into our WMA protected media player.
Apple's argument: No. If the users really want to load them, then they can download them into iTunes, burn them to a CD, and then rip the CD into your WMA encrypted format. We don't prevent our users from accessing their music or moving it to another player, we just prevent the other player from accessing our back-end. Its for security, I'm sure you understand.
Unless Apple lets MS do this, I don't see this as being something they will let happen. Heck, all they have to do is encrypt the communication between iTunes and the iTunes store (assuming it isn't already being done), and they could (conceivably) go after MS for DMCA violations (which would be fun to watch, but I wouldn't know who to root for).
On the other hand, this could also be excelent leverage for Apple to get something they want/need from MS (a contract for office support through 2020?)
That way, when they release the iPod Video HD (with a big wide screen w/ touch sensitivity, and built in tuner for over the air TV, AM/FM reception and WiFi), and crush MS's attempt, they can still get something out of them
BTW, has anyone ever noticed that MS enters the Hardware market, stays for a few years, and then promptly exits, leaving those who bought with no upgrade path? I for one wouldn't buy any hardware from MS after my last two experiances. They usually get it right, but don't plan on continued support (even in their own OS!), or being able to buy the product, or an upgraded product, later on.
the harder it is for the corporations to charge us money for cheesy applications.
Just think of how many cell phones lock down Blue-Tooth capabilities so you can't add your own ringtone unless you buy/download them on-line. Its one of the things at least, that T-Mobile got right.
Offer applications, and upgrade contents, but don't treat your customers like convicts.
Obligatory Kung Fu Hustle Quote:
Alternatively see:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/arti
China has quite a history of the Farmers and Peasents rebelling when they don't like what the government is doing, they just don't usually care most of the time.
In "olden" times the disgruntled peasents armed themselves with the tools of their trade (since they weren't allowed traditional arms and armor). Most of those impliments went on to become the "traditional" weapons on most Martial Arts schools.
In more modern times, I wouldn't be surprised if things like Information Warefare became prevelant one one front, and other "home made" ingeneous device fit into the more tactical 'weapon' roles (HERF Guns, Potato Guns, I.E.D.s, etc.), although bricks seemed to work pretty well against the police forces they faced.
Don't forget one of the main issues when looking at India, China, and most of the "Far East" countries are their burgeoning populations. If they all gets moving in one particular direction, then they are truly a force to be reckoned with.
That exemption was due to the police unions raising high hell. Police are, of course, better than us.
:)
By 'better' I assume you mean 'better armed'?
okay ... I'll take the bate.
... I didn't know PHP could be such an elegant language also. :)
The perl equivalent of $x["a"]["b"]["c"] = "d";
would be $x["a"]["b"]["c"] = "d";
Gee
What? I'm not allowed to use references?
What about the ones that are implied? Like those cute little '[]' your statement used.
Similar to the implied reference that makes ANY array code work, by taking the starting address and jumping X units into the array to access a member.
As Iunderstand it ... Mason, a perl based web authoring kit has been used by quite a few web sites, including Amazon.
... I guess their website is just painfully slow and prone to problems.
Yeah
true, but I still remember the bloody hell people were screaming when a "Service Pack" upgraded functionality and changed the way their OS worked (and broke quite a few things).
They felt that sort of thing should be left for an upgrade, a 'dot' release (which MS curiously, doesn't really do any more, prefering to wrap up everything into their Service Packs).
Perhaps you're right and MS is ahead in the way that they are doing things, but I wish they didn't break things as badly during updates as they have.
I don't believe the automatic Apple updates have had the same impact (if only because they are more limited in scope).
True ... on the other hand, Apple's service packs tend to be more tested, include functionality that upgrades the system, and are more like OS upgrades than Service Packs.
... considering how often they come out, I mean, we're on the fourth or fifth version of OS X now, and the third or fourth patch level of it.
;)
... where's the fun in that?
The Apple equivalent of Service packs are the Z level revisions (as in X.Y.Z, patch level, for Major, Minor and Patch level). They only charge for the X and Y upgrades.
Of course
Won't they be coming out with "OS Horizons" soon?
What? They're just going to release 10.5
Thats only what they want you to think.