French gaming site NoFrag has created a video compilation of the evolution of first person shooters from 1992 to 2011. The video illustrates a remarkable journey over the past 20 years in terms of graphics and gameplay. The YouTube video page is already flooded with “Why isn’t [insert game name] included?!” comments, but NoFrag states that they wanted to represent each year with only one game. Some key favorite titles, such as Halo and Call of Duty, are therefore not included in the
Repairability Chart Outs Industry Focus on Disposable Tablets
The shift of the computing industry from big open boxes to small tightly-integrated mobile devices, started in many ways by Apple in the early 2000s, has led to a new era of portability and functionality. But it has also deprived customers of expandability, customization, and repairability. For most users purchasing new tablets and ultrabooks, the days of upgrading and repairing hardware post-purchase are over. From the perspective of many companies, consumers are encouraged to view new devices through a lens
How to Restore Metro Mode for Internet Explorer in Windows 8
Windows 8 represents a significant change for both Microsoft and operating systems in general. As a result of this change, some quirky functionality remains in the OS that Microsoft will hopefully iron out over time. One of these quirky items is the way that Internet Explorer 10 works in both the desktop and “Metro” interfaces. By default, IE 10 is available to users as a full-screen Metro app via the Start screen. Full-screen apps, especially on desktop platforms, are a
How to Change the Default Fonts & Text Size in OS X’s Notes App
Notes, an iOS app that found its way to OS X in Mountain Lion, is a great way to keep track of simple items and tasks, especially when combined with the syncing capabilities of iCloud. In keeping with its simplistic heritage, however, the OS X version of Notes lacks any preferences that allow users to customize their note-taking experience. One customization option that many may find useful is the ability to set a default font size. Notes lets users change
Ken Segall: Apple’s Dominance in Marketing is Eroding
Author and former adman Ken Segall argues that Apple may have lost its edge in when it comes to marketing. Segall, who helped develop Apple’s famous “Think Different” campaign in the late 1990s, points out that the days of Apple’s humorous “Get a Mac” campaign are long gone, and that the new era of product-focused marketing favored in Cupertino is proving far less effective against mobile rival Samsung. While you can still argue that Macs and i-devices have a ton
Power Up: Kickstarter Concept Life-Spot Charges 8 Devices At Once
Kickstarter projects often have a hefty dose of hype, but here’s an interesting one that’s gone relatively unnoticed thus far: the Life-Spot Multi-Device Charger. The triangular charging station features eight retractable cords that can power a variety of devices via two Lightning connectors, two 30-pin dock connectors, and four micro USB connectors. Each cord also has a corresponding insert that can safely hold a mobile phone or other small device while it charges. The Life-Spot is being positioned as useful
EA Close to Implementing Multi-Platform Single Identity System
Following the launch of Origin, EA’s digital distribution platform, on OS X earlier this month, the gaming giant announced Tuesday that it is ready to implement a single identity system to bridge gamers’ experiences across platforms. In an increasingly segmented gaming world, EA hopes to provide users with a unified profile that can track their progress and achievements as they move between platforms, providing benefits to both gamers and EA. From gamers’ perspectives, they will soon be able to use