Well, true to form I went to pre ordered the phone at midnight, but the apple site was down. I kept checking back again and again until the site came back online 45 min later. I put in my order, but couldn’t get past the ATT upgrade verification point. Another 45 min later I found myself on AT&T’s site finally getting the order through and getting to be.

Fast forward to Friday and I finally have the phone in hand. So was it worth staying up late? (Even though I had work at 5am that morning) Was it worth he price? Was it a worthy upgrade?

In short, yes, yes, and yes.

Honestly, after using it all weekend I’m happy I upgraded. In fact I’m happy they didn’t redesign the phone making it larger after messing with a thunderbolt earlier in the week. I just found it to be awkward in my hand (the thunderbolt, not the iPhone). So bigger isn’t always better, and upgrading the insides of one of the best designed cases of all time and leaving the outside alone is not a bad thing. It runs smooth, sounds clean, Siri is a blast to use and the camera is worth the admission alone for a person like myself who depends on a phone for 99.9% of all the pictures I take  .

It’s the iPhone 4… yes, but so much more refined. One last plus, I was forced to purchase my last iPhone in black because of the manufacturing issues with the white cases. Personally I like my electronics to not be black, so I’m also happy that I can move away from that phone and back to something that matches my iPad.

-Shaun

I keep waiting for things to calm down but life is busier then ever. In a lot of ways it’s great, but for the site it’s bad. I hope to be back and writing on a regular basis before long but I can’t make any promises there. There are lot’s of review’s I’ve been dying to give, and thought’s I’ve wanted to share.

To anyone who feels they have something to contribute to this site, feel free to send in information and let me know. I would love to meet someone who has an interest in writing an occasional article. News, reviews, politics, help and advice, as long as it’s interesting it goes.  Keep a look out  for my next article tentatively titled ” The Highlander…. Wolverine without the adamantium skeleton?”

Ok maybe I wont write it, but if I do I will post it here at some point.

-

Shaun

So you’ve installed Itunes update. You restart your computer and launch the program only to get the message “The Itunes application could not be opened. An unknown error occurred 13008.” Now what? Here is a quick simple solution.

First let me tell you what is causing the problem.

It’s the file

“iTunes Library Genius.itdb”

I’ll admit I’m not a technical genius so here is the simple fix.

1. Make sure itunes if fully closed (including the error message)

2. Open Finder then Open the folder Music

3. Open Itunes

4. Move all files from the Itunes folder into a new temporary folder.

The Itunes folder should be empty at this point.

5. Open Itunes fully then close it.

6. Refresh the Itunes folder, there should be some new files in it now.

7. Move back all the files previously moved to the new folder.

8. Your computer will notify you of duplicate files. Replace all duplicate files except the corrupt “iTunes Library Genius.itdb” with the the original ones.

Start Itunes, it should be fixed.

Be for warned your will lose you genius playlist with this fix.

Looks like I’ll be back for a bit. Sorry for the time away but work is always busiest this time of the year.

-Shaun

Over 80 million units moved and still it’s going strong. This system outsells the Xbox 360, WII, and PS3 combined month to month. In handhelds it outsells the PSP 2:1. Four years have passed since the release of Nintendo’s DS. A product can only be viable for so long. Only so many units can be sold before a generation must end. For the DS, this point is in sight.

First a quick look back at Nintendo’s hand held hardware releases. The Game Boy Color was released in 1998 replacing the standard Game Boy released 9 years earlier. Why nine years for the next platform? Lack of real competition is one reason. Strong sales figures, and cosmetic revisions would be the other.  During the 12 year run of the Game Boy and Game Boy color close to 119 Million units were sold. Compared to Sega’s Game Gear who sold only 11 Million units during it’s 7 year run.  Three years later in 2001 Nintendo released the Game Boy Advanced selling over 81 Million units. In 2004 the DS is released selling over 80 Million units to date.

So what’s the point? We are very, very close to the next generation of portable going.  In many respects it’s here. 80 million units seems to be the point developers start looking at viability. However the DS was much like the original Game Boy. No real competition with a platform that could have sustained for some time. Times however are changing, new and unforeseen players have entered the market. People are leaving their PSP and DS at home in favor of an all in one mobile phone device.  The envelope has been pushed and Nintendo’s door is being knocked on. With that lets look at what the next DS needs to be if Nintendo wishes to remain king, Nintendo Mobile.

The Mobil Market

So much can be learned from looking at the mobil phone market, and what manufactures have done. Nintendo needs to realize the only way to stay on top will be through innovation and emulation. Apple has done something absolutely ingenious. When apple created the IPhone they realized everyone would want it, but not everyone needs a phone. Apples solution? the Ipod touch, the same unit minus the phone.

It’s time Nintendo entered the mobil phone market as well. By offering two versions much like apple does every customer base will be within reach. By offering a mobile version Nintendo can insure their system is always on hand, because no one leaves home without their phone.  Many young adults just can’t afford a monthly plan though, so a second cheaper version should be made available on all store shelves, like the Ipod touch, minus the phone, we’ll call it Nintendo Lite.

Design

The design needs to be simple, a cross somewhere between LG’s Voyager and Apple’s IPhone. Keep the dual screen, it’s become their signature, but make them both touch interface. The device needs to be thin so it’s easy, and comfortable to carry. Keep the stylist, and Include an accelerometer.

Nintendo already has one of the best interfaces out there, in fact i can’t help but feel it’s been browed a few times. Wii’s menu system known as Wii Channels by some, is perfect for a phone.  With only a little tweaking, the easy to use system could gain traction very quick. There is another advantage to using their own system instead of something like windows mobile. Every major developer is already familiar with it, has programed for it, and seems to love it. With a preexisting software line up and you have a Juggernaut of a system from day one.

Making Video Games More Accessible.

While it’s nice to buy a game in store, it’s a better experience to download them to my phone. Hand held games are in a way like music. Most people want to buy their games online. This is a good thing for both Developer and Consumer. The consumer can save money by downloading software that doesn’t have the associated cost and overhead of a store title. I’m not saying online only, I’m saying online also and on every game. People without easy access to a place that carries games will always have access to the Internet, and therefor can purchase a game from home instead of waiting and becoming disinterested. For the developer it’s a guaranteed software sale, and the customer is guaranteed happy with the easy option of buying programs on the fly.

Backward compatibility will be extremely important, not just because it keeps customers happy, but because of the huge and instant catalog of available titles for the device. Move these titles online for download and you have an amazing device, a huge catalog of games, along with the best games available on any phone, bar none.

WiiWare works and should be expanded to the hand held market. So many people are innovative and can ad something to the whole experience that a larger studio might normally miss.

Reach Out to The Computer Market

What’s a great phone without great management software. Although some people have grown tired of Itunes many people love it. Being able to brows music, movies, television, and applications from the comfort of your computer has it’s advantages. Again Nintendo needs to duplicate it’s WII Channel experience for the home computer. Make sure people are able to sync things they really care about such as calendars, mail, music and photos. While Nintendo is more then capable they need to make sure they keep a innovative yet simplistic design.

Realize They are Capable of Raising the Bar

For the 19 years Nintendo has been in the hand held market they’ve had a unique opportunity. Close to if not over 300 million opportunities in fact. Everyone in America has or has played a Game Boy or DS at some point in their life. People know the name Nintendo as trustworthy, innovative and gaming, they are hardware and software. Fact is there’s no doubt in any one’s mind of quality products they produce. If there is one hype machine out there it’s Nintendo and they deliver almost every time. Only apple, a company similar in may regards has delivered on numerous occasions.

As companies enter the mobile market they are missing one thing, history and a understanding of what people are really looking for. Nintendo has this and should use it while moving forward to the next generation of gaming. The DS Mobile can, and should be the next pillar of the wireless phone industry.

EA continues to battle their costomers over the severly restrictive DRM included with Spore. Melissa Thomas has filed suit against EA over the software DRM SecuRom that installs with Spore. The main issue is “Nowhere in any of EA’s discussions, responses or explanations of it’s DMR did EA disclose that the Spore disk contained a seperately installed, stand alone, uninstallable DRM program which would install it self to the command and control center of the computer and oversee function and operation on the computer.”

The complaint addresses many issues many of us have with EA and DRM. It is a interesting read and should be checked out. Here is the link.

[Court House News]

Super Monkey Ball for IPhone is based on the popular console version. There is a monkey in a ball on a floating island. Guide the monkey to the goal.

The Defense

Graphically it’s the best looking game out there. The Colors are sharp and vibrant. That’s where the good end’s.

The Prosecution

If you have ever played Monkey Ball on another console, then you should be accustom to the fact that if you let off the control, the monkey quits moving.  On the iPhone it’s the opposite the monkey always moves forward, there is no way to stand still, even with the last and only update nothing has been fixed. This makes it impossible for this gamer to enjoy the experience. I also have major issues with the camera, it would be nice if it were adjustable, say with your finger. This game controls like X-Plane which is graphically on par so there is no reason to be missing a feature a basic tech demo has equipped. So often I try slowing down only to have the camera reverse direction and I end up falling off. Be warned, this game can put anyone in a bad mood quick.

Final Verdict

The only recommendation this game should get is to a top ten worst games list. This game sucks and so does the Developer. I swear these monkey’s would blow over the legal limit if tested for alcohol. Just play the game to see what i mean. On second though you shouldn’t waste your time. I’ve supported Sega for years owning almost every American console and many of there games. Many people have complained about the unplayability of this game and they have not listened. As of this post there has been only one update and it addressed nothing major.  This was designed by a major studio, there is no excuse. I know sega has been going down hill for years but I’m starting to feel gamers are a distant priority for them. This game has left me feeling all but appreciated by the developer.  It is in my opinion broken and unplayable. Don’t even consider this title until the developer puts out some major improvements..

You can download it here.

MotionX Poker is a dice based poker game developed by Fullpower Technologies Inc.

The Defense

I will say the graphics are great, the artwork is well drawn and the play mechanics are spot on.  There are so many unlockable items it could keep you busy for some time. The game sets goals making sure you have something to work toward.  There are 5 tables total to play and over 30 dice selection.There’s also a separate feature of dice only, nice if you like role playing or anything of that natue.

The Prosecution

While It’s pretty to look at and mechanically perfect, but there is an ugly truth to be had. It’s just not fun to play. Unless you like shaking a phone without purpose, have never played a fun game or happen to love poker via dice, your enjoyment will last less then 5 Min.

Final Verdict

Even though newly priced at $.99 it’s really not worth the money. I can’t quite figure it out, but it’s missing that special charm. It’s a key element that makes a game, well, a game. Texas Holdem has it, Poker X doesn’t. In a lot of ways it reminds me of solitaire for windows. It’s only fun if that’s all you have to play. There are so many good games out there for the dollar you could skip this one, and never be sorry. The only people I could recommend this to are thoughts who use dice on a regular basis. The dice are great, and will appeal to though who like the idea of having a set with them at all times.

You can download it here.

You can download the free version here.

Last week we reported the FBI was hot on the heels of the Mysterious Palin hacker “Rubico”. It looks like the FBI has found it’s man. FBI agents searched the residence of David Kernell over the weekend looking for evidence in connection to the crime. David is the son Tennessee state Rep. Mike Kernell (D. TN) making this all just a wee bit more interesting.

Now for a quick analysis.

The real question is how it will affect Rep. Mike Kernell (D. TN) in the Novembers election. While I don’t see this being a national issue, it could have a state level impact. In Tenneesse Mccain is up 25 points according to the latest from Rassmussen Reports. Tim Cook (R. TN) is the other man running. In 2006 He lost gaining only 33% of the vote to Kernells 66%. It’s typically hard to unseat a popular elected official even when directly evolved in a scandal. Look up Ted Stevens (R. AK) who is statistically tied in Rassmussen’s latest poll for further evidence.

Their are a lot of factors here so the numbers should be interesting to watch. Conservitives will see this as a deliberate setup and invasion of privacy by the Democratic party. If the race is close don’t put it past anyone to use this as a political tool. Liberals will see a young wistle blower, exposing Palin’s illegal use of private e-mail to conduct state business. They will argue that no real breach of privacy was conducted  being all e-mail accounts used for Government purpose are to be made public eventually.  They will also argue it was Palin who first broke the law.

While this shouldn’t effect the opinions of these two voting blocks, Independents accounting for 35% of the political makeup could be swayed. There are two catigories of voter here. One grows tired of the nonsense political tactics curtsy of the Republican party. The other block grows tired of the perceived sexism and attacks against Governor Sarah Palin. Only one thing is for sure, tension will continue to mount, feelings will be hurt and the eventual loser? Their sure to feel cheated.

[AP STORY] [Rassmussen Reports]