Tag: Revisiting 2014

Top 10 Games to Watch Out for in 2015

This year saw a slew of some awesome game launches. Along with that, we witnessed the prowess of the Xbox One and PlayStaion 4 and what these high-end consoles are capable of. With 2015 knocking on the door, what better time to explore what’s in store for us gamers in the coming year. A lot of promising new developers along with already established franchises, 2015 is expected to be a game changer for this industry.

There are some awesome projects in the making, hence lets jump onto our list of the most anticipated games for 2015:

Bloodborne

From the developers of Dark Souls and Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne has all the elements of a gripping horror story. Despite having a similar feel to the Souls games, Bloodborne has a persona of its own, with a gripping gothic setting and new game mechanics. The game boasts different weapons that make combat all the more fun. Bloodborne is all geared up to make us face the Darkside and definitely one of the games to watch out for in the coming year.

The game is slated for a March 24, 2015 release on the PS4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nHT2RSD5GAM

Evolve

This asymmetric shooter has the making of something special, which blends in teamwork and competitive play with real panache. It features some over the top shooting mechanics where co-op teamwork is not just a gimmick, but a necessity. Four players don the role of futuristic hunters, each having their set of skills and weapons.

Not one of your everyday shooters, the gameplay looks stunning and certainly one of the titles to watch for. Evolve will be coming 2nd February, 2015 for PC, PS4 and the Xbox One.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BNiPQ90iWJ4

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Stunning vast landscapes, great storytelling, and new combat mechanics await us in this massive open world game. The Witcher 3 has a bit of everything and following on from its predecessor; the game oozes quality and more depth. From everything we’ve seen so far of The Witcher 3, it has immense potential we just can’t wait to see what’s really in store for us.

The game is scheduled for a release on May 19 for the PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=901vOVBTF6g

Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight marks the return of Rocksteady Studios. Last year’s Arkham Origins developed by Warner Bros. was a bit of a disappointment. The game also marks the return of the veteran voice actor Kevin Conroy as Batman with Scarecrow being the Dark Knight’s nemesis. In this explosive finale of the Arkham saga, Batman faces his arch nemesis Scarecrow, who has united Gotham’s top evil geniuses including Penguin, Two-Face and Harley Quinn to destroy the Dark Knight forever. The game will feature the intriguing Batmobile, which apparently will form an integral part of the gameplay, for the first time in the franchise. A deadly combo of Batmobile and new gameplay mechanics should suffice hardcore Batman fanatics who have been longing for that complete Batman experience.

Arkham Knight is slated for a June 2 release and will be coming to the PS4, Xbox One and PC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jPXtuCDp47s

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Creators of the Game of the Year 2013 (The Last of Us), Naughty Dog Studios is now focusing on its other hot property – Uncharted 4. Expected to be an explosive high paced Indiana Jones like adventure, it’ll be interesting to see what the game has in store. Moreover, some of Uncharted’s lead creators not a part of the studio anymore, we’re sure that The Last of Us directors Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley have something special to do with the franchise.

Expect a well-paced cinematic adventure with some witty characters, certainly one of the titles to watch out for in 2015. No exact launch date has been announced for the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ow2cL-pp6p8

The Division

Slated for a release in 2014, Tom Clancy’s The Division was pushed back to 2015 with Ubisoft aiming to deliver something of a spectacle with the game. Three studios are working together on The Division namely Ubisoft Red Storm, Ubisoft Reflections, and Massive Entertainment.

It’ll be interesting to see how the game redefines the genre, touted as the most technologically advanced game in the making. With so much going on, Tom Clancy’s The Division by Ubisoft is worth the wait. The game will be released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows though an exact launch date has not yet been specified.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JhBAc6DYiys

Metal Gear Solid: Phantom Pain

Boasting a new open world approach, the Phantom Pain is all about a complex plot line, while the core of the game maintains those intense stealth mechanics. With Ground Zeroes already getting rave reviews, laying down a solid base for stealth action game, it’ll be interesting to see how it plays on the large scale Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.

Long time fans of the franchise will be eager to see how the Big Boss takes the next step to becoming the warlord he’s destined to be. The game will be launched on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows, though an exact launch date hasn’t been announced yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Rfn4UBmhfAM

Rise of the Tomb Raider

The franchises’ 2013 offering reestablished our faith in the series, while the next installment in the Tom Raider saga shows a Lara Croft, who is broken. However, this is where she is strengthened by the experiences of the first game, and it’ll be interesting to see how her character evolves in the next game. The game is scheduled for a launch sometime in 2015 for the Xbox One, though an exact launch date has not been announced as of now.

Mortal Kombat X

One of the oldest franchises in video game history and soon to get its tenth installment – Mortal Kombat X. The game is expected to get bloodier and badder and is set to deliver the most brutal Kombat experience ever. In addition, the massive memory pool of current gen consoles will deliver cutting edge graphics along with new game mechanics which should make it all the more gnarly and brutal.

Mortal Kombat X is coming on the PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and the PC around the 15th of April next year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jSi2LDkyKmI

Star Wars: Battlefront

DICE’s reboot of the multiplayer shooter series, Battlefront just looks stunning; showing us glimpses of the ice planet Hoth and forests of Endor. But how the game will play, what kind of game modes it will have or if we will have a full-fledged single player campaign as well, still remains a mystery.

The game is slated for a late 2015 release for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. At around the same time when Episode VII hits cinemas next year, there’re sure to be some epic levels of hype surrounding the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2yKv45X_OIo

January 1, 2015
10 Tech Resolutions You Should Keep This New Year

All of us make several resolutions every year. And why not, the beginning of a year is the best time to adopt new habits. But have you ever considered keeping a few tech-related promises?

Technology has become an integral part of our lives and largely, it has made it simpler. In spite of numerous benefits, its evil effects shouldn’t be ignored. Take a pledge to make these tech resolutions this New Year:

1. Avoid e-Readers before bedtime

Definitely, e-Readers have ended the need for hard copies but a recent study has revealed that reading through electronic devices at bedtime could adversely affect sleep habits. Research says that the light emitted by the device can have a bad impact on the overall health, alertness, and circadian clock. This in turn results in sleeping disorders. So, to get a good night’s sleep, vow to avoid gadgets before bedtime.

2. Go Paperless

Papers cannot be avoided entirely. You need to have a hard copy of the digital document just as a backup, but we also confess that it’s not required always. Many a times, we take a printout of the non-required text and pay no heed to the fact that paper wastage is a direct cause for deforestation. Vow to switch to emails, PDFs, Google Docs and other digital mediums and use paper only when it’s unavoidable.

3. Keep the TV off bedroom

We know that in this ever busy life, we get less time for ourselves. No time to sleep, eat, watch Television and sometimes even eat. You may be entertaining yourself watching late night daily soaps, but seriously, that is not the right decision to amuse yourself. A research organisation American Academy of Sleep Medicine has revealed that watching TV at night may lead to disrupted sleep patterns.

The organisation said that a minimum of seven hours of sleep is mandatory and the person resting less than that may suffer from increased obesity, morbidity and the worst scenario may lead to death as well. It would be advisable to keep the Television set in the family room rather than the bedroom.

4. Install an Anti-theft app

Phone theft has become a daily affair. You need to take precautions before you become one of the victims. Pledge that this new year you will install an anti-theft app for the safety of your own phone. Just a few taps and text, and you are done. You can also check out some of these apps to make your phone theft-proof and download one that suits your needs.

5. Build a Smarter Home

Smart home automation is one thing you need to invest in this new year. Start with lighting and audio-visual and then switch on to shading, sensors, actuators and more. The automation will not only make your life super easy, but also aid in conserving electricity. You can switch off the lights, fans and other electrical appliances from anywhere just through a tab on your phone. Also, the technology senses the presence of a person and adjusts wisely.

6. Use Tech to Stay fit

Apart from making the best use of technology at work, it’s time to utilize it for you. Well, we are talking about the fitness apps which are profuse in quantity on the app store, but remain neglected for one or the other reasons. Kickstart 2015 by installing some fitness apps and notice your health stats. Record your walking, running and other activities and also get suggestions based on your performance. The fitness apps will keep many health issues at bay. A few of them to consider are RunKeeper, Google Fit, and Fitocracy.

7. Download a Password Manager

Managing passwords for all the websites you are signed up in is a tough task. Certainly, keeping one password for all sites is a solution to your forgetful nature, but that would make your accounts an easy target for hackers. The best way to beat this password management dilemma is downloading apps like 1Password and LastPass. These apps, by default, create strong and different passwords for diverse networks. Just log in and it will do the rest for you.

8. Unplug gadgets once charged

Research concludes that devices may burn due to overcharging of the batteries. These cases point out to one direction – negligence.

The devices should be unplugged from charging once the phone shows the full battery notification. Overcharging reduces the life of the device and may even lead to accidental hazards.

9. Say No to Texting and Driving

We agree, smartphones are an inseparable part of our lives, however it is important to remember that the world’s major accidents happen because of careless driving. If you are one amongst them who don’t care about the road safety rules and drive while keeping your eyes on your smartphone, then this is resolution is for you. Stay alert while driving, keep your eyes on the road and put your phone aside till you hit the next break.

10. De-clutter Your Desktop

Open a laptop and a countless number of icons appear on home screen instead of wallpaper. If that sounds like your desktop, then there is a need to keep your system organised. Delete the irrelevant stuff and arrange the required items logically in folders. Avoid storing it on the desktop as this slows down your system.

January 1, 2015
Revisiting 2014: 10 Epic Kickstarter Campaigns of Last Year

The independent tech community went big last year. Websites like Kickstarter.com have given the opportunity to millions of people to become venture capitalists and investors in new products. Such websites have given common people the power to see their ideas changing millions of lives.

We are listing top 10 brilliant Kickstarter campaigns which made this tech year so fun.

1. MIYO

This small piece of hardware is the revolution in the audio tech industry. Still running its campaign, MIYO is a digital-to-analog converter which lets you rediscover your favorite music as though it were high-quality vinyl. MIYO delivers the same amazing sound quality you would expect from that track, at a fraction of the size and cost.

2. Powerlace P-One

This Kickstarter campaign has made all ‘Back To Future’ fans go gaga. The company created the first shoes with auto-lacing capabilities that McFly made popular back in 80s. The shoes named Powerlace P-One don’t look similar to the sneakers in the movie, however, they certainly get the job done. The Powerlace shoes have a simple mechanism for auto-lacing that doesn’t involve any voice commands, complex chips, apps, batteries or motors.

3. Biofueled Triplane

It’s the world’s first eco-friendly plane powered by biofuel and has been named Bio-Electric-Hybrid-Aircraft or BEHA. This prototype is almost silent and cancels out night flight restrictions and pollution concerns. The six-seat aircraft could be a revolution in the field of aviation. Meanwhile, the BEHA prototype is in its initial phases of development. The developers claim that it is likely to take to the skies post 2020.

4. Pico

Pico is a tiny trigger that you can program through your smartphone and then easily use the programming to shoot time-lapse videos. The accompanying app gives you multiple shooting options such as HDR, speed ramping, and bulb ramping. With these in your hand, you can easily create professional looking visuals to enthrall your audience.

5. Reeljuice

Reeljuice is the world’s first backup battery pack with built-in universal charging cable, so you’ll always be prepared to recharge your phone or tablet. It features a 48-inch long, retractable charging cable which can be used to charge an array of popular devices available in the market. Reeljuice is the only portable power solution in the world that integrates patented, retractable, cord reel technology. It is created by a team of designers and engineers, who have received worldwide acclaim for their innovative products.

6. Pryntcase

A French startup, Pryntcases, has introduced a phone case that converts your phone to a Polaroid camera. Presently, the device can only take one polaroid film at a time and takes a minute to print the image, but it is still a great case to have. The appeal of physically holding a photograph can’t be matched with the tons of electronic images. The case comes with an accompanying camera app, which has a cool feature. It takes video while you are taking a picture. Then, when you hold the developed picture in front of the case, it will start playing the video.

7. Everykey

Available in a multitude of colors, Everykey is an innovative universal access device for everything that requires a physical key or password. It allows immediate access to a user’s password-protected electronics such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, as well as physically locked items including doors, car doors, bike locks, and other access devices that need to be controlled.

8. Modbook Pro X

The company, famous for turning Apple’s MacBook Pro into an iPad-like tablet, launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund its project, the Modbook Pro X, back in August. The Modbook has been around for about seven years, when Axiotron and Other World Computing teamed up to deliver the first Mac tablet at Macworld. At the time, 331 backers converted their own Retina MacBook Pros into a tablet. The conversion incorporates the laptop’s original hardware, with components shifted from the lower half of the computer to just behind the 15.4-inch 2,880 x 1,800-pixel LCD.

9. ZUtA Pocket Printer

ZUtA Pocket Printer is simple, softball-sized and compatible with any electronic device. It can be used anywhere, anytime. Since it doesn’t necessitate any special drivers, it can be accessed via computers, smartphones or tablets, by using the traditional print function or an app. It works with paper of any size and will print roughly 1,000 sheets of paper on a standard, disposable ink cartridge. The printer lasts for up to an hour on full battery and can be recharged via a USB cable.

10. Hendo hoverboard

Inventor Greg Henderson has created hovering technology that he calls Magnetic Field Architecture (MFA). Using the technology, you can practically get everything hovering and a hoverboard is the bare minimum that MFA can achieve. The Hendo hoverboard uses magnetic levitation principle, similar to the one used in Maglev trains. The device hovers 1-inch above the ground, that is good for a start. The board looks bulky, but its design is sleek and sexy. The device is capable of integrating with the natural movement of the rider.

January 1, 2015
Revisiting 2014 : 10 Most Epic Gadgets Released in 2014

From Virtual reality to 3D printing, the past 12 months have been a whirlwind of impressive new gadgets and game-changing innovations. Apple launched a handful of devices including iMac with Retina 5K display, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and most notably, the Apple Watch. It was big year for Virtual Reality as well with Google’s, simple yet intelligent, Cardboard project, Samsung’s Gear VR and Oculus Rift’s $350 development kit coming into the market this year.

We look into 2014’s most epic and innovative releases:

10. YotaPhone 2

YotaPhone 2 was officially announced earlier this month and is already setting benchmarks when it comes to innovation. The YotaPhone 2 has got some considerable improvements over its predecessor. It features a 5-inch 1080p AMOLED display and a 4.7-inch QHD e-Ink touchscreen, which is way better than the 4.3-inch screen of the previous model. The e-Ink paper display on the smartphone is similar to the e-Ink display we find on Amazon’s Kindle readers. It shows notifications, clock, weather, and is great for reading books and other readables in an eye friendly display.

9. Google Cardboard

Google Cardboard is a fold-out cardboard smartphone mount that, when combined with lenses, a magnet, a piece of hook-and-loop fastener, rubber band and held against the face, affords a virtual reality experience. Impressive, right? This is a DIY project from Google can can be made right at your place with minimal investment. In order to build it, all you need is a pair of lenses with a 40mm focal distance to keep the phone’s screen in focus some magnets, velcro and a rubber band. Thats it, with this tiny tinkering, you’ll be ready to hit the virtual reality experience. And if you don’t want to take the efforts of making one, you can always find ready made Cardboard headset for just $20-$40.

8. Vibso headphones

Build by designer Renaud Defrancesco, Vibso headband is made of a transparent acrylic glass and sends music vibrations across its surface to the user’s ears. The VIBSO headphones play music via Bluetooth and has a vibrating electromagnet that is hidden under an opaque plastic cover on top of the head and helps create the sound for the wearer. The electromagnet works like a speaker and has a connecting element that causes a membrane to vibrate and create sounds. The membrane, in this case, is made in a two-mm-thick transparent acrylic glass. Defrancesco used acrylic glass because it transmits sounds well and is flexible and easy to form.

7. Epson Wireless Workforce WF-100

Touted as the world’s smallest and lightest mobile printer yet, the WF-100 comes with built-in wireless and Wi-Fi direct capabilities to hook up to your laptop, tablet or any Android phones. The printer uses a rechargeable battery that charges via a USB port. It can print both A4 as well as 4X6 inch photos. It prints at the speed of 6.7 pages in a minute for black and 3.8 pages per minute for color.

6. LIX – 3D Printing Pen

London-based startup LIX created the smallest 3D printing pen in the world, a device that enables users to doodle in the air. Milled from aluminum and measuring 164mm x 14mm, it allows users to make objects in just a few seconds, including calligraphy, accessories and one-off prototypes. With functionalities similar to 3D printers, the USB port chargeable LIX pen quickly melts and cools colored plastic, which enables the pen to create rigid and freestanding structures on demand. Drawing in the air, now its cool or what?

5. DJI Phantom 2 Vision+

The DJI Phantom 2 Vision+Quadcopter comes with a GPS based navigation system, flies for up to 25 minutes, and has the capability to take still photos and shoot streaming video. The $1,200 price tag may make you lose the interest, but this drone is known of its exceptional flying capabilities and its powerful camera.

4. Blackphone

The Blackphone is a smartphone developed by SGP Technologies, that provides encryption for phone calls, emails, texts and internet browsing. SGP Technologies is a joint venture between the makers of GeeksPhone and Silent Circle. Blackphone’s Security Center in PrivatOS gives control over app permissions, such as the bundled Silent Phone and Silent Text services that encrypt communications so no one can eavesdrop on voice, video and text calls.

3. GoPro Hero4 Black

GoPro’s latest offering, the Hero4 lineup builds on the legacy and comes with great new upgrades. On the top of the line-up is the Hero4 Black, which comes at a price of $499. It shoots 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, giving you some incredible eye-popping visuals. Apart from that, it shoots Full HD (1080p) at 120 frames per second so you can play with some sweet slow-motion action shots. And of course, it offers 12-megapixel photos for folks who want a selfie at an epic destination.

2. Oculus Rift Developers Kit

The Oculus Rift DK 2 is an amazing piece of hardware, and while it’s far from ready for consumer use, it delivers a highly compelling experience that shows exactly how easy it is to get lost in virtual reality. From a gaming perspective, there’s no doubt that this is one of the most interesting new pieces of hardware. Oculus claims that the display works at 75 Hz, which is above the standard 60 Hz refresh rate. On their website, Oculus calls its display a low persistence OLED display, to eliminate motion blur and judder, two of the biggest contributors to simulator sickness. The 5.7 inch Note 3 display might address the pixilation issue and probably save people from the day long motion sickness they feel after wearing these headgears.

1. Apple Watch

Among other things, 2014 marked the return of Apple. Its iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus rollout was usual – full of giddy anticipation and excitement. The two models did not just break sales records globally, but they put Apple back on the front row. Apple also launched another product which is probably 2015’s most awaited device called the ‘Apple Watch’ (not iWatch). Apple is entering a completely new market category by bringing out the first Apple Watch. This smartwatch, expected to be out in early 2015, will come in three variations – Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport and the Apple Watch Edition. The wearable will be compatible with iPhone 5, 5S, 5C, 6 and 6 Plus.

December 28, 2014