FreekJensen

Rocksmith will let you plugin your real guitar

2011-03-17T03:15:00.000+01:00

Tired of Guitar Hero? Who isn't. One group that sure is tired of seeing wannabe rock stars jamming on plastic instruments are the real guitarists themselves. Soon, though, this group will be able to join the rhythm game fun without having to limit themselves to 5 rows of colored buttons. Soon, they'll be plugging their guitars into their consoles to play Rocksmith -- the game from Ubisoft that's about to one-up its fake forebears.
Set to ship in around September, the game will feature 45 tracks featuring artists like the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Nirvana and the Animals. The game will be compatible with both Xbox360 and PS3. The concept aims to combine the enjoyment of guitar playing with the fun of playing a game, while teaching the player to become better and better.

As a guitar player myself, this news comes as a very pleasant surprise. Not only will this stimulate stagnant guitarists as myself to once more pick up the guitar and aim to become better musicians, but by combining a mainstream game genre with an actual, applicable skill in music, Ubisoft may become the cause of a new wave of young guitarists appearing soon after the game's launch.

For those of you thinking about picking up the guitar, would this game be enough of a reason to go for it? And to those guitarists out there, how does this make you feel? If someone uses this to teach himself guitar, would you recognize him as a true guitarist?

Is Apple sabotaging web apps on its mobile devices?

2011-03-16T13:46:00.001+01:00

Apple may be sabotaging the performance of web apps on iOS, by deliberately making them run slower when run in full screen mode (i.e. when you launch them from the home screen). When web apps are run using the Safari browser, however, performance is reportedly normal. So the exact same app runs differently depending on how it is launched? You got it. And it may be an intentional move by the company.

Apple's iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad all have the ability to run two types of apps. The first is the native type of app, written in the Objective-C language, which is specifically written for Apple's iOS. The second type are the so-called web apps, which can be written in HTML, CSS, and Javascript. The benefit of the latter type of app is that it can be run on any mobile device, as opposed to native apps, which are specific to Apple's platform. Web apps can be accessed through the device's browser but can also be offered for download, in which case the software runs directly on the phone.

One mobile web app developer even went as far as to say that "Apple is basically using subtle defects to make web apps appear to be low quality – even when they claim HTML5 is a fully supported platform". A test performed by The Register confirms the slower performance of locally-run web apps. What's worse, Apple reportedly know about the "bug", but have let it be known they have no intention of fixing it.

So what do you think? Is this a way for Apple to make web apps look bad in favor of App Store-sold software (of which they take a 30% cut)?

Source

On-demand manufacturing (in space)

2011-03-14T01:00:00.014+01:00

Since the International Space Station's humble beginnings in 1998, the endeavor has resulted in various new findings in the areas of cancer research, protein crystal fabrication, and even the cultivation of human tissue, as well as the effects of zero gravity on the human body. What we learn up there might help us cure diseases down here, but doing science 220 miles (354km) away from your nearest supplier is a tricky challenge. The research astronauts do on the ISS often requires new kinds of tools -- tools that need to be supplied using space shuttles to ferry them; a costly and very limiting method. That might change when a new technology comes to fruition that would allow scientists on the station to create their own tools... from scratch.

Hey, maybe someone needs a vase up there, who knows.

Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication (EBF3) is a process by which NASA hopes to build metal parts in zero gravity environments. The process is very similar to soldering: You take a piece of metallic wire and heat it up using an electron beam until it becomes liquid. In this form, the material can then be formed into almost any possible shape. In principle, the idea is a lot like the 3D printer, in which objects are constructed layer by layer.

The technique could one day be used by the crew of the ISS to construct new tools on the fly, eliminating the need to wait for the next space shuttle to arrive with a new batch of instruments. While still at a primitive stage, Boeing has had a vested interest in EBF3 from the very start, believing it could aid them in the construction of new types of aircraft in the future. So in a couple of years, prepare to not only see these machines get used not just by astronauts, but by at least one aircraft manufacturer as well. Star Trek's replicator may not be a too distant reality.
Oh, and speaking of Star Trek...

Reverse chronology of Patrick Stewart

2011-03-14T00:33:00.001+01:00

We take a quick break from our usual technology-related talk and bring you a refreshing piece on your favorite actor, Patrick Stewart. The man is 70 years old. But that wasn't always the case. Let's go back in time and revisit the younger years of this iconic actor, who despite being best known for his Star Trek years playfully returns to his original love: Shakespearean theater.


2011: Stewart at the premiere of Gnomeo & Juliet, to which he lent his voice.

2008: At the London Film and Comic Con

2002: At the premiere of Star Trek: Nemesis

1999: On the set of Star Trek: Insurrection

1993: In Robin Hood: Men in Tights

1981: In the movie Excalibur. Still bald.

1976: In "I, Claudius". Stewart was bald since at least before 1959. This is actually a wig.

Unknown date: Young, but showing signs of baldness.

The beloved Captain Jean-Luc Picard, too, was once young. He was however, pretty much always bald

Admit it. You had no idea the captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise was a Shakespearean actor!

Game Maker -- some simple, yet powerful examples

2011-03-13T12:50:00.000+01:00

It's unthinkable that a person who grew up with games did not at one point contemplate designing one of his or her own. A decade or so ago, however, developing games required a grasp of various elements of game design in order to even think of starting one's own project. Nowadays, there are a multitude of ways in which games can be made with very little programming knowledge, with tools similar to those that can aid in the development of Android apps. One such example is Game Maker, a software that allows users to create games, both simple and complex, without even touching a line of code. Let's look at some examples of what you could end up making with this program.

Crash Bandicoot 2D

Jump&Run at its finest. I think.

This gem of a game was originally released on the first Playstation, and gave platform-game lovers many hours of quirky entertainment. Using Game Maker, a guy named Virtanen recreated the Crash Bandicoot experience in "glorious" 2D, but the elements of the original games are all there. In one way or another. But platformers aren't the only type of games you can make.

Park Racer 3D
3D? You heard that right. Besides fancy graphics it has everything you expect of a basic racer, including a practice mode, time attack, single races as well as something called bomb run, in which you can drop bombs on your opponents during a race. You read that right.

Mini Golf Pro

Our last example is a mini golf simulator, although you shouldn't take the term too seriously here. Mini Golf Pro comes with 27 courses for you to test your skills against, but the game even goes so far as to provide you with its own map editor. Another example of how the complexity of your game is often limited not by the technology that you work with, but with imagination.

Game Maker provides you with the tools you need to make games like these. But if RPGs are more down your alley, why not try RPG Maker, as demonstrated by this ridiculous video, instead?

Have you ever developed a game? What have you learned from the experience? What made you quit, and what made you stay?

Developing apps, minus the skill requirement

2011-03-12T17:12:00.007+01:00

We've strayed a bit in our previous posts where we spent a lot of time talking about various aspects of technology (you can glance at our tech-related posts here). But now it's time to return to the original purpose of this blog, namely getting you excited about things you never thought you would or could do. And what better way than to get you into creating your own Android apps.

When Apple launched their app store back in 2008, they effectively created a market place for buying and selling software made by and for iPhone users. Seeing the opportunity to make a buck, scores of developers churned out app after app in the hopes of making it rich, or at least make a little money on the side. The promise was that anyone could build an app and offer it either at a price, or for free (in which case the developer had the option of incorporating ads as a source of income). But the entire concept had one inherent flaw: Participation in the app development scene was effectively limited to those with the necessary programming skills. There go your hopes of striking it rich Angry Birds-style.

Then came Google and did pretty much the same with its Android Market, an app store-alternative for the Android user. Naturally, in the heat of competition both parties try to out-shine the other. But Google went and did something that didn't seem to occur to Apple: They took out the developer-only limitation, allowing anyone with a computer to develop apps -- without the use of programming knowledge.

The Google App Inventor, the company's solution to your lack of Java coding skills, allows anyone to build apps using a system that's eerily reminiscent of Lego. By piecing together so-called blocks, with each block representing a particular function, users can put together fully working software in minutes. Check out this video for a quick demonstration and let yourself be inspired.

Just how advanced the App Inventor allows your apps to become is unclear, but the system allows people who never thought they would ever end up on the Android Market to create software, similarly to how Game Maker allows enthusiastic amateurs to develop their first, fully functional game -- no matter how unsophisticated. Don't worry about Game Maker yet, though; we'll talk about that in our next post.

A reminder in Moore's Law

2011-03-09T11:10:00.001+01:00

Mobile phones, laptops, netbooks and tablets: You see a new one in each category appear almost every month. Do you remember, on the other hand, back in 2006 when the first iPhone was released? Despite the trend in mobile phones slowly transitioning into the dominant touch screen-enabled smart phone we see today, the rate at which new electronics appeared on the market was far slower than it is today. Here's at least one reason for the increase in pace.

If there's one component present in every single electronic device that can be considered its beating heart, it's the semiconductor, or microchip.
We've reached a point where one could say it's ridiculous, with microchips inhabiting traditionally "dumb" objects from grave-stones and running shoes to fish lures and writing pens. Why are we doing this, you ask? Because it's become economically feasible to do so now. Semiconductors become smaller, faster and even cheaper to produce all the time.


Microchip-powered tombstones allow Timmy to read Grandma's tweets

Moore's Law, named after Intel co-founded Gordon Moore, states that the amount of transistors that can be placed on a microchip doubles approximately every two years. When the Apollo 11 landed on the moon in 1969, the computer regulating its processes had a 2MHz processor. That's about as much as a graphical calculator has today. We've been making quantum leaps in computer processing even before most of you were born, and despite Moore's prediction that this crazy bi-annual increase in computing power would continue for just 10 years, the Law has in fact held to this very day and shows no signs of slowing down until at least 2015.

Trivia: The first semiconductor was created by a man named Jack S. Kilby in 1958, while working for the same company that produced many of your scientific calculators: Texas Instruments

How much do you know about the history of tablets?

2011-03-06T02:26:00.001+01:00

You may be fooled into thinking that tablets are a phenomenon that appeared only after Apple took the stage with its first iPad. But even I was surprised at how far back the concept reaches. Those who followed Microsoft closely earlier last decade (that's the 2000's; not the 90's!) know that the company announced a "tablet PC" that would run on XP in 2001. That's a good nine years before the arrival of Apple's show-stealer. But here's where it gets interesting.

This thing, called the PenCept could recognize handwriting. Released: 1985

The first device to employ a touch screen (a technology we briefly visited earlier)was released 1993 by a company called BellSouth under the name IBM Simon. It did not include handwriting recognition, but did permit users to write messages and send them as faxes on the analog cellphone network, and included PDA and Email features.

Some technologies need a pioneer to really break through to the public. We've talked about how the 3DS should fulfill that role for glasses-free 3D. But now ask yourself: What exactly is Apple pioneering with the iPad 2?

Trivia: The first patent for an "electrical stylus device for capturing handwriting" was issued to an American woman called Elisha Grey. In 1888!

A touch screen you can feel

2011-03-05T13:07:00.001+01:00

Toshiba is at this very moment developing a solution to typing on a touch screen. Why do I say solution? Because, as smart phone users all know, the current method of input used -- typing on a virtual keyboard you can't touch -- is a step down from what we enjoyed in the Nokia-generation of the early 2000's: Actual buttons.

We can forgive the industry for not coming up with this right away. A technology needs time to mature, and with the first generation iPhone prominently showing the world what a touch screen-powered mobile device could do, the next four years supplied the industry with the investments necessary to bring us buttons... in a touch screen!

A technology that, like 3D, will be challenging to advertise.

Just as how Nintendo's 3DS will play an important role in introducing the public to the concept of glasses-free 3D, so, too, you can expect some sort of pioneer model showing of what this "electrotactile" technology can offer. Whatever the case, by the time this kind of technology is ready to be released, you can be sure Google will have Android up and ready to make use of it.

To round off our discussion on technology pioneers, let me ask you this question:

Would you buy the first iteration of a new technology like the 3DS or a 3D TV, or would you wait for later models that have ironed out some of the kinks? In other words, are you an "early adopter", or a member of the "late majority"?

A pioneer for 3D to come

2011-03-04T02:00:00.002+01:00

It's getting flak already, that's for sure. We're all hearing reports of headaches, and that some just prefer playing it with 3D off in general. That's fine; that's what the switch is for. But if there's one thing its predecessor taught us it's that certain games make such great use of the device's features that I'm certain most people will turn that switch right back on when an increase of fun is in sight. Point in case: If you know how skillfully the inventor of Mario continually employs the hardware Nintendo provides him with year after year, you know Mr. Miyamoto won't lose a sweat in pushing the 3DS to its limits and leaving us all with our jaws on the floor. invariably reach into his bottomless hat of imaginative ideas and make the absolute best of the 3DS.

But Nintendo's handheld is not the center point here; its technology is. While Sony are still trying to sell you a pair of Duracell-powered 3D glasses, Toshiba are busy announcing their superior glasses-free 3D TV. And now you know why Sony are pushing their embarrassing excuse for a 3D home experience. It's all about grabbing a slice of this new-born market with an imperfect technology while the competition is busy improving theirs. That exact same strategy helped Sony win the Bluray vs. HD DVD-war, if you remember, in which Philips had to witness their superior DVD standard lose the battle against an opponent that was willing to set technology back 5 years. Ever hear of the VHS-Betamax war from the 70's? Same story.

From a technological viewpoint, the glasses-free 3D effect can be achieved either with a panel that overlays a traditional screen, by using cameras to target a specific viewer, or by using cylindrical lenslets. But what's important is where this glasses-free revolution will take us in the next few years. I'm sure your local cinema will get rid of its glasses-powered silver screen within a year or two, but by then a small portion of you will already enjoy that very technology at home, and in that sense, the 3DS is nothing less than a pioneer to be acknowledged.

An early prototype. As you can see, they've added a camera since then.

You may not think you'll getting a Nintendo 3DS or a glasses-free TV set any time soon. But when you walk into an electronics store in a year or so and you see one of these babies, you're gonna buy one just like you bought that HD TV last year. But that's okay. You know why? Because this fuels the industry to develop much more exciting technologies, such as the one we'll talk about in my next post.

Next time: Tactile touch screens.

Ink in my skin

2011-03-03T09:29:00.003+01:00

At least one person you know has one. It's a process that involves piercing your skin with a needle filled with ink, over and over again.

Think of a person in your life with a tattoo. Have you ever asked them where it was from? A decision to mark oneself for life usually comes paired with a good story.

Pretty much my only experience with tattoos. And don't tell me you don't remember these.

Some people I've met have expressed a desire to "one day get a tattoo, maybe. But definitely nothing below the sleeve, though". What about you? You ever thought of getting a tat? Or rather, have you ever seriously thought about getting a tat? Any motifs you have in mind? Is it this sign by any chance: 男? No? A Chinese dragon then? Or maybe a tribal drawing above your ass is the thing for you?

Trivia: Japanese hot springs do not allow people with tattoos in, as it is generally a sign of being a member of the yakuza!

Don't take this the wrong way

2011-03-02T16:11:00.004+01:00

Throughout the ages, has there been a more reliable material to keep oneself warm, and protected from rain and wind at the same time? Given the usefulness and many applications of leather in clothing, I'm surprised I don't see more young people wearing leather.
Sure there's the occasional cool young dude sporting the skin, but in general it's the older crowd that tends to get the life-lasting value of leather. That, and they just understand how cool it looks. Unfortunately, by the time they reach 65 these very same people take their spouse and go out and buy matching Gore-Tex, rain- and wind-proof jackets. You know who you are, grandma and grandpa.

Call me a faggot, but I miss this dude.

One more note. By "wear leather" I really only mean three things: Jacket, shoes and belt. Leather hot pants with matching hat and, um, armpit-belts are only tolerated if your name starts with H and ends with ard Gay.

Give leather a try. It costs a bit more, but it'll last not only through the weather but also through the tides of fashion. Call me when leather goes out of style.

Trivia: Many of you might recognize the man to the right as "Hard Gay". What you didn't know is that after a long absence, he is now said to be returning... as Hard Lez!

Next post: Tattoos!

A forgotten sport

2011-03-02T02:12:00.001+01:00

I tried it once. Went to the local knitting locale and picked up a ball of wool and a pair of those sticks. They say the act relaxes you, and it's true. I quit, after about a week, for fear of turning into someone else I did not know, and returned promptly to playing video games. I, however, can claim to have once tried knitting.

No matter what nationality you are I doubt any one of you comes from a culture where men knit. But don't let that hold you back from borrowing your sister's set and do your business. Think of it this way: If you try it, you'll have one heck of a conversation starter in your repertoire. Take a moment to scroll through this video and see the intricacies, and simplicity, of what you always thought was "two sticks going back and forth."

Let's see where we can go

2011-03-01T22:31:00.000+01:00

You missed out on a lot of good hobbies in life because you didn't give them a chance. In your life, just as in mine, there are things we do not give a try when we really ought to. My intention is to discover new interests for myself and share them with you. Don't worry, these will be bite-sized posts, good for a quick read; not lengthy tutorials

Soldering, papercraft, recycling... anything; we will visit topics as varied and as foreign to you as possible, and maybe we will all learn a little about other (sub)cultures in the process, too.

I look forward to this. Let's see where we can go.