Xagenda: Philippines portal to Anime and Technology

Tech Rant 24 : Broken Card

Solidad — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:00:31 +0000

With the continuation of this fabulous series. On todays episode, we talk about mainly computer hardware. Starting with, my abruptly passing of my 3 year old video card. We talk about the latest mid range cards, and debate on the pros and cons in choosing between, AMD HD5750 or a Nvidia GT250. We also segwayed on discussing budget PC under 30K, and JD dissent on my cheap proposal.Also, we drop topics about the porn stick, Playstation patent, and the affordable core i3 line of notebooks.

Download (114min/78MB)

My dear friend JP is not here with us on this episode. We hope that my smart bro kit will prevail next week. As my family and I will go to some sort of vacation. I just hope that the area where we’ll stay has a decent bandwidth, at most 3G.

BTW, the last 30 min are all about House M.D. If you’re a House addict, it would be nice if you could listen on our small conversation to the most awesome medical series of the decade (I’m being exaggerated here).

Lastly, we are looking for questions. If you have a tech question, better if you have computer hardware problems, email us at pator@squirnet.co.cc.Or you can click on the submit a tech question at the top of the page. We are doing this for the passion, and we hope that you support us by giving us feedback.

P.S: Apologies for the audio quality. It seems i angled the mic improperly, resulting to the quality produced in the podcast.

Monday Blues: God of War 3, Outside Gathering

Solidad — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:30:42 +0000

It’s sad that the weekend is finally over. But, as we stride off for the next batch of challenges. Let’s glimpse on the horizon for the coming days. Here are the things that I am expecting this week.

God of War 3

There is nothing more interesting than the up-and-coming release of the epically brutal adventure game, God of War 3, to be released this Wednesday (March 17).

It is the final chapter of the trilogy, where Kratos faces off with Zeus, and his children with the motivation for nothing but revenge in the betrayal, and deceit the he received from the greek gods. Will Santa Monica studio pull of another epic scale game? My PS3 and 3K will be the judge to that, let’s just see and hope what will happen when it becomes available.

Outing This Weekend

I’ll be heading out this weekend. I don’t know where, but I am prepared to what lies ahead.

I bought a Smart Wi-fi dongle and some broadband load so that i can do some remote internet on the field. I’ll also be doing a podcast as well with this. Hoping that the internet won’t crap out, or is on par with the standards required for a decent skype connection. As far as i had tested, Smart bro is not one of the best service in my neighborhood (Cainta). Let’s just see if the service will be better on other parts.

Weekend Round-up: DRM, Playstation and nothing else

Solidad — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:36:20 +0000

Last week has been hellish to some, or, most of us. Middle months are task intensive, specially when it comes to students…graduating students preparing, for what is the most significant turn around of their lives. As of the tech/anime; this week has become as busy as it usually is. Here are the significant stories of this week.

DRM Fail

Gamers who are playing the DRM enriched Assassins Creed 2, and Silent Hunter 5 are blessed with a welcome gesture to Ubisofts efforts on giving legits users the convenience, by denying their patrons a day of access to their games.

According to Ars Tech. Ubisoft reasons out that the recent outage, was due to a DDoS attack on their servers. However, only 5% of their users are affected by this issue. They also deny the claims that both games have been cracked. Stating that “crack” versions are missing key pieces of the game, and thus render the experience either lacking, or unplayable.

A quick trip at the usual torrent site. It appears the many people are frustrated by the fact, that the game has not been cracked. However, sweat, skill, and effort are laid in the creation of the DRM buster. I just hope the crackers succeed. This kind of DRM should never scale further, specially for the already tainted reputation of the PC gaming.

Final Fantasy XIII

The moment of truth. As Japanese gamers lam-bastardly curse FFXIII for its “more” than linear gameplay, and dumb stricken gameplay innovations that even a retard can pick it up and finish it effortlessly, has finally hit its international release date. Sales figures won’t come out for the coming months. But what as what i have played (2-4 hours in), its basically FFX in HD. With its sphere system, and emoeque story. Added with slutty voice acting by vanille, and moronic one liners; this game has definitely maintained its last gen grass roots. There is nothing innovating enough as story goes. The entire scope of the game of “saving the world”; a cliche of the cliche of all JRPG of the PSX and PS2 era. However, I’ll talk about it next time.

Moments before the initial release. Joystiq attended, what they called the most awkward launch event they ever attended to. During the launch of Squareenix flagship title. Western game developers sat down in a panel to discuss the games innovation, inadvertently diminishing the guest shortcomings in their carrer as game developers, praising the games “simplistic” approach in solving its problems.

Making the event more awkward, is the speech by the Microsoft, and Sony representatives. The Microsoft guy praises the Square for delivering the game to their 360 port (FFXIII was a PS3 exclusive in japan). Meanwhile, the Sony guy told the guest that, the PlayStation is the home for PS3, on a single Blu-Ray disk. Having said, along the line “This is the way it ment to be played”. (360 version is 3 DVD long siting a installation before hand. PS3 version only needs the HD for save data).

Looking ahead, this release is just the calm before the storm. As this weeks release date includes, God of War 3, and an alternative JRPG, Resonance of Fate. I’m very excited for God of War 3, and I’ll be keeping an eye for Resonance of Fate.

Playstation Move announced

In Sony GDC conference. Its E3 glimpse of the camera tracking software was finally introduced, as Playstation Move.

Playstation Move uses the PlayStation eye, guided by a wand with a LED ball to track the position of the subject with the wand as its point of reference. Added with the previous development of the Playstation Eye’s Facial recognition. It can detect the persons face, and draws conclusion to its age, build, and even as far as determine if the subjects eye’s are open or not.

According to a Sony representative. The calculation behind the data is done by the Cell processor (which is told to be good at these), and it only takes at least 1-2MB of system memory to boot. Starting price is under U$100 for the basic kit.

That is for this weekend. Tune in again for next week for another round up.

Weekly Tech Topic: oAuth for Gmail, IE6 getting a funeral, and more…

JP Angeles — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:00:37 +0000

These are the posts that hit my Google Reader. Try to look at the articles, then tell me forum, any comments?

How do I look into it? Etacts Launches First Implementation of oAuth For Gmail IMAP Accounts. Well, good. Same as the other ones.

Hey, how about old media? Andreessen’s Advice To Old Media: “Burn The Boats”

Internet Explorer 6 gets a funeral. Well, good. At TC Manila, We don’t use Internet Explorer.

Watchpad preps for Pacquiao-Clottey Fight: Dude, I don’t know that guy beside Manny.

Well, that’s it for now. Looking forward to the next WTT: This time, there are more text. ^_^

The Weekly Tech Topic – SXSW

JP Angeles — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:06:19 +0000

Last time’s topic has links. This time I want to test something on the WTT. Should we say a “brand new” WTT? Well, read on.

Well, SXSW (http://sxsw.com) has started, Twitter turns on GeoTagging and other new features, and the GeoLocation fight starts.

I want to ask: Is GeoTagging safe? For normal people, they think it as a yes, but how about the Hollywood stars who wants to get rid of the paparazzi?My opinion is: It’s your choice. What’s yours?

The iPad pre-orders are like, what the-?. Tell me ‘forum’, “what do you think of this?”

I recently tried Plancast (http://plancast.com) and they described it as the “Foursquare for the future”, meaning “if you have a plan tomorrow, list it today”. I think it’s not a good idea to plan all your schedules to everyone, but if that were business meetings, etc., you’ll glad you do… except for the Hollywood stars getting rid of the paps again (LOLz). Any questions?

I don’t understand anything about OpenGL, except a thing about “gaming graphics”. OpenGL 4 comes out to play.

I also tested the Google Apps Marketplace and lo! How fun it is to tinker with your Google Apps. I tried Aviary (http://aviary.com) for Google apps and found some interesting applications. You should see this one, my dear friends who has Google Apps.

Other topics I saw on my proud Google Reader:

That’s up for now. Next week, there will be Tech Rant. Ja!

Solidad attends Yaoi Con

Solidad — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:32:08 +0000

In my endless pursuit of finding a non traditional convention. It has come to my attention that aside from commercially driven, cosplay enriched profit oriented event, such as Ozine Fest, Toy Con, or other well known “Anime” conventions spewing on the radar. There is one small, yet interesting (for fujiyoshi that is) convention will take place this April. Unfortunately, it happens that it will be their last as well. Alas such spectacle should never be left unnoticed.

Lights Out, the 6th and final Philippine Yaoi Community convention, will take place this April 24, at the Lepanto Penthouse of the 21st floor of the Lepento building. Slots are limited, and ticket priced at an interesting 300 pesos. The ticket is inclusive of their well renowned butler cafe, called Cafe Le Mirage.

Other activities (incentives) include film screening, a manga library, a doujin dealers room, and raffle prizes. expect that most of the contents are geared toward BL, yaoi fanbase. (This might be the only convention that i may actually spend money).

However, take note, that admission is limited. In order for you, or your group to enter such a fine unique convention, is to email their moderator. For details, and for the original link to the event, click here to see.

If you’re wondering why i would attend on such an unusual event? It’s because: A)Sick and tired of crowded conventions, flooded with too many cosplay people. B) I appreciate Yaoi/BL/Shota genres, because of its exotic storyline. Something that has more effort than traditional/conventional adult anime genre.

I almost forgot. This is an adult convention, so 18 and above only.

Otaku Inside 10 (03-10-2010): Okarinasai, HG!

JP Angeles — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:00:37 +0000

JP Rants, JP Rants, and here is a tank.

The Manifesto of A Liberal Otaku. Some random news, and some random b.s. That’s one thing you shouldn’t miss, and yes, JP Angeles rants about it. That’s OI Episode 10. Listener’s discretion is advised.

(Part 1) [Headlines]

(Part 2) [Parental Guidance]

BGM: Ringo Mogire Beam (Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei)

Are site time widgets important?

Solidad — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:23 +0000

I’m no web design guru. But I can tell efficient design to somewhat waste full. I’ll say that this opinion may come of personal reference. Yet, I would like to share this point to my dear readers. Certainly, websites usually put some kind of time telling apps, which enables readers to check whether their respective times. Honestly I find that somewhat, unnecessary. Here is why.

We have a system clock

To much of my knowledge. Windows feature their own clock system, located below the right hand side of the screen. Or should i say on the right part of the task bar. This clock is designed to tell the time as well as keep other programs in check for scheduled updates, or impeding expirations. Since most users are either in Windows 7 or in XP. Most modern versions of the OS are connected to a central clock located somewhere. The time displayed on our windows is exactly the most accurate time, based on the most accurate clock available. And to top it all, common script clocks usually use your systems time. I don’t really see that point displaying a large watch on the website.

We don’t need overseas time

People exempted are BPO agents, and media creators. Since most foreign media uses their own local time. It is our responsibility to monitor these such locale in order to catch with our favorite cravings. Unless you are podcasting, displaying foreign time zones are simply a waste of space. Sure it may look “internationally” appealing, but these people have their clock sitting just on the right side of the task bar. Besides there are a lot of time zones, if you really want to know what time it is on X country. Go to google and type “X time” where X is the city you wish to see. There you can clearly see the time, and if all the other time related trivia, like DST, lunar and the 5 day weather forecast.

In the end of the day. It all boils down on how you put your site. So, is time widget important? My answer is NO.

A Post-Apocalyptic postcard from Sin City

Solidad — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:43:10 +0000

Surely anybody who hears the city of Las Vegas, usually thinks of gambling, and all night party. Surely, the city has been dubbed as the sin city, and what comes in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

Unfortunately, the people from Bethesda are not keen in keeping the secrets of such a sinful city. Obsedian Entertainment, known for its Neverwinter Series, has released its first gameplay screenshots of their new venture title (not necessarily new to most of the employees of Obsedian). From critically acclaimed successful comback cult classic, action adventure, open world, 50’s post apocalyptic reference, Fallout 3. Comes a new Spin off (more likely a better 3rd sequel) Fallout title coming this fall 2010, called Fallout: New Vegas.

The people at Joystiq was able to obtain such preview to the upcoming game. Which somewhat, sadly resembles their old game fallout 3. There is nothing bad on using their old engine, but i would expect more from the people from Bethesda, and more so the people from Obsedian; where most of its workforce were former employees of the famous Black Isle studios. Responsible for creating the 2 cult classic fallout games. Nevertheless, we hope to see the ambiance and the feel of a western apocalyptic wasteland which surrounded the first two fallout games. I would expect that Playstation release of this game will be as buggy as its predecessor was. I just hope they prove me wrong.

Lastly, seeing a super mutant on a blonde wig, and heart shape sunglassess…priceless.

Weekend Discussion: Final Fantasy XIII, Summer Tests, and Surf TV

Solidad — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:18:54 +0000

Its 10pm, Sunday, and we are going back to our vicious cycle of weekdays; Followed by the most hated day of the week, Monday. Before we suffer for another 5 days. Let’s recaps the stories that had happened in the past week. I have to say, last week was very chaotic, and perhaps changing, yet the over result was satisfying. Anyway, Here are the top stories that happened in the past week.

The Day the Playstation (Phat) stood still

Many old Playstation 3 owners are bewildered on that fateful day, as the beloved consoles ceases to function because of a programming error in its internal clock. Its mis interpretation of 2010 as a leap year confuses the internal clock, with the system clock which also monitor the time using the internet; rendendering the old models unplayable and with a risk of loosing the players trophies. Sony, surprised by the sudden chain of event. Squanders up and about on solving the issue. Luckily for them. The problem fixed itself, after the PS3s self imposed leap year had ended; making the old models usable as it was intended to. As far as i know, Sony hasn’t release a patch for this issue. Since this is a one time event. We just have to question. How important the internet is to our consoles, and how games, whether offline and offline, are heavily dependent on our internet connection?

Infinite Lawsuit

Another big story this week is the internal political play currently happening at Infinity Ward. Key figures of the uber hit franchise Call of Duty Modern Warfare, was relieved of its position and was speculated been “thrown” out by a groups of muscular old guys, that you see mostly on night clubs. Activision (the game published of Infinity Ward) releases a statement with regards of the replacement of the founders of the said studio, as it was contested of being insubordinate towards the head unit. It is unclear what kind of ” insubordination” was being pointed at, but with the head honchos gone. Activision has started producing plethora of Call of duty titles for the up and coming years.

Head founders filed a lawsuit, stating the lavish abuse of the franchise; also their sudden contract termination, and the their peruse of the royalties that their hit franchise acquired during its release span. It is in our best hopes, that Activision will be able to compensate with losing key figures on such a successful game of all time. However, with Activision habit of “Milking its IPs” it shows that the future is not as bright, nor hot as El-ninio is now.

Final Fantasy XIII

The most beloved hyped RPG of all time, FFXIII, is bound for its upcoming international release this March 9 (10 for Philippines). With its obvious linear story line, it will be interesting how the international market will respond on this game. Sadly enough, the Japanese market booed the product for what it has become. With Square Westernizing what, it was regarded as the foundations of JRPG, will this sudden shift of simplicity appeal to the western market? let’s just wait and see.

As for me, having a linear story line, and a cinematic bukake of HD action pack cutscenes. This is definitely the game for me. I’ll be buying this after i finished God of War 3, and take a look at Resonance of Fate. As much as i like XIII; the premisse of other good RPGs are whole and about for the PS3. I’ll give Resonance of Fate a try.

Baka to Test to Shoukanju 9

Going away from games to anime. Baka to test to shoukanjuu, simply makes my day bright. With random, comedic punchlines, to over rated, overly dramatic situations. It is simply an anime despite, its super cliche backbone. The presentation makes up all its potential faults.

On this episode, Akihisa receives a visit from his overly develop inscestly driven sister; to decide whether it was a good idea to leave our main hero by himself. With her sister in the picture, it is a sure comedic hell with its intended 13 episode run. It will be a short fun indeed, but with its over all success. The possibility of a sequel is definitely in the works. How long? that is the question.

Summer Wars

Tokyo anime award winner for best animation of 2009. Summer wars indeed deserves the award it received (moe than K-On deserves). With Mad-House as it key production studio. It has delivered a riveting online action glory, with a light hearted tone of bravery, and family union-ship. The stories premise, is saving the world of Oz. which is a universal security system (think of open ID) that controls almost all the world economic, and military credentials. With the unified system being attacked by a self-learning hacking AI. It is the job of a teenage math prodigy, with the help of a well honored family, to save the world from a potential social collapse.

I don’t see this as a Miyazaki contender, or any renowned minds of the Japanese animation of elites. This film stand for itself. I don’t have the deep mind of analyzing these kinds of films, but as far as i can see. This one is simple, and easy to digest. This give this movie as a “download now”.

Surf TV ad

If you are listening to my tech rant podcast (episode 23). We talk about smart surf TV. Its Smart’s idea of delivering broadband to the computer deprived masses. Just by plugging it on your TV, your TV becomes a living breathing computing device as it enables the users to chat,surf, email all in your TV.

Upon thinking. This is the most stupidest idea, that i have heard. Yes, it makes Internet available. But PC wise, you can get a bear bone PC for under 10K, which has more computing power than an Intel Atom processor (assuming thats the processor), and a low 480p resolution, limited color screen. However, this idea is not bad for a media center PC. Lacking a LCD TV, watching youtube or any other form of internet video on your TV, is much more relaxing that sitting in front of a computer.

That’s it for this discussion. tune in on xagenda for more issues, and stories. As i stated, JP will run 70% of the site.