Rhythm based games are quickly becoming “The Game” to own, manifesting in all forms from miniaturized plastic instruments that quickly gobble the living room and knockoffs of anything that so much as brings up the word beat, in a musical sense of course. “The Game” to have for the iPhone has always been Tap Tap Revolution and since its Jailbreaking reliant days, have provided hours of fun for casual users, asylum for Dance Dance Revolution fanatics and of course something to pass the time from those big boy console games. Tap Tap Revenge rose from the ashes of the fractured Jailbreaking community and took center stage on the iPhone’s own App Store from day one and has only gotten better thanks to a partnership between Tapulous and Nine Inch Nails. The end result is a tapping frenzy synchronized with a sonic felatio of music.
What makes the newest iteration of Tap Tap Revenge so appealing is the partnership between a band providing content that powers the game which is sure to tickle the sweetspots of fanboys and challenge seeking gamers alike. Besides dipping into Nine Inch Nail’s latest albums, Ghosts and The Slip, to assault finger tips everywhere, the close integration of the band’s theme throughout the game makes it all the more enjoyable. You’re almost immersed in a complete NIN induced music frenzy sans mic throwing and a graveyard of beat down broken instruments. The close integration between not only the music and album production make for a tight knit game that doesn’t skip on features and doesn’t sell out for the sake of appealing to a niche userbase.
The App is further sweetened by a promotion being ran by Tapulous in which floor tickets for NIN’s remaining shows of this year will be gifted to a select few who manage to conquer their way into a score of 150,000 of higher. Oh and don’t forget that one of you lucky tapping connoisseurs will be worthy of receiving a Les Paul guitar signed by Trent Reznor himself. There will be no pork based appetizers as a consolation prize, however.
Whether you’re a fan of Tap Tap Revenge or Nine Inch Nails, none of that matters once you plop down and unleash your fingers of fury. Sure you’ll get an extra dosage of NIN’s newest release but it’s still a challenge worth taking up by dedicated Tap Tap fans. While the few tracks included from The Slip make waves, the remaining selection is slotted full of Ghosts songs. Despite any perception you may have of the instrumental laden album, they translate quite nicely into Tap Tap, possibly due to the emphasis of hitting dots as they roll down the screen and not trying to impose your horrible Karaoke playing skills on the general public.
The setlist for Tap Tap NIN consists of 13 tracks which all contain difficulties of Easy, Medium, Hard and Extreme. The tracks included are below.
-1,000,000
-Discipline
-3 Ghosts I
-Echoplex
-18 Ghosts III
-19 Ghosts III
-Head Down
-21 Ghosts III
-26 Ghosts III
-Demon Seed
-31 Ghosts IV
-Letting You
-9 Ghosts I
What’s interesting to note however is the comparisons in price between the NIN version and Tapulous’ free version. The price of $4.99 doesn’t technically consist of the cost for songs. The six songs from The Slip can be had for free from Nine Inch Nail’s website while two songs from Ghosts can also be obtained for nothing through the teaser posted for the album. The 5 remaining Ghosts tracks make up the whole 36 song disc and comes to $5 for the whole shebang or 14 cents per individual slice of sonic solace. That puts 70 cents into the cost of the game’s music but the price is worth every penny considering the excellent quality of the game and awesome integration between Nine Inch Nails. This kind of development skill and expertise is rarely seen as gaming companies butcher a brand until its assimilated into a cookie cutter environment.
Gallery On Flickr Tap Tap Revenge (NIN)
Books may have had their day but the ways in which epics and novels alike are being delivered is changing. Dedicated handhelds are springing up filling an emerging niche but drastically changing how books are being read while eBooks slowly make their way into the digital libraries. But the eBook craze will be hindered by overpriced and bulky handhelds that offer to go overboard on a portable reading experience.
Typically gadgets follow the rule that slimmer and smaller is better. That rule applied to eBooks as well as some defective aftermarket epoxy. Instead, toting around a 7 inch e-ink screen has become not only fashionable, but also a standard for other manufacturers to follow. The end result is an expensive inconvenience that can’t even fit in your pocket, the total opposite of what the industry subscribes to in other sectors of gadgetry.
So much effort is applied to perfecting an experience that can only be enjoyed in limited situations which is a decline in opportunities when compared to the method of reading that’s slowly being replaced. In addition, the high price points of eBook readers set it outside the range of consumers who aren’t invested as heavily as true reading aficionados. Instead of creating a more robust and cheaper priced device for reading, manufacturers should turn to already existing technology and standards such as laptops, netbooks and even mobile phones. The market is more than ripe for an iTunes like distributor dedicated solely to eBooks. Reading Applications on the iPhone have been predicted to outsell the Kindle and possibly other dedicated eBook readers. Here are some possibilities.
Portability
Cell phones are the pinnacle of mobile computing compared to dedicated eBook readers for one of the most obvious reasons; a smaller form factor lacking a large screen. But when you run into touch screen phone territory, the displays themselves almost measure up to a page from a small paper back novel. EBook readers tend to overdo this by making gargantuan sized screens that are comfortable for reading but impractical to carry everywhere when books and phones can be pocketed.
Cost
Due to a smaller form factor, prices are cut and money is saved on the most vital component: the screen. A Smartphone can be bought in contract for around or less than half the price of most eBook readers but is more diverse in capabilities than one. Only serious reading enthusiasts are the target of dedicated eBook readers while a mobile phone appeals to everyone.
Flexibility
While dedicated eBook readers and phones share the same methods for transferring media or more importantly books onto the respective devices, Software can already achieve most of what the Hardware does in a dedicated reader. Since both share common aspects such as controls, battery and a screen, eBooks can be tossed around without hassle but in the case of the iPhone, eBook reading Apps can be bought for mere dollars that accomplish the same purpose as a dedicated reader that costs several hundred dollars. The fact that even other phones can do this as well by installing a single App makes a pocketable device all the more appealing.
EBook readers have yet to fail but they have to truly prosper and can be considered a niche product when relatively speaking about the world of gadgetry. Manufacturers and distributors would better benefit by targeting devices consumers already own that can be pocketed instead of forcing them to buy a less portable sized device that costs significantly more than something they already have on them. Software can already do what these dedicated readers were designed to do and the opportunity is waiting to be seized by anyone who can target all of these devices with a universal eBook distribution service.
Written by Tanner Godarzi on October 27th, 2008
Posted in: Opinion
Many things are better abroad in foreign countries such as food, tourist attractions, women and of course cellular technology. The sad state of cellular tech in comparison to many other hardware savvy nations leaves much to be desired in the states, namely phone tethering. Overpriced plans and highly limited data usage make for a poor buy but at least some phones give the option. The iPhone however, has been met with setbacks in the US and the cat has been let out of the bag as to why: they’re is just too many of them.
Typically having sold so many iPhones would be a good thing to some people but not so much to AT&T. They’ve been plagued with network related problems since the handset took off on the popularity charts. Dropped 3G connections and class action lawsuits are the forefront of these problems which put tethering into the backseat of priorities.
Sources point the blame to AT&T’s still developing 3G network that has delayed sweet Internet sharing from an iPhone to a computer. As bitter sweet as it may sound, rushing this feature before its ready will be sure to yield disastrous results as we’ve seen Apple do in the past with activating new iPhones. However, it will be a long while before we see this really materialize outside of AT&T’s development labs. Network upgrades aren’t an overnight upgrade, selling hundreds of thousands of iPhones in the same time could soon be a promotion away.
Via: Mac Life
Written by Tanner Godarzi on October 26th, 2008
Posted in: iPhone
As reported in previous postings, Street View was rumored to come with the latest iPhone release and has finally materialized. Along side the much anticipated feature comes new ways to map directions such as making your transit by bus or walking instead of being limited to driving directions. In addition, your current location can be emailed to any recipient which will automatically open in Google Maps when the sent link is clicked.
New Ways To Find New Things
One of the biggest hassles for the gas conscious, bike riding or just walk everywhere iPhone user was Map’s output of directions that was convenient for those who owned some mode of transportation with more two or more wheels and could be branded by the DMV. Needless to say it gets be an inconvenience when “Cross onto major Freeway for 10 miles” becomes a constant step in getting to your destination when a pair of roller blades and an 80’s themed playlist on your Walkman is whats at your disposal.
Found in Seed 2 of the latest Firmware 2.2 Beta is a more urban approach to navigating through massive concrete jungles. If the Subway or bus is a component in reaching point B from point A and maybe an additional stop at Point C for movies and some dinner, you’ll be absolutely thrilled to know that Maps now acknowledges both as a viable means of transportation. Taking this a step further is departure times for either modes of moving which should streamline the process of going about. To further enhance our daily navigations, Maps has so kindly included markers showing where a bus or subway stop resides with you guessed it, a bus or a subway icon.
Taking the quickest route may not be in your bag and why should it, that new pair of sneakers is just begging for a thorough workout along the scenic routes of town. Walking directions are no2 made available thanks to Apple further leveraging the Google Maps API but also made friendly through the same process by including Street View.
Always Remind Yourself Where You Are
Bearing an iPhone around friends mounts a massive burden upon your shoulders as the go to guy for finding movie times, researching inane television trivia and of course having knowledge of the hottest events in town. Well your social involvement is about to be broadened as Apple has so generously incorporated Street View within the latest Beta release of Firmware 2.2. Sure the GPS within the iPhone 3G ensured you’d never get lost unless you were totally incapable of determining what landmarks look like. If that problem afflicts you, fret not, you’ll be able to further refine your conclusion of exactly where you are by panning around the block to make sure that Joe’s Deli really is just a dozen yards away.
Street View pops up from a tool tip menu on a dropped pin and retains Map’s useful street labeling imaging if it’s enabled. Panning and zooming works much the same way it does on the big boy version of Google Maps but to make things a tad easier, the lower right hand corner displays a zoomed in location of where you dropped your pin.
A collection of screenies from the latest Beta can be found at iPhone Yap
Via: Apple Insider
Written by Tanner Godarzi on October 26th, 2008
Posted in: iPhone
Intel and ARM have played an important role in Apple’s products with both producing Chipsets and CPUs for Macs, iPods and iPhones. Despite a very close relationship between Apple and Intel, ARM was chosen to provide the processing technology behind the iPhone in spite of the upcoming Moorestown architecture. Intel has gone on to minimize the impact of ARM’s future products and promote their own brand of CPUs for Mobile Internet Devices and Phones.
This isn’t the first time Intel has publicly challenged other companies when they impede on the many market segments they cater too. Earlier this year Nvidia called out Intel for poor graphics performance from their Integrated Graphics Chipset which forced all video processing tasks onto the CPU with horrible 3D performance. Intel responded with further development for their Larrabee platform which combines a GPU onto the CPU die despite premonitions from Nvidia that common processors would be replaced by the much faster graphics processors found in today’s video cards.
While promoting their new Moorestown platform at the Taipei Developer Conference, they touted a full Internet experience on a mobile device which far surpassed the iPhone due to the technological differences in CPUs. Intel followed up with a lack of approval for ARM’s roadmap. Intel was quick to point out that the iPhone’s Software was not the reason for not delivering the full experience Intel is aiming for but rather the Chipset utilized by Apple from ARM. Despite Intel promising greater advantages in their mobile CPUs, they won’t be readily available until sometime in 2009. Apple has cemented ARM into their mobile products by buying out the company and receiving a specialized version of their CPUs.
It seems that Apple is dead set on not utilizing mobile Intel CPUs and Chipsets for the iPod and iPhone. Instead, Apple is shifting focus on using 3rd party designs to design for a single system on a chip that would tie together the Chipset, Graphics Processor and CPU on a single die. Apple’s purchase of P.A. Semi and a possible license of Imagination Technologie’s PowerVR Graphics Processor give further proof to Intel free pocketable devices.
Via: Apple Insider
Written by Tanner Godarzi on October 23rd, 2008
Posted in: News
AT&T has been one of the most successful carriers when it comes to marketing Apple’s iPhone raking in bigger profits than other carriers across the globe. That doesn’t appear to have changed as AT&T is boasting record numbers thanks to the iPhone. During the latest quarter, AT&T claimed 2.4 Million activations and an increase in profits.
Of those 2.4 Million activations, 40% were new subscribers adding 960,000 new customers to AT&T’s cellular division. The news of record iPhone sales for AT&T comes after Apple’s quarter earnings report that revealed 6.9 Million iPhones had been sold.
However, by subsidizing the iPhone at such huge cuts, cost AT&T $900 Million during the latest quarter. AT&T is expected to make up the losses over an iPhone’s 2 year contract.
Via: Gizmodo
Scaled back production of any Apple product usually indicates and upcoming update but in the case of the Mac Mini, could signal its imminent end. While an upgrade could come as hinted by various rumor sites, this could go either way considering the Mini’s upgrade track record. The last update to Apple’s lunchbox sized Mac was mid 2007 and has aged considerably without any worthwhile upgrades.
Gizmodo interprets Apple’s notification to retailers regarding an immediate cut to Mac Mini shipments as the worst case scenario. While there is no solid ground whether or not the Mini will receive a much, much needed update, its demise wouldn’t be surprising. Out of all Apple’s Macs, the Mini lacks 802.11N support and still utilizes the older Intel Merom CPU with a 667 MHz Front Side Bus and GMA950 Graphics Processor.
The high price point for such a configuration and lack of expandability beyond the RAM, Hard Drive and Optical Drive leave much to be desired. The Mac Mini was positioned as an entry into the Mac family with an attractive $500 price point but was soon raised when the transition to Intel CPUs was made during early 2006. Ironically, it would share the same fate as the PowerMac Cube which was the unofficial successor to the failed product.
However, rumors point towards a possible refresh occurring before the holiday shopping season or Macworld 2009. This would give reason to a halt on Mac Mini shipments to European retailers as its customary for Apple to do so before massive upgrades to their products. Early July Apple notified Best Buy of limited MacBook shipments which indicated a revamp to the MacBook line. This did not come to fruition until October when Apple introduced a new MacBook and MacBook Pro in refined Aluminum enclosures sporting all new Nvidia GPUs at a lower price point than previous Mac Notebooks.
Via: TUAW
Written by Tanner Godarzi on October 22nd, 2008
Posted in: Uncategorized
As Apple started in the State Of The Mac by Tim Cook during Apple’s latest media event, the company has been quick to point out their massive growth and which has increased 2 to 3 times the Industry. Apple’s quarter 4 conference call not only further cemented Apple’s growth but also proved the company can withstand economic downturns by shifting emphasis to the iPhone.
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Written by Tanner Godarzi on October 21st, 2008
Posted in: Events
Radical changes are being made to Apple’s operating system that will bring it up to speed with current tech but also future proof the next generation OS for increasing Hardware improvements. Besides drifting rumors of Snow Leopard finally bringing the axe to PowerPC based Macs and migrating to an Intel only architecture, speculation has been nill. However, AppleInsider says that developers who have already seen the newest seed report a revamped Finder completely rewritten in Apple’s Objective-C’s coding language, Cocoa.
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Written by Tanner Godarzi on October 21st, 2008
Posted in: Mac OS X
Releases of OS X have always had the default user Wallpaper adorn the login screen and all user accounts. Only the latter can have its Wallpaper changed from whatever Apple chose to plaster over the screen leaving those with automatic login disabled out in the cold. Fortunately, with a little knowledge of where you Mac stores system files, you can swap out the Outer Space inspired abstract piece for any of your choosing.
By navigating through Finder into “YourHardDriveName/System/Library/CoreServices” and scroll down until you find an image titled “DefaultDesktop.jpg” which is what OS X designates as the image display behind the Login Window. You’ll need Admin privileges to delete the original (don’t worry, you can change it back to the default anytime) and place a new image with the same file name.
If you need some inspiration, look in “YourHardDriveName/Library/DesktopPictures” for the included selection of Wallpapers bundled with OS X.
Written by Tanner Godarzi on October 21st, 2008
Posted in: Tip Stash
