I have never been a fan of carrying around 2 mobile phones. I often comment to people I see on planes that their life must suck if they have to carry around 2 phones. Most people laugh and agree that it is a pain. Today I joined them, so my life must suck too.
The reason for my second phone has to do with a new project that I am working on. It also gives me a phone that is paid for by my company and so I don't have to worry about expensing anything when I use it on one of my frequent trips to Japan. That will be nice. The only downside is that I have never used an Android phone. My only smartphone has been an iPhone. While I do have a lot of experience with Android on tablets, this is the first time with a phone and it is a bit different.
The nice thing about the iPhone is that it is very intuitive to use. My Android phone is doing all sorts of things and making noise all the time. Every time I get an e-mail, it beeps. Several minutes before a meeting, it beeps. When I get a text, it beeps. I had to turn off the sound during one meeting because the phone kept beeping and interrupting things. I'm sure I will figure out all of these little nuances with the new device. Until then, it is going to be interesting learning about this new phone.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
Thoughts on Working in the Video Game Industry
Before working in the video game industry, I always thought it would be a lot of fun. Now that I have been working here since around 2006, I can confirm it is a lot of fun, but it also has some unique challenges. Anyone wishing to have a career in the video game industry should be well aware of these challenges.
It has always been difficult to break into the video game industry and I didn't think that was very fair. Now I know why though. There is a lot of turnover here and so the high barrier to entry serves as a form of job security to those already in the industry. Without it, job security wouldn't exist. We have had a lot of people leave our division only to return after a year or so. This is because games fail or are not successful enough for a sequel. At that point, the game studio tries to absorb some of the team into another group, but more often than not, lets the whole team go. Everyone scrambles around to the various companies in the industry looking for a new project. Often that means going back to a previous employer.
Over the past month, we have had a fair number of former coworkers return. It is good to see friends come back even if they are now in different departments. This is a stark contrast to working at companies like Oracle where people stick around for decades. So if you want to join the video game industry because you think it means job security, I would rethink your decision. If you want to join because you tire of projects easily and don't mind jumping from one to another, then this is the industry for you.
It has always been difficult to break into the video game industry and I didn't think that was very fair. Now I know why though. There is a lot of turnover here and so the high barrier to entry serves as a form of job security to those already in the industry. Without it, job security wouldn't exist. We have had a lot of people leave our division only to return after a year or so. This is because games fail or are not successful enough for a sequel. At that point, the game studio tries to absorb some of the team into another group, but more often than not, lets the whole team go. Everyone scrambles around to the various companies in the industry looking for a new project. Often that means going back to a previous employer.
Over the past month, we have had a fair number of former coworkers return. It is good to see friends come back even if they are now in different departments. This is a stark contrast to working at companies like Oracle where people stick around for decades. So if you want to join the video game industry because you think it means job security, I would rethink your decision. If you want to join because you tire of projects easily and don't mind jumping from one to another, then this is the industry for you.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
It's Cold Outside
The weather forecast is for incredibly cold temperatures in the West. My boat that I am staying on during the week is in San Mateo, California and the low this morning was right around 34 degrees Fahrenheit. The high at Snowbird where my wife and son skied this afternoon was 3. Those are insanely cold temperatures.
I ran the heater all night and snuggled up underneath my electric blanket. I stayed warm but didn't want to get out of bed this morning. My boat was a frigid 53 degrees Fahrenheit when I woke up. I hung out for an hour under my covers until I had to get out of bed and start getting ready for work. I was glad the shower was extra warm.
It looks like it is going to be very cold for the next couple of weeks. Given that information, I would like to amend my Christmas list from earlier in the week. This year, I want a second heater for my boat. Not just a simple inexpensive one. One that has a digital temperature control. I wonder if Santa would deliver it before Christmas?
I ran the heater all night and snuggled up underneath my electric blanket. I stayed warm but didn't want to get out of bed this morning. My boat was a frigid 53 degrees Fahrenheit when I woke up. I hung out for an hour under my covers until I had to get out of bed and start getting ready for work. I was glad the shower was extra warm.
It looks like it is going to be very cold for the next couple of weeks. Given that information, I would like to amend my Christmas list from earlier in the week. This year, I want a second heater for my boat. Not just a simple inexpensive one. One that has a digital temperature control. I wonder if Santa would deliver it before Christmas?
Monday, December 2, 2013
2013 Christmas List
It is the beginning of December and so I thought I would be a bit earlier than last year and put together my annual Christmas list. The idea is to give you an idea of what I would want for myself in the hopes that it gives you an idea for others on your shopping list this year.
Unfortunately computer and electronic gadgets have a tendency to be rather expensive. I try to include one or two low-cost items for that child that wants to get their parent something special. I will start low and then get more expensive. Hopefully there is something that fits everyone's budget.
Older Video Games - With the release of the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, we are about to see a decline in the previous generation consoles. Fortunately those older systems still have a lot of life in them and you can find a number of older games for a really good price. This one requires a bit of searching on your part though. You will need to find what games are wanted but haven't been played yet. When I was at Best Buy over the weekend, there were a number of really great games for $19.95 or less. A good starting point is to figure out the genre: racing games, first person shooters, sports games, puzzles, etc. Then do an Internet search for popular games and read the reviews and you should be able to find something that will be enjoyed.
A Remote Control Helicopter - This was on my list last year and I still want one. My oldest son had one and had a great time with it until his roommate crashed and destroyed it. You can pick up a number of inexpensive models including the more powerful quadcopters.
Rocksmith - A few years ago, my wife picked me up a left-handed acoustic guitar. I played that thing every night for several months but became discouraged at my lack of progress. Taking a cue from the success of Guitar Hero, Ubisoft created a similar video game that actually teaches you how to play a real guitar. I mentioned this to my wife, but she got angry because she thinks I also want a new electric guitar. If you already have an acoustic guitar, all you need is an electronic pickup, which is really inexpensive and allows you to use your existing instrument with the game.
Bluetooth Speakers - I have some really nice over-the-ear headphones (which are also a really good Christmas-list idea) but sometimes I want to share my music. A nice bluetooth speaker would make a nice addition to my music hardware.
A New Monitor - This is not a gift I need at home as I have a couple of really nice monitors already. This is something I need at work. In the office, I have 4 monitors on my desk and they are all rather old. It would be nice to replace them all with a set of 24-inch matching monitors running at 1920x1080 resolution.
A New Tablet Computer - Not all tablets are created equal and my favorite one on the market now is the Xperia Z from Sony. Why do I like it so much? It is waterproof (they claim water resistant up to 3 feet for 30 minutes). This is one that you can take with you while you read in your hot tub. Should it accidentally fall in, no worries.
Non-Computer Gifts
This year I thought I would introduce some new gift ideas. I spend most days in front of a computer and this year I find myself looking at other ideas. At the end of the day, the last thing I want to do is spend more time with computer equipment. I have some other hobbies I would like to pursue. Perhaps you have someone in your life like me and so here are some other ideas.
Ratcheting Box Wrenches - I have been working on cars a lot lately. These in both Metric and SAE sizes would be greatly appreciated. Sears also has a nice set of Craftsman that are a bit more expensive, but have a better warranty.
Wire Arc Welder - I really want a MIG or TIG welder, but they are much more expensive. However I have not done any welding for the past 30 years as my only real experience was a shop class back in junior high. An inexpensive wire welder would give me the chance to learn how to weld using cheap scrap metal before I discover I have no talent at it. With all the work I am doing on cars lately, this may be a skill I need in the near future.
Previous Years
In compiling this list, I made sure to go through my previous Christmas lists and there are a number of gifts that are still valid.
2010 2011 2012
Now all I need to do is send an e-mail to my wife so she knows what I want this year. I found out over the weekend that she doesn't really know. This is a good start.
Unfortunately computer and electronic gadgets have a tendency to be rather expensive. I try to include one or two low-cost items for that child that wants to get their parent something special. I will start low and then get more expensive. Hopefully there is something that fits everyone's budget.
Older Video Games - With the release of the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, we are about to see a decline in the previous generation consoles. Fortunately those older systems still have a lot of life in them and you can find a number of older games for a really good price. This one requires a bit of searching on your part though. You will need to find what games are wanted but haven't been played yet. When I was at Best Buy over the weekend, there were a number of really great games for $19.95 or less. A good starting point is to figure out the genre: racing games, first person shooters, sports games, puzzles, etc. Then do an Internet search for popular games and read the reviews and you should be able to find something that will be enjoyed.
A Remote Control Helicopter - This was on my list last year and I still want one. My oldest son had one and had a great time with it until his roommate crashed and destroyed it. You can pick up a number of inexpensive models including the more powerful quadcopters.
Rocksmith - A few years ago, my wife picked me up a left-handed acoustic guitar. I played that thing every night for several months but became discouraged at my lack of progress. Taking a cue from the success of Guitar Hero, Ubisoft created a similar video game that actually teaches you how to play a real guitar. I mentioned this to my wife, but she got angry because she thinks I also want a new electric guitar. If you already have an acoustic guitar, all you need is an electronic pickup, which is really inexpensive and allows you to use your existing instrument with the game.
Bluetooth Speakers - I have some really nice over-the-ear headphones (which are also a really good Christmas-list idea) but sometimes I want to share my music. A nice bluetooth speaker would make a nice addition to my music hardware.
A New Monitor - This is not a gift I need at home as I have a couple of really nice monitors already. This is something I need at work. In the office, I have 4 monitors on my desk and they are all rather old. It would be nice to replace them all with a set of 24-inch matching monitors running at 1920x1080 resolution.
A New Tablet Computer - Not all tablets are created equal and my favorite one on the market now is the Xperia Z from Sony. Why do I like it so much? It is waterproof (they claim water resistant up to 3 feet for 30 minutes). This is one that you can take with you while you read in your hot tub. Should it accidentally fall in, no worries.
Non-Computer Gifts
This year I thought I would introduce some new gift ideas. I spend most days in front of a computer and this year I find myself looking at other ideas. At the end of the day, the last thing I want to do is spend more time with computer equipment. I have some other hobbies I would like to pursue. Perhaps you have someone in your life like me and so here are some other ideas.
Ratcheting Box Wrenches - I have been working on cars a lot lately. These in both Metric and SAE sizes would be greatly appreciated. Sears also has a nice set of Craftsman that are a bit more expensive, but have a better warranty.
Wire Arc Welder - I really want a MIG or TIG welder, but they are much more expensive. However I have not done any welding for the past 30 years as my only real experience was a shop class back in junior high. An inexpensive wire welder would give me the chance to learn how to weld using cheap scrap metal before I discover I have no talent at it. With all the work I am doing on cars lately, this may be a skill I need in the near future.
Previous Years
In compiling this list, I made sure to go through my previous Christmas lists and there are a number of gifts that are still valid.
2010 2011 2012
Now all I need to do is send an e-mail to my wife so she knows what I want this year. I found out over the weekend that she doesn't really know. This is a good start.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Knack on the PS4
One of the games I recently picked up for the PS4 is Knack. It was developed by the main architect of the PS4 and serves to showcase some of the things you can do with the new console. Unfortunately it has gotten a number of bad reviews as a game. Some say it is a kids game but too difficult for kids to play. Others describe it as tedious.
I have been watching my 17-year-old son play it over the past couple of days and think it is a great game. Yes, the animation is cartoonish and the game seems to keep going and going, but I don't see either of those as negative. I like the artwork as it helps with the escape from reality. I also like that the game isn't over in 2 hours. Unlike most game reviewers who get their games for free, when you pay $65 for a game, you want it to last. Perhaps that is why a lot of gamers disagree with the critics about Knack.
My son is out of school for the Thanksgiving holiday and immediately headed to play Knack after a morning of skiing. When I told him that the game was getting a lot of bad reviews, he couldn't understand why. My son grew up playing Ratchet & Clank but has since grown tired of it. Knack is a great follow-on game for someone a little older. It is definitely worth the price we paid for the game.
I have been watching my 17-year-old son play it over the past couple of days and think it is a great game. Yes, the animation is cartoonish and the game seems to keep going and going, but I don't see either of those as negative. I like the artwork as it helps with the escape from reality. I also like that the game isn't over in 2 hours. Unlike most game reviewers who get their games for free, when you pay $65 for a game, you want it to last. Perhaps that is why a lot of gamers disagree with the critics about Knack.
My son is out of school for the Thanksgiving holiday and immediately headed to play Knack after a morning of skiing. When I told him that the game was getting a lot of bad reviews, he couldn't understand why. My son grew up playing Ratchet & Clank but has since grown tired of it. Knack is a great follow-on game for someone a little older. It is definitely worth the price we paid for the game.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Where to Get a PS4 for Christmas
Last night my son wanted to go to Best Buy to do a little Christmas window shopping. I'm not one to pass up the chance to go to the local electronics store and so we made the quick trip. Naturally they were all out of the next-generation game consoles and so I asked when they are getting a new shipment of PS4's. They are getting one today but the store won't put them out until Black Friday. I'm not sure if they will also have XBox One's as I only asked about the PS4. I imagine they will have both machines Friday morning.
Sony has tried to anticipate demand for the PS4 this Christmas season and rumor has it they will be shipping consoles on an almost weekly basis. That means if your favorite store doesn't have a PS4 at the moment, you just need to ask a salesperson when they get their next shipment. Then be sure to be at the store as soon as they restock their shelves.
A lot of my friends know I am in the video game industry and have been asking how to get a PS4 for Christmas and this is the advice I give them. It is just a matter of timing. Chance favors the prepared and so do everything you can to reduce being there at the wrong time.
Sony has tried to anticipate demand for the PS4 this Christmas season and rumor has it they will be shipping consoles on an almost weekly basis. That means if your favorite store doesn't have a PS4 at the moment, you just need to ask a salesperson when they get their next shipment. Then be sure to be at the store as soon as they restock their shelves.
A lot of my friends know I am in the video game industry and have been asking how to get a PS4 for Christmas and this is the advice I give them. It is just a matter of timing. Chance favors the prepared and so do everything you can to reduce being there at the wrong time.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Broken Electronics
This weeks has been a bad week for electronics in our family. The only problem with owning something is that you get used to it and really hate it when it breaks.
Yesterday I got a call from my son down at college and he was pretty upset. He had been cleaning the screen on his relatively new Sony Xperia Z phone when it cracked right down the middle. When that happens, the touch screen no longer works and the phone is almost useless. He was only able to call me because he has a smart watch linked to his phone and could use the watch to interface with the phone. As long as the number he wants to call is in his phone's address book, he can make calls. He can also receive calls through the watch.
To add insult to injury, the power supply on my son's 40-inch Samsung TV went out on Saturday. There was the Bronco's game on last night that my son's room mates wanted to watch but couldn't because of the broken TV. They were giving him grief over it and my son was pretty bummed. Never mind that the TV was a free gift from someone at work and none of my son's other room mates had a TV.
My wife and I got done consoling my son when my daughter called and complained that her MacBook's charger had died. She is using a room mate's to charge her computer for now. This is the second time her charger has failed.
There are solutions to all of these problems but it is tough to deal with them all at the same time. Furthermore, Three of the major electronics brands are represented in this week's failures. Guess what they all have in common? Every single one of the failed parts was made by the same company in China. We really need to find another source for our electronic products as this is not the first time I have written about Chinese crap failing.
Yesterday I got a call from my son down at college and he was pretty upset. He had been cleaning the screen on his relatively new Sony Xperia Z phone when it cracked right down the middle. When that happens, the touch screen no longer works and the phone is almost useless. He was only able to call me because he has a smart watch linked to his phone and could use the watch to interface with the phone. As long as the number he wants to call is in his phone's address book, he can make calls. He can also receive calls through the watch.
To add insult to injury, the power supply on my son's 40-inch Samsung TV went out on Saturday. There was the Bronco's game on last night that my son's room mates wanted to watch but couldn't because of the broken TV. They were giving him grief over it and my son was pretty bummed. Never mind that the TV was a free gift from someone at work and none of my son's other room mates had a TV.
My wife and I got done consoling my son when my daughter called and complained that her MacBook's charger had died. She is using a room mate's to charge her computer for now. This is the second time her charger has failed.
There are solutions to all of these problems but it is tough to deal with them all at the same time. Furthermore, Three of the major electronics brands are represented in this week's failures. Guess what they all have in common? Every single one of the failed parts was made by the same company in China. We really need to find another source for our electronic products as this is not the first time I have written about Chinese crap failing.
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