Digital Distribution!

Today I would like to talk about the rapidly growing trend of digital distribution. I specifically want to discuss video games and three of my personal favorite websites dedicated to downloadable full versions of video games and more.

As many of you already know and most likely already participate in, digital distribution covers everything from music to movies to peer to peer file sharing and, as we'll talk about today, video games. I'm going to try and highlight three of my favorite websites that take advantage of this increasingly popular method of product distribution.

Digital Distribution (also known as digital delivery or electronic software distribution) is the practice of providing content in a purely digital format, which is downloaded via the internet straight to a consumer's home.

I want to start off with my personal favorite website for video game downloads.

Over 1,100 games are available to purchase, download, and play from any computer. Check out the new releases, indie hits, casual favorites and everything in between.

Find someone to play with, meet up with friends, connect with groups of similar interests, and host and join chats, matches, and tournaments. See when your friends are online or playing games and easily join the same games together. Chat with your buddies, or use your microphone to communicate in any game.

Hunting for patches and downloading from unorganized web sites is so twentieth-century. On Steam, your games stay up-to-date by themselves. No hassles.

From pre-release discounts to free-play weekends, Steam delivers what gamers value most. Steam brings PC’s biggest gaming platform to the Mac! Download your games to your mac, play against your PC friends in multiplayer games.

Steam is run by the makers of the Half Life series of games, Valve. Widely popular and a leader in the industry, Valve has created one of the most user friendly methods of digital distribution I have come across. My PC gaming library is currently at 17 installed games, many, if not all, were on sale from 10% to 70% off and the best part is I never even left my desk to buy them. I also use Steam for high definition game trailers, demos and beta testing. I highly recommend anyone that has a gaming PC or Mac to check out Steam for video game downloads. My Steam username is RampageGaming if you would like to add me to your friends list.

Next up!

Direct 2 Drive

Shop, Download and Play. Direct 2 Drive is headed by the people at IGN Entertainment Games a leader in online media and services company. This online powerhouse is responsible for several leading websites including FilePlanet, Team Xbox and Gamespy Technology. Needless to say, they know what the heck they're doing when it comes to digital distribution. Similar if not the same gaming library as Steam. D2D also boasts incredible deals and gaming packages. Give them a try and let me know what you think!

Games for Windows Live

• Shop for your favorite games in every genre. You’ll find Games for Windows Marketplace exclusives, Games for Windows — LIVE games, great bargain games and casual games. With great new games shipping every week, you can find, purchase, and download the games you want straight to your computer!
• Games for Windows Marketplace is open to millions of Xbox LIVE gamers around the world. Log in with your Xbox LIVE account and enjoy a single unified identity across Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows — LIVE. It’s the same gamertag, friends list, achievements, and gamerscore on both platforms!
• Receive automatic game updates and patch downloads for installed games!
• See your friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and enjoy cross-platform communication and game invites!
• Play against players of your skill level with the TrueSkill™ matchmaking system so every match is fun for everyone

 One of the best features of Games for Windows Live is that it's one login ID. Meaning whether you play on Xbox Live, PC, Zune or Windows Phone 7 you will have only one friends list, one login and one account for all of your windows based products. Achievements span all of these products as well. If you're a fan of Windows, Xbox Live or any of the various Microsoft products, I suggest checking out Games for Windows Live!

Clearly there are many many other sites that offer digital distribution from Playstation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, Nintendo Store, EBgames, Gamestop and the list goes on and on. However I wanted to highlight my personal favorites and I hope you all get an idea of what the future may hold for digital content.

Happy Gaming!!!!

Playstation 3, Wii and Xbox 360

There are three major players in the console business these days. Sony Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii and the Microsoft Xbox 360.

Now, I could get all nostalgic and talk about the systems of my childhood and how it all began but I will leave that for another day. Instead, I would like to take some time to highlight the amazing systems of our childrens generation.


Sony Playstation 3

The 320GB PlayStation®3 system, just like the other systems, gives you everything you want: tons of exclusive games with great graphics; a built-in Blu-ray player for your HD movie collection; pristine picture quality delivered at 1080p; 320GB of memory housed in an incredibly light and quiet console; and built-in Wi-Fi. Register for a PlayStation®Network membership to get access to exclusive multiplayer online games or download hundreds of other games, movies and TV series. Once you subscribe to Netflix, you can even stream movies and TV series at no additional charge. Experience CDs and DVDs in surround sound by playing them on your PS3™ system and store music, photos and video on its giant hard drive. Simply put, get everything you want in a slim, sleek, powerful package.

Personally this is my go to system. It was my first "next-gen" console purchase when it launched back on November 17, 2006. I bought the original 60gb console that included the emotion engine which allowed for full backwards compatibility of all PS1 and PS2 games. The consoles made today do not offer PS2 backwards compatibility, which makes the one we have pretty rare. The Blu Ray player was a huge gamble for Sony but as everyone knows now, it has paid off as Blu Ray is the only HD format on disk. Speaking of Blu Ray, you see that little Inception Blu Ray offer right next to this article? It would be awesome if you clicked and ordered your copy today!! :)

Nintendo Wii

The Wii™ console brings a revolution of interactive gaming to people of all ages. Experience intuitive motion controls that deliver a unique social activity for the whole family. Wii gaming gets everyone off of the couch for hours of fun!

The Wii Remote controller is easy to use. The familiarity of a TV remote, combined with motion-sensing technology makes for a seamless experience. Just pick it up and make the motions you would as if you were really bowling, playing tennis, or golfing.

What the Wii lacks in HD output and a robust online gaming experience, it more than makes up for in good old fashion fun! When I first saw the Wii I immediately thought gimmick and I will be the first to admit that I was mistaken. Our family has thoroughly enjoyed the amazing nostalgic gaming experience the Wii offers. From the classic 1983 Mario Brothers to New 2009 Super Mario Bros, mix in the Wii Sports games and it's a wash, pure video gaming fun! I will also admit that Shannon is the queen of Mario. She kills it!


Microsoft Xbox 360

The new Xbox 360®. Here today, ready for tomorrow with a brand new, leaner look and an all new black gloss finish. Wi-Fi is built-in for easier connection to the world of entertainment on Xbox LIVE, where HD movies and TV stream in an instant. It's ready for the controller-free experiences of Kinect—you don't just play the game, you are the game. With the huge hard drive you'll have plenty of space to store your favorite games and movies. Xbox 360 is more games, entertainment. and fun.

While I have no actual hands on with the 360 for an extended period of time, I am hopeful that a Santa will squeeze his ass down the chimney and leave one under our Christmas tree. *cough*shannon*cough*! Was that subtle enough?! :)

Whether you're in the mood to play hardcore games on Xbox Live, catch your favorite movie in high definition Blu Ray or if you want to game like a kid again, there is a console out there for everyone!

Enjoy!!! Happy Gaming!!!!!!!

Our New 52" Sharp Aquos LED LCD TV

With all the various innovative high definition televisions to choose from these days, it's hard to sort things out sometimes. How does one know which particular specifications you need in order to enjoy a true high def experience?! There is LED, LCD, Plasma, 60hz, 120hz, 240hz, 600hz, Full 1080p, 3D ready, dynamic contrast ratio, internet connectivity, quad pixel, tri pixel and the list goes on and on.

For some, such as with our family, it comes down to "bang for your buck!".

As your everyday consumers, our house considers a combination of budget, specifications and a little future proofing. Sure you can get a great HDtv for very little money these days and sure you can go out and buy the latest and greatest 3D Sony LED tv, but you're either going to spend too little for very old technology or you're gonna spend twice as much money, if not more, when you add up the extra 3D glasses and batteries among many other nickle and dime costs.

To me there is a fine line when purchasing a new HDtv. You don't want to go super cheap and you don't want to go daddy warbucks either. The secret to purchasing a great HDtv sits right in between!

Consumer electronics are forever advancing and as soon as something is on the shelf, something new is being developed. That said, you can still buy a middle of the road HDtv that has all the technological needs you are looking for in today's market and you won't be setting yourself back to where you would be buying something new in 4 or 5 years.

Which brings us to our newest HDtv investment!

The 52" Sharp Aquos Quattron LED LCD TV: Retail approximately $1400

With the introduction of the LC-52LE820UN, Sharp once again demonstrates its leadership in LCD and LED technology. In a monumental engineering breakthrough, Sharp's proprietary Quad Pixel Technology, a 4-color filter that adds yellow to the traditional RGB, enables a vast array of colors to be displayed for the first time. A stunning new contemporary Edge lit design proudly announces a new direction for AQUOS® LCD TVs in 2010. The proprietary AQUOS LED LCD system comprised of the X-Gen LCD panel and UltraBrilliant LEDs enables an incredible dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1 and picture quality that is second to none. The LC-52LE820UN is fully featured, including the addition of Netflix streaming video capability through the AQUOS Net™ service, along with the industry's leading online support system, AQUOS Advantage Livesm. A built-in media player allows for playback of music and photos via the USB port.

Features

* Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) Resolution - with more than 8 million dots for the sharpest picture possible.
* Quad Pixel Technology - featuring a 4 color filter that adds yellow to the traditional RGB.
* UltraBrilliant LED system - includes a unique "double-dome" light amplifier lens and multi-fluorescents, enabling high brightness and color purity.
* Full HD 1080p X-Gen LCD Panel - is designed with advanced pixel control to minimize light leakage and a wider aperture to let more light through, providing the industry's highest contrast level.
* 120Hz Fine Motion Enhanced - for improved fast-motion picture quality.
* AQUOS LINK™ - enables convenient control of AQUOS Blu-ray Disc™ players.
* AQUOS Net - delivers customized Internet content, Netflix and live customer support via an Ethernet connection, viewable in widget, full-screen or split-screen mode.
* USB Photo Viewer with Music Player - enables enjoyment of high-resolution digital JPEG images and MP3 music files.

The reasons why we bought this television, first and foremost, was simply bang for your buck. We knew we wanted a 50" plus TV, we new we didn't want to pay a lot of money, and we new we wanted some newer technology mixed in.

This TV retails for around $1400 and for that price you get all the above listed specifications. Shannon and I especially liked the internet connectivity, USB media capabilities (picture sharing and MP3 playing), LED technology, Built in Netflix streaming, 120hz True Motion and Quattron Technology.

Simply put this TV kicks ass! Our Playstation 3 has never shined so brightly. The Blu-Ray movies feel like you're actually watching real life right in front of you! The 120hz True Motion plays tricks on your mind with respect to how real everything looks and moves. It truly is amazing!

We encourage everyone out there to take your time when investing in a new HDtv. Consider what specifications you're looking for, consider budget, consider the space the TV will go in. Buying an HDtv can be overwhelming, but it can also be a very rewarding experience when you take the time to figure it all out.

Happy Viewing!!!

My Five Favorite Android Apps!

There is no two ways about it, Android is the número uno competitor to the iPhone.

Android is an open-source software stack for mobile devices, and a corresponding open-source project led by Google

Google has managed to create one of the most accessible open source codes on any platform. That said, there are thousands upon thousands of applications and games on the market from top notch developers to noob developers trying to make a name for themselves. Here's a top five list of some of my favorite everyday apps and games I like to mess around with.

1. Angry Birds Developed by Rovio Games,

Angry Birds features hours of gameplay, challenging physics-based castle demolition, and lots of replay value. Each of the 120 levels requires logic, skill, and brute force to crush the enemy.

Download this game, you'll thank me later. ;)

2. Flash Player 10.1 No other smartphone OS uses the power of Flash Player other than the Droid OS. It's a 1up on iPhone in this regard. Having flash player on your web enabled smartphone is just another way to enjoy content rich mobile websites.

Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 software for Android™ has been released to partners. Flash Player 10.1 for Android requires that Android 2.2 be installed on your device.

Visit m.flash.com to check out the latest showcase of mobile websites and applications.

3. Directv App.

With DIRECTV you can easily set your home DVR from your mobile device. Browse shows and movies or search the guide up to 14 days in advance. Order movies or events in front of your TV without a phone line. It’s easy. It’s fun, It’s free. Compliments of DIRECTV. *Optimized for Android 1.6 and above.

4. Youtube Who doesn't like to catch the latest and greatest viral video of someone lighting their farts on fire or making a basketball shot of their five year olds head?!!!

Experience the latest and best version of the official YouTube app, which offers: - Beautiful new UI design - In-page playback (read comments while video is playing!) - Personalized homescreen video feed - Brand new player controls - Rotate-for-fullscreen playback

5. Facebook for Android. Why text and drive when you can update your facebook instead! I'm kidding, facebook responsibly folks!!

Facebook for Android makes it easy to stay connected and share information with friends. You can share status updates from your home screen, check out your News Feed, review your upcoming Events, look at your friends’ walls and user info, upload photos, share links, check your Inbox, and view posted videos

So these are just five of the many many apps that I use on a daily basis. Hope to hear from some of you out there about which device you prefer and which are your favorite apps and games are. :)

Welcome!

Another day, another tech blog!!!

Well I should start off by saying that I am not in the technology business, it is simply a hobby for me. I am certainly not an expert in the field. Everything I've learned over the years has been pretty much trial and error along with self teachings. The fascination with advancements in technology, what makes things tick, how to improve them and what the future holds has been a life long hobby.

My day job is a Medical Assistant in a Dermatology office. It pays the bills and I enjoy my job. I'm newly engaged and we are expecting a baby sometime around the beginning of July!!! Very exciting times in our little corner of the world. :)

What I expect to accomplish with this blog is to basically provide a layman's view of everyday technology. I hope to give valuable insight to everyone by providing information on all things I have learned over the years. Everything from how to build custom desktop computers to smartphone tips and tricks to videogames.

Speaking of videogames, as you can imagine, I am a huge videogame junky! So much so that my friends and I routinely get together online and record our gaming sessions along with commentary. I go by the username Rampage when I'm poppin melons online. I've been playing online multiplayer games consistently since about 2004 with a great bunch of friends. We go by the name Teh Birdz and no it's not that cute little sparrow flying around your house. LoL! Lets just say it stands for "your #1"  ..|., So without further adieu here is a video produced by amandaontherun featuring birdz members Lt.Goose, Rampage, Loxodonte with guest PandaOTR.

Enjoy and once again welcome to my blog!