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jeanvaljean24601 · 4 years

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Full-Frame Showdown: Canon R5, Panasonic S1H, and Sony a7 IIICanon, Panasonic, and Sony.

Japanese camera makers that have played a huge part in major advances in video production over the last 20 years. While they have lost some ground at the top end to innovators like RED, and to market leaders like ARRI, they are massively dominant in the budget range most of us can afford. And for the first time in a long, long time they have relatively comparable cameras in their lineup. The reason why it's the first time in a long time goes back to the beginning of the DSLR/mirrorless revolution. Each company really targeted different markets. Sony was ahead of the game in moving towards full-frame mirrorless back in 2014 with its Alpha line. At the same time, Canon was still pushing hard on DSLR cameras with an internal mirror system that could adapt to PL mount, and Panasonic was out with the very popular, but smaller sensor GH line of cameras. Not only was Sony out early with full-frame mirrorless, they then came out with the a7S II which was a huge hit among filmmakers for its high resolution and great low light performance. For nearly a decade, the three giants were competing in different spaces. Panasonic was up against Olympus and Fujifilm for the MFT market, Canon was up against Nikon for the DSLR market, and Sony had full-frame all to itself. That almost changed two years ago with the release of the RF line from Canon, a series of full-frame mirrorless cameras built around a brand new lens mount. But the resolution wasn't exciting. It was a 4K crop, and it just didn't sing to filmmakers. In 2019, Panasonic generated a ton of buzz with the LUMIX DC-S1H, a very filmmaker-focused full-frame mirrorless offering that shot 6K video, could do RAW over HDMI, 4K up to 60fps, and created very pleasing images. Combined with the same color science and log format as the very popular VariCam line of cameras made this an especially appealing choice for filmmakers who frequently rented or even owned that larger cinema platform. If you were on a VariCam show, you could feel comfortable using the S1H as a C camera or for crash setups. Now Canon is catching up with the EOS R5, which is targeted towards filmmakers with a completely new sensor that is able to shoot 8K internal RAW footage. Now all the big players have options that are broadly in competition with each other. The Canon R5 does 8K RAW internally. You can shoot 6K on the S1H, but to get RAW you need an external recorder. For Sony, the current "filmmaker" camera is the a7 III, which tops out at 4K. In truth, though, we don't care about the resolution number as an end in itself. The key is not the resolution of the file that is created, but the actual measurable perceivable resolution of the final image. If when projected on a movie screen you can't see any resolution difference between the 6K and 8K, then does it really matter? Canon currently is ahead based on the 8K number, but we're going to wait for real-world side-by-side testing with the cameras to see what actually passes the most information along. 8K also requires lenses to actually resolve 8K, which might not even matter if you are shooting with a vintage cinema lens. If you are picking this camera and hoping to shoot with a set of old Super Speed primes or the even older and softer Cooke Speed Panchros, you may not see any difference in resolution at the camera level. Canon has Dual Pixel Autofocus II on the EOS R5 that uses "deep learning" to identifying subjects. Autofocus development is likely going to be one of the key battlegrounds between the cameras. This is vital since Sony has gotten a major lead going in autofocus with some truly impressive results. Autofocus that actually feels like a tool filmmakers might really appreciate makes the a7 III very appealing. Panasonic has a whole host of lenses custom-built for the S1H but hasn't pushed its autofocus hard. While this shouldn't be the main reason a filmmaker chooses a camera, it can be a lifesaver in an interview setup with a subject who keeps leaning forward and back, for instance. If autofocus is a key decider for you, you should focus your attention on who's really ahead of the pack: Canon and Sony. Panasonic S1H As a reminder, in the end, you can make most cameras look like anything. As Steve Yedlin points out, there is so much power in post-processing that a lot of what we talk about when we discuss camera color science is just "wine language." However, color science does matter somewhat on smaller jobs when you won't have much time in post. If you are shooting something where you won't be invited to post, or where it will be online the next day, or even later that night, you want pleasing color straight out of the camera. This category, to me, leans towards Panasonic and Canon. Sony has traditionally had the strangest color science choices, with greens looking a bit off and skin tones a bit shifted towards the orange as well. It's improved over the years, but footage from the FX9 still looks a bit too saturated in the greens for me, and the a7 III fits in that space as well. The first Sony camera to really look good in this area was VENICE. Compare that to Panasonic, who has done an amazing job rolling down the VariCam look into an affordable package. For that alone, Panasonic wins the color competition. While Canon looks quite nice out of the gate, its look is the "look of YouTube," and while it's pleasing, it's very associated with vlogging and the DIY space. Based on footage seen so far, the S1H is the winner here to me. It was also the first Netflix approved mirrorless camera, despite Sony having had 4K cameras available for several years prior. Panasonic felt like a real contender with its 4K 60fps, but the Canon R5 stomps it with a 4K 120fps shooting mode. If you are doing sports, action, or even a certain kind of narrative filmmaking, that 120fps is going to be killer. Sony is carrying the rear here with only 30fps in 4K mode from the a7 III. But that will most likely change with the up-coming a7S III. Canon uses the proprietary RF mount. Sony uses the proprietary E mount. Panasonic uses the open format L mount, part of the L-mount alliance with Leica and Sigma. While that isn't the biggest industry group, I tend to prefer open formats to closed formats, and that has some appeal. However, the E mount has a more robust lens offering at the moment than either RF or L. If you need to shoot today, and you need a lot of lens choices, E mount is the way to go. But then again, most lenses can be adapted. h96 max x3The only reasonable conclusion I can make is that it's a good time to be a filmmaker looking for a camera around $4,000. There are three very strong choices that are going to give you amazing images no matter what. If you already shoot a lot of VariCam, the S1H is the obvious choice. But the R5 deserves a lot of attention and testing for its new autofocus, IBIS, and 8K RAW, which is a real game-changer at this price point. Sony isn't out of the game by any means with its arsenal of lens choices and famous low light quality. It will come down to what your personal expectations and preferences are in a camera. h96 max tv boxSo which one makes the most sense for you?

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hcpefulmarshmallow · 6 years

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Some Canon Stuff & Observations About Komaeda From Island Mode

--Because I have this list, and now you do too.

General:

Once he’s decided to spend time with somebody, he’s not very picky about what they do together. That said, he seems to prefer activities that can keep him engaged with that person, as opposed to singular activities, even ones he usually enjoys, like reading. He’s also not quite as fond of movies and the like, again because you’re engaging with something else and not each other.

Whenever he talks about something being dangerous, he’s considerably more concerned about anyone else who may be hurt as a result over himself. This is probably due to his bad luck targeting his loved ones before it targets him. Plus, you know, he’s a good boy. He cares.

He kind of jokes around a lot in a non life-and-death situation. At least, with Hajime. It’s heartwarming. I love his playful side.

He seems to struggle with eating around other people. This may be due to a lack of appetite as is a symptom of his illness, but he could also be self conscious, or nervous about his luck interfering somehow. He does talk about the many dangers of various foods throughout his island mode time.

A lot of the fear he expresses tends to be very...specific. He’s not afraid of the thing, he’s afraid of this, this and this that could result from the thing going horribly wrong in the most zany of ways.

He won’t waste the term “good luck” on silly, insignificant things. Since it offsets all the bad in his life, presumably he wants it to be special.

He doesn’t like unfulfilling conclusions. They’re wishy-washy, and leave him uncertain about what’s to come. This makes a lot of sense - the only consistency in his life is that good luck will follow bad, and vice versa. If he can’t tell which is which, he’ll just be blindsided.

He is capable of recognising hope in himself, and what it takes to find that is one-on-one human interaction, and feeling like someone actually wants to be with him. Of course, this isn’t only a good thing. The downside is that, if there’s hope within him, then erasing himself means erasing his hope. It makes his own life precious, too. (I’m not crying, you are.)

Park:

He’s more comfortable in open areas, since it’s easier to spot potential hazards.

He gets sick of the same scenery day in, day out pretty quickly.

He seems to believe in hell. Or at least, entertain the notion. Oh, dear.

Despite calling zombies and ghosts “unrealistic” (re: move theatre) he does appear to believe in curses, and some form of magic to some degree. The line there isn’t really explored.

For all his talk about how he wants something to happen, he acts pretty darn happy with the relaxing environment the island provides. He even says he wishes it could last forever.

He kind of likes the statue in Jabberwock Park that exists when they arrive.

Beach:

Just like everything else in life, ocean = danger.

He likes fishing, mostly because it’s not very dangerous and there’s still potential for something amazing to happen.

He really does not like running.

He kind of wishes he could have darker skin.

His skin is very sensitive and he doesn’t enjoy direct sunlight.

He likes building sandcastles.

He remarks that the game Capture The Flag “takes me back”. Perhaps he used to play as a kid?

Library:

Everywhere else, if you make noises about not enjoying yourself or wanting to leave, Ko agrees that you can, though usually reluctantly. In the library, however, he just suggests you go your separate ways. Nobody separates the boy from his books, I guess.

As mentioned way above, he prefers activities with people that keep them both engaged. However, in the library, apparently that too goes out the window because he has all the self control of a kid in a candy store around those books.

“There’s nothing better than having too many books,” apparently.

Even Ko didn’t think they’d need to survive badly enough that they’d have to burn the books. He’s thought of curses and divine intervention, but burning down a library is too horrifying, I guess.

When he stays put and reads, he isn’t affected by his luck so much, making it the most peaceful way to pass time.

Being in a quiet place with someone he likes makes him nervous.

Studying isn’t his favourite thing to do, but he’ll enjoy it more with a studdy buddy. (That’s actually adorable, thanks, I hate it.)

During hide and seek, nobody ever finds him until the very end, which actually makes him depressed.

D o n ‘ t i n s u l t t h e l i b r a r y a r o u n d t h e b o y .

Movie Theater:

He doesn’t like eating during movies. He finds it distracting, and would rather focus on the screen.

He likes the idea of filming memories and watching them back later. He even states that he’d like to have some of the security footage as a souvenir.

He likes the front row for immersion, but gets sore easily while watching movies. In particular, he tends to strain his back and neck.

He canonically falls asleep during boring movies. I can’t even with this guy.

As much as he likes feeling relaxed, situations that are relaxing make him nervous. Presumably because he’s waiting for something bad to strike.

Types of movies he does not like: realistic horror, “panicky” movies, anything that reflects his own life and experiences.

Types of movies he does like: mysteries of course, unrealistic horror and movies with themes he’ll almost certainly never have to deal with firsthand.

Amusement Park:

The carousel is his favourite ride, because it’s relaxing and not dangerous.

“This is Nezumi Castle after all, so we need to ride the mouse first!” - Yep, he’s That Guy.

Unsurprisingly, rollercoasters are a strong contender for least favourite.

Sometimes he laughs when he’s surprised though it doesn’t mean he’s having fun, and he’s aware of it enough to acknowledge it.

He doesn’t like haunted houses and presumably other things designed solely to scare. He admits to feeling fear in his daily life, so why would he then go seek out more, I suppose.

He has been to an amusement park only once with his parents, but he’s always been keen to go back. He’s very much more like an excited little kid in this location, so this is probably a big thing for him. Perhaps he wants to revisit one of the few good memories he has as a child.

He gets very upset if you suggest leaving. He’s like a kicked puppy. Haji, don’t be mean.

Military Base:

Unsurprisingly, he is a ball of STRESS here. Throughout all three possible sets of dialogue - so 9 potential options - he has only one Best Option in the military base, and even that leads to him pulling a typical Nagito, and getting worried over some very specific possibilities.

Still, he does kind of want to explore - but even upon admitting that, will concede that you’re basically asking for trouble by sticking around the base.

He considers the warship the least dangerous thing to ride. However, he still worries about it, and is very specifically afraid of being stuck in the ship’s cabin with no way out. Actually the “no way out” theme is a recurring thing for him, come to think of it. And he does admit to preferring open spaces. I wonder if there’s a little claustrophobia in him?

DON’T TAKE HIM NEAR THE FIGHTER JET. A lot of fans have speculated about his fear of flying, but personally I take it as canon. And it’s no wonder, really, when you look at his life.

When asked if he wants to look for fuel, definitely more safe than tanks or warships, he is more concerned it might catch fire than anything. Fire is a common danger, and he’s probably faced it many, many times.

He doesn’t like the idea of actively looking for weapons. It seems even Nagito’s above the outright stupidity of mixing his luck with things that are designed to be dangerous - you-know-what notwithstanding, of course. That was a special circumstance.

Shot Through The Heart:

When spending time with another person, he positively agonizes over what to say to them, to make their time with him more enjoyable.

He mentions that he wouldn’t even mind if Hajime verbally abused him, probably as long as he was having fun doing it.

He seems relieved when Hajime tries to take that pressure off him. He really does like the idea of being able to be quiet for a while and not feeling like he has to constantly contribute.

He takes being insulted to his face well, and shuts right up, for the most part. Even so, let’s not.

#(i need a real meta tag)#long post/#ʀᴇᴘᴏʀᴛ ᴄᴀʀᴅ [headcanons]

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waynekelton · 5 years

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The Weekender: Civil War Edition

I’m still unnecessarily upset over the fact that Gundam Battle: Gunpla Warfare still isn’t available in the UK. I mean, gacha nonsense should all get in the sea, but if I’m actually willing to try one out for the greater good of mankind, the least it could do it be available in my region. Oh well, guess I’ll have to settle for Pokemon Masters instead whenever that comes out.

It’s been another list-heavy week this week, so apologies for that, although we did review Beholder 2 and learn that Company of Heroes is coming to iPad. Also, make sure you catch up on what games are still due to release this year. Next week is GamesCom so I’ll be out in Cologne - it may be I’ll need to do some more placeholder content mid-week but I’ll be able to work as normal by and large so if a review or feature does come in, I’ll still put it up.

Out Now

Orc’s Civil War (iPad) - Full Review In Progress

This game came out of nowhere - I have to tip my hat off to Touch Arcade’s round-up for this one as I’d honestly never heard of it until it was released. The game claims to be “the best” iPad RTS game, and it’s a claim I’m eager to put to the test.

It seems very much like a passion project made by a single person, and that person may not speak English as their first language. Still, the graphics aren't too bad all things considered, and it seems to mix elements of RTS and Tower Defence, with some advanced unit behaviour mechanics thrown in there too. We’ll get a review out as soon as we can, since the price point is unusually high. There’s an official website you can check out too.

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Spy Tactics (iOS & Android) - Full Review in Progress

This is the other game of note this week - while it’s listed as ‘free’ there’s actually an IAP to unlock the full game. Spy Tactics caught my eye as it reminds me of the GO titles that Square made, which were pretty excellent puzzle/tactics games. This one has a spy/cold war aesthetic which some may enjoy, and boasts over 40 levels with multiple routes to completion.

The trailer is from the PC version on Steam, although admittedly it doesn’t serve as the best advertisement. We’ll see what Michael thinks when he’s done with his review.

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That’s about it as far as interesting new games is concerned. I took the liberty of trying out Warhammer Combat Cards after it released this week. It’s… well, not really sure how to describe it. Utterly harmless, but also very skippable. It’s essentially a collect-em-all battle game using cards. Except they’re not really cards they’re just pictures of really nicely painted Warhammer 40K miniatures with some stats. You can have up to three on the board at once, and you fight it out. Winning battles gets you more cards, and if you get a dupe you can use it to upgrade a card… and the cycle continues. That’s it. That’s all you do.

There may be some tactical depth in terms of building your mini-deck and how different cards synergies together, but to be honest it feels like a subtle plug for the table-top game. Another RPG card battler released this week is Traitor’s Empire Card RPG. The graphics aren't amazing, but it’s got a lot more to it and so might be more worthy of your time.

Updates & Other Junk

There’s been a few updates worth looking at this week:

Six Ages: Ride like the Wind received its first update since last November. It introduces a new interactive scene, some gameplay tweaks and fixes, and then improves compatibility for specific devices like the iPhone 4, and the large iPads.

Now that there are several major Auto Chess contenders on mobile, we’re finally starting to see some more creative updates and new modes. Chess Rush is the latest game to try something new with a new 4v4 mode called Squad Clash. It’s similar to the already introduced Co-op mode, just with more people. You can send your pieces to other people’s boards to help them out in their fights. Once Squad Clash has had some time to settle in, it will be put into a rotation with co-op mode where they will alternate.

Pokemon Masters’ impending release can be seen on the horizon, and there’s apparently going to be a lot of us that will be jumping on board when the collect-and-battle game gets its global roll-out. Recent news suggests 5 Million of us have pre-registered for the game across iOS and Android. That’s a lot of trainers.

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While we’re sharing trainers, how about looking at some Commandos 2 HD footage? If you’ll remember, we posted up just after E3 about how Kalypso Media are doing remasters of both Commandos 2 and Praetorians, both of which are classic strategy games. While this is mainly a thing for PC audiences, Commandos 2 HD is also coming to iOS and Android. Kalypso recently shared some new gameplay footage (albeit, PC) which I thought you’d all be interested in.

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Sales

There’s quite a few more sales this week than usual, so let’s run through them. Unless stated otherwise, assume both platforms:

Lost Portal CCG (iOS Only) is down to $0.99 for the first time this year.

Pocket City has also had its priced reduced for the first time this year on both platforms, but it has been cheaper.

Mystic Vale was only released in June, but it’s already been discounted by a couple of dollars on both platforms, probably to coincide with the release of some new DLC.

Clarusvictoria are doing a sale on their entire catalogue on both iOS and Android. You’ll remember them recently from Egypt: Old Kingdom.

Cosmic Express has had its price reduced for the first time this year, but it’s been cheaper.

If there are any Baseball fans out there, R.B.I. Baseball ‘19 is down to $3.99 on iOS and Android.

Last but certainly not least, Titan Quest HD is also reduced to just below half price.

Seen anything else you liked? Played any of the above? Let us know in the comments!

The Weekender: Civil War Edition published first on https://touchgen.tumblr.com/

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faithpetham · 7 years

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Honor View 10 review: a OnePlus 5T challenger emerges

The flagship space is saturated with contenders on all sides and typically they come at a high price. Companies like OnePlus have been trying to shake things up by making their flagships at least somewhat affordable, and users have been clamoring for more offerings that tick more boxes than most mid-range devices, while still maintaining their mid-range price point. Honor has been trying to find that balance, from its Honor 7X — an impressive offering for under $200 — to its latest flagship offering, the Honor View 10 (aka V10).

The Honor View 10 rivals that of the OnePlus 5T in its spec sheet and design, while bringing some Eastern flair to the software — and all for less than $500. This is the Honor View 10 review.

Design

Called the V10 in other markets, the View 10 looks quite nice. Our unit has a dark blue metallic tint which shines brightly on the front around the screen and has a more softly reflective matte finish on the back. The corners and sides are rather rounded and the phone is just thick enough to allow room for the headphone jack on the bottom.

Other colors are available but this dark blue is great: understated on first glance and then striking. The spartan backing, with just the Honor logo in the middle and dual camera setup in the corner, where both lenses individually pop out, is especially nice. Yes, that might mean the lens is in danger of scrapes and scratches, but it certainly gives the Honor View 10 a distinct look.

Despite having a 5.99-inch screen, the phone’s handling is helped by its taller 18:9 aspect ratio. The result is a phone with a low screen-to-body ratio and a great looking front broken up by only a couple of features. Up top are the usual sensors and so on, but beneath the screen is a capacitive home button with an embedded fingerprint reader. That capacitive button can have multiple functions via gesture controls.

The capacitive fingerprint reader lets you navigate via gesture controls

A navigation setting allows for taps and swipes to trigger what would otherwise be the soft keys — back, home, and recent apps. This frees up the screen for more work and play. After getting used to the trigger for Google Assistant — swipe up from anywhere underneath the screen — this One Button mode became second nature. Even if it adds to the overall footprint of the phone, the single capacitive key is very useful.

Display

See also

What is the Kirin 970’s NPU? – Gary explains

Neural Networks(NN) and Machine Learning (ML) were two of the year's biggest buzzwords in mobile processoring. Huawei’s HiSilicon Kirin 970, the image processing unit (IPU) inside the Google Pixel 2, and Apple’s A11 Bionic, all feature dedicated hardware solutions …

Honor takes the specs sheet a step further by putting in the latest Huawei HiSilicon processor, the Kirin 970. Yes, the one with the Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The true benefits of neural processing are yet to be proven — this is the first time consumers are seeing this kind of chipset, after all, and its applications are still rather limited — but this is a feature which should be better utilized over time.

For now, the NPU works in the camera for automatically finding the right scene mode and for optimizing memory handling based on your usage habits, but there is little else differentiating this phone’s performance from other flagship devices. To that end, the Kirin 970 still does its core job well in providing reliable, smooth, and fast performance.

Hardware

The View 10’s feature set reflects its design and also sticks to the basics. A microSD card slot can increase the already high amount of built-in storage, and all the connections you’d expect are available. It even has NFC for contactless payment platforms. There is no IP certification on this phone, however, so users will have to be a bit more careful to keep everything dust-free and dry.

Though calls were just fine on the T-Mobile network, using this European version of the phone kept me on HSPA+ and Wi-Fi most of the time. That means my battery experience wasn’t quite indicative of what users might get on mostly LTE connectivity.

The 3,750 mAh battery got me through a day start to finish without any problems

Nonetheless, the phone’s 3,750 mAh battery got me through a day start to finish without any problems. Screen-on time, in particular, got up to six hours while I was mainly on Wi-Fi playing mobile games and watching YouTube. With fast charging solutions, it doesn’t take long for the phone to get back to 50 percent, either. You will be relying on a USB Type-C charger, however, as wireless charging is not included in this metal-clad device.

Speaking of YouTube, I have to give a nod to the onboard speaker. It is easy to scoff at a bottom-facing mono speaker unit, but I was surprised to hear some decently loud and rich audio. Being able to put a pair of headphones in easily, thanks to the headphone jack, was also appreciated.

Camera

On an affordable flagship phone, cameras tend to be the make-or-break feature on an otherwise great package. The camera of the View 10 puts its best foot forward with a dual lens system much like the one found on the OnePlus 5T. The phone’s rear features a 16 MP f/1.8 aperture shooter, with a monochrome 20 MP f/1.8 secondary sensor for adding detail to color photos or taking crisp B&W shots. Together with the potential power of the NPU, this combined camera package can yield some sharp and enjoyable photos, except when using the 13 MP front-facing camera.

I hesitate to say the front-facing camera is all that bad, because it is really just down to Honor’s tuning of the software. The View 10 clearly takes a lot of cues from its original Chinese market, where most front-facing cameras focus on beauty modes and tend to be very soft. The camera tends to overexpose for a brighter photo and still yields an overly soft selfie even when all the modes are off.

The beautification mode is also available with background bokeh effects — turn them on and things get even softer than before, and my freckles simply disappear. If you want to keep your facial features intact but maintain a soft background, the Wide Aperture mode allows for similar effects but the results can be spotty. This beauty mode might be great for someone who appreciates the airbrushed look, but that person is not me. The best I can say is that the front-facing camera is certainly capable of good photos, but what that actually means to each individual user could differ.

Portrait mode and wide aperture modes are available for the rear cameras as well, and when used with some extra care, the photos coming out of the phone can be pretty great. Sharpness is where it should be — essentially the opposite of the front-facing camera — and colors are mostly accurate. The camera tends to overexpose when tapping darker areas, but a bit of work on the compensation slider will make the photo look more accurately exposed. As I said, with a little bit of extra attention to detail, the View 10’s cameras do their job pretty well.

There are plenty of other modes included in this camera package, like HDR, which is a mode rather than a toggle (a personal pet peeve). There are also pro modes and more artsy modes if you want to get fancy. I also like that the video mode has the ability to use the Wide Aperture setting while recording. It can lead to some interesting — albeit very artificial — depth of field footage. However, the camera is already pretty wide at f/1.8, so bokeh is not hard to come by.

Unfortunately, you will need very steady hands because there is no OIS on the View 10. This is a problem immediately apparent in video recordings, but it also hinders the phone’s low light performance. A prompt for the user to “hold hands still” while sharpening the image reflects a long shutter due to the lack of lighting. During that time basically any movement will make the photo blurry. OIS would have been a great addition to an otherwise quite capable dual lens setup, but affordability often creates that kind of give-and-take situation.

You will need very steady hands because there is no OIS on the View 10 camera

Software

The software experience differs from many established UIs in the West. Honor is a company from the East, after all, and it brings with it some of the common tropes found in Chinese spins on Android. It lacks an app drawer by default, but you can change the “Home Style” in the settings or just get a new launcher altogether.

Unlike some phones released in Asia that we’ve imported for review, this Honor View 10 is made for Europe, so all the textual elements fit properly in the interface.

Dive deeper into the settings menu and you’ll find a ton of different ways to customize the experience too. We already mentioned the navigation dock earlier, where the one capacitive key can be used for anything that the soft keys would otherwise do. Aside from that are some app-centric abilities, like putting access to some apps behind a lock or making more than one instance of, for example, a social media application.

Speaking of social media, a nice feature in the gallery app allows for one-click sharing of photos straight to Snapchat. This is more useful for people who are on that network, but it can be handy and it eliminates having to use the often shoddy built-in Snapchat camera.

Finally there is Face Unlock, which is basically what it sounds like — after recognizing the user’s face, the phone will unlock and go straight into the home screen quickly. It works about as good as similar features found on other phones, but Honor added a couple other functions into the mix. One ability shows sensitive information in notifications on the lock screen only when recognition is achieved. The phone can also wake when raised, which makes for a fast unlocking experience when coupled with Face Unlock.

Overall, there are some good features added to this version of Android and launching with Android 8.0 Oreo is a big plus, too. EMUI has its fans but it also has some detractors, so if you’ve had contact with any other Huawei or Honor phones recently, you’ll already know how you feel about it.

Specs

Honor View 10 Display5.99-inch IPS 1080 x 2160 resolution 403 ppi 18:9 aspect ratio ~78% screen-to-body ProcessorHiSilicon Kirin 970 GPUMali-G72 MP12 RAM4/6 GB Storage64/128 GB microSD card expansion up to 256 GB CamerasRear cameras Main sensor: 16 MP RGB, f/1.8 aperture Secondary sensor: 20 MP monochrome, f/1.8 aperture Front camera: 13 MP, f/2.0 aperture AudioBottom-facing speaker SensorsFingerprint Hall Accelerometer G-sensor Electronic compass Gyroscope Proximity Ambient light Battery3,750 mAh MaterialMetal unibody IP ratingNone NetworksGSM, HSPA, LTE ConnectivityWi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD GPS NFC Infrared PortsUSB Type-C 3.5 mm audio jack SIMDual Nano-SIM SoftwareAndroid 8.0 Oreo EMUI ColorsNavy Blue, Midnight Black, Beach Gold, Aurora Blue, Charm Red Dimensions and weight157 x 75 x 7 mm 172 g

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Pricing and final thoughts

The Honor View 10 price tells a good story. Any phone with features like this that comes in under $500 is going to pique our interest. Though there are even cheaper phones available and certainly higher-powered phones (at higher prices too), this phone’s market segment includes pretty much just the OnePlus 5T.

We will do a comparison between the two soon, but the bottom line is this: Honor has done a great job delivering a high-end experience at a mid-range price, and with potential improvements to the Kirin 970’s NPU still to come, the View 10 could maintain relevance longer than even some big ticket flagships. The Honor View 10 is done very well, and at this price point the whole package puts up a very convincing argument for anyone in the market for a OnePlus 5T.

Honor View 10 review: a OnePlus 5T challenger emerges published first on https://swentexpage.tumblr.com/

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infotainmentplus-blog · 7 years

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Honor View 10 review: a OnePlus 5T challenger emerges The flagship space is saturated with contenders on all sides and typically they come at a high price. Companies like OnePlus have been trying to shake things up by making their flagships at least somewhat affordable, and users have been clamoring for more offerings that tick more boxes than most mid-range devices, while still maintaining their mid-range price point. Honor has been trying to find that balance, from its Honor 7X — an impressive offering for under $200 — to its latest flagship offering, the Honor View 10 (aka V10). The Honor View 10 rivals that of the OnePlus 5T in its spec sheet and design, while bringing some Eastern flair to the software — and all for less than $500. This is the Honor View 10 review. Design Called the V10 in other markets, the View 10 looks quite nice. Our unit has a dark blue metallic tint which shines brightly on the front around the screen and has a more softly reflective matte finish on the back. The corners and sides are rather rounded and the phone is just thick enough to allow room for the headphone jack on the bottom. Other colors are available but this dark blue is great: understated on first glance and then striking. The spartan backing, with just the Honor logo in the middle and dual camera setup in the corner, where both lenses individually pop out, is especially nice. Yes, that might mean the lens is in danger of scrapes and scratches, but it certainly gives the Honor View 10 a distinct look. Despite having a 5.99-inch screen, the phone’s handling is helped by its taller 18:9 aspect ratio. The result is a phone with a low screen-to-body ratio and a great looking front broken up by only a couple of features. Up top are the usual sensors and so on, but beneath the screen is a capacitive home button with an embedded fingerprint reader. That capacitive button can have multiple functions via gesture controls. The capacitive fingerprint reader lets you navigate via gesture controls A navigation setting allows for taps and swipes to trigger what would otherwise be the soft keys — back, home, and recent apps. This frees up the screen for more work and play. After getting used to the trigger for Google Assistant — swipe up from anywhere underneath the screen — this One Button mode became second nature. Even if it adds to the overall footprint of the phone, the single capacitive key is very useful. Display Editor's Pick OnePlus 5T review: it’s all about that screen Buy now from OnePlus With the OnePlus 3T, we got virtually the same body as the OnePlus 3, but packed with a new processor, more RAM, and a bigger battery. This year though, there isn't a … 18:9 aspect ratios are hardly unique anymore, but it is nice to see Univisium coming to more phones than just high-end flagships. Much like the OnePlus 5T, this screen is kept at Full HD+ resolution. It’s an IPS panel which does get bright enough for outdoor viewing, though I do wish it got just a little bit brighter. Colors are also where they should be, with Honor’s tuning providing saturation on par with other high-performing IPS panels, though it does not reach the same levels of OLED vividness. Text and media all look fine on this screen, but I had to go into the settings and shrink down the rendering sizes. Elements provided by EMUI seem created for a 1080p screen, but not necessarily one this big. This is more of a software peeve than a knock against the screen. It was easily fixed — bringing down the setting by one notch made everything look proper and not bloated. If there is one thing missing here, it is an always-on display. Plenty of manufacturers have been including this to make seeing one’s notifications easier and I wish the View 10 had it too. It’s got an LCD panel, meaning it would consume more battery than on an OLED screen, but the feature still would have been useful. Performance Honor spared little expense making sure this phone has top-notch performance. Though it’s only just starting to happen in the West, it’s pretty normal in Asian markets to have over 4 GB of RAM and a high amount of storage. The View 10 comes with 128 GB of storage and 6 GB of RAM. No matter how you cut it, that is great to have on a phone at this price. Honor spared little expense making sure this phone has top-notch performance: the View 10 comes with 128 GB of storage, 6 GB of RAM and the Kirin 970 See also What is the Kirin 970’s NPU? – Gary explains Neural Networks(NN) and Machine Learning (ML) were two of the year's biggest buzzwords in mobile processoring. Huawei’s HiSilicon Kirin 970, the image processing unit (IPU) inside the Google Pixel 2, and Apple’s A11 Bionic, all feature dedicated hardware solutions … Honor takes the specs sheet a step further by putting in the latest Huawei HiSilicon processor, the Kirin 970. Yes, the one with the Neural Processing Unit (NPU). The true benefits of neural processing are yet to be proven — this is the first time consumers are seeing this kind of chipset, after all, and its applications are still rather limited — but this is a feature which should be better utilized over time. For now, the NPU works in the camera for automatically finding the right scene mode and for optimizing memory handling based on your usage habits, but there is little else differentiating this phone’s performance from other flagship devices. To that end, the Kirin 970 still does its core job well in providing reliable, smooth, and fast performance. Hardware The View 10’s feature set reflects its design and also sticks to the basics. A microSD card slot can increase the already high amount of built-in storage, and all the connections you’d expect are available. It even has NFC for contactless payment platforms. There is no IP certification on this phone, however, so users will have to be a bit more careful to keep everything dust-free and dry. Though calls were just fine on the T-Mobile network, using this European version of the phone kept me on HSPA+ and Wi-Fi most of the time. That means my battery experience wasn’t quite indicative of what users might get on mostly LTE connectivity. The 3,750 mAh battery got me through a day start to finish without any problems Nonetheless, the phone’s 3,750 mAh battery got me through a day start to finish without any problems. Screen-on time, in particular, got up to six hours while I was mainly on Wi-Fi playing mobile games and watching YouTube. With fast charging solutions, it doesn’t take long for the phone to get back to 50 percent, either. You will be relying on a USB Type-C charger, however, as wireless charging is not included in this metal-clad device. Speaking of YouTube, I have to give a nod to the onboard speaker. It is easy to scoff at a bottom-facing mono speaker unit, but I was surprised to hear some decently loud and rich audio. Being able to put a pair of headphones in easily, thanks to the headphone jack, was also appreciated. Camera On an affordable flagship phone, cameras tend to be the make-or-break feature on an otherwise great package. The camera of the View 10 puts its best foot forward with a dual lens system much like the one found on the OnePlus 5T. The phone’s rear features a 16 MP f/1.8 aperture shooter, with a monochrome 20 MP f/1.8 secondary sensor for adding detail to color photos or taking crisp B&W shots. Together with the potential power of the NPU, this combined camera package can yield some sharp and enjoyable photos, except when using the 13 MP front-facing camera. I hesitate to say the front-facing camera is all that bad, because it is really just down to Honor’s tuning of the software. The View 10 clearly takes a lot of cues from its original Chinese market, where most front-facing cameras focus on beauty modes and tend to be very soft. The camera tends to overexpose for a brighter photo and still yields an overly soft selfie even when all the modes are off. The beautification mode is also available with background bokeh effects — turn them on and things get even softer than before, and my freckles simply disappear. If you want to keep your facial features intact but maintain a soft background, the Wide Aperture mode allows for similar effects but the results can be spotty. This beauty mode might be great for someone who appreciates the airbrushed look, but that person is not me. The best I can say is that the front-facing camera is certainly capable of good photos, but what that actually means to each individual user could differ. Normal Wide Aperture Beauty Mode Portrait mode and wide aperture modes are available for the rear cameras as well, and when used with some extra care, the photos coming out of the phone can be pretty great. Sharpness is where it should be — essentially the opposite of the front-facing camera — and colors are mostly accurate. The camera tends to overexpose when tapping darker areas, but a bit of work on the compensation slider will make the photo look more accurately exposed. As I said, with a little bit of extra attention to detail, the View 10’s cameras do their job pretty well. There are plenty of other modes included in this camera package, like HDR, which is a mode rather than a toggle (a personal pet peeve). There are also pro modes and more artsy modes if you want to get fancy. I also like that the video mode has the ability to use the Wide Aperture setting while recording. It can lead to some interesting — albeit very artificial — depth of field footage. However, the camera is already pretty wide at f/1.8, so bokeh is not hard to come by. Unfortunately, you will need very steady hands because there is no OIS on the View 10. This is a problem immediately apparent in video recordings, but it also hinders the phone’s low light performance. A prompt for the user to “hold hands still” while sharpening the image reflects a long shutter due to the lack of lighting. During that time basically any movement will make the photo blurry. OIS would have been a great addition to an otherwise quite capable dual lens setup, but affordability often creates that kind of give-and-take situation. You will need very steady hands because there is no OIS on the View 10 camera Software The software experience differs from many established UIs in the West. Honor is a company from the East, after all, and it brings with it some of the common tropes found in Chinese spins on Android. It lacks an app drawer by default, but you can change the “Home Style” in the settings or just get a new launcher altogether. Unlike some phones released in Asia that we’ve imported for review, this Honor View 10 is made for Europe, so all the textual elements fit properly in the interface. Dive deeper into the settings menu and you’ll find a ton of different ways to customize the experience too. We already mentioned the navigation dock earlier, where the one capacitive key can be used for anything that the soft keys would otherwise do. Aside from that are some app-centric abilities, like putting access to some apps behind a lock or making more than one instance of, for example, a social media application. Speaking of social media, a nice feature in the gallery app allows for one-click sharing of photos straight to Snapchat. This is more useful for people who are on that network, but it can be handy and it eliminates having to use the often shoddy built-in Snapchat camera. Finally there is Face Unlock, which is basically what it sounds like — after recognizing the user’s face, the phone will unlock and go straight into the home screen quickly. It works about as good as similar features found on other phones, but Honor added a couple other functions into the mix. One ability shows sensitive information in notifications on the lock screen only when recognition is achieved. The phone can also wake when raised, which makes for a fast unlocking experience when coupled with Face Unlock. Overall, there are some good features added to this version of Android and launching with Android 8.0 Oreo is a big plus, too. EMUI has its fans but it also has some detractors, so if you’ve had contact with any other Huawei or Honor phones recently, you’ll already know how you feel about it. Specs Honor View 10 Display 5.99-inch IPS 1080 x 2160 resolution 403 ppi 18:9 aspect ratio ~78% screen-to-body Processor HiSilicon Kirin 970 GPU Mali-G72 MP12 RAM 4/6 GB Storage 64/128 GB microSD card expansion up to 256 GB Cameras Rear cameras Main sensor: 16 MP RGB, f/1.8 aperture Secondary sensor: 20 MP monochrome, f/1.8 aperture Front camera: 13 MP, f/2.0 aperture Audio Bottom-facing speaker Sensors Fingerprint Hall Accelerometer G-sensor Electronic compass Gyroscope Proximity Ambient light Battery 3,750 mAh Material Metal unibody IP rating None Networks GSM, HSPA, LTE Connectivity Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX HD GPS NFC Infrared Ports USB Type-C 3.5 mm audio jack SIM Dual Nano-SIM Software Android 8.0 Oreo EMUI Colors Navy Blue, Midnight Black, Beach Gold, Aurora Blue, Charm Red Dimensions and weight 157 x 75 x 7 mm 172 g Gallery Pricing and final thoughts The Honor View 10 price tells a good story. Any phone with features like this that comes in under $500 is going to pique our interest. Though there are even cheaper phones available and certainly higher-powered phones (at higher prices too), this phone’s market segment includes pretty much just the OnePlus 5T. We will do a comparison between the two soon, but the bottom line is this: Honor has done a great job delivering a high-end experience at a mid-range price, and with potential improvements to the Kirin 970’s NPU still to come, the View 10 could maintain relevance longer than even some big ticket flagships. The Honor View 10 is done very well, and at this price point the whole package puts up a very convincing argument for anyone in the market for a OnePlus 5T. , via Android Authority http://bit.ly/2rU5hQW

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gothaman-blog1 · 7 years

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With The EOS M3, Canon Finally Has A Worthy Mirrorless Camera

The primary footage from Blackmagic's new $6,000 4K digital camera is predictably sublime. Integrates the upgraded capabilities of Remote Viewfinder and Cellular Link in addition to the brand new AutoShare tool placing users in control from beginning to finish of the connected photographer's journey. Specs usually are not dissimilar to the other, cheaper cameras, including an unrealistic ISO 1600 most (even 400 reveals a superb bit of grain), but again providing 720p video seize like the last two. To learn more visit Primary Guidelines for Taking pictures Macro Images ”. On the very least, you will need to connect the bundled wrist strap, as a result of even with a Gorilla Glass display there is no method this digicam will face up to a fall - and its surfaces are scarily smooth certainly. Then again, lots of professional pocket cameras are also coming with 4K video recording option, which suggests you possibly can seize the movies in full HD, just like in DSLR. Meanwhile, the one speaker tucked into the SE's bottom edge is punchier than I expected, particularly with highs and mids. The digicam additionally possesses Sony's G lens that helps the system produce great pictures. With its continued success, Sony simply keeps rolling out new versions of its RX100 series. And if you happen to've received a 4K display, you may love the native 4K video recording at 30fps. Viewfinders and tilting screens are frequent on those midrange models, as nicely, so on brilliant sunny days you won't be caught attempting to shield the rear display screen from glare. The D-Lux four makes implausible pictures and is so sensible to hold in his good-looking leather case. Video appears to be like nice on the camera, after all, however when evaluating footage on a laptop computer, it is hard to believe this level of high quality got here from a digital camera you'll be able to slip in your pocket. While it will not offer any of the conventional modes or options of regular images cameras, it will allow you to take 24 megapixel footage. Recently they've slowed down the tempo as a result of fewer persons are buying these cheap cameras, however you continue to have a lot to wade by. We may be celebrating the arrival of Marshmallow , but the Z5 remains to be lagging behind with Lollipop , although Sony is promising an update in some unspecified time in the future. The Olympus TG-5 is without doubt one of the leading rugged cameras on the market, however I favor a less expensive point-and-shoot that provides superior image high quality. So many models are friendly with the present model of iMovie, the truth is, that Apple's replaced the static assist chart from '09 with a filtered checklist that allows you to search by storage media, recording format, producer and more. You'll be able to pick up a high-quality compact digicam and housing for underneath £1,000, but for some mirrorless cameras, that will not even cowl the price of the housing. One characteristic I particularly liked in this camera is the spectacular macro focusing which allows you to lock on to tiny subjects that are positioned very close to the camera lens. Canon has been relatively quiet since introducing its EOS M6 mirrorless in February , but the firm is on the point of launch one more digicam soon. Keep in mind that the principles of Macro pictures apply just as much to point and shoot cameras as they do to dSLRs. Clearly, there's nonetheless loads more to dig into right here and I've had all of a half hour to play with the thing - keep tuned for more nuanced impressions as soon as we get just a little more evaluation time in. The Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V by Sony is without doubt one of the best compact cameras money should purchase. It's solely when you begin taking photographs by a window of this dimension - perhaps on a Galaxy S III or a Galaxy Be aware II - that you just realize how a lot a large display helps with framing and composition. Also there are issues besides easy noise profiles... a picture from the tiny pixels of a 17 sq mm iphone sensor has a diminished high quality past noise. Price range $500-actually don't need to spend greater than that if attainable. While these lenses can't be modified underwater, they provide optically the best resolution for wide-angle images. One other large differentiator between cameras in the high-finish level and shoot section is the addition of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) or not. The pricier G5 X provides a built-in electronic viewfinder, articulated rear display screen, entrance and rear management dials plus a hotshoe for attaching exterior flashes. Notably, there's a 1-inch 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and Digic 7 image processor, coupled with a 3x optical zoom lens (28-84mm) and a three-inch LCD. In the event you're a wiser shooter than me, then you'll be able to choose and select between numerous scene choices, as well as tweaking the white stability and publicity compensation. Same as Panasonic Lumix LF1 above as far as I do know but may have a few Leica tweaks and has the well-known and desirable crimson Leica emblem. Many cameras would have been tricked into making this picture overly heat, however the 360 HS produced an impressively faithful consequence. Increased decision and brighter screens come in handy when the conditions are powerful and you best point and shoot camera are attempting to line up a shot. Canon announces Q3 2012 results: working revenue down 42 p.c to $908 million. The SeaLife DC2000 is waterproof to 60 feet, and when used inside the included housing, it can be taken to a depth of 200 toes, making it a severe contender for advanced divers. I liked my Leica D-LUX four but it broke down because the lens doesn't go in fully and I can't use it anymore. For years, digicam makers have pumped out what appears like dozens of near-identical models that get discount-binned nearly immediately and are generally worthless. Ultra-slim, lightweight and pocket-dimension camera with intuitive LCD touch panel that has an improved consumer interface, which permits for fast and simple setting adjustments even whereas taking an image. The Xperia Z3 Compact is operating the latest shopper-prepared model of Android (four.4.four KitKat) beneath Sony's proprietary consumer interface. From mini and waterproof fashions to level and shoot cameras with WiFi that mean you can take an image wirelessly by way of your smartphone, Sam's Club has the camera it is advisable to take stunning pictures anywhere. The WB800F is a traditional lengthy-zoom camera, with 21x optical zoom and a 16.3 Megapixel BSI CMOS sensor for wonderful low-mild images. I have the Canon G9X ii. It takes good pics like some other one-inch-type sensor, though restricted by focal vary and shutter speed. Sadly, the Panasonic excels somewhat bit more in every of the areas where the Canon G7 X II falls just quick. For those who're searching for an alternative and you're out there for a smartphone, too, you may think about Samsung's Galaxy S4 Zoom. All compact cameras have smaller sensors than DSLR and CSC cameras, but measurement is still important. Available in both silver or all-black, the Fuji X70 is one attractive little camera, that wouldn't look misplaced dangling from probably the most fashionable traveler's wrist. But I don't need something that may make me feel like I've shot myself within the foot after a significant, sport altering upgrade (which all the time seems to be the issue with digital). For the versatility of a DSLR or mirrorless digicam with out the effort of carrying around and changing multiple lenses, some travelers decide to go the superzoom route. The digicam itself comprises a pop-up viewfinder, which means that the feature is included without adding to the overall quantity of area the system occupies. Just like the RX100 V, it has a honking 1-inch sensor, and its best point and shoot digital camera 24-100mm lens actually covers a wider focal range than the Sony.

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allisonswrittenwords · 7 years

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After nine glorious years of gaming awesomeness and backwards compatibility, my Nintendo Wii has taken its final bow.

Actually, it proved it wasn’t working anymore by spitting out discs and making angry sounds, but here nor there, folks.

I have been planning gameplay videos, some for Retroist, some for funsies because they were not-so-retro, but if I plan to do any of that, it will not be with my Nintendo Wii helping.

I will preface everything I’m about to say by letting people know that I’m not in the market for a gently used Wii or Game Cube. I’m not looking for replacement systems or where to find them. Like any good nostalgia writer, I’m more content to know that my system gave its all for my videogame playing while it lasted. I’m also ready to move up in the world – er, back – and give emulators the “old” college try. For nine years, it got me dancing, I bowled the only perfect game I will ever bowl, it taught me how to play golf, and I even played Tetris with a balance board.

I’ll miss this system!

I was going through some files on my Passport drive earlier this week, and found some “test footage” I made when I first got my Hauppauge HD PVR. I was testing everything I owned on it – Nintendo, VCR, DVR cable box – all of it. And I was happy that one of the “test subjects,” was none other than one of my absolute favorite games that isn’t of the 8-bit era.

I bought Super Smash Bros. Melee in 2005, right after I had gotten my Game Cube. I’m aware that I was a little late to the party when I got this system, being a year and a half away from the Wii’s release, but I wanted it, and well, I wanted this game. I had played the original on the Nintendo 64 some years earlier, and loved it despite its weird polygonal graphics. I always loved Mortal Kombat games, so the idea of Nintendo characters beating each other up just seemed like a crazy (and awesome) concept. And of course, who doesn’t love a good sequel, especially when the sequel is superior to the original?

Or maybe it was this introduction…

OMG, I don’t think one can ever be quite [Get Ready] enough!

And because one great game deserves yet another sequel, it was only natural that I buy Super Smash Bros. Brawl right after I got my Nintendo Wii in 2008.

This one also has an epic theme to accompany that epic title screen…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ggqSW6MCMWk

This sequel not only got the band of the previous two games back together, but also brought in some new faces. Some of those choices were quite eclectic in nature, but were important parts of Nintendo’s history. And Sonic the Hedgehog and Snake from Metal Gear Solid were there too, because why not?

And speaking of eclectic characters, this is where the “test footage” from my PVR was shot from. What I got was 55 minutes worth of me playing as two characters I normally never used.

I’d love to know if anyone ever played as these charaters.

Mr. Game and Watch actually became a part of a previous post (ironically, written after shooting this footage), mostly because of the surprise that he was really a viable character in the world of Super Smash Bros. I also like his perpetual “WHAAAAT?!” expression.

Even better, it turns out R.O.B. The Robot was also an effective contender in the cutthroat world of Nintendo smashing and brawling. He may look like a cross between Johnny 5 and Wall-E, but he was a fighting and killing machine.

It also helps that R.O.B. was a machine. Here nor there.

I also loved these “Congratulations” screens when you cleared classic mode!

Congratulations on getting blasted out of a burning building, Mr. Game and Watch!

Without any further ado, some of that fun video gaming action, culled from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and filmed sometime in the spring of 2016. I only just watched it for the first time preparing this article, so it is as new to me as it is for you. I’ve also divided it up into two parts, one for Mr. Game and Watch, and one for R.O.B., just to give each of these newcomers to the Smash Bros. world their equal due.

Enjoy! :-)

Nintendo Wii, “Wii” knew ye for nine wonderful years of gameplay, some of it retro, some of it not, but all of it fun. Thanks for the memories…and for teaching me more than a few dance steps I took to my Hip Hop class. It was all worth it, if only to compare your dog to video game characters you saw in one of the games.

In my world, that comparison will never get old.

The Last Vestige of My Nintendo Wii After nine glorious years of gaming awesomeness and backwards compatibility, my Nintendo Wii has taken its final bow.

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furederiko · 8 years

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Tis the start of the week, thus it's time for Random-News-Digest! Only a few categories, though...

Disney Live Action

"Beauty and the Beast" has had its big Hollywood premiere several days ago, following the UK one that was already held in a prior date. Which means, critics have begun voicing their opinions about it. From what I read so far, the response was... rather divisive. Some called it a loyal, bold, and faithful adaptation of the original, that would bring together old fans and new ones alike. Some praised the movie to the point of predicting it to be one of the year's first best-selling title so far, that it's going to make a lot of money. But on the opposite side, there were those who weren't as pleased with the adaptation. Collider called it "too much of a good thing", and The Hollywood Reporter likened it to a "crystal-meth-like narcotic high that lasts about two hours"! Both which... can mean good and bad at the same time. Of course, the rule of the thumb is, everyone has the rights to have their own personal and subjective opinion. So in the end, it's all just a matter of taste. Knowing that, it's hard to pinpoint which one of these responses is the accurate one, without actually seeing the movie with our own eyes. In fact, even you and I might have a completely different opinion about it. That's just the way it is.

Backlash to the movie also came in other areas. The first one was about Disney's approach to the 'renewed' sexual orientation of one character, that made fans both buzzing in cheer and jeer. The movie might not even gain access to Russia JUST because of it! WOW. In an interview with Attitude Magazine, director Bill Condon (who is openly LGBT, in case you're not aware) stated that Josh Gad's LeFou might be heading towards a more 'queer' trajection in the movie. Basically crowning him as Disney's first openly LGBT character in the big screen. This is said to be an update from the original animated movie, that originally placed his character as some kind of idiot manservant comic-relief to Gaston. Who, by the way, in the movie is played by the loveable dashing actor Luke Evans. Thus making perfect sense that anyone, regardless of their gender, might easily have a crush on him *wink*.

In my opinion (rhyming nicely with LeFou's actor's point of view), I see nothing wrong with it. In fact, this is a natural progresive albeit MINOR update that embraces the change in our culture and society. If not something that simply works as a subtle tribute to the late Howard Ashman, the original lyricist of the animated movie, whose fingerprints are all over the animated movie. C'mon guys, it's the year 2017! But why minor, you ask? Because if you actually pay attention to the character of LeFou in the animated movie, there has ALWAYS been a hint of attraction to his boss. Something that went beyond mere "I respect my boss so much, I'll go with him wherever he goes". It WAS there all along, so what Disney is doing, is nothing more than a confirmation. Problem is, there are people who simply don't want to accept this, and being an internet era, immediately voiced their disagreement. Especially after USA officially became a 'discriminative country' thanks to its new elected leader. This kind of reaction feels... ODD, if you ask me. But to each their own, so who am I to judge, right? Besides, just like above, I need to see the movie first before I can fairly say whether this update is for the better or opposite, or even worth the pointless argument alone.

The other negative buzz, was the ridiculous questioning of lead actress Emma Watson's feminism stand! With some even going so far as calling her... a hypocrite. YIKES! Yes, this came following her rather revealing photo shoot for an interview with Vanity Fair. This reaction, was also... ODD. Pray tell, WHAT is really the point of being a feminist? Isn't it, the FREEDOM of choice for women to express themselves, to stand proud without the need to be approved by men? Isn't that... what Watson was doing? Hmmmm. Which is why I'm feeling confused about the reasonings behind these decries. Does this mean, a fully grown-up actress (albeit growing on-screen from an innocent child one), is NOT allowed to do both? Posing elegantly in a magazine for a mature art piece, and still be a feminist who stands up for female rights? Once again, do tell me what's the point of feminism. Because the way I see it, if she's not allowed to perform such pose just because she's a woman, then isn't that... sexist instead? And for crying out loud, it's her own body too, not ours! Really, please elaborate me on this (which is a sarcastic rhetoric, in case you don't realize one). I thought being feminist is an ideal that extends more than just about women wearing pants...

As of writing, "Beauty and the Beast" is sitting at a score of 73%, aggregated from 44 critics on RottenTomatoes. This number will definitely fluctuate in the coming weeks, so it's not the end result. For the sake of pure numerical comparison only (not quality, that'd be subjective), Disney's previous two live action remakes ranked higher. Kenneth Branagh's "Cinderella" ended with a 83%, while Jon Favreau's recent Academy Award winning "The Jungle Book" finished with a heaping 95%. To be fair, I'm never a fan of the original animated movie in the first place, so my interest to see this movie hasn't been as high as those other titles. But now my curiousity has peaked at the highest level, because I just need to see whether these absurd complains are true, or that these people are only making too much of a big deal out of nothing. I have a feeling it's the second one...

Currently in production for a December 25, 2018 release, is the long awaited sequel "Mary Poppins Returns". Disney Studio has officially released the first look for lead actress Emily Blunt as the titular character via Twitter. And well, response to this one was generally positive. Which was on point, if you ask me, because Disney is keeping most of Poppins' signature looks in tact. That is something that would easily please fans of the first movie that starred the legendary Julie Andrews. Of course, with the risk of sounding pessimistic, "Beauty and the Beast" also had the same warm-welcome at first. But look at what is happening now, right?

Anyway, I expect we're going to see more of the other cast really soon. Just a reminder, Ben Whishaw and Emily Mortimer are set to portray the adult versions of Michael and Jane Banks, the children that Poppins nannied in the first movie. Lin-Manuel Miranda is set to play Jack, a street lamplighter who will aid Poppins in her mission to bring back joy to the Banks. While Meryl Streep will be playing her cousin. Will this movie be as captivating and genuinely endearing like the first one? Or will it suffer unnecessary backlashes, because people in the modern age are more prone to complain about everything and can't seem to shut their mouth for just a moment to enjoy something as is? As always, we'll see... hahaha.

X-Men Universe

Before you ask, NO, I won't talk about that X-Men TV show that had just cast its Polaris. I couldn't care less about it, so this is as far as I go on even mentioning one. Yep, I'll just focus on talking about the movies instead. But nope, I won't talk about that NOT-Supernova X-Men movie, which I couldn't care less. Not even "Logan" as well. Even if critics everywhere are praising the movie, seemingly unable to find any flaws in the R-rated gruesome comic book adaptation, that is already raking a great amount of money in its first weekend (and exceeding expectations too). I just don't have that much interest for Hugh Jackman's last foray as the titular character, and will not watch one until.... the home video is out. That's all I can say.

Instead, I'm going to talk about another title that seems to be in pre-production process. Yes, "Deadpool 2"! Sequel to the surprise hit that made FOX shifted direction into venturing the R-rated superhero business. Apparently, there's a short for the sequel that has been playing in front of "Logan". Not to worry though, because FOX and lead actor Ryan Reynolds has kindly released this 03:41 minutes butt-sho... er, I mean "No Good Deed" online for everyone to see. So it's not just limited to those who are watching "Logan" anymore. Lucky for me, eh? Then again, that's not such a big deal anyway (Deadpool: "R U effing kidding me?"), because writer-producer Rhett Reese has clarified that this footage will NOT be used in the movie itself. What's the purpose then? Simply a final message to Hugh Jackman before he rides off into the sunset. After all, with Wolverine officially gone, the burden has fallen to Reynolds' shoulder to carry the flag of the FOX-Marvel franchise. Reese also confirmed that his sequel is currently in casting mode, hence why there is no release date given for the movie just yet.

Speaking of casting, another big name has been thrown to the "Who Should Play Cable" hopefuls. This time, it's a popular name that would make Netflix's fans happy, particularly those who are watching "Stranger Things". According to The Wrap, Hawkins Police Department Chief himself, David Harbour, has been considered for the role of the future-based mutant. He even said to have screen-tested for the part. Of course, knowing what happened to previous contenders like Kyle Chandler, this doesn't necessarily mean Harbour is set for the role. So don't get excited too much too soon about it, because it might very well be just a passing news in the near future. Not to mention, The Wrap's source El Mayimbe isn't as reliable as he used to be anymore, with most of his scoops regarding "Logan" turning out to be false. Nevertheless, it's still interesting to see the range of actors they are looking for the character.

Personally, while I think Harbour's a fantastic actor, I just couldn't see him as Cable. Not saying that he won't be able to pull it off, but I'm expecting someone who's a little more... stern and naturally buffed, considering the character itself has always been like that. That's nothing Hollywood can't fixed of course, but those who already came with the built would be better. Perhaps, the likes of John Cena, or Joe Manganiello would fit my criteria for this role? Even the recently cast Black Bolt, could be a better choice... physique-wise. Anyway, let's just hope we'll hear more about the casting soon. With "Logan" already out on the market, and its actor posting a final message to Wolverine fans, it makes sense that FOX would be moving ahead with "Deadpool 2". To keep the hype strong for their favor, what else?

Marvel Studios

"Doctor Strange" has been released for home video for quite some time now. Thanks to this, director Scott Derrickson has been making rounds about his movie once more, either with the press or via social media. He's been answering questions on Twitter lately, and his response might have hinted on what we can expect from the as-of-yet-unnannounced sequel. To be honest, since "Doctor Strange" was a success and a easy hit among audience, even snagging some prestigious Awards honors ever since (like Academy Award?), a sequel is nothing more than a sure thing. Highly likely Marvel Studios consciously opts to not reveal too much about it though, to keep the momentum and attention towards current projects instead. Heck, confirming its sequel for Phase 4 could even be considered spoiler alert for "Avengers: Infinity War", right? A movie that will see Benedict Cumberbatch's second return in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Intriguingly, while Derrickson hasn't been confirmed to return for the directorial duty, the way he responded with ideas and everything, seems to have partially confirmed that he would definitely be back, or at least involved in the sequel.

As for what he said about the inevitable solo sequel, Derrickson has revealed several interesting bits. When asked about the potential of Jericho Drumm, or more familiarly known as the Master of Mystic Arts Brother Voodoo, Derrickson replied that his brother, Daniel Drumm's demise might not serve as a mere pointless random incident. After all, this IS Marvel Studios we're talking about, and not FOX nor Warner Bros. His death will surely triggered an after-effect from his younger brother. Since in recent years Jericho has become a Sorcerer Supreme himself, it makes perfect sense to see him joining the sequel as Strange's apprentice. To add credential to this, do remember that when Chiwetel Ejiofor was cast, many sites have speculated that he's playing Jericho instead of Mordo. As for which actor should play Jericho? Expect Marvel Studios to target big names. I don't know, how about... Trevante Rhodes from the latest Best Picture Winner "Moonlight"? *grins*

The brief inclusion of Dormammu the Dread in the movie, would naturally pave way to another key character in the Doctor Strange lore: his equally magical romantic interest, Clea. It wouldn't be surprising to see the character incorporated in the sequel, because as Derrickson himself stated, "you can't tell the story of Doctor Strange w/out eventually dealing w/Clea.". It's safe to say that we haven't seen the last of Dormammu, thus his silver-haired sorceress nephew will surely come into play as well. As for the villain, Derrickson mentioned the name Nightmare once again, but unlike before, he has backtracked a bit with a tinge of uncertainly because he's a "tricky villain to get right". In my opinion, going with Nightmare would allow Marvel Studios to completely venture to the realm of horror genre, and that's certainly going to be a challenge. It could open the gate for supernatural characters like Blade, or Moon Knight too. Especially since Derrickson is clearly a fan of the latter, as much as the Fantastic Four.

Promotional materials have begun hitting the internet, in anticipation of the arrival of "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2". We get to see more of Kurt Russel's Ego, as well as Yondu and Nebula who both have been hinted greatly to be joining the team. The movie will open on May 5, 2017 in the US, but I won't be surprised if it arrives earlier in other countries. In fact, I believe it will be available here late next month. Because that's how it has always worked for Marvel Studios movies. We almost always get a May movie in April. The good news is, even after seeing the third and latest trailer, I still don't have any clue about what the movie is all about. Which is good, because I'd love nothing more than some elements of surprise!

Meanwhile, the July movie, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is said to have begun additional photography as we speak. Or 'reshoots', in case you prefer a much pessimistic sounding choice of words. According to reports from social media, a crew for the movie was spotted at Disneyland California. Not just that, a school bus scene apparently has been filmed outside of LA's Van Nuys High School. There isn't an official confirmation for reshoots like this, but it is said that lead actor Tom Holland and his personal assistant- best friend Harrison Osterfield will be meeting with co-star Jacob Batalon very soon. Is it for this reshoot? It's anyone's guess.

As for "Infinity War" that's currently in production, there's a rather startling news that was sparked from Atlanta Business Chronicle. Namely, the claim of Pinewood Atlanta Studios' co-owner, that there is a "largest film production ever with a $1 billion budget." going on right there. Easy bet obviously went to Marvel Studios, considering "Infinity War" is gathering a huge number of actors and resources, to create what seems to be a 'Two-Parts Finale' of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mind you, NONE of this was official news. It was never stated openly that "Infinity War" was what the co-owner was talking about. It's all a result of speculation and pure assumption. But since we know how the internet works, it's more than enough to drive people talking. Both in praise and cynical tone.

Interestingly, this wasn't even new. Bleeding Cool, had also reported the same rumor before. Calling the combination of "Infinity War" and the 2019's UNTITLED Avengers movie to reach the exact same number. So is this true, then? Though I'm inclined to believe its possibility, there's always a high chance that it's nothing more than an exaggeration. After all, Bleeding Cool in particular has been known to be an anti-Kevin Feige fansite, who favors the side of Marvel Comics (as well as Marvel TV) more. That alone is enough to make me question the foundation behind their report. Not to mention, they don't really have a good track-record in reporting insider info. Remember, they were the one who assumed that Chiwetel Ejiofor would be playing Brother Voodo. And we all know how that turned out to be, right? Sean Gerber had posted a fine thinkpiece about how this situation does NOT make sense, pointing out some valid reasons for this to be illogical. Go ahead and read it on Marvel Studios News.

Marvel TV

Production has officially begun for Marvel's "The Inhumans" last week. Precisely on March 3, 2017. Photos of Black Bolt from the set has already begun circulating on the internet (courtesy of Reel News Hawaii)! So fast, huh? A few days prior, the remaining core cast members have been announced. Joining the already announced Iwan Rheon and Anson Mount, were the other Inhumans Royal family characters, as well as two more supporting ones.

The first one to be announced was gorgeous actress Serinda Swan, who was cast to play Medusa Amaquelin. Medusa is the wife of Black Bolt, which means she's the Queen of the Inhumans. Interestingly, this isn't Swan's first comic book role, as she has portrayed the magician Zatanna in the TV series "Smallville" before. Her casting announcement was followed by Asian-American actor Ken Leung, who will be portraying Karnak Mander-Azur. Similar to Swan, this wasn't Leung's first comic book role, as he has played the mutant Spike in FOX's critically panned "X-Men: The Last Stand". To put it simple, Leung is officially both a mutant and inhuman now. How cool is that?

Several others, and arguably lesser characters were announced all together as the production officially began. African-American actor Eme Ikwuakor is set to play Gorgon Petragon. Australian actress Isabelle Cornish will portray Crystal Amaquelin, who is Medusa's younger sister. Mike Moh, familiarly known by gamers all around the world as Ryu in "Street Fighter Assassin's Fist" web-series and its sequel, has been cast as Triton Mander-Azur, who is Karnak's blood-brother. Hawaiian native Sonya Balmores, will portray the Inhumans Royal Guard Auran, while Ellen Woglom's character is currently undisclosed to not spoil the storyline. The same announcement also confirmed the appearance of one key character of the Royal Family: LOCKJAW!!!

As for the characters they are playing, if the official announcements were any indication, then we might be seeing a very faithful adaptation of the comics. Black Bolt will have the power of his devastating voice. Medusa would have her 'powerful hair'. Karnak will be Black Bolt's brilliant strategist with the natural ability to pinpoint weakness in all things. The same with the other three. His brother Triton will have his fish-like ability, Gorgon will have his super strong legs and hooves, while Crystal is a master of elements. Just like in the comics! The only change that seems apparent, is the switching of Karnak and Triton placing in the Mander-Azur family. In the comics, Triton has been described as the older son. But seeing their actors age, it seems this might be reversed. Which shouldn't be a surprise, since many adaptations have been practicing the exact approach ("Ultimate Spider-Man" animated shows, for example). For more information on how these Royal characters are linked as a Family (they are literally siblings and cousins), MCU Exchange has provided an excellent infographic for our convenience. As for Woglom's mystery character, interestingly, she is said to be working at a private aerospace company, with a passion for all things space and lunar. This is a vague hint that the setting of the show would take place out of Earth, and perhaps on the Blue Side of the Moon. Could she be an important character from the comics too, then? That's certainly a possibility.

It's safe to say, that the hype level for the show just skyrocketed due to these announcements. For me personally, it's Lockjaw's inclusion as well as Moh's casting that basically sealed the deal. The moment I saw Moh's name, I think I nerded out, because I've been wanting to see him play a Marvel heroes. Sure, he'd make a far better Shang-Chi than Triton, who will be covered by scales and prosthetics throughout the show. And yes, he'd make a better Karnak too, since he's an actual martial art practitioner (in fact, I wonder why he's not switching role with Leung?). But the fact that he's a Marvel actor now, is enough to make me happy. Of course, it's when I read that the show will incorporate a 2000-pound giant mutt with the power of teleportation, that I basically lost it. After all, you simply can't have a faithful Inhuman show without Lockjaw!

Intriguingly, most if not all of the names in this cast are on a 'different' level than your average TV actors. If you pay attention, most of them have had big screen roles as well. Swan was in "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" and "Tron: Legacy". Leung was recently in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens". Cornish was as suspected, the younger sister of movie actress Abbie Cornish. She has been a contender for "Transformers: Age of Extinction" before, but more importantly, she's also a "Home and Away" alumn, a.k.a the show that gave birth to lots of Hollywood big names such as... yes, Chris Hemsworth. Mount was in "Non-Stop" among many other titles. Ikwuakor and Moh mostly had roles in TV, but have been involved in big movie productions before. There has been a wide speculation that Marvel TV was looking for actors who could fit both mediums nicely, considering "The Inhumans" will have an exclusive 2-weeks IMAX debut before proceeding later on as an 8-episodes TV show on ABC. Clearly, this IS indeed the case, and I'm genuinely pleased. Speaking of IMAX debut, the theatre chain itself had announced via Twitter that the first two episode will arrive in one feature-length movie format on September 1st, 2017 (additional scenes will be added for the TV version). This practically confirmed previous report that it will debut on Labor's Day. That's only less than 6 months aways!

If there's any lingering question I have about this show, is how it will play out in the MCU. How significant it will be in the bigger picture. Remember, Marvel Studios had this as a movie planned for Phase 3 once, before "Homecoming" and the sequel of "Ant-Man" shuffled it away to 2019. Kevin Feige had since mentioned that there's still a plan for the movie in Phase 4, but then ABC and Marvel TV announced it a mini-series. Will the one produced by Marvel Studios be using the exact same cast to this one? Will fans' expectation to see Mount's Black Bolt as part of an Illuminati that consists of Robert Downey Jr., Benedict Cumberbatch, Chadwick Boseman, and others, exceeds more than just a wishful thinking? Or will... everyone be recast, similar to the fate Linda Louise-Duan who is not reprising her "Doctor Strange" role in the upcoming Marvel's "The Runaways". As great as these actors are, I doubt they have the high-profile needed to sell a high-budget movie version to a global audience. Which is why many have imagined the likes of Vin Diesel, Jessica Chastain, and other A-list actors in these roles instead. Technically, this show CARRIES the greatest potential to be an actual bridge between the TV and Movie side. But judging from the current situation between Marvel Studios and Marvel TV, it'll be far wiser to not get our hopes up too high. Yes, ABC is a network owned by Disney, but even the House of Mouse has no power to settle what's happening between the two divisions. Especially since both are reporting to a different boss *sigh*. Let's just hope for the best, shall we?

As for the other shows, it seems Marvel's "Cloak and Dagger" has wrapped production of its first episode. At the same time, "Runaways" is close to wrapping its in production, as some candid photos and videos have hit the internet from Long Beach's Ernest McBride High School. Despite the intention to keep things tightly kept in secrecy, eager fans will still find a way to get information anyway. THAT my friend, is how our internet works! LOL. Unfortunately, as great of an idea these two shows are, the chance of me watching both has only continued to wane. As I said, unless it's through illegal means (which is NOT recommended) I don't think I'm going to watch both. Why would I purchase a Hulu and Freeform account to watch one show, right? Looks like it's a good thing that my interest for "The Inhumans" has spiked enormously. In the end, that might be the only new Marvel show I'd be watching. Or is it? According to IMAX CEO Greg Foster, they are "already looking for a second series" to work with. Could we be seeing more Marvel shows with "The Inhumans" treatment then? That's a possibility...

Netflix

The 4th and final Defender's member so far, the last character that Marvel TV promised several years ago, will be upon us in just one week from now. Yes, Danny Rand will be debuting on Marvel's "Iron Fist" on March 17th, 2017. Hype is high, as well as expectations, and as I said, if the last trailer was any indication, then this is going to be an interesting show. At least for me personally.

Unfortunately, just two weeks before all episodes of the show is released worldwide, showrunner Scott Buck just had to 'run his mouth' and well... revealed something underwhelming. That's like... taking cues of DC Films for their impressive bad-marketing stunt. In this case, it's concerning Danny's iconic costume. Talking to Games Radar, Buck stated that fans should NOT hold their breath to see Finn Jones wearing one. In this show, that is. To be fair, the same thing happened on the first season of Marvel's "Daredevil", where it took 12 episodes before Charlie Cox' Matt Murdock consciously shifted from black beany to a specially crafted costume. So there's no reason for us to be shocked. Even so, this news was still disappointing to fans nonetheless. Why? Because every Netflix shows afterwards, had been real shy on implementing one. Marvel's "Jessica Jones" only revealed one just to make fun of it, and Marvel's "Luke Cage" only featured a very quick glimpse of one in its 4th episode. Both ended up serving as mere passing nods. That's why somehow, fans are expecting a change in this repetitive scenario. Because once, or the first time, is okay, but doing it again and again every year? That will get old real fast.

And yes, I do feel slightly disappointed with this. I mean, if anything, at least Danny should be wearing a similar attire to the one Matt wore in his series' first season. That's practically an all-black version of Iron Fist's attire, right? Many fans (through various fansites) have also pointed out one VERY logical thing. Similar to rich characters like Bruce Wayne, Oliver Queen, and others, Danny has a reputation he has to protect. He's the heir of a wealthy businessman. He OWNS a company, and is supposed to be its long-lost CEO. Can he damage such esteemed position by openly beating up thugs and evil henchmen as a vigilante, exposing himself to the world? Even Buck's statement contradicted this very issue: "There was no good reason we could imagine to put Danny Rand in a costume because Danny Rand is still discovering who he is as a hero and where he is going to be, so he’s not yet ready to put on a mask or a costume.". Eventhough he backtracked a bit by saying "At the same time he is someone who is rather well known as a billionaire, so he can’t necessarily go out in public and do the things he does without being recognized. It does become an issue for the character.". Seriously? THAT makes for a good reason, right? Let this sink in to your brain for a bit. Of course, Buck might simply be hinting at some surprises in store, that we can only learn by watching the series. So for now, let's just give this show the benefit of doubt.

Pocket Monsters

Still playing "Pokemon GO", eventhough the addition of Generation 2's species isn't as big as it should have been? Well, worry not, because according to John Hanke, more "major new releases" will arrive this year. Yes, and there are 3 of them too! Speaking in an App Convention, the Niantic boss confirmed that there are major quarterly updates being planned for their successful App this year. There aren't any official announcement about what they will be, but two of them might have already been revealed through interviews.

The first one, is 'Gym System Overhaul'. A statement that came straight from Hanke himself. I can't help but wonder what this means. To be frank, I've been hearing many complaints regarding the state of Pokemon GO's Gyms nowadays. Either it's becoming rather dull due to being monopolized by high-level players, or the fact that it now mostly consists of the same types and species over and over again. This isn't surprising, since several Pokemon like Vaporeon, Gyarados, Snorlax, and others have become the game's top-tiers. Hence, their presence on Gyms have not only become a norm, it's an underwhelming and annoying repetitive sight. No wonder many players have walked out because of it. I'm curious whether the App will eventually choose to go the Core Game route, by assigning fixed Pokemon on Gyms instead of letting players assign their own. But what about the battle part? Well, that's where... 'Battling' comes to play. Just imagine how the fanbase will react when they know they can do Pokemon Battle with other players. Won't that be a lot of fun?

The second update, is something I have long expected to arrive in the App. And what is that? 'Trading'. Yes, the ability to exchange Pokemon with other players. This is the exact reason why I speculated that a Battling feature might be coming as well. Because the ability of Trading, means there will be interaction between players in the App. After all, just the thought of seeing an alert with the tune of "There's another Player near you" is enough to thrill me! Tatsuo Nomura, the Senior Product Manager for Niantic has even confirmed that this Trading system "won’t be through the internet ...The person needs to be in your proximity". This is GREAT news. I've mentioned on my First Impression last year, that "Pokemon GO" has massive potential it can explore. Trading, which might trigger Battling, is one of its key social feature, and is a step to the right direction. Not only it will enhance gameplay, it will also enhance real-life social aspect of the game. I can already imagine players meeting new people, interacting, and develop a healthy community if not deeper relationship with one another. That's precisely what Niantic's earlier title "Ingress" has successfully accomplished, right? It has even spawned a bishoujo Manga! So just imagine what "Pokemon GO" could be when it can replicate the same feature. Fans are going to love it!

A quick disclaimer note, do mind that what I just said on the previous two paragraphs are combination of fact, and personal speculations. The Gym Overhaul and Trading are facts, albeit not yet officially announced, while the Battling and other bits are my own wishful thinkings. So until we hear actual confirmation to these features, take it with grains of salt. Oh, and by the way, included in the Hanke's statement, was a "systemic solution to spoofers". I can't really comment on this, because I'm not quite sure what it means. Mind you, I'm not THAT fluent on the gameplay, due to being a casual gamer. But of course, the general notion is, Niantic is hard at work to stop players from cheating on the game. And that's a good reassurance to existing players.

Sidetracking a bit, the first trailer for this year's movie have been officially released by The Pokemon Company. There are two versions, the normal-length and shorter one, but the content of both are practically the same. Serving as the 20th anniversary movie, "Gekijouban Pocket Monster, Kimi ni Kimeta!" is a retelling of Satoshi's first encounter with his most loyal and trusted companion, Pikachu. After seasons of TV series, and 19 movies, that had the pair travelling together with various other Pokemon and close friends, it's time to revisit the harsh and tumultous starting point between the two. A fated meeting that has evolved into a strong bond that inspires many Pokemon fans all around the world. The movie will premiere in Japan on July 15, 2017. Will you come to the theatres to see this nostalgic tale? I know I would I could...

Nintendo

Nintendo's new hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch has been released! Have you purchased one? In alternate universe where financial situation is not an issue, I would've already been playing one right now. Heck, I might have been among the line of those first queue to get my hands on one *sigh*. So yeah, despite my desire to own one, I have no choice but to wait until things are more... stable. It could happen in a few months, later this year, or even next year, only time will tell (and God knows when).

Response for the release has been generally positive. Including that ODD-sounding cartridge mouth-testing stunts everywhere. LOL. Yes, some folks are holding back until Switch has more exclusive titles like "Super Smash Bros", a core "Pokemon" title, or the likes, but many who has purchased one are pleased with its features. As well as its launch titles. "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" in particular, is an easy crowdpleaser. Fans of the franchise immediately fell in love with the game, calling it fun and amazing. In fact, IGN rewarded it with a full score of 10 on their review! Something that is rarely done by the Entertainment Site. Of course, with the good also comes the bad. Other title, like the much anticipated "1-2 Switch" didn't perform as successful as it's expected. Then again, you can't have it all, right?

Nevertheless, Reggie Fils-Aimé, the President of Nintendo America has conveyed his thankful message to all fans who have supported Nintendo by getting Switch. It remains to be seen whether Switch will stand strong amidst competition with bigger Ultra-HD consoles like Playstation 4 or Xbox One. Moreso the rumored high-tech Project Scorpio from Microsoft's front. There's always the possibility that Switch will end up suffering like its predecessor Wii U, and not gaining much love like the groundbreaking Wii. Let's just hope this hybrid console will bring Nintendo back to its prime.

For now, gamers can enjoy other available games like "Just Dance 2017", "Disgaea 5", "Othello", and others, while they wait for more titles to arrive throughout the year. One of it is "Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers" that will released on May 26 in Japan, North America, and Europe. It's a remake of the classic title, with new characters and bonus features. And that's just one of the Switch's upcoming title! Here's hoping it will be getting even broader titles in the future. Like that rumored "Pokemon Stars", perhaps? That would be super dope... :D

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junker-town · 8 years

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College basketball TV viewing guide: Kansas vs. Kentucky highlights loaded Saturday

Two of college basketball’s most storied programs will meet in Lexington for a top five showdown, but that’s just a small piece of Saturday’s puzzle.

It’s the final weekend of January, which means the time has come for the true national title contenders to separate themselves from the rest of the pack, and the teams currently on the wrong side of the bubble to begin making their move towards an at-large bid.

While this weekend is typically defined by high-profile in-conference showdowns, this year, we’re treated to a nice change of pace with the Big 12-SEC Challenge. The good news is that the event is giving us Kentucky vs. Kansas. The bad news is that it’s not giving us a whole lot else. Thankfully, there are some extremely interesting matchups in the ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 to pick up the slack.

Don’t be turned off by the fact that Saturday’s slate features just one game with multiple top 25 teams. These are the days where things typically go completely off the rails.

Here’s everything we’re watching on Saturday.

MUST WATCH

No. 6 Florida State at Syracuse (12 p.m./ESPN2)

After playing six straight games against top 25 teams and winning five of them, Florida State went on the road and was inexplicably hammered by Georgia Tech Wednesday night. The 22-point loss has the Seminoles looking for a bounce-back victory to avoid any questions about their legitimacy. As for Syracuse, if the Orange are going to rack up enough quality wins to play themselves onto the right side of the bubble, it feels like the run needs to begin here.

No. 9 North Carolina at Miami (1 p.m./CBS)

Winners of seven straight since a stunning loss to Georgia Tech on New Year’s Eve, North Carolina has established itself as the team to beat in the ACC. In order to keep their winning streak alive, the Heels will have to dispatch of a Miami squad that has won 22 of its last 23 home games. The Hurricanes also get a shot at No. 6 Florida State on their home floor Wednesday night. Winning at least one of those games would provide a huge boost to a postseason resume that is currently decent, but far from guaranteeing them a spot in the field of 68.

No. 2 Kansas at No. 4 Kentucky (6:15 p.m./ESPN)

Saturday’s marquee game is also the only tilt of the day that features two top 25 teams. Kansas and Kentucky were both dealt in-conference road losses earlier this week, but neither of those defeats altered the fact that these are two of the top 10, if not top five, teams in the country.

The Jayhawks enter Saturday’s showdown dealing with a little bit of controversy. First, there was the indefinite suspension of big man Carlton Bragg that was announced late Thursday night. Second, there is the ongoing police investigation into an alleged rape that took place at the dorm where the basketball players reside. Five of Bill Self’s players are listed as witnesses on the police report, and Self admitted earlier this week that the investigation has become a “major distraction” for his team.

A major distraction isn’t a good thing to have when facing a talented Kentucky team that is coming off the sting of 82-80 loss at Tennessee Tuesday night. The loss also put added pressure on the Wildcats to take care of business against Kansas if they want to better their chances of earning a No. 1 seed on Selection Sunday. UK went 1-2 during the non-conference portion of its season against currently ranked teams, and the SEC won’t provide the Wildcats with ample opportunities to rack up quality wins.

More important than all that stuff is the simple fact that it’s effing Kansas versus effing Kentucky. Get yourself in front of a television.

SHOULD WATCH

No. 14 Notre Dame at Georgia Tech (12 p.m./ESPNU)

The Georgia Tech thing is getting weird. If they can up their ACC record to 5-4 by beating a Notre Dame team that is coming off its worst performance of the season -- a 17-point home loss to Virginia — then I’m all for Josh Pastner being handed the league’s Coach of the Year award at the season’s halfway point. He can also be President.

No. 25 Florida at Oklahoma (2 p.m./ESPN)

This was supposed to be the Big 12-SEC Challenge’s secondary showcase game, but Oklahoma being three games under .500 sort of ruins all that. Florida losing this game would be a bad, bad look for the SEC.

No. 22 Maryland at Minnesota (2:15 p.m./Big Ten Network)

In two weeks, Minnesota has gone from the most pleasant surprise in the Big Ten to a team that has lost four straight and is in desperate need of victory to avoid going into full-on panic mode. In order to make that happen, they’ll have to take care of a Maryland squad that is 3-0 on the road in the Big Ten.

No. 17 Duke at Wake Forest (3 p.m./ACC Network)

It’s a battle of the weirdest team in college basketball versus the team with the weirdest profile in college basketball. Wake Forest is just 12-8 and hasn’t beaten any team of real significance, but the computers love them. Duke, well, Duke is dealing with way too much ish to compress into a single paragraph.

No. 10 Oregon at Colorado (9:30 p.m./Pac-12 Network)

This is worth watching just to see if Dillon Brooks is going to be able to take the court after his brush with death Thursday night.

So brave.

WORTH WATCHING UNLESS YOU HAVE A VALID EXCUSE

Texas A&M at No. 18 West Virginia (12 p.m./ESPN)

Three weeks ago West Virginia knocked off the No. 1 team in the country, and then promptly dropped two of their next three games to unranked foes. The Mountaineers knocked the No. 2 team in the country off earlier this week, and now comes an opportunity to show that they’re better suited to handle success this time.

No. 15 Wisconsin at Rutgers (12 p.m./Big Ten Network)

One time Rutgers beat a Wisconsin team that was good enough to play in the national title game, and the Scarlet Knights then lost their next (and last) 15 games of the season. I’m saying this could happen.

Arkansas at Oklahoma State (4 p.m./ESPNU)

Kentucky/Kansas is obviously the Big 12-SEC Challenge’s showcase game, but this one may have the most significance for the two teams involved. According to SB Nation Bracketologist Chris Dobbertean, Arkansas is currently barely on the right side of the bubble, while Oklahoma State is one of the first four teams out of the tournament.

Georgetown at No. 11 Butler (8 p.m./CBS Sports Network)

You know there’s going to be Bulldog footage, and really that’s all that matters.

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No. 3 Gonzaga at Pepperdine (10 p.m./ESPN2)

Pepperdine is way down this year, but the environment is always extremely rowdy when Gonzaga comes to town. Plus, you can’t join in the upcoming storm of Gonzaga is the most overrated team ever/Gonzaga is the best team ever debated without having actually seen Mark Few’s team play. I mean, you can, but you’ll know the truth inside, and you’ll feel ashamed when you turn the lights out at night.

IF YOU WANT TO JUST CHECK THE BOX SCORE, THAT’S OK ... BUT CHECK THE BOX SCORE

Clemson at Pittsburgh (12 p.m./ACC Regional)

It’s the battle for the bottom in the ACC, as these two teams which began the season seeming like solid bets to make the NCAA tournament enter this game with matching 1-6 records in league play.

UCF at Tulsa (12:30 p.m./ESPNews)

Tacko Fall.

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Also, Frank Haith. But mostly, Tacko Fall.

Kansas State at Tennessee (2 p.m./ESPN2)

The theme of one team having way more to lose than to gain is a pretty consistent one in this year’s Big 12-SEC Challenge. The subject this time is Kansas State, which won’t significantly bolster its tournament resume with a win in Knoxville, but can have it take a significant hit with a loss to a Tennessee team that is riding high after stunning Kentucky.

St. Bonaventure at Rhode Island (2 p.m./NBC Sports Network)

Dan Hurley will probably be get really mad at some point, and that’s always fun.

LSU at Texas Tech (2 p.m./ESPNU)

Losers of six straight now, LSU has been beaten by 30 or more points on four separate occasions this season. Basically, LSU is your friend who gets down by 10 early in 2K and then spends the rest of the game shooting halfcourt shots and saying they don't care.

Providence at Marquette (2 p.m./Fox Sports Networks)

This is a place where the Golden Eagles can’t slip up if they want to keep the good times rolling.

Northern Iowa at Drake (2 p.m./CBS Sports Network)

The Missouri Valley looks like a two-horse race between Wichita State and Illinois State, but you can still tune in and see if an opportunity to tweet a killer Drake joke presents itself.

DePaul at No. 16 Creighton (2:30 p.m./FS1)

There is only one cure for a two-game losing streak spawned by the soul-crushing loss of your star point guard for the season to a knee injury. I don’t think I have to tell you what that cure is.

Texas at Georgia (4 p.m./ESPN)

Arguably the two most disappointing teams in their respective conferences go at it with ... well, with really not much on the line.

Pride? No, not pride. A win? Yeah, I guess that’s it. With a win on the line.

Iowa State at Vanderbilt (4 p.m./ESPN2)

Look at the spiel about Kansas State above and insert Iowa State here. The Cyclones have little to gain and much to lose.

New Mexico at Nevada (4 p.m./CBS Sports Network)

The Mountain West is likely a one-bid league once again, and you want that one bid to go to Nevada. Crazy comebacks and Cam Oliver. That’s all you need to know.

UNC Wilmington at William & Mary (4 p.m./NBC Sports Regional)

These were the two preseason favorites in the Colonial. Bill and Mary is a disappointing 10-9 overall and 4-4 in league play, while Wilmington has rolled to a perfect 9-0 start in the conference and is 20-2 overall. The Seahawks need to be on your radar.

Illinois at Penn State (4:30 p.m./Big Ten Network)

Honestly, you don’t even need to check the box score. This shouldn’t be on here. That’s on me.

No. 5 Baylor at Ole Miss (6 p.m./ESPN2)

The matchups for this thing were obviously made well in advance of the start of the season, but man, you want to talk about a swing and a miss here.

Auburn at TCU (6 p.m./ESPNU)

It’s Jamie Dixon vs. Bruce Pearl in the “Yes, I’m Really Coaching Here Bowl.” Also, TCU could really use this W.

Mississippi State at Alabama (6 p.m./SEC Network)

Whatever, they didn’t even want to be a part of your dumb challenge. They’d already made plans to hang out way before they’d even heard about your thing.

Colorado State at San Diego State (6 p.m./CBS Sports Network)

Colorado State is just one game back in the Mountain West standings and looks to continue its winning ways against a San Diego State team that has been uncharacteristically inconsistent.

Oregon State at Utah (7 p.m./Pac-12 Network)

Oregon State is undeniably atrocious, but Building the Dam has a plan.

Step 1: every team loses every game for the rest of the season Step 2: Oregon State wins out Step 3: we win the national championship https://t.co/qkRG5MyuWF

— Building the Dam (@BuildingTheDam) January 26, 2017

I’m sure there’s a crack in there somewhere, but I sure as hell can’t find it.

Ohio State at Iowa (8 p.m./ESPN2)

There is no such thing as a “must-win” game in January, and don’t let anybody ever tell you any differently. That said, this feels like it’s about as close to one as you can get for Ohio State.

Tulane at Connecticut (8 p.m./ESPNU)

UConn weekly status check: Still bad.

No. 23 South Carolina at Missouri (8:30 p.m./SEC Network)

The SEC has two ranked teams and three with a pulse, and one which fits both categories didn’t even get picked to play in the Big 12 Challenge. Sure, Missouri is as close as you can get to playing a Big 12 team without actually playing a Big 12 team — the cubic zirconia of the SEC-Big 12 Challenge — but they still don’t count.

Temple at Houston (10 p.m./ESPNU)

This is typically where Temple starts beating everyone in their conference and their bizarro resume starts to make even less sense.

No. 21 Saint Mary’s at Santa Clara (11 p.m./Comcast Sportsnet California)

SNL is a re-run, so watch a top 25 team play basketball. I think SNL’s a re-run. Even if SNL’s not a re-run, watch a top 25 team play basketball.

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