Console gaming (XBOX, Playstation, Nintendo, etc) or PC gaming.
Gaming
Google Announces Stadia Streaming Game Service
Episode 1577
This week, Google joins Sony and Microsoft is creating a streaming gaming service. The service, called Stadia, is similar to the defunct Onlive streaming game service but will enable gamers to play from any platform anywhere, with all the heavy graphics lifting being done in the cloud. There is also no announced price or launch date. Leo says that your ISP will likely jump on the gravy train by charging extra for the privilege. Leo says that there will be latency issues to overcome.
Google Announces Stadia Streaming Game Service
Episode 1576
Google announced STADIA, a new streaming gaming service that will enable gamers to play games using even the simplest of devices. The cloud is your platform. Leo says though, that while interesting, Google didn't announce a price or a date the service will launch. But when it does launch, it could be quite tempting to the casual gamer who doesn't want to invest in a lot of hardware to play games. But it'll really impact data caps and will be a non-starter for people living in rural areas. And if your internet connection has a lot of lag (latency), you'll hate it.
Can I Use a Unity Server to Write Games?
Episode 1571
John fromJohn is a coder and he wants to know if a Unity server will work to create the game he's writing. If he has DirectX 10, he should be OK. He can turn down the settings for lower quality to get the frame rate up, just to see how it works.
Pokemon Go Creators to Create Harry Potter SpinOff
Episode 1566
With the huge suggest of Pokemon Go, the game's creator, Niantic, is set to release a new version set in the world of Harry Potter. Leo says you think it's bad now, wait until you can go after Dementors with your virtual wand. And Niantic has it's hands full right now, as home owners have sued the company over people trespassing on their private property looking for Pokemon monsters.
What computer should I buy my grandson?
Episode 1542
Carole fromCarole wants to get her grandson a new laptop, because the iPad is too fragile. Leo says they can break because of that large glass screen. Leo recommends a Chromebook. If she would rather get him a desktop, there are Chrome Boxes as well. The Acer Chromebase is the one to get. Nice and secure, and easy to use.
Can I turn my XBox into a DVR?
Episode 1528
Kevin fromKevin wants to know if he can turn his Xbox into a DVR. Leo says that he'd need to get a TV connection and a program that could do it, and the Xbox Store only allows for recording video game moments. Plex is in the Microsoft store and may work. But Leo isn't sure what the recording capability is. Microsoft was going to do it back in 2015, but cancelled the feature.
Microsoft Using Minecraft for Education
Episode 1517
Calling Minecraft the "Lego" of the 21st century, Leo says that Microsoft has created an education edition of the game for computer programming, chemistry, and a host of other teaching tools within the game itself. It's also available on the iPad. Leo says it's a very cool idea and a great way to learn science, technology and math (STEM).
What gaming computer should I buy for my son?
Episode 1507
Michael fromMichael's son has just finished 8th grade and he wants to reward him with a decent gaming computer. What should he get for between $1,200 and $2,000? Leo says to not get a laptop. He should get a desktop. He'll pay more for a gaming laptop, and they won't be as fast because of limitations in graphics processors. Leo recently got his 15 year old an Asus Republic of Gaming (ROG) G20CI desktop PC.
Dick DeBartolo, The Giz Wiz
Episode 1507
Toy manufacturer Tastemakers was showing their newest 'old tech' arcade machines. Five different scaled down Arcade1Up machines are set to be released fall 2018. Most contain four popular old-time games from the arcade era. Unlike bigger, 6' tall machines, these Arcade1Up cabinets are 4 feet tall and weigh a lot less, about 60 pounds or so. Tastemakers says that the machines will offer “the same game play as the originals, with same sounds, joysticks and buttons.” The arcades use a 17-inch LED screen for play and some assembly is required.
E3 Open to the Public This Year
Episode 1498
Becoming mostly a preview of what's on the horizon for gamers, the annual E3 convention was this week, and it was open to the public. Leo says that mobile is really where it's at for gaming.
