Let's go Home this Fall

Wow. I've seen a lot of different opinions online about the up and coming Playstation Home.
The video sends my imagination into a new level. Sony really may have a huge hit here with a free virtual environment with customizable avatars, games, shopping and media sharing.
Playstation Home coming this Fall.

Comparisons between Nintendos Miis and the Playstation avatars are obviously being drawn but it's like comparing a Yaris to a Ferrari.



This isn't just a little space to run around and act dumb (surely, there will be lots of that), but a space to truly experience virtual luxury living from your sofa with friends across the globe.

Sure, the Sims and SecondLife do customizable avatars and mini-games right now. Playstation Home looks to take the good things in both without restricting them to simplistic gameplay and push the social aspects further with more options: on-screen keyboard, usb keyboard or bluetooth headset. But are these really the only options? The biggest asset to the social dynamic could be that simple thing called a 'sofa'.

Being able to relax on the 'old couch' adds a level of comfort to your experience. Jumping into Home to play a mini-game with your friends in London could really take a load off and reduce the dependence on the computer and it's draconian surroundings.

What many people forget is that the Sims, MySpace and SecondLife require the USE of a computer. With PS3 you're not restricted to a small monitor, small space and limited media devices. Sharing a favorite song or video with a friend in your avatar's room could be a truly sensory experience unlike any other when playing in surround sound stereo or with a HDTV. No more tiny speakers or tiny low-res display.

Sony is once again giving a clear direction for luxury gaming. Sure $600 is a lot for a game system, but how much is a virtual community worth? How much do users on SecondLife spend in a year?

Playstation Home is a free virtual environment which ties into the Playstation world. If you and a friend have the same PS3 game, you could launch it from Home and when you're done, go back 'Home' and share some photos.

Nothing else does this. This will be cool. Playstation Home will be awesome.

Cheers, Sony!

Level Up!!!

Final Fantasy XII completed!!

100+ hours of scrummy RPG goodness.
More fast paced than FFXI and more beautiful and well developed than FFX.
Initially, I thought that the criticism of FFXII music was short-sighted. I love the soundtrack to Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story, but as it came down to the final scenes of the game, composer Hitoshi Sakimoto, left us with no memorable tunes or well fit themes. Not bad music, but not great.
All in all, FFXII is a RPG definitely worth finishing for the amazing game art by Akihiko Yoshida during the end-game credits.

For more information on this wonderful game, visit the official FFXII site (English).
For even more fun while playing FFXII, try this goofy drinking game, if you dare!
And finally, a preview image gallery for those wishing to go on a grand adventure.

See the Mac Vista Ad - Cancel or Allow?

(thanx zee)

If you can't see the video, click here
You are considering visiting Apple's official "Get a Mac" page
Cancel or Allow?

Related links
Interesting forum concerning this ad
Vista's exposure and more
Mean spirited or just business?
Bill Gates' Response to Mac Ads

Dumb video, you bet!

Postcards from the edge of the Web

This is awesome but oh so disturbing, too.
See the others here. (from cnet)

A Fairytale You Could Have Written

While I still think that RocketBoom will never be the same without that lovely dork, Amanda Congdon, our new friends there have left us a wonderful video-fairytale-of-a-treat. A New York story like none other. A story about many people. A story about someone like you. A story that can carry on.
The fairytale you could have written.

Amanda Congdon on MySpace (I still don't support MySpace use, like you care)
Exquisite Corpse on Wikipedia

Mini Review: Why We Want to Be Rich

Why We Want You to be Rich: Two Men - One Message
by Donald J. Trump, Robert T. Kiyosaki, Meredith McIver, Sharon Lechter

What can I say about this book?

Well, it's a good read if you can stomach a book on personal development/finances. Some people can, some can't. I personally love personal finance/development books. My understanding of the world in general has increased dramatically, mostly I feel, due to learning more about the world of money. Anyway, back to the book.

Kiyosaki's Contribution
Robert T. Kiyosaki, author of the best selling Rich Dad Poor Dad series, does his usual thing in WWWYTBR. Where as Kiyosaki's usual thing is explaining the serious world of finances in brief with anecdotes and life lessons, this makes this usual thing a great thing! Definitely a great read for the new financial philosopher, if you will.

Kiyosaki makes financial intelligence, usually an intimidating and foreign topic, clear and approachable. For that, I say he is one of the most important writers of our times. In each chapter, Kiyosaki also gives you more than the typical advice and helps you feel confident that you too can get to your dreams.

Trump's Contribution
Donald Trump, real estate mogul and media celeb, shares his wisdom in a more responsive manner. Sadly, Trump rarely brings up a new topic not hit on by Kiyosaki and that really shows the difference in the two authors. Kiyosaki definitely leads in this book, Trump follows up. I say 'follow up' because it really isn't a matter of finishing up each topic. Trump seems to be unable to bring new advice and lessons to the table. While not boring to read, sometimes the Trump chapters seem a little uninspired.

Final word
A great book for you folks wanting to learn more about money and its influence on our world. Great coverage and insight into the two men and their views on financial matters. Enlightening and inspired writing by Kiyosaki. With unique mental toughness and a persistance-based attitude, Trump shares what key factors he believes make you successful.

I would have preferred this was another great Kiyosaki book, but additional insights on the wisdom of Trump were also helpful.

Book Grade: B-
Readibilty: High
Re-readability: Low