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Link Roundup 9/30/2013

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Well first of all, we know that the final Steam component is a controller.  The Piston announcement is cagey and confusing.  My takeaway is:

The Piston may run the SteamOS on something else – which may be because something runnable as “virtual steam” is in the brew.  Or they’re confused.

Steam has pretty much fired a warning shot across the bow of console makers, followed by grapeshot and a series of cannonballs.  Any computer is now a console.  They don’t have to be on top they just have to keep everyone else nervous and I’m sure they have.

Story short, work in gaming?  Pay attention to Steam.

Now other links:

– Steven “My Own Controller” Savage

Link Roundup 9/26/2013

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What’s been up today?

  • First, let’s get to a chance to help out.  Want to do some good for people in need? Help crowdfund a 3D printed prosthetic hand.  It’s a chance to crowdfund production of this low-cost device, and if you want you can even get one for your own medical need, research purposes, or just to do some good.
  • Looks like our own Scott may be busy – there’s some evidence/rumor the next Superman film will have Wonder Woman.  That may sound crazy but not any crazier than inserting some Dark Knight into it – and recall Superman is traditionally vulnerable to magic, and is currently hooked up with her in DC’s universe.  Even if it’s not a launching of a film just a well done Wonder Woman would be something.
  • Speaking of films, Pacific Rim had it’s problems in the states, but was the highest grossing original live action film of the summer.  A bit of a feather in its large, mechanical cap, and maybe some hope it (and original properties) may get some love.  Something to jump in on and pay attention to, writers and media types.
  • At some point we might be watching Pacific Rim on Hulu, and people might complain about the adds – though there’s a reason behind that and they might go away.  Plenty telling – and yeah, Netflix ix clearly in the crosshairs.  Might present some career options as they ramp it up . . .
  • Of course while viewing things at home on Hulu, maybe you’d be interested in having a highly integrated household with climate control, etc.  Nest is on it, providing some interesting opportunities – and maybe employment opportunities.  I think this could get too hackable, but do see possibilities for energy efficiency.
  • Finally some good networking advice – help connect people together to build your contacts and support network.

– Steven “Leave Ben Affleck Alone” Savage

 

 

Steam Machine No Longer Mystery Machine

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The big news, Steam’s latest announcement is Beta for Steam Machines.  Friend of the site Indiehaven sums it up well.

Well we’ve got one more Steam Announcement coming, but I wanted to take a look at the Progeek and Musehacker applications of what’s going on.

Here are my takes:

  • First of all this is a definite strategy to spread Steam all over.  It’s own console, it can be installed.  Steam just got itself even more mindshare and install share.  This is not a surprise with the way they’ve been evolving – remember they have even more than games.
  • Secondly, this is a disruptive strategy, the kind of strategy that may have a plan, but is also to make people go “what the hell do we do now?”  They just put everyone else on notice.
  • Third, they just owned the “unsure” market.  That old machine you’re not sure what to do with, that HTPC that could be done in various ways, the just gave you an answer.
  • Fourth, they also may own the pickup market.  Now you can take an old system and turn it into something else – a Linux based game and media machine.
  • Fifth, this is a challenge to everyone, and I see some possibility that other companies have to deal with.  You can’t corner Steam or just not allow them on your devices, but they’re also stepping on your territory.  Steam is now a fact of life.
  • Sixth, as this is Linux-based, who knows what they can get from other install bases (like Android?).
  • Seventh, they just grabbed the news cycle.  They’ll grab it again when the Machine comes out, and they’ll grab it next holiday.
  • They just cozied up to many a manufacturer.

This is going to be big and interesting.  Work in gaming, you must pay attention, period.  Also start learning Linux.

– Steven “Steam Power” Savage