news

How Much Is That Kinect On Windows?

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Kinect is coming to windows on February 1st.

Well, what can I say? THis is me, so a lot:

  • Microsoft is actually letting people mess with a product now interfaced with Windows. This is a huge move for Microsoft, and frankly, pretty smart. It builds relations, pushes technology, and gives them ideas. It's also something their competitor, Apple, is loathe to do (and I use Apple)
  • It's obvious that Microsoft is seeking a far more unified series of platforms among Windows, XBox, and Windows Phone.
  • This is a distinguisher for Microsoft (remember the Wii Controller?). It sets them apart – though it may also limit them if they get too obsessed with it.
  • If you develop for Windows or XBox, at least mess around with the SDK so you're informed – it'll be good for your career.
  • Watching what other competitors do should be done closely.
  • No Gates, no problem. Microsoft seems to be on the ball.

– Steven Savage

Yahoo layoffs?

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It looks like there are impending layoffs at Yahoo. What makes this weirder is I also hear stories that Yahoo is hiring – which makes me think that if layoffs are due, it's part of cutting divisions as well as rearguing – and any cuts are basically designed to quickly get rid of people.

My thoughts:

  • I think layoffs are inevitable, so if you're at Yahoo, be careful.
  • I still see hiring at Yahoo as possible, so if you're interviewing there, keep at it.
  • Yahoo is over as it is – or as a company. The question is do they scale back and focus or get bought/sell themselves off.
  • It's so inevitable that when it does happen it'll have little impact on the economy.

– Steven Savage

News Roundup for 1/3/2012

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Asus' new Transformer will run Ice Cream Sandwich, leading to an obvious visual joke in the article, but opening the opportunity for Team Fortress Sandvich jokes as well. Anyway, yes the new Power Tablet is going to get the next iteration of Android. However more interesting than that is the fact Asus recognizes the modder community and is working on a tool to undo the secure/firm bootloader – a quick turnaround. I think I'm gonna have to get me one . . .

This is also further embrace of the modder/hack community, a trend that I think had its most public showcasing with the Kinect. It's one to watch (and encourage – great marketing)

RIM is considering new chairmen, which is a good strategy in the "stop sucking" effort they need to make. However I still vote they're too far gone and see them shrinking to something that actually works, or getting bought. In short yes – If you work there look to get out.

Indie game Bastion sells over half a million copies. I'm biased – it was a great game and worth every penny. It also is a good example of an indie success story and worth following.

Weird – A drop off on Star Wars: The Old Republic sales in the UK. I won't jump to any conclusions – it's one market in one demographic. I do however want to watch this because it's a big-budget, big-name game. I am hearing good things from people already . . .

– Steven Savage