GeekwithEnvy

Apps

Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition Now Available for OS X

by Leave a Comment

BGEnchancedSS2

Yes! OS X users can now download and run Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition without any special software. The game is now available to download for Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher from Beamdog. 

The Original Baldur’s Gate is an awesome RPG that has been around for over ten years. Eventually the original game gained some enhancements that helped it fit a little better on a widescreen monitor along with adding new content like “The Black Pits” and adding new characters like Dorn Il-Khan, and Rasaad yn Bashir. The enhancements don’t end there either, they went on to add over 400 improvements to the original game. If you love classic RPG’s and have OS X, then this is a must buy, plus the game is only $19.99

 

 

The Tablet Takeover

by Leave a Comment

We have been taken over! Not by an alien race but a massive movement towards tablet based computing. Tablets are undoubtably becoming the king of the hill and it’s easy to see why. Need proof that tablets are game changers? Windows 8 is a shining example how big these little devices are. What makes them so popular and what will their role become in our lives as technology continues to evolve? WiiU Controller

I have talked to a lot of people, many come from varying backgrounds and from all different age groups and almost all of them own a tablet. The typical scene in today’s modern household consists of a tower style desktop PC collecting dust in the corner of a quiet room, perhaps with a pile of books on it or maybe even some old bills. Next, there’s the tried and true laptop, which is seeing a fair amount of usage despite it starting to show it’s age. Finally, we have the tablet. The tablet PC comes in many different sizes and shapes, some with a logo of fruit on it and others that run software with little green robots firmly in control. These are the devices that are most up-to date and used the most in today’s household.

By analyzing the scenario I just described one could infer that the tablet is on track to replace these other devices, but I would argue (at least for now) that tablets may be taking on a different role. The tablet PC may be better suited as a supplementary device to others, but it will do so while having the added benefit of being able to stand on it’s own. Nintendo’s Wii U is a great example of how tablet technology can merge with others to create a more immersive and rich experience. The Wii U GamePad follows along with the action on the big screen and it feels seamless and engaging. Although you could argue that the Wii U is more of a hybrid, it’s still a tablet at heart.

Nintendo is getting ready to launch it’s new streaming service TVii, which is offering up features that actually resemble a step forward in technology. You will be able to get additional information about what you’re watching on screen, like sports scores and statistics. You will be able to share what you’re watching with friends and family and choose programming right on your tablet device. What about having your interactive programming guide right on your tablet instead of covering up your T.V screen. The possibilities are numerous and we will soon be reaping the benefits.

This idea will translate easily to other devices and you can start to imagine companies like Apple releasing a television product that works perfectly with your iPad. A new version of Apple TV would be pretty slick, but why stop there? The tablet is the swiss army knife of the tech world and it’s only going to get better.

Instagram Selling Your Photos

by Leave a Comment

Everyone seems to be just a little worried about the recent changes to Instagram’s terms of service. One of the concerned users of Instagram included National Geographic, who stated that they will be suspending new posts due to concern with the new terms of service and that they may close their account. So what the heck is all the fuss about?

Terms of service often include language that is difficult to interpret but it would seem that an update to Instagram’s new TOS included some language that involves using your username, location and photos for advertising purposes, and of course without having to tell you or pay you. Here’s the controversial section of the TOS.Instagram logo

“Some or all of the Service may be supported by advertising revenue. To help us deliver interesting paid or sponsored content or promotions, you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you. If you are under the age of eighteen (18), or under any other applicable age of majority, you represent that at least one of your parents or legal guardians has also agreed to this provision (and the use of your name, likeness, username, and/or photos (along with any associated metadata)) on your behalf.”

So, is this actually going to happen? Well, not really. Due to the big reaction to the upcoming changes, Kevin Systrom (co-founder of Instagram) has tried to calm everyone down by telling us that they’re not trying to sell our photos for profit. It would seem that Instagram will still be using our content along side advertisements, which really isn’t all that bad. A free service needs to make money somehow and by selling ads they can use our data to help them figure out what we like and what you and our friends would most likely be interested in. If this all sounds familiar it’s because Facebook does the exact same thing. Also, remember that Facebook and Instagram are family now.

Are you concerned about these changes? You can read the official post about Instagram’s TOS changes on their website.

 

Featured App: Angry Birds Star Wars

by Leave a Comment

Angry-Bird-Star-Wars-Nerd-Style.com_

Everyone knows the original Angry Birds was a huge hit back in 2009. Since then, they have released many different versions and add-ons for this game, and has become a great franchise.

Ever since the original though, I have not been interested. It’s all been pretty much the same game to me, but this year they announced and released Angry Birds Star Wars, and being the Star Wars geek that I am, I had to try it out. To my surprise, I was hooked pretty much instantly. Yes, it is still the classic Angry Birds game-play, but the additions made are amazing. The birds are dressed up as all the characters from Luke Skywalker to R2-D2. As you go through the levels you can unlock new characters. Each one has a unique ability (e.g. Han Solo will shoot his gun, Luke has a lightsaber, and Chewbacca just plows right into everything).

angry-birds-star-wars-review

The game also has nice cut scenes, which are very short, but still a great addition. The artwork and music are fantastic, and I love the way each level is designed. Everything about it has the look and feel of Star Wars. You will fight your way through stormtrooper pigs and go up against Darth Vader pig. It’s like playing through scenes of the movie.

If you are a Star Wars fan this is a must try. Check it out!

Available for download here: Angry Birds

 

 

 

Featured App: The Simpsons Tapped Out

by Leave a Comment

The Simpsons Tapped Out, starts out with Homer accidentally destroying Springfield in a nuclear meltdown. You, the player are tasked with rebuilding Springfield and finding all the people who once lived there.

tapped out

You will be given quests to rebuild each house, restaurant and store that you know from the show. Every time you finish a building you will get the character that goes with it (e.g. Kwik-E-Mart will give you Apu). If you tap on a character you will be given a list of tasks they can do. The tasks can take a few seconds or last a few days. Once they have finished their task, you will receive in game rewards.

springfield

Like most of these games, you are given timers for pretty much everything you do, with the option to buy stuff with real money. In this app, you can buy donuts, to either speed timers or purchase buildings and decorations. You will get donuts by leveling, but it is slow, and the prices for the stuff sold for donuts isn’t cheap.

This game has kept me hooked since I started playing a few months ago. They update with seasons and Holidays and you get new quests all the time. It’s definitely worth trying, especially since it’s free.

Available for iOS at the App Store. You can also check out their Facebook page at The Simpsons Tapped Out