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Thursday, December 30, 2010

My First Feature Report


Hello! It's been a long time since I haven't updated my blog here. Anyway, there is something I would like to share. Like I said in my first blog, I have been working as a Head Photographer in our school publication. But, I feel that I am not contented in just taking shots. So, I also worked as a feature reporter for TechnoBits: It can be a technology updates or a game review. Here is some article that I contributed which is not-so-obsolete in some parts of it...



TECHNOBITS
by Joe Kevin G. Mallari


Last July, the Microsoft finally releases of what they call the successor of Live OneCare - the Microsoft Security Essentials. Just like what the other antivirus do, it gives protection to our PC against spyware, virus and other harmful programs. So how much does it cost? Zero. Zilch. Nada. Yes folks, it is free. In fact, it can only be activated for those who are using genuine Microsoft software or else it might detect that you are a victim of counterfeiting.

The Security Essentials can monitor infections that appear via the internet. Unfortunately, this option is only available to Windows 7 and Windows Vista because the Windows XP does not have the necessary Windows Filtering Platform. Microsoft said that by coordinating it with Internet Explorer, the said antivirus gives greater protection against Web-based threats. To know more about its other features, you can download it at www.microsoft.com/security_essentials.




E3 2010 ends with a blast!

Again, the world's premiere trade show for computer and video games gives us excitement on the latest trends of what is happening on the gaming world. Big companies like the Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and many more were in the expo, showing their new releases on their press conference. Here I will show you the Editor's Picks for the E3 Expo.




Sony


Calling all PlayStation lovers! Sony launch another new accessory for the PS3 called the PlayStation Move. It is a motion controller that has a vibration feedback, a dynamic color changing ball, and an advanced motion sensors, apparently. Honestly, it may really look like the Nintendo Wii but let us see what the Move has more to offer. The Move will be released in the market on September 15 in Europe, September 19 in North America and October 21 in Japan, Sony said.



On to the games, God of War: Ghost of Sparta is one of the exclusive games that is coming up on the PSP. Also, famous names like the Gran Turismo 5, Dead Space 2, Killzone 3, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood will be coming on the PS3. And yet, some of the games on the PS3 will be seen on 3D but this is not over yet. Jack Tretton, the President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, ends it with a surprise. Announcing the coming back of the Twisted Metal franchise, and yes, it is exclusive on PS3.



Microsoft



The Microsoft starts their event by showing the next installment of Treyarch's Call of Duty series - Call of Duty: Black Ops which will be released on November 19, 2010. After that, Hideo Kojima came to the stage to show to the crowd the first gameplay footage of Metal Gear Solid: Rising. He said that Raiden will be the protagonist of this game, cutting at will on what he see – even watermelons. Halo: Reach (September, 14), Fable III (October 26), and Gears of War 3 (April 2011) are games that gamers must also expect to come.




But the show does not stop here because Microsoft has another to announce. Introducing the Microsoft Kinect, formerly known as Project Natal, which is intended for the XBOX 360. Another type of controller, you say? Not the Kinect itself because YOU are the controller! According to Marc Whitten, he said that it detects movement and sound in very sophisticated ways. Not only that, you can also store movies, tv shows, music, and many more. All you have to do is wave your hands. I must say that this is what happens when technology gets out of the way, isn't it? The Kinect will be released on the market on November 14.



Nintendo

Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo's president, starts the show by introducing Shigeru Miyamoto, who is the creator of Mario and Zelda, in the video holding a sword and a shield. Miyamoto then demoed the latest series on Zelda, the Zelda: Skyward Sword, which is a Wii exclusive. Obviously, Nintendo will never be a Nintendo if there is no Mario on the show. So, they also release a new Mario game called Mario Sports Mix seeing a bunch of nintendo> characters playing basketball, volleyball, hockey, you name it. Obviously, Mario is not contented on being a plumbler, eh? Anyway, Nintendo also announced the coming back of games from the past that become an epic like Kirby, Metroid, Golden Eye, and Donkey Kong. Talk about retro games.



Speaking of epic, a new exclusive Wii game takes you to a "dark side" of Mickey Mouse called Epic Mickey wherein you have the control to draw and erase around the environment using Mickey's magic paintbrush. Unfortunately, the release date of this game is still pending. They still did not end the show after that because they have also introduced a new title called the Nintendo 3DS. A portable 3D handheld that do not require a 3D glasses! Surprisingly, renowned games like Resident Evil, Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid and Ninja Gaiden will be coming to 3DS. Release of these in the market is on Fiscal Year 2010 (Before April 2011).


References:

Microsoft
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-21539_7-20007501-10391702.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

Nintendo
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-21539_7-20007509-10391702.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

Sony
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-21539_7-20007510-10391702.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

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