Category: Curious

Why Pokémon Go Became a Massive Hit

Louie Diangson

It’s been more than a week since the initial release and the demand for the new free-to-play location-based augmented reality mobile game just keeps on getting higher with no signs of slowing down. Pokémon may be an old franchise, but we can’t deny that it has an appeal that we can consider timeless.

To give you a quick background, the Pokémon franchise was created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1995, 21 years ago. If I remember correctly, my first encounter with Pokémon was in 1998 via Pokémon Red on an old Game Boy. Although I never owned a Game Boy of my own and played it for just a few hours daily, I still got hooked. Thanks to the clever gameplay that allowed players to collect these cute, and not so cute, Pocket Monsters and make them stronger as you progress.

pokemon-logo

From there I found myself watching every episode of the animated series including the movies, then transitioned to playing the card game where I spent most of my savings from my daily allowance as a high school student. After 4 or 5 years, give or take, I lost interest. I can’t even keep up with the new Pokémon and stopped counting after 250. On the Game Boy, I made it until Pokémon Emerald.

I tried playing it again on my brother’s Nintendo DS with Pokémon Black but I didn’t have the patience anymore. The thought that you have to purchase a DS just to play the game makes it cumbersome, not to mention a bit heavy in the pockets, considering you can buy a decent Android smartphone for that price. Just download an emulator and ROM and you’re good to go.

Then came Pokémon Go.

The thought of reintroducing an iconic game in a different platform and gameplay is interesting and promising. It has a lot to prove though, especially for old-school players who started with the Game Boy. I thought that Pokémon Go would only appeal to fans. I was wrong.

Launching on Android and iOS was the first haymaker.

Niantic and The Pokémon Company threw a solid punch when they released it on two of the most popular mobile OS in town – Android and iOS — for FREE! That said, I don’t need to buy a dedicated handheld console as I can just use the smartphone I use every day. It saves me money and I don’t have to carry a separate device.

Augmented reality (AR) gaming is awesome!

Handheld gaming is fantastic, no doubt about that. You can play in the comforts of your own home regardless of the weather. However, it can also be boring. And your mom might frequently ask you to put it down and go out and play. Pokémon Go solves that. The game also makes real but boring locations look interesting as you’ll never know what Pokémon you will find. And the fact that you can catch your starter Pokémon in unsuspecting locations, like the bathroom or your neighbor’s sari-sari store, adds hilarity to the whole thing.

It encouraged physical and social activity.

I’m sure you’re aware by now that you go outside and roam about to progress in Pokémon Go. And since there are lots of things happening outside, including real physical risks if you’re not being careful, makes it more thrilling. If you’re playing it right, and safely, you might also bump into another trainer that you can be friends and catch Pokémon with. Talk about multiplayer.

Everyone can play.

As mentioned earlier, not everyone can play Pokémon back in the days as it requires paying for the merchandise. Given that Pokémon Go is free-to-play on Android or iOS, it allowed more people to try it, new to Pokemon or not. Even my mom and my sister (based outside PH) who has never played a Pokémon game before was able to catch some and level-up.

One of my personal highlights during my brief time with Pokémon Go (before servers became wonky) was when I showed it to my son.

“What is it, daddy?”
“It’s called Pokémon.”
“Look there is a turtle!”
“That is called Squirtle.”
*The lessons begin*

Thanks to the simple gameplay, I let him catch a few for himself. Seeing the smile on his face when he caught his first Pokémon is just priceless. It brought back memories when I first caught a wild Pikachu in Viridian Forest. I promised him that we’ll go out together and catch more Pokémon once the game is “fixed”.

It’s a platform where players can come together and just have fun.

I’ve never seen a game brought that much people together, not just online, but also offline. I guess that’s why Pokémon Go became a massive hit – it brought chemistry to all kinds of players regardless of age and gender. It doesn’t matter if you know Pokémon or not, or if you have played it on the Game Boy or DS. As long as you can play with others (and have the will to catch ’em all!), you can become a Pokémon trainer.

The post Why Pokémon Go Became a Massive Hit appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

5 cool things you can do with a Project Tango smartphone

Louie Diangson

Lenovo has recently revealed at the Lenovo Tech World 2016 the Phab2 Pro – the first Project Tango-powered smartphone for consumers. So if you’re curious about what this piece of tech can do then read on.

For the unacquainted, Project Tango is a Google platform introduced in 2014 that develops 3D mapping and depth-sensing technology for mobile devices. Developers can take advantage of the said tech by creating apps and features to enhance the experiences of its users such as transforming your home into a game level, and more immersive virtual and augmented environments.

1. You can interact/play with virtual objects.

Since Project Tango uses Augmented Reality, users will be able to see more than what is physically available. Imagine entering an ordinary room but with the help of Project Tango smartphone, you can add virtual objects and interact with them. One example is the Garden – Mixed Reality by Gotan and Home AR Designer by Elementals Studio, which allows virtual objects and the real environment to interact with each other.

2. Measure your surroundings with 3D tools.

This is pretty much straight-forward. Since Project Tango uses 3D mapping without the help of GPS, developers can create apps that enable a user to make precise measurements of a room as well as allow for indoor wayfinding. One app that does that is the Project Tango MeasureIt. Developers will surely develop more tools that take advantage of the technology.

3. Receive useful information about your current surroundings.

Stores, museums, and other establishments can produce apps that let users see more information about their products and services at a specific location. With Project Tango, users can watch inanimate objects become alive, or a plain room turn into a trove of information while at the same time also guiding you into other indoor locations.

4. Play games in a more interactive manner.

Games won’t be left out, of course. And given that Project Tango is designed to provide new experiences to users by blending physical and virtual, games designed on the platform will be more immersive and fun. Some games designed for Project Tango includes Ghostly Mansion by Rabbx Inc., Adventures of Poco Eco: Tango by Possible Games, and InnAR Wars by Flarb.

5. Enhance your learning and creativity.

Project Tango can also be used by people hungry for knowledge and want to consume them in a different way. One example is the Solar Simulator at Scale by Omar Shaikh. Professionals can also use it in their own field to simulate experiences while ordinary users can have fun by building virtual objects and visualize them like they’re in the real world. Some examples are Car Visualizer by NVYVE Inc. and Bike Config AR Store by Elementals Studio.

With all of these said, the possibilities for a Project Tango smartphone is almost limitless. On the downside, we only have the Lenovo Phab2 Pro to choose from, but you can expect more to be produced once more users and developers adopt and support the technology.

The post 5 cool things you can do with a Project Tango smartphone appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

How’s it like to live with 1GB RAM Android smartphone

Daniel Morial

To give you a background on what you’re about to read, I’m writing this after a month of owning an Android smartphone with just 1GB of RAM — specifically a Moto E (2nd Gen). It was a personal decision to go back to the basics of smartphone that’s affordable but can perform well in telephony. I know it’s not as basic as cheaper handsets but I hope you get my point.

As we know, Google’s smartphone operating system can be a resource hog at times. In order to smoothly run things on your Android device, it should at least have 2GB of RAM or if you can, go for those with up to 4GB. I just do basic tasks and use key apps on my phone, not really into mobile gaming that much since I have a tablet for that.

moto-e-1gb-ram-memory

Moto E (2nd Gen) average memory used reaches 100% per day

So, how am I holding up? Here’s what I have learned.

You can’t do much without slowing down

In terms of general performance, I really don’t have any major complaint. Transitions and scrolling have been smooth thanks to the optimization of Android 6.0 Marshmallow to the smartphone. The lack of bloatware from Motorola helps too. But, once I am already doing some task that needs different apps open like Facebook, Twitter, and Inbox, I can feel the chokepoint or the limit of my phone’s memory. Switching between apps is not as easy as it seems. Also, using the phone throughout half of the day will cause it to imply a message of “slow down, please” or a more peevish thought of “I am not made for this”.

It gives you a lesson about patience

If there’s one thing that you should possess when it comes to owning such devices, it’s patience. While the sluggish performance of the smartphone, when pushed to its diminutive limit, does give me a headache especially when the task needs to be done promptly, i.e. immediate need to contact, it helps me lengthen my patience. Why? First, I have to live up to my stingy decision about my purchase. And second, being impatient about it will not speed up the phone, right?

It helps you disconnect and do more

As a result of slow loading times, limited open apps, and low expectation from what I can do with my phone, i put it down on the desk often and do things differently. I’ve always been a smartphone-centric person to accomplish a task, with the aid of a laptop for some typing, of course, so seeing my phone spending more time on the table rather than on my hand is a good thing. No more “puro ka nalang cellphone” remarks from friends and colleagues. Also, it helped me sleep better at night since I don’t use my phone for long before bedtime.

moto-e-multitask-360

Closing recent apps or using memory managers can help ease the memory pain

Before, having an Android with 1GB RAM is something to brag about but now, it became a chore to handle every day. What more if you have a 512MB RAM with today’s super budget devices meeting the 2016 phase of smartphone usage? So, the real lesson here is this: 2GB RAM for Android should be the mandatory minimum for smartphones. Period.

The post How’s it like to live with 1GB RAM Android smartphone appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

How’s it like to live with 1GB RAM Android smartphone

Daniel Morial

To give you a background on what you’re about to read, I’m writing this after a month of owning an Android smartphone with just 1GB of RAM — specifically a Moto E (2nd Gen). It was a personal decision to go back to the basics of smartphone that’s affordable but can perform well in telephony. I know it’s not as basic as cheaper handsets but I hope you get my point.

As we know, Google’s smartphone operating system can be a resource hog at times. In order to smoothly run things on your Android device, it should at least have 2GB of RAM or if you can, go for those with up to 4GB. I just do basic tasks and use key apps on my phone, not really into mobile gaming that much since I have a tablet for that.

moto-e-1gb-ram-memory

Moto E (2nd Gen) average memory used reaches 100% per day

So, how am I holding up? Here’s what I have learned.

You can’t do much without slowing down

In terms of general performance, I really don’t have any major complaint. Transitions and scrolling have been smooth thanks to the optimization of Android 6.0 Marshmallow to the smartphone. The lack of bloatware from Motorola helps too. But, once I am already doing some task that needs different apps open like Facebook, Twitter, and Inbox, I can feel the chokepoint or the limit of my phone’s memory. Switching between apps is not as easy as it seems. Also, using the phone throughout half of the day will cause it to imply a message of “slow down, please” or a more peevish thought of “I am not made for this”.

It gives you a lesson about patience

If there’s one thing that you should possess when it comes to owning such devices, it’s patience. While the sluggish performance of the smartphone, when pushed to its diminutive limit, does give me a headache especially when the task needs to be done promptly, i.e. immediate need to contact, it helps me lengthen my patience. Why? First, I have to live up to my stingy decision about my purchase. And second, being impatient about it will not speed up the phone, right?

It helps you disconnect and do more

As a result of slow loading times, limited open apps, and low expectation from what I can do with my phone, i put it down on the desk often and do things differently. I’ve always been a smartphone-centric person to accomplish a task, with the aid of a laptop for some typing, of course, so seeing my phone spending more time on the table rather than on my hand is a good thing. No more “puro ka nalang cellphone” remarks from friends and colleagues. Also, it helped me sleep better at night since I don’t use my phone for long before bedtime.

moto-e-multitask-360

Closing recent apps or using memory managers can help ease the memory pain

Before, having an Android with 1GB RAM is something to brag about but now, it became a chore to handle every day. What more if you have a 512MB RAM with today’s super budget devices meeting the 2016 phase of smartphone usage? So, the real lesson here is this: 2GB RAM for Android should be the mandatory minimum for smartphones. Period.

The post How’s it like to live with 1GB RAM Android smartphone appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines News & Tech Reviews.

MIAS: The 11-year itch

Charles Gavino

I have always been a huge fan of the Manila International Auto Show since its inception back in 2005. In line with similar automotive gatherings across the world (Tokyo, New York, and Geneva) one would expect quite the spectacle, albeit probably a bit turned down. It gave the general motoring public a glimpse into what these manufacturers can offer.

Being an enthusiast from an average Filipino family, the Php100 entrance fee was more than reasonable for me to get my hands on an actual Porsche, Mercedes, and Audi – not to mention, see the new offerings the Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Indian manufacturers have on display. So what is it like 11 years on?

The Build Up

For 2016, MIAS was hyped to be the biggest and most dynamic of them all – 50% more space (30,000 sqm vs 20,000 sqm previously), more manufacturer and exhibitor participation, other automotive centric paraphernalia having a bigger area concession, and the usual classic and custom car competition. The overall theme set was Smart Mobility, whether that meant showcasing cars that actually drive themselves or a Siri-esque OS in an infotainment unit (with a bit more sense of humour I hope) is something that is up for us consumers to find out.

In typical automotive fashion, the organizers started everything with a huge bang by kicking the first day off with product launches from the main participants: Ford, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Chevrolet, Tata, Peugeot, Foton, Jaguar/Land Rover, Jeep, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, and Ssangyong… Wait, is that it? I thought there were supposed to be more manufacturers? The answer, sadly, is yes that is it. I tried to ask the friendly information booth ladies and marshals but they also have the slightest idea as to why not. Sigh. The show must go on.

Despite this disappointment, one still has to admit that the motoring scene in the country is only getting bigger and stronger. Brands taking a hiatus and resurging back in our market is a sign of this. Ssangyong is one of those brands. They dramatically slowed down in 2009 but the growth that the Philippine market has been through in the past seven years is more than enough for them to bring in 3 of their best-selling units with plans to bring in a few more.

In the meat of things

Now while the 4 day event is jam-packed with insightful activities like: a learning forum on applying Nano-coating on your windshield, a sponsored segment on retaining the right driving skills for life, or running your vehicle with no oil there are two main activities that you must not forget to do – 1.) Watch Russ Swift in action, and 2.) Sign up for all the test drives that you can.


Russ Swift (screenshot from www.russswift.com).

If there is a word to describe Russ Swift in action it’s – accurate. No one can park your Subaru with appendage-like control like this guy. There is a certain level of skill and focus that is needed in order for you to pull these types of stunts three times, on a scorching hot and humid day, on every day of the show. I watched him on 3 of the 4 days and he is pretty consistent. It was a delight to see him flick a car on its two side wheels and parallel park with millimetre accuracy, I just hope my fellow spectators don’t try this along EDSA while traversing rush hour traffic or when parking their cars in an already crowded street.

The test drive. Nothing makes an enthusiast happier than to get their hands on the actual goods. It’s different when you read up on these various models and finally experience driving any of it in the flesh -like going on a planned date that’s been set up by your best buddies where most, if not all, of the physical and character flaws appear to have a different light in your eyes. Amongst the handful of brands that I have tried, I would give my vote to Ford and Mitsubishi for acing the entire experience.

Getting set up with driving the Ford Ranger was straightforward and hassle-free. I just signed a piece of paper, handed them my license, and off I go (escorted of course). Getting in the Ranger is like stepping in a warm metal cocoon minus the slime. The way the Wildtrak model I tested was spec’d out is very similar to a high-end large sedan and not a pick-up truck: Power adjusted semi-bucket seats? Check. Intelligent climate control? Check. Nearly 2 dozen cubby holes and compartments? Check.

It only took about two minutes to get my larger-than-average heft (188cm height with a 230 pound frame) comfortable with the steering wheel, seats, mirrors, and AC adjusted. The ride is even similar with my 2013 Montero Sport – an SUV that I installed Recaro seats in and have modified to run softer shocks. You can tell that Ford took the time developing this vehicle, and it’s paid off with their sales record reaching number one in most of the SEA markets. I wish I had more time with it to further evaluate, but I didn’t want my friendly SA to get in trouble. Alas, all good things must come to an end.

Mitsubishi on the other hand took a different approach to their test drive experience: bring your best-selling models (latest Montero Sport, Strada, and Mirage) and let the consumers take a heavy crack (yes, way beyond 60 kph) at it. No other methodology can spell FUN quite like this one. It also shows how much confidence they have with their products. The test mule that I took a lot of time with was the new Montero Sport. For those who still think diesels are an agricultural tool made for moving heavy objects or ploughing the sugar or rice fields, you’ll be pleasantly surprised on how the newly developed engine delivers its power when mated with the 8-speed automatic.

It’s reminiscent of driving a V6 – the power and response is there but without the heavy fuel consumption. The trip computer showed an average of about 16.7 km/L when I was coasting along at 120kph. Yes, 120kph and coasting go together now. It still isn’t the most comfortable for big guys like me: the driver cockpit and seats were a bit narrow compared to the older model, the steering wheel’s reach function didn’t telescope far enough, and the pedals don’t adjust for folks with bigger feet. But that’s just me. I’m sure hundreds, if not thousands, of Filipino drivers would find this vehicle appropriate.

My last comment for you is to come early to do this first and bring a proper set of resilient trousers – I accidentally ripped mine up when I forgot to detach my seatbelt from one of the test vehicles, resulting with my pen compromising the main right seam. Very embarrassing.

In conclusion…

Just like most of our favorite sitcoms that evolved throughout the years, this year’s MIAS is the same. From just being a pure exposition of car manufacturers to an activity that has something for every member of your family – even your dog. Everything is definitely bigger and better.

Click to view slideshow.

For those who were fortunate enough to attend, I’m sure you know what I mean. Now it’s a pity if you missed any of the action during that week, better make sure to file that leave in advance for next year’s show – I hear that they are planning to top this one yet again.

This article was written and contributed by Charles Gavino.
 

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