Hasta La Gadget!

When Square Enix first announced that they’d be attempting a Final Fantasy MMORPG, safe to say many gamers were thrilled by that news. The game was launched to much anticipation and hype, only to fall flat on its face shortly after, leading to Square Enix to relaunch it several years later as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

So what was it that led to the original Final Fantasy XIV doing so badly? Well turns out Square Enix was magnanimous enough to share their thoughts on the failed game during a presentation at GDC, and according to the developers, overly detailed flowerpots was one the problems and was actually a symptom of a much larger problem. (more…)

Original Final Fantasy XIV’s Downfall Was Due To Overly Designed Flowerpots (Amongst Other Things) original content from Ubergizmo.

During GDC 2014, Sony took the wraps off their own virtual reality headset, Project Morpheus. The folks at Oculus Rift were definitely not going to stand by and do nothing which is why they have also announced the Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 that they would begin taking pre-orders for. That being said, it certainly looks like a rivalry has been created.

However the folks at Oculus Rift have been in it a bit longer than Sony, at least as far as VR gaming is concerned. On the other hand, Sony has the experience and the resources to help make up for the lost time, so how does Oculus Rift feel about Sony entering into the fray? (more…)

Oculus Rift Welcomes Sony’s Project Morpheus With Open Arms original content from Ubergizmo.

Just as we did a year ago, I’m kicking off 2014 with a list of design trends I expect to gain ground over the next twelve months. The world of interactive design is an extreme fluid in terms of what’s determined as a staple of good design from year to year.

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You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.

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News of Siri integration isn’t the only tool in Chevy’s belt today, as it’s also unveiling key details of the 2014 Spark EV. The all-electric subcompact won’t reach dealers until the summer, but it may be worth waiting for given a surprising emphasis on speed. Its 130HP motor puts out 400lb-ft of torque, or enough to reach 60MPH in under 8 seconds — quite a bit of pep for any stock compact car, let alone one with green credentials. Drivers who don’t always mash the throttle will still get a dose of speed through industry-first support for SAE Combo DC Fast Charging, which delivers an 80 percent charge in 20 minutes. The cabin technology parallels developments in the powertrain through its two customizable, 7-inch screens and the expected smartphone tie-ins for MyLink and Siri. Combining the tarted up performance and interior tech makes the Spark EV’s sub-$25,000 price (after EV tax breaks) seem like a better value than usual for lower-cost electric vehicles — and with Chevy’s expanded plans to sell in Oregon, Canada and elsewhere, more of us can actually take the plunge.

Continue reading Chevy details 2014 Spark EV: under $25,000, 0-60 in 8 seconds and a 20-minute fast charge

Filed under: Transportation

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