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Captain's Log: Star Trek Online year in review, part two
As 2013 gets underway and before Cryptic Studios and Perfect World Entertainment begin hinting at upcoming material due out for Star Trek Online's third anniversary next month, I'm taking the opportunity to go over the past year in the game. It's a great time to sit down and be reminded of just how much transpired in the last 12 months. Last week, I barely scratched the surface of what happened in Star Trek Online during 2012, but I was able to touch briefly on some of the minor changes that occurred with user-generated content tool, The Foundry. Join me while I continue my look back on what 2012 brought to STO!
TUAW Year in Review: April 2012
Welcome to TUAW's Year in Review. Month by month, we're running down the top stories of 2012, all day long on New Year's Day. Five apps to help you file your taxes (updated) With only a few weeks before taxes are due -- the federal deadline is on April 17, and many states have followed suit -- plenty of Americans are scrambling to file before the clock ticks away.... Developing my first iPhone game: the inside story Editor's Note: From time to time, TUAW does cover commercial apps developed by our staffers, although it is relatively rare for individuals to write about their own projects (with some notable... Happy 35th birthday, Apple II Harry McCracken has a nice write up on the debut, evolution and legacy of the Apple II (or, ][ as I like to call it). The Apple II was unveiled 35 years ago, and it ushered in the home computing... Can ThinkGeek's April product introductions get any geekier? Where do they get those wonderful toys? Yes, the mad geniuses at ThinkGeek once again are offering a slate of new products scheduled to go on sale today. If you're an iPad owner, there are some... Macworld's Jason Snell says what we're all thinking about iTunes Those of you who remember iTunes when it was new, when it was merely a revamped version of SoundJam MP, will sympathize the most here. iTunes used to be a great tool for playing music and ripping... Also: How America benefits from Apple Use the MacBook Air SuperDrive with (almost) any Mac Apple poised to become world's first trillion dollar company by 2014 Walter Isaacson on the leadership of Steve Jobs Apple reportedly receives certification to sell Brazilian-assembled iPad On "mystery meat" gestures and iPhoto's learning curve AT&T to begin unlocking off-contract iPhones April 8 AT&T appears to be unlocking iPhones for deployed active duty military personnel Apple responds to Flashback trojan, promises removal tool Flashback malware removal tools released by security firms Apple introduces VIP discounts for iBooks publishers An in-depth look at the iPad as a gaming device Apple hires United Continental CFO as VP of Sales (after airline replaces paper manuals with iPads) Tim Cook among Time's most influential people Andy Ihnatko on the iPad as his main mobile computer No Comment: MacBook perfume project smells like new unboxing The iPad as an IT professional's tool What we want to WWD-see for WWDC Apple announces record quarter sales, 94% year over year net profit increases WWDC 2012 is sold out Sprint confirms unlimited data for next-generation iPhone Replacing iDisk with online storage of your own Broadway star Josh Gad to play Woz in Jobs biopic Tony Fadell: First iPhone almost had a clickwheel The road to OS Xi: Where iOS and OS X suffer a teleporter accident and merge
TUAW Year in Review: March 2012
Welcome to TUAW's Year in Review. Month by month, we're running down the top stories of 2012, all day long on New Year's Day. Apple announces third generation iPad starting at $499 (updated) After months of anticipation, Apple has announced the third generation of the iPad. Prices are (all USD) $499/$599/$699 for Wi-Fi-only models in 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB. Models with LTE 4G cost... This is not our review of the new iPad There are lots of reviews of the new iPad. Lots and lots. My review? In deeply abbreviated form, here it is: The screen is amazing. You must see it before you make up your mind. It's pretty... Retina display Macs, iPads, and HiDPI: Doing the Math (updated) Love Apple gear? Like math? TUAW's Doing the Math series examines the numbers and the science behind the hardware and software. The rumourmill has been busy lately with claims that we might get... Windows 8 tablet versus the iPad, side by side comparison Yesterday, Microsoft held a press event at Mobile World Congress which showcased Windows 8. It's Microsoft's next generation operating system that'll run on both desktop machines and tablets. If... Apple announces new Apple TV with 1080p support, still just $�99 After weeks of seeing the Apple TV slowly disappear from retail shelves, Apple announced the third generation of its "hobby" device today during the live press event. The new Apple TV is... Also: Apple is Fortune's Most Admired Company for fifth year in a row Family, tech and the joy of Apple's iPad 25 billionth app downloaded from the App Store (Update) iPad embraced by small businesses; use quadruples in one year iPad 2 remains in lineup with $399 price point iOS 5.1 available, you can finally delete photos in Photo Stream Steve Jobs memorial: A Dawn Redwood in Tompkins Square Park iWork.com to be discontinued, Apple suggests iCloud as a replacement Conan O'Brien pokes fun at iPad Retina display Grandma wants an iPad: the multigenerational buyer's guide Apple: Treating celebs like regular folks since 1976 Apple stock soars, market value close to entire retail sector Whoopsie Daisey: This American Life episode on Foxconn's iPad factories 'partially fabricated,' retracted On buying iPads for your kids Apple: Three million new iPads sold since Friday's launch New iPad already five percent of iPad web traffic circleof6 app aims to prevent sexual violence NYT: New iPad screen could be too good for the web The rumors have begun: next iPhone to get a bigger screen? Finding the 'Magic hour' with your iPhone for the best photos 25 billionth app downloader flown to Beijing by Apple Removing walls: how the iPad inspires new content creation Macworld says the new iPad's screen is underrated
TUAW Year in Review: February 2012
Welcome to TUAW's Year in Review. Month by month, we're running down the top stories of 2012, all day long on New Year's Day. iPhone bug opens up stranger's life to the world Gizmodo has raised awareness a serious problem regarding an iMessage bug that, under the wrong circumstances, might result in your messages being seen by others, or you seeing someone else's... Tim Cook focuses on charity during Town Hall meeting Apple held an all-employee Town Hall meeting a little while ago after the earnings call, and The Verge is reporting that Apple CEO Tim Cook took quite a bit of time during the meeting to point out... Apple rollin' in the dough: 75% of cell phone profits The news just keeps getting better for Apple in the mobile phone business. Just yesterday, IDC reported that the company is in third place in terms of worldwide mobile phone sales. Today, Asymco... Five apps for Super Bowl Sunday The Super Bowl is just around the corner which means it's time to get ready for the big game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. Rather than our usual five apps, I couldn't... Does Gatekeeper point the way to an App Store-only OS X? Apple's announcement of Mountain Lion included many promised new features, including a stronger focus on the Mac App Store than ever before. Two significant new features, iCloud document syncing... Also of interest: Google reportedly hires Apple executive to work on secret project Mike Daisey's "The Agony and The Ecstasy of Steve Jobs" is funny, forceful agitprop (Update) Stephen Wolfram on Siri Apps have created 466,000 U.S. jobs in four years White MacBook reaches end of life, education sales to cease iPad assists South African President Zuma with State of the Nation address Rumor: MacBook Pro line getting revamped with MacBook Air style designs Siri's upcoming Japanese language abilities leaked - by Siri Dear Aunt TUAW: Should I buy AppleCare+? Apple previews Mountain Lion, next version of Mac OS X Mountain Lion's Gatekeeper adds additional security options to OS X Apple's Mountain Lion vs. a real mountain lion MacRumors all but confirms iPad 3 will have Retina Display iPhone stops a bullet, saves the life of a Rotterdam contractor App-ocalypse soon: Apple extends sandboxing deadlines, but restrictions loom Protect yourself from being tracked by Google, Facebook, and others The case for ditching the Dock connector Winclone tool for Boot Camp imaging comes back as paid app Our top ten wishes for the next-generation iPad Reflection app goes live, brings iOS screen mirroring to your Mac
TUAW Year In Review: January 2012
Welcome to TUAW's Year in Review. Month by month, we're running down the top stories of 2012, all day long on New Year's Day. Apps to kickstart your New Year's resolutions With the first day of the new year falling on a Sunday, it's a great day to organize whatever resolutions you've made. Here are a few apps to get started with. Get more organized I'm spending... In which Steve once again predicts the future: the Newton and the iPhone AllThingsD has an interesting story on their site about the Newton and a few specifics on the end of its short life. At the 1997 Worldwide Developer Conference (held the year Steve returned to... Take a tour of the Macworld | iWorld 2012 show floor Just as soon as the show floor opened at this year's Macworld | iWorld 2012 in San Francisco, we grabbed a camera and did a run through the exhibitions on display. You can see all of the various... January 9, 2007: iPhone introduced at Macworld Expo, five years ago As we bid goodbye to this January 9, amidst the CES chaos, we pause to remember. It was five years ago today that Steve Jobs announced the very first iPhone, at the annual Macworld keynote, and... Apple confirms purchase of flash memory firm Anobit Apple spokesperson Steve Dowling spoke to Bloomberg's Business Week and confirmed the company purchased Anobit, an Israeli-based flash memory firm. Israeli newspaper Calcalist broke the story in... Also of interest: "Ask Different" welcomes your Apple questions Target confirms it'll open Apple shops in 25 locations Apple publishes Supplier Responsibility Progress Report The MacBook Air turns four years old today Apple to bring interactive textbooks to the iPad with iBooks 2 (Updated) iBooks Author makes its debut today for creating ebooks (Updated) Three new apps support console games from iOS Apple Store almost worth as much as the White House iPod line experiences major decline year-over-year Macworld | iWorld attendance steady in 2012; many newbies in the crowd New Flaming Lips song features Siri on vocals Siri guest stars on CBS's Big Bang Theory Siri VC Morgenthaler weighs in on iPhone 4S bandwidth badmouthing (Updated) Steve Jobs kept letter from Bill Gates on his nightstand
The best of WoW Insider: December 2012
Zaronis: Doesn't anyone else have a problem with enslaving a sentient creature to fight to the death for your own amusement? MarioLanza: Nope. Zapwidget: I only fight till they pass out. Ah, December. Tons of holiday-related silliness, and (for some reason) a lot of point-counterpoint articles and patch 5.2 news. This has been a fun month. To everyone who's been reading WoW Insider this year, whether you're new to us or a longtime fan, thank you! Happy New Year, all! Stay safe today, and let's have a good 2013!
Captain's Log: Star Trek Online year in review, part one
Here we are again, facing another New Year's Eve and the taking down of the old beat-up calendar and replacing it with a brand-new, pristine one. It's a day to both reflect on the past and celebrate and revel in the exciting unknowns of the future. While we're still a few weeks away from Star Trek Online's third anniversary in February, right now for me it's a time to celebrate two other anniversaries: Last week I celebrated my first anniversary with Massively, and today marks my 18th wedding anniversary! So I figured now was the perfect time to review the amazing changes that have taken place in Star Trek Online. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be going over what worked and what didn't work and try to prognosticate on what the past year may foretell for the future of the game.
The best of WoW Insider: November 2012
AiunTanks: I spent all my time in Pandaria looking for a way to murder Anduin Wrynn. Kennyj116: He becomes "more powerful than you could ever imagine." AiunTanks: And run the risk of him becoming as useful as Obi-wan was in the movies? I think I'll take that chance. November was possibly the most introspective month of a very introspective year. We'd had enough experience in Mists of Pandaria to sit back, take stock of what was working and what didn't seem to be, and start digging into the latter. Primarily, that meant LFR and the nigh-endless series of dailies. But that didn't mean people weren't enjoying the expansion. Judging from the explosion of blog posts, commentary, and machinima hitting the airwaves in November, they were enjoying it a lot.
The best of WoW Insider: October 2012
dngreene: Man, when Blizzard wants to get players out into the world, they get players out into the world ... or else. atanae: Meanwhile, four stalwart players who have no lives are killing boars ... shrikesnest: Yes, WoW got hacked, and that sucks. I wish it didn't happen. But I can at least take some consolation in the fact that this is the funniest comment thread on WoW Insider in a long time. PhilDGiles: Does anybody think "SPARE US GOD" might fall into that same list of infamous WoW quotes as "LEEEEEROY JENKINS" now? In this month, everybody died. Then they rezzed and kept playing. October 2012 was pretty lockstep with the pattern we've already seen in major patch or expansion releases, which is that staffers largely abandon whatever editorials they were working on in favor of, uh, playing the game. As you might expect, lots of great news this month, and an unbroken string of comments and pokes at the wonderful random stuff that kept popping out of Pandaria.
The best of WoW Insider: September 2012
Mists of Pandaria was released on the 25th, and everything about September is just an embarrassment of riches. Once again, opinions and editorials suffered a little bit as we turned our attention to other stuff, but this is easily among the most action-packed months I've ever had to summarize.
2012 Year in tech: A timeline
By Billy Steele, Sarah Silbert and Christopher Trout Illustration By ILoveDust While planet Earth has yet to meet its demise, the end of 2012 is nigh. It was a year of lengthy legal battles and shifting power dynamics in the tech industry. It brought with it great advancements and great failures -- and, for some, the promise of the end of days. We've combed our archives to bring you just a few of the stories that made the biggest impact on our reporting this year. Herewith, an abridged look back at the year that was.
The best of WoW Insider: August 2012
MusedMoose: I stood in fire. / Everyone stood in fire. / It's an achievement. TristanLeonard: No one remembers / Yor'sahj's name in my guild. / We call him "Skittles." JeffLaBowski: Thank you, Olivia. / Now I'm counting all my words. / I ran out of beer. metaphyzxx: I'm glad to be done / With this stupid expansion. / Bring on the pandas. Docteurmi: Less QQ, more haiku. Our staffers and columnists went into overdrive preparing for patch 5.0.4 and the eventual release of Mists, so opinion/editorial work took a backseat to class preparation. However, we did find time for haikus, Tides of War, the MoP cinematic, and a little shopping. Also, NASA finished Dragon Soul landed an SUV-sized rover on Mars.
The best of WoW Insider: July 2012
Nathanyel Warcraft: Moon Guard. Would rake in way more cash than that other Warcraft-inspired movie ... Beta. Beta. Beta. And, weirdly enough, a lot of really good observational pieces on a very diverse set of subjects. Also, Olivia largely spent this month giving us no excuse whatsoever for ingame poverty.
The best of WoW Insider: June 2012
bengeibe: As a fan of metal, I can't fathom what could possibly be offputting about the imagery in this video. All I see is pure awesome. AleisterHyde: As not a fan of metal, my ears hurt. Another busy, busy month. June 2012 was equal parts restrospective work on what Cataclysm had brought to the table, and looking ahead to Mists of Pandaria to see what would change. This was also a period when real-life concerns intruded on the game world in a fairly unpleasant manner. You'll see what I mean past the cut.
The best of WoW Insider: May 2012
May saw Diablo 3's release on the 15th, the Avengers, a sudden exodus of staffers from their posts, and another avalanche of Mists of Pandaria beta news as the editors dragged people back with a slew of threats and bribes. The female pandaren dance was also revealed to be the Caramelldansen. Alex posted this. The video in that article's been taken down, so I've helpfully embedded an alternative above.
The best of WoW Insider: April 2012
bim.shield.spec Cross-faction romance! They are star-crossed lovers, for certain ... Oh wait, never mind. Method is faction-changing to Horde. Beta, beta, and more beta ... and for some reason, an awful lot of completely random stuff this month. Seriously, there's no rhyme or reason to the array of one-off articles we wrote in April. Also, we got a new comment system. We thought that was pretty cool.
The best of WoW Insider: March 2012
Ellyndia: Whenever I need to do something that might be scary or a little intimidating, I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and say to myself: "Time's up, let's do this." I have gotten a job using this method. jazz.panther: My success with that method is only about 33.33% ... repeating of course. Mass Effect 3 was released on the 6th, which was just enough time for people to finish it and be really pissed off in time for the Mists of Pandaria beta, which hit on the 21st. Not surprisingly, beta coverage absolutely dominated everything else we did in this month. Rather than overload readers with an endless parade of it, I've tried to centralize our MoP coverage in our omnibus guide.
The best of WoW Insider: February 2012
Matt Rossi: I'm starting to think Neltharion was the tank for the dragon aspects' regular 5-man group. After a few times around the block, the general "feel" of months like February 2012 becomes pretty familiar. The combination of aging raid content, an approaching expansion, and a lot of stuff going on with the business end of WoW combined for several weeks' worth of commentary on the meta-game and what was going on with Blizzard HQ. This was a month with a lot of interesting news, and it also turned out to be a fabulous time for Moviewatch and the arts scene.
The best of WoW Insider: January 2012
Marthazon: World of Warcraft is sort of like the French Foreign Legion of games when it comes to age. As long as you can do your part, it's rare for someone to ask "How old are you?" For anyone out there who's new to the site, at the end of every year we run a retrospective series examining the last 12 months and the articles that best captured the zeitgeist of the player community. You'll find one of these published every day through the end of 2012, assuming we don't all vanish into the nether on Dec. 21 (which I am inclined to doubt, as bills are due and nobody's that lucky). 2012 felt like a very introspective year for the game. Between the lack of a 2012 BlizzCon, Cataclysm's winding down, and the 9-month wait for Mists of Pandaria, players used the extra time to argue and probe into systems that most needed improvement. January was no exception, and this was a very chatty month for our staffers.
A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Eight years of city life
There are some things that were broken this year in City of Heroes beyond a shadow of a doubt. Then there were things that weren't necessarily broken depending on whom you asked. But one thing has been broken absolutely and completely: my format for these retrospectives. See, from one point of view, this was a content-light year. I mean, we had two new issues and that's it. On the other hand, one of those was the launch of City of Heroes Freedom, and the result has been a steady stream of partial updates, minor improvements, new installments in the signature story arc, and so on. In previous years, going issue-by-issue worked as a way to look back over the course of the year, but it just doesn't work any longer. But then, it's not supremely necessary. There are three big things that have defined the game for the past year: Freedom, the Incarnate system, and new toys. So we're going to break the format that doesn't really work and just talk about those in order.
