UMG10k - Black Ops II Tournament

Since I live fairly close to Downer's Grove, Illinois, I was fortunate enough to make an appearance at the $10,000 Black Ops II Tournament at Game Pazzo this past weekend. I was able to attend both on Saturday as well as on Sunday. I believe Friday they conducted some of the FFA matches due to such a large number of players entering the FFA portion of the Tournament.

It turned out to be a very large venue with 60+ teams (4 players each), a lot of 2 player teams for the 2v2 Tournament portion, and 40+ FFA players for the FFA Tournament portion. I myself entered the FFA Tournament but didn't do very well (I still had a blast entering). Some of the professional MLG teams that were in attendance included;
OpTic Gaming
compLexity
UNiTE.NA
Fariko
FeaR
EnvyUs
Obey
I can't list them all and to be honest I am not totally familiar with the competitive COD (Call of Duty) scene as this was my first appearance at a Tournament. This event wasn't sponsored by Major League Gaming (MLG), it was only a local LAN but with that said the turn out was enormous. You can check out the bracket for the tournament HERE.

In the 4v4 portion of the Tournament, Team OpTic Gaming ended up taking the prize. There team consisted of NadeShot, Scump, BigTymer, and Merk. They played Team compLexity late Sunday evening. CompLexity recently won the Frag Cup 4 and were expected to sweep through the winners bracket but took a loss on Saturday in the second round against an up an coming AM Team, SoaR, and had to fight their way back within the losers bracket.

In the 2v2 portion of the Tournament, Team Big Reindeer, who consisted of BrianSaintt and SoaRMethodz (twitter handles), pulled off the victory over Team New Breed who consisted of FolsomnV and nbShamRokz (twitter handles).

The winner of the FFA portion of the Tournament went to Ricky Stacy, @MLGRickyyy (twitter handle) according to a tweet I received from UMGGAMING. I also received a confirmation via twitter from Ricky.

You can check out all the pictures I was able to take at the event HERE. I also have plenty of YouTube videos I am working on of LIVE footage I took during the event.

-Ubu out

Skype offering FREE world calling for a month

Skype is offering 1 month of their best services for FREE.

This is includes FREE unlimited worldwide calling to anyone with a landline in over 40 countries and 7 countries for mobile phone numbers, including the United States and Canada. You can also get up to 10 people together within the same video group call. Another great feature included is screen sharing which allows for helping others with computer issues or showing locally stored photos to family and friends. Plus you'll get everything else included in Skype Premium, including one-to-one customer support.

There's even a Skype client for Linux, I am using it within Xubuntu 12.04 as we speak. So what are you waiting for, now is the time to take advantage of this FREE offer from Skype to finally try out all it's features.

-Ubu out

Gmail voice calls remain free for 2013

Were you even aware that if you have a Gmail email account that you can talk to other Gmail users via voice and video? You certainly can using Google's VOIP service within Gmail. See photo to the right, the little phone handset symbol toward the lower half of the picture allows for both voice and video chatting similar to Skype.

It will remain free of charge for calls within the United States and Canada in 2013. A note on the Gmail blog announced this on December 26, 2012.

There are several clients that can utilize the Google Talk feature on moble phones, for instance Vtok for iOS allows me to make a VOIP call to anyone in my Gmail address book. It would be considered data usage so be sure to check what your data plan limits are.

I am glad Google is continuing to provide this feature for free, it allows for calling long distance relatives much cheaper then using a long distance service provider.

-Ubu out

Why should you try Linux?

Many people use operating systems such as Windows or OS X merely because it came installed on the computer they purchased. Have you ever considered using Linux? There are many reasons to give Linux a try and below I will go over 5 of the main reasons I feel someone should at least try Linux at some point or another.

It works on old hardware. If you have an older computer that you're not quite sure what to do with, Linux can give it new life. You might for instance, use a Linux distribution to turn an older computer into a media file server to have a centralized location for all your media.

It's highly customizable. As with other operating systems, it's possible to customize Linux to look the way you would like it to look. If you don't like the desktop environment that came with the Linux distribution you installed then you can just install a different one without having to do a total new installation.

Tinkering with it provides an opportunity to learn. I will be the first to admit that the learning curve for Linux is pretty high BUT the community of the more popular Linux distributions are great and many are eager to help out newby usrs. For instance, Ubuntu has a great community over at their forums.

There's a wide variety of distributions available. If you downloaded one and didn't like the way it looked or for whatever reason, there are so many different Linux distributions out there that there will certainly be something for everyone. As I mentioned already, if you don't like just a few things within it you can customize it.

It's FREE to download and use. You can't really argue with FREE. All that one has to do is download the .iso file and write the image to a cd, dvd, or usb stick depending on the size of the .iso.

I hope that the reasons I have explained above convince you in at least trying a Linux distribution at some point and something I didn't mention is that you can just "try" them out from a live cd or a live usb without affecting your currently installed OS at all.

-Ubu out

EA using YouTube stars to promote BF3

The Examiner has just released a juicy post about how EA is using YouTube stars such as TmarTn, Woodysgamertag, and Whiteboy7thst to promote Battlefield 3 instead of their latest release, Medal of Honor: Warfighter.

I don't know where The Examiner has gotten their information from BUT I don't see any Battlefield 3 videos on neither Woody's nor TmarTn's channel. I do however see Whiteboy posting a lot of Battlefield 3 gameplay of their latest Expansion Pack entitled, "Aftermath".

To quote one of there comments on the post, "So for anyone wondering why commentators like Whiteboy7thst, Woodysgamertag, and Tmartn randomly obtained this incredible passion for "Battlefield 3", now you know why. I don't blame them though, as this is a lively hood for them, no matter how shameless it may seem."

These are some pretty serious accusations and hopefully the community finds out the truth sooner or later. I myself could care less one way or the other but it is a little alarming to know that it's "possible" that these YouTube stars tell you to play a game because it's good when in fact the only real reason is because they are told to promote the game.

-Ubu out

Dropbox 2.0 for iOS

Those that aren't familiar with Dropbox, it's a personal cloud storage location for any type of file you would like to store in the cloud. There are Dropbox clients for Windows, OS X, Linux, and mobile. Dropbox can keep all those devices in sync with each other.

They just released an updated version for iOS which now incorporates a dedicated Photos tab. The panel organizes photos by the time taken and offers a full-screen mode for showing photos off to friends. There is even a setting to have your photos taken auto-upload to a Dropbox folder if you so choose. The Android client with this feature is currently only in BETA form.

I use Dropbox to store files I may need with me out in the world so at any time I can log in to a web browser and retrieve my files if needed. And since I have it installed on my iPhone 4S I can always email or send any file from my iPhone to anyone I want. Example would be sending your resume and references to a potential employer. Dropbox has a referral program so if you do sign up for Dropbox mention that you were referred by me, ubuntuaddictedubu@gmail.com and I will receive extra free storage space I would be very grateful.

-Ubu out

Shank 2 - Let's Play

I had mentioned previously that I purchased the Humble Bundle 7 for $15 US dollars. I am really enjoying Shank 2, a side-scroller type game where you engage enemies along the way.

I have decided since I am enjoying it so much that I would capture my journey on video and upload to my YouTube channel so that you too can join in on the fun so to speak.

If you enjoy the Let's Play please be sure to LIKE the videos and share with your friends as it lets me know my subscribers interest.

-Ubu out

Humble Bundle 7 - Linux Games

Those who aren't familiar with what the Humble Bundle is, it's a series of collections of video games, music albums, ebooks, or videos that are sold and distributed online at a price determined by the purchaser. In lamens terms that means, YOU get to pay what you want for the bundle of items. They are generally cross platform as well meaning they are many times compatible with Windows, OS X, and Linux. You can divide up the money you pay between the developers, the EFF and Child’s Play Charity, and the Humble Indie Bundle operation itself.

Humble Bundle 7 was released on December 19, 2012. It has 6 games and 1 movie: Snapshot, The Binding of Isaac, Closure, and Shank 2 are the bundle’s core games, and Indie Game: The Movie is a full-length documentary about the process of making an indie game. You can pay what you want, but if you pay more than the average you’ll get Dungeon Defenders and Legend of Grimrock as well. You also get the game soundtracks.

I paid $15 for the bundle and tried out Snapshot, Shank 2, Closure, and Legend of Grimrock which makes my $15 investment well worth it. Closure opens but only displays a black screen so I am not sure of it's compatibility with Linux. The other games all worked within Xubuntu 12.04. I was able to easily install them by clicking on the link which then opens them up within the Ubuntu Software Center.

Unfortunately Dungeon Defenders is over Ubuntus current size limit and Binding of Isac declined to make the game available. Either way you get 3 games (that work in Xubuntu 12.04), an Indie Game movie, and the game soundtracks all for whatever you want to pay. Seems like a great deal to me. You can get your bundle as well HERE.

-Ubu out

Steam for Linux BETA now open to public

On December 13th I mentioned that the BETA Steam for Linux was going to be opening up to the public, well now it's official.

Steam for Linux BETA requires Ubuntu 12.04 or higher. Over time, the client will be available for other Linux distro's as well.

Current users will need to update their application, while new users can download from the Steam Linux website.

-Ubu out

#OSCEASEFIRE - Online Gamer Ceasfire?

Apparently some gamers have chosen to put the controller down on December 21, 2012 to show support for the Newtown, CT shooting victims.

Pearman, who is the CEO and Founder of GamerFitNation, is organizing an online cease fire for this coming Friday. He wants all gamers to stop firing virtual bullets to honor those whe were killed by real bullets last Friday. "I wanted to make a statement. I wanted gamers to come together to say we don't accept this. This doesn't say we blame video games. We just believe this is for us to do to show respect to the victims. It's a small sacrifice for a day," Pearman told ABC News.

I, myself, am not sure if I will be putting down the controller on Friday due only in part to the fact that I don't feel video games influence nutcases anymore then television does. The media is always quick to jump on an easy scape goat like the video game industry when something tragic happens. Violent video games are rated "M" for mature and only 17+ year olds can purchase it. Being 17 means that the person has the mental capacity to know right from wrong, to know what's real and fake within a video game. If an adult is mentally hanicap in some fashion and idolizes video game violence it's no different then seeing violence on our televisions. Someone is responsible to ensure that said mentally handicap'd person is taught correctly.

No matter what it's a very sad tragedy. My household has been burning candles and saying prayers for all those affected by this horrific incident. Will you join the #OSCEASEFIRE on Friday?

-Ubu out

YouTube Capture - Easily share video from iDevices

Google has released an app currently only available for iPhones and iPads. It's called YouTube Capture.

YouTube Capture allows you to record and easily share your recording straight from your iPhone or iPad to your YouTube channel. It has functions for color correction and stabilization in case you're shaky when you record what you want to share. It also allows you to trim off sections from the beginning or the end of the video right within the app.

This little app will allow blogs to be captured and shared more easily now. I think it's a neat little app!

-Ubu out

Raspberry Pi and an App Store?

Yes, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has unveiled the Pi Store with help from their partners IndieCity and Velocix. It will act as a one stop shop for users of the tiny computer. If you're not familiar with what a Raspberry Pi is then go read about it HERE.

The Pi Store will make it easier for developers to share their games, applications, tools and tutorials with the rest of the community. It's an easier way into the Raspberry Pi experience for total beginners, who will find everything they need to get going in one place, for FREE.

The store runs as an X application under Raspbian and will allow users to download content and to upload their own contect for moderation and release. If you're using the official operating system image, the Pi Store will already be installed on your Raspberry Pi, but if you need to reinstall it you can download it from the official repository. Open a terminal window and type in the following:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install pistore

You can also access the Pi Store HERE. They already have 23 free titles in the store, ranging from utilities like LibreOffice to classic games like Freeciv.

Almost all Operating Systems now days have location(s) to get software from and it's nice to see the Raspberry Pi gets it own store and a convienent client to access the store which will make it easier for users to get applications, games, and tutorials.

-Ubu out

Black Ops II - Dec 8th Patch Details

For those of you that aren't aware I have a YouTube channel where I put up either vidoe blogs or gameplay with commentaries, most times of the latest Call of Duty released. Well on December 8th, 2012 Treyarch released a very significant patch for their latest title Black Ops II. Among bug fixes they have "nerfed" (make less powerful) many guns that the community was claiming to be too powerful and make the game unfair for those using them. In this video I detail out every single patch that came to Xbox 360 on the 8th. Hope you enjoy and if so, leave a rating and share with your friends. 

-Ubu out

Steam for Linux finally opening up the BETA

Steam for Linux is finally opening up the BETA to the public next week after a short month+ long limited BETA.

Valve is stating that the stability of the client is allowing them to open up the BETA to more users. In a message they wrote to the closed Steam for Linux Mailing List they state, "The Open BETA will be available to the public and will increase the current population from 80K to a higher number."

System requirements for some Linux games are now being listed within the Steam Store.
Game developers are being encouraged to submit their "minimum" and "recommended" System Requirements to Valve for publishing 'ASAP'. Below is a list of just some of the titles that are available for Linux currently;
     -Amnesia
     -Dynamite Jack
     -Eversion
     -iBomber Attack
     -Killing Floor
     -Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45
     -Serious Sam 3: BFE (I already purchased this one for a mere $9.99)
     -Sword & Sworcery
     -The Book of Unwritten Tales: The Critter Chronicles
     -World of Goo

I am very excited to see Steam come to Linux which will only make Linux gaming increase as a whole

-Ubu out

Black Ops 2 - DOUBLE XP - 12/14 thru 12/17

It's hear again, David Vanderhaar has announced on twitter that this coming weekend will be DOUBLE XP on all platforms for Black Ops II. I emailed myself the tweet and here's the picture of the tweet;

Now PUSH THAT BUTTON again. I know I'll finally be pushing it.

-Ubu out

Founder of GNU shuns Ubuntu - Claims Spyware

The founding member of the Free Software Foundation, Richard Stallman, is advocating the rejection of the Ubuntu distribution, claiming the latest version contains dangerous surveillance code in his recent blog post.

When the user searches their own local files for a string using the Ubuntu desktop, Ubuntu sends that string to one of Canonical's servers. Canonical is the company that develops Ubuntu. Stallman states, "This is just like the first surveillance practice I learned about in Windows." Ubuntu uses the information about searches to show the user ads to buy various things from Amazon.

Stallman writes, "The ads are not the problem, the main issue is the spying. Canonical says it does not tell Amazon who searched for what. However, it is just as bad for Canonical to collect your personal information as it would be for Amazon to collect it. Free software is suppose to give the user a chance to protect themselves from malicious software behaviors."

Proprietary software is associated with malicious treatment of the user; surveillance code, digital handcuffs (DRM or Digital Rights Management) to restrict users, and back doors that can do nasty things under remote control. Widely used examples include Windows, the iDevices, and the Amazon "Kindle" product for virtual book burning, which do all three. Macintosh and the Playstation 3 which impose DRM; most portable phones, which do spying and have back doors; Adobe Flash Player, which does spying and enforces DRM; and plenty of apps for iDevices and Android, which are guilty of one or more of these nasty practices.

Canonical does offer a way to turn the Amazon search results off. In it's own defense, they claim the revenue received from Amazon for including products links in Ubuntu search results is an important source of funds, and that it benefits the Linux community because the money goes toward developing open source software. Stallman doesn't agree and states, "Any excuse Canonical offers is inadequate; even if it used all the money it gets from Amazon to develop free software, that can hardly overcome what free software will lose if it ceases to offer an effective way to avoid abuse of it's users."

Personally, I don't feel it's that big of a deal since I can turn it off. You can as well, go to System Settings > Privacy > Inlcude Online results in search > OFF. I have always been a proponent of FOSS (Free Open Source Software) and will always prefer it over commercially available titles. How do you feel about it, is it as big a deal as Stallman is making it out to be? This is big news in the Free Software world because Ubuntu is the most widely used Desktop Linux distribution and Stallman is making waves.
-Ubu out

iPhone 4S and 5 Now $50 cheaper

Best Buy has a $50.00 off discount on the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 now until January 5th, 2012. Unfortunately it only applies to sales when a 2 year contract is signed with Verizon or AT&T.

The deal brings the pricing down to as follows;
iPhone 5
64GB = $299.99
32GB = $249.99
16GB = $149.99

iPhone 4S
64GB =$199.99
32GB = $149.99
16GB = $49.99

For those Holiday shoppers looking for an iPhone on either Verizon or AT&T networks, Best Buy is the place to buy!

-Ubu out

Elgato Game Capture HD Software Update - Version 1.2

Elgato Game Capture HD software has been updated to version 1.2.

For those that are unfamiliar with what an Elgato Game Capture HD device is, it allows for recording of un-encrypted HDMI signals and also now for Live Streaming to Twitch.tv. It has a USB 2.0 interface which is compatible with Windows 7/8 and Mac OS X 10.7 or newer. Inputs include Xbox 360 (un-encrypted HDMI), Playstation 3 (A/V In), and Wii-U (un-encrypted HDMI). It outputs via an HDMI pass-through. Supported resolutions are 1080p (simultaneous 60 fps pass-through and 30 fps capture), 1080i, 720p (60 or 30 fps capture), and 576p.

The software has been updated to include live streaming straight to Twitch.tv as well as still allowing you to capture simultaneously. It now has a built in Live Commentary feature where it can record any microphone connected to your computer. You can find a balance with the game audio and even automatically lower the volume of the game when you speak.

Now you can also connect a standard definition gaming system to capture and even stream retro gaming systems. You can use the included component adapter to connect the composite output of your console, and still leave your TV connected via HDMI.

You can even capture your iPad or iPhone gameplay and even automatically crop the capture to the size of your app. With digital gain, you can now better control the volume of your game audio. There's a lot you can tweak, but with collapsible section and the new tabbed settings window, you'll see that finding options you want has never been easier.

Download the updated application HERE.

-Ubu out

iOS Youtube App Update - Finally......

Yesterday, December 4th 2012, YouTube rolled out an updated version of their App which is said to be optimized for the iPad and Iphone 5.

Per the description within the App update on my iPhone 4S the updates, version 1.1.0.4136, includes;
-Streaming video with AirPlay
-Tap logo to open your Guide of channels
-Add and remove videos from your playlists
-Clickable links in video descriptions (I know that's a welcome addition for me)
-Improved accessibility with VoiceOver

The YouTube app was pre-loaded by default on all iPhones since 2007 but recently with iOS 6.0 Apple dropped it and it made it's debut within the Apple Store in September of this year.

Having a standalone App allows YouTube to provide updates to it's App like it did with this one instead of having to wait for an iOS update like in the past.  The free updated App is available now in the App Store so what are you waiting for, go download that update!

-Ubu out

Ubuntu 17" Gaming Laptop - Bonobo Extreme

System76 has unveiled what their CEO, Carl Richell, is dubbing as the "Worlds Fastest Ubuntu Laptop" and it's called The Bonobo Extreme.

The laptop has a large full-HD 17.3" backlit display. The stock CPU is an Intel i7 @ 2.6Ghz, which is a Quad core, but you can upgrade to a i7-3940XM Extreme CPU @ 3.00Ghz for another $530.00 approximately. The big reason this is a gaming laptop is due to it's dedicated GPU where the base model has an nVidia GeForce GTX 670MX with 3GB of DDR5 RAM and 960 CUDA Cores. Again there is an upgrade option to a GeForce 680M with 4GB of DDR5 RAM and 1344 CUDA cores for about $134.00 more. There's a full-sized backlit keyboard which is a nice feature for dark room

The only downside I see to this laptop is the weight, it comes in at a whooping 8.6lbs. But for the amount of power this laptop has in it it's a small price to pay to be able to play those high frames per second games on the move. It currently costs $1499 and that's with System76's Christmas promotion so who knows how long it will last. Head on over to System76's website and pick yourself up one.

-Ubu out