Articles by Jonathan Charles
Samsung Smart TVs Are Getting Spotify, Requires Premium Membership
Spotify's expansion onto mobile platforms, which required subscriptions, detracted from the listen-to-music-for-free model it initially offered. Recently, Samsung announced in a press release that Spotify, the music streaming service, will be arriving on Samsung's Smart TVs as the two companies have signed a deal.
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Angry Birds: Star Wars Crossover Begins Nov. 8
Rovio teased an Angry Birds-Star Wars crossover recently; however, the company did not divulge any details. Now, the company has unveiled a trailer revealing Nov. 8 as the release date for the game.
Samsung Galaxy S3: Korea Sees Jelly Bean Update As U.S. Waits
Samsung first announced Android Jelly Bean 4.1 would arrive on Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphones at the announcement of Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Later the company released a chart showing the update process for U.S. carriers, though Korean customers now have the update.
The Positives Of iPad Mini, If It's True
As iPad Mini seems to be the next product Apple released, with leaks of the product still releasing. As the reported invite date for the media is Oct. 10, here are reasons why the device could succeed, the first of a two-part series looking at the positives and negatives of the smaller tablet.
Halo 4: Second Season Of Spartan Ops Could Happen, Success Dependent
In an interview with French Halo fan site Halo Destiny, developers 343 Industries Franchise Development Director Frank O'Connor spoke about Halo 4. While covering ground heard from most interviews, new information was divulged.
iOS 6: How Multitasking Can Be Refined Without Losing Its Essence
Pre-iOS 6 launch, the expectation from a section of users was that Apple would refine the user interface alongside the desire to improve multitasking. While a suggestion was to build an Exposé-esque system, a user recently proposed a refinement of the current multitasking tray.
Windows 8: Microsoft Says 100,000 Apps Will Be Available Come February
The news that Windows 8 will not have 3000 apps before its launch date in October made some analysts worry, with the group suggesting that 5,000 apps is the ideal launch figure. Microsoft said in an interview that the operating system would see 100,000 apps come February 2013.
Halo 4: 'Forward Unto Dawn' Episode One - First Impressions
In the six weeks leading to Halo 4's launch, developers 343 Industries is airing 15-minute episodes of a live action series, called Forward Unto Dawn (FUD). The production provides a background to character's in Halo 4, and portrays a younger Master Chief.
Wii U: 'Astonishing' Games Will Not Release Immediately, Says Firebrand Games
Firebrand Games, developers of Need For Speed and Trackmania, and now a multi-platform title releasing on Wii U, spoke to The Guardian on the console's prospects. The developer said to not expect "astonishing" games from Nintendo, and not to underestimate the company.
Nokia Lumia 920: Employees Resign As Announcement Underwhelms
Critics seemed to be positive towards Nokia's announcement of the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, even though they lamented the initial lack of release date and pricing details. However, the impending release has not stopped employees from leaving and investors from displaying a lack of confidence.
Microsoft Points Not Compulsory For Windows 8, Not Available For Xbox Live
Microsoft Points have been commonplace across the company's service to buy products, notably introduced with Xbox Live. Recently, The Verge reported that the Points are not a compulsory means to purchase products in Windows 8 as the platform's launch approaches.
Resident Evil 6: Developer Says Game Should Have Seen Smaller Development Team
The launch of Resident Evil 6 saw mostly negative reactions, directed to the game's issues from broken controls to an unconvincing storyline. Twisted Metal creator David Jaffe shared his thoughts on building Resident Evil 6.
Samsung Galaxy S3: Sales Continue To Spike After iPhone 5 Release, Trial
Samsung's Galaxy S3, despite the release of iPhone 5, is turning out to be a popular smartphone after all, according to recent data. Growth for sales is averaging 9 percent a week, with Apple's announcement serving to increase sales.
Halo 4: Why 'Flood' Scrapes At The Potential Of A New Mode
Halo 4 developers 343 Industries unveiled Flood, its evolution of Infection. While still a zombie-killing mode (or Survivor-killing mode, depending on the player's perspective), Flood resembles a user modification rather than a new game mode.
Samsung: Jelly Bean Is Coming To Our Devices (But Dates Remain Elusive)
Samsung's Jelly Bean update has not yet arrived on the Samsung Galaxy S3, with reports suggesting October as the date. Samsung issued an official statement on the update process, saying the Jelly Bean will arrive "soon" across most U.S. carriers.
Sony: Wii U Christmas Launch Will Not Affect PlayStation 3's Success
Wii U's launch this November will ensure that Nintendo's latest gaming console is made available to consumers in time for the holiday season. However, Sony, speaking to Eurogamer, does not think the demand for Wii U will affect PlayStation 3's success.
Nokia Lumia 920: What's New With AT&T Versions?
Consumers have known of Nokia's Lumia 920 and 820 smartphones for over a month, though it was not known when the phones would release. AT&T said the phone would hit its shelves this November. However, is this the phone consumers have already seen?
iOS 6: Apple Maps Go Offline
Apple Maps may have seen plenty of criticism in its short life, but positive news is here: Apple’s service can cache large areas for offline use. The feature extends to a whole continent once a city is downloaded, outpacing Google Maps Web offering.
Apple 'Maps' Popularity Is Declining, But Is It True?
Findings on Oct. 1 suggested that usage of Maps in iOS 6 fell to just four percent, from 35 percent at launch on Sept. 19. Afterwards the results from Snnapli's were questioned, though the service is defending the findings.
Nokia Lumia 920: AT&T Debut Set For Today, Coming Soon To Verizon
Nokia's Lumia 920 smartphone could be unveiled on Oct. 5 on AT&T, according to sources speaking to Bloomberg. Which device AT&T will unveil is unclear, though previous rumors suggested a Nov. 2 launch.
iOS 6: Students Say Operating System Is Not New, Loses Data
iOS 6 drew a mixed reception from critics; some cited the operating system's nearly unchanged appearance as underwhelming in light of its competitors' advances. When students were asked about the latest version of Apple's mobile platform, they also displayed very little excitement.
Wii U: NintendoLand Is This Generation's Wii Sports, Nintendo President Says
Wii Sports proved to be a phenomenon for Nintendo's Wii, bringing in 'casual' gamers who had little or no experience with gaming consoles. Part of the reason for its success was that traditional controls were not required, making the game more accessible. Wii U can replicate that success, at least according to Nintendo of America's President and Chief Operating Officer Reggie Fils-Aime.
Halo 4: The Flood Return, But In Multiplayer, IGN Previews With 343
Fans have often asked if the Flood, the all-consuming parasitic race, will return in Halo 4. The answer was consistently an emphatic "No," but developer 343 Industries recently revealed that the sometimes unpopular enemy will in multiplayer mode.
Nest Thermostat Gets Thinner, More Compatible, Same Price As Original
The popular Thermostat Nest is entering its second iteration, aiming to provide a smaller devices while attracting more consumers. Nest is now thinner, with added compatibility features and the same price as the previous version.
Android Jelly Bean 4.1: Two Percent Market Share Approaches
Recent data covering the 14-day period leading up to Oct. 1 reveals that the share of devices running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is just under two percent. The latest version of Android is struggling to gain market share, a common problem for Google.
Halo 4: 'Abandon' Maps Calls Back To Halo 2's Roots
During the next 10 days, IGN will walk through the of maps shipping with Halo 4 this November. Multiplayer map lead designer Kyan Pearson sat down with IGN to walk through the maps, beginning in alphabetical order with "Abandon."
Vodafone, O2 Offering 4G In 2013; Everything Everywhere Launches Device Trio
The UK is finally entering the 4G LTE world, following the U.S. UK carriers Vodafone, O2, and Orange-T-Mobile merger Everything Everywhere (EE) will be offering the connectivity.
