I know it’s been a few days since I posted, but I’ve been busy. That said, I wanted to provide an update. There are many things that have been keeping me busy. First I had the Flu last week (I hit 105 degrees, NEW RECORD!), then I had to do the work that I missed during that week. But there has been more going on than that.
I received a guitar for Christmas and I’ve been meaning to learn to play it. Last Monday I took my first lesson. I tried to mess with it on my own some but had some real problems fingering (my hand was in the wrong position, as I figured). After practicing… I clearly will need LOTS of practice. Oh well.
But on to my newest gadget, my PSP. I got it yesterday, and have been playing it quite a bit. The first and most important thing to say is… BUY LUMINES. The game is simple, starts off easy, and seems a bit like it would be boring. But it is fantastic. It is addictive. It is amazing. BUY IT. If you ever want to experience Synaesthesia, this is about as close as I think you’ll get (ps, that is also a great song by The Bobs on their CD “Shut Up & Sing!”). The first and most obvious thing about the system is the screen. Let me tell you it is absolutely beautiful. I’ve seen some of Sony’s recent Vaio laptops that use some kind of screen coating to make the displays look good. They must be doing the same thing on the PSP. I was doubtful before, but after holding one I could easily see watching movies on it while on a trip (in a plane, in a car when not driving, etc). Now if they were just rentable. I guess I could also get a large memory card (or borrow my Mother’s 512MB one) and convert a movie to put on it. I would also like it if Apple would make a disc that would allow you to listen to iTunes music on it (or someone, most my files are in AAC because it sounds better than MP3 at the same bitrate). It also looks like it might be possible to download and run programs off the memory stick, which would be great for making my own programs if Sony would just release a SDK (not unlike the Net Yahorzee from the PS1 days). They did it then, and with the PS2 (in the Linux kit) so maybe they’ll do it again. My only problem with the system is the analog nub. While it works, it is VERY hard to make the initial movement, and VERY easy to make large movements. My guess is this is a consequence of trying to put it in such a small (and flat) space. Software could compensate for this some (I think). We’ll see what happens.
But it’s a promising little system. I also got Wipeout: Pure (fun, gotta get better) and Twisted Metal: Head On (also fun). The next game I am waiting for is Death Jr. (which looks interesting). I also own a DS which I like quite a bit. It’s a good year for gamers.
School and such has been keeping me busy from programming. I’d like to get back to it, but I’ve got lots of work to do. We’ll see what comes. Last of all, I’d like to ask anyone reading this if they know of any programs for OS X that use AT&T’s Natural Voices. I’d love to find one and if you know of one, please tell me.
See ya.
