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David (771 KP) rated Sonos PLAY:1 Wireless Speaker in Tech
Jul 25, 2018
Fantastic sound
I received this device as a giveaway from Smashbomb, that said this review will not be biased in any way. Thank you again Smashbomb.
On unpacking the Sonos Play:1 it was bigger than I had expected (oooo....errrr). It has a great build quality, is quite heavy but is a solid design. As I had been informed I was receiving the device I had already downloaded the Sonos app onto my Android phone (Huawei P10) so there was no waiting around to get it set up. The text steps and pictures to set up the device were clear to anyone, whether tech savvy (like myself) or the not so tech savvy (my Mum). It is recommended when setting up the device that you plug it in next to your internet router, when setup is completed, you can then move it to anywhere within Wi-Fi range in your abode. As I said follow the simple steps and you will be up and running in no time.
I had extra steps as I wanted to hook it up to my Amazon Echo as a smart device this was done by enabling the Sonos skill on the Alexa app and linking the accounts. As I don't have an Alexa device in my kitchen, I had decided that was where the Sonos Play:1 was going. I had previously named the device 'Kitchen', now all configured I could now ask on my Amazon Echo in another room to play whatever music I liked on 'kitchen' and sure enough the music started playing out of the Play:1. On the updated Alexa app for my Android device I can now give the same command when in the kitchen and it will begin playing.
The Sonos Play:1 has only 3 buttons, volume up/down and a play/pause button so you can manually turn the volume up and down. The play/pause button I thought was clever in that when pressed it stops playing but when pressed again it remembers what was playing, be it music or a radio station. With the Sonos app you can turn the volume up or down too.
The sound is very crisp and of very high quality considering it is coming over Wi-Fi, whatever you are playing through this device it will be an excellent sound experience. The Sonos app also lets you select music and radio sources within it, whatever you are subscribed or signed up for the Play:1 will be able to play it.
I hope this review has been helpful and if I hadn't been gifted a Sonos Play:1, I would have ended up buying one or putting it on my Birthday/Christmas list.
On unpacking the Sonos Play:1 it was bigger than I had expected (oooo....errrr). It has a great build quality, is quite heavy but is a solid design. As I had been informed I was receiving the device I had already downloaded the Sonos app onto my Android phone (Huawei P10) so there was no waiting around to get it set up. The text steps and pictures to set up the device were clear to anyone, whether tech savvy (like myself) or the not so tech savvy (my Mum). It is recommended when setting up the device that you plug it in next to your internet router, when setup is completed, you can then move it to anywhere within Wi-Fi range in your abode. As I said follow the simple steps and you will be up and running in no time.
I had extra steps as I wanted to hook it up to my Amazon Echo as a smart device this was done by enabling the Sonos skill on the Alexa app and linking the accounts. As I don't have an Alexa device in my kitchen, I had decided that was where the Sonos Play:1 was going. I had previously named the device 'Kitchen', now all configured I could now ask on my Amazon Echo in another room to play whatever music I liked on 'kitchen' and sure enough the music started playing out of the Play:1. On the updated Alexa app for my Android device I can now give the same command when in the kitchen and it will begin playing.
The Sonos Play:1 has only 3 buttons, volume up/down and a play/pause button so you can manually turn the volume up and down. The play/pause button I thought was clever in that when pressed it stops playing but when pressed again it remembers what was playing, be it music or a radio station. With the Sonos app you can turn the volume up or down too.
The sound is very crisp and of very high quality considering it is coming over Wi-Fi, whatever you are playing through this device it will be an excellent sound experience. The Sonos app also lets you select music and radio sources within it, whatever you are subscribed or signed up for the Play:1 will be able to play it.
I hope this review has been helpful and if I hadn't been gifted a Sonos Play:1, I would have ended up buying one or putting it on my Birthday/Christmas list.
Ross (3282 KP) rated Stormblood in Books
Jul 14, 2020
Fairly mediocre sci-fi
I received an advance copy of this book from the publishers and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Stormblood is set in a world where the human race has agreed terms with numerous alien races and Harmony governs the included races (the Common). Vakov Fukasawa (a character whose name is more fun to say than he is to read about) is a retired Reaper - that is, he was injected with alien DNA which gave him the rage and healing powers needed to become a super-soldier in the earlier Reaper Wars. He is hired to investigate reports of attacks on or attacks by his former colleagues, as reports of them "bluing-out" and dealing out devastation are mounting. This may well involve him being pitted against his younger brother who feels Vakov abandoned him to their cruel father.
Throughout the book, the story is told purely by telling the reader. Fukasawa finds himself in an extreme situation, having thrown himself in recklessly, and is almost always captured, told some crucial details, which dictate the next stage of the plot, and escapes or is rescued.
The world-building had so much promise, being a form of city built in an asteroid. However it wasn't very well described and I felt quite lost and really struggled to picture the setting. At times I had completely forgotten where the action was happening, and why.
The narrative is quite frustrating as well. What starts off as nice flowing narration with analogies, similes and metaphors, this quickly becomes at the expense of the pacing of the book. A number of times someone responded to a statement that was several paragraphs previous, with thick descriptions and side-tracked passages coming in between, making the reader go back and see what they were responding to.
As with most modern sci-fi, a number of cringeworthy technical terms have been made up and are not explained well enough to allow all but the most avid sci-fi tech-nerd to picture what they are supposed to refer to. See "slingshiv", "thin-gun", "micronades" etc etc. At times, these terms were used so frequently in long rambling passages listing tech and armoury that it may as well have been in a foreign language.
Speaking of which, the world the book takes place in is very reminiscent of Richard Morgan's Altered Carbon, even down to the part-Eastern European/part Japanese names. Fans of those books (which I suffered with similarly on the made-up technical terms) may enjoy this.
Overall, a great idea but needs some work on the pacing, how the plot is revealed (i.e. using different tricks and scenarios) and the narrative.
Stormblood is set in a world where the human race has agreed terms with numerous alien races and Harmony governs the included races (the Common). Vakov Fukasawa (a character whose name is more fun to say than he is to read about) is a retired Reaper - that is, he was injected with alien DNA which gave him the rage and healing powers needed to become a super-soldier in the earlier Reaper Wars. He is hired to investigate reports of attacks on or attacks by his former colleagues, as reports of them "bluing-out" and dealing out devastation are mounting. This may well involve him being pitted against his younger brother who feels Vakov abandoned him to their cruel father.
Throughout the book, the story is told purely by telling the reader. Fukasawa finds himself in an extreme situation, having thrown himself in recklessly, and is almost always captured, told some crucial details, which dictate the next stage of the plot, and escapes or is rescued.
The world-building had so much promise, being a form of city built in an asteroid. However it wasn't very well described and I felt quite lost and really struggled to picture the setting. At times I had completely forgotten where the action was happening, and why.
The narrative is quite frustrating as well. What starts off as nice flowing narration with analogies, similes and metaphors, this quickly becomes at the expense of the pacing of the book. A number of times someone responded to a statement that was several paragraphs previous, with thick descriptions and side-tracked passages coming in between, making the reader go back and see what they were responding to.
As with most modern sci-fi, a number of cringeworthy technical terms have been made up and are not explained well enough to allow all but the most avid sci-fi tech-nerd to picture what they are supposed to refer to. See "slingshiv", "thin-gun", "micronades" etc etc. At times, these terms were used so frequently in long rambling passages listing tech and armoury that it may as well have been in a foreign language.
Speaking of which, the world the book takes place in is very reminiscent of Richard Morgan's Altered Carbon, even down to the part-Eastern European/part Japanese names. Fans of those books (which I suffered with similarly on the made-up technical terms) may enjoy this.
Overall, a great idea but needs some work on the pacing, how the plot is revealed (i.e. using different tricks and scenarios) and the narrative.
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Star Trek: Discovery - Season 1 in TV
Feb 24, 2018
Tilly (2 more)
Lorca
Other world episodes
You have to take it as it own seprate series else your not giving it a chance
I actually really enjoy this series but can see why some might not. To be fair any time you say Jason Isaccs I'm sold so this was a no brainer for me. The first episode i had several problems with mainly because i couldn't separate the old star trek series to this and there are a lot of inconsistencies. However once i got over myself and said okay don't focus on the fact that klingons should not have cloaking technology i actually started to love. the show, Tilly is by far my favorite characters and i keep telling my friend if she doesn't cos play other world Tilly at comic con I'm so dis owning her. ( Im only half joking when i say it)
I love the other world episode where human are out to destroy every other species lets face it the state of the planet today were more likely to be like this that accepting of every race i mean there are a lot of people who aren't accepting of people on our planet why should the universe be any different. It also just a great plot devise.
I love the other world episode where human are out to destroy every other species lets face it the state of the planet today were more likely to be like this that accepting of every race i mean there are a lot of people who aren't accepting of people on our planet why should the universe be any different. It also just a great plot devise.
Manda (5 KP) rated Goodreads: Book Reviews in Apps
Jul 11, 2018
Goodreads. Because how else will I know what I’ve read?!?
Secret romance novel readers beware.. no just kidding, or am I? Goodreads is where you go to access scores of novels and reviews for them. You are able to socialize with fellow book readers and follow what your friends are currently reading or have read. ( hence the secrete romance readers beware) I even had an author dm me for giving a review of a novel they had written and let me tell you I was ecstatic for many days.
*Focus
You can challenge yourself each year to read more books than the last while they keep track for you as long as it is read in a device linked with the account.
The only thing I find frustrating is sometimes you have to go through a million steps (exaggeration) just to add a book read in it natural papery scented goodness.
Overall the app is good, a great place to start if you’re seeking an idea of how great or sucky a book is, depending on the personal taste of course.
*Focus
You can challenge yourself each year to read more books than the last while they keep track for you as long as it is read in a device linked with the account.
The only thing I find frustrating is sometimes you have to go through a million steps (exaggeration) just to add a book read in it natural papery scented goodness.
Overall the app is good, a great place to start if you’re seeking an idea of how great or sucky a book is, depending on the personal taste of course.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Smashbomb in Apps
Nov 27, 2018
Smashbomb allows users to review many types of media.
I recently discovered Smashbomb. It's similar to Goodreads but you can review more than books. Movies, apps, TV shows, music, video games, tabletop games, podcasts, and tech are reviewed also.
You can access Smashbomb by downloading the app or by going to Smashbomb.com.
You can easily import your ratings and/or reviews from Goodreads. I had difficulty importing my ratings from IMDb. When I figure out what I'm doing wrong I'll write a blog post to explain.
You earn badges and can be awarded KP, kudos points.
Users can award you KP because of your review or "for submitting high quality content". The amount of daily KP you are rewarded is based on your KP score. The more KP you earn, the more influential you become.
"Some badges are earned based on kudos points (KP) awarded by other users, and others are awarded by Smashbomb directly." As of 11/27/18, approximately 90 badges are offered. "Higher level badges are a sign of authority and trust, which will result in increased exposure and more followers."
I like the KP system, the badge system, and the concept of being able to go to one place for all of the reviews offered.
You can access Smashbomb by downloading the app or by going to Smashbomb.com.
You can easily import your ratings and/or reviews from Goodreads. I had difficulty importing my ratings from IMDb. When I figure out what I'm doing wrong I'll write a blog post to explain.
You earn badges and can be awarded KP, kudos points.
Users can award you KP because of your review or "for submitting high quality content". The amount of daily KP you are rewarded is based on your KP score. The more KP you earn, the more influential you become.
"Some badges are earned based on kudos points (KP) awarded by other users, and others are awarded by Smashbomb directly." As of 11/27/18, approximately 90 badges are offered. "Higher level badges are a sign of authority and trust, which will result in increased exposure and more followers."
I like the KP system, the badge system, and the concept of being able to go to one place for all of the reviews offered.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) in Movies
Jun 4, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
Godzilla vs Kong is the fourth film in the current Godzilla franchise and is a a very good fit. The film is a good homage to the other Godzilla films that have gone before, both in this franchise and and for ones gone before. One thing this film does is show is why Kong wasn't in 'King of the Monsters'. It also tells us more about the 'hollow earth', a subject that has been touched on in the other films.
Of course 'Godzilla vs Kong' features monster vs monster fight scenes which which mostly turn out how you'd think when you put an atomic lizard against a giant ape. And this is the films problem, they seem to totally down played Kong, they seem to have been trying to make him more intelligent than Godzilla but then he doesn't seem to use that intelligence in any of the fights, even in a fight against a random winged serpent he need help from the humans.
Over all though ' Godzilla vs Kong' has everything you'd want from a Godzilla Film, you have 'hollow earth , monsters, over the top tech and humans who think they are being helpful. The film also plays tribute to the older Godzilla film by using music and sound effects from the originals.
Over all 'Godzilla vs Kong' is a good film and worth a watch for any Kaiju fan.
Of course 'Godzilla vs Kong' features monster vs monster fight scenes which which mostly turn out how you'd think when you put an atomic lizard against a giant ape. And this is the films problem, they seem to totally down played Kong, they seem to have been trying to make him more intelligent than Godzilla but then he doesn't seem to use that intelligence in any of the fights, even in a fight against a random winged serpent he need help from the humans.
Over all though ' Godzilla vs Kong' has everything you'd want from a Godzilla Film, you have 'hollow earth , monsters, over the top tech and humans who think they are being helpful. The film also plays tribute to the older Godzilla film by using music and sound effects from the originals.
Over all 'Godzilla vs Kong' is a good film and worth a watch for any Kaiju fan.
David McK (3264 KP) rated Angels and Demons in Books
Jul 4, 2021
First published back at the turn of the century (in the year 2000), this - while the second of the two Tom Hanks starring Robert Langdon movies, after The Da Vinci Code - is actually the first book in that particular series, albeit less well known than its sequel (the aforementioned The Da Vinci Code).
And, like, I'm sure, many others, I actually read that sequel first, only later discovering it was such (although, admittedly, not a direct sequel) and going back to read the first on the series.
This is the one largely set in and around Rome, with a high-tech ticking time-bomb counting down in Vatican City as the Cardinals all meet to elect a new Pope following the death of the previous incumbent of that role. It also makes lots of the (supposed?) divide between religion and science, drawing on lots of conspiracy theories and bringing back into the realms of popular culture that old secret society, the illuminati.
I have no problem with any of that, and I do like a bit of derring-do, mystery and romance, but even I found it hard at times to swallow some of the outlandish scenarios and set pieces of this novel - I think, for me, the icing on the cake was the surviving-a-jump-out-of-a-helicopter-without-a-parachute bit towards the end!
And, like, I'm sure, many others, I actually read that sequel first, only later discovering it was such (although, admittedly, not a direct sequel) and going back to read the first on the series.
This is the one largely set in and around Rome, with a high-tech ticking time-bomb counting down in Vatican City as the Cardinals all meet to elect a new Pope following the death of the previous incumbent of that role. It also makes lots of the (supposed?) divide between religion and science, drawing on lots of conspiracy theories and bringing back into the realms of popular culture that old secret society, the illuminati.
I have no problem with any of that, and I do like a bit of derring-do, mystery and romance, but even I found it hard at times to swallow some of the outlandish scenarios and set pieces of this novel - I think, for me, the icing on the cake was the surviving-a-jump-out-of-a-helicopter-without-a-parachute bit towards the end!
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) in Movies
Jul 4, 2021
One of the most proudly and spectacularly nerdy things I've ever seen - filled to the brim with seemingly endless gadgetry, weapons, flashbacks, melodrama, underground/hidden lairs, explosions, costumes, and "oh my God I can't believe they're actually doing this" action scenes. And just like that two hours flies right by. I'm usually pointedly averse to this sort of routine guy-saves-the-day-then-gets-the-girl blockbuster crap from this era - but there's such an overload of visual tech-fetish creativity thrown at the screen that you'd really have to watch it twice to even absorb it all, and beyond that something just clicks here. The clear disdain from Tatum - who has never been worse - because he really doesn't want to be here is hysterical, and the rest of this absolutely loaded cast turn in similarly appetizing corniness from Quaid's trademark commandeering to Wayans' canned comedic relief. The tropes feel lovingly recreated rather than haphazardly slapped together, there's a refreshing feeling of sincerity that makes its fun factor way more authentic than other films of the breed. Still a bit on the clean side (more specifically of-its-time) to properly rise to the heights it deserves, but oh baby this is a blast and a half. Really good Michael Bay ripoff junk food that does a helluva lot with that PG-13 rating.
tapestry100 (306 KP) rated American Gods in Books
Jul 26, 2017
Originally reviewed on http://www.frommybookshelf.com
There's not much I could probably add to the discussion about American Gods that hasn't already been said, but I can say that I loved this story. I had been meaning to get around to reading this, and when the show finally starting running on Starz, I thought now is as good a time as any. I'm surprised by how different the show is from the book; I can understand the updates to technology in the show as the book is over 15 years old and tech has evolved in that time, but in addition to that, there are some significant changes to how the show is being altered, and to be honest, there's a part of me that likes the show better than the book, but Gaiman's story is still marvelous. I'm very interested to see how the show will play out, especially given the story arc and character changes.
I'm wildly interested in reading Anansi Boys, but I'll be taking a short break in between the two books. I don't want to get overloaded on gods!
A note on the full cast reading of the 10th Anniversary Edition
I decided to listen to the book on my work commute, and I'm not going to lie, I loved the cast reading. They various narrators handled each of their characters perfectly and were totally believable. I'm really hoping that the audio of Anansi Boys is handled just as well.
There's not much I could probably add to the discussion about American Gods that hasn't already been said, but I can say that I loved this story. I had been meaning to get around to reading this, and when the show finally starting running on Starz, I thought now is as good a time as any. I'm surprised by how different the show is from the book; I can understand the updates to technology in the show as the book is over 15 years old and tech has evolved in that time, but in addition to that, there are some significant changes to how the show is being altered, and to be honest, there's a part of me that likes the show better than the book, but Gaiman's story is still marvelous. I'm very interested to see how the show will play out, especially given the story arc and character changes.
I'm wildly interested in reading Anansi Boys, but I'll be taking a short break in between the two books. I don't want to get overloaded on gods!
A note on the full cast reading of the 10th Anniversary Edition
I decided to listen to the book on my work commute, and I'm not going to lie, I loved the cast reading. They various narrators handled each of their characters perfectly and were totally believable. I'm really hoping that the audio of Anansi Boys is handled just as well.
Daniel Johnson (11 KP) rated Portal in Video Games
Sep 5, 2017
Level design (3 more)
Character Design
Dialogue
Game mechanics
One of the smartest games around
Portal (2007) is one of the best video games around, and led to an even more successful sequel. The games premise is simple- you wake up in a testing room, with only an homicidal A.I to guide you through puzzles as you try and escape the testing facility. The twist comes in the dialogue, and the story that unfolds around you.
Your character doesn't speak, and her past and future are a mystery, which only adds to the intrigue the story incites.
The design is simple, a clean high-tech facility, equal parts simple and beautiful. You navigate through this world with use of a portal gun. Strategically placed, these portals can lead to your victory or your doom, and thus begins the most enjoyable 3D puzzle of the past 20 years.
Dialogue, as said, is a clear highlight, somehow balancing comedy and adventure perfectly, much akin to a Douglas Adams novel. It even manages to make G.L.A.D.O.S, a homicidal A.I, a genuinely endearing character, and one that is welcomed quickly, and missed once the game is complete.
Over all, it is clear why this game has so many devoted fans, and why we were all eager for more. This game, while simple has many levels, that make replaying and exploring a thrilling experience that you can have again and again and never get bored.
Your character doesn't speak, and her past and future are a mystery, which only adds to the intrigue the story incites.
The design is simple, a clean high-tech facility, equal parts simple and beautiful. You navigate through this world with use of a portal gun. Strategically placed, these portals can lead to your victory or your doom, and thus begins the most enjoyable 3D puzzle of the past 20 years.
Dialogue, as said, is a clear highlight, somehow balancing comedy and adventure perfectly, much akin to a Douglas Adams novel. It even manages to make G.L.A.D.O.S, a homicidal A.I, a genuinely endearing character, and one that is welcomed quickly, and missed once the game is complete.
Over all, it is clear why this game has so many devoted fans, and why we were all eager for more. This game, while simple has many levels, that make replaying and exploring a thrilling experience that you can have again and again and never get bored.