spock_vulcan's recent activity
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Comment on NexPhone - Smartphone PC that can boot into Windows, Android or Debian in ~tech
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Comment on Sony’s TV business is being taken over by TCL in ~tech
spock_vulcan Link ParentIf the Apple TV box is doing the computing for you and you're just using the TV as a display i suppose you dont have to deal with the TV's OS, no matter how slow it is. That's another thing....it...If the Apple TV box is doing the computing for you and you're just using the TV as a display i suppose you dont have to deal with the TV's OS, no matter how slow it is.
That's another thing....it is almost impossible now to find a high-end TV now that is non-smart, just a good display panel, to which you can attach a mini PC or a more powerful Android box.
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Comment on Sony’s TV business is being taken over by TCL in ~tech
spock_vulcan Link ParentYea i can import an unlocked phone for sure, but the trick is to find a reputable importer/seller. Also, when you buy locally (i mean either physically in-store or directly from a local seller...Yea i can import an unlocked phone for sure, but the trick is to find a reputable importer/seller. Also, when you buy locally (i mean either physically in-store or directly from a local seller online), it is possible to trade in your current phone and thereby save a lot of money, which will probably not be possible if you import something. Then you're stuck selling your current phone by yourself. I'll probably be willing to try all this in a couple of years when my current phone gets even older.
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Comment on As Hitman 3 turns five years old, we surely have enough hindsight to declare it – this is one of the greatest of all time, right? in ~games
spock_vulcan LinkDefinitely one of my favourites of all time, and yes a good contender for one of the best stealth games, alongside greats like Deus Ex and Splinter Cell. The WOA pack is like the peak of...Definitely one of my favourites of all time, and yes a good contender for one of the best stealth games, alongside greats like Deus Ex and Splinter Cell.
The WOA pack is like the peak of refinement of the Hitman formula. Peak in terms of sprawling levels, great visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, stealth options and overall sandbox quality.
No wonder IOI is making the James Bond game, because the WOA is basically a James Bond game with a different character.
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Comment on As Hitman 3 turns five years old, we surely have enough hindsight to declare it – this is one of the greatest of all time, right? in ~games
spock_vulcan Link ParentPeacock is a godsent for this, if you are on PC. It is very easy to use. Their website (linked by the other person who replied to you) explains how to get it going in simple steps, or you can...Peacock is a godsent for this, if you are on PC. It is very easy to use. Their website (linked by the other person who replied to you) explains how to get it going in simple steps, or you can watch a tutorial on YouTube. You can basically play Hitman will full online features while having your internet turned off.
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Comment on As Hitman 3 turns five years old, we surely have enough hindsight to declare it – this is one of the greatest of all time, right? in ~games
spock_vulcan Link ParentThe Hitman games are primarily sandboxes, in which you can f around and try various things. The World of Assassination pack is the most refined version of this, where you can make your experience...The Hitman games are primarily sandboxes, in which you can f around and try various things. The World of Assassination pack is the most refined version of this, where you can make your experience as easy or difficult as you want. It has guided story missions (which can be turned on & off) which hold your hand and tell you what to do if you are unable to figure it out. Plus there are any number of YouTube channels dedicated to Hitman walkthroughs, i personally recommend "The Hitman Algorithm" who makes excellent Hitman WoA walkthroughs.
So if there is any one game in which a non-stealth guy can try out stealth gameplay, it is this one. I absolutely recommend you give it a go.
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Comment on Sony’s TV business is being taken over by TCL in ~tech
spock_vulcan Link ParentI have actually experienced a sharp decline in performance over the years in the two Bravia TVs that my family owns. Both in terms of compute power of the hardware and the software getting worse...I have actually experienced a sharp decline in performance over the years in the two Bravia TVs that my family owns. Both in terms of compute power of the hardware and the software getting worse and more bloated. Granted our TVs are several years old now, but you would naturally want such expensive electronics to endure for 6-7 years.
If this joint venture can improve the hardware power and the software, that would be great. But i would not expect it, given that all consumer electronics, no matter who manufactures them, are being designed with short lifespans and planned obsolescence in order to sell us the next shiny product.
In fact, if they make Bravias cheaper, i would definitely expect the quality and experience to get worse, so i agree with you on that.
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Comment on Nova Launcher: An update in ~tech
spock_vulcan LinkIve been a Nova Prime user for more than a decade now. It has been with me since i got my first ever smartphone in 2012. I still don't know of any other launcher that has fully customizable 'tabs'...Ive been a Nova Prime user for more than a decade now. It has been with me since i got my first ever smartphone in 2012. I still don't know of any other launcher that has fully customizable 'tabs' in the app drawer to group your apps by whatever categories you see fit. I truly hope they do not enshittify my favourite launcher.
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Comment on Sony’s TV business is being taken over by TCL in ~tech
spock_vulcan Link ParentI'm a mid-millennial and yes, i grew up with the idea that 'Sony made the best gadgets', which they really did. The biggest loss for me is Xperia phones being scaled back and sold in fewer...I'm a mid-millennial and yes, i grew up with the idea that 'Sony made the best gadgets', which they really did.
The biggest loss for me is Xperia phones being scaled back and sold in fewer geographies. They were (still are) great high-end smartphones (and they still come with headphone jacks!), but you can't buy them in many places now. Here in Australia you have to risk a shady seller on Amazon or Ebay if you want one. Which is a shame. They are not more expensive than the top end Samsung Galaxies, and i would happily trade my S23 Ultra for the newest Sony Xperia if i could buy it from a reliable source.
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Comment on Cory Doctorow | AI companies will fail. We can salvage something from the wreckage. in ~tech
spock_vulcan LinkGood article (i actually read all of it). I particularly like the concept of reverse centaurs that he postulated; and the example of Amazon drivers being reverse centaurs, basically enslaved by...Good article (i actually read all of it). I particularly like the concept of reverse centaurs that he postulated; and the example of Amazon drivers being reverse centaurs, basically enslaved by technology and the billionaires who own the technology. And it makes perfect sense that they want to fire skilled workers and retain just a few 'humans in the loop' whose only real purpose will be 'accountability sinks' i.e someone to blame for AI's mistakes.
I am now fearful of how my own job will get affected by the AI bubble burst. Or worse, how my daughter's generation will get affected; she's just a toddler, and i hope the world is in a much better place by the time she is ready to enter the workforce.
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Comment on I recently finished the Cradle series by Will Wight and have post series depression. What shall I read next? in ~books
spock_vulcan LinkOP, i dropped off Red Rising after the first 4-5 chapters (read till the point where the main character gets all the enhancements), but dropped off for multiple reasons (life & responsibilities...OP, i dropped off Red Rising after the first 4-5 chapters (read till the point where the main character gets all the enhancements), but dropped off for multiple reasons (life & responsibilities got in the way, ugh). Would you recommend i push through ? does it get better ? I felt the plot to be a fairly by-the-numbers revolution story we have seen or read many times before, so it just didn't hook me.
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Comment on I recently finished the Cradle series by Will Wight and have post series depression. What shall I read next? in ~books
spock_vulcan Link ParentPandora's Star is the Commonwealth Saga from Peter F Hamilton, right ? I recently read the Archimedes Engine by the same author, loved it, i like his style of large-scale, space-based, high-tech...Pandora's Star is the Commonwealth Saga from Peter F Hamilton, right ? I recently read the Archimedes Engine by the same author, loved it, i like his style of large-scale, space-based, high-tech worldbuilding. Now i have started Salvation. How does the Salvation series compare with the Commonwealth Saga ? Should i cover Commonwealth first ?
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Comment on I recently finished the Cradle series by Will Wight and have post series depression. What shall I read next? in ~books
spock_vulcan Link ParentThis one has been on my backlog list for a while. it has a very high rating on Goodreads. Can you tell me a little bit about it ? Are the characters interesting, is the plot & suspense intriguing...The Will of the Many by James Islington
This one has been on my backlog list for a while. it has a very high rating on Goodreads. Can you tell me a little bit about it ? Are the characters interesting, is the plot & suspense intriguing enough ? Is it too draggy or fast paced ? It will be good to know what i am getting into so that i don't set the wrong expectations and bounce off of it.
That happened with Red Rising. I started it, got through the first 4-5 chapters, but just dropped off. Would you recommend i push forward ? does it get better ?
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
spock_vulcan (edited )Link ParentThanks i think i get it. As for recommendations, my most liked tags would be sci-fi, fantasy, space opera, epic. Also i first read your username as "Minthara" the Baldur's Gate 3 character, lolThanks i think i get it. As for recommendations, my most liked tags would be sci-fi, fantasy, space opera, epic.
Also i first read your username as "Minthara" the Baldur's Gate 3 character, lol
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
spock_vulcan Link(1) I recently finished 'Exodus: The Archimedes Engine'. It is a high-concept space-faring sci-fi epic by author Peter F. Hamilton who has written multiple entries in this genre in the past. The...(1) I recently finished 'Exodus: The Archimedes Engine'. It is a high-concept space-faring sci-fi epic by author Peter F. Hamilton who has written multiple entries in this genre in the past. The book is kind of a tie-in to an upcoming game 'Exodus'. Even ignoring its association to an upcoming game, i found it a fascinating stand-alone read. The pace starts out a bit slow, but picks up gradually, so the book demands patience; i think that's just Peter Hamilton's style. It also does not really hand-hold the reader i.e you have to connect some dots on your own to understand what is happening. But it gets better & better as the multiple plot threads converge onto a pretty epic third act. It also has some 'hard sci-fi' elements, in the sense that futuristic technologies and space travel have relevance to the plot at multiple points in the story rather than just being a superficial backdrop, and i always enjoy when authors are able to do that (The Expanse is probably the best example of this). Now this is definitely more 'fantasy' than 'hard sci-fi' but i feel it is a good blend of both. Recommended for someone looking for something a bit heavy in the space-sci-fi genre.
(2) The Orphan-X series by author Gregg Hurwitz. The best way i can describe it is what if Jason Bourne put Treadstone behind him and decided to become a batman-type vigilante, fighting crime and using his abilities & training to help people in need. I know that the 'highly trained ex-government assassin' has become a crowded genre on its own, but this series particularly stood out for me for its emotional beats, and attention to detail, especially in the bits where the author lovingly describes every weapon, every vehicle, every combat tactic in great detail. So if you like that type of thing, you should check out the Orphan-X books.
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
spock_vulcan Link ParentHello. I have heard the term LitRPG, and heard of Dungeon Crawler Carl multiple times by now in various forums (DCC has very high ratings on Goodreads, so ive been considering it for a while). Am...Hello. I have heard the term LitRPG, and heard of Dungeon Crawler Carl multiple times by now in various forums (DCC has very high ratings on Goodreads, so ive been considering it for a while). Am i correct in assuming that LitRPG is basically an author framing the story in a way that it is told from the main character in an RPG ?
I am personally a sucker for good serious fantasy and sci-fi (i.e Lord of the Rings and The Expanse) and i like playing CRPGs. Will i enjoy LitRPG books ?
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Comment on What are you reading these days? in ~books
spock_vulcan LinkRecently got into Larry Niven's "Known Space" series. Finished the "Neutron Star" collection last week. Started with "Ringworld" this week. Loving it so far. But then again, i'm a sucker for grand...Recently got into Larry Niven's "Known Space" series. Finished the "Neutron Star" collection last week. Started with "Ringworld" this week. Loving it so far. But then again, i'm a sucker for grand space-faring sci-fi. It may not be for everyone. And there are places where you can tell this was written more than 50 years ago. Still, highly recommended for hardcore space sci-fi buffs.
And since there are a lot of books and short stories in the "Known Space" series, i refer to this reading order guide: https://news.larryniven.net/concordance/content.asp?page=Reading%20Order
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Comment on Piracy is surging again because streaming execs ignored the lessons of the past in ~tech
spock_vulcan LinkGabe Newell said it for games, right ? But it applies here. Currently, piracy offers an overall better service than paid streaming. You can get all seasons of any show or any movie you want on any...Gabe Newell said it for games, right ? But it applies here. Currently, piracy offers an overall better service than paid streaming. You can get all seasons of any show or any movie you want on any torrent or pirate stream site of your choice......for free. AND, if you download it, it is preserved with you as long as you can maintain your storage devices. You don't have to give a fuck about license agreements expiring and paid-for content no longer being available. I have a library of my most cherished movies and tv shows saved across several storage devices. They will remain available to me till i die.
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Comment on Piracy is surging again because streaming execs ignored the lessons of the past in ~tech
spock_vulcan Link ParentI saw that video it was surprising (because it is not exactly about games), but awesome. He made fun of the ultra-fragmented streaming ecosystem in his trademark sarcastic style that very few...I saw that video it was surprising (because it is not exactly about games), but awesome. He made fun of the ultra-fragmented streaming ecosystem in his trademark sarcastic style that very few other people like Ryan George can pull off.
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Comment on IGN's The Day Before early access review - 1/10 in ~games
spock_vulcan Link ParentSame. Everything ive heard about this game suggests that it was either a case of low-effort asset flip which did not pan out, or a case of a small dev team getting in over their heads and making a...Same. Everything ive heard about this game suggests that it was either a case of low-effort asset flip which did not pan out, or a case of a small dev team getting in over their heads and making a mess of it. Neither case is very unique.
So i cannot understand why people wishlisted this so much on Steam ? I suppose it is an effect of people being curious whether it is real or not and then wishlisting it as a means of tracking its progress. I have done that myself for a few other games.
This exactly. It seems like the kind of idea that nerds (like me) would find cool, as an experimental thing to tinker around with. But, if i ask myself, i cannot come up with a killer use-case which would need something like this.
Android nowadays by itself can achieve most everyday computing tasks for a layman. I have Windows on my gaming PC because that is what it came with and i am not knowledgeable enough to setup Linux (and i guess Linux isn't really quite easy to setup yet either).
So i game on my PC, consume other media on my Samsung tab and have a Samsung phone to do everything else. A device like this one is not really solving any problems for me. I work on a Windows laptop, issued by my employer, who have all sorts of controls setup on it, so that's not replaceable with something like this, as would be the case with all salaried corporate drones.