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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is fun, but Xbox 360 HD remaster is rough

Posted by Chris Pereira Categories: Action, Adventure, Reviews, Xbox 360,

Grand Theft Auto San ANdreas

Somehow, 10 years have already passed since the release of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas--arguably the most innovative game in the series. To coincide with the recent anniversary, Rockstar re-released the game on Xbox 360, replacing the Games on Demand version with a slightly improved version. And while the game itself remains an enjoyable experience, this may not be the best way of revisiting it.

I find myself occasionally in the mood to play one of the classic GTA III-era games (GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas), which are among my all-time favorite games. I typically ignore this compulsion or simply spend a few minutes with the iPhone version of GTA III; I get my small dose of nostalgia but invariably stop playing because, despite Rockstar's best efforts, these are not games that work well on a touchscreen.

An improved re-release of San Andreas was exciting news for me--while a release on Xbox One or PS4 would have been ideal, a cheap Xbox 360 version with improved graphics, better draw distance, and achievements sounds like a great way to revisit the game.

Click to continue reading Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is fun, but Xbox 360 HD remaster is rough


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iOS 8 review: A more powerful iPhone experience arrives

iOS 8 review

iOS 8 is the follow-up to last years radical redesign of Apple’s mobile operating system. After the visual overhaul, the company went to work on adding a bunch of features that would make its devices more open with features like extensions and third-party keyboards, yet more secure with improved permissions and more widespread Touch ID integration. With iOS 8, Apple looks to refine the experience that was introduced last year, while allowing features for the power users of the world to shine.

It’s been shown that Apple follows a two-step release process with its iOS device hardware and software. For example, one year the company will release a new design for the iPhone, and the following year it’ll keep that design and refine the device, releasing it as an “S” class upgrade. iOS seems to follow a similar pattern, especially this year, which follows last year’s big redesign. With iOS 8, Apple has introduced a layer of polish on top of its mobile operating system, bringing with it a bevy of new features. The question remains, do all the changes come together in a meaningful way? Join us for our full iOS 8 review as we explore the answer.

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Purported iPhone 6 review video leaks ahead of Apple event

iPhone 6 leak video

Apple is set to begin it's major We Wish We Could Say More event in just over 20 minutes, where the company will announce the new 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. However, it looks like someone may have beaten the company to the punch on the unveiling of the device. The PhoneEvaluation YouTube channel, based in China, has a 7-minute look at what appears to be a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 unit. No telling how accurate it is until Apple shows us the real thing, but if we had to guess, you'te looking at a genuine iPhone 6 in the video. We've embedded it below for your viewing pleasure. It'll kill time before the Apple event kicks off.

Be sure to check out how to watch the Apple event live to keep up with today's news as it happens.

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HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 review

HP EliteBook Folio 1040 g1 review

HP decided that it was time to build a business notebook that sports the best features of the top consumer laptops, and the result is the HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1. Ridiculously long name aside, the thin and light body construction is the right first-impression, and is a stark change from the typical squared-off black boxes that you typically find in a business notebook.

That said, you should never judge a laptop by its cover, and we've been using the HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 for the past month to put it through the proper paces in anticipation of this review. Does this PC succeed at accomplishing all the things a business power user needs while maintaining the sexy appearance of a consumer laptop? Join us for our full HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G1 review to find out.

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Unboxing Live 142: LG G Flex

We bring you a look at the LG G Flex smartphone in this episode of Unboxing Live. The device sports the obvious gorgeous, curved OLED 720p display, which is actually flexible to 180 degrees and also features self-healing material on the rear casing. For real. Other specs include the inclusion of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 mobile processor, 2 GB of RAM and a 13-megapixel rear camera. We open it up, and show you what's included with the G Flex, and give you a full walkthrough of the device.

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel, and don't forget--we are giving away awesome perks for our Patreon backers - thanks for your support!

 

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Bleeding Edge TV 510: How to install the Nest Protect

We show you how to install the Nest Protect smart smoke & carbon monoxide detector in this episode. The Nest Protect gets affiliated with your Nest account,which allows it to communicate with other Nest Protect devices in your home over Wi-Fi, as well as the Nest Smart Thermostat. It lights your path when you walk under it, and uses a proximity sensor to know when you are home in order to assist the thermostat in saving money. It also uses a human voice to alert you of fire and carbon monoxide danger. If you have any questions about the setup process, let us know over on our Patreon page.

Don't forget to check out our Nest Protect unboxing, and Nest Protect setup video as well!

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel--also, we are giving away awesome perks for our Patreon backers - thanks for your support!

 

Click to continue reading Bleeding Edge TV 510: How to install the Nest Protect


Path of Exile review

Path of exile review

I'll be the first to admit that I am not a hardcore gamer. Ok, that's false, many people have said that first, but the point stands. I can never keep track of the differences between core and hardcore and pro gamer and who is playing what. But when I look at my steam account and see that I managed to log triple digit hours in some of those things I don't know if I can say I'm casual either. In fact, there is only one thing I can say with certainty about video games:

I like the free ones.

The majority of the games in my steam library were free. Metro 2033? Free promotional. Red Orchestra? Free steam weekend. And now another, Path of Exile. Another freebie, and at 132 hours it takes second place for play time in my library next to Civilization 5. That one I bought the hard way.

Its one of the expanding genre of free to play MMOs on the market these days and it ranks at the fifth most popular freebie on steam with a pretty solid community rating. Metascore 85/100 is nothing to sneeze at. It got glowing reviews from Gamespot and IGN. It has five million players. I'm willing to bet some of you reading this have that icon on your desktop right now.

Now I'm going to tell you about my experiences with it after 132 hours.

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Bleeding Edge TV 509: How to set up Nest Protect

In this episode of Bleeding Edge TV, I show you how to set up the Nest Protect. The easiest way to getthe smart connected smoke + carbon monoxide detector from Nest ready for installation is using the iPhone or Android smartphone apps that the company provides. Using the Nest app, you set up the Nest Protect on your Wi-Fi network, test its functions prior to installation, get familiar with its features, and then move on to installation (which will be in our next video.) If you have any questions about the setup process, let us know over on our Patreon page.

Don't forget to check out our Nest Protect unboxing as well!

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel--also, we are giving away awesome perks for our Patreon backers - thanks for your support!

 

Click to continue reading Bleeding Edge TV 509: How to set up Nest Protect


Bleeding Edge TV 508: LEGO Fairground Mixer 10244 first look

In this episode I bring you a first-look at the new LEGO Fairground Mixer set. Part of the LEGO Creator series, the Fairground Mixer 10244 includes the Mixer ride, ticket booth, working dunk tank, test of strength area, 12 minifigures (including new throwing up minifig!), and two trucks that carry everything around. A hand crank makes the Mixer turn, or you can attach an automatic motor. This set was revealed at the Sydney Brickshow, and includes 1,746 individual pieces, so it'll take you a little while to get it all put together (it's rated at expert level, after all!) When all is said and done, though, you'll be left with a great-looking, usable carnival scene with working attractions. We give you a look at how it all works in this episode.

Don't forget to subscribe to Gear Live's YouTube channel--also, we are giving away awesome perks for our Patreon backers - thanks for your support!

 

Click to continue reading Bleeding Edge TV 508: LEGO Fairground Mixer 10244 first look


HTC One (M8) review: The best Android phone gets even better

HTC One M8 review

Last year, HTC impressed us with the release of the original HTC One, a phone that featured what we believed to be the best build quality of any Android smartphone. This year, the HTC One (M8) takes its place as the flagship handset from HTC.

On the surface, the HTC One (M8) improves upon the original in a multitude of ways. Faster internals. Dual-lens UltraPixel camera. Larger display. Improved industrial design. The question is, though, does the final product add up to being another that can stand above the crowded Android line-up? We've put the device through its paces, and we are here to answer all of those questions here in our full HTC One (M8) review.

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