Video Games Are Art Eligible For Your Tax Dollars

Duke Nukem Forever

One individual’s Boticelli is another man’s Duke Nukem Forever. From that view of the National Endowement for Arts, they announced that “interactive games” will be one of the new media eligible for funding this week through NEA. In their Arts in Media program there’s a long list of classical music, ballet, and Shakespeare productions that have been made, they’re trying to delve into another new aspect - one that kids are into today. This involves content created for mobile phones, the World Wide Web and also content designed for gaming platforms.

The quote beauty is in the eye of the beholder has been said too many times, it’s already a cliché. If we’re talking about art, also put in the quote about one man’s trash being another person’s treasure. For some people in the video gaming world, they would like to think that video games can also be classified as an art. Although there’s still some debate about that, moves have already been made to recognize interactive games as art worthy enough for government funding.

We can now start thinking about art in light of the video games we’ve seen. There are a number of games out there today where that has graphics that can take your breath away. In some cases, it’s not too difficult to get enticed to play the game just to see how well the creators have made all the facets of it perfectly. It’s likely to get hooked with the intro of the game and end up in a dizzied frenzy from playing a game with so many colors, creativity and imagination rolled into one.

On the other hand, concerns abound about federal tax’s dollars usage on games like Angry Birds or Grand Theft Auto or maybe even first person shooters. But the good news is, these kinds of games aren’t mentioned as being in the running to get the funding. It’s a sigh of relief that only those deserving are included. But this doesn’t mean that this form of games won’t find its way to the government’s funding. Getting free money for something is always a good motivator and who knows what creators will come up with.

But on the meantime, just sit back and relax and wait for these games to come out. What’s more important is that there will be great number of entertaining as well as eye-popping games and apps available to us in the very near future. The best thing about it? Great games for free! That’s right, since it’s funded by the NEA, not a single cent needs to come out of our pockets to get hold of great graphics and fun games. What’s more, the creators also get their share of the fun by getting their fat paychecks and for a change not at the expense of gamers.

Regardless if video games are forms of art or not, its still part of the running in new media that’s eligible for funding. Video game is an art thinkers out there have National Endowment for the Arts to thank and everyone can’t seem to wait for the new game openings.

Bat Tech Express bringing you the latest in technology news. Bat Tech Express provides laptops, laptop repairs, computer accessories, computer leasing, computer repairs Sydney and a wide range of computer services.

For Better or Worse, Online Computer Sales

Laptop Retailers vs Online stores

Online computer and laptop stores are in direct competition to bricks and mortar retail business, who are failing to keep up with the latest technological innovations. The growing trend in the online market is driving prices down and putting pressure on laptop prices, leading to smaller margins for retailers. This change is leading to complaints from some of the heavy weights of the retail industry who are complaining about these direct threats to their business operations. Retailers concerns are more about the threat to their bottom line, and less about their customers, despite what their marketing spin doctors shout out. 

While many customers are weary of buying from overseas retailers, the Australian online industry is providing many customers with a convenient online shopping experience, with a physical presence and actual street address, to provide substance to their business operations. The days of an online retailer being a mysterious entity hiding behind a PO Box and pre-recorded voice message promising someone to call you back is gone. While many online retailers are still different to a fully-fledged retail shop, many retailers offer pick up services from their physical warehouse direct or head office. Most have complete contact details and sales staff to help with pre and post sales. 

Company’s such as Overstocked Orders have built up a reputable online store in which is backed by their direct warehouse and sample showroom. While the showroom doesn't offer all items on display, it still provides a generous range of items to peruse, as well as the option to buy over the counter.

Other online retailers such as Bat Tech Express display an online showcase, offering its computer services and support division. In addition to their range of computers for sale, they also offer a broker like sales service. Customers fill out an online order form including budget, specifications, and other details, and then the sales team will arrange the best deal from their wholesalers and report back to the customer.

These online retailers have many great advantages from their bricks and mortar cousins. By not keeping large inventory stock, customers are getting the latest models, and generally not items that may have been sitting in a warehouse for 6 months. Margins are lower, leading to competitive pricing for consumers.

While bricks and mortar retailers will still be around for a while, issues such as the cost of commercial rents, staff costs in keeping a store open even if no customers are around, insurance and utility costs, location constraints, and even local Government laws are having a larger impact on retail businesses. An online retailer can maintain a smaller office, lower inventory, require less staff and have fewer outgoings, with the option to re-locate if location or local laws impact on their business without disrupting online operations. 

The customer may lose out on being able to physically inspect goods though and this is where physical retailers hold their largest advantage. As always though, being a fully-fledged physical retail outlet store, online only, or a hybrid of the two, will depend on the decisions and foresight of management. As is true on all walks of life, it is the organism that can adapt the best that will survive.

Bat Tech Express is a reputable online laptop store in Sydney providing 24/7 computer support, computer services and laptops for sale.

Release of the White iPhone 4

The release of the new white iPhone 4 was met with much anticipation as iPhone fans were anxious to experience the world’s thinnest smart phone in its beautiful white pearl enclosure. 

The phone is only 9.3 millimeters thin and is equipped with numerous features that display its technological prowess and superiority. The phone is designed with innovative aluminosilicate glass that is chemically treated to be 30 times harder and 20 times stiffer than plastic. The phone is more scratch-resistant and durable than any other iPhone its three year history. As a testament to its strength, let us mention that this glass was also used for the windshields of high speed trains and helicopters. Environmentally-conscious purchasers will be pleased knowing that the glass structure is also recyclable and thus, safe for the environment.

To add to its durability, the exterior stainless steel band is combined with a metal alloy to make the band five times stronger than standard stainless steel. This band also functions as an antenna for the phone. Also on the exterior, consumers will find a 5-megapixal camera with a built-in LED flash that captures gorgeous photos and HD video. Photos may even be captured in low light settings. The phone is also equipped with a forward facing lens to capture self-portraits and to make FaceTime calls.

The iPhone 4 boasts one of the highest resolution phone screens ever. The Retina Display is characterized by 960-by-640 backlit LCD technology. The pixel density is an incredible 326 pixels per inch. At an impressive 78 micrometers across, the human eye cannot detect individual pixels on the screen. Thus, the graphics are incredibly sharp and vivid with superior contrast from nearly any viewing angle. The multi-touch display allows users to control the applications through simple touch. The electrical fields sense the touch of the user and translate the motions into action.

A super fast A4 processor enables the phone to browse websites and translate motion more efficiently than ever. The processor allows the user to multitask, perform complex commands, edit video and place FaceTime calls. Complex tasks may be accomplished, while conserving battery life. The Gyro and accelerometer also benefit from this powerful processor. The processor works in conjunction with the Gyro and accelerometer to automatically determine and quickly respond when the user changes the phone’s position. Most gamers enjoy the precision of motion gestures with this new technology.

iPhone consumers enjoy quieter conversations through the phone’s enhanced listening capabilities. The iPhone possesses two microphones. The main microphone is located near the dock connector. This microphone is used for phone calls, voice commands and memos. The second microphone is located near the headphone jack. This microphone is used for FaceTime calls and for eliminating unwanted background noise from the call. The dual-microphone technology is responsible for producing quiet calls even in the midst of a loud conversation or music.

The phone comes equipped with several built-in applications and access to over 300,000 compatible applications through the application store. The impressive iOS 4 operating system is highly secure. All of the applications are designed to operate in the safe environment. An encrypted network is supported to ensure that the applications are not compromised by a third party. Applications requesting location information must receive the user's permission prior to executing the command to protect the user’s privacy.

A passcode lock may be set to lock your phone and delete your data if the phone receives too many incorrect password attempts. If the phone is stolen or lost, the “Find My iPhone” application will find the iPhone, lock the screen and remotely delete the data. Data may be restored upon retrieval from your last backup.

iPhone 4 Repairs
iPhone engineers have worked diligently on the iPhone 4 design to minimize the number of repairs required for the smartphone. Despite the ingenuity of the engineers, the iPhone 4 is not immune from shattering. The new design, however, is far more durable than the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. This iPhone generation also suffered from shattered screens and antenna problems.

According to a recent article released by The Sydney Morning Herald, a Monash University IT student dropped his iPhone 4 on the concrete and it shattered. This happened only hours after purchasing the phone. Dropped phones are not covered by warranty. The student sought repair service for assistance. The repair cost him $199. A cracked screen would cost $129.

The repairs associated with the iPhone 4 are far more expensive than the iPhone 3 or iPhone 3GS. The front glass and touch screen are laminated to the LCD. The cost of repairs increased because the items cannot be replaced separately. Experts advise the protective cover for the iPhone.

Experts are concerned that many people are overly confident about the phone’s durability. If consumers think the phone is as durable as the windshield of a high speed train or helicopter, they are less likely to be careful with their investment. Apple, however, has not addressed this growing concern.

Luckily, iPhones are repairable. Many repair shops are available; however, only a few specialize in the repair of the device. Fix My iPhone has a good reputation for repairing iPhones in record time. This particular service is available 24 hours per day and seven days per week. Consumers may seek repair services if the iPhone 4 suffers from shattered screens, non-responsive screens or other damage. Most reputable repair shops will offer a free quote for repairs and also warranty.

Read more on White iPhone 4 conversions and for more information on iPhone Repairs go to Fix My iPhone Repairs.