class="align-right" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ipod-nano5.png" alt="" />As rare as it is for Apple to publicly admit a malfunction, this one is too big to overlook. According to Apple, the batteries of some first generation iPod nanos may overheat and become a safety risk. While this is a rare occurrence, Apple has decided not to take risks this time. If you own a first gen iPod nano, check out Apple’s href="http://www.apple.com/support/ipodnano_replacement/">replacement program.

The iPods in question are ones that were manufactured between September 2005 and December 2006, and they are all traced back to a single supplier which apparently produced faulty batteries. To help you decide whether you own the right iPod nano, you can check if it has a plastic black or white front and a silver metal back. If it does, you’re holding a 1st gen Nano.

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ipod-nano-serial.png" alt="ipod-nano-serial" width="469" height="431" border="0" />

If you think you own one of the faulty devices, you can use Apple’s wizard to enter its serial number and see whether you should send it back for a new one. The program is only offered in 20 countries, and you’d need to choose your country before you can enter your serial number. If you are eligible, you will receive your new device approximately 6 weeks after Apple receives your faulty Nano. Note that if your iPod is engraved, the replacement unit will not have the engraving.

Don’t forget to href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/manage-your-ipod-with-sharepod/">back up your iPod fully before sending it out!

Source: href="http://www.tuaw.com/2011/11/12/apple-launches-1st-generation-ipod-nano-replacement-program/">TUAW

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class="align-right" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/gaming.jpg" alt="video game consoles" />The current generation of video game consoles is the longest in recent memory. The Xbox 360 came out over 6 years ago, and the PlayStation 3 came out shortly after that. Typically, a video game console lasts for around 5 years before phasing out in favor of some new, more powerful hardware. However, with this generation, Microsoft and Sony seem to be in no hurry to get their latest consoles to market. Nintendo, who has seen serious decline in the sales of the Wii, is brining the Wii U along rather quickly. However, for this article, I will be talking about what I would like to see from the true “next gen” consoles.

Video game consoles have reached a point where the changes between systems can only do so much, at least in terms of hardware. Most of the big changes can come on the software side. Obviously, there are improvements that can be made to the hardware, but the graphics have reached a point where any change is going to be incremental, and less ground breaking. Still, there is plenty to improve, and that is exactly what I am looking at today.

All Games Can Be Purchased Digitally

Before you shoot me for this comment, I do not mean no discs; I just mean I would like to have the option to buy every video game digitally from the day it launches. I still expect them to have discs; I just want the option to buy a game without ever leaving the comfort of my home.

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Realistically, they have to keep discs around for the sake of retailers. It will be hard to convince a place like GameStop to carry and promote a console when they cannot have a continued revenue stream from software. For spur of the moment purchases, it would be great to just click a couple of buttons and have my new game.

Improved Graphics & Framerate

With current generation hardware, it is very hard for developers to make a top end graphical game that can still run at 60 frames per second. It is not impossible, but it certainly is taxing on the hardware, and requires a huge team to optimize the game to run in such a way. The teams behind Call of Duty have consistently put out games at 60 fps that still look beautiful, but they are not nearly as visually attractive as a game like Battlefield 3. However, because BF3 looks so good, and has destructible environments, they have to run at 30 fps. I would like the see this rectified with new hardware.

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I really don’t care if a game looks lifelike, after all, it is a game. If I want to see the real world then I will go outside. I just do not want developers to feel like they have to choose between a silky smooth framerate and beautiful graphics. The hardware for this exists, because PC games like Crysis 2 have no problem pushing 60 frames, while having the smoothest textures, and best looking graphics of any game on the market.

No Motion Controls

This is just dreaming on my part, but in all honestly I hate motion controls. I had a Wii, and I hated it. I have played Kinect at E3 and it seems like a gimmick, and the PS3 Move, realistically, that’s just a better version of the Wii. I’m hoping it is a fad that dies by the end of this generation and, like the Virtual Boy, is never heard from again.

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Sadly, I do not think this is going to happen. I think there will be motion controls in both major consoles, and if this is the case, I just hope they are well implemented and they are optional in major games. If they want to stick them in there for people to play EA Sports Active and UFC Trainer, then fine, but please do not shove them down my throat when I am playing Call of Duty and Deus Ex.

Cross Platform Play

Here I go dreaming again, but I would love to be able to play a multiplayer game with people regardless of the platform. Shadowrun made it happen with Xbox to PC, and while that game was trash, it still let gave me a glimmer of hope.

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I would prefer to see it from Xbox to PlayStation though. The mouse and keyboard advantage compared to controller in a shooter is large, but there is no advantage between a PlayStation controller and an Xbox controller, so it would be fair.  It is technically possible; it is just a matter of making it happen.

Better Build Quality

For this console generation Microsoft faced an absolute PR nightmare due to the dreaded red ring of death. Consoles were breaking at an alarming rate, and they have since rectified the situation, for the most part. I am hoping that the next generation of consoles is built with some quality and attention to detail that will prevent this catastrophe from happening again.

class="aligncenter" src="http://main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/redring.jpg" alt="video game consoles" width="458" height="343" />

I am about to go buy my third Xbox 360 in the next week or so, and I can safely assume that not many of you out there are still on your first Xbox. It’s a little ridiculous, and it is something that needs to be addressed for the next run of video game consoles.

Conclusion

As I said before, there is only so much that can change in terms of hardware. However, there is so much more that can be improved besides prettier graphics. These changes I mentioned could make for an overall better gaming experience for all of us.

What do you want from the next generation consoles? Let us know in the comments!

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Portable media players are becoming more and more popular. With the widespread use of WiFi (wireless Internet access) penetrating our daily lives in cafes, schools, libraries, airports, and other public spots, more and more people are turning to portable gadgets.

Portable gadgets can be used for play or work. These gadgets may include portable media players, laptops, netbooks, or the UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC). The type of gadget that a consumer decides to buy depends very much on his or her own personal needs and wants. For example, if an individual wants to use a portable gadget for work, a laptop may be the best option. That’s because the laptop is able to house more powerful hardware, and more applications can be run from the system. However, the drawback is that most laptops are still bulky compared to other portable gadgets.

In contrast, modern entertainment gadgets that are portable are lighter, smaller, and come in more popular designs. The Archos 5 Internet media tablet is such an example.

The Archos media tablet has its own built-in CPU. However, as this gadget is meant mainly for entertainment purposes, the CPU is often left out of the limelight. Most consumers are mainly concerned about whether the graphics will run smoothly, and how many movies they can store on the media player.

You can use the Archos media player to watch TV content, stream movies over the Internet, or play your own movies. This device supports many media formats. Formats include MPEG, WMV, H.264, AVI, and DivX. There is no QWERTY keyboard available. All the commands are issued using touch screen. The only off screen operations are the power and the volume control.

This gadget comes in 3 versions – 60GB, 120GB, and 250GB. The smallest version weighs only .55 pounds, while the other two versions weigh .66 pounds. That means you can easily bring the device wherever you go without hassle. The amount of disk space required depends on how much content you wish to store in the gadget. Given the advanced compression technology available today, each high quality movie will usually require no more than 1GB of disk space.

There are many ways that an individual can store content in a media player. Content can be easily downloaded over the Internet. Or special software can be used to convert VCD or DVD movies into digital formats. The media player can also be connected to the television set for recording of programs.

If you grow tired of existing content, you can also connect to the Internet to perform some simple operations like web browsing or checking email. While connected to the Internet, you can download more content such as movies, Anime episodes, or simply stream content without downloading.

Obviously, a portable media player is a great traveling companion. You can use the gadget to provide you with some great entertainment while waiting for a flight, or while you are in the hotel. This useful gadget retails for less than $500. For all the functions that it performs, it’s definitely worth considering.