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Showing content with the highest reputation on 01/11/20 in all areas

  1. Discuss: Should crunch culture in video game development be acceptable?

    Articles like this kind of annoy me. Why? Because game developers are not the ONLY developers in the world and are NOT the ONLY ones that get "Crunch time" forced on them...
    6 points
  2. If companies create a project with crunch time already factored in then I'm against it. They know in advance that they are going to ask their employees to work overtime, so rather than have the crunch time they should extend the project's ETA. It's better for the workforce, and also better for the client as the deadline doesn't keep getting extended. I'm also very much against crunch time being uncompensated. If you tried getting me to do more work with no benefit to me I'd probably be telling you where to go. Unfortunately a reality of life is that sometimes there are bumps in the road and people need to work a bit more to make sure the project is completed on time. I have been asked to do it, coming in on a weekend for example, but I've always been compensated for the time I've spent and if there were times that I've said, "I'm sorry but I can't because..." management have always understood and I haven't been penalised for not being there.
    4 points
  3. Linux Mint re-adds Chromium to its official repositories

    From Linux Mint's Clem: "In the Ubuntu 20.04 package base, the Chromium package is indeed empty and acting, without your consent, as a backdoor by connecting your computer to the Ubuntu Store. Applications in this store cannot be patched, or pinned. You can't audit them, hold them, modify them, or even point Snap to a different store. You've as much empowerment with this as if you were using proprietary software, i.e. none. This is in effect similar to a commercial proprietary solution, but with two major differences: It runs as root, and it installs itself without asking you."
    4 points
  4. "Proponents of this side of the debate state that crunch culture is common in most, if not all, industries and that video game development shouldn't be held atop a pedestal."
    3 points
  5. iPhone 12 review: The real flagship

    I’ve used 120hz phones, I’m not seeing what the hubbub is about. Outside of a marginal difference when scrolling, I see no benefit. We’ve basically reached maximum feature saturation for phones when minuscule things like 120hz are some how major detriments to phone buyers.
    2 points
  6. The New Me.

    I’m so nice and warm in my $5 Goodwill ninja turtle onesie. I have zero shame. i’m a child at heart. Don’t knock it till you try it :)
    2 points
  7. Discuss: Should crunch culture in video game development be acceptable?

    That's literally what I said in the article to balance it out... Anyways, your comment gives me more perspective on your stance, so that is fine A whole sentence in the last paragraph. Wow. There are two complete paragraphs in the article which explain some perspectives of people who are in favor of crunch culture but the focus is game dev industry (which is a niche for Neowin), correct. On a serious note, I'd love to hear if you have any further thoughts on this matter. Your original comment is true in the context that crunch isn't particular to game development (something that I have also mentioned) but is it okay in principle? I think that is my question to you if you don't want to talk about the game dev industry in particular.
    2 points
  8. How magnanimous and considerate of them. Considering it costs them what, $7.50 to make them and they sell them for a whopping $250, you should get a lifetime warranty for the overpriced pieces of Apple junk.
    2 points
  9. iPhone 12 review: The real flagship

    An iPhone X/iPhone 8 or older are basically when I could see people wanting to upgrade. Batteries are probably starting to wear out, and there have been decent upgrades in both proc and definitely camera(s). Also OLED is a nice upgrade for 8 and older users. The other group that upgrades are the ones in the trade in program, or the ones who can make a decent profit on selling their current phone. I managed to get 875 for my pro 11 max 128gb. I probably could of got more from what I’m seeing on eBay, but shipping and fees are a hassle. I’ll be upgrading to the 12 pro max for basically free after I also trade in an old X I have. If I was an 8 user though, I’d hold on to Touch ID until this pandemic is over. FaceID is useless with a mask.
    1 point
  10. iPhone 12 review: The real flagship

    My current phone has 90hz. Setting it up, I set it for 60hz. I let friends look at it, telling them it had a 90hz display. They were all fanning about how smooth it was. Then I showed them it was set for 60. After switching it to 90, they couldn't tell the difference, which was my point. Unless you are into benchmarks, high end graphics and what not, 99% won't be able to tell the difference if it is a good quality phone. I'd rather have the better battery life.
    1 point
  11. iPhone 12 review: The real flagship

    From what I’ve been told, it makes things “smoother”. But then I can’t tell the difference between 60 and 120hz on monitors so... Battery life would have a negative consequence.
    1 point
  12. I firmly believe that having to "crunch" is a failure at multiple levels. From planning, to execution, to not speaking up in the first place, saying that the timelines are unreasonable, and scope needs to be cut. In my 15 years as a professional software engineer, I can say that I've never had to crunch
    1 point
  13. iPhone 12 review: The real flagship

    There's no 5G where I live. And MagSafe charger is not available here.
    1 point
  14. Linux Mint re-adds Chromium to its official repositories

    Don't use Chromium, although I have, but I definitely hate that snapd crap! Seems a lot of apps are now like that on Mint 20. I like Opera on Linux, but Opera is another snapd app. Had it installed but found it didn't update, so removed it along with snap. Opera does install using the deb file, but get an error after installing which causes some glitches when using it.
    1 point
  15. Discuss: Should crunch culture in video game development be acceptable?

    Are you sure I am not a Pakistani myself? Don't be. I certainly don't care for American pseduo-concern over human rights in my country. All I see is a pot calling the kettle black. Don't put words in my mouth and don't try to buy out my consent for an evil practice with the promise of $10 discount.
    1 point
  16. Discuss: Should crunch culture in video game development be acceptable?

    I'm in software development (not game dev) and yes, we get free meals during crunch periods and compensation leaves after crunch periods, and reflects positively in performance reviews too. That said, the last part can be a vicious cycle. If I was in a situation similar to you where I had no benefits at all, I'd be a very disgruntled employee who'd be looking to switch jobs at the first opportunity, but I understand, this is not always possible for everyone We get time off in lieu as compensation for overtime, which always makes me laugh my butt off as some joker in HR gave it the timesheet code of TOIL...
    1 point
  17. Discuss: Should crunch culture in video game development be acceptable?

    No, I don't agree to crunch time in general. If deadlines are missed, then that's a failure in management, usually caused by cretins in the accounts department not having a clue how difficult it can sometimes be to get something working. ALL developers work in a pretty high stress environment and piling more stress on them just leads to more mistakes. Also, bringing contractors in to help hit deadlines is a TERRIBLE practice. In my company we have offices all over the world, including some in India. When we hit a deadline issue due to a sudden staffing crisis, we brought in some guys from there to help us finish some screen work. Now their coding was fine, don't get me wrong, but it's my experience from short term "contractors" is that you get what you ask for, not what you need. They don't think outside the box, and they don't consider all the ramifications of a change. I spent more time than we saved fixing the bits they missed because it was assumed they had common sense. All good points to which I mostly agree. Thank you for your input
    1 point
  18. Discuss: Should crunch culture in video game development be acceptable?

    That's literally what I said in the article to balance it out... Anyways, your comment gives me more perspective on your stance, so that is fine A whole sentence in the last paragraph. Wow. There are two complete paragraphs in the article which explain some perspectives of people who are in favor of crunch culture but the focus is game dev industry (which is a niche for Neowin), correct. On a serious note, I'd love to hear if you have any further thoughts on this matter. Your original comment is true in the context that crunch isn't particular to game development (something that I have also mentioned) but is it okay in principle? I think that is my question to you if you don't want to talk about the game dev industry in particular. No, I don't agree to crunch time in general. If deadlines are missed, then that's a failure in management, usually caused by cretins in the accounts department not having a clue how difficult it can sometimes be to get something working. ALL developers work in a pretty high stress environment and piling more stress on them just leads to more mistakes. Also, bringing contractors in to help hit deadlines is a TERRIBLE practice. In my company we have offices all over the world, including some in India. When we hit a deadline issue due to a sudden staffing crisis, we brought in some guys from there to help us finish some screen work. Now their coding was fine, don't get me wrong, but it's my experience from short term "contractors" is that you get what you ask for, not what you need. They don't think outside the box, and they don't consider all the ramifications of a change. I spent more time than we saved fixing the bits they missed because it was assumed they had common sense.
    1 point
  19. Discuss: Should crunch culture in video game development be acceptable?

    I agree as long as correct expectations were set and you are required to work overtime with fair compensation without being penalised as a project has overrun which happens in other industries too I think it's acceptable
    1 point
  20. Discuss: Should crunch culture in video game development be acceptable?

    That's literally what I said in the article to balance it out... Anyways, your comment gives me more perspective on your stance, so that is fine
    1 point
  21. The reason why, and this is from an Amazon associate, we pack more Chinese wireless buds than Apple ones! I'll stick with my Anker SoundCore Life Q20 headphones though, much more comfy, and wired if need be! Active Noise Cancelling (that works!!), and only £60! Brilliant sound too. Highs, Lows and bass all in the right places, vocals lovely and clear. No sore ears, either!
    1 point
  22. My Inspiron G3 3779 is the same. 8th Gen, and it hits 100deg C on gaming, whereas the 1060 GPU stays at 67-70 degrees. Undervolting the CPU worked a treat. The heatsinks just can't cope, even with Arctic Silver paste and thermal pads. Funny thing is my old Precision M6600 is only just thicker, yet the cooling is so much better.
    1 point
  23. To me it's laziness. Like Amazon buying out Kiva Systems. Just to slap their Amazon Robotics name on it like they invented the tech. And yes, I work for them. It's easier to buy out the already-done hard work, than do it yourself. Businesses, and people in general these days are lazy as f**k. Money talks. Tech is making it worse. And I LOVE tech more than life.
    1 point
  24. Please do some thermal testing. A lot of the Intel 10th Gen XPS Machines had big teoublw with heat and thermal throttling. Many complaints in the products reviews on Dells web page (aand I've had big issues myself)
    1 point
  25. If there is anything this article has taught us, is how much retailers mark these phones up from their wholesale cost. I doubt Amazon is selling these at a loss.
    1 point
  26. Sean Connery: James Bond actor dies aged 90

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54761824 "The Scottish actor was best known for his portrayal of James Bond, being the first to bring the role to the big screen and appearing in seven of the spy thrillers. His acting career spanned decades and his many awards included an Oscar, two Bafta awards and three Golden Globes. Sir Sean's other films included The Hunt for Red October, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Rock. Obituary: Sean Connery He was largely regarded as being the best actor to have played 007 in the long-running franchise, often being named as such in polls. His Oscar came in 1988, when he was named best supporting actor for his role as an Irish cop in The Untouchables. He was knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000. In August, he celebrated his 90th birthday."
    1 point
  27. Especially before an election. Google could have waited another week.
    1 point
  28. I really hate it when one company just starts buying up and trying to monopolize a market. Why do giant mega corporations like Disney and Sony have to end up owning everything?
    1 point
  29. Microsoft needs a few cheaper Windows on ARM options: maybe a Surface Go ARM(Snapdragon 7cx based), some ARM-based PC boxes/stick(like Chromebox/Chromebit), and some ARM based netbooks. Even their own hardware partners aren't trying to innovate here, just copying the same Surface Pro X form factor and trying to market the device. It's like PC makers have forgotten innovative hardware we saw in the 2000s, and only drastic hardware designs are in mobiles.
    1 point
  30. That's my take on this as well, this does nothing but put Windows users at risk and they have done this before. It's about time Microsoft did the same thing to Google with Chrome OS and Android issues.
    1 point
  31. If them offering a popular game you don't care about is an actual reason to not buy a phone, that's just sad.
    1 point
  32. FromSoftware breaks silence on fantasy action RPG title Elden Ring

    I'm all for new stuff like this, and From Software does good work but at the same time they've been sticking to this same action RPG formula since Demon souls. I played Sekiro and it was good, but it wasn't too removed from the Souls games. At this point I'd say it's safe to say Elden Ring is just Dark Souls with a new paint job so to speak.
    1 point
  33. State Trooper pulls over Senior Citizen

    A senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he floored it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little gray hair he had left. Amazing, he thought as he flew down I-94, pushing the pedal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a state trooper behind him, lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly he thought, What am I doing? I'm too old for this, and pulled over to await the trooper's arrival. Pulling in behind him, the trooper walked up to the Corvette, looked at his watch, and said, "Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a reason for speeding that I've never heard before, I'll let you go." The old gentleman paused. Then he said, "Years ago, my wife ran off with a state trooper. I thought you were bringing her back." "Have a good day, sir," replied the trooper.
    1 point
  34. Neowin trackers and 3rd party cookies

    It's not an assumption. It is how it was before the RWI forum was created. With the way it is right now you don't have to visit that sub-forum if you don't want to, and you can even go a step further and set it up so that those threads don't appear in your minispy. Everyone wins.
    1 point
  35. Neowin trackers and 3rd party cookies

    You may have just guilt-tripped me into a sub @Steven P.
    1 point
  36. Neowin trackers and 3rd party cookies

    I changed the misleading title, but I consider this topic asked and answered. For openness I saved what the title used to be which was very misleading and untrue compared to our own sector of websites.
    1 point
  37. Neowin trackers and 3rd party cookies

    Let's compare it to another popular tech site To be fair lets compare it to another tech website like Neowin So the question remains, what sites are doing "3x less" trackers? We also have a fully configurable opt in/out for cookies privacy at the bottom right of the page. Fact remains, people aren't running this website out of their own pockets we rely on advertising, and yes we also rely on Google analytics so we don't have to spend money on resource intensive things like webalizer and such like, we even offset the site staff email to GSuite so we don't have to run an email server. Last comparison: Even the mighty BBC is comparable to ours. I also want to add that "popular" sites like facebook and google do not rely on 3rd party advertisers at all.. but that still does not mean your browsing with them is private.. so factor that in with the comparisons as well.
    1 point
  38. Dungeon Keeper anyone?
    1 point
  39. Legacy of Kain Earth and Beyond Wind Commander Alan Wake Castlevania Silent Hill The Darkness Deception Bulletstorm
    1 point
  40. Whilst Amazon obviously do need to do more validation testing and quality control, it just looks like a total scare mongering article. 70 items since 2016. And Amazon have easily shipped millions of items since then? Can we not put at least, 10-20% of those issues on people using the products incorrectly when they buy them? Well, we dont know. Just another 'Amazon bad' article because they're dominating the market right now.
    1 point
  41. Neowin trackers and 3rd party cookies

    That's a lot of assuming and you know what they say about people who assume.
    0 points