Tech Blog

Today is New Years Eve, and as per usual, it’s day to both look back at the year that was, and look forward to the year that could be. No doubt that 2011 was an interesting year in the world of consumer technology, but what would you say are some of the biggest stories to come out the last 12 months?

Steve Jobs’ death? RIM’s troubles? The iPad’s continuing dominance? Android’s ascent to the top? HP’s whirlwind around the TouchPad? The PlayStation Network hacking debacle?

Good or bad, what would you say are some of the most memorable tech stories of 2011?

It's time for another annual look back at the gear I acquired (and retired) in 2011.  

An iPhone 4 (not the S), a new vacuum and dishwasher are not the sort of things you'd expect to see in a gadget reviewer's arsenal, but they made it into mine.

Sure I got a new Macbook Pro and subscribed to all the fun things you can get in the cloud, but even when it came to getting the Steve Jobs biography, I went analog.

With the 12 Days of Deals quickly wrapping up, Xbox LIVE Marketplace is commemorating the end of these awesome discounts with one you can't miss.  Today's promotion covers Gears of War 3 in-game content and a soon-to-be-discontinued avatar prop.  Get these deals while you can!

Without question, the biggest loss in tech in 2011 was the passing of Steve Jobs. The visionary mind in him helped breathe new life into not just Apple, but also the world of consumer technology and how it impacts our lifestyles. His authorized biography may be the book everyone has talked about regarding his life, but his thoughts and processes were largely based on things he actually said. I, Steve: Steve Jobs In His Own Words is a book filled with nothing but quotes from the man himself.

It’s that time of year again… the Christmas tree is coming down, you’re promising yourself you’re never going to eat that much chocolate again, and you’re starting to wonder whether Future Shop will be hitting up the Consumer Electronics Show in 2012.  Well don’t worry, we are!

Since the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, the blue blur is finally getting back on track. What was once considered a franchise flop is now becoming something so much more, with the Sonic series successfully reclaiming it's title as a Sega staple.  While the latest Sonic releases, whether it be Episode 1, Sonic Colors or Sonic Generations, are still only receiving mediocre reception the franchise is slowly returning with a bang.  

The Nintendo 3DS eShop is wrapping up 2011 with retro classic Bionic Commando (no jumping allowed!) and indie hearththrob, VVVVVV. And if you don't own a 3DS there are a few more goodies in store to keep your spirits bright. Feeling a little let down by the lack of Nintendo holiday titles? Hopefully these favourites will keep you company this holiday season!

Two months ago Capcom announced they were bringing a Devil May Cry HD Collection to North American shores, bundling the first three entries in this highly successful and critically acclaimed series.  As a special holiday treat, Capcom has revealed the release date for this high definition package and the good news is it may be hitting Future Shop stores sooner than you think.

The new TomTom GO LIVE 1535 M GPS makes a bold claim.  The device will provide real-time traffic information.  Save money on gas and alleviate stress by continuously rerouting you around traffic problems.  The TomTom is already a GPS leader.  But does this new feature work on the streets of Canada?

For Christmas this year, my wife and I agreed to buy each other a Bosch dishwasher.  

While we thought we'd snagged a great deal, you can do us even better as a couple of Bosch models are on sale for Boxing Day.

We LOVE our new dishwasher, it's a luxury treat that has paid off in spades.

It's a time honoured tradition that every Nintendo console is graced with one new entry in the venerable Mario Kart series, and for Nintendo 3DS owners that time has come exceedingly early in the handheld's lifespan.  If there was ever a franchise that rigidly adheres to the old adage if it ain't broke don't fit it, it would be Mario Kart, with each installment marginally incrementing upon its predecessors.  Seeing as though seven is the luckiest number, have we been fortunate enough to get some much need innovation injected into this aged go-karting series?

The anticipation for the third installment of The Dark Knight film series continues to rise with the release last week of new trailer giving us a sneak peak at the pivotal final chapter.

For years now, downloadable content has been a hot commodity for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 users. Nintendo, on the otherhand, has never truly embraced this feature until now. According to Japan's Nikkei, Nintendo will be begin offering paid DLC for the Nintendo 3DS starting next March. This news couldn't be more refreshing.  

While most of us have been out spreading holiday cheer, a pair of major gaming publishers have been butting heads in a heated lawsuits that could have sweeping implications across the gaming community.

As the madness of Boxing Day is now upon us, you have more than one day to shop for the best deals, and keeping tabs on those sales is made a little easier with Future Shop’s new mobile site. Get used to it because mobile sites optimized for smartphones and tablets are going to be part of future shopping experiences.

It's Christmas! What better way to celebrate the holiday on the Tech Blog then by showcasing a few of the nifty animated video game holiday cards that arrived in my inbox this year.  Let's take a gander, shall we?

Atlus announced a collaboration with HBO and Cyanide studios last month to publish Game of Thrones, an action-RPG based on the internationally best-selling book series and hit TV show.  We've already been given an introductory trailer, voiced by series star James Cosmo, who also lent his likeness to the game, giving players a taste of the solemn oath all defenders of The Wall must swear to, and the deadly consequences should they betray their brothers. 

As the Christmas shopping season started ramping up, I was asked by a relative about the prospect of wall-mounting his TV — something that immediately triggered in me the experience I went through in doing it myself. Undoubtedly, there’s something more ornamental about having it hang off a wall, but proper research and planning are a must if you want to wall-mount your TV.