04.28.25 |
film |
∞
High quality older movies are hard to find across most streaming services. Titles more than a decade old are largely buried under noisy home pages and poor algorithmic recommendations. Even specific searches for a title, actor, or director often give disappointing results.
When we lose cinema’s past greats, I worry we’re losing a treasure trove of films that could appeal to potential movie lovers. Without them, many view movies only as modern blockbuster franchises, limiting their interest to occasional trips to the multiplex.
Older movies expand our perspective through the lens of different time periods and creative teams. Many remain exceptional highlights of genre or showcase remarkable performances. Mainstream studio releases from decades ago regularly featured original, non-franchise stories across a range of genres. Genres that were once commonplace — romantic comedies, courtroom dramas, adult-oriented thrillers — rarely get much exposure given today’s blockbuster-dominated theaters. Ultimately, a richer back catalog encourages interest in the medium.
Continue reading…
04.07.25 |
Gaming |
∞
The future of Xbox depends more on its software than its hardware. A strong update of Xbox’s Windows-based gaming app — let’s call it “XboxOS” — is essential for the Xbox brand to survive beyond its massive game publishing reach.
This is a sobering reality that contradicts many recent hardware-specific rumors. Microsoft could make the smartest handheld or console ever, but it will likely appeal only to a small segment of core enthusiasts. The main problem is shrinking market share. Xbox Series S and X sales are declining rapidly. The upcoming Switch 2 will only accelerate Microsoft’s hardware losses. Many previously loyal Xbox customers have already shifted to PC or PS5. History shows that third or fourth place hardware ecosystems rarely rebound in sales.
Additionally, because Microsoft can’t rely on the same volume of sales as Sony or Nintendo, which means the company likely has to seek higher profit margins per device. This suggests Microsoft hardware will cost more than a potentially than similarly powered alternatives. I expect any next-generation hardware will be more of an experiment for Microsoft — effectively a Surface device for gamers.
Continue reading…