CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-21 18:41:02 (28 comments, 15 reshares, 48 +1s)

People are investing into Sony after the Xbox One reveal?

Sony's shareprice is climbing aggressively right now - up 8.58%!

http://money.cnn.com/quote/quote.html?symb=SNE

What do people think? Quite shocked about how games are tied to one single account. And any other player has to pay a fee. Even if you let your girlfriend / boyfriend play on their account. Or if you lend the game to a friend. What?

What do you guys think? PlayStation 4 or Xbox One? Wii U?

2013-05-21 16:16:12 (11 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)

Whilst watching Gremlins 2 last weekend I suddenly realised I'd never seen any of the Rambo films. Fortunately one of my colleagues helped me out here. I know what I'll be doing tonight .. :)

2013-05-21 13:59:18 (4 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

Good news! The brand new Blue Toad Murder Files update (version 1.4), which contains Episode 5 - The Riddles of the Past, has successfully passed Apple's review process. We're committed to creating the best murder mystery game that's available on iPad & iPhone. we want to do this by listening to your feedback and by giving you more content to enjoy. With that in mind we have decided not to add The Riddles of the Past as an In-App Purchase - instead we are giving this hour-long episode away for free.

In The Riddles of the Past we finally discover what happened to our imprisoned detectives. A trail of seduction, misdirection and deadly intent has disrupted the once peaceful town of Little Riddle. You need to figure out how that has happened and prevent new murders from happening, but is it too late? Many challenging puzzles and case reviews are waiting for you, all wrapped up in... more »

2013-05-20 08:31:49 (24 comments, 0 reshares, 26 +1s)

With Spotify and Google Music All Access I'm pretty sure that this will be the last CD I'll ever buy. In my life.

2013-05-18 23:00:23 (13 comments, 1 reshares, 6 +1s)

If you English people feel sad about #Eurovision, know that that us Dutchies almost submitted this 14 years ago.

2013-05-18 18:04:16 (10 comments, 3 reshares, 17 +1s)

What is the Google H840 media streamer?

The FCC is testing a mysterious Google media streamer (http://goo.gl/EIXfG). Is it a successor to the ill-fated Nexus Q?

H2G2 was a handy abbreviation for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. And 42 was the answer to life, the universe and everything. And now we have the H2G2-42, which is the model name of Google's mysterious new media streamer.

The Nexus Q, despite its great looks (courtesy of Mike & Maaike, a half-Dutch(!) industrial design firm which was acquired by Google last year) everyone knew it was just an odd experiment. The Nexus Q was given away to the attendees of Google I/O 2012, and people who pre-ordered the $299 media player on Google Play ended up receiving the device for free as well. After that we didn't hear a single thing about it. Which wasn't a surprise, since the Nexus Q wasa... more »

2013-05-18 11:55:26 (0 comments, 3 reshares, 7 +1s)

Someone synced Daft Punk's Contact with 2001: A Space Oddysey. This can't be a coincidence ..

2013-05-17 15:49:22 (5 comments, 1 reshares, 6 +1s)

I've just reduced the price of my iOS game on the App Store! You can now get Murder Files for just £1.99 / $2.99 / €2.69.

(Which also makes it perfect as a gift! :)

http://appstore.com/bluetoadmurderfilesatouchofmystery

2013-05-16 15:51:38 (11 comments, 1 reshares, 24 +1s)

Search. Google Now. Google+. Google Glass. The common design element is a subtle coup: Index Cards

It's amazing to see how Google managed to introduce a beautiful coherent design element that actually is still quite closely related to the traditional Google Search page. And it's rolling out everywhere now.

How do people feel about this move - I'm curious to know what its future role is in Android and Chrome OS. It really wouldn't surprise me if Key Lime Pie is a huge overhaul of Android and actually gets rid of all the dark menu screens. It could all well be about nice white open spaces - making Android feel much friendlier. And what about Chrome?

2013-05-13 17:46:04 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Aaaaand it's a wrap! We have just submitted Episode 5 to Apple for review, we're aiming to release the episode on May 23rd so everything is on track.

Besides having the full new episode we've also added some +Google+ love - you can now follow this page directly from the game itself. If you're already reading this then it doesn't matter, but hopefully it will make other Google+ users aware of how there is an official Blue Toad page on their favourite social network :).

2013-05-13 17:05:40 (17 comments, 1 reshares, 8 +1s)

Usually unboxing videos are a bit naff, but Daft Punk is doing it their own way. I'm so excited about Random Access Memories, I even have it pre-ordered on CD and I don't even have a CD player. But I thought it would be a good wrap-up knowing that it would be the last CD I'll ever buy in my whole life. CD is dead. The PlayStation 4 doesn't even support CDs anymore.

Anyway, this is a great unboxing video and it reminds me of Daft Punk's 2006 Electroma film. Which you really should check out.

(p.s. thanks +Richard Dixon for pointing me to this video.)

2013-05-12 00:04:27 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Playing Snowboard Kids on a N64 in the pub ..

2013-05-09 20:19:17 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Euh +YouTube, this isn't right. Is it? What is it?

2013-05-09 19:46:02 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 10 +1s)

We're very proud of the work we've done on Kinect Nat Geo TV and we wanted to thank everyone in style. So we got in touch with Michael Place (ex-The Designers Republic, now owner of  design agency Build) to design these plaques for our team here.

Thanks everyone!

2013-05-08 15:45:29 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

There's times in life when one just does not feel the need to mingle.

I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but I'm a big fan of Le Le, Electro smooth-talkers from my home country with a kitsch value that goes through the roof. This is their latest single, Eyes Closed, which was shot with a stuntman driving through the streets of LA.

If you want to hear more I recommend checking out Partytime, the album they released last year. Damien, Morning Drinks, so many great tracks showcasing an unusual blend of English, Dutch, German and French lyrics. You can listen to Partytime here on Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/user/martijnvandermeulen/playlist/2v1JZLEmuXbgOQYTc5HyFw

2013-05-06 20:17:11 (20 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

Wow, I now have over 10,000 followers here on Google+!

Since I gained about 2,000 followers in just the last four weeks it would be great to know how you found my Google+ account. It doesn't look like my name is in a shared circle, so how do all of you find my profile? Owh, and it would be nice to know what your interests are so I can add you to my own circles.

Thanks! You guys are amazing! :)

2013-05-09 09:14:33 (45 comments, 2 reshares, 29 +1s)

What are you expecting when it comes to Google I/O announcements?

Here are some of my thoughts:
• White 32GB Nexus 4 with LTE.
• Motorola X phone
• A huge Jelly Bean update.
• Higher spec Nexus 7 for $129.
• Google Glass for £399.
• Google's version of Game Center.
• Google Babel (the new unified messenger).
• Chrome Packaged Apps.
• A new Google X project.
• Chrome OS tablet.
• Google Smart Watch
• Google Music Streaming Service

Anything else?

2013-05-02 21:42:20 (17 comments, 1 reshares, 9 +1s)

Wow, I just noticed that Catherine is now free on PlayStation Plus. This has been one of the most refreshing games I've played within the last five years or so. I can't recommend this game enough, it really does some amazing things and creates an experience unlike any other game.

2013-05-01 14:22:48 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

More mysterious murders! We have just released a new hour-long #BlueToad episode, and it's free! Enjoy!

http://appstore.com/bluetoadmurderfilesatouchofmystery

2013-04-27 11:24:45 (20 comments, 1 reshares, 11 +1s)

How much would you pay for Google Glass?

For me:
Up to £600 is instant purchase.
Up to £1100 requires a few days of thinking.
Up to £1500: Not sure.

For you?

2013-04-26 12:46:27 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

The view outside one of our studio windows. Had to laugh when I spotted the "cops cant [sic] climb" graffiti.

2013-04-24 20:57:38 (9 comments, 1 reshares, 9 +1s)

Some of my old Sony friends have created this amazing Android game: Smash Cops Heat. It's worth checking out (not just because I'm credited on the game :P). I really love the controls of this game - it feels so incredibly natural. Combine that with amazing car chases and explosions and what else do you need?

Did I also mention that the game is free?

2013-04-24 18:32:15 (9 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

Would you volunteer to go to Mars?

Oh you Dutch people ;). A Dutch non-profit has serious plans of sending four volunteers to Mars to start the first colony. Things like this remind me of the colonisation of the United States. Many Europeans left in the 1600s and took an enormous trip to an unknown new land. They built their colonies and settlements, and look at where we are now.

Obviously Mars is quite a different beast than uncharted land on our own planet. Humans aren't built for surviving on another planet, so we use our science to make this work in the best way possible. Which is still incredibly dangerous. But exciting. To get somewhere in life you have to take risks - mankind has to take risks to get somewhere. This is a risk that will give us an unprecedented amount of information that will be vital for getting us off our planet on the long term.
more »

2013-04-24 18:19:11 (25 comments, 2 reshares, 11 +1s)

In the last quarter 50 times more iPads were sold than Wii Us. And more than 50% of those iPads are used for gaming, by exactly Nintendo's target audience.

I hate to say it, but I find it hard to imagine how the Wii U can ever get a foothold in the current market. Are the upcoming games good enough to get people to buy one? The mass market audience that bought the Wii are probably still happy with their Wii and don't see the point of upgrading. Especially when they're walking around with a portable gaming platform that still has a ton of amazing games coming out for it.

2013-04-23 23:40:20 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Yo +Jo Haslam, I’m really happy for you, Imma let you finish but don't forget that I got those Sonic 2 Trophies way before you...way before you!

2013-04-21 21:37:30 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Just did some co-op Scott Pilgrim. Such a great PSN game, and don't forget the Anamanaguchi soundtrack!

2013-04-21 14:45:39 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 13 +1s)

Om nom nom.

2013-04-20 14:15:51 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 14 +1s)

Chilling in a sunny park with some white wine. Not a bad way to spend the Saturday.

2013-04-19 21:07:44 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Working late with my +Relentless Software friends. Actually having tons of fun, just making +Blue Toad Murder Files better and better. :)

2013-04-19 07:09:38 (8 comments, 3 reshares, 11 +1s)

Daft Punk - Get Lucky is now available on Spotify!

http://open.spotify.com/album/2ePFIvZKMe8zefATp9ofFA

2013-04-18 09:06:15 (16 comments, 0 reshares, 31 +1s)

Wow, #BlueToad is now the #1 PAID APP ON THE UK APP STORE :).

http://www.bluetoadmurderfiles.co.uk/

2013-04-17 11:08:42 (20 comments, 1 reshares, 11 +1s)

I'm really excited about Google Glass, but one question I haven't seen answered before:

Is Glass waterproof? Or at least rainproof?

So far all the videos have shown Google Glass being worn inside or outside in nice warm Californian weather. However, being in the UK it means that I'm constantly surrounded by either rain or drizzle. Can Google Glass handle that?

So who holds the answer to my question? :)

2013-04-16 20:43:05 (6 comments, 3 reshares, 13 +1s)

"We're up on a mexican monkey" ;)
#daftpunk #randomaccessmemories

2013-04-15 10:46:00 (6 comments, 1 reshares, 5 +1s)

#BlueToad for iPad, iPhone and iPod is now temporarily ON SALE! 65% OFF! $0.99 / €0.89 / £0.69 is a steal!

http://appstore.com/bluetoadmurderfilesatouchofmystery

2013-04-14 15:00:11 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Awesome day sailing with friends. Perfect wind, perfect sun. Awesome.

2013-04-12 21:49:14 (14 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Does anyone know the origin of the "I'm not angry, just disappointed" quote?

#pubtalk

2013-04-12 13:01:57 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Blue Toad has been nominated by the friendly guys at Pocket Gamer for Game of the Week!

Please share and help us win here by voting on their Facebook poll:

2013-04-11 17:57:01 (24 comments, 3 reshares, 49 +1s)

Wow, Apple just made #BlueToad , my new game, Editor's Choice!

#flattered #humbled

Download link here for the people that love their murder mysteries: http://appstore.com/bluetoadmurderfilesatouchofmystery :)

2013-04-11 09:48:05 (43 comments, 15 reshares, 60 +1s)

#BlueToad , the beautiful murder mystery puzzle game that I've been working on, is now available for download on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch! It would be great if you could check it out and let me know your thoughts!

Please share this post :).

Download link is here:
http://appstore.com/bluetoadmurderfilesatouchofmystery

2013-04-10 11:10:14 (4 comments, 1 reshares, 12 +1s)

#BlueToad will be available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch tomorrow (the 11th), and tomorrow starts in about an hour in New Zealand! We're excited!

We're very proud of the game, we're a very small team and have been working very hard to get to this moment. Note that you'll have to wait until it's the 11th in your country - but for now we hope you'll enjoy the official trailer we've created for the game!

2013-04-09 10:28:24 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

If you're enjoying Kinect Nat Geo TV then you'll be pleased to know that there are two brand new interactive episodes available: Return to the Snake Cave & Crocodile Capture.

Follow Dr. Brady Barr in his wildlife adventures on your Xbox 360!

2013-04-08 14:10:55 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)

Thank you +ConsoleMonster Core for awarding our Kinect Nat Geo TV game an 8 out of 10!

http://www.consolemonster.com/article.php?id=1274

2013-04-08 06:54:22 (47 comments, 16 reshares, 33 +1s)

Google in talks of acquiring WhatsApp for $1 billion to strengthen Google Babel?

It's just a rumour right now, but it's definitely a story that makes sense. Google's instant messaging services are all over the place - Google Talk, Google+ Messenger, Google Voice, Hangouts, Google Drive Chat: they don't talk to each other at all and are all different services. Google Babel is a (practically confirmed) rumour on Google's plan to solve this. Google Babel would be a seamless messenger experience across Android, iOS, Chrome, Google+ and Gmail and is expected to be announced at Google I/O next month. Next month!

And that's all nice and well, but Google is incredibly late with making a significant entry into this market - WhatsApp is a major player, but don't forget about the Facebook Messenger and how at least in the UK sending text messages isp... more »

2013-04-05 11:13:33 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

We're still working on it, but we now have a Relentless Software page here on Google+! If you want to see development updates and other interesting things about our studio in your stream then go ahead and Circle it :).

Thanks :)

2013-04-04 10:06:27 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

Premium Nexus 4 Headphones?

I'm trying to find more information, but there is some buzz going around about official 'premium' Nexus 4 headphones about to go on sale on Google Play under this link:

https://play.google.com/store/devices/details/Premium_Nexus_4_phone_Headphones_with_Mic?id=nexus_4_headset&feature=accessories

In the image they look horrible. Thin cheap wires, and poor industrial design.

Watch this space ..

2013-04-03 17:29:01 (13 comments, 1 reshares, 6 +1s)

If you're a member of the press and like to get a sneak preview of +Blue Toad Murder Files, a beautiful murder mystery game I'm working on, then shout :).

The game will be released for iOS on Thursday next week!

2013-04-02 21:08:45 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Name your price.

What would you pay for Google Glass?

For many the £1000/$1500 price tag for the early release Explorer Edition was way to expensive. But come launch day, what would you be willing to pay for this marvellous piece of technology?

From what I know of it, it's not a phone, it's not an mp3 player, it's not even a laptop. It's actually quite limited in its functionalities, but it is a pair of Glasses that you can interact with. It will understand your surroundings and give you prompts as you need them. You have gesture and voice controls, but can you type messages? You can hangout, but others can't see your face. You can take photos but can you email them?

There are many unknowns yet everybody seems to love the concept.

So what would you be willing to pay? Me? I'd have to say £300, but I think it will be moret... more »

2013-04-02 20:11:33 (28 comments, 0 reshares, 13 +1s)

So I was watching Back to the Future a few days ago and one thing just didn't make sense to me. Doc Brown creates a giant antenna-hook that goes straight into the flux capacitor. Which is all fine and well. But why is it a hook? Marty has to drive at 88mph and have the hook hitting the wire, whilst it's struck by lightning.

If it's a hook it will just get pulled out of the car if Marty gets any of his timings wrong. Right?!

Why not create a very long antenna, that stays in contact with the wire above the road. Or just run a powercable from the clock tower straight into the DeLorean. 

It just all seems like taking unnecessary risks for such a crucial thing.

2013-04-02 14:07:02 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

We can finally announce that Blue Toad will be available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch on April 11th!

Are you ready to solve murder mysteries? What happened to the Mayor?

2013-03-30 17:13:46 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 18 +1s)

Nexus 4 Photosphere .. Took some effort to climb up this hill ..