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Xbox One Vs PlayStation 4: An Age Old Battle That Took A New Direction

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The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) saw Microsoft and Sony continue their punch-up in the next-generation console battle, revealing the games, the features, and (most importantly) the price points of their new home products.

Microsoft revealed the design of their new console, dubbed the Xbox One, weeks before, attracting criticism for a clunky box that drew comparisons to early model VCRs. The criticism did not end there. The company rolled out some rather clumsy policies with regards to the sharing of games and the need for an online connection.

According to the mass criticisms, the company seemed to have learned nothing from the SimCity debacle that engulfed EA and Maxis, where players had to have a constant internet connection in order to play the game. Likewise, the Xbox One required a connection once per day, and would not function without it. The company also announced anti-consumer rules ‘that would have effectively banned gamers from trading in their purchased titles, or charged them extra for it’.

Meanwhile, Sony’s PS4 console struck several blows. First, there was the design: sleek and angular, with a blue glowing bar across it that gave it an edgy, sci-fi feel. This was matched by the new controller, the DualShock 4, which also has a tantalising blue light, as well as tweaked grip, a share button and a headphone jack. Then came the powerful right hook; the pricing. Sony priced its new console at $399/£349, significantly lower than the cost of an Xbox One at $499/£429. Then came the killer blow: there would be no restrictions on sharing games, trading games or selling games.

In the weeks following E3, Microsoft has since reversed its used game and always-connected policies. While the company may hope it shows they are willing to change, others may see it as a pretty weak back-track effort.

There’s no doubt about the upcoming exclusive Xbox games such as Ryse: Son of Rome, Dead Rising 3 and Halo 5 will tempt fans back to the fold – but in any case, with the PS4’s lower price point, a classy aesthetic design and superior RAM, Sony has definitely won the first round.

Java Developers Are The Hardest IT Professionals To Find Claims Survey

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A survey of more than 850 technology-focussed hiring managers carried out last year by an American IT employment website found that recruiters cited Java developer jobs as the toughest positions to fill, after mobile, .NET and software developer roles. 

In fact, employers said these vacancies were up to three times more frequently cited than other skill sets in the jobs marketplace, reported the research.

Also on the list of the top 10 hardest to find skill sets were:

  • Security
  • SAP
  • Web development
  • SharePoint
  • Network engineering

When asked to express a preference for the level of experience required, recruiters were likeliest to choose for between two and five years’ experience, meaning the most sought after roles in tech are graduate IT jobs or opportunities for second-jobbers.

There are a couple of reasons for this strong competition for the best people, including the fact that all companies are chasing the same pool of talent, while cuts to training budgets in the downturn have meant that opportunities for internal talent development aren’t as widespread as they may once have been.

Indeed, there has been a trend for shifting responsibility for staff training to the employee, especially given the fact that recruiters say they anticipate that most tech professionals will stay with their employer no more than three years, a turnover which makes extensive investment in training and development tough.

Speaking the Java lingo 

To make the most of these openings and become a Java developer, you’ll need to make your knowledge of this programming language as good as it can be. There are various ways of doing that, including:

  • Web-based tutorials – there are plenty of these, from beginner to advanced level
  • Textbooks – an easier way of learning the language than you may have realised
  • University or college courses – these may be an especially good option if you prefer group learning with an instructor to teaching yourself.

Start your own Java project 

Develop your Java skills with a specific project – it can be anything you like. Put the theory you have learnt so far into practice so that you increase your knowledge of the development language and make the best use of the IDE.

A project will give you practical experience of developing your own code, debugging, and following best practice. Learning is one thing, but it’s only when you’ve had first-hand experience that you will develop your skills. Build applications or websites using Java and be prepared to discuss them articulately at interview stage.

Nailing that job 

If you’re still relatively new to Java and without previous professional experience, set your sights on entry-level roles. You will still need to demonstrate your abilities, which is where your project comes in.

You may also want to consider getting certified. One certification you could start off with is the Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA). This will stand entry-level Java developers in good stead and be of benefit when looking for work as a Java programmer.

Finally, to maximise your chances of bagging your dream Java developer job, upload your CV on Jobsite so employers can find you easily. You’ll also get personalised job email alerts in your inbox.

Stretching and Wirelessly Charging a Lithium-ion Battery

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Stretchable/ Elastic batteries have two primary purposes – medical and consumer electronics. Stretchable lithium-ion batteries can power tiny medical electronics that can be implanted inside the human body (monitoring heart rate for instance). And on the other hand, these batteries can well address the need of stretchable/ flexible electronics – an upcoming technology in the consumer industry.

This is more of a solution to a problem approach. A number of electronic devices are coming up with stretchable properties; the currently available line-up of batteries are simply not suitable for them. Only recently, suitable stretchable lithium-ion batteries have been successfully tested to address this concern.

Via – [NorthWestern.EDU]