Virtual Reality - PSVR

Quick one.

Long before, around 5 years ago, I've learn about Project Morpheus by Sony. It's about virtual reality project. Since the news broke out, many other parties also pursuing the virtual reality idea. Thus Oculus Rift was born. After that, Playstation Virtual Reality (PSVR) also was launched.

I bring along my wife to get a taste for this technology. She is not really interested, but I was overwhelmed with it. So, I waited for almost a year to gather some funds to buy it. Yes, I managed to buy it even it was quite expensive earlier during its release time.

I really enjoyed the experience. But the adoption rate, I believe, quite low among the Playstation owners. It is not widely use in here, Malaysia. So our community is relatively small and the availability of the VR games is low. But somehow, we can buy it digitally from the PS store.

But, I must accept I'm grown man now. With family, with my wife and two kids. Soon, going to be three kids, InsyaAllah. Even though I'm a gamers, but my situation now makes me unable to enjoy the gaming scene, especially VR.

Compared to conventional gaming style where we just hold the controller and stare at screen, we can be interrupted during the gaming session. But as for VR, our eyes were closed with the head gear, our ears were attached with earphone and our hands holding move controllers, in other words, we are detached with real world. So the only time I'm able to play it is when my family went to sleep already. But even then, I feel uneasy as I feel disconnected entirely with the real world. It feels like I just leave my family while I'm away enjoying something outside. I always in worry if in case any emergency or urgency from my wife, but I didn't realize as all my sense were blocked by the VR.

I really feel bad. So, that's why my VR gear is now collecting dust. But I feel envy looking at Facebook group of VR sharing the Astrobot Rescue that has just been released yesterday. It's the first game I've tried for the VR (basically it was a free demo titled Playroom VR, but was made as a full game since then due to overwhelming response and reaction to the demo).

Well, some people may be able to enjoy it. I, maybe need to keep it for maybe around 2 or 3 years before I can fully use it again. Hopefully the condition is still good and not broken when the time arrives.

Till then, just move on with the life and hold the responsibilities tight.

"DAVID BECKHAM IS BRITAIN'S FINEST STRIKER OF A FOOTBALL NOT BECAUSE OF GOD-GIVEN TALENT BUT BECAUSE HE PRACTISES WITH A RELENTLESS APPLICATION THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF LESS GIFTED WOULDN'T CONTEMPLATE" – Sir Alex Ferguson –

Job Hunting

Newspaper job advertisement.

Source: LinkedIn

Hi. It's really have been a long, long time since my last entry. Well, blogs is no longer 'that' mainstream anymore. However, this blog was meant for me to keep on writing and writing so the skill won't be rusty. But, it does rust. Haha. I remember that I used to write a lot during my studies and at the beginning of my career. Now, it has been 7 years after I starts working. Wow, sure time flies very fast. I was planning to write in my experience maybe I will starts it sooner with another blog title.

I've been looking for a job after I finished my studies, 7 years ago. At that time I bought newspaper (namely 'The Star') which is so thick that I was feeling hopeful something inside it got a right job offer for me. At that time the job searching through websites is still not being mainstream (I think so). I still look for newspaper to look for a job. I've targeted every Wednesdays and Saturdays where I always saw adverts from big company looking for a staff. But unfortunately, my job hunting through this regular means never end up fruitful.

I end up being recommended by friends to his office's HR. Thank God that after interview I was selected. After few months, I felt it is not a right place for a young fresh grad to start the career with. So I look elsewhere and similarly through a friend recommendation. My second place is quite nice. Slightly better than the first one. It was challenging but balanced with my boss guidance. While planning to stay there at least for a year, my other friend asked me to forward my resume to him.

Similarly, I got invitation for interview session and afterwards being offered a place to work there. So I jumped to the new company even though not completing my targeted one year duration. This 'There' now means 'Here'. It has been six years that I have been working here. For me it is a long time. While many of my friends jump from one to other company quite often (I mean, jump healthily around 2 years apart), I have stayed here for six years.

I feel the time is just right for me to try to look at other places. So, after the last 7 years working and transfer to other places through friends recommendation, I return back to job hunting mode. Apart of looking new job through the web, I repeated my effort just like when I was started. I buy newspaper to look for a job as alternative to job search websites, to be precise, I bought Saturday edition of The Star newspaper. At first when I pick it up, I noticed that it's no longer as thick as back in those days. When I go through the newspaper, surprisingly there are only 4 pages of job advertisement, which also means only 2 sheets.

I was really shocked. Because I'm expecting a big company adverts in the Saturday edition of The Star. My feelings like a guy who suddenly time traveled to the future and find out that job adverts in newspaper is now being scarce, no longer mainstream. It was very thick back then, even the job advertisement sheets alone is like a normal newspaper edition on weekdays. So I come to accept that the job hunting now is mainly on the net. So I need to look properly especially when I'm looking for a big company now.

Well, I am going to attend an interview session next Monday, with a big company (at least big company for me). Wish me luck. May Allah help me. Amin.



"DAVID BECKHAM IS BRITAIN'S FINEST STRIKER OF A FOOTBALL NOT BECAUSE OF GOD-GIVEN TALENT BUT BECAUSE HE PRACTISES WITH A RELENTLESS APPLICATION THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF LESS GIFTED WOULDN'T CONTEMPLATE" – Sir Alex Ferguson –

Consoles’ Controller Layout

On the left is XBOX 360 controller and on the right is Playstation 3 controller (which also known as Dualshock 3 - DS3)

 

 

I just wanted to share my gaming experiences. I’ve been playing video games since I was a little kid. But I only became quite a serious gamer in the late 90’s. Yeah of course, that time I’ve grown slightly older so I can understand video game concept and English language a bit better.

At that time, it was the prime time for Sony’s Playstation. Then it continued with its successor, Playstation 2. I did owned both. Well, it was not mine. It was my brothers’ consoles. I just ‘borrowed’ from them. So, I really well conversed and familiar with Playstation’s controller. The shape and layout which is symmetrical is really suites me. The Playstation 2 controller is comfortable for me for most of game genre. Except for the first person shooters (FPS). I never finish any FPS game on Playstation 2. I did try but I just can’t. At that time, I thought that FPS was meant for PC because they got mouse and keyboard which is better for aiming and movement.

During early 2000’s, it was 6^th gaming generation which consist Sony Playstation 2, Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo GameCube and the last but not least, Sega Dreamcast. Since I was a Sony fanboy, I always looked down to the other consoles especially on Xbox.  When I first saw Xbox controller in magazine or websites, I was disgusted with it layout. It is not symmetrical plus from some reviews, they mentioned that it was too big for Asian hands. My thought at that time was, Microsoft just adjust the controller layout because they don’t want to be accused to copy Playstation if they use the same controller layout.  I didn’t plan to get any Xbox in the future at that time. However I still read news and info about Xbox. It seems that the FPS genre is famous with this console especially on Halo series.

As time passes by, we entered the 7^th generation of gaming by the end of 2005. It consists of Sony Playstation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. While it already few years since the 7th generation started, still no one buys for me those consoles. My brothers already got their own family so it seems I need to buy it by myself. As I wait for it is feasible for me to buy Playstation 3, unfortunately it never happened. Playstation 3 original games are still expensive. Hence, it leaves me with one and the only option which is to buy Xbox 360. 360 got ‘cheaper’ game on sales.

I did bought Xbox 360 at the end of year 2008. It hard to believe I’m buying Xbox 360 instead of Playstation 3. However, I need to understand the reality and my own situation at that time. 360 is the one that I can afford in the long run. As I arrived home at that night, at first I can’t accept the Xbox 360 controller because I already familiar with PS controller. After sometimes, I started to embrace it. Later on, I realize that Xbox 360 controller layout is very optimized with human hands. Plus, the button configuration of most game is really really suits the 360 controller. I don’t know how to describe it but for me it was perfect.

Since I started to like Xbox 360 controller, it did affect my preference of game later on. After that, I started to abandon Pro Evolution Soccer series and jump to FIFA. I never have confidence for FPS genre to be played on console. But I tried to play Call of Duty: World at War, and you know what? It was a blast! I previously never enjoyed FPS genre like this. With Xbox 360 controller trigger button look like pistols or rifle trigger as well, it feels like shooting for real. After that, I never looked back for my controller preference. It is Xbox 360 controller that I like most.

It just funny for me, remembering my first impression on the Xbox controller. I was literally disgusted and dejected with its layout (because not symmetry) but eventually it turns out that, I like it so much.

Irony. Haha.

"DAVID BECKHAM IS BRITAIN'S FINEST STRIKER OF A FOOTBALL NOT BECAUSE OF GOD-GIVEN TALENT BUT BECAUSE HE PRACTISES WITH A RELENTLESS APPLICATION THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF LESS GIFTED WOULDN'T CONTEMPLATE" – Sir Alex Ferguson –

Contradiction

As an engineer, I have to able to make decision. Also as a subordinate, it is important to take orders and instructions.

Just for now, I have to rely to follow instructions. Any decision from my part, is actually a suggestion.

Decision will coming from the superior. Not me.

When will I am going to make a decision? I don't know? Only time will tell. Only that time I have to bear the burden on my shoulders.



"DAVID BECKHAM IS BRITAIN'S FINEST STRIKER OF A FOOTBALL NOT BECAUSE OF GOD-GIVEN TALENT BUT BECAUSE HE PRACTISES WITH A RELENTLESS APPLICATION THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF LESS GIFTED WOULDN'T CONTEMPLATE" – Sir Alex Ferguson –

Merdeka

Permainan komputer Civilization (terkini Civilization V: Brave New World) memang menarik. Semakin lama, semakin unik dan juga lebih terperinci dan menyamai dengan konsep ketamadunan manusia. Sudah tentu pembina game ini sudah mengkaji dengan mendalam mengenai konsep ketamadunan, wonders, teknologi, etika, dan pelbagai lagi dan diaplikasikan dan diadunkan di dalam permainan ini. Setakat yang saya alami, rakan-rakan sekeliling susah untuk memahami permainan ini. Hanya mereka yang tertentu saja yang dapat merasai keseronokan permainan ini. Ya betul, yang tertentu sahaja.

Saya sudah lebih 10 tahun bermain permainan Civilization bermula dari Civilization III lagi, di tahun 2003. Ketika itulah rakan mula memperkenalkan permainan ini kepada saya. Dan setakat ini, hanya dia seorang sajalah rakan saya yang tahu bermain permainan Civilization ini. Pada yang mereka yang punyai passion pada sejarah mungkin dapat mencuba menyelami permainan ini. Semakin permainan ini maju, semakin banyak elemen yang ditambah baik, tahun demi tahun.

Tajuk entri kali ini mengenai merdeka. Ya, ada juga konsep merdeka di dalam permainan ini. Bermula dari Civilization IV. Saya mungkin jenis tidak terlalu berani untuk bermain difficulty hard. Jadi saya sentiasa bermain di peringkat beginner. Di peringkat ini, pejam mata pun boleh menang. Haha. Jadi, sentiasalah saya menang, dengan kekuatan tentera selalu saja dapat menawan musuh yang memegang watak tamadun lain.

Selepas itu, pada satu peringkat, satu empayar tidak dapat menampung keluasan yang terlalu besar. Jadi akan ada pilihan samada hendak memerdekakan kawasan yang telah dijajah atau tak. Untuk pihak lawan, jika saya memerdekakan kawasan mereka, maka mereka perlulah menyerahkan kebanyakan kekayaan dan juga hasil buminya kepada saya. Jika tidak mahu menyerahkan semua itu, maka mereka perlulah menentang kekuatan tentera saya yang begitu besar (sebab difficulty beginner – settler difficulty) dan jika mereka berjaya, mereka mengekalkan kedaulatan mereka dan tidak perlu menyerahkan kekayaannya kepada saya.

Merdeka kita, bagaimana?

"DAVID BECKHAM IS BRITAIN'S FINEST STRIKER OF A FOOTBALL NOT BECAUSE OF GOD-GIVEN TALENT BUT BECAUSE HE PRACTISES WITH A RELENTLESS APPLICATION THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF LESS GIFTED WOULDN'T CONTEMPLATE" – Sir Alex Ferguson –

Fi Ti Fi Ti 'Ain

Kecoh sekejap dengan isu CCRIS. Tapi, kecoh sekejap dan KJ jadi hero dengan mengkritik dasar kerajaan ini dan lantas Kabinet menarik balik semula cadangan tersebut. Saya bukan nak bicara isu PTPTN dengan CCRIS pun. Cuma teringat kisah lama.

Dengan dana PTPTN, pelajar mempunyai pelbagai sisi cerita. Ramai pelajar, maka banyaklah ceritanya. Secara umum, PTPTN lah membantu untuk membayar yuran pelajaran dan juga sara diri kami ketika belajar. :)

Tapi, kadang-kala ada yang terlepas pandang. PTPTN adalah untuk sara diri enjoy mereka. Ada rakan, anak orang kaya, bapanya sudah melarang untuk dia meminjam dengan PTPTN. Bapanya sebenarnya lebih dari mampu untuk menyara yuran dan sara diri anaknya.

Tapi anaknya tahu, dia takkan dapat wang sebanyaknya dengan sewenang-wenang dari bapanya itu. Terhad, amaun yang cukup-cukup mungkin, akan diberikan bapanya. Sudah tentu, untuk mendidik anak berjimat. Lantas, dia berdegil, tanpa pengetahuan bapanya meneruskan niat dengan meminjam dari PTPTN.

Kami, rakyat kebanyakan, rakyat marhaen, jauh di belakang rakan kami ini dari segi nasib keupayaan kewangan. Terkejut kami melihat bil perbelanjaan rakan kami di atas mejanya, sudah selesai semuanya dalam satu hujung minggu.

Ya, pinjaman yang kami terima untuk satu semester dan mencuba berjimat cermat setiap semester, dihabiskan hanya dua hari, sabtu dan ahad oleh rakan kami itu.

Dunia, banyak sisi cerita.

"DAVID BECKHAM IS BRITAIN'S FINEST STRIKER OF A FOOTBALL NOT BECAUSE OF GOD-GIVEN TALENT BUT BECAUSE HE PRACTISES WITH A RELENTLESS APPLICATION THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF LESS GIFTED WOULDN'T CONTEMPLATE" – Sir Alex Ferguson –

Al-Fatihah Buat Ayah

 Ayah (28/7/1932 - 13/03/2004)

9 tahun sudah sebenarnya. Memang masa pantas berlalu.
You went so soon, but I have to move on.

Al-Fatihah Buat Ayah.
Terima Kasih.

Song Title: So Soon
Artist: Maher Zain

Every time I close my eyes I see you in front of me
I still can hear your voice calling out my name
And I remember all the stories you told me
I miss the time you were around (x2)

But I’m so grateful for every moment I spent with you
‘Cause I know life won’t last forever

Chorus:

You went so soon, so soon
You left so soon, so soon
I have to move on ’cause I know it’s been too long
I’ve got to stop the tears, keep my faith and be strong
I’ll try to take it all, even though it’s so hard
I see you in my dreams but when I wake up you are gone
Gone so soon

Night and day, I still feel you are close to me
And I remember you in every prayer that I make
Every single day may you be shaded by His mercy
But life is not the same, and it will never be the same

But I’m so thankful for every memory I shared with you
‘Cause I know this life is not forever

CHORUS

There were days when I had no strength to go on
I felt so weak and I just couldn’t help asking: “Why?”
But I got through all the pain when I truly accepted
That to God we all belong, and to Him we’ll return, ooh

CHORUS

Source: Here

"DAVID BECKHAM IS BRITAIN'S FINEST STRIKER OF A FOOTBALL NOT BECAUSE OF GOD-GIVEN TALENT BUT BECAUSE HE PRACTISES WITH A RELENTLESS APPLICATION THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF LESS GIFTED WOULDN'T CONTEMPLATE" – Sir Alex Ferguson –