Matthew S. Smith
@mattontech.bsky.social
Tech journalist and author of book on EverQuest
https://mattontech.me
https://www.computergamingyesterday.com/index.html
https://mattontech.me
https://www.computergamingyesterday.com/index.html
Reposted by Matthew S. Smith
Presenting Shadow of the Colossus by @bossfightbooks.com : buff.ly/x62Lsey
January 20, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Presenting Shadow of the Colossus by @bossfightbooks.com : buff.ly/x62Lsey
It is beyond stupid to insist on registration for ebikes and other small electrical vehicles.
If NJ would like to actually address road deaths maybe try regulating the 6,000 pound SUVs with 5-foot-tall hoods.
Oh, but that would actually require some backbone...
#ebikes
If NJ would like to actually address road deaths maybe try regulating the 6,000 pound SUVs with 5-foot-tall hoods.
Oh, but that would actually require some backbone...
#ebikes
Why Every E-Biker Should Be Worried About NJ's Proposed Micromobility Insurance Law — Streetsblog USA
Instead of ensuring safety on Garden State roads, requiring bikers to carry insurance could make roads more dangerous, inequitable and polluted.
usa.streetsblog.org
January 20, 2026 at 5:45 PM
It is beyond stupid to insist on registration for ebikes and other small electrical vehicles.
If NJ would like to actually address road deaths maybe try regulating the 6,000 pound SUVs with 5-foot-tall hoods.
Oh, but that would actually require some backbone...
#ebikes
If NJ would like to actually address road deaths maybe try regulating the 6,000 pound SUVs with 5-foot-tall hoods.
Oh, but that would actually require some backbone...
#ebikes
Gamers won't learn to live AI. Gamers* will buy games that use AI while also swearing that actually no one will ever buy games that use AI. Same as it ever was.
*who actually counts as "gamers" is a mysterious and always will be
*who actually counts as "gamers" is a mysterious and always will be
January 20, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Gamers won't learn to live AI. Gamers* will buy games that use AI while also swearing that actually no one will ever buy games that use AI. Same as it ever was.
*who actually counts as "gamers" is a mysterious and always will be
*who actually counts as "gamers" is a mysterious and always will be
Fixed a bug in my tabletop RPG combat tracker and assistant, the Remove button, for removing characters from the initiative order, should now work properly.
ttrpg-tools.online
#ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder
ttrpg-tools.online
#ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder
Tabletop RPG Combat Tracker
ttrpg-tools.online
January 17, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Fixed a bug in my tabletop RPG combat tracker and assistant, the Remove button, for removing characters from the initiative order, should now work properly.
ttrpg-tools.online
#ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder
ttrpg-tools.online
#ttrpg #dnd #pathfinder
Oregon State University is a leader in robotics and AI research, and also very close to my doorstep. So, I've been writing a few articles for them, highlighting the work of professors and students.
This piece about Devin J. Roach, PhD dives into AI, 3D printing, and frickin' laser beams.
This piece about Devin J. Roach, PhD dives into AI, 3D printing, and frickin' laser beams.
Devin Roach uses 3D printing, AI, and lasers to revolutionize manufacturing | College of Engineering
Oregon State’s professor of mechanical engineering, Devin Roach, works at the crossroads between materials science, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. Roach’s Versatile Additive Manufacturing...
engineering.oregonstate.edu
January 16, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Oregon State University is a leader in robotics and AI research, and also very close to my doorstep. So, I've been writing a few articles for them, highlighting the work of professors and students.
This piece about Devin J. Roach, PhD dives into AI, 3D printing, and frickin' laser beams.
This piece about Devin J. Roach, PhD dives into AI, 3D printing, and frickin' laser beams.
For PC World I took at look at Acer's Predator X27U F5, yet another 500Hz OLED monitor. Already, these are rapidly dipping in price...and the motion clarity is spectacular.
#consumertech #displaytech #pcmonitor #oled
www.pcworld.com/article/3011...
#consumertech #displaytech #pcmonitor #oled
www.pcworld.com/article/3011...
Tested: Acer's X27U F5 makes 500Hz OLED more affordable
The Acer Predator X27U F5 is yet another 1440p 500Hz OLED monitor that delivers great motion clarity, and it cuts some less essential features to lower the price.
www.pcworld.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:43 PM
For PC World I took at look at Acer's Predator X27U F5, yet another 500Hz OLED monitor. Already, these are rapidly dipping in price...and the motion clarity is spectacular.
#consumertech #displaytech #pcmonitor #oled
www.pcworld.com/article/3011...
#consumertech #displaytech #pcmonitor #oled
www.pcworld.com/article/3011...
Looks like what I feared is happening...
Nvidia's less expensive 16GB video cards are getting the axe.
If you picked up one of those RTX 5060 TI 16GB cards for like, less than $400 around Black Friday, you did good.
#nvidia #rtx #consumertech #memoryshortage
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yteN...
Nvidia's less expensive 16GB video cards are getting the axe.
If you picked up one of those RTX 5060 TI 16GB cards for like, less than $400 around Black Friday, you did good.
#nvidia #rtx #consumertech #memoryshortage
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yteN...
The RTX 5070 Ti Has Been Killed Off
YouTube video by Hardware Unboxed
www.youtube.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Looks like what I feared is happening...
Nvidia's less expensive 16GB video cards are getting the axe.
If you picked up one of those RTX 5060 TI 16GB cards for like, less than $400 around Black Friday, you did good.
#nvidia #rtx #consumertech #memoryshortage
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yteN...
Nvidia's less expensive 16GB video cards are getting the axe.
If you picked up one of those RTX 5060 TI 16GB cards for like, less than $400 around Black Friday, you did good.
#nvidia #rtx #consumertech #memoryshortage
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yteN...
At #CES 2026 I spoke with Eric Migicovsky, once and current founder of Pebble, about the future of the pioneering smartwatch and its operating system which, in case you haven't heard, is now open source.
spectrum.ieee.org/open-source-...
#opensource #wearables #smartwatch #consumertech
spectrum.ieee.org/open-source-...
#opensource #wearables #smartwatch #consumertech
Pebble Returns to CES With a New Line of Wearables
Pebble was back at CES 2026 with wearables that prioritize simplicity and long battery life. See how the gadgets blend nostalgia and modern AI features.
spectrum.ieee.org
January 14, 2026 at 6:42 PM
At #CES 2026 I spoke with Eric Migicovsky, once and current founder of Pebble, about the future of the pioneering smartwatch and its operating system which, in case you haven't heard, is now open source.
spectrum.ieee.org/open-source-...
#opensource #wearables #smartwatch #consumertech
spectrum.ieee.org/open-source-...
#opensource #wearables #smartwatch #consumertech
Yet another unacceptable example of Portland police letting a driver off the hook for reckless behavior because they appeared apologetic.
And we wonder why traffic deaths are so high...
bikeportland.org/2026/01/13/d...
#pdx
And we wonder why traffic deaths are so high...
bikeportland.org/2026/01/13/d...
#pdx
Despite clear evidence, officer's lack of citation illustrates discretionary loophole
A clear-cut case that illustrates how some laws only matter if police choose to enforce them.
bikeportland.org
January 13, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Yet another unacceptable example of Portland police letting a driver off the hook for reckless behavior because they appeared apologetic.
And we wonder why traffic deaths are so high...
bikeportland.org/2026/01/13/d...
#pdx
And we wonder why traffic deaths are so high...
bikeportland.org/2026/01/13/d...
#pdx
Made some updates to my #ttrpg combat tracker.
Added a new note system to make it easier to see, and save multiple notes.
Updated the dice roller so that it can collapse and is easier to identify.
Added a new note system to make it easier to see, and save multiple notes.
Updated the dice roller so that it can collapse and is easier to identify.
January 10, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Made some updates to my #ttrpg combat tracker.
Added a new note system to make it easier to see, and save multiple notes.
Updated the dice roller so that it can collapse and is easier to identify.
Added a new note system to make it easier to see, and save multiple notes.
Updated the dice roller so that it can collapse and is easier to identify.
If we need a bridge, just build a bridge. Not this absurd boondoggle. #pdx
bikeportland.org/2026/01/08/v...
bikeportland.org/2026/01/08/v...
Video: Joe Cortright says massive new cost estimate means I-5 Bridge project is "dead"
$17.7 billion is an obscene figure.
bikeportland.org
January 9, 2026 at 10:15 PM
If we need a bridge, just build a bridge. Not this absurd boondoggle. #pdx
bikeportland.org/2026/01/08/v...
bikeportland.org/2026/01/08/v...
These are the best laptop software #CES 2026!
I toured CES to see as many laptops as I could. And you know what? It's a good year - memory pricing aside - particularly from Asus and Lenovo, which came in strong with some excellent do-it-all laptops.
#ces2026
www.pcworld.com/article/3024...
I toured CES to see as many laptops as I could. And you know what? It's a good year - memory pricing aside - particularly from Asus and Lenovo, which came in strong with some excellent do-it-all laptops.
#ces2026
www.pcworld.com/article/3024...
The 10 best laptops at CES 2026
We went hands-on to find the best laptops at CES 2026, highlighting the biggest winners in OLED, performance, and design.
www.pcworld.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:21 PM
These are the best laptop software #CES 2026!
I toured CES to see as many laptops as I could. And you know what? It's a good year - memory pricing aside - particularly from Asus and Lenovo, which came in strong with some excellent do-it-all laptops.
#ces2026
www.pcworld.com/article/3024...
I toured CES to see as many laptops as I could. And you know what? It's a good year - memory pricing aside - particularly from Asus and Lenovo, which came in strong with some excellent do-it-all laptops.
#ces2026
www.pcworld.com/article/3024...
Reposted by Matthew S. Smith
I really would like a new Deus Ex game though.
Deus Ex Lead Actor Says 'The People in Charge Are Psychopaths,' as Wait for New Game Continues - IGN
Deus Ex lead actor Elias Toufexis has branded the franchise's owners as "psychopaths," as the wait continues for a new entry in the dormant stealth action series.
www.ign.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:11 PM
I really would like a new Deus Ex game though.
Oh yes I'm sure there's no way kidnapping the president of Venezuela could backfire, especially not with these very competent geniuses in office...
January 3, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Oh yes I'm sure there's no way kidnapping the president of Venezuela could backfire, especially not with these very competent geniuses in office...
I haven’t laid eyes on this yet but it could be a big deal, and Samsung is already the generally slightly better choice for an OLED monitor…
Samsung Display finally brings V-Stripe subpixel layout to QD-OLED — mass production of new 1,300-nit 34-inch ultrawide panel also boosts text clarity
The end of text fringing on QD-OLED?
www.tomshardware.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:25 PM
I haven’t laid eyes on this yet but it could be a big deal, and Samsung is already the generally slightly better choice for an OLED monitor…
The info I'm getting on laptops/desktops and other PC hardware at CES 2026 does not look great from a price perspective. I'd say you can expect to pay $100-$200 more for a laptop in summer 2026 than in summer 2025.
January 2, 2026 at 6:43 PM
The info I'm getting on laptops/desktops and other PC hardware at CES 2026 does not look great from a price perspective. I'd say you can expect to pay $100-$200 more for a laptop in summer 2026 than in summer 2025.
Reading in bed! what a scandal!
New Year's Resolutions of the Past: Vices That Became Virtues
Virtues we now aspire to were once habits people vowed to quit
open.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Reading in bed! what a scandal!
You know those The Lord of the Rings movies still hold up.
January 1, 2026 at 1:23 AM
You know those The Lord of the Rings movies still hold up.
Reposted by Matthew S. Smith
My book's first print run of 2000 copies took 5 years to sell through, but it did! Not bad for a book I was too pandemic-depressed to promote much when it came out.
A second run of 1000 copies is with the printers now. Probably good for another 5 years, I'd bet?
A second run of 1000 copies is with the printers now. Probably good for another 5 years, I'd bet?
One of our biggest printings ever! In just over a month we will receive copies of:
- two NEW books: Life is Strange & Dragon Age II
- three old books with refreshed covers
- three more reprints
...meaning every single paperback will be back in stock.
@kaittremblay.bsky.social @charlottereber.com
- two NEW books: Life is Strange & Dragon Age II
- three old books with refreshed covers
- three more reprints
...meaning every single paperback will be back in stock.
@kaittremblay.bsky.social @charlottereber.com
December 31, 2025 at 6:31 PM
My book's first print run of 2000 copies took 5 years to sell through, but it did! Not bad for a book I was too pandemic-depressed to promote much when it came out.
A second run of 1000 copies is with the printers now. Probably good for another 5 years, I'd bet?
A second run of 1000 copies is with the printers now. Probably good for another 5 years, I'd bet?
Hahaha ok. Would love to hear the reasoning that went into this one…
www.tomshardware.com/raspberry-pi...
www.tomshardware.com/raspberry-pi...
New York's Mayoral Inauguration bans Raspberry Pi and Flipper Zero — devices join explosives, guns, drones, and beach balls on prohibited items list
The Big Apple doesn't like Raspberries, apparently
www.tomshardware.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Hahaha ok. Would love to hear the reasoning that went into this one…
www.tomshardware.com/raspberry-pi...
www.tomshardware.com/raspberry-pi...