Apple's software and operating system is based on the unix framework. So when the batteries drain out or if the device is reseted, almost all Apple products be it Macbook's, iPhones, iPads, iPods etc. reset to the beginning of unix epoch time or POSIX time: 12:00 AM UTC 1st January, 1970.

Unix time calculates the number of seconds elapsed since that date. But here comes the problem. The standard Unix time_t (data type representing a point in time) is a signed integer data type, traditionally of 32 bits. This means maximum amount of seconds that unix time based devices can calculate will eventually run out on 19 January 2038 ! Think of it as the next Y2K bug, some even call it the UNIX millennium bug. Its such a big problem that xkcd even made a comic on it :

Courtesy : xkcd

This problem could effect unix and unix like (linux) devices. Including many modern apple, android and linux based devices. The most vulnerable are embedded system devices like GPS, communication devices and transportation safety systems in air crafts, automobiles, ships etc. The embedded devices cannot be easily updated and pose a huge risk for failure.

Fortunately modern 64 bit system use signed 64-bit time_t integers which enable them to display time approximately 292 billion years from now. So you won't have to worry till they year December 292,277,026,596. Check out more information on the Year 2038 problem here. Continue reading...

Amazing Breaker truly is an amazing strategy game available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (Amazing Breaker HD) where you have to break ice sculptures using bombs in typical physics based aim and shoot gameplay (like angry birds). I just completed all 80 levels with 3 stars. So, Here are some tips and tricks to help you with this fun addiction:

1) Always get the bonus bombs before they disappear. If you have to make a choice between getting one of two bonus bombs always choose the Purple Helicopter bomb.

2) Purple Helicopter Bomb > Blue Ghost Bomb > Green Split Bomb > Red Spike Bomb. Many a times the green split bomb is more valuable than the blue ghost bomb especially if you have more than one bomb left in your arsenal.

3) Try to split the green split bombs as wide as it can be chained for maximum impact.

4) Chain purple helicopter bombs with green split bombs for an amazing kill blast.

5) Remember you don't have to have a chain blast every time with a purple helicopter bomb. Release the bomb jewels (in a chain) early on and let the empty helicopter capsule bomb another place. This way you can have more impact. ie. You can use your purple bomb as a dual impact green split bomb + red spike bomb. Kill two birds with one stone.

6) Try to place the bombs in the center. It super annoying when small ice fragments ruin your whole shot.

7) Remember bombs can bounce on the side panels and top panel. Use this to your advantage.

8) Blue ghost bombs can be controlled slightly in any direction (including up and down).

Update:
9) Ok I just found about this now, there is a switch button on the left hand bottom corner of the screen that allows you to switch a current bomb with the one next in queue.

Thats all the tips, tricks, hints and strategies I can think of for now. Do let me know in the comments if you have any of your own. And let the impatient wait for new bombs and levels begin. Continue reading...

Game Dev Story is an amazing business simulation game popular on iOS devices (iPhone and iPod Touch) and PC. Here are a list of tips, guides and strategies in order for you to succeed.
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