This week in The Technophile Jay and I are branching out: in addition to our normal product reviews and Web sites of the week, we are including pieces on Web 2.0 and a review of the last great game for Playstation 2: Final Fantasy XII.

First, we look at what exactly Web 2.0 is. How does it affect your life and how will impact our future? Will there be a Web 3.0? Why should you care? Check out my article for a definition and a brief look at Web 2.0’s short history.

Second we take an in depth look at the latest great game from Square Enix: Final Fantasy XII. This graphics-rich game has the potential to keep players busy for days on end…I know I would play it just to listen to the incredible soundtrack. But should you buy it? Read Jay’s article to see what he thinks of its different aspects.

Then we take a look at a relatively unknown shopping site that adheres to Web 2.0 principles: thisnext.com. Thisnext is a site that all online shoppers need to check out this holiday season to find the best prices other users have found and see the other items people think are high commodities.

Finally, on behalf of The Pacer staff and our technical writers let me thank you for your support and readership. Our lives would be quite boring on Mondays without the rush of putting together The Technophile to inform UTM about the world of technology.

It is our collaborative effort to connect UTM to a connected world. If by chance, you are tired of reading what just a select few of us have to say about the world of technology, I encourage you to email your opinions to pacer_tech@utm.edu or email with a story idea if you want to contribute.