Here’s what you need to know.  James Cameron’s epic Avatar is coming to back to theatres for a limited two week run from August 27 to September 10.  It will only be shown in IMAX 3D theatres and will include “eight minutes of additional, never before seen footage.”  So, if you haven’t seen the highest grossing movie of all time yet this is your chance to catch it the way it was meant to be seen–in IMAX 3D.  And if you have seen the movie and enjoyed it the first time around, you might be interested in kicking back a second time to catch the new bits of footage.  The movie looks fantastic in IMAX 3D because it was shot for that particular medium.  If you purchased the movie on DVD or Blu-ray and haven’t see it yet, hold off on that until you’ve seen it in 3D.  Trust me, it’s worth it.

[Via MarketWatch]

Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am revealed in an interview with Vibe that the eccelctic group will be filming a movie in 3D with Avatar director James Cameron at the helm.  According to Will the movie will follow the band on tour across the world and it will have a storyline that he describes as “dope.”  He humbly says, “We have the biggest director, because we are the biggest group on the planet.”  Cameron has yet to comment on the project.  It’s slated to release sometime early next year.  Having seen the U2 in 3D movie back in 2008, I can say I’m stoked to see what Cameron and the Peas can put together.  I was highly impressed with the U2 movie (it introduced a sense of realism and coupled with the impressive surround sound it felt like you were in the crowd).  Cameron is the 3D king right now, and the Peas are constantly pushing the envelope with sound and visuals.  If anyone’s going to make a 3D film based on a current band, these are the players to make it happen.

[Via MTVNews]

After a flurry of rumors Nintendo finally revealed its next handheld to the world with the 3DS.  Its overall design does not depart from its predecessor the DSi.  There are two screens; the top is 3D-capable (widescreen 3.5 inches), the bottom is touch-sensitive.  No glasses required!  Button and camera positioning remains almost the same.  New additions include a home button, a Slide Pad (it’s an analog nub), a 3D Depth Slider that allows you to control the 3D effect from 100% to totally off, and a third camera positioned next to the one on the front allowing for 3D picture-taking.  It also packs an accelerometer and gyroscope.  All in all the 3D effect was quite pleasing and added a new sense of depth to the demonstrations and trailers.  It definitely takes a couple minutes to adjust your eyes to the screen but once that’s done the depth perception becomes a welcome addition to gameplay.  Your initial reaction will be “woah, this is neat.”  It’s worthy to note that there is a 3D boundary when you’re holding the device in your hands.  If you tilt the 3DS ever so slightly or try to have someone else watch what you’re doing from a slight angle the 3D effect gets completely distorted and essentially disappears.  As for the analog nub, it feels and works similar to the PSP’s nub and will likely make for some new interesting control schemes for 3DS titles.

Speaking of games, the 3DS section of the Nintendo booth did include a couple playable games but they were extremely barebones and there only to give people a glimpse into the 3D effect.  Samurai Warriors 3D had me fighting off an incoming army of ninjas.  Thought the 3D effect was there, the gameplay was rather stale and did not make for such a great experience.  On the other hand, StarFox 3D brought a sense of nostalgia over me and I quickly became immersed in the playable demo as I took flight in the skies and shot lasers at enemy planes.  A vast amount of 3DS handhelds were loaded with 3D environments that you could only explore by manipulating the camera angle with the nub.  Resident Evil Revelations cutscenes look fantastic in stereoscopic vision.  All in all, the 3DS is an impressive piece of hardware and I’m excited to see how Nintendo continues to build on the platform as we near its release in 2011.  3D is starting to become a trend in the movie industry and now in video games thanks to the PS3 and 3DS.  It’ll be interesting to watch the competing companies vie for the top spot with one bridging the gap between 2D and 3D gaming with glasses and the other doing it without them.

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The Sony press conference took place at the Shrine Auditorium.  And I was there!  So please continue on, will you?

3D gaming is all the rage in Sony’s world, and so all distinguished guests of their press conference received 3D glasses.  After humorously jabbing Microsoft and their poncho-required Cirque event from the other day, President & CEO of PlayStation Jack Tretton invited Kazuo Hirai to start things off with a gorgeous demo of Killzone 3 in 3D.  Though 3D gaming might sound like a gimmick to many of you, listen here: 3D adds a great sense of depth to the game and likely become an integral part of video games.  Parts of the gameplay featured the use of jetpacks; during these scenes I felt like I was at a Universal Studios theme park ride, fully immersed in an exciting, different world.  In another scene we were taken to the skies via a helicopter and watched a gunman fire at enemies down below.  At one point I asked myself if I was witnessing a video game demo or a scene from Avatar.  Yeah, it was that good.  The 2-part demonstration elicited many oos and ahhs from the crowd.  I might have been the loudest.  In short, 3D added a tremendous amount of excitement to Killzone; after a few seconds of adjusting to the depth perception any distractions that might have existed disappeared.  Killzone 3 from Guerrilla Games drops February 2011 and will be compatible with Sony’s motion controller called Move.  20 games will be made available in 3D for the PS3 by the end of this year.  Sony promises 20 additional titles will be created natively in 3D by March 2011, some of which include Crysis 2, Mortal Kombat, Shaun White Skatebording, Ghost Recon Future Soldier, EyePet, Tron: Evolution, MLB 2K11, NBA 2K11, Motorstorm Apocalypse, Gran Turismo 5, and a Sly Cooper collection.  A short montage of 3D video and gameplay rounded out the first section of the conference; let’s just say fatalities look fantastic and baseball players throwing balls at you is a bit scary in three dimensions.

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It’s been a long time coming but it’s finally here: 3D gaming on Playstation 3.  Four games will get the stereoscopic 3D treatment and they are WipEout HD, SuperStardust HD, PAIN, and a demo of MotorStorm: Pacific Rift.  Not to far in the distance is The Fight: Lights Out, another 3D-supported game that will take advantage of Playstation Move motion controls.  Thanks to a firmware update in April, your PS3 should be ready to play these 3D offerings.  Besides installing the lastest update, all that’s required to run these games is a 3D TV.  And wouldn’t you know, Sony just announced a slew of 3D-capable BRAVIA sets that come packaged with a Playstation Network voucher to download these four games at no additional cost.

[Via PlaystationBlog]

Researchers at MIT have discovered the key to gesture-based computer (a la Minority Report):  a multicolored Lycra glove that costs about $1 to manufacture.  The glove is covered with 20 irregularly shaped patches that use 10 different colors that are all picked up by a standard webcam.  Using a ”new algorithm for rapidly looking up visual data in a database” the glove can be used to “gauge hand position in three dimensions — including the flexing of individual fingers — as well as a possible application in mechanical engineering.”  Love it.

[Via Gizmodo; MIT]

Back in the ’50s Hef assigned a photographer to shoot two nude women in 3D; but since it was so expensive to include the 3D glasses at the time the idea was scrapped.  Come this June, however, Hef’s dream will finally become a reality.  The June edition of Playboy will hit newsstands bundled with a new surprise: 3D glasses!  Playboy founder Hugh Hefner: “What would people most like to see in 3-D?  Probably a naked lady.”  Centerfold Hope Dworaczyk will pop out to readers using the packaged anaglyph (blue-and-red) 3D shades.  Says Dworaczyk, “It’s kind of like it says on the rearview mirror.  Things may appear larger.”  From having Marge Simpson as a centerfold to making the centerfold come off the page in 3D, Playboy is trying its darndest to stay relevent and different.  Circulation of Hef’s magazine has decreased from 3.5 million in 2006 to 1.5 million today.  Though I can’t imagine the addition of 3D in Playboy help sales, it surely will be a treat for long-time subscribers.

[Via MSNBC; Gizmodo]

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created an advanced motion-tracking camera that is designed to attach to a mobile device like a cell phone.  It allows for “in-air typing” or Project Natal-style gestures to type out text messages or emails by detecting finger movement.  The demo above shows how something like this could replace a physical and touch (virtual) keyboard on mobile devices.

[Via Ishikawa-Komuro Lab; Gizmodo]

Thanks to state of the art 3D technology, classic pieces of art can now be analyzed to reveal what’s been hiding behind them for so many years.

[Via Gizmodo]

Here’s a music video that incorporates 3D effects, and you can enjoy it without wearing those pesky glasses.  LaughingSquid explains how it’s done: “Known as wiggle stereoscopy, the technique works by rapidly alternating between images shot from two cameras, slightly offset from one another.”  Though the effect is certainly visible, the jittery movements of the camera make for a rather unpleasant experience.  But it’s great to see artists taking fun creative risks!

[Via LaughingSquid; Gizmodo]

I’m going on a hunch here and assuming you’ve seen Avatar in theatres.  I mean, $737 million in domestic ticket sales doesn’t just spring out of no where.  And I bet you can’t wait to get your mits on your own copy.  Avatar is set to release on DVD and Blu-Ray on April 22 to coincide with Earth Day (how cute).  The April DVD/Blu-Ray release will not include any bonus features.  That means no deleted scenes, no behind-the-scenes featurettes, no nothing.  Why, you ask?  “Sources at Fox said the April disc will come without extra features so that all available storage space can be used for the best picture and sound possible.”  So where’s all the extra features then?  Apparently they will be packed into a second release (dubbed “The Ultimate Edition”) of the DVD/Blu-Ray packages in November.  And what about the 3D version of the movie; when can we watch it at home the way it’s meant to be seen?  That won’t come until sometime in 2011.  Consumers likely won’t have 3D TVs to play it on until then anyway.  So your safest bet is to wait until November to snag all the extras and play the rest by hear; who knows how fast 3D tech in the home will catch on.

Update: Sorry 3D fans, this update does not push forward the Avatar in 3D release.  But it does fix the no bonus features ’til November fiasco.  A fresh press release reveals The Avatar Program: “Connecting the two releases in April and November is “The Avatar Program,” an interactive consumer experience that offers an online hub for exclusive content, discounts and more.”  The Avatar DVD/Blu-Ray release on April 22 will come with a unique code that can be used to access bonus features online and adopt a “virtual hometree.”  Full PR after the break.

[Via Reuters; Gizmodo; BoxOfficeMojo; Engadget] (Click here for more…)

Hot off the heels of creating the most financially successful movie of all time, visionary director James Cameron plans to splay his 3D tech on top of the (now) second highest grossing movie, his Titantic.  Says Cameron: “We’re targeting spring of 2012 for the release, which is the 100 year anniversary of the sailing of the ship.”  Can you imagine re-watching the sinking of the ship and all those dead bodies floating in the bloody sea in 3D?  I know I can’t.

[Via BusinessInsider]

Finally, the Nintendo DSi’s camera is being put to exciting use.  An upcoming Japanese-only game called Rittai Kakushi e Attakoreda will utilize the DSi’s (inner) camera and motion tracking software to follow your eyes and create a 3D illusion that you are looking behind or in front of certain objects in the virtual world.  The tech being used here is not so different from Johnny Chung Lee’s Wii head-tracking experiments.  Watch the demo above and it’ll all make sense.  Magical, isn’t it?

[Via BoingBoing; Gizmodo; Nintendo Japan]

Yeah it’s around seven minutes long, but if you are even slightly interested in 3D TVs and the forthcoming slew of them entering the market this year it’s worth a viewing.  In the video preview a Samsung rep details the Samsung C7000 LED TV, giving us an early peek into the brand new 3D tech that’s embedded inside.  There’s SD/HD modes, a 3D mode (duh), a 2D to 3D converter, a sleek remote, and the sporty 3D shades.  Man I wish I had a British accent.

[Via Which?; Engadget]

Konami has brought the Metal Gear experience to an arcade cabinent with Metal Gear Arcade.  Arcade is based on Metal Gear Online and the gameplay features “Integral Vision.”  The included headmount enables a 3D effect and supports head-tracking movement (where you look, the on-screen character looks).  The arcade cabinent also includes 5.1 surround sound, a built-in mic for voice chat, and physical gun controllers to help immerse you even further into the game.  Metal Gear Arcade debuted this week at the AUO Expo in Japan; there’s no word as to when it will hit the market.  Check out the trailer here and screenshots in the gallery below.

[Via Joystiq; Engadget]

We knew it was coming but now it’s getting official.  SCEA’s John Koller spills the beans: This summer, two firmware updates will transform the PlayStation 3 into a 3D Blu-ray and 3D gaming machine:

3D is a major part of our initiatives in 2010 and we’re currently developing 3D stereoscopic games to come in conjunction with the launch of Sony’s 3D compatible BRAVIA LCD TV in summer 2010. The amazing thing about the PS3′s technology is that all PS3 units that exist in homes and markets will be able to play 3D stereoscopic games as well as 3D BD movies through separate firmware upgrades – something that other platforms are unable to do. We’ll be announcing actual game titles separately later, but we think that 3D stereoscopic gaming has a ton of potential, particularly in placing consumers within the actual experience.

[Image and info via Gizmodo; Pocket-lint]

Get your Sackboy (or Sackgirl) ready!  It’s been teased that Media Molecule’s LittleBigPlanet will be undergoing a 3D makeover just in time for the Playstation 3 firmware update that will enable 3D gameplay on all PS3s later this year.  LBP joins SuperStarDust HD and Gran Turismo 5 as one of many games that will likely make the conversion to 3D formats.  3D effects will only add to the great depth and vastness that LBP already has to offer.  In the behind-closed-doors demo of LBP in 3D it’s been reported that when Sackboy puts on 3D glass in-game the game environment itself transforms from 2D to 3D.  Rad!

[Via Eurogamer; Kotaku]

From NuFormer Digital Media comes intruiging wall projections on buildings.  They’ve created these “high-skill 3D video mapping projections” that can be custom-made to fit a variety of buildings.  My favorite projection is the one that makes the structure look like water is shooting out from all crevices.  What’s yours?

[Via KPeriera twitter page; YouTube]

Director Robert Zemeckis (A Christmas Carol (2009), The Polar Express), in collaboration with Disney, is remaking The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine feature film.  In 3D.  The original 1968 movie was animated and trippy and featured a soldier named Old Fred, the Blue Meanies, and of course The Beatles and their brilliant soundtrack.  Zemeckis will be using  3D performance-capture technology for the remake.  And the (new) Fab Four are: Cary Elwes, Dean Lennox Kelly, Peter Serafinowicz and Adam Campbell are George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr, respectively.  Look after the break to compare the actors to the real fab four.

Not so sure how all this is going to turn out.  But I’ll give it to the casting crew: all four selections are British and Serafinowicz was raised in Liverpool.  And I love Beatles music.

[Via EW-MusicMix; TheHollywoodReporter]

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In addition to the 3D programming DirecTV promises to bring this year, ESPN and Discovery have stepped up to the plate with plans to share 3D broadcasts of their own content.

On June 11 ESPN will launch a brand new channel appropriately called “ESPN 3D” and will air their first 3D broadcast with a World Cup soccer match.  According to USA Today: “ESPN 3D expects to showcase at least 85 live sporting events during the first year. There’ll be no reruns initially, so the network will be dark when there’s no 3D event. Among other events planned for 3D broadcast: the Summer X Games (extreme sports), NBA games, college basketball and college football.”

Discovery, Sony, and IMAX have joined forces to broadcast the world’s first 24/7 dedicated 3D TV network.  Discovery was the first to bring a 24/7 basic cable HD channel in 2002, so this all makes sense, right?  The trifecta plans to switch on such a channel sometime in 2011.  Bummer, I know.  At least we’ll have ESPN 3D to whet our appetite before we immerse ourselves into wild documentaries.

And remember kids–in order to watch HD 3D programming you are required to go out and purchase a compatible TV set along with those pesky glasses.  Expect the first wave of 3D-enabled TV sets to hit stores this spring.

[Via USA Today; Engadget, here & here]

According to the HDGuru, DirecTV plans on launching the first 3D HDTV channel in the US sometime next year.  It’s been reported that DirecTV recently shot a brand new satellite into orbit that supports the addition of a 3D channel plus other regular HD stations.  The satillite becomes operational in March 2010, so that’s the earliest a 3D channel could pop up.  HD Guru’s “sources” tell him that all current DirecTV set top boxes will receive a firmware upgrade that will enable it to receive the 3D programming.  But remember, in order to watch 3D on your television, you need a TV that supports it.  DirecTV is expected to make this announcement at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show; TV manufacturers like LG, Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic are planning on showing off their latest 3D HDTVs as well.

Thing is, I don’t think we are ready for 3D programming yet.  Hell, we are just getting used to high definition!  A hefty percentage of America finally owns decent HDTVs, and now the industry expects us to go out and buy a new 3D-supported TV.  I think not.  Let’s stick with 3D in the theatres for now (Avatar and Up were the first 3D movies I thoroughly enjoyed); slowly but surely the industry should allow it to enter the home.

[Via HDGuru; Gizmodo]

The Blu-ray Disc Association has announced the finalization of the “Blu-ray 3DTM” specification.  So what does this mean?  Now the home entertainment industry has the go-ahead to produce and ship full-blown high definition (1080p) 3D experiences to capable television sets for consumers.  The specification allows Blu-ray players to display full HD in 3D to each eye.  Also, it’s agnostic, meaning that capable Blu-ray players and TVs will be able to display HD 3D images regardless of display type (LCD, plasma, etc.).  The spec features enhanced graphics for displaying menus and subtitles in 3D.  All Blu-ray 3D-enhanced discs will contain a 2D version of the content, thus making them backwards compatible with standard Blu-ray players.  Notice I’ve been careful to label Blu-ray players and TV sets as ”capable.”  In order to receive the high definition 3D experience, you must own a 3D-capable TV and Blu-ray player.  This means that your current entertainment setup likely will not be compatible with the specification.  It is worthy to mention that there’s a lone exception; the Sony Playstation 3 will be forwards-compatible with the spec.  Sony has stated that it will become 3D ready via a future firmware update.  Remember, though, that a new HDTV with IR emitters and those pesky 3D glasses are necessary.  Expect all this new tech to release starting in 2010.  Full press release is after the break.

What’s to come of all this?  No one is certain of the future of 3D tech in the home.  For starters, many have been skeptical of this idea, labeling 3D movies a gimmick with silly glasses.  However, a number of people have admitted like movies like Pixar’s UP and the freshly released Avatar are better in 3D than 2D because instead of acting as in-your-face gimmicks they are great films that truly immerse you into the environment of the on-screen characters, making the movie experience better.  The real question is whether or not manufacturers will have success helping consumers transition from standard HDTV sets to 3D-capable ones.

[Via Engadget]

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Microsoft Surface learns a new trick with the Lumino Project.  Surface has always been able to recognize physical objects when they are placed down.  With the newly constructed (and still being tested) Lumino blocks, Surface can recognize when a number of blocks are stacked on top of each other, and these various three dimensional orientations can correspond with different outcomes.  Watch the video above to see examples.  Though these examples may seem juvenile at the moment (re: checkers), the researchers can see this kind of technology being implemented in the future by architects and engineers.

[Via Gizmodo]

FIFA has teamed up with Sony to broadcast 25 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa in high-definition in-your-face 3D.

FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke: “This propels the football fan into a whole new viewing dimension and marks the dawning of a new era in the broadcasting of sport.  We are proud that the FIFA World Cup can serve as a platform for advancing technology and the viewing experience, and are truly fortunate to have Sony as a partner in this endeavour.”

The 25 games will be broadcast live in the following cities around the world: London, Berlin, Mexico City, Paris, Rio De Janeiro, Rome, and Sydney.  I mean, who watches soccer in the US anyways, am I right?

[Via Gizmodo; FIFA]