Category Archives: News

Motorola intros RAZR thin Droid, fitness enhanced Motoactv MP3 player

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Today Motorola introduced the newest member of the Droid smartphone family, and this one’s special because it bears the name of one of the most (if not the most) popular flip phones from the early 00’s. The Droid RAZR by Motorola measures at 7.1 mm thin making it the world’s thinnest smartphone, according to Motorola. The iPhone 4S, by comparison, is a beefier 9.3mm thin. In addition to being so slim, the Droid RAZR is extremely durable; the large 4.3-inch (960×540) qHD Super AMOLED display is protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass for scratch resistance and the device is wrapped in Kevlar fiber for strength. Inside it’s powered by a speedy dual-core 1.2GHz processor and 1GB RAM and runs Android Gingerbread (version 2.3.5). The 4G LTE handset also packs an 8 megapixel rear camera with 1080p HD video capture and image stabilization technology, a front-facing HD camera for video chat, 32GB of memory (16GB on board storage and a 16GB microSD card pre-installed), mobile hotspot capability, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI and Micro USB ports, and a 1780 mAh battery. On the software side, the Droid RAZR comes loaded with MotoCast and Smart Actions applications. The first serves as a cloud app allowing users to wirelessly stream content (music, photos, etc.) from PCs to the phone, and the second allows users to automate tasks and optimize battery efficiency. Additionally, this device will be the first smartphone capable of streaming Netflix content in HD. When the Droid RAZR goes on sale next month, many accessories will ship alongside it and they include updated versions of Motorola’s Lapdock, charging cradles for desks and cars, a wireless keyboard, a portable power pack, and Bluetooth headsets.

The Droid RAZR goes on sale in “early November” for $299.99 with a new two-year contract with Verizon Wireless. Will this Droid live up to the iconic status that lives inside the RAZR brand? Only time, my friends, can tell. Get a closer look at the device in the gallery below and peek after the break for the full PR.

In addition to announcing a new Droid, Motorola also intro’d Motoactv, “the ultimate fusion of music and fitness.” The diminutive MP3 player looks like the iPod nano and aims to be a Nike+ killer. The hardware piece comes built into a lightweight, wearable band that can be worn around your wrist or arm and it can also be clipped to your shirt or a bike. The device itself sports a 1.6″ full-color touch-screen display that is sweat-proof, rain-resistant and scratch-resistant that auto-adjusts for indoor or outdoor lighting, it supports Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+ wireless connectivity, packs a 600MHz processor, and it runs a customized version of Android. Though Motoactv is an MP3 player at its core, Motorola is billing it as a device aimed toward those wanting to keep in shape. The devices uses Moto’s own “AccuSense technology” and GPS to accurately measure time, distance, speed, heart rate, and calories burned during a workout session. You can then upload your workout to Motoactv.com to analyze the performance data tracked by the device to see how you’re doing. The built-in music player is “smart” in that it will “learn what tracks motivate you most by measuring your performance against your music and then uses those songs to create your personal high-performance playlist.” Pretty slick, huh? FM radio is on board, too. Motorola also aims to replace chest straps with advanced headphones that come preinstalled with heart rate monitors. The headphone will come in wireless and wired versions and it’ll provide real-time audible readouts of your heart rate during workout sessions. Additionally, the headphones will stay connected to your Android-powered smartphone via Bluetooth allowing you to make and receive calls on the run if so you choose.

Motoactv is now available for preorder and it goes on sale November 6. The 8GB model will go for $249 and $299 will get you 16GB. The Motorola SF700 (wireless) and Motorola SF500 (wired) sports headphones will be sold separately for $149 and $99, respectively. Again, pictures below and PR after the break.


[Via Engadget 1, 2] Continue reading Motorola intros RAZR thin Droid, fitness enhanced Motoactv MP3 player →

PlayStation Vita comes to US shores February 22

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President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America Jack Tretton announced that the PSP successor, the PlayStation Vita, will launch in the United States on February 22, 2012. This will follow the initial release in Japan on December 17. The PS Vita, with its 5-inch OLED screen, dual analog sticks, dual cameras, and front and rear touch panel and social networking applications like Facebook, foursquare, Skype, and Twitter, will sell in two SKUs: the 3G model (with AT&T support) will cost $299, while the WiFi-only version will go for $249. Now peep the packaging above and start saving!

[Via PlayStationBlog]

 

Nintendo refreshes the Wii’s look, drops GameCube compatibility, keeps $150 price tag

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The house that built Mario has gone ahead and slightly tweaked the exterior design of their family friendly console the Wii. The hardware refresh introduces a more streamlined look and is meant to sit horizontally rather than stand vertically. At the same time, Nintendo decided to drop GameCube compatibility meaning that the redesigned console will not be able to play GameCube games. The new bundle, which packs the newly configured Wii in black, New Super Mario Bros., a Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack CD, a black Wii Remote Plus controller, and a black Nunchuk will hit stores October 23. Now get this: there is no price drop and the Wii will continue to sell for $149.99. In a press release Ninty went on to state that the current Wii bundle (which includes Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controllers, Mario Kart Wii, the Wii Wheel accessory, and GameCube backwards compatibility) will continue to sell at the $150 price point. So when you’re shopping this holiday season, make sure you get the right bundle! In this case, functionality trumps aesthetics especially if you have a solid library of GameCube games.

[Via Nintendo]

Google kills Buzz

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Like Google Wave before it, Google Buzz failed to attract a large following within the Internet’s social space. Google’s answer to Twitter was integrated into Gmail and shortly after Buzz launched it was quickly ignored. In what they’re calling a “fall sweep,” Google is eliminating a number of services from its arsenal, one of which is Buzz (along with the Buzz API). The company says it learned a lot from building and launching Buzz and that it will now focus all of its energy on Google’s latest attempt at social Google+. Sadly, Buzz, you will not be missed. In fact, I already forgot you ever existed. See what else Google dropped during their fall sweep at the source link provided below.

[Via GoogleBlog]

Apple reports 2011 Q4 earnings: $6.62b profit, $28.27b revenue, Macs up 26%, iPhones up 21%, iPads up 166%, iPods down 27%

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Apple’s 2011 fourth quarter financial results have been posted, and for the first time in a long time they have not met Wall Street expectations. Apple posted a $6.62 billion profit on $28.27 billion in revenue.  Compare this to one year ago, that’s up from a profit of $4.31 billion on $20.34 billion in revenue.

Here’s the break down by product category.  Apple sold 4.89 million Macs during the quarter (representing a 26 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter); 17.07 million iPhones (representing a 21 percent unit growth); 11.12 million iPads (representing a 166 percent unit growth); and 6.62 million iPods (representing an 27 percent unit decline).

Why the low figures, especially in the iPhone department? Analysts are blaming the late introduction of the next iPhone (the iPhone 4S) and the fact that it wasn’t a totally redesigned iPhone 5. Though the numbers didn’t reach expectations, newly appointed CEO Tim Cook exuded optimism in a press release. “We are thrilled with the very strong finish of an outstanding fiscal 2011, growing annual revenue to $108 billion and growing earnings to $26 billion. Customer response to iPhone 4S has been fantastic, we have strong momentum going into the holiday season, and we remain really enthusiastic about our product pipeline.” Apple did sell over four million iPhone 4S devices in just three days, so to say the product launch hurt the company would be downright false. Following the earnings announcement, Apple stock (which hit an all-time high of 422.24 today) fell 28.19 (-6.68%) after hours.

Looking ahead to the first quarter in 2012, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer expects revenue of about $37 billion and diluted earnings per share of about $9.30. Let’s see if they can get things back on track next time.

[Via Apple]

TV reminder: ‘The Walking Dead’ returns tonight at 9PM on AMC [Update: The ratings are in…]

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Rick Grimes and company return tonight in the season 2 premiere of AMC’s The Walking Dead. There’s a new showrunner in town (season 1 producer Glenn Mazzara has replaced Frank Darabont at the top), but you can expect the epic storytelling and zombie-infested thrills to absolutely remain in tact. If the season 2 trailer that debuted at Comic Con has anything to say, it’s that this time around every aspect of this amazing show is only going to get better. The creative team led by Darabont and comic book originator Robert Kirkman quickly found their footing in the premiere season, introducing the wide range of characters with precision, emotional impact, and top notch storytelling. This time around AMC is allotting the show 13 episodes; if you were wowed by all that went down in season 1 (which contained a 6-episode story arc), we can only imagine what they are going to do with over double the amount of time. After eyeballing the season 2 poster (which rivals the season 1 poster in how awesome it is), it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the survivors will reach Hershel’s farm, an important stop on their journey to salvation as the readers of the comics already know. As a personal aside, I really hope that Merle Dixon (Michael Rooker) returns as The Governor!

The Walking Dead returns tonight at 9PM on AMC in an expanded 90-minute episode. FYI, the season will be split in two. Seven episodes will air consecutively this fall and then the show will go on an extended hiatus starting November 4. The remaining six episodes will air beginning February 12 in the new year. Lastly, don’t forget to watch Talking Dead, a live half-hour after-show hosted by Chris Hardwick that will air immediately follow each episode and recap and discuss it. Sunday night is about to become the best time of the week.

Gallery 1 contains shiny character profiles; in the one below that you’ll find stills from the premiere ep “What Lies Ahead.”

Update: The Walking Dead season 2 premiere scared up quite the audience. Check out these record-breaking numbers for a cable program: the premiere at 9PM drew 7.3 million total viewers and 4.8 million viewers in the coveted 18-49 demographic. Compared to last year’s pilot, that’s up 38 percent in total viewers (last year: 5.3 million), 36 percent in 18-49 (3.6 million), and 35 percent in 25-54 (3.1 million). And if you factor in the two encore presentations that followed at 10:30PM and 12:30AM, a grand total of 11 million tuned into the season 2 opener. This marks a series high for AMC’s gory staple.

AMC president Charlie Collier shared his excitement over the big ratings. “The Walking Dead is one of those rare television programs that reaches both a core genre fan as well as broad audiences simply looking for a great, character-based story. That The Walking Dead is now the most watched drama in the history of basic cable is staggering, just like our zombies.”

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[Images via IGN; Deadline]

Movie poster: ‘The Three Stooges’

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Sean Hayes (Will & Grace), Chris Diamantopoulos (24), and Will Sasso (MADtv) are Larry, Moe, and Curly in The Three Stooges reboot helmed by the Farrelly Brothers (Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary). The feature will apparently play out in three half-hour shorts and will follow the three knuckleheads as they grow out of an orphanage and journey into adulthood. The latest sources say the dim-witted trio will find themselves in the middle of a murder plot and then starring in a reality show. Jane Lynch (Glee) and Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm) have been cast as Mother Superior and Sister Mary-Mengele, respectively, and will fill the screen during the Stoooges’ time at the orphanage. Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), Jennifer Hudson, and Stephen Collins round out the impressive supporting cast. A trailer should release soon, but for now we’ll have to deal with this teaser poster featuring silhouettes of Curly and Moe Howard and Larry Fine. According to Deadline, the 20th Century Fox logo is intentionally cropped out; ha! The Three Stooges releases April 4, 2012.

[Via ComingSoon.net; Deadline]

Red band teaser: ‘American Reunion’

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It was reported back in April of 2010 that the entire cast of the original American Pie trilogy would return in a new movie. I am happy to report that it has all panned out: the gang is back for “one more slice,” that is, according to the official movie website. Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Shannon Elizabeth, Tara Reid, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Seann William Scott, Eugene Levy, Natasha Lyonne, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge, Thomas Ian Nichols, and Chris Owen are all expected to return. In the fourth installment, Jim is still married to Michelle and now they have a kid! I’ll leave the rest to the released synopsis:

In the comedy American Reunion, all the American Pie characters we met a little more than a decade ago return to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion. In one long-overdue weekend, they will discover what has changed, who hasn’t and that time and distance can’t break the bonds of friendship. It was summer 1999 when four small-town Michigan boys began a quest to lose their virginity. In the years that have passed, Jim and Michelle married while Kevin and Vicky said goodbye. Oz and Heather grew apart, but Finch still longs for Stifler’s mom. Now these lifelong friends have come home as adults to reminisce about—and get inspired by—the hormonal teens who launched a comedy legend.

Watch the red band teaser trailer above. American Reunion hits theatres April 6, 2012.

Facebook for iPad is here

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They say good things come to those who wait. After sitting through two iterations of Apple’s tablet, Facebook for iPad has arrived. On Monday Facebook dropped a dedicated app to access to the social network in the App Store. The house that Zuck built is calling it a “hands-on Facebook” that takes advantage of the tablet’s large, hi-res display. Organizing and flipping through photo albums is easier than before, as is chatting, playing games, and navigating around. Facebook also went ahead and updated its iPhone/iPod touch version to make its aesthetic match that of its bigger brother. The iPhone version of the app features the same left-hand navigation pane for a more streamlined experience and search is more comprehensive. Download the new Facebook app for iOS devices today, gratis.

[Via Facebook Blog]

Netflix scraps Qwikster, keeps DVD-by-mail and streaming services under same roof

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A mere three weeks after Netflix CEO Reed Hastings apologized for his “arrogance” concerning the lack of communication behind the the Netflix price hike, he is reaching out to subscribers yet again to backtrack plans to separate the company’s DVD-by-mail and streaming services under different brands: Qwikster and Netflix, respectively. In a brief blog entry on Monday, Hastings informed everyone:

It is clear that for many of our members two websites would make things more difficult, so we are going to keep Netflix as one place to go for streaming and DVDs. This means no change: one website, one account, one password… in other words, no Qwikster.

This time, in a thinly veiled apology, Hastings shared this in a press release (fortunately he does not star in a YouTube video this time): “Consumers value the simplicity Netflix has always offered and we respect that. There is a difference between moving quickly — which Netflix has done very well for years — and moving too fast, which is what we did in this case.”

Hastings originally came up with the idea for Qwikster because he believed that separating the two services would help the company innovate faster. Though such a move might benefit the company internally, I had concluded that it would receive negative backlash from subscribers. Two separate URLs and accounts would surely confuse people and in the long run it would likely drive users away. Thankfully Hastings took some time to rethink his plans for the company and Qwikster is no more. Simplicity continues to reign under one brand, Netflix…for now.

[Via Netflix]

SlingPlayer is now available for Android Honeycomb tablets

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A little under a month after previewing it, Sling Media has released its SlingPlayer for Android Honeycomb tablets. Just like the iOS and Windows Phone 7 versions that came before it, this one costs $29.99. A press release, in full after the break, clarifies: The SlingPlayer application for Android Phones will continue to work in “Compatibility Mode” on tablets at no extra charge. The Android Phone version of the application streams from all Slingboxes, but not at the higher quality resolutions available on tablet devices. Go and get it at the Android Market today.

[Via Engadget] Continue reading SlingPlayer is now available for Android Honeycomb tablets →

TV reminder: ‘Bored to Death’ returns tonight at 9PM on HBO

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This post marks the end of the This week in NEW TV installments. Over the course of the next three weeks, three new shows (2 returning and 1 new) will premiere. It begins with…

HBO’s Bored to Death returns tonight for its third season at 9PM. Have you been missing author-turned-P.I. Jonathan Ames, his best friend Ray Hueston, and his boss George Christopher in your life? Well tonight white wine lover Jason Schwartzman, pot smoking Zach Galifianakis, and the versatile, sex-driven Ted Danson (he now stars in this show and CSI) are back in the season three premiere entitled “The Blonde in the Woods.” That happens to be the name of Jonathan’s new book. Also happening in the premiere: Ray hangs out with his sperm donation and George reunites with his daughter. If you’re not watching this show you should be; it’s a riot. Check out stills from tonight’s episode in the gallery below.

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[Images via IGN]