Category Archives: News

Apple reports 2011 Q3 earnings: $7.31b profit, $28.57b revenue, Macs up 14%, iPhones up 142%, iPads up 183%, iPods down 20%

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Apple’s 2011 third quarter financial results are in and it’s reporting its best quarter ever. Apple posted a $7.31 billion profit on $28.57 billion in revenue.  Compare this to one year ago, that’s up from a profit of $3.25 billion on $15.70 billion in revenue.  Says CEO Steve Jobs: “We’re thrilled to deliver our best quarter ever, with revenue up 82 percent and profits up 125 percent. Right now, we’re very focused and excited about bringing iOS 5 and iCloud to our users this fall.”

Now let’s break it down by product category.  Apple sold 3.95 million Macs during the quarter (representing a 14 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter); a whopping 20.34 million iPhones (representing a 142 percent unit growth); 9.25 million iPads (representing a 183 percent unit growth); and 7.54 million iPods (representing an 20 percent unit decline).

Looking ahead to the third quarter, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer expects revenue of about $25 billion and diluted earnings per share of about $5.50.

[Via Apple]

Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Cory Monteith not returning to ‘Glee’ for season 4; Rachel & Kurt spinoff coming soon?

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In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy confirmed that show regulars Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Cory Monteith will not be returning to the FOX musical comedy for season 4. Rachel Berry, Kurt Hummel, and Finn Hudson are seniors and will be graduating from McKinley High at the end of the upcoming season. Murphy explains, “You can keep them on the show for six years and people will criticize you for not being realistic, or you can be really true to life and say when they started the show they were very clearly sophomores and they should graduate at the end of their senior year.” He’s taking the latter route, and although I commend the creative team for keeping things realistic in terms of who stays and goes, it will be with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to these cast members so early in the show’s lifespan. And to make matters tougher for Gleeks, Murphy hints that “more characters are leaving than are staying” by the time graduation rolls around. He added, “We’ve never done anything by the book. We made that decision and I involved Chris [Colfer] and Lea [Michele] and they thought that was a good idea. They both trust the writing and trust me and felt that it would be great to have an open and closed experience for them to go out while they were on top.”

When TVLine mentioned the news to Colfer he said, “It’s definitely not my choice. But I completely understand that it works for the integrity of the show. One of the things that I love about Glee is, despite characters breaking into song in the middle of the hallway, it was very real to me. It always seemed like a very real high school environment. And I think by having some characters graduate, they’ll continue having that element.” Michele took to Twitter and reacted like this: “We always knew we’d graduate in real time. It’s all part of the plan and it’s all good! It’s going to make Season 3 amazing!!!”

Sidenote here: Ever since the season 2 finale where the gang travels to New York City to compete for Nationals, people have been hoping that Murphy imagines a spinoff series starring Rachel and Kurt. The creative team certainly planted the seeds for a possible spinoff. In “New York,” the two of them visit the Broadway set of Wicked and discuss their futures. Rachel says that after they graduate from high school she wants to go to college in New York; she says, “This is where I belong.” Kurt replies, “I’m so coming, too.” In June Murphy tackled the idea head-on with TVLine; “It’s an interesting idea,” he said. “The questions are ‘How would we do it? And when would we do it?’ It would have to be something I would talk about to Peter Rice and Kevin Reilly and Dana Walden and Gary Newman. What we’re trying to do now — maybe those discussions will happen around December — we’re just now trying to do the first 10 episodes.” Something to keep on your radar.

Forcing out fan favorites is an interesting choice to be made. Michele and Moneith are certainly considered the show’s female and male leads, and Colfer has been nominated for his efforts two years in a row. Once they’re gone, Murphy and company will have to find more members to join New Directions; casting is bound to start soon, and I’m sure the writing staff is already cooking up ways to introduce new characters throughout the upcoming season (one of which will come from Oxygen’s Glee Project).

Glee returns Tuesday, September 20 on FOX. The season three premiere will reveal all the departing graduates and confirm who’s safe for season four.

[Via THR]

Barenaked Ladies perform ‘Big Bang Theory’ theme song on set

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To celebrate the syndication launch of the CBS hit The Big Bang Theory, Canadian alt-rock band Barenaked Ladies crashed the set of the nerdtastic show to perform the insanely catchy theme song. The band plays the song smack dab in the middle of Leonard and Sheldon’s spacious apartment. The tune was conceived back in 2007 when BBT co-creators Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady asked Barenaked Ladies frontman Ed Robertson to pen a theme song for the series as a “sort of history of everything … in about 32 seconds.” The music video features never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage of the show’s table read, rehearsals and episode taping, and don’t miss co-creator Chuck Lorre handling a guitar. Don’t be shy, sing along! Our whole universe was in a hot dense state…

Oh, and if you’re interested, The Big Bang Theory debuts in syndication September 18, simultaneously on TBS, the Fox Television Stations and broadcast stations across the country, and will air five nights a week. Season five premieres Thursday, September 22 at 8PM on CBS.

Trailer: Martin Scorsese’s Hugo

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Scorsese’s fully embracing 3D with his upcoming flick Hugo. The family-friendly adventure film stars Asa Butterfield (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas), the phenomenal Chloë Moretz (Kick-Ass, Let Me In), Ben Kingsley, Jude Law, and Sacha Baron Cohen. ComingSoon.net provides a synopsis:

Hugo tells the story of an orphan boy living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station. With the help of an eccentric girl, he searches for the answer to a mystery linking the father he recently lost, the ill-tempered toy shop owner living below him and a heart shaped lock, seemingly without a key. Based on Brian Selznick’s award winning and imaginative New York Times bestseller, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” this magical tale is Academy Award-winner Martin Scorsese’s first film shot in 3D.

Dig the trailer above. Hugo hits theatres November 23, 2011.

Watch the Throne tracklist & behind-the-scenes photos

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The Kanye West/Jay-Z collab album is almost upon us, or so we think. Although an official release date has yet to be announced, the rap protege and his apprentice have leaked out the official deluxe tracklist and super-duper behind-the-scenes photos from the making of the album. The album includes 12 tracks and 4 bonus tracks, two of which are the previously outed single “H*A*M” and G.O.O.D. Friday freebie “The Joy”. ‘Ye and Z brought along Frank Ocean for two tracks, and Beyonce, Otis Redding, and fellow G.O.O.D. Music artist Mr Hudson are also featured on the album. Eye the tracklist below:

1. No Church in The Wild (Feat. Frank Ocean)
2. Lift Off (Feat. Beyoncé)
3. Niggas in Paris
4. Otis (Feat. Otis Redding)
5. Gotta Have It
6. New Day
7. Prime Time
8. Who Gon Stop Me
9. Murder to Excellence
10. Welcome to The Jungle
11. Sweet Baby Jesus (Feat. Frank Ocean)
12. Why I Love You (Feat. Mr Hudson)

Bonus
13. Illest Motherfucker Alive
14. H*A*M
15. That’s My Bitch
16. The Joy (Feat. Curtis Mayfield)

Check out the aforementioned photos in the gallery below. Preorder the album here; the rumored drop date remains August 2.

Update: DDotOmen.com has managed to get their hands on full list of production credits for the album. Click here to sneak a peek.

1 2 3

[Via Life+Times]

Netflix comes to Nintendo 3DS

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Netflix is officially available on Nintendo latest handheld device, the 3DS. As long as you are signed up with streaming plan (starting at $7.99/month) you can stream content from Netflix directly to the 3D-capable handheld. I know what you’re pondering: does any of the Netflix content take advantage of the 3D capability? At the moment, no. But the press release (pasted after the break) is promising. It hints, “Users will soon have access to an additional library of select movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need for special glasses.” Unfortunately I do not think this future update involves Netflix, however. Back in March Ninty mentioned that a short-form video service was on the way; it is described as a 3D video channel that will act as a gateway to 3D produced content like movie trailers, music videos, and comedy shorts. Perhaps that is what the PR is referring to. But for now, if you’ve got a 3DS go ahead and enjoy Netflix content in classic 2D. The app is now available to download for free in the Nintendo eShop.

[Via Nintendo] Continue reading Netflix comes to Nintendo 3DS →

2011 Emmy nominations: Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, Modern Family, Game of Thrones score big

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On Thursday Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly) and Joshua Jackson (Fringe) announced the nominees for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards. HBO’s miniseries Mildred Pierce was the most recognized program scoring 21 nominations total; Mad Men (19), Boardwalk Empire (18), Modern Family (17), and Game of Thrones (13) were not too far behind.  Let us begin with the drama categories, as is tradition. Outstanding drama series include Mad Men, Dexter, The Good Wife, HBO newcomers Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones, and Friday Night Lights finally gets recognized in its fifth and final season. Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Michael C. Hall, (Dexter),  Hugh Laurie (House), Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), and Timothy Olyphant (Justified) all received Outstanding actor in a drama nominations. Game of Thrones‘ Peter Dinklage (Tyrion “The Imp” Lannister) stands tall above the competition for Outstanding supporting actor in a drama amongst Josh Charles (The Good Wife), Alan Cumming (The Good Wife), Walton Goggins (Justified), John Slattery (Mad Men), and Andre Braugher (Men of a Certain Age). The following are contending for Outstanding actress in a drama: Kathy Bates (Harry’s Law), Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights), Mireille Enos (The Killing), Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU), Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife), and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men). Lastly, the Outstanding supporting actress in a drama bunch includes Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire), Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), Margo Martindale (Justified), Michelle Forbes (The Killing), and Christina Hendricks (Mad Men).

Next let us move onto the comedy categories. Modern Family, 30 Rock, The Office, and at long last Parks and Recreation and The Big Bang Theory all received nominations for Outstanding comedy. Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory), Matt LeBlanc (Episodes), Louis C.K. (Louie), and Steve Carell (The Office) were handed Outstanding actor in a comedy nominations. After departing The Office, it’s surely Michael Scott’s time to shine. The Outstanding supporting actor in a comedy category is dominated Modern Family actors: Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ty Burrell, Ed O’Neill, Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), and Chris Colfer (Glee). Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) and Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope) headline the Outstanding actress in a comedy category which also includes Tina Fey (30 Rock), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Laura Linney (The Big C), and Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly). The Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy bunch includes Modern Family‘s Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara, Jane Lynch (Glee), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), and the talented Betty White (Hot In Cleveland). Notable guest actors and actresses in comedies include Zach Galifianakis, Justin Timberlake, and Tina Fey for their SNL hosting duties, Glee‘s Kristin Chenoweth, Dot-Marie Jones, and Gwyneth Paltrow, and Raising Hope‘s Cloris Leachman.

And now it’s time to talk snubs. Community and Fringe were not recognized in the slightest. The comedy will eventually receive a nod, as Parks and Rec had to wait a few years too; as for the sci-fi drama, John Noble will always be recognized in my heart as a phenomenal actor and season 2’s “Peter” a brilliantly written episode. Speaking of Parks and Rec, where’s the recognition for Nick Offerman? The man who plays Ron freakin’ Swanson deserves Emmy love; he’s bound to receive it soon. And why The Walking Dead didn’t receive a top nod for Outstanding drama is beyond me; the zombie show managed to pick up nods for special visual effects and sound editing for the spectacularly creepy pilot “Days Gone By.”

The 63nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Jane Lynch, airs live Sunday, September 18 on FOX at 8PM.  Look after the break to see the nominees in list form. Continue reading 2011 Emmy nominations: Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, Modern Family, Game of Thrones score big →

Netflix reveals new pricing scheme (spoiler: it’s a price hike)

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Netflix’s new pricing scheme–effective today for new customers, and on September 1 for current subscribers–separates its unlimited streaming and unlimited DVD plans. In other words, Netflix will no longer be offering unlimited plans that include both streaming and DVDs by mail. The unlimited streaming plan remains at a low $7.99 per month, but if you want to tack on the unlimited DVDs by mail plan you’ll have to cough up an additional $7.99/month (that’s a grand total of $15.98 a month for unlimited streaming and DVDs, one DVD out at a time). Two DVDs out at a time jumps to a total of $19.98 (this plan costs $11.99 sans streaming).

It used to cost a mere $9.99/month for unlimited streaming 1 DVD out; this is a 60% price hike we’re talking about here! Here’s how Netflix’s Andy Rendich explains it: “Netflix members love watching instantly, but we’ve come to recognize there is still a very large continuing demand for DVDs by mail. By better reflecting the underlying costs and offering our lowest prices ever for unlimited DVD, we hope to provide a great value to our current and future DVD-by-mail members.” Surely we must understand that in order for Netflix to flourish into the proper Blockbuster successor it’s always been destined to become that was to come a time when the company would start demanding more money from its subscribers. Well, that time is now and yeah it stings. But if Netflix continually beefs up its streamable content and Blu-ray library, I’m happy to follow them into the future.

[Via Engadget; Deadline] Continue reading Netflix reveals new pricing scheme (spoiler: it’s a price hike) →

Verizon debuts Droid 3 by Motorola, tiered data plans

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This summer Verizon and Motorola decided to put another notch in Droid’s ever-expanding belt by introducing the latest and greatest Droid 3. The specifications go like this: dual-core 1GHz processor, 4-inch qHD display, 8 megapixel camera with 1080p HD video capture, front-facing cam for still shots and video chat, 5-row QWERTY keyboard, 3G Mobile Hotspot capabilities (can connect up to five WiFi-enabled devices), HDMI output (mirror mode beams photos, videos, and movies onto an HDTV), global ready, runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread. If you’re hunting for a new smartphone that sports a roomy physical keyboard, the Droid 3 is arguably VZW’s best smartphone choice at the moment. The Droid 3 is worth $199.99 and a new 2-year contract. Images below, full PR after the break.

If you’re a new Verizon Wireless customer itching to get your paws on the Droid 3 or any VZW smartphone for that matter, know that the company’s data plans have become tiered. This means, simply, that you must pay for every byte you use whilst scouring the Internet on your device. Gone is the worry-free $30 unlimited data plan, in are the following: $30 for 2GB of data per month, $50 for 5GB, and $80 for 10GB. Big Red will charge $10 per GB of data if you exceed the monthly allotment you choose. The new plans went into effect July 7. A few stipulations: if you were already a VZW customers before the 7th and had the unlimited data plan you have been grandfathered and remain safe; but be warned–if you ever decide to change to a new data plan you will lose the unlimited offer and never get it back. Sad times, indeed.

[Via Engadget; BGR] Continue reading Verizon debuts Droid 3 by Motorola, tiered data plans →

Apple hits new milestone: 15 billion App Store downloads

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Apple recently announced that over 15 billion apps have been downloaded from its App Store by the more than 200 million iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users worldwide. Wowzers is the reaction you’re looking for. Apple’s tallied ’em up, and currently the App Store is now home to over 425,000 apps; additionally 100,000 native iPad apps exist. Thanks to Apple’s generosity the people who make the apps are getting paid, too; Apple has paid developers over $2.5 billion to date (there’s a 70/30 split, the devs receive the smaller sampling, naturally).

Says Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing: “In just three years, the revolutionary App Store has grown to become the most exciting and successful software marketplace the world has ever seen. Thank you to all of our amazing developers who have filled it with over 425,000 of the coolest apps and to our over 200 million iOS users for surpassing 15 billion downloads.”

Jump after the break to read the official PR which contains more quotes from excitable Apple employees.

[Via Apple] Continue reading Apple hits new milestone: 15 billion App Store downloads →

Google gets a makeover

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You can call it Exteme Makeover: Google Edition. Over the past few weeks Google has been rolling out a new look across many of their services, including the Google homepage, Gmail, Google Calendar, and YouTube. “The way people use and experience the web is evolving, and our goal is to give you a more seamless and consistent online experience—one that works no matter which Google product you’re using or what device you’re using it on,” explains Google. In a word they’re simply streamlining all their intertwined experiences, and the changes are ” founded on three key design principles: focus, elasticity and effortlessness.”

At Google‘s homepage you’ll surely notice the new black strip located across the top; the colorful logo is smaller and centered, the Search and Lucky buttons have a new hue, and the About, Privacy, and Advertising links have been moved to the bottom left-hand corner of the page. In Gmail and Calendar everything is bolder and more roomier to match the new homepage aesthetic. Design cues were certainly carried over from Google+. Google’s also experimenting with YouTube’s look; Cosmic Panda is the codename for the video player’s new sheen. YouTube is positively sleek in its new coat of paint.

Google’s homepage and Calendar changes have been rolling out to users automatically. To experience Gmail and YouTube’s new flairs you must enable it manually. In Gmail, select “Preview” and “Preview (Dense)” themes in the Themes tab in Gmail Settings; to play around with Cosmic Panda head over to this YouTube portal and click “Try it out.” Since Google’s still testing it out and awaiting customer feedback, you can revert back to the classic look at any time.

It will take time for every Google service to fall in line aesthetically with the new homepage, but there’s no denying that Google’s first wave of cosmetic changes is simply delightful and, well, downright sexy.

Facebook integrates video calling powered by Skype

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Today Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a new feature for the ubiquitous social network that now reaches 750 million people around the world: video chat. Facebook engineers have been working with popular VoIP client Skype over the last few months to integrate video chat into Facebook’s chat service. Facebook says that the new feature will gradually roll out to everyone in over 70 different languages over the next few weeks. Itching to try it out today? Keep reading.

Setting up and initiating video chat is simple, really. Head over to this Facebook page and click Get Started. You will be prompted to download and install the Facebook Video Chat Plugin. Once that’s complete, you’re all set. There are two ways to initiate a video chat: go to a friend’s profile page and click the Call button (it’s located at the top right in between Message and Poke) or open up a chat window and click the new video camera icon. When you ring a friend they will be alerted to answer or ignore it. If you ring a friend who doesn’t have the plugin installed yet, they will be notified that you’re attempting a video call and will be provided the link to install the plugin. (But remember, in a few weeks time the update will be applied automatically.) The call window, which exists in its own window, shows you a large image of the friend you’re talking to and a tiny window of yourself sits in the top left corner. Since it’s its own window you are free to move it around and resize it, though note that you can only make it larger and enter full-screen mode; attempting to make it smaller is futile. After a playing around with it briefly, I am happy to report that video quality is crisp, bright, and clear, though these factors do depend on your Internet connection. One more thing: when you call a friend and he or she isn’t there to answer (or ignore) it you can leave a video message for them to view later.

Zuckerberg and Skype CEO Tony Bates were also on hand to announce Facebook services getting baked into the Skype desktop client. With Skype version 5.3 (beta for Windows only) you can log into your Facebook account in Skype and view your newsfeed, update your status, and initiate video calls right from within Skype. In so many words, the new collaborative initiative goes both ways. Other updates announced include… Once the video chat plugin is installed you should notice the new chat design in the bottom right hand corner. The sidebar now lists the people you message most, making it “easier to find your friends and start a conversation.” Also, “the sidebar adjusts with the size of your browser window, and it automatically appears when the window is wide enough.” Last is Group Chat. Launching a multi-person chat session is easy; after you begin a conversation with a friend, click the new Add Friends to Chat icon to, um, add more people to the conversation.

For those of you closely following the tech industry, it is interesting to note the sides that are being taken here. Last week Google announced their Facebook rival Google+, a currently invite-only social service that boasts Hangouts–a place where up to ten people can participate in video chat. On the heels of this announcement Zuckerberg came out and announced a partnership with Google rival Microsoft (the creator of search site Bing and recent buyer of Skype) to bring video chat functionality to Facebook. To paint a clearer picture, this is Google versus Facebook and Microsoft. It’s going to be very interesting to watch how all this plays out. But as things stand now, Facebook has the advantage thanks to its absurdly massive user base. Google, your move.

[Via Facebook; Skype]