Category Archives: Video

Amazon outs new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, adds to the Kindle Fire tablet family

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The third major tech company to take the spotlight this week was Amazon. On Thursday they updated their e-reader and tablet lineups with the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Fire HD.

The Kindle Paperwhite is the fifth-generation Kindle e-reader and it houses “the most advanced e-reader display ever constructed,” says Amazon. How so? It contains 212 pixels-per-inch making room for 62% more pixels than before and this allows text to appear crisper and clearer and images are sharper and richer. In addition, the blacks are blacker and the whites are whiter thanks to 25% higher contrast. What Amazon is really touting here is the patented front-lit display that makes reading with or without natural or artificial light a better experience. With the light left on all the time, the Paperwhite will still give you 8 weeks of battery life. The new e-reader packs a 6-inch capacitive touchscreen for input; there are no physical buttons for page-turning. Amazon describes its size like this: “[it’s] thinner than a magazine [at just over a third of an inch thin] and weighs less than a typical paperback [weighing 7.5 ounces].” Software enhancements include Time to Read, a feature that helps readers know the amount of time it will take them to finish a chapter or a book; X-Ray, a feature that lets readers see all passages across a book that mention ideas, fictional characters, historical figures, places or topics that interest them, as well as more detailed descriptions from Wikipedia; WhisperSync for Voice that allows readers to start an audiobook on one device and pick up where they left off on another; and new typeface options. A Wi-Fi only version of the Kindle Paperwhite goes on sale October 1 for $119. A 3G version will sell for $179. Preorder today.

In addition to introducing a second generation Kindle Fire (more on that device soon), Amazon added two new Android-based devices to the Fire family. The Kindle Fire HD comes in a 7-inch and 8.9-inch versions. The larger display model features 254 pixels per inch with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (1080p full HD). The smaller display model has a lower resolution of 1280 x 800 (720p). New LCD technology reduces glare by 25% compared to the third-generation iPad. Also, integrated IPS allows for wide viewing angles. Other specs include: 1.5GHz dual-core OMAP4 4470 processor (in the Fire HD 8.9″), 1.2GHz dual-core OMAP4 460 processor (in the Fire HD 7″), Dolby Audio with dual stereo speakers, a front-facing camera for video chat, and built-in Bluetooth, HDMI-out, and 40% faster WiFi (compared to the latest iPad) thanks to dual-band support, dual antennas, and MIMO technology. To size ’em up, the Fire HD 8.9″ is 8.8mm thin weighing 20 oz. and the Fire HD 7″ is 10.2mm weighing 13.9 oz. Amazon shares that the smaller model gets 11 hours of battery life. Software enhancements include X-Ray for books, movies, and textbooks, allowing users to augment their tablet experience with expanded information from Wikipedia, IMDb, and YouTube; and FreeTime, a set of parental controls that allows parents to limit their kids’ screen time by content type. Pricing and availability. The Fire HD 8.9″ comes in four flavors: WiFi-only 16GB ($299), WiFi-only 32GB ($369), 4G LTE 32GB ($499), and 4G LTE 64GB ($599). For $49.99 customers can receive 4G LTE from AT&T, 250GB of data per month for one year, plus 20GB of Amazon Cloud storage and a $10 credit in the Amazon Appstore. The Fire HD 8.9″ is up for preorder today and goes on sale November 20. The Fire HD 7″ comes in two flavors: WiFi-only 16GB ($199) and WiFi-only 32GB ($249). These are in direct competition with Google’s Nexus 7 tablet. They’re also there to preorder and will release sooner on September 14.

Now I told you I would return to the successor of the original Kindle Fire. Amazon is still calling it the Kindle Fire, and it still features the same 1024 x 600 non-HD 7-inch display. What’s changed? It’s got a 40% faster processor for better performance (1.2GHz dual-core OMAP4 430), twice the memory (1GB), and longer battery life (8.5 hours). The sole 8GB model goes on sale September 14 for $159.

Want to know what the rest of the Amazon e-reader line looks like today? In addition to the Kindle Paperwhite, the latest generation OG Kindle is still hanging in there. A slightly updated new model ships September 14 with 15 percent faster page turns and at a lower price point, $69 (ad-supported). Also still available is the Kindle Keyboard with 3G for $139 (ad-supported) and the giant Kindle DX with 3G at $379.

Get a closer look at the new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader and Kindle Fire tablets in the galleries below (in order Kindle Paperwhite, Fire HD 8.9″, Fire HD 7″, OG Fire). After the break, video and PR.

[Via Amazon 1, 2, 3] Continue reading Amazon outs new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, adds to the Kindle Fire tablet family →

Motorola expands its Droid RAZR family with RAZR M, RAZR HD & RAZR MAXX HD smartphones

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Following in Nokia’s footsteps, on Wednesday Motorola announced three new additions to its Droid RAZR smartphone lineup. Let’s start with the most basic of the bunch denoted M and work our way to the long-lasting beast of a phone known as MAXX.

The Motorola RAZR M features an edge-to-edge 4.3-inch qHD (960 x 540) Super AMOLED Advanced display, a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera that can record 1080p video, a 0.3 megapixel front-facing camera, and an NFC chip. The compact, Kelvar strong 4G LTE phone is available September 12 for an affordable $99 after a $50 rebate and signing a new two-year contract with Verizon Wireless. It’s up for preorder today.

The RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD boast a larger 4.7-inch 720p Super AMOLED HD display, the same 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, 8 megapixel shooter, front-facing camera, NFC chip, 4G LTE, and Gorilla Glass and Kelvar protection. The main difference between these two siblings is battery life. While the HD packs a decently sized 2,500mAh battery, the MAXX HD runs off a massive 3,300mAh battery that promises 32 hours of standard usability (13 hours of straight video playback, 21 hours of continuous talk time, 8 hours of web browsing over 4G LTE). Exact pricing and availability have not been shared at this time, but Moto says customers can expect the HD and MAXX HD to release “before the holidays” with VZW.

In addition, Motorola has specified that all three smartphones will ship with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich on board and they will be upgradeable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean by the end of the year. Pics in the galleries below (in the order M, HD, MAX HD), and there’s video and PR after the break.

Update (10/14): Verizon has specified that the Droid RAZR HD & RAZR MAXX HD will go on sale October 18.

[Via Motorola; Engadget 1, 2, 3] Continue reading Motorola expands its Droid RAZR family with RAZR M, RAZR HD & RAZR MAXX HD smartphones →

Nokia announces new Windows Phone flagship device Lumia 920 and the mid-range Lumia 820

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On Wednesday Nokia and Microsoft held a joint event announcing two new Lumia smartphones that will run the next-gen mobile operating system Windows Phone 8. The new flagship WP8 device is dubbed the Nokia Lumia 920 and its specs are as follows: 4.5-inch (1280 x 768) display, 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor, 1GB RAM, 32GB memory, back-facing 8.7 megapixel camera with optical image stabilization, Carl Zeiss optics, LED flash, and 1080p video recording capability, front-facing camera, integrated 2000mAh battery with wireless charging support. All of this is housed inside a polycarbonate shell that comes in a variety of colors including black, grey, red, yellow, and white. Nokia is touting the phone’s “PureMotion HD+” display as the company’s “brightest, fastest and most sensitive touchscreen (the screen will accept input even if the user is wearing protective gloves);” the “PureView” back-facing camera that uses “advanced floating lens technology” that promises to capture clearer and brighter pictures even in low light situations; and the phone’s wireless charging functionality based on the Qi wireless standard. Place your phone down on a charging surface and it will automagically begin to regain battery life. Nokia will release its own wireless charing platforms and the company is also working with third parties such as Fatboy to sell portable wireless charging pillows. To kickstart the initiative, Nokia has partnered with The Coffee Bean and Virgin Atlantic to install wireless charing stations in countertops and airport lounges.

Also announced at the event is the mid-range alternative Nokia Lumia 820. It sports a smaller 4.3-inch (800 x 480) ClearBlack OLED display, only 8GB of storage (but there’s microSD expandability up to 32GB), a non-PureView 8 megapixel back-facing camera with Carl Zeiss optics and LED flash, and a smaller 1650mAh battery. It packs the same 1.5GHz dual-core processor as it’s bigger sibling, a VGA front-facing camera, and there is support for wireless charging. Users will have the ability to swap out their polycarbonate back cover for a wireless charging-capable one. The Lumia 820 comes in an even great variety of bright colors like red, yellow, grey, cyan, purple, white, and black.

Nokia has not specified pricing and release date information for either device. LTE and HSPA+ variants of the 920 and 820 “are expected to start shipping in select markets later in the year,” says the company’s press release. What you’re left with now are photos of the sleek phones in the galleries below (the 920 above, the 820 below), plus two intro videos and official PR after the break.

[Via Microsoft; Engadget 1, 2] Continue reading Nokia announces new Windows Phone flagship device Lumia 920 and the mid-range Lumia 820 →

‘American Horror Story: Asylum’: more clues & trailers, a premiere date

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As we inch closer to fall and Halloween, you can sense the return of Ryan Murphy’s spooktacular inventive anthology series American Horror Story. Over the course of the last few weeks, FX has dropped clues for fans to watch and dissect. The first three can be viewed here, and the rest of them have been neatly posted to AHS‘ official Facebook page. The most intriguing of the bunch include two new trailers introducing the members of Asylum and they are Jessica Lange, Zachary Quinto, Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters and newcomers Adam Levine, Chloë Sevigny, Joseph Fiennes, and James Cromwell. Other new players not featured in the trailers are Jenna Dewan and Clea Duvall. Watch an introductory trailer above and an even insaner one after the break; they both play in front of an AHS theme-infused rendition of the famous song “Que Sera Sera.”

Below, flip through four creepy pieces of key art; I wouldn’t recommend peeking before bedtime.

AHS: Asylum premieres October 17 at 10PM on FX.

Continue reading ‘American Horror Story: Asylum’: more clues & trailers, a premiere date →

‘The Avengers’ GAG REEL! [Update: it’s pulled]

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Well this is certainly the best thing you’ll see all day. It’s The Avengers GAG REEL! These guys looked mighty and impressive on the big screen, but when they’re goofing around on set in their super hero costumes they just look downright silly. This is the kind of thing that only lasts so long on the Internet, so watch it while you can. Once it’s gone, you’ll be forced to shell out some money for the upcoming Blu-ray release.

AVENGERS ASSEM… oh f**k what is the line?

Update: I warned you! The movie studios have been on the prowl for all leaked versions of the Avengers gag reel from the Blu-ray release, and the two versions I previously embedded above were quickly pulled from the Internet. Now you’re left with that magnificent still from the bonus material as you count the days leading to September 25.

Gotye remarkably remixes his song “Somebody I Used To Know” using YouTube clips

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Yes, I’m sick of this song as well. Radio stations overplay it and that’s twisted it into a painfully catchy tune you never want to hear again but even if you did you’d probably let it play all the way through before screaming at yourself.

That said, give it one more listen because this rendition is fascinating. No really, do it. Wally De Backer (aka Gotye) took it upon himself to scour YouTube for so many covers of his popular Making Mirrors track “Somebody I Used To Know” and then remix them all together to make what he calls “Somebodies: A YouTube Orchestra.” The result, as aforementioned, is fascinating and well worth a listen.

Wally tagged the almost six minute clip with this: “Reluctant as I am to add to the mountain of interpretations of “Somebody That I Used To Know” seemingly taking over their own area of the internet, I couldn’t resist the massive remixability that such a large, varied yet connected bundle of source material offered.

”

Enjoy the collective effort.

Green Day readies three new albums, releases music video for ‘¡Uno!’ single “Oh Love”

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Ever since releasing the mega-popular 21st Century Breakdown in 2009, punk rock band Green Day has been relatively quiet in terms of new material. That ends now. Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool came up with so many new songs that they refuse to fit it all on a single album. In April the band announced that they plan to release a trilogy of new albums aptly titled ¡Uno! ¡Dos! ¡Tre! and they will come out September 25, November 13, and January 15, 2013, respectively. The first single off ¡Uno! is “Oh Love” and the music video for it, directed by Green Day clip collaborator Samuel Bayer, is embedded above. In it the band performs the catchy track in front of an audience of scantily-clad, tattooed ladies.

If you have been preparing yourself for more politics from the band who made Breakdown and American Idiot, you’re in for a surprise. Frontman Armstrong told MTV, “It was a time for us to step away [from political overtones], because we didn’t want to come across as politicians. We’re in a band first and foremost, and we wanted to have a good time making music. So it was kind of a way of us getting back to basics.” Bassist Dirnt puts the trilogy in perspective like this: “There’s a lot of that in these records. It’s kind of like getting ready and charging to the party on the first record, and then getting to the party on the second record and having an absolute great time and overstaying your welcome and doing a lot of damage, and then kind of looking for your car keys and doing some self-reflecting on the third record.”

As for the single you’re about to listen to, Armstrong describes it like this: “It’s kind of a tension ballad … instead of pulling at your heart strings, it’s like a noose pulling at your heart a little bit, and trying to keep your emotions intact. It’s very lustful, which is kind of a subject we haven’t gotten into in a long time.”

[Via MTV]

‘Watch the Throne’ documentary unearthed by creative Robert Lopuski

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Though this docu dropped over a year ago, Paradigm Magazine’s recent interview with filmmaker Robert Lopuski successfully launched the ten-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of Kanye West and Jay-Z collab album into the wild for the masses to finally witness. The interview, which can be read in full here, tells the story of how Lopuski randomly bumped into West in New York City and how that act of fate fashioned the opportunity for the filmmaker to collaborate with the musician in Sydney, Australia during the production of Watch the Throne. Lopuski was forced to shoot most of the video with cheap Flip cams but the result is quite grand. West is known for his secrecy, and this is an exciting (even if very brief) glimpse into his life as he’s amongst friends (Jay, Beyonce, Russell Crowe, other producers) and making music. The best part, however, is when we get to see Kanye’s life-long mentor Jay in a rapper’s predicament as he practices his verse from “Why I Love You”; this starts at the 7:30 mark.

Lopuski shines a candid light on the typically private life of these rappers and the final product is definitely worth a look. The video attempts to bring things full circle as the WTT footage is mixed with archived clips from the early days when Jay was helping producer Kanye elevate his game as a solo rapper. Says Lopuski, “In the world of hip-hop, anybody who does something different is a genius, anybody who does something successful is making history; you know it all becomes these exaggerated, bombastic endeavors. And so, for me, I was not interested in that; I was more interested in the smaller moments. The quiet power of talent.”

[Via Paradigm Magazine]

Kanye West tags “Cold” music video with DJ Khaled’s “I Wish You Would” Rick Ross-assisted track

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A mouthful, isn’t it? But so is this two-part music video. DJ Khaled sixth studio album Kiss the Ring is out tomorrow (August 21) and to kick-start the hype machine he enlisted famed hip-hop clip director Hype Williams to shoot a music video for the album’s single “I Wish You Would” that features Rick Ross the boss and Kanye West. At 3:53 that track comes to a halt and ‘Ye’s controversial “Cold” (formally “Theraflu” and “So Cold”) starts up. Though the track is edited and gets cut short there is a brief cameo from West’s current girlfriend Kim Kardashian, so don’t blink. Though the clips are literally all over the place with shaky cam business, Williams did a good overall with it; I especially like the parts when West’s eyes go dark and are replaced with those glow-in-the-dark slits. How does it compare to the unofficial clip from Caleb Harper aka mini Kanye? Can your headphones go louder? Check it out.

Music video: Hit-Boy – “Old School Caddy” (Featuring Kid Cudi)

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Called it. After Hit-Boy released that teaser for his second single “Old School Caddy” ya’ll knew those clips had to have been taken from a lengthier music video. And presto, here it is. In it producer-turned-rapper Hit-Boy jumps in an old school Caddy and featured artist Kid Cudi takes a new school Benz for a spin and leggy models assist. The smooth beat is the purest ear candy and the raps flow without waver from newcomer Hit-Boy and his fellow G.O.O.D. Music signee Mr. Rager. Watch it above. And if you haven’t already, download Hit-Boy’s first album HITstory for free.

TV teasers: ‘American Horror Story: Asylum’

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Don’t expect to understand anything that’s going on in these three creep-tastic teasers for the next season of American Horror Story subtitled Asylum. In the first (titled “Special Delivery) a nun walks into a dark forest with two buckets filled with who the hell knows (I’m thinking body parts), dumps one of them out for some reason or other, and then continues nonchalantly into the woods. The next two are embedded after the break. In #2 (“Blue Coat”) we see a nun in black garb praying in an alcove as another in white passes by to hang a blue coat on the wall; then she sits down (to pray?) and at the very last second she sneaks a peek at us! In #3 (“Hydrobath”) we get a birds-eye view of a bathtub filled with a milky substance and inside it a body writhes around until a zipper magically locks the thing (a human?) inside. So many questions but these “clues” dropped by co-creator Ryan Murphy and co. will surely get you excited for what’s to come next in his anthology series.

American Horror Story: Asylum premieres this October on FX. Continue reading TV teasers: ‘American Horror Story: Asylum’ →