Barnes & Noble sizes up the competition with Nook HD+ and Nook HD tablets

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Like clockwork Barnes and Noble has outed new slates to compete head-to-head with Kindle’s new Fire tablets. There’s two of ’em, a 9-inch and a 7-inch, and they take aesthetic tips from their predecessors Nook Tablet and Nook Color, so let’s dive right in.

The 9-inch Nook HD+ boasts a full HD display (1920 x 1280 resolution, 256 pixels per inch) and it’s powered by a 1.5GHz OMAP4470 dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM. It’s lightweight at 515 grams and promises up to 10 hours of reading and 9 hours of video playback. As far as ports go there’s a 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack, one HDMI-compatible port, microSD, and a charging port. WiFi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth are built-in. It comes in a black “slate” color in 16GB ($269) and 32GB ($299) storage variants. The HD+ is up for preorder today and goes on sale in November.

The 7-inch Nook HD packs a 720p display (1440 x 900 resolution, 243 pixels per inch) and it’s powered by a 1.3GHz OMAP 4470 dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM. It’s even lighter than it’s more powerful sibling at 315 grams and its battery promises nearly the same life expectancy. The ports, expanded memory, and wireless connectivity remain the same. It comes in not one but two colors–black “smoke” and white “snow.” The 16GB models will sell for $199 and the 32GB models will go for $199 when the HD releases this November. Like the HD+, it’s available for preorder today.

So if you’re in the market for a new device that delivers reading experiences (books, magazines, newspapers), video and music playback, and apps, the competition (read: Google, Amazon, Apple) just heated up.

[Via B&N]

Nintendo announces 23 games launching with Wii U on November 18

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A couple weeks back Nintendo revealed some juicy information pertaining to the Wii U including pricing, availability, and games. The house that built Mario announced that over 50 games will release over the course of a specified launch window that runs from November 18 (launch day) to March 31, 2013. Thanks to a newly minted press release (in full after the break), we now have a better idea of what games specifically will be sold alongside the console on launch day. A total of 23 titles–including New Super Mario Bros. U, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Assassin’s Creed III, ZombiU, and EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer 13–will be available day and date with the system.

Says Nintendo of America’s Reggie Fils-Aime: “We’re making sure that Wii U owners will have great games to play from the moment they open the box, and that a steady stream of fun new games is always on the way. We have something for everyone, from new franchises to creative new approaches to familiar favorites.”

Jump after the break to see the full list of launch window titles; the ones marked with “Nov. 18” come out the same day as the Wii U.

[Via Nintendo] Continue reading Nintendo announces 23 games launching with Wii U on November 18 →

Apple sells over 5 million iPhone 5s during launch weekend

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To say Apple’s latest iPhone is popular is a huge understatement. In a press release outed on Monday, Apple reported that over five million iPhone 5s were sold in three days over the course of the device’s launch weekend (Friday, September 21 to Sunday the 23rd). Two million of them were preordered in the first 24 hours. In addition, Apple shares that over 100 million devices have been updated to iOS 6 since its September 19 debut.

“Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook. “While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date. We appreciate everyone’s patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone.”

To restate what Cook said in his obligatory quote, the press release admits: “Demand for iPhone 5 exceeded the initial supply and while the majority of pre-orders have been shipped to customers, many are scheduled to be shipped in October.”

Today the iPhone 5 is available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore,and the UK. On September 28 it goes on sale in 22 more countries and by the end of the year it will be sold in over 100 countries. This is only the beginning for the smartphone to beat. Jump after the break for the full PR.

[Via Apple 1, 2] Continue reading Apple sells over 5 million iPhone 5s during launch weekend →

2012 Emmys results: ‘Modern Family’ & ‘Homeland’ big winners

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On Sunday night, Modern Family and Homeland scored big wins at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards. The ABC comedy was awarded a total of four Emmys: Eric Stonestreet for Outstanding Supporting Actor; Julie Bowen for Outstanding Supporting Actress; Steven Levitan for Outstanding Director; and the show was named Outstanding Comedy. Elsewhere in comedy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep) managed to beat Amy Poehler for Outstanding Actress; Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men) rock his category to surpass Jim Parsons, Louis C.K., Larry David, and Alec Baldwin to win Outstanding Actor. Speaking of Louie, the comedian took home two Emmys–one for Outstanding Writing for the Louie episode “Pregnant” and another writing achievement for his standup special Live at the Beacon Theatre.

The Showtime political drama Homeland was awarded five Emmys: Claire Danes for Outstanding Actress; Damian Lewis for Outstanding Actor; Outstanding Writing for the “Pilot” epiosde by Alex Gansa, Howard Gordon, and Gideon Raff; at the Creative Emmys the show picked up Best Casting; and lastly it broke Mad Men‘s impressive streak and won Outstanding Drama. Elsewhere in drama, Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey) was crowned Outstanding Supporting Actress; Aaron Paul triumphed over his Breaking Bad co-star Giancarlo Esposito to win Outstanding Supporting Actor; and Tim Van Patten nabbed Outstanding Director for his work on Boardwalk Empire.

Other notable wins… the HBO movie Game Change swept the Miniseries/Movie category with five wins including Outstanding Actress (Julianne Moore), Outstanding Writing (Danny Strong), Outstanding Directing (Jay Roach), Best Casting, and it took home Outstanding Miniseries or Movie. The highly rated History channel miniseries Hatfields and McCoys won two Emmys and Jessica Lange nabbed Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role in FX’s American Horror Story. And like clockwork Comedy Central’s The Daily Show With Jon Stewart won Outstanding Variety Series for the tenth year in a row.

Jump after the break to see all the night’s winners. Continue reading 2012 Emmys results: ‘Modern Family’ & ‘Homeland’ big winners →

Parker Posey teaches you how to give the perfect Emmy speech

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Indie film star Parker Posey, recently off a guest star stint on FX’s Louie, teaches a class how to give the perfect Emmy speech. “The most important part of any actor’s career is the Emmy Awards acceptance speech,” says Posey posing as as legendary acting coach JA,N. Watch the very funny clip and you’ll get it. Posey is brilliant. Enjoy.

And just in case you were wondering, the Emmys air live this Sunday, September 23 at 7PM ET on ABC hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

Graphic designer shoots Marvel-themed short ‘S.H.I.E.L.E.D.’, spread the word!

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A buddy of mine Adam Levermore is a talented graphic designer whose previous work includes officially-licensed Battlestar Galactica propaganda posters, travel posters for the Firefly film Serenity, the Super 8 iPhone app, and posters for The Guild, Team Unicorn, and The Nerd Machine. Since Marvel announced they are making a live-action series for ABC called S.H.I.E.L.D., Levermore has made it his mission to get noticed by the powers that be to get hired as the show’s graphic designer.

So what did he do? He very quickly whipped up a short film called S.H.I.E.L.E.D. to serve as a live action resume of sorts. He stars as a potential recruit to become a member of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s production design team. His previous work, aforementioned above, is highlighted and he also designed most everything you see in the clip from the ID badges to the dossiers and even that crude drawing of the Avengers. It all came together thanks to donations from fans of Levermore’s work, an entertaining script written by Amy Berg (Eureka, Person of Interest, Leverage), lead actress Taryn O’Neill, and composer Bear McCreary. In addition, friends of mine Jared Hoy and Andrew Seely offered their directing and producing expertise (respectively) to the project. To learn more about S.H.I.E.L.E.D., check out Levermore’s detailed blog.

YOU can have a helping hand in getting Adam Levermore attached to Marvel’s upcoming drama by sharing the short with your friends via Twitter, Facebook, whatever you’ve got. But first give it watch yourself; it’s the most entertaining “resume” you’ll likely come across. Plus it’s Marvel related so come on!

James Gunn confirms his involvement in Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

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Marvel’s second phase of film offerings includes mostly sequels to already established franchises like Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America. Two of them–namely Ant-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy–have the potential to become franchises of their own. On Tuesday director James Gunn (Slither, Super) confirmed speculation by announcing via Facebook he will in fact helm the adaptation of Guardians of the Galaxy:

For a month or so there’s been a lot of Internet speculation about my involvement with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Until now I haven’t said anything, because I’m trying to be less expulsive about this project than I am about the rest of my life. But last night I got the go-ahead from Kevin Feige to let you all know that, yes, indeed, I am rewriting and directing Guardians of the Galaxy. As a lifelong lover of Marvel comics, space epics, AND raccoons, this is the movie I’ve been waiting to make since I was nine years old. Kevin, Joss, and all the folks at Marvel have been amazing collaborators so far, and we’re committed to bringing you something majestic, beautiful, and unique. I am incredibly excited. I am also incredibly grateful to the fans and the press for all their words of encouragement and support regarding my involvement with this project since the news first leaked. Thanks – you have, honestly, touched and overwhelmed me. And that’s it for now. Other than the occasional photos of my dog and cat here on Facebook, I’ll talk to you again in August 2014 when Guardians is released!

Concept art for the flick includes a superhero team made up of Drax the Destroyer, Groot, Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, and Gamora. Yes, a gun-wielding raccoon is involved. And with Gunn directing, things are about to get wild, wacky, and extremely radical. Hear what Avengers helmer Joss Whedon has to say about Gunn’s involvement in a video interview posted after the break. Continue reading James Gunn confirms his involvement in Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ →

HTC shows off Windows Phone 8 offerings 8X & 8S

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Following Nokia’s Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, HTC unveiled their Windows Phone 8 flagship device, Windows Phone 8X and a budget-friendly mid-range model, Windows Phone 8S.

The 8X sports a 4.3-inch (1280 x 720) Super LCD 2 display with Gorilla Glass 2 protection with a dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor with 1GB RAM, 16GB of storage, a rear-facing 8 megapixel camera featuring a CMOS sensor with backside illumination, an f/2.0 aperture, 28mm lens, and a dedicated imaging chip, and a front-facing 2.1 megapixel camera with an f/2.0 aperture and 88 degree ultra-wide angle. Both cameras can shoot 1080p video. NFC, Beats Audio, a 1,800mAh Li-ion battery, and LTE support are built-in. The 8X will come in a variety of colors including California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red, and Limelight Yellow when it ships this November. AT&T and T-Mobile have confirmed they will carry HTC’s flagship WP8 device at that time.

And then there’s the mid-ranger, the 8S. This model packs a 4-inch WVGA LCD screen with Gorilla Glass, a dual-core 1GHz Snapdragon S4 processor with 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage with microSD expandability, and there’s a 5 megapixel camera ’round back with support for 720p video recording but you won’t find a front-facing shooter here. A slightly less powerful 1,700 mAh battery gives the thing juice. The 8S will also ship this November in following hues: Domino, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue, and High-Rise Gray.

When release dates, pricing, and exact carrier support become apparent, you will be notified. Over and out.

 

[Via Engadget 1, 2, 3]

Sony outs redesigned PlayStation 3, and other announcements from TGS 2012

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At this year’s Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced a new smaller and lighter PlayStation 3. This marks the second time the PS3 has gone under the knife since its debut in 2006. Here are the most significant changes, according to the PlayStation maker:

Thanks to a complete redesign of the internal architecture, the volume and weight of the new PS3 has been reduced by more than half compared to the very first PS3 model with a 60GB HDD, and by 20% and 25% respectively compared to the current PS3. By adopting a sliding disk cover, the new PS3 continues with the characteristic sleek curved body design, which fits various places in the home and enables users to enjoy an array of entertainment content.

Starting September 25, Sony will sell the newly redesigned PS3 in a $269.99 bundle that includes a 250GB HDD, a copy of Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception: Game of the Year Edition, and a voucher to download bonus content for the game DUST 514. About a month later on October 30, a 500GB varient will release and come bundled with Assassin’s Creed III; pricing is still TBD. A white version and one with 16GB Flash storage were also unveiled, but these are exclusive to Japan for now. Browse the gallery below for a closer look at the even slimmer PS3.

Also announced at TGS is that PlayStation Plus is coming to the PS Vita. If you’re already a member of Plus on the PS3, there will be no entry fee to port your status to the portable. If you’re a new subscribers you’ll be able to choose from two options: $18 for 90 days or $50 for one year. Plus features for Vita include an Instant Game Collection, discounts for games and DLC, online game storage, automatic updates and trophy sync. Plus for Vita launches this November.

Lastly, Sony announced that PlayStation Mobile is coming to smartphones and tablets on October 3. PSM promises to bring “PlayStation-like” game experiences to PlayStation-Certified devices. Said devices will come from partners like HTC, Fujitsu, Sharp, and of course Sony.

And in related PS news, the augmented reality experience known as Wonderbook will ship November 13. For $79 you get the hardcover Wonderbook that’s filled with AR codes, a PlayStation Eye camera and a Move controller, and the Wonderbook launch title featuring source material from J.K. Rowling Book of Spells. This bundle is all that’ll be available this year, but Sony says to look forward to next year when new Wonderbook titles Diggs: Nightcrawler, BBC’s Walking with Dinosaurs, and others from Disney will come out to play.

[Via PS Blog 1, 2, 3, 4]

Kick off the final season of ‘The Office’ with this (emotional) retrospective

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Tonight (9/20) NBC kicks off the final season of The Office at 9PM. After what will be nine seasons of ups and downs in terms of sheer laughs and creative direction, Dunder Mifflin will close its doors for good this May. Before you sit down and watch tonight’s season premiere, watch this admittedly emotional retrospective that highlights some of the best, most memorable moments from the wacky, longrunning mockumentary. We miss you Michael Scott.

Tonight’s NBC lineup also includes the Up All Night (8:30PM) and Parks and Rec (9:30PM) season premieres, and they are preceded by an SNL Weekend Update Thursday special (8PM).

‘Bates Motel’ finds its Norman Bates

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A&E’s upcoming Psycho prequel series from Carlton Cuse (Lost) and Kerry Ehrin (Friday Night Lights) has just found its Norman Bates. Twenty-year-old Englishman Freddy Highmore, who you should remember from films such as Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, August Rush, and The Spiderwick Chronicles, has been cast as the famous series killer invented by Alfred Hitchcock. Cuse celebrated the news in a tweet: “I am so delighted that Freddie Highmore will play our young Norman Bates. He is a wonderfully gifted actor and a great guy.”

In other casting news, actor Max Thieriot (Jumper) has landed the role of Norman’s brother Dylan. In another tweet Cuse shared, “Max Thieriot joins BATES MOTEL playing Norma’s OTHER son, Dylan. Max is a phenomenal, smart & magnetic actor. An amazing casting day.”

Bates Motel is described as “a contemporary exploration of the formative years of Norman Bates’ relationship with his mother, Norma [played by Vera Farmiga], and the world they inhabit. Viewers will have access to the dark, twisted backstory and learn firsthand how Norma helped forge the most famous serial killer of them all.”

It’s expected to premiere on A&E in October 2013.

[Via TV Guide; Twitter]