Katy Perry lets her nerdtastic alter ego Kathy Beth Terry loose in this new music video for “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”. The clip includes a couple of Gleeks (Darren Criss, Kevin McHale), 90s pop band Hanson, sax player Kenny G, Debbie Gibson and Corey Feldman play Kathy’s parents, and then there’s Rebecca Black (obviously). Like most of Katy Perry’s singles this one’s catchy, so beware. Now watch the star-studded video above!
Kanye West’s “Mama’s Boyfriend” leaks out
About a year ago Kanye West crashed Facebook headquarters, stood atop a table inside a fluorescently lit conference room, and performed a capella a bunch of new material. The verses performed there would eventually find their way into the finalized versions of many tracks from the rapper’s latest album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and his G.O.O.D. Friday series. They include “See Me Now“, “Lost in the World“, and “Chain Heavy.” There has been one rap, however, that never made it to CDQ format and that was the tentatively titled “Mama’s Boyfriend.”
Earlier this week that personal and emotional track finally leaked out, and more recently ‘Ye popped his head out of the studio to let his fans know that the leak was unintentional. A rep for Kanye said this in a statement:
“The version of the Kanye West recording ‘Mama’s Boy’ that arrived on blog sites earlier this week is entirely bogus and unsanctioned, and violates the artist’s creative intentions. As is often the unfortunate case, an unknown party or parties got a hold of Kanye West’s vocal track and added their own soundbed to it, effectively and falsely releasing it as a Kanye West track from the My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy sessions. The result in no way resembles the final song Kanye West intended his fans to hear, and he is deeply disappointed that one of the most personal, meaningful and special songs he has ever written would reach people in this way. Needless to say, measures are being taken to identify and prosecute the persons responsible for leaking this material.”
Since the version that leaked is not final I do not want to perpetuate its existence on the ‘Net. For that reason you will not find it embedded here. However, if you’re curious to hear what the buzz is all about head over to YouTube and search for it. Ye’s people have been tracking the leak for days now, so don’t be too surprised if you’re hard pressed to find a solid stream of it. Will Kanye ever release a mastered version of “Mama’s Boy”? The answer to that question still remains a mystery. But if I had to take a guess, let’s expect it to join “H.A.M.” on his upcoming Jay-Z collab album Watch the Throne.
Watch Conan O’Brien deliver Dartmouth’s commencement address
Yesterday morning late night talk show host Conan O’Brien delivered the main address at Dartmouth College’s 2011 commencement exercises. The 25 minute speech is chock full of jokes, but it’s the latter half that really hits home for the students. Conan’s transition from NBC to cable TV proved to be an enlightening experience for the comedian, and so he was able to share valuable advice with the graduating class. A couple choice quotes:
“It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It’s not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound reinvention.”
“Whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.”
Watch it in full above.
First production stills from ‘The Walking Dead’ season 2
Remember when we got our first look at AMC’s The Walking Dead last June 12? Exactly one year later we get not one but two production stills from the zombie survival series’ second season (catch the other image after the break). The undead never looked so good. Executive producer/director/writer Frank Darabont shares his excitement over the new season. “At this moment, I’m standing on a stretch of post-apocalypse interstate in Georgia, littered with abandoned cars and blessing my good luck to be reunited with our amazing cast, and our fantastic directors and crew.” The 13-episode second season is set to premiere this October.
[Via IGN] Continue reading First production stills from ‘The Walking Dead’ season 2
Super 8 in theatres now, get a glimpse of the creature here
The J.J. Abrams / Steven Spielberg production Super 8 is in theatres now. Leading up to the film’s release, Paramount has been adding snippets of video to this official website. On June 9, one day before the film hit theatres nationwide, the studio brought it all together and the final black-and-white video sits above. The “Full Editing Room Film” gives those anticipating Super 8 a small glimpse into the mystery behind the creature that lands in the small Ohio town the movie takes place in. If you’ve seen the movie already, you’d know that bits of this video are included in a pivotal scene.
I attended a midnight premiere screening of the movie, and without giving anyway away I will say this: Super 8 is a perfect summer movie filled with action and healthy doses of emotion & sci-fi. All of the kid actors nailed it, especially the young lead Joel Courtney. It’s truly a must-see. Whether or not it is a veiled Cloverfield prequel remains to be determined; I’d like to think it is. Also, beware of so much lens flares–alas, it is the Abrams touch (see Star Trek).
Shakira is super sexy in new “Rabiosa” video
We all know Shakira’s hips don’t lie. In her new music video for the Spanish cut “Rabiosa” off her latest record Sale el Sol Shakira pumps up the sexiness to a whole ‘nother level. It doesn’t matter that you likely won’t understand a word of this song. The video is memorizing for obvious reasons (spoiler alert: there’s pole dancing). Whether she’s donning a short brunette wig or her long locks of blonde hair, Shakira knows how to get you all bothered and hot. Go on, enjoy.
Music video: Kanye West – “Monster” (Featuring Rick Ross, Jay-Z & Nicki Minaj)
Monster. Kanye West released the track as part of his G.O.O.D. Friday free-song-of-the-week extravaganza in August 2010. It ended up being part of ‘Ye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. In December a preview for the music video leaked onto the ‘Net, and then a lengthier unfinished product surfaced. Last Sunday, finally, the completed “Monster” music video released to much fanfare.
The controversial, spooky video features Kanye West rapping among beautiful, dead models. The clip is very graphic–dead women hang like chandeliers from the ceiling, West poses the lifeless models in bed with him, and at one point he’s holding a decapitated head by brown strands of hair. This disclaimer lingers at the start of the video, so make no mistake: “The following content is in no way to be interpreted as misogynistic or negative towards any groups of people. It is an art piece and should be taken as such.”
A chainsaw wielding Rick Ross and dapper Jay-Z join West in the gory affair. But just like she did in the track itself, Nicki Minaj steals the show here as she faces off against her pink alter-ego Barbie. Watch it all unfold in the video above.
Single: Skylar Grey – “Dance Without You”
By now you should know who Skylar Grey is. After helping Diddy-Dirty Money, Dr. Dre, Lupe Fiasco, and T.I. make hit songs, the mysterious Grey is ready to shine all on her own. Prior to dropping her official single later this month, she has released a standalone track for her fans called “Dance Without You.” She told AOL Music: “I wanted to release “Dance Without You” as a free download because everyone has been so patient waiting for my solo material. It is just a little teaser before my official single comes out later this month, and a taste of what’s on my album.”
Get your taste of the Alex Da Kid production below; preview it in the audio player, download it at the link. Anticipate the debut single “Invisible” coming this month. The album Invinsible is expected to drop this fall.
Download: Skylar Grey – “Dance Without You”
[audio: Dance Without You.mp3]Update: Took me a few minutes, but the track starts in an eerily similar manner to Kanye West’s “Take One for the Team.”
[Via RapUp]
Evernote Peek makes flashcards obsolete
It’s mid-June which means it’s finals time for students in middle and high school. It’s proven that making flashcards is a great way to study for a test. If you use this method and happen to own an iPad, you’ll want to learn more about Evernote Peek. The folks at Evernote have designed a new app around the iPad 2’s smart cover accessory. So you know how the smart cover works, right? When you attach the accessory to the iPad, it automatically aligns to the screen (magnets). The cover instantly wakes up and puts to sleep the iPad when it’s applied and removed thanks to the built-in ambient light sensor. Evernote figured out a way to take advantage of this simple yet intriguing behavior.
You have a vocabulary test coming up. Goodbye flashcards, hello iPad. Lift up the smart cover flap to peek at a definition. Close it and think about what the word might be. Lift the cover again and you’ll be presented with the correct answer. The app will track which definitions you remember; the ones you get wrong will be saved so you can study them again later. Designing your own study guides using Evernote Peek is easy. All you have to do is create a free Evernote account and connect it to the app. Text and visual clues can be used to help you study. See it in action in the video above.
All in all Peek gives students yet another way to study for tests, albeit one that brings them one tap closer to accessing distractions like Facebook and Angry Birds. But it’s not like flashcard studying doesn’t take place in front of the computer screen. Download Evernote Peek for free in the App Store today.
[Via Gizmodo]
HP TouchPad out July 1 starting at $499.99
HP is ready to take on Apple, Android, and RIM in the tablet market with the WebOS-enabled TouchPad. The WiFi version of the HP TouchPad will be available in the US on July 1. The official press release, in full after the break, specifies that it will become available in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Germany “a few days later,” in Canada in “mid-July,” and it’ll make its way to Italy, Spain, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore “later this year.” Americans will have the option to purchase 16GB or 32GB models for $499.99 and $599.99, respectively. Preorders begin June 19. The TouchPad will sell at most leading local and regional retailers including Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, Walmart, Sam’s Club, OfficeMax, Amazon.com, Fry’s, Microcenter A 3G model is coming later this summer with data provided by AT&T.
Read all about the HP TouchPad right here!
Update: HP has uploaded a bunch of TouchPad videos to their YouTube channel for your viewing pleasure.
[Via HP Blog] Continue reading HP TouchPad out July 1 starting at $499.99
Xbox getting cloud saves, beacons, wheel controller & Gears of War console
Though none of these items were announced during Microsoft’s E3 keynote, there are certainly worthy of mention here. According to a recently outed Microsoft press release (in full after the break), cloud saves and beacons are coming to Xbox Live.
“Cloud Storage for Game Saves and LIVE Profile” — Here at Xbox LIVE we listen to your feedback. We are making it easier for you to sign into your Xbox LIVE account from any console at any time to access your game saves and full profile, including items such as Microsoft Points to make purchases, Achievements and friends. Cloud storage will allow you to enjoy the same great Xbox LIVE gaming experience even when you’re not in your own living room by giving you the option to store your “game saves” securely in the Xbox LIVE cloud instead of on a portable memory unit or your console’s hard drive. Gone are the days of “gamertag recovery.” Now all you need to do is sign in, no matter where you are!
“Beacons” — We want to make it easy for you to connect with friends over your favorite games on Xbox LIVE, so we are introducing Beacons to the service. Beacons are a way to tell your Xbox LIVE and Facebook friends that you want to play a game on Xbox LIVE. By setting a Beacon, you tell Xbox LIVE what you want to play. Then, Xbox LIVE lets you know when friends are playing or want to play the same game. With Beacons, no matter what you’re currently doing on Xbox LIVE your friends know that it’s ok to ask you to play your Beaconed games. Imagine sending out a Beacon to let your friends know you’re interested in playing “Halo,” while watching a movie on Netflix. It’s about making it easier for you to share and discover games and multiplayer opportunities with friends on Xbox LIVE.
In addition to these new software enhancements, a new accessory and limited edition console are coming out of Redmond, too. First up is the Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel. It’s “completely wireless and controlled intuitively with precise steering, standard controller buttons/triggers, and haptic feedback with rumble.” It even includes “green bands of lights on each handle to provide visual cues when necessary.” And according to Microsoft it is compatible with all racing games right out of the box. But you know gamers will likely pair it with their new copy of Forza Motorsport 4. The wheel releases in early October for a cool $59.99.
Next and last is the Gears of War 3 limited edition console. For $400 Gears fans will get the exclusive red and black console design with two matching wireless controllers, a 320GB hard drive built-in, a wired headset, some DLC, and a copy of the game. And get this–“the power and eject buttons have been customized with unique sounds from the Gears of War universe. Drops September 20. Dig the controller design but don’t need a new Xbox? Come August 11 gamers can purchase it separately for $59.99. Check out images courtesy of Joystiq in the gallery below.
[Via Engadget 1, 2; MajorNelson]
Continue reading Xbox getting cloud saves, beacons, wheel controller & Gears of War console
E3 2011: Nintendo Press Conference
It’s Nintendo’s turn to show off their latest and greatest in software and hardware. Hint hint. Onward and downward (and Skyward) we go…
- The presser kicked off in brilliant fashion with a large orchestra playing classic tunes from the Zelda franchise. To celebrate 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, Ninty is making a Zelda game for each of their systems. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993) is coming to the Nintendo 3DS today as a download in the now accessibleeShop. It’s the first Game Boy Color title to be added to the eShop’s Virtual Console. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, the remastered N64 classic, ships for the 3DS next weekend; hint movies and Master Quest and Boss Challenge modes included. The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords comes to the DS as a free download in DSiWare in September. And lastly Skyward Sword has been confirmed to ship this holiday season for the Wii. A limited edition gold Wiimote with the Triforce emblem on it will ship alongside the game, MotionPlus tech built-in. Nintendo will hold The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony concerts this year in “each region of the world.” If you can’t attend one, the company is releasing two Zelda music CDs. Those who register Ocarina of Time 3D with Club Nintendo will get “The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D Official Soundtrack” and a CD with recordings from the 25th anniversary concert will ship when Skyward Sword does later this year.
- Nintendo is ready to immensely expand upon the 3DS games lineup by bringing classic Nintendo characters and franchises to the portable system and they are: Mario Kart (with kart hang gliders and underwater race tracks…out this holiday season); Star Fox 64 3D (you can make use of the handheld’s accelerometer and control Fox in the sky by physically turning and moving the system…in multiplayer mode the camera facing you will capture your face and tag it to your spaceship so friends can watch your reactions in real time…out in September); Super Mario (raccoon suit is back!, out “before year is over”); Kid Icarus: Uprising (features 3-on-3 multiplayer combat and augmented reality functionality using the AR Cards to pit (get it?) characters against one another…out later this year); Luigi’s Mansion 2 (it’s not a remaster of the Gamecube classic, it’s a totally new game that includes “several new mansions”); other 3DS titles coming soon: Ace Combat 3D, Tetris, Cave Story 3D; Resident Evil: Mercenaries and Revelations, Driver: Renegade, Pac-Man, Galaga Dimensions, Tekken 3D, Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D.
- President of Nintendo of America ReggieFils-Aime then went on to talk up the recent 3DS software update that brought the eShop and Internet browser to the handheld. Ninty promises that more Game Boy and Game Boy Color classics are on the way. Free Excitebike 3D for everyone for a limited time. Pokedex 3D is available exclusively through the eShop and also comes free. For more on the update, click here!
- Quite arguably the biggest and most exciting news to come out of E3 thus far was Nintendo’s unveil of the Wii successor. It’s called Wii U and it releases next year. “It’s a system for everyone, but it’s tailor made for you.” Instead of focusing on the system itself, though, Nintendo decided to spill most of the details surrounding the brand new controller design. The controller packs a 6.2-inch display and allows gameplay to take place away from the TV. Nintendo set up this example: Say you’re playing a Wii U game in the living room on the big screen TV and someone walks in and watch to watch live TV. You can easily pause your game and transfer the full experience to your controller and continue right from where you left off on the 6.2-inch screen. The bond between you and the TV has been cut. Wii U games get wirelessly beamed to the controller; one’s precise proximity to the console to make this work was not specified. Besides this awesome function, the controller provides endless possibilities for developers. “In single-player games: The new controller can display information on its screen that does not appear on the TV; The information and viewpoint can also change in the new controller based on the orientation of its gyroscope. In multiplayer games: The player using the new controller can have a different experience than those looking at the TV; This will offer a wide variety of competitive and cooperative opportunities.” Oh, the controller can do even more. The front-facing camera can be used to initiate video calls, you can flick content (i.e. pictures and videos) from the controller to your TV screen, and you can run a web browser on it. Make sure you check out this introduction video to get a sense for how it’ll work.
- Next let’s talk hardware specifics. In addition to the 6.2-inch touchscreen display, the controller also has an inward-facing camera, an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, microphone and speakers, a stylus, and the following buttons: two analog Circle Pads, a D-Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons. The Wii U console can be paired to one Wii U controller and four additional Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories. Though Nintendo’s keeping mum on console specifications, it’s confirmed that full HD 1080p support is there. It will support connections to the TV via HDMI, component, S-video and composite cables. Four USB 2.0 ports and an SD card slot complement the internal flash memory. IBM will provide processor that beats inside. Aesthetically, the console looks like the Wii but with rounder edges. It was show in white. Also, Nintendo has hinted that the Wii U will boast better online capabilities.
- Dig this games lineup: From in-house — Super Smash Bros. is coming to Wii U and 3DS! From third party people — Darksiders 2, Batman: Arkham City, Tekken, Assassin’s Creed, Lego City Stories (coming to 3DS too), Ghost Recon Online, DiRT, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Metro: Last Light, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razer’s Edge…and EA’s bringing Battlefield, Army of Two, and many others to Wii U. Hardcore games are making their way to a Nintendo-made console, at long last. The company’s goal is to provide deeper gameplay and wider appeal with the Wii U, and with the upgraded graphics, better online capabilities, and the unique controller scheme I have full confidence Nintendo will strike a balanced chord with hardcore and casual gamers alike.
Once again Nintendo has beat Microsoft and Sony at the E3 press conference wars. Nostalgia is a powerful weapon and Nintendo knows just how to use it to their advantage. The 3DS is about to get a major boost in popularity with Mario, Luigi, Star Fox, and Pit coming to the handheld this year. Zelda’s star is shines brighter than ever 25 years later. And with the introduction of the Wii U gamers get to anticipate an entirely new and innovative way to interact with their video games. Nintendo made clear that the Wii U’s controller was “not designed to be a portable game machine” even though it’s in the shape of one. Surely more details will surface in the coming months. For now, peep the gallery below for a closer look at the super intriguing controller and the Wii U console.
