Category Archives: Technology

Star Wars stand-alone pic ‘Rogue One’ details surface; ‘Star Wars: Battlefront’ game trailer inside

April 19, 2015Movies, News, Technology, VideoEA, Electronic Arts, Rogue One, Star Wars, Star Wars Anthology Series, Star Wars Celebration, Star Wars: Battlefront, Star Wars: Rogue One, trailer, video game trailer, Video gamesScott Meisner

The Star Wars Celebration convention continues. Mere days after unveiling the universally enjoyable second teaser for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, a second panel packed with franchise fans would parcel fresh intel regarding one of the two upcoming Star Wars stand-alone films. Today’s panel was originally supposed to feature Gareth Edwards and Josh Trank, but the latter director was a no-show due to an illness. So, only Edwards’ Rogue One spinoff film was discussed, and Trank’s still untitled Star Wars pic wasn’t brought up. Moving on!

Godzilla director Edwards was joined on stage by Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy and Kiri Hart. First and foremost, we’ve got a description for Rogue One: “A band of resistance fighters unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans,” spills Star Wars’ official Twitter feed. At the panel, it was confirmed that The Theory of Everything‘s Felicity Jones will star as a Rebel soldier.

A brief teaser was screened at the panel; Lucasfilms has yet to post a clean copy of it online, but that never stopped the Internet before. You can search YouTube for cell phone recordings but be quick about it–they’ll be pulled before long. In case you can’t find it, here’s a quick description of the action. It opens with narration from Alec Guinness who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars film. The dialogue pulled from A New Hope went like this: “For more than a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times. Before the Empire.” The visuals start on a planet teeming with lush forestry. As the camera starts panning towards a bright sky, a TIE Fighter zooms by heading for what appears to be the planet’s nearby moon. As we follow it fly away, we realize that’s no moon–it’s the original Death Star hanging beyond the clouds. The teaser goes black, and just as solider radio coms chatter starts to get hectic, the Star Wars Rogue One title card appears.

Be mindful that this footage was made in collaboration with the folks at Industrial Light & Magic specially for this reveal. Edwards and his team are currently in pre-production with shooting set to begin this summer. The clip is a mere taste of what’s to come. In addition to the footage, concept art was also displayed for the rabid crowd; it depicts soldiers storming onto a rainy, muddy planet.

Edwards briefly expanded on Rogue One. “It’s the reality of war. Good guys are bad. Bad guys are good. It’s complicated, layered; a very rich scenario in which to set a movie,” he said. Don’t expect the film’s main set of characters to bring down their enemies with The Force or other mythological powers, because they won’t. Edwards says, “It comes down to a group of individuals who don’t have magical powers that have to somehow bring hope to the galaxy.” Sounds like a much more grounded, realistic approach to the franchise, one we haven’t yet seen. Edwards’ spinoff is very much a war movie; the director cited Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down as inspirations. “It’s called Star … Wars,” he reminded the crowd. In terms of where it fits in the Star Wars timeline: Edwards confirmed Rogue One takes place after Revenge of the Sith and before A New Hope.

Expanding Star Wars‘ inherently sci-fi tendencies and pushing the franchise’s genre in new directions is, in fact, the point here. “The idea behind these movies is that Star Wars, as much as it is a set of stories and characters we know, it’s also a place–a place we can explore in terms of character and time,” said Hart. Edwards’ Rogue One will showcase a heist story set in a gritty, war-torn environment with relatable soldiers who wield no magic. Though we don’t have information to go on yet about Trank’s spinoff, his film is also set to play with the genre and inject new storytelling elements into the franchise.

We should stop using the term “spinoff films” at this point, since Kennedy and Hart introduced a new branding term for all non-trilogy franchise films. All spinoff/standalone movies set in the Star Wars universe are to be referred to as films in the “Star Wars Anthology Series.”

Star Wars Rogue One, the first Star Wars Anthology Series film, is slated to hit theatres December 16, 2016.

An incredible look at Electronic Arts’ video game Star Wars: Battlefront waits after the break. Continue reading Star Wars stand-alone pic ‘Rogue One’ details surface; ‘Star Wars: Battlefront’ game trailer inside →

Rock on: ‘Guitar Hero’ returns with all new ways to play

April 14, 2015News, Technology, VideoActivision, FreeStyleGames, Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero Live, trailer, video game trailer, Video gamesScott Meisner

Guitar Hero is dead. Long live Guitar Hero! More, long live the rhythm-based video game genre!

In March, Harmonix–the developers behind Guitar Hero (2005), its 2006 sequel, and spinoff Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s (2007)–announced the revival of Rock Band with the fourth iteration in that long-running game franchise. Today, Activision followed suit by unveiling an unapologetically bold take on Rock Band‘s competitor, Guitar Hero. That’s right–the title that started the rhythm-based revolution is coming to current-gen consoles and it’s packed with fresh songs, a retooled guitar peripheral, and most exciting, new forms of gameplay.

Jump after the break for all the juicy details. Continue reading Rock on: ‘Guitar Hero’ returns with all new ways to play →

Apple Watch preorders going live: here’s what you need to know

April 9, 2015News, Technology, VideoApple, Apple Watch, demo, demonstration, preorder date, release date, tech demoScott Meisner

The Apple Watch is coming. Are you ready?

Today, one day before pre-orders go live on Friday, April 10, Apple outed a press release detailing how the big launch is going to work. If you want a Watch anytime soon, be ready to preorder online tonight at midnight–specifically, Friday morning at 12:01am PDT. All three styles including the Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, and Apple Watch Edition are bound to sell out faster than you can say Steve Jobs, so you’ll want your finger on the checkout button precisely at that time. After securing a preorder, customers can expect product delivery beginning Friday, April 24.

Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and Online Stores, also mentions in the press release that the company “will be taking orders for Apple Watch exclusively online during the initial launch period.” I added the emphasis there because it’s important to note. At least at launch, you will not be able to walk into a store to buy the Watch; Apple is making it available for purchase solely at its online store for now.

However, that does not mean Apple Stores and select boutiques around the world won’t be showing off the newly minted timepieces. Visit a brick-and-mortar Apple Store “for a personalized session with a Specialist to try on, fit and size their band, and explore the amazing features of Apple Watch.” Though you won’t be walking out of the store with it, such a session will surely help you decide on which style and size are best, and then you make an informed buy online. Happy shopping, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Need something to do while you’re waiting for pre-ordering to go live tonight? Hop after the break to watch four recently uploaded official Guided Tours to learn your way around the Watch and its snazzy UI. A general overview, as well as focused looks at Messages, watch faces, and Digital Touch, will get you acclimated with Apple’s “most personal device.”

Is that not enough? There’s more. It’s not Watch-related, but it’s still something you should know. HBO NOW, the premium cable network’s standalone streaming service, has gone live across Apple devices including Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Get the app and get started with a free 30-day trial. Ready to dive in? Sign up for the $14.99 monthly subscription and you’re good to go. HBO releases its new streaming service just in time for the season premieres of Game of Thrones, Silicon Valley, and Veep.

[Via Apple] Continue reading Apple Watch preorders going live: here’s what you need to know →

Sony teases Batman-themed limited-edition PS4 ahead of ‘Arkham Knight’ release

April 5, 2015Image cache, News, TechnologyBatman, Batman: Arkham Knight, Batman: Arkham trilogy, bundle, limited edition, PlayStation 4, PS4, Sony, Video games, video games bundleScott Meisner

Sony’s got a new PS4 SKU in the works. No, it’s not quite as fancy (or incredibly rare) as the previously released 20th Anniversary console, but it’s something! Especially if you’re a fan of the Caped Crusader. To celebrate the upcoming summer release of the third and final entry in the Batman: Arkham video game trilogy, Sony is producing limited edition hardware featuring custom artwork. For $449.99, you can get the steel grey PS4 with a custom Batman: Arkham Knight faceplate, a matching steel grey DualShock 4 wireless controller, and of course a copy of Arkham Knight. Sony will also be selling an Arkham Knight bundle that includes the title and a standard jet black console and matching controller for $399.99. Both bundles will launch alongside the game on June 23. Preorder today.

[Via PS Blog]

Discover the Master Chief’s origins in ‘Halo 5: Guardians’ exploratory marketing campaign [Update: Two new trailers inside]

March 28, 2015Technology, VideoHalo, Halo 5: Guardians, marketing campaign, Microsoft, release date, teaser trailer, trailer, video game trailer, Video games, Xbox OneScott Meisner

Microsoft’s expansive marketing campaign for Halo 5: Guardians begins now. Watch the helmet-shattering teaser trailer above and at the end you’ll notice the hashtag #HuntTheTruth. Shortly after the televised teaser launch, MSFT opened up a “Hunt the Truth” Tumbler that further explores the mystery behind the shrouded plot of the upcoming game. Fictional journalist and war photographer Benjamin Giraud hosts a weekly podcast that promises an in-depth profile of the Master Chief with an aim to uncover the truth behind his origins and motives. Fans of the Xbox franchise (myself included) are going to eat this up.

Halo 5: Guardians is expected to release this fall on Xbox One.

Update (3/29): Microsoft unleashed two extended trailers for Halo 5: Guardians tonight during the season finale of The Walking Dead on AMC. The first features Spartan Locke threatening Master Chief: “All hail the conquering hero. The one who was supposed to save us all. But now I must save us from you.” The second spot reverses the roles, with Master Chief pointing his weapon and saying, “You’ve completed your mission, Spartan Locke.” What’s happening?! See for yourself after the break. Also confirmed: the next Halo comes exclusively to Xbox One on October 27. Continue reading Discover the Master Chief’s origins in ‘Halo 5: Guardians’ exploratory marketing campaign [Update: Two new trailers inside] →

Sony’s cloud-based TV service PlayStation Vue launches in three major U.S. cities

March 28, 2015News, Technology, Televisioncloud-based TV service, cord cutter, PlayStation Vue, PS Vue, PS3, PS4, SonyScott Meisner

Four months after detailing its very own cloud-based TV service, Sony let loose PlayStation Vue in three major U.S. cities on March 18. If you own a PS3 and/or PS4 and live in Chicago, NYC, or Philadelphia, boot up your console to take it for a test run. As long as you have the latest firmware update running, you’ll find a new PS Vue app icon in your dash; click it to sign up for the service or start a seven-day trial.

Essentially, PS Vue streams live and on-demand TV (including TV shows, movies and sports) to your console and the service is boosted by a cloud-based DVR, all without a cable or satellite subscription. If you’ve been on the fence about cutting the cord, PS Vue may be your answer. Of course, you won’t find all of your favorite channels here; that being said, Sony is doing a fine job at boosting content provider support as new channels have been populating the service since launch. Click here to view the current channel lineup. Thanks to the cloud-based DVR, you won’t ever have to worry about recording conflicts or storage space; that’s the power of the cloud! PS Vue also makes it easy to record and get to your preferred content; by tagging a show you’ll have access to previously aired episodes of that show for 28 days.

The monthly subscription starts at $49.99 for the “Access” base package of channels; “Core” ($59.99) and “Elite” ($69.99) offer up additional content. See the breakdown here. Note that PS Vue does not lock consumers into contracts, and you’re free to switch between the packages at will. Sony says it’s hard at work on expanding the service’s outreach in the U.S., and you can expect support for iPad “in the near future.”

After fiddling with service for some time, I’m happy to report that the UI is slick and forward-thinking with its smart search tools and filters. Whether or not you’re ready to cut the cord today, services like PS Vue and Sling TV are the future of television and you best be ready.

[Via PlayStation Blog]

Nintendo wants to be on smart devices, still committed to home-brewed hardware

March 28, 2015News, TechnologyDeNA, Nintendo, Nintendo IP, Nintendo NX, partnership, Video gamesScott Meisner

It won’t be long before you can find Mario on your smartphone. After years of denying the importance of the smart device app space (read: games for phones, tablets, laptop PCs), Nintendo is changing its stance by debuting a new partnership and initiative to bring new games to consumers based on Nintendo intellectual property. Ninty has partnered with Tokyo-based developer DeNA (pronounced “D-N-A”) to make apps. “The alliance is intended to complement Nintendo’s dedicated video game systems business and extend Nintendo’s reach into the vast market of smart device users worldwide,” reads a press release. The PR also notes that “only new original games optimized for smart device functionality will be created;” what this means is that you should not expect ports of classic Nintendo titles such as Super Mario 64 and Donkey Kong Country to land on your iPhone. In addition, the video game companies are collaborating on an online membership service that will tie together consumers playing these new apps across devices including the Wii U home console and the 3DS handheld.

With Nintendo entering the highly lucrative app arena, does this mark the beginning of the end for Nintendo-made home consoles? Shortly after announcing its initiative with DeNA–on the same day, even–the house that build Mario made it abundantly clear that it is not ditching its core consumer base. In fact, they went on to confirm a followup to the Wii U and it’s codenamed “NX.” Here’s all the company revealed about it during a press conference: “Nintendo is currently developing a dedicated games platform with a brand new concept under the development codename NX.” Nintendo fanboys and fangirls, you can breathe a little bit easier now! Still, I’m certainly excited to see how Nintendo will go about making its mark in the crowded mobile app space.

Apple solidifies Watch release date & pricing, unveils HBO standalone streaming service, HealthKit, plus a shiny new MacBook

March 9, 2015News, Technology, VideoApple, Apple keynote, Apple TV, Apple Watch, HBO, HBO NOW, MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, price, price drop, release date, release date & price, ResearchKit, specifications, specsScott Meisner

On Monday, Apple CEO Tim Cook hosted the company’s latest keynote dubbed “Spring Forward” and it packed quite a punch. Everyone was expecting more details about the anticipated Apple Watch–release date and pricing was finally made known–but before getting to all that, Cook announced an exciting launch with HBO, he introduced a forward-thinking platform called HealthKit that aims to support the medical field in new and exciting ways, and a brand new MacBook packed with all kinds of cool technology made its debut. For all the details, skip after the break. Continue reading Apple solidifies Watch release date & pricing, unveils HBO standalone streaming service, HealthKit, plus a shiny new MacBook →

@ Super Creative: ‘Coolest Discoveries in Smart Home Technology’

March 5, 2015Super Creative, Technologycoolest discoveries, smart home technologyScott Meisner

Editor’s note: In February I announced my partnership with Super Creative. Going forward, whenever I contribute a post to SC’s site, I’ll be sure to hang a link here at [experience-it-all] so you don’t miss out.

Super Creative takes a look at innovations in smart home technology today. After perusing the selections, you might just feel inclined to spruce up your place with these intelligent, forward-thinking devices.

Click here for more.

Harmonix resurrects ‘Rock Band’ for Xbox One & PS4–get all the details here

March 5, 2015Image cache, News, TechnologyHarmonix, Rock Band, Rock Band 4, Video gamesScott Meisner

Eight years after releasing the original Rock Band, developer Harmonix is readying the fourth iteration in the musical video game franchise. Rock Band 4 is coming to current-gen consoles only, namely Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Right off the bat, here are answers to questions you probably want to know immediately. The Rock Band Music Store will be accessible in the new title; this will allow gamers to download and play over 2,000 tracks when the game launches. Of course, those tracks are in addition to new tracks that will ship on the title’s disc. Due to licensing restrictions, songs featured on Rock Band 3 and The Beatles Rock Band will not be carried over to the Music Store. What about previously purchased songs you might have downloaded for Rock Band, RB2, and RB3? The developer claims all your DLC will transfer from PS3 to PS4 and from Xbox 360 to Xbox One; purchases are tied to your console maker, so if you purchased songs on PS3 and want to play them on Xbox One, that unfortunately won’t be possible.

And what about those plastic peripherals probably collecting dust in your basements and garages? Harmonix is working closely with Microsoft and Sony to make your old-gen guitars and drum kits compatible with RB4. Keyboards, however, will no longer be supported. But of course, the dev is collaborating with accessory maker Mad Catz again to ship updated instruments with the game.

Besides all this, we really don’t know much about the game yet. In a behind-the-scenes clip, the team at Harmonix shares their excitement about creating a brand new Rock Band that will go back to the franchise’s roots in terms of gameplay; and at the same time, it will introduce new ways to play. “There is some evolution of the way that you play that’s in this game that really wouldn’t have been possible if we made the game a couple years ago,” teases company CEO Steve Janiak. Harmonix, whose self-publishing this passion project, says fans of the franchise should not expect a Rock Band 5 any time soon. They envision RB4 to serve as a platform that can exist for the entire length of a console generation; instead of saturating the market with new $60 titles every year, they will continually evolve gameplay with software updates and keep things fresh, of course, with new DLC tracks. Music to my ears!

You can sign up for preorder notifications today. Jump after the break to eyeball the familiar-looking instruments, and rock on!

Bonus! Check out this 15-year-old girl shredding on her custom-made Vigier Excalibur playing “Through the Fire and the Flames” and let all the good Rock Band memories come flooding back. Continue reading Harmonix resurrects ‘Rock Band’ for Xbox One & PS4–get all the details here →

@ Super Creative: ‘Facebook aims to take virtual reality to new heights with Oculus VR, here’s how’

February 19, 2015Super Creative, TechnologyFacebook, Oculus Rift, Oculus VR, virtual realityScott Meisner

Editor’s note: On Monday I announced my partnership with Super Creative. Going forward, whenever I contribute a post to SC’s site, I’ll be sure to hang a link here at [experience-it-all] so you don’t miss out.

Today, Super Creative discusses Facebook’s acquisition of Oculus VR, an innovative company at the forefront of the virtual reality revolution, and the ways in which VR can be used beyond gaming.

Click here for more.