HP – Hit Print

If your printer could bring your research to life, how would it look? HP used the consistent and reliable printouts from its Photosmart printers to narrate a little story, speeding them up until they animate.

Would You Wear These?

This incredibly detailed, Iron Man 2 ‘movie replica’ Motorcycle Suit ($1,099) takes this same armor concept one step further as a fully functional, ready-to-wear Screen Accurate Motorcycle Suit.

Adidas’s new leather Wings 2.0 shoes designed by Jeremy Scott. They will be on sale through Adidas Originals online store on August 10th, 2010.

Converse has recently released a line of Chuck Taylor All-Stars with characters from beloved Dr. Seuss classics. The shoes are available at Converse.com.

Put a little Irish dance in any day with these clever socks. Guaranteed to bring a smile. 75% polyester, 25% stretch nylon. Made in USA. Size: women’s medium ($9).

Alicia Keys models her brand new DSQUARED2 skeletal stilettos, which will become available to the public via Zappos this August.

With the Mocc Socks ($8), you can now achieve the sock-less look for your trendy boat shoes.

ScotteVest is taking wearable storage to a whole new level with their upcoming coat, which is designed to replace carry-on luggage. It has 33 pockets and can carry clothes and shoes.

The Mr. Tee ($20) is a conceptually creative light blue tee sporting a portrait of Mr. T that’s been made out of t-shirts. We pity da fool that don’t get the irony.

The Bow TIE Tuxedo Shirt ($22) features Vader’s TIE Fighter in place of a black bow tie and with cleverly placed white backdrops giving the appearance of a tux.

Front of hoodie features the closed mouthed Raptor, when arms are folded across the chest the image changes to reveal an open mouthed Raptor, back of hoodie features an open mouthed Raptor. ($25)

KFC’s Doublicious Sandwich Debuts Today

KFC debuted a new version of its most successful limited-time offer, the Double Down today, and this time the “sandwich” actually gets a bun.

The Doublicious, which Louisville-based KFC promoted to members of its e-mail club last week, launched today, and the company already is calling it the chain’s signature sandwich.

The new sandwich targets fans of the Double Down, as KFC’s e-mail promotion remarked, “If you thought our sandwich without the bun was a hit, wait until you see what we’re doing with a bun!”

The Original Recipe Doublicious will combine an Original Recipe fillet, Monterey Jack cheese, bacon and Colonel’s Sauce, just like the Double Down. But this time a sweet Hawaiian Bread roll will hold all the ingredients together. A Grilled Doublicious version will have a grilled fillet, Monterey Jack, lettuce and honey-mustard barbecue sauce.

The Double Down was an instant hit, selling nearly 10 million and garnering a tremendous amount of consumer and industry attention. KFC expects the same from the Doublicious.

“The great thing about the Double Down — aside from the obvious fact that KFC has sold more than 10 million of them — is that it really got people talking about KFC and sandwiches, and that is continuing,” KFC spokesman Rick Maynard said Monday in an e-mail to Nation’s Restaurant News. “The Doublicious isn’t even in our restaurants yet, and there is already a tremendous amount of chatter about it.”

He also confirmed that the Doublicious was tested in the Providence, R.I., and Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., markets, as was the Double Down before its April introduction.

Among consumer and media chatter about the Doublicious are comments from authors and readers of blogs like Consumerist implying that the new sandwich lacks the innovative punch of the Double Down. KFC refuted the notion that a bun makes its newest product just another chicken sandwich.

“The bottom line is that America is talking about KFC and our sandwiches, and that is a very good thing,” Maynard said. “Once Americans get a chance to try the Doublicious, we think they’ll agree that it is as good or better than any chicken sandwich in the fast-food business.”

BIG BAG BIG BOOM – The New Wall-Painted Animation by BLU

World-renowned animated graffiti artist BLU returns following a ten-month hiatus with a stunning new production called “BIG BANG BIG BOOM: illustrating his point of view on the beginning and evolution of life … and how it could probably end.”

Happy Fourth of July From THE FIRE WIRE

2010 Comic-Con Exclusives

True Blood #1 Retailer Exclusive 2010 SDCC Edition

Start making those want lists now! HERE is the annual guide to the incredible Exclusive items at the 2010 Comic-Con! Check back often for additions to this list.

Lost Man In Black 8-inch Action Figure - SDCC Exclusive

DC Universe 75th Anniversary Pack: Starro with Pack of Spores

DC Universe Classics: Plastic Man with Suitcase

Blood Oath: The President’s Vampire by Christopher Farnsworth

In his thrilling debut, Christopher Farnsworth combines the current trend of supernatural fiction with the always popular political thriller. The president’s most loyal secret agent is Cade, a 140-year-old vampire who is dedicated to protecting the U.S. from supernatural threats. Farnsworth creates an entire secret history behind the major events of the late nineteenth, twentieth, and early twenty-first centuries, even hinting at a supernatural cause behind the 9/11 attacks.

In the present day, Zach Barrows, a rising political star caught canoodling with the president’s daughter, suddenly finds himself training to be Cade’s handler after tough, wise special agent William Griffin retires. As they try to stop Cade’s old nemesis, Dr. Johann Konrad, from creating an army of Frankensteinian monster soldiers, they uncover a deeper government conspiracy.

The 400 page hardcover is available now for $24.95 and can be ordered HERE. (Thanks for the tip Don)

The Harmony 600 Remote

With the Harmony 600 Remote, you’ll see the commands you need for the devices you’re using on the black & white screen.

The remote replaces up to five other remotes, eliminating the complications and clutter that go with them. After completing the easy online setup, you just click what you want to do — such as “Watch TV” — and your Logitech Harmony remote automatically turns on the right devices and selects the right inputs.

The features of this intuitive remote include:

Backlit screen: You’ll see just what you need on the Harmony 600 backlit monochrome screen, like the commands you need for the devices you’re using.

One-click activity buttons: mean no more complicated lists of what to turn on or which button to select. Once you’re set up, you just select what you want to do and your Harmony does the rest.

Setup that’s a snap: Setting up a Logitech Harmony remote is a snap. Simply connect the remote to your computer, go to www.logitech.com/MyHarmony, and download the software. You’ll then be prompted to enter the make and model number of your entertainment devices — the Logitech Harmony software does the rest. From Betamax to Blu-ray, you can be sure the Logitech Harmony remote can control virtually any IR home-electronic device.

Intuitive design: Buttons are grouped by how you use them, shaped so you can feel your way around, and backlit—so you always know where you are.

Replaces 5 remotes: It’s easy to say good-bye to that jumble of remotes on the coffee table.

Supports 5000+ brands: Whether you have an aging VCR or a brand new Blu-ray player, you can be confident your Harmony remote will control the devices you have today and the ones you add tomorrow.

Constantly updated device database: Your remote won’t become obsolete when manufacturers release new products or when you buy a new TV or add a Blu-ray player to your setup.

The Logitech Harmony 600 Remote is available for a suggested retail price of $79.99.

Microsoft Instaload: Insert Batteries Any Way That You Like

Microsoft announced this week that it has a patent for designing devices so that batteries can be inserted either way, regardless of polarity. Dubbed InstaLoad, Microsoft said, the technology is now available for license to other companies.

Further, the company said it will offer the license royalty-free to companies making products for people with hearing, vision, or learning disabilities.

Battery maker Duracell and flashlight manufacturer AE Light are among the first companies to license the technology, Microsoft said.

The technology appears to work simply enough, including both positive and negative contacts at both ends. A center contact at the top supports a positive charge, while the wider bottom contact supports negative polarity.

Microsoft bills it as particularly useful for devices that use a lot of batteries, that need to have batteries changed frequently, or that can be damaged if the batteries are inserted improperly.

Microsoft said InstaLoad can work with any cylindrical battery, disposable or rechargeable, including any standard ones like AA, AAA, C, and D cells, as well as less common ones like those used in some cameras.

Letter from Apple Regarding iPhone 4

Apple Inc. said today that a software fix for the iPhone 4 will correct an error in the way the devices display signal strength, in response to complaints of worse reception when iPhone 4 users picked up the device. This letter was posted on their website this morning:

Dear iPhone 4 Users,

The iPhone 4 has been the most successful product launch in Apple’s history. It has been judged by reviewers around the world to be the best smartphone ever, and users have told us that they love it. So we were surprised when we read reports of reception problems, and we immediately began investigating them. Here is what we have learned.

To start with, gripping almost any mobile phone in certain ways will reduce its reception by 1 or more bars. This is true of iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, as well as many Droid, Nokia and RIM phones. But some users have reported that iPhone 4 can drop 4 or 5 bars when tightly held in a way which covers the black strip in the lower left corner of the metal band. This is a far bigger drop than normal, and as a result some have accused the iPhone 4 of having a faulty antenna design.

At the same time, we continue to read articles and receive hundreds of emails from users saying that iPhone 4 reception is better than the iPhone 3GS. They are delighted. This matches our own experience and testing. What can explain all of this?

We have discovered the cause of this dramatic drop in bars, and it is both simple and surprising.

Upon investigation, we were stunned to find that the formula we use to calculate how many bars of signal strength to display is totally wrong. Our formula, in many instances, mistakenly displays 2 more bars than it should for a given signal strength. For example, we sometimes display 4 bars when we should be displaying as few as 2 bars. Users observing a drop of several bars when they grip their iPhone in a certain way are most likely in an area with very weak signal strength, but they don’t know it because we are erroneously displaying 4 or 5 bars. Their big drop in bars is because their high bars were never real in the first place.

To fix this, we are adopting AT&T’s recently recommended formula for calculating how many bars to display for a given signal strength. The real signal strength remains the same, but the iPhone’s bars will report it far more accurately, providing users a much better indication of the reception they will get in a given area. We are also making bars 1, 2 and 3 a bit taller so they will be easier to see.

We will issue a free software update within a few weeks that incorporates the corrected formula. Since this mistake has been present since the original iPhone, this software update will also be available for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.

We have gone back to our labs and retested everything, and the results are the same— the iPhone 4′s wireless performance is the best we have ever shipped. For the vast majority of users who have not been troubled by this issue, this software update will only make your bars more accurate. For those who have had concerns, we apologize for any anxiety we may have caused.

As a reminder, if you are not fully satisfied, you can return your undamaged iPhone to any Apple Retail Store or the online Apple Store within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.

We hope you love the iPhone 4 as much as we do.

Thank you for your patience and support.

Apple

Andrew Garfield Cast As The New Spider-Man

Andrew Garfield has been chosen to portray Peter Parker when Spider-Man swings back onto the screen in 3D on July 3, 2012. The new film will begin production in early December directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt. Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Today’s confirmation culminates what has been one of the most eagerly anticipated casting announcements in recent memory. Garfield will immediately begin preparing for the coveted role.

The Spider-Man franchise is one of the most successful in film history and the three previous motion pictures have collectively grossed more than $2.5 billion in worldwide box office.

On selecting Garfield, director Marc Webb said, “Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor’s work understand his extraordinary talents. He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.”

Garfield is fast becoming one of the most respected and sought-after young actors working in the industry today. In a short career, spanning only five years, he has already been directed by, and starred alongside, some of the greatest names and received a BAFTA for a role that won him international praise.

Garfield most recently worked with director David Fincher on the upcoming film The Social Network. He previously starred for Spike Jonze on his robot love story I’m Here, which premiered at Sundance this year. He plays the lead male opposite Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan in Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go, due for release later this year.

Razor Ground Force Drifter

The all new Razor Ground Force Drifter ($299.99) is designed for serious outdoor fun.  The electric powered drifter kart lets you bring home the fun in awesome drifter fashion. The race-tuned chassis and super slick rear wheels will make you the neighborhood drift king! Power slide through corners, throw fish tales or fast 180’s! The classic kart styling features low profile cast aluminum wheels, sturdy steel construction and they have upgraded the rear axle for increased maneuverability steering. The variable speed, thumb trigger acceleration control and a hand operated rear brake give the driver maximum drifting control.  Razor also upgraded its drifter wheels using molded aluminum wheels with solid rubber tires and super slider POM rear wheels. With powerful speeds up to 12 miles per hour, the electric powered Ground Force Drifter is a force to be reckoned with. Suitable for riders of ages 8 and older, the sleek Ground Force Drifter’s quiet variable-speed, chain-driven motor is powered by two 12-volt batteries, which deliver approximately 45 minutes of drive time per charge and can hold riders up to 140 lbs. Other safety features include a sturdy steel frame,  a rear, easy visibility flag, and a durable bucket seat with a shoulder seat strap. The Razor Ground Force Drifter is backed by a 90-day warranty.  There is some assembly is required, though the tools are included and we found it extremely easy to put together. The Ground Force Drifter is designed for controlled environments free of potential traffic hazards and not on public streets.  We tested ours in our cul-de sac with 5 other neighborhood kids of varying ages and the Razor Ground Force Drifter was a huge hit! (Reviewed by Don Thompson and tested by Asher Thompson)

Check out this video to see the Razor Ground Force Drifter in action.

The Cuisinart Griddler

Unfortunately my brother-in-law’s condo does not permit outdoor grills (bummer) but he loves to barbecue. The only solution is for him to grill his tri-tip inside his home. The Cuisinart Griddler provides the perfect solution with a sizable grill surface and temperature controls to make perfect grilled food every time.

The Griddler ($100) makes “multifunctional” an understatement! With five separate cooking options, it can handle everything from pancakes to sausages to grilled cheese to steaks, chicken, hamburgers and even panini.

A floating cover and one set of reversible plates that snap in and out turn the Griddler into a Contact Grill, a Panini Press, a Full Grill, a Full Griddle, or Half Grill/Half Griddle. Dual temperature controls ensure everything is perfectly cooked!

The New Amazon Kindle DX

In the wake of the iPad, you better believe that Amazon’s Kindle division has been spending more than a few late nights pondering how the device can stay relevant in the future. Since they can’t simply integrate a color e-ink display or add other application based features overnight to the product line, it seems like the release of the latest Kindle DX ($379) is designed to get the Kindle back on the radar in the wake of the iPad hoopla.

What’s new about the new Kindle DX boils down to three things: a color case, contrast, and price. The new DX is now available in graphite, and features a new e-ink screen that boasts 50% improved contrast ratio. It’s also being priced $100 less.

The new Kindle DX is available for pre-order now and officially goes on sale July 7th.

Entertainment Weekly’s Summer Must List Issue

For more of Entertainment Weekly’s best-of-summer picks, including the actors and movies you’ll be talking about, musicians you’ve gotta hear, books you’ve got to read, and the gear and games you need to check out, pick up the new double sized issue of the magazine on stands July 2nd.

The New Megamind Poster

Here is you first look at the new poster for Dreamwork’s Animation Megamind, hitting 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D theaters on November 5th. Directed by Tom McGrath, the film is voiced by Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey and Jonah Hill.

Pivot Power – The Flexible Power Outlet

Reclaim your outlets with Pivot Power ($25), an adjustable electrical power strip that flexes around furniture and corners to conserve space! The flexible power outlet features:

- Flexible form that bends into circular, semi-circular, and zig-zag shapes.

- Six outlet pods, which can be adjusted so that large power bricks don’t hog space.

- Surge protection, with an easy off/reset button.

Pivot Power will come in both American (110v) and European (240v) versions.