Apple Introduces iOS 4.3; Available On Friday, March 11

Apple today introduced iOS 4.3, the latest version of the world’s most advanced mobile operating system. New features in iOS 4.3 include faster Safari mobile browsing performance with the Nitro JavaScript engine; iTunes Home Sharing; enhancements to AirPlay; the choice of using the iPad side switch to either lock the screen rotation or mute the audio; and the Personal Hotspot feature for sharing an iPhone 4 cellular data connection over Wi-Fi.

The Safari mobile browsing experience gets even better with iOS 4.3. The Nitro JavaScript engine that Apple pioneered on the desktop is now built into WebKit, the technology at the heart of Safari, and more than doubles the performance of JavaScript execution using just-in-time compilation. With the Nitro JavaScript engine, Safari provides an even better mobile browser experience working faster to support the interactivity of complex sites you visit on a daily basis.

New iTunes Home Sharing allows iOS 4.3 users to play music, movies and TV shows on an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch from their iTunes library on a Mac or PC over a local Wi-Fi network. With a simple tap you can enjoy all the media in your iTunes library wherever you are in your home. You can stream a movie from your Mac in one room to your iPad in another or stream an iTunes mix to your iPod touch from the office to the kitchen. With Home Sharing on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch you’ve got your entire iTunes library in your hands wherever you are in your home.

iOS 4.3 includes enhancements to AirPlay, the breakthrough wireless technology that allows users to stream music, photos and video to Apple TV. With iOS 4.3 you can stream additional content including video from third party apps and web sites, videos from the Photos app and previews from the iTunes app to your TV. AirPlay also allows you to bring photos to life on the TV screen by using one of the stunning new slideshow transitions, or shoot a video on your iPad 2, iPhone or iPod touch and stream it directly from the Photos app to Apple TV.

The new Personal Hotspot feature in iOS 4.3 lets you bring Wi-Fi with you anywhere you go, by allowing you to share an iPhone 4 cellular data connection with up to five devices in a combination of up to three Wi-Fi, three Bluetooth and one USB device. Joining a Personal Hotspot is easy and once the feature is enabled a status bar displays how many devices are currently connected. Every connection is password protected and when not in use Personal Hotspot turns itself off to save battery life.

iOS 4.3 will be available to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users as a free software update on Friday, March 11. iOS 4.3 is compatible with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 (GSM model), plus third and fourth generation iPod touch. For more information please visit www.apple.com.

U.S. iPad 2 Sales Start March 11, 5:00 PM, No Pre-Orders

Apple has released information on its web site indicating that the iPad 2 will go on sale in the U.S. on March 11th at 5:00 pm. Notably, unlike previous Apple product releases it does not appear that customers will be able to pre-order the device online or pre-reserve a device for pickup at a local Apple Retail Store. The Apple Store indicates that customers will be able to place an order “starting March 11.”

The iPad 2 will be selling at the same price points as the original iPad, with the Wi-Fi models selling for $499, $599 and $699 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions, respectively, and the Wi-Fi + 3G versions selling for $130 more at $629, $729 and $829. Separate Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available for both AT&T and Verizon.

Apple Releases iTunes 10.2 With iOS 4.3 Support

Following today’s iPad 2 media event, Apple has released iTunes 10.2, the latest version of its digital media management software. According to Apple’s release notes, iTunes 10.2 allows users to sync with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices using iOS 4.3 and adds Home Sharing support that will allow iOS 4.3 device users to browse and play music streamed from their iTunes libraries. This update likely also adds compatibility with the forthcoming iPad 2. iTunes 10.2 is available now as a free download from iTunes.com or via Apple’s Software Update utility.

Apple Announces iPad 2; Available On March 11th

Apple today introduced iPad 2 which features an entirely new design that is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same stunning 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics and now includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTime and Photo Booth, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, bringing the innovative FaceTime feature to iPad users for the first time. Though it is thinner, lighter, faster and packed with new features, iPad 2 still delivers up to 10 hours of battery life that users have come to expect. iPad 2 is available in black or white, features models that run on AT&T’s and Verizon’s 3G networks, and introduces the innovative iPad 2 Smart Cover in a range of vibrant polyurethane and rich leather colors.

iPad 2 comes with iOS 4.3, the latest version of the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, with new features including faster Safari mobile browsing performance; iTunes Home Sharing; enhancements to AirPlay; the choice to use the iPad side switch to either lock the screen rotation or mute audio; and Personal Hotspot to share an iPhone 4 cellular data connection over Wi-Fi. Additional iPad 2 features include a built-in gyro for advanced gaming; HSUPA support for enhanced 3G upload speeds on iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G on AT&T, and HDMI Video Mirroring that lets users mirror their iPad screen on an HDTV using an optional adaptor.

The innovative new iPad 2 Smart Cover provides protection for the iPad screen while maintaining its thin and lightweight profile. Designed with a unique self-aligning magnetic hinge that makes it easy to attach and remove, the new iPad 2 Smart Cover automatically wakes iPad 2 when it’s opened and puts it to sleep when it’s closed, and has a soft microfiber lining to help keep the screen clean. The Smart Cover also folds into a stand for typing or viewing videos and is available in vibrant polyurethane for $39 or rich leather for $69 in a range of colors, including a (PRODUCT) RED one which helps support the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Apple also introduced two new apps: iMovie and GarageBand for iPad, both available on the App Store for just $4.99 each. With iMovie, iPad 2 users can shoot and edit videos right on their iPad and post their movies to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and their MobileMe gallery; watch them on their iPod, iPhone or iPad; as well as view them on their HDTV using AirPlay and Apple TV. GarageBand turns your iPad into a collection of touch instruments and 8-track recording studio, allowing you to perform with onscreen keyboards, guitars, drums and basses using multi-touch gestures–even if you don’t play a musical instrument.

Pricing & Availability

iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available on March 11 for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model, $699 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G compatible with the Verizon network will be available in the US only for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 will be sold in the US through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers.

Stephen King’s Next Book “11/22/63” Due On November 8, 2011

Stephen King’s next book was announced today. The title will be 11/22/63 and it will be released on November 8, 2011.

The plot is described as follows:

On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas,

President Kennedy died, and the world changed.

If you had the chance to change history, would you?

Would the consequences be worth it?

Jake Epping is a thirty-five-year-old high school English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine, who makes extra money teaching adults in the GED program. He receives an essay from one of the students—a gruesome, harrowing first person story about the night 50 years ago when Harry Dunning’s father came home and killed his mother, his sister, and his brother with a hammer. Harry escaped with a smashed leg, as evidenced by his crooked walk.

Not much later, Jake’s friend Al, who runs the local diner, divulges a secret: his storeroom is a portal to 1958. He enlists Jake on an insane—and insanely possible—mission to try to prevent the Kennedy assassination. So begins Jake’s new life as George Amberson and his new world of Elvis and JFK, of big American cars and sock hops, of a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald and a beautiful high school librarian named Sadie Dunhill, who becomes the love of Jake’s life—a life that transgresses all the normal rules of time.

You can sign up for more information about the 1,000 page book HERE.

What Songs Will The Top 12 Female Semifinalists Perform On American Idol On March 2, 2010?

The Top 12 female semifinalists take the American Idol stage for the first time to perform for the judges and for the nation. On this season’s second night of voting, America votes to pick the top 10 female vocalists. The episode airs on Wednesday, March 2 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) on Fox.

Here is Wednesday night’s set list in order of appearance:

Tatynisa Wilson: “Only Girl” by Rihanna

Naima Adedapo: “Summertime” by George Gershwin

Kendra Chantelle: “Impossible” by Christina Aguilera

Rachel Zevita: “Criminal” by Fiona Apple

Karen Rodriguez: “Hero” by Mariah Carey

Lauren Turner: “Seven Day Fool” by Etta James

Ashthon Jones: “Love Over Me” by Monica

Julie Zorrilla: “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson

Haley Reinhart: “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys

Thia Megia: “Out Here on My Own” by Irene Cara

Lauren Alaina: “Turn on the Radio” by Reba McIntyre

Pia Toscano: “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders

Bench Press: Introducing Thigh Advertisments

The ad agency DDB Auckland altered benches to press an advertisement for Superette, a clothing chain in New Zealand, into the bare legs of people who sit on them. They read “Short shorts on sale Superette”.

The Passage Paperback Cover And An Excerpt From Justin Cronin’s Sequel

Please click HERE for an exclusive excerpt from Justin Cronin’s in-the-works sequel to ‘The Passage’ entitled ‘The Twelve’, due sometime in 2012. A larger extract will be included in the paperback, which hits stores on May 17th.

Bambi Blu-ray/DVD Diamond Edition Review

Walt Disney’s 5th animated film, Bambi was added to the Disney’s Diamond Edition roster today. Like its predecessors in the collection, Bambi is being sold in a combo pack that includes the film on both Blu-ray Disc (BD) and DVD. No digital copy is included but you can purchase it separately on iTunes.

It was a pleasure to watch this film in 1080p high definition. In this age of computer animation, I truly appreciated the painstaking attention to detail in each frame and the amount of time it must have taken to produce this hand-drawn, inked-and-painted classic film. The images on my television looked like paintings that had come alive!

The BD boasts a new 7.1 DTS-HD High Resolution Audio mix, which sounds crisp.

The DVD/Blu-ray combo boasts many new bonus features:

- Inside Walt’s Story Meetings-Enhanced Edition – A fascinating, multi-tiered, interactive story-telling experience. This feature, with audio re-enactments based on stenographers’ notes, is one of the main bonus attractions. It’s a new twist on the DVD commentary that dramatizes how the movie evolved from story to screen.

- 2 Never Before Seen Deleted Scenes and a deleted Song: “Twitterpated”

- Blu-ray Galleries—A collection of the extraordinary images originally created as part of the design process for Bambi.

- Disney’s Big Book of Knowledge: Bambi Edition— An interactive educational gaming experience that uses the film as a learning tool. Players can customize their own Big Book of Knowledge and learn all about forest creatures, seasons and more! Each time a player completes a task, they are rewarded with new stickers to decorate their Big Book of Knowledge.

- The Making Of Bambi: A Prince Is Born—A comprehensive look at the making of Bambi covers the story, the characters, the actors, the art design, the music and the history of Walt Disney’s classic film using behind the scenes footage, production stills, animation, artwork and multiple interviews with performers and behind the scenes participants.

- Tricks of the Trade (excerpt)—In an episode from the 1957 Disneyland TV show, Walt narrates the story of the multiplane camera, an animation innovation crucial to the production of Bambi.

- Inside the Disney Archives—Disney Supervising Animator Andreas Deja guides viewers through Disney’s Animation Research Library, where artwork from past Disney animated feature films is stored, including early story sketches of Bobo the rabbit,” (who became Thumper),  glass paintings made for the multiplane camera and more.

- The Old Mill—Winner of the 1937 Academy Award for Best Short Subject/Cartoon, The Old Mill was a testing ground for several techniques critical to Walt’s artistic vision for BAMBI, including the multiplane camera, animating realistic animals and experimenting with such natural occurrences such as wind, rain and lightning.

- DisneyPedia: Bambi’s Forest Friends

Bambi also marks the introduction of Disney Second Screen. By downloading the free Second Screen app onto an iPad or Mac/PC, viewers can access artwork, flip-books, games and more on their device; either in-synch with the movie or in an ‘explore on your own’ mode.

I tried it on my Mac and it worked seamlessly. The synching feature was much easier to set up and use than I anticipated.

The Bambi Diamond Edition Blu-ray is available today, March 1, 2011. Enjoy this masterpiece again. Your children will love this beloved coming-of-age story, filled with breathtakingly beautiful animation, soaring music and characters who will touch your heart.

Gulliver’s Travels Starring Jack Black Due On DVD & Blu-ray On April 19th

Fox Home Entertainment has announced DVD ($29.98) and Blu-ray/DVD Combo ($34.99) releases of Gulliver’s Travels for April 19th. Extras on the DVD release will include deleted scenes, featurettes (“I Don’t Know…with Lemuel Gulliver”, “Little and Large”, “Jack Black Thinks Big”, “Gulliver’s Foosball Challenge”), and the theatrical trailer. The Blu-ray/DVD Combo release will also include additional featurettes (“Fox Movie Channel Presents: In Character Jack Black and In Character Jason Segel”, “Life After Film School: Rob Letterman of Gulliver’s Travels”), a War Song Dance, a gag reel, and a digital copy of the film.

New Clip From The Upcoming Six-Minute Pixar Short ‘Toy Story Hawaiian Vacation’

In celebration of their recent Oscar win for Best Animated Feature, Woody, Buzz and the rest of the “Toy Story 3” gang head to the big screen again this summer in “Hawaiian Vacation,” a 3D animated short directed by seven-time Academy Award-winner Gary Rydstrom. “Hawaiian Vacation” will appear exclusively with the upcoming “Cars 2” theatrical release, which races into theaters on June 24, 2011, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D and IMAX 3D in select cinemas.  John Lasseter returns to the driver’s seat to direct the follow-up to his 2006 Golden-Globe-winning “Cars.”

Set in new owner Bonnie’s bedroom, “Hawaiian Vacation” features Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) and Buzz (voice of Tim Allen) and the rest of the favorite “Toy Story 3” toys as they create the ultimate Hawaiian vacation for Ken (voice of Michael Keaton) and Barbie (voice of Jodi Benson).

It seems Ken badly miscalculated their travel arrangements, so the gang has to create a dream getaway in Bonnie’s Midwestern bedroom—in the middle of winter.  “Hawaiian Vacation” also features the voices of Joan Cusack, Wallace Shawn, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Blake Clark, Bonnie Hunt, Timothy Dalton, Kristen Schaal, Jeff Garlin and John Ratzenberger.

Zach Galifianakis To Host Saturday Night Live On March 12

NBC has confirmed that Zach Galifianakis is set to host Saturday Night Live‘s March 12 episode with musical guest Jessie J. This will be the Hangover Part II and Bored to Death star’s second time hosting.

New International X-Men: First Class Posters

Two new international posters have debuted for X-Men: First Class, arriving courtesy of FilmZ and teasing the destinies of Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender).

Hitting theaters on June 3, the Matthew Vaughn-directed film also stars Rose Byrne, January Jones, Kevin Bacon, Nicholas Hoult, Jennifer Lawrence, Caleb Landry Jones, Lucas Till, Edi Gathegi, Jason Flemyng, Oliver Platt, Morgan Lily, Zoe Kravitz and Bill Bilner.

The Last Breakfast By Brian Stuckey

The Last Breakfast is a sculptural masterpiece for cereal-lovers everywhere by Brian Stuckey. You can purchase an 8 x 18″ print on matte photo paper of The Last Breakfast illustration for $30 HERE.