Amazon has launched a new web-based app for reading Kindle e-books on a PC, Mac or iPad. An alternative to Amazon’s native Kindle apps, the Kindle Cloud Reader provides access to users’ Kindle libraries from compatible web browsers, specifically Chrome and Safari and includes the ability to continue reading even without an Internet connection. Notably, the web application specifically indicates support for the Safari browser on an iPad running iOS 4.0 or later; as a web application the app can also provide access to an integrated “Kindle Store for Tablets,” allowing users to easily purchase content directly from their device.
Kindle users can access the Kindle Cloud Reader simply by visiting http://read.amazon.com and logging in with their Amazon ID and password.
Facebook has released a new instant messaging application for iOS. Facebook Messenger for Mobile is a standalone application that will allow iOS users to quickly and easily send messages to friends and contacts via Facebook. Messages are delivered via iOS device notifications and texts and users can send messages to both their Facebook friends and their contacts who are not on Facebook. As an extension of the Facebook messaging system, all conversations are automatically saved to the user’s Facebook profile alongside Facebook chats, e-mails and messages.
In addition to basic messaging, Facebook Messenger for Mobile will provide several other more advanced features such as group conversations with multiple users and location support to allow users in the conversation to easily locate each other on an integrated map view. Users will also be able to attach photos in a conversation allowing other users to view and comment on them. Facebook Messenger requires iOS 4.0 or later and is available HERE as a free download.
Stephen King’s short story “The Body,” was later turned into the memorable film “Stand By Me” directed by Rob Reiner. To celebrate the movie’s 25th anniversary, HERE are 10 things you didn’t know about Gordie, Chris, Vern and Teddy.
Walt Disney Pictures has officially released the trailer and poster for The Odd Life of Timothy Green, written and directed by Peter Hedges (Dan in Real Life, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape). The film, opening on August 15, 2012, stars Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, CJ Adams, Ron Livingston, Dianne Wiest, Odeya Rush, Rosemarie DeWitt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, M. Emmet Walsh, Lois Smith and Common.
The Odd Life of Timothy Green is an inspiring, magical story about a happily married couple, Cindy and Jim Green (Garner and Edgerton), who can’t wait to start a family but can only dream about what their child would be like. When young Timothy (Adams) shows up on their doorstep one stormy night, Cindy and Jim—and their small town of Stanleyville—learn that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts.
Eisner Award winner and “Locke & Key” creator Joe Hill spoke with Comic Book Resources TV to discuss his and Gabriel Rodriguez’s critically acclaimed title, Hill’s emotional reaction to watching the “Locke and Key” television pilot with a room full of eager fans and the potential for the show to be picked up by a network other than Fox.
Hill also discusses his creative relationship with Rodriguez, hinting at a mainstream superhero project in their future, how he ended up working in comics and the pressures he feels after having his first major work achieve such high levels of critical acclaim.
The author also explains why he’s not actually writing his superhero creation “The Cape,” which he describes as “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” if he could fly, his thought on the now-canceled NBC series of the same name and the unlikeliness of “Heart Shaped Box” ever being adapted to comics.
ABC expects to see the eagerly anticipated Marvel project The Hulk by next pilot season, setting the live-action series on a course for a fall 2012 premiere.
“We’re extremely excited by having Marvel in the fold,” ABC President Paul Lee said Sunday during the Television Critics Association press tour. “We’ve developing aggressively The Hulk.
Announced in October, the Hulk revival is being developed by Hellboy director Guillermo del Toro and Battlestar Galactica executive producer David Eick.
Marvel is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the publication of “Fantastic Four” #1 with a new image teasing at the possible return of the Human Torch to the Marvel Universe. The image consists of a shot of the Fantastic Four’s icon set against a satellite photo of the Earth with a date of November 2011 at the bottom. Listed at the top is the project’s creative team of Hickman, Epting, Di Giandomenico, Yu and Dalrymple. The first two names are the team of Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting, the creative duo behind the Death of the Human Torch storyline. The other names seem to indicate the artistic line-up of Farel Dalrymple, Leinil Francis Yu and Carmine Di Gianomencio.
Carzor ($17) is a combination mirror and razor that folds into a handy wallet sized flat card. The blades are stored safely behind the mirror while it’s in your pocket. When you detach the razor part of the card, the rest can be used as a mirror.
You can even choose the scent of the razor- with mint, sandalwood, lemon, ocean and orange options. The small device is perfect for when you are on the go and realize that you missed a spot when you were shaving.
Paramount Pictures has released this new promo photo of Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, coming to conventional and IMAX theaters on December 21. The Brad Bird-directed film also stars Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Josh Holloway, Michael Nyqvist, Vladimir Mashkov, Lea Seydoux and Anil Kapoor.
In Toy Story 2, Woody finds out that before he was ever one of Andy’s favorite toys, he was the star of his own TV series. Beloved by millions of children, Woody’s Roundup followed the Wild West adventures of Sheriff Woody and his co-stars Bullseye the horse, Jessie the cowgirl, and Stinky Pete the Prospector. Now you can commemorate Woody’s history with the D23 exclusive Woody’s Roundup! Just like in the TV show, we feature a marionette Woody in black and white that you can move like a puppet. Also included are 3 interchangeable backgrounds showing key scenes from the show. And as a final nod to the series, the package is styled like an old-fashioned television set.
Available for pre-order today HERE from 8/8/11 9 a.m. PT through 8/12/11 11:59 p.m. PT, while supplies last. There are no refunds and pre-orders must be picked-up at D23 Expo.
Bestselling author Stephen King will accept the Mason Award for his extraordinary contributions to bringing literature to a wide reading public on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at George Mason University, Fairfax Campus, Concert Hall, Center for the Arts.
King’s literary career spans 40 years, from his debut novel, Carrie, through his most recent work, the short story collection Full Dark, No Stars. King’s next novel, 11/22/63, a time-traveling adventure surrounding the JFK assassination, is due out in November.
The event will be free and open to the public and the ticket request form will be available HERE on August 15th at 9 am EST.
Think Geek and ION Audio have teamed up to take your iPad and iPad 2 into another gaming dimension with the iCADE Arcade Game Cabinet ($99.99). The cabinet uses 2 AA batteries, and utilizes Bluetooth technology to communicate with the iPad. The cabinet was easy to assemble and came complete with an Alan wrench, hardware, cabinet sections, buttons, joystick, an instruction manual, Quick-start Guide, and 2 AA batteries. The initial Bluetooth pairing was quite easy to set up and the directions are clearly marked under the lid of the cabinet. As for the games that can be played on this unit, you can download a free Atari game here, and for an additional $14.99, you can download 99 other Classic Atari Games. As I played Centipede and Asteroids, I felt like I was back in my favorite 80’s arcade. The unit has a sleek retro design, and the cabinet is well built and sturdy, and resembles the colorful full size video games of my youth. The arcade 8 way joystick and full size controls offered an authentic gaming experience. The iPad fits vertically in the cabinet and most of the Atari games are played in vertical mode. The iPad can lay in the cabinet horizontally with the top open if the game selected is played in landscape mode. The iPad rests on a small lip, and is not docked. The iCade API is open to developers. As time goes on, additional compatible games will become more readily available. There is a non-official list of compatible games located under the supported apps section here. The iCade is a great gift idea for the gamers in your life who love old school video games. (Reviewed by Meredith Fire-Hess)
Tymn Armstrong is the curator of an online museum archiving fake logos stemming from television programs and popular movies. An illustrator and brand identity professional himself, Armstrong calls his side project, Fauxgo (fake logo).
The state of Maine is known for its sheer beauty and miles of untouched pristine nature. I have always been a lover of the great outdoors, and one sport in particular that has always intrigued me is kayaking. Over the years I have taken a few small kayaking trips, but wanted to fully embrace the sport. I did a ton of research, and found that one of the best and oldest companies that make both kayaks and canoes is right here in Maine, Old Town. Old Town, located where else, but in Old Town, Maine made its first wood-and-canvas canoe back in 1898 and continues to be a leader in the industry with its innovative use of only the finest materials and streamline designs. I met Jeremy Smith, a Sales Lead at the Old Town Retail and Visitor Center, and was expertly outfitted with all of the essential gear that I would need for my first of many kayaking excursions. The boat that I selected was theOld Town Vapor 10XT ($489). The Vapor 10XT is the ideal starter kayak, perfect for those people who simply want to get out on the water, for fitness enthusiasts, or a little family fun. I took the boat out for the first time and paddled down the Scarborough River, and found the kayak to be extremely stable, comfortable, and easy to maneuver. There was a ton of extra storage space both in the cockpit as well as in the ample covered cargo well located in the stern, roomy enough for a lunch or rain gear. There are many features that make the Vapor 10XT a wonderful choice. These include the comfort and flexible seat that is fully padded and adjustable, a must during a long paddle. The seat has a built-in cup holder and there is an additional cup holder located in the molded-in cockpit tray, perfect for a spare water bottle. The interior of the cockpit boasts thigh pads, adjustable foot braces, and a molded-in paddle rest with an attached bungee cord. The boat was super easy to carry, given the two built in carry handles and the fact that it weighs a mere 48 pounds. The kayak is roughly 10’ long and 28.5” wide, which make it easy to transport and store. The Vapor 10XT can accommodate a maximum load range of 275-325 pounds. Overall, the boat is well constructed, the stability of the boat is excellent, and it maneuvers very well. Beginners and families alike will have a great time with this kayak. Intermediate and advanced paddlers might like it for its ease of handling, maneuverability, and ease of transport. If you are looking for a boat for recreation, day touring, fishing, or tandem styles, Old Town has just what you are looking for. You can learn more about Old Town boats here. (Reviewed by Meredith Fire-Hess)
The Glif ($20), from Studio Neat offers a wonderfully simple and sleek solution to maximizing the capabilities of your iPhone 4. The Glif is both a kickstand that allows the phone to securely be viewed in both portrait and landscape modes at varying angles, but also doubles as a tripod mount, with a 1/4″-20 thread that fits any standard tripod or camera mount.
It is meant to be used on your iPhone 4 without the case, so that it fits snugly. I was pleasantly surprised at how secure my iPhone was, when mounted to a hanging Gorillapod. As for the stand, I love how small and portable it is. I am now able to prop my phone up for a quick FaceTime chat or to set it on my bedside table in alarm clock mode. I love stories with happy outcomes, and the culmination of The Glif is just that. Both Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost, two designers, teamed up to create and manufacture The Glif here in America due to a very successful Kickstarter campaign. Their video can be viewed below. I am looking forward to testing out their next offering, The Cosmonaut, a chunky yet comfortable wide-grip stylus for touch screens, also successfully funded on Kickstarter. (Reviewed by Meredith Fire-Hess)
The Beastie Boys are now selling the G.I. Joe versions of themselves featured in their most recent Spike Jonze-directed video, Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win. After battling for their plastic lives throughout the clip, the group now sets its sights on a new foe–childhood cancer.
Produced by Nowhere Ltd. And Bathing Ape the action figures are being sold on the Beastie Boys official website for $750 and will include three doll stands, numerous accessories and even extra hand attachments. The proceeds will be split between the Pablove Foundation and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Both organizations raise money and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer.
The purchase of these limited edition action figures will also include a two-disk deluxe version of Beastie Boys Anthology: The Sound of Science, which includes an 88-page book with photographs and lyrics.
First there was Julie Newmar, then Eartha Kitt and Lee Meriwether. Both Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry had their turns and now Oscar-nominated Anne Hathaway is next in line to play Catwoman. The antihero has been one of Batman’s most enduring love interests in the comic book series.
Here are the first official production stills of Hathaway dressed as Catwoman for Christopher Nolan’s third Batman film.
In the image the actress has her hair tied back in a ponytail, sports black goggles and a skintight black jumpsuit while riding what appears to be the Batpod.
Jonathan Coulton’s upcoming album, Artificial Heart, produced by John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants, is due out this Fall. It’s a new direction for Coulton – he leaves behind the home recording gear for a studio filled with talented musicians and guest vocalists including Suzanne Vega, John Roderick of The Long Winters and Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara.
The album opens with “Sticking to Myself”, a blistering, high-energy song about finding success, and then tearing it all down. “Nemeses” is a duet between Coulton and The Long Winters’ John Roderick that suggests the only real way to bring meaning into your life is to find your own worst enemy. “Good Morning Tucson” is a highly singable pop song about an aging morning news anchor who one day finally loses it. The album’s title track, “Artificial Heart,” has a bouncy, joyful melody that can’t quite mask the feeling that drastic measures are sometimes worse than the problems they are trying to solve.
Artificial Heart is Jonathan Coulton’s first album of all new material since his infamous 2006 “Thing A Week” series, during which he created 52 musical pieces in 52 weeks. It’s a strong addition to an already impressive discography that spans a decade.
The upcoming D23 Expo will offer 2 exclusive limited edition Disney Pop Vinyl figures created by FUNKO at the 3 day convention: a 9″ metalic Steamboat Willie ($50) and a 3″ Flocked Lotso ($15).
Check out their awesome series I and series II figures!
Series III is already in the works and will include the following beloved Disney/Pixar characters: Peter Pan, Captain Hook, Elastigirl, Edna Mode, Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, Toy Story Alien, Zurg, Ursula, Ariel, Donald Duck and Winnie The Pooh.
Today Warner Bros. has released the first image of “Man of Steel” star Henry Cavill in the full Superman costume.
“Man of Steel” opens June 14, 2013, and stars Henry Cavill as Superman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as General Zod, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent and Diane Lane as Martha Kent, as well as an unconfirmed Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Julia Ormond as Lara and Antje Traue as Zod’s henchwoman Faora. Christopher Meloni and Harry Lennix are set to play generals. The movie is written by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer and Christopher Nolan.
Zooey Deschanel of She & Him just revealed on Twitter that the duo’s follow-up to last year’s Volume Two will be a Christmas album. She didn’t provide much more information, other than that the disc goes by the name of “A Very She & Him Christmas” and is due out later this year. “Been working on it a while! I’m super pumped about it!” she added.
I will post more news on the upcoming CD as soon as it becomes available.
As part of Time Inc.’s effort to deliver its iconic brands everywhere consumers want them, the company today announced that all 21 of its U.S. titles will be available as tablet editions by the end of 2011. Time Inc. will be the first major U.S. magazine publisher to make all of its titles available on all leading tablet platforms, with products designed specifically for this medium.
Brands including In Style, Real Simple and Entertainment Weekly will join People, Time, Sports illustrated and Fortune with digital tablet versions. To date, Time Inc.’s digital magazine and other content apps have been downloaded more than 11 million times. Hundreds of thousands of current print subscribers have upgraded their subscriptions to include the tablet editions at no extra cost, with thousands more being added each week. Time Inc. has also sold more than 600,000 digital single copies of those four titles.
Today, the company also announced an agreement with Barnes & Noble to sell digital subscriptions and single-copy issues of Fortune, People, Sports Illustrated and Time on the NOOK Color starting later this month, with the rest of the portfolio to follow by year-end. The Barnes & Noble agreement adds the NOOK Color to a growing list of platforms where Time Inc. distributes its digital titles, including Apple iPad, Android Marketplace, HP TouchPad and Next Issue Media’s store.
Time Inc. offers consumers an All Access approach that includes print and digital subscriptions, as well as digital-only subscriptions and the ability to purchase single copies. Additionally, each of Time Inc.’s 28 million print subscribers will have the option to upgrade their subscription to include the digital edition at no additional cost. The digital editions will be presented using reader software that is native to each platform.
Print ads will be incorporated into the tablet editions.
Granta magazine’s Fall/Winter issue # 117 is devoted to horror and will include a new Stephen King story titled “The Dune.” The 264 page issue available for sale on October 27, 2011 will also feature stories by Roberto Bolaño, Joy Williams, and Don DeLillo, among others.
Skype has released an iPad native version of its popular instant messaging, video and voice chat app. Skype for iPad provides the same general features as the prior iPhone and iPod touch version, optimized for the iPad’s larger display and user interface. With the app users can make and receive voice and video calls via the Skype network over either a Wi-Fi or 3G data connection. The application provides support for both the front and back cameras on the iPad 2 in either portrait or landscape orientation and users can also simultaneously engage in instant message chats separately or while in a voice or video call. Skype for iPad also integrates with the iOS contact list allowing users to easily find and add Skype contacts. Skype for iPad is as a free download. Notably Skype has chosen to release this version as a separate app rather than upgrading the iPhone and iPod touch version to a universal app; users with the original Skype app installed on their iPad for use in compatibility mode will need to remove the old version manually.
Posted by Larry Fire 
