Doctor Who 50th Anniversary: Multiple Doctors or Just Rumor?

Rumor has it that Stephen Moffat's script for the 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who will feature all 11 doctors!

Via BBC

I first heard about it from this article on Wired's GeekMom.  Apparently, even Eccleston, the 9th Doctor, who originally objected to ever reprising his role as the doctor, is reconsidering.

Unfortunately, the sixth Doctor, Colin Baker, denied any knowledge of a multi-Doctor episode on Twitter.  He was accused of just "hiding the truth", but he quickly quelled that assumption, and indicated that no one has approached him to reprise his role.

Moffat mentions in the tail-end of this Youtube interview the pressure of not wanting to let anyone down for the big anniversary episode, so even if it is not a multi-Doctor escapade, we can expect something to delight all Whovians.

If the rumor were true, this would not be the first time multiple Doctors have had to work together.  The 10th, 20th, and 30th anniversaries all featured crossovers with different regenerations.  And, an episode with all 11 would be one awesome episode!  I would most look forward to Eccleston reprising his role...he was my very first Doctor, and probably my favorite.

However, I have to believe that it's probably not true.  Just think of cramming 11 different Doctor personalities into one episode...it would just turn into one giant ego war, and I can't imagine anything getting accomplished at the end of the episode (except leaving fans with a lot of unanswered questions!)

Do you have anything you're looking forward to in the 50th Anniversary Special?

Pokemon X and Y Announced! Hopes and Speculation

I wasn't going to post anything new until I revamped the layout and look of the site--but I was too excited about this to wait!  I wanted to post earlier (my boyfriend and I were two of the first to watch the video) but I've been on the go all day.

This morning Satoru Iwata announced Gen VI of the Pokemon Games: X and Y.  Going away from colors, we see...


But more importantly, the games are exclusive for the 3DS and are in 3D!  Finally, a 3D look at pokemon.  The trailer, obviously, is enough to make a Slaking excited.

Although there is a lot of speculation going on, including talk about the legendaries shown and what the "third" game will be called (Z?  W?), my friends and I have our own speculations and hopes.

• Please, for the love of Pikachu, do not make the fire starter a humanoid fire/fighting type when it evolves.  Please!  However, upon relooking at the trailer, a few of my friends pointed out that Fennekin appears to be using a psychic move.  Fire/psychic?  Hell yeah!
• We're hoping Chespin is grass/fighting.
• Froakie should be water/ice.  They have done water/ground too much!  Looks like it might use an electric attack, though...
• It looks like the game, since it is 3D, will involve more than just walking/running from place to place.  Watching the trailer, it appears there will be some elements of a platform game (swinging on vines, the rope bridge, the spider web).
• I'm hoping they add something compelling for replayability that I, personally, would be interested in.  I know plenty of people who log hours upon hours with the Pokemon games (my boyfriend included) but I lose interest after beating the Pokemon League.  I hope they add in something to make it more likely for me to keep playing (although the fact it's in 3D might be it!).
• We predict that the next Pokemon movie ("Extremespeed Genesect") will spoil a new Pokemon from Gen VI, and we think it's an Eveelution in the short "Pikachu and Eevee Friends".  There was already speculation that there might be a new Eveelution in the movie, so the fact that there is a new Generation makes that more likely.  We hope it's Ghost or Poison!

Well, that's it for my thoughts and the speculation of my friends and me.  Will it come true?  I don't know.  I just can't wait until October now!

Netflix: Now With Kinect Action

Whether or not that title made sense (I’m very tired, don’t be mean), Microsoft has released an update today (April 14, 2011) that makes Kinect supported by Netflix!

Hurray!  This was one update I have been waiting very patiently for.  Actually, the minute my boyfriend and I updated, we started a show and began repeatedly saying “Xbox, Pause!” “Xbox, Play!”, which finally ended in “Xbox, have my babies!”

Unfortunately, the updates aren’t perfect:  though all the voice commands such as “play”, “pause”, “stop”, “fast forward”, “rewind”, and more are included, the one big fault is that when starting Netflix with Kinect, you only have a choice between certain “Suggested Movies”.  You have to actually use the controller to go to your Queue or browse any other way. 

However, I can’t wait until they develop it so you can search for movies with voice commands!  Or, you know, when they actually release an update allowing you to turn off the damn Xbox with a simple “Xbox, off.” 

But I can be patient!

 

[via Geek.com]

Technorati Tags: Kinect,Netflix,Microsoft

Wonder Woman TV Show Costume—CHANGED!

You may have read my post last week about Adrianne Palicki’s revamped Wonder Woman costume for the upcoming TV series.  I had some beef with the costume, and I wasn’t alone!  Apparently, fans all over the web erupted in nerd rage over the crappy, shiny, I-found-this-in-a-stripper’s-closet appearance of the costume.  In short, they listened.  Apparently, a reader of DailyBlam! witnessed a production shoot and snapped a few photos. 

The.Costume.Has.Changed! 

Here are the changes:  The boots are back to their normal red color, and the stilettos don’t seem as high to me. The pants are not super-shiny anymore, and there are stars down the side.  Even the tiara is a touch different, if you look closely.

I really like this costume better than the old one! Here are a few more pics:

 

What do you think?  Are the changes for the good or did you like it better with shiny pants?  Let me know in the comments!

[via iGeektrooper]

Kinect in Guinness Book of World Records

I’ve been saying it from the beginning, but doesn’t this just prove it?  Kinect is totally awesome.  It has officially been named the “Fastest-Selling Consumer Electronics Device” in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Here’s a quick look at why Microsoft’s Kinect claimed that title:

• After 25 days, 2.5 million units sold
• After 60 days, 8 million units sold (that’s 133,333 units per day)
• After 125 days, 10 million units sold.

Let’s compare that to the iPad:

• After 60 days, 2 million units
• After 80 days, 3 million units

So, Microsoft actually called it when they predicted Kinect would surpass the iPad. 

Those of you who regularly read my blog know that I really love my Kinect system; therefore, I’m glad for it’s success.  Though numbers don’t necessarily indicate a great product…well, you can just take my word on that, right?

Do you have Kinect?  Are you thinking of getting it?  Do the numbers or the new status as Fastest-Selling Consumer Electronics Device sway you?

[via ReadWriteWeb]

Apple’s iPad 2 to be Released March 11…Hooray?

Ah, Apple.  You never cease to amaze me.  Yesterday, Apple announced the iPad 2, which will be released March 11, 2011 in the US. 

Here are a few of the specifics:

• 33% thinner (iPad 2 = 8.8 mm—thinner than an iPhone 4, original iPad = 13.4 mm)
• Lighter by .2 lbs
• Dual core processor and improved video
• Front and rear-facing cameras
• Come in black and white
• Supported by AT&T and Verizon
• Same battery life as original (10 hours)
• Same price as original ($499)
• Can be bought with a “Smart Cover” that attaches to the iPad with magnets for $39-$69

My Reaction:  Okay…I’m supposed to be excited about this?  I should say that I wasn’t excited about the original iPad either.  I took one look at it and thought, “If I want something like that, I’ll get an iPhone, which will actually fit in my pocket.”  So now I’m supposed to be jumping up in down like an excited 4-year-old because the iPad 2 thinner and weighs less?  Because let’s face it, those are the biggest differences.  Same price. Same battery life. What’s the big deal?  The better processing is nice…but necessary?

Oh my gosh, it’s lighter!  Because the average person struggles to lift over 1.5 pounds.  Thank goodness Apple has solved this problem with the iPad 2.  And thinner!  WOAH!  I definitely need my tablet to be as thin as my glasses.  Thinner than my textbooks.  Hell, why not just make it sheet-of-paper sized?  Two cameras.  TWO!  And they face front and back!  I know so many people had problems with the first iPad, which only had one camera…poor chaps had to actually flip around their iPad to catch video on their other side.  Oh no!

I guess I should say I’m not an Apple fan.  I don’t like the idea that the company constantly comes out with products that are just a little better than their previous one.  I think The Oatmeal sums that concept up nicely.

Honestly, I’ll wait until the iPad 5 to finally cave (if even…there are many other companies I’d rather buy from who are also making tablets).  This chart I found on GeeksAreSexy.net explains that…click the pic to go to the site to view and read it fully.

 

So no Apple iPad 2 for me.  No tablets at all for me.  Yes, I’ve sinned against the Gadget Gods:  I have no tablet, no smartphone, no nothing beyond a phone I text and talk with.  Maybe that’s why I just don’t get the hype surrounding the iPhone or the iPad?

However, one of my coworkers pointed out that since the price is the same, you will probably be able to find an iPad for pretty cheap now.

What do all of you think?  iPad 2:  yay or nay?

Fans Helping Nathan Fillion Buy Rights to Firefly *Updated*

**UPDATE** Edit: Since this post is becoming pretty popular, I thought I should point out to anyone reading that I was not condoning, by any means, that someone give their money to this movement.  It should also be pointed out that Nathan Fillion himself told fans to not donate money.  The thought of him owning Firefly or the show starting back up is kind of nice, but the reality is that it most likely will not happen.  So don’t be throwing your money away.  OKAY?!

 

Yes, you heard me right! If you are a diehard Firefly fan, you may have heard/read Nathan Fillion reply in an interview when asked if he would act as Captain Mal again, “If I got $300 million from the California Lottery, the first thing I would do is buy the rights to Firefly, make it on my own, and distribute it on the Internet.”

The short story is, fans took him serious!  So now, there is this website out there called “Help Nathan Buy Firefly”.  They aren’t taking actual donations, just pledges.  After a week, they have over 70,000 pledgers! 

Obviously, though, the chance is very slim that even if there were enough people to raise the money Nathan would actually buy the rights to Firefly, or that 20th Century Fox would be willing to sell the rights.  Most fans think Nathan was just joking in the interview.  Fans started the website and are pledging more for the idea of it, and to get the higher-ups to realize how much us geeks and nerds absolutely worship adore Firefly (I don’t know.  Maybe you do worship it?).

You can read more about the reality of what buying the rights to the show would take by reading this article on EW.com

So what do you think?  Are you going to pledge to the site?  Would you love Firefly to be back on the air, too?

 

Technorati Tags: Firefly,Captain Mal,Captain Tightpants,Nathan Fillion,Crazy Fans

Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently Series Coming to BBC [+ Trailer!]

Hooray!  The genius mind of Douglas Adams is once again being recognized for its greatness.  Adams’ Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency series has been adapted for television!  Hitchhiker’s fans, rejoice! 

Here is the trailer, for your viewing pleasure:

 

No word yet as to when exactly it will premiere (in the US; in the UK it was out December 11), but that doesn’t stop me from being excited about it!  Stephen Mangan will star as Dirk Gently in this television movie.

I have heard some polite critiques of the movie, but I’d rather watch it myself and judge it from there.  I will admit that I’ve never read the books (yes, I’m a horrible DA fan!) so I should probably get around to doing that before watching this TV movie. 

 

What do you think?  Have you read the books?  Have high hopes?  Will you be avoiding it at all costs, burning your ears out with acid at the mention of the BBC Dirk Gently adaptation?

[via Tor.com]

Technorati Tags: BBC,tv,movie,Dirk Gently,Douglas Adams,Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,geeky,books

Fictional Character Hatsune Miku Entertains Live Audiences via Hologram

Have you ever heard of Hatsune Miku?  If you’re an Anime fan, you may have.  If you’re a music fan, you might have.  Hatsune Miku 16-year-old fictional character, created by Crypton Future Media to put a face to their singing synthesizer application known as a vocaloid, which is Yamaha technology.  Basically, the technology was created so music composers could type in lyrics and a melody to synthesize singing. 

Surprisingly, though, this fictional character has become Japan’s favorite celebrity, beginning when Exit Tunes Presents Vocalogenesis feat. Hatsune Miku topped the Japanese Oricon album charts May 31, 2010.  Suddenly, the fictional Hatsune Miku was performing live in Japan and overseas.  Here she is performing live!

Since then, multiple albums have been created with the Hatsune Miku software, thanks to people uploading songs using the vocaloid. Her popularity has also caused her to appear in video games and many other forms of media.  Here is the video for one of the anime character’s most popular songs created with the program, Silence.

 

[via Geek.com]

Technorati Tags: Anime,Hatsune Miku,Videos,Music,Japan,Singing

What T-Rex REALLY Looked Like

Can I get a collective groan from the crowd?  Here’s a picture of what scientists are now saying T-Rex really looked like…

That’s right, that’s right…the Tyrannosaurus Rex had feathers.  Descendant of birds.  Are scientists beginning to discover that dinosaurs weren’t scaly, frightening-looking giant lizards, but almost cuddly-looking songbirds?  Maybe it’s just me, but somehow a feather-bedecked T-Rex is just not as terrifying.  Imagine Jurassic Park…with feathers.

Do I hear sobs?

[via Geekologie]

Technorati Tags: T-Rex,dinosaurs,Tyrannosaurus Rex

No Rock Band 3 Keyboard Bundle for PS3 Players

If you were hoping to buy a nice Rock Band 3 package including just the game and the new keyboard because you already have all the other Rock Band instruments, unfortunately, you can’t.  Oh wait…if you play Xbox 360, you can.  Unfortunately, PS3 gamers get shafted again.

The good news, PS3 players, is that if you are looking to buying the bundle including the game, keyboard, drums, guitar, and microphone; that’s still in the cards. Otherwise, you can just buy the game and keyboard separately. 

A Harmonix employee announced this:

“You may have seen that retailers have taken down the Rock Band 3 keyboard/software bundle pre-orders for PlayStation 3. Unfortunately, this SKU will not be available in the U.S. (including Canada and Mexico) due to the agreement terms for the region.

Please note:

• Moving forward, the keyboard and Rock Band 3 software will continue to be available as stand-alone products for PlayStation 3 in the US.
• This does not affect European customers as the Rock Band 3 keyboard/software PS3 bundles will still be available in Europe.
• The Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii keyboard/software bundles are still available for pre-order.”

Licensing issue?  Must be killer for it to only affect the PS3 game/keyboard bundle.  I’m just lucky that BigJones and I have Rock Band on Xbox 360.  Otherwise, frankly, this would suck. 

Anyone bummed about this?

[via Geek.com]

Technorati Tags: Rock Band 3,Video Games,PS3

Microsoft Spokesperson Claims that Kinect > iPad This Holiday Season

 

Though I hate to seem like I’m contradicting yesterday’s hot gadget of the holidays iPad post, this is something I had to share.  Microsoft spokesperson Kudo Tsunoda said in a recent interview that he expects Kinect to “blow away” iPad sales when it comes out November 10th.

Tsunoda says that preorder sales of Kinect have been great, and the Xbox 360 is already selling better than the Wii and the PS3.  So, there might be some truth to his claim.

However, considering the millions of iPads that have already been sold (and the millions that will be sold during the holidays), the Kinect will have a long way to go.

I’ll be one helping them beat out the iPad though!  BigJones and I are super-excited to get Kinect (and the new Xbox 360)!

What about you? Will you be getting Kinect?

[via Gamasutra]

Who Wants an iPad?

Everyone, apparently.

And that’s why big retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are projecting that the iPad will be the “hot, must-have gadget” of Christmas 2010.

Best Buy has reported an impressive 61% spike in quarterly profit thanks to sales of smartphones and iPad-like devices. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart all plan to have a plethora of iPads in stock for the holiday season.  With amazing sales already, it’s not very surprising that iPads and iPad accessories will be the big hit of the holiday season!

Personally, though, I’m not too interested in the iPad.  Me + Touchscreen devices = disaster.  I haven’t quite gotten used to it.  It will probably be a few years for me before I even get a phone with touchscreen capabilities, and even then all my friends will think it’s the sign of the apocalypse.  So no iPad for me.

What about you guys?  Are you hoping for an iPad this Christmas?

On a separate, Christmas-y note, would you be interested if I created a “2010 Holiday Geek Guide”?

[via Geek.net]

Technorati Tags: Geek,iPad,Apple,Christmas 2010,gadgets,Best buy,target,walmart,geeky,holiday

Never Doubt Star Trek: Tractor Beam Becomes a Reality

Great news for all you Trekkies out there.  In a few decades you may be able to get your very own tractor beam!

Physicists have created a device that can move small particles with only the power of light.  It works by shining a hollow laser beam around tiny glass particles.  The circular outside of the beam heats up while the inside stays cool, so when the particles begin to drift out of the center, the heat from the laser pushes it back.  Then, by moving the laser, you move the particles!

Sweet, huh?

But, I don't foresee a future where our cars have tractor beams (sorry to bum out all of you who are dreaming about it).  Something tells me that there would be too much madness and mayhem and awesomeness if you were able to move whatever was obstructing your path while driving (think traffic jams!?).  It would be really awesome if eventually we could use tractor beams to move really heavy stuff that only machines can currently move like girders and pallets of goods and really annoyingly heavy backpacks...

Okay, enough geeking out for me.  What do you guys think?  Will they develop it?  What will we use it for?

via Physorg

New 250GB Xbox 360 + Kinect Bundle Unveiled! [Deal]

If you have been thinking about getting Kinect, this is a fantastic deal!

I found out from Gamespot that Microsoft® has officially announced a new "while supplies last" bundle with the new Xbox 360 console and Kinect! You get both the console ($300 value) and Kinect ($150 value) for $399.  This bundle will apparently be released November 4, just 6 days before Kinect is released!  I foresee these going really quickly.

If you want want all the extra hard drive space a 250GB console will get you, you can get the same bundle with the new 4GB console for $299.  This is available now through a lot of retailers like Gamestop, Best Buy, Newegg, and Walmart.

Note: I haven't seen an official press release for this new bundle yet, but if I do, I'll link to it!

Xbox Live Gold Prices On The Rise [and Deal]

Last night, I received an e-mail from the Xbox Live Team letting their Gold members know that prices will be going up November 1, 2010. 

	Old Price	New Price
1-month Gold	7.99	9.99
3-month Gold	19.99	24.99
12-month Gold	49.99	59.99

12 Month is still the best deal, considering the price goes up by less than $1/month. 

This is because this holiday season, the Xbox Team are adding some new features, which mostly have to deal with Kinect.  It would be awesome if they didn’t have to raise the prices, but considering some of the services they will be offering, it makes sense (I guess). 

Here are some of the services they’ll be adding for Xbox Live Gold users:

• With ESPN on Xbox LIVE, you can stream and watch over 3,500 live and on-demand sporting events plus highlights.*
• Video Kinect allows you to chat with family and friends on the big screen, right from the comfort of your living room—no headset or controller required.*
• With Hulu Plus on Xbox LIVE you will be able to enjoy a customized Hulu Plus experience that will include Kinect navigation and Xbox LIVE Parties*

Sounds pretty fun, right? 

BUT, if you want to buy up before the prices go up November 1st (or if you’re getting someone an Xbox or Kinect for Christmas), the Xbox Live Team is offering a 12-month subscription for only $39.99, which is $20 off of the new price!  I’d grab it before you forget ;)

Video Game “Portal” Makes It Into The Curriculum

Holy crap, I wish I could transfer to Indiana’s Wabash College (unfortunately, though, it’s an all-boys college…).  Why is that? Because instead of sluffing off on homework to play video games, my homework could actually be a video game there!  Valve’s Portal is being integrated as a mandatory part of a freshman class that discusses classical and contemporary works.

One of the professors of the course and a gamer himself, Michael Abbot, proposed Portal for the course after reading an article comparing the game to an older sociology text. 

Apparently, the game isn’t required for every class for the course (that would be thousands of students), and is instead being “tested out” on a few classes.  Since the game is very short (a couple of hours for most gamers), the classes will perform an “in-class playthrough”, which I’m assuming would involve one person playing the game on a projector screen or similar.

I think this is really cool!  I love Portal, though I will admit that I’ve never actually taken the time to play through it.  I might have to now that it’s considered “college material”.

To see a little bit of the gameplay yourself, check out this trailer for it!

MAC Cosmetics to Release “Wonder Woman” Line

Ladies, did you ever want to look just like Wonder Woman when you grew up? Though you probably won’t go traipsing around town wearing her outfit anytime soon, MAC Cosmetics might be able to help you feel that smokin’ hot! 

MAC Cosmetics is reportedly releasing a limited edition line of Wonder Woman cosmetics!  Included will be a “Themyscira” palette with shadows, named after the island Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) grew up and the Amazonian women who raised her (Themyscirans).  Also, a highlighter and bronzer will be called “Golden Tiara”, and finally, lipgloss with names like “Amazon” and “Pleasure Island” will have metallic cuff caps and a golden eagle insignia.

The Internet Will Run Out of IP Addresses in Less Than 1 Year

So, you thought the Internet was a source of neverending information that is available to anyone and everyone?  Well, that's not the case.  You read the title right; in less than a year, the Internet will be out of IP addresses (if you don't know what that means, don't worry; I'll explain).  If you want to read the article I did, here is the Geek.com article. But, here's the basics, from me:

• What is an IP Address? According to Wikipedia (scholarly, I know): An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a numerical label that is assigned to devices participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication between its nodes. An IP address serves two principal functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing.  Basically, it's a nametag your electronic devices use to get online, and each one is unique. 
• If you want to look up your IP address, go to ipchicken.com
• Right now, the world uses IPv4 as its technology to assign IP addresses. However, there's a limit of about 4 billion IP addresses with IPv4.
• Right now, with only about 232 million left, it is expected that we will be out of IP addresses in 340 days
• Some believe a black market will be created for IP addresses, and Internet Service Providers are encouraging people to share IP addresses.
• Fortunately, there is a new technology called IPv6 (original, yeah?) that will create a larger pool of IP addresses
• Unfortunately, IPv6 is not backwards compatible with IPv4 (meaning, it's a totally new technology, not just an upgrade).  That means some devices will need to be upgraded or replaced, which costs money.
• Because of that, many Internet Service Providers have not upgraded yet, and probably won't get to it in time.  Many think that if the Internet Service Providers don't adopt the new technology in time, we will be in a crisis situation.
• Some good news is that Mac and Windows Operating Systems are already IPv6 compatible.  Google and Facebook are in the process of adopting it.

So, thoughts?  What do you think will happen if we run out of IP addresses?

Little Big Planet 2 Releases in November! [Geek News]

I just found out through Geek.com that Little Big Planet 2 releases November 16th!  I'm super-excited about this; Little Big Planet is one of my all-time favorite video games.  Not only is it cute, kid-friendly, and fun; it also has a huge replayability value through custom-building your own items, tools, and levels and playing others' custom levels!  I can't wait to see what Little Big Planet 2 brings to the plate!

Geek.com's article states that two different editions will be released:  a game-only edition and a Collector's Edition that will cost $80.  This edition includes the game, a Sackboy plushie, Little Big Planet 2 bookends, and all the "special" costumes available.  Cool!  I'm definitely going to go for the Collector's Edition (mostly for the plushie...Sackboy is just too cute)!