Events

New IMAX trailer released for Edge of Tomorrow

Andrew Edney

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May 14, 2014

Warner Bros have released a new IMXAX trailer for their forthcoming film Edge of Tomorrow.

Oscar nominee Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ sci-fi thriller “Edge of Tomorrow,” under the direction of Doug Liman.

The epic action of “Edge of Tomorrow” unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world.

Major William Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop—forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again…and again.
But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt). And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.

Here is the new IMAX trailer:

The international cast also includes Bill Paxton, Brendan Gleeson, Noah Taylor, Kick Gurry, Dragomir Mrsic, Charlotte Riley, Jonas Armstrong, Franz Drameh, Masayoshi Haneda and Tony Way.
Liman directed “Edge of Tomorrow” from a screenplay by Christopher McQuarrie and Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth, based on the novel entitled All You Need is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka. Erwin Stoff produced, along with Tom Lassally, Jeffrey Silver, Gregory Jacobs and Jason Hoffs. The executive producers are Doug Liman, David Bartis, Joby Harold, Hidemi Fukuhara and Bruce Berman, with Tim Lewis and Kim Winther serving as co-producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a 3 Arts Production, in association with Viz Productions, a Doug Liman Film, “Edge of Tomorrow.” Opening domestically on June 6, 2014, the film will be distributed in 2D and 3D in select theatres and IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow.
EDGE OF TOMORROW is released in UK cinemas and IMAX on May 30, 2014

Parrot Announces Bebop Drone, Successor to AR Drone 2.0

Gadgets
Tech

Jim McCarthy

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May 14, 2014

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Parrot has announced the successor to the AR Drone 2.0, the Bebop Drone. Read on for details!

Parrot has announced the successor to the AR Drone 2.0, the Bebop Drone. Bebop sports a 1080P camera and uses a fisheye lens and fancy firmware to deliver a stable picture. Smaller than AR Drone 2.0 and with about 12 minutes of flight time, Bebop also has integrated GPS and can be programmed to fly unattended from your smart phone or tablet. Parrot also announced a controller that supports VR using Oculus Rift, a nice addition to piloting options. Bebop is due in Q4 2014 and MSRP is TBD.

Check out this launch trailer.

Here is the press release.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Take aerial video and pictures like a pro!

Parrot Bebop Drone, the ultra-light drone with a full HD camera digitally stabilized on its 3-axis!

With Bebop Drone, Parrot demonstrates its technological expertise and confirms its commitment to the civil drone market. The Bebop Drone is a super-high-tech leisure quadricopter with features of a professional one!

Equipped with a 14 mega pixels fish-eye camera, the Parrot Bebop Drone takes video and pictures of the world in a 180° field with remarkable image quality. Endowed with a fully digital technology of image stabilization, the Bebop Drone captures video despite the movements inherent in aerial footage. The combination of numerous sensors gives it impressive stability and great maneuverability when piloting with a smartphone or a tablet. The use of the latest Wi-Fi 802.11ac MIMO and of four ceramic antennas 2.4GHz and 5GHz ensures an unequalled reach. For extreme sensations, the Parrot Bebop Drone can be piloted with an optional controller compatible with FPV glasses. Parrot extends its range of leisure drones with the Bebop Drone that takes professional-quality images.

A 180° vision

Parrot Bebop Drone is equipped with a 14 megapixels « fisheye-lens » front-facing camera that records video in Full HD (1080p x 1920p) and streams live immersive views of the flight on the screen of the piloting Smartphone or tablet.

The pilot can control the angle of the camera simply with his thumb, directly from the piloting application. The shifting on a 180° angle is fully digital.

Thanks to algorithms developed by Parrot engineers, the Bebop Drone benefits from an exclusive 3-axis image stabilization system that maintains a fixed angle of the view, regardless of the inclination of the drone and movement caused by turbulence.

The camera of the Parrot Bebop Drone is mounted on an ingenious structure with rubber shock absorbers that cushion vibrations.

The images taken by the Bebop Drone are digitally treated thanks to the Parrot P7 Dual core processor, its GPU and a proprietary Image Signal Processor.

The landscapes are captured on the 8 GB flash memory of the Parrot Bebop Drone with a gripping precision and sharpness.

After the landing of the drone, videos (MP4 format) and photos (JPEG and DNG formats) can be transferred onto the piloting device or a computer via Wi-Fi or via the embedded micro-USB connector.

An astounding stability

The Parrot Bebop Drone is piloted via Wi-Fi through a free application available for iOS and Android Smartphone and tablets.

To guarantee optimal stability of the quadricopter, without compromising maneuverability, the Bebop Drone integrates data coming from numerous sensors:

One 3-axis accelerometer
One 3-axis gyroscope
One 3-axis magnetometer
One ultrasound with a reach up to 8 meters
One pressure sensor
One vertical camera

A MIMO Wi-Fi connection

The Parrot Bebop Drone is equipped with 4 Wi-Fi antennas so it can manage the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies in MIMO (Multiple Inputs Multiple Outputs) format.

The Wi-Fi liaison uses the latest Wi-Fi 802.11ac. Depending on network interference, the pilot can select the frequency of his choice.

The Parrot Bebop Drone integrates a GNSS chipset that associates the GPS, GLONASS and GALILEO data. The Bebop Drone is capable of autonomous flight and automatic return to the take-off position.

The Bebop Drone automatically records the data of each flight on Parrot cloud: “Pilot Academy”.

A featherweight of high technologies

About 50 engineers, specializing in digital signal processing, aeronautics, Wi-Fi radio and industrial design, worked on the development of the Parrot Bebop Drone, a highly performing high-tech jewel weighting 380 g without its hull (400 g with the hull) and enabling indoor and outdoor flights without the risks linked to the weight of more imposing drones.

01. Mother board (Parrot P7 dual core CPU and quad core GPU – 8Gb flash memory – All are fixed on a magnesium shelf that acts as electromagnetic shielding and as a radiator.)

02. Fisheye lens (6 optical elements – 14 Mega pixels sensor)

03. Brushless out runner engines

04. Glass fiber reinforced (15%) ABS structure

05. Three-blade propellers in Polycarbonate with fast disassembly system

06. Inertial measurement unit (GPS+Glonass+Galileo – 3-axis accelerometer – 3-axis gyroscope – 3-axis magnetometer – pressure sensor)

07. Wi-Fi MIMO antennas (2 double-set of ceramic antennas for 2.4 and 5 GHz)

08. Vertical stabilization camera (Every 16 milliseconds, an image of the ground is taken and compared to the previous one to determine the speed of the Bebop Drone)

Ultrasound sensor (Analyzes the flight altitude up to 8 meters)

09. Hull in EPP (Clip and unclip easily to adapt to indoor and outdoor flight – Protects the propellers against potential bumps – Can be removed to reduce wind factor )

10. Anti-vibration Bumpers

FreeFlight 3.0: An ultra-intuitive application

The Parrot Bebop Drone comes with a free piloting application, FreeFlight 3.0, for iOS and Android Smartphones and tablets.

The ergonomics of the application have been developed to offer a perfect ease-of-use and to let the pilot focus on the pleasure of flying.

On the welcome screen, the pilot accesses the ground functionalities: Piloting, photos/videos, flight plan, Cloud ‘Pilot Academy’.).

When the ‘take off’ button is touched, the Parrot Bebop Drone starts its engines, takes off, stabilizes and awaits the pilot’s instructions.

The left thumb activates a virtual joystick that enables control of the altitude of the drone, its rotation and movements while tilting the smartphone/tablet, to indicate the direction: forward, backward, left, right.

The right thumb enables control of the angle of tilt of the front camera while flying.

A ‘flight plan’ piloting mode enables the pilot to program an autonomous flight, using the functionalities of the GNSS chipset.

When the ‘landing’ button is touched, the Parrot Bebop Drone lands smoothly.

A ‘Return Home’ button makes the Bebop Drone come back to its take-off position, guided by GPS.

Skycontroller: fly further, higher*

To benefit from a more powerful Wi-Fi connection, Parrot will offer the Skycontroller as an option.

Equipped with an amplified Wi-Fi radio and with 4 antennas, the Parrot Skycontroller extend the Wi-Fi range up to 2 kms.

The piloting Smartphone or tablet is fixed on a shelf that is compatible with the vast majority of the tablets available in the market.

The pilot takes the helm of the drone via 2 joysticks.

For extreme sensations, it is possible to connect FPV (First Person View) glasses to the Parrot Skycontroller with the HDMI plug. Then, leaning the head will position the camera of the Bebop Drone!

*Expert pilots and beginners should take the helm of leisure drones in a responsible manner and in respect of the local rules and regulations.

***

Parrot Bebop Drone technical data

CPU Dual core A9
Linux
Open source SDK
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi MIMO 2.4 and 5GHz
26dBM
GNSS : GPS+Glonass+Galileo
Inertial unit: Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Magnetometer, Altimeter, Ultrasound, Vertical camera
Battery : Lithium Polymere 1200mAh
Flight time: Around 12 minutes
Compatibility: iOS and Android Smartphones/tablets
Weight: 380g without the hull – 400g with the hull

Dimensions:

28x32x3.6 cm without the hull
33x38x3.6 cm with the hull

Parrot Skycontroller technical data

Android 4.2
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n up to 36dBm
Antennas directives range up to 2km
Wi-Fi MIMO 2.4 and 5GHz
Second chipset Wi-Fi to connect to a tablet
GPS
USB, HDMI extensions
Sun-visor included
Weight: 450g

This looks like a nice update to the AR Drone 2.0. I wish we were talking about more than 12 minutes of flight time, but integrated GPS and mission planning on your mobile device out of the box is a nice touch. As I hear about details on pricing and release date, I’ll be sure to let you know.

Watch Dogs to run higher resolution on PS4 than Xbox One

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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May 13, 2014

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Today Ubisoft has confirmed the resolution and frames per second for upcoming open world game Watch Dogs.

The PlayStation 4 version will be running at 900p resolution. The Xbox One version runs at 792p resolution. Both output at 30 frames per second.

In a Ubisoft blog post, Watch Dogs creative chief Jonathan Morin said it was more important for Watch Dogs to deliver “an amazing next-gen experience” than a 1080p resolution.

“Resolution is a number, just like framerate is a number. All those numbers are valid aspects of making games,” he said.

Ubisoft explained inthe blog post about the specific differences between the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 and Xbox One/PS4 versions of Watch Dogs. On the single-player side, Xbox 360/PS3 players can expect fewer NPCs in some areas, but Morin says this will not affect the core gameplay. For multiplayer, Morin said Xbox 360 and PS3 owners will miss out on the Decryption competitive multiplayer mode and the ability to free roam with multiple players.

Watch Dogs is due out on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 as well as PS4 and Xbox One on the 27th May. A Wii U version is expected later.

Do you care the PlayStation 4 has a higher resolution than the Xbox One version of the game, please comment below.

Watch the 101 trailer for Watch Dogs from Ubisoft

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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May 13, 2014

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What the new Watch_Dogs call “101” trailer from Ubisoft, out for Xbox 360, Xbox One and Ps3, PS4 and PC on the 27th May.

Xbox removes pay firewall for apps from next month

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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May 13, 2014

0

Xbox removes pay firewall for apps from next month

As you know that Xbox 360 and Xbox One owners currently need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to access most online apps and services.

With entertainment, sports and gaming apps will no longer live behind the Xbox Live Gold paywall, Microsoft has just confirmed, among other sweeping changes for Xbox One (although the paywall changes apply to Xbox 360 too).

Internet Explorer, Skype, OneDrive, OneGuide, GameDVR, Upload Studio and Twitch broadcasting will also now be free to all.

It means that you couldn’t use freely-available services such as 4OD, Skype, Internet Explorer or YouTube without being a Xbox Live Gold subscriber, something that has become increasingly unpopular among fans.

The old policy delayed the Xbox 360 release of BBC iPlayer, whose license fee-funded content cannot be put behind a paywall. An exception was eventually made, but Xbox One still lacks an iPlayer app.

Xbox One Games with Gold Coming Next Month

Chris Hare

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May 13, 2014

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Xbox One Games with Gold Coming Next Month

Today Microsoft also announced the Xbox Live Games with Gold programme, which will begin for Xbox One in June with two titles – Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Halo: Spartan Assault. The two Xbox 360 titles will be Dark Souls and Charlie Murder, and as a one-off bonus, a third title – Super Street Fighter 4: Arcade Edition.

It means that with a Gold subscription you will now presumably get four games free per month – two for Xbox 360 and two for Xbox One.

Xbox One without Kinect coming next month

Chris Hare

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May 13, 2014

0

Xbox One without Kinect coming next month

Microsoft just done a new major reversal comes today in the form of a Kinect-less Xbox One. This comes after Microsoft repeatedly said that Kinect is an “integral part of the Xbox One experience”.

The announcement is made in a post on Xbox Wire titled “Delivering More Choices for Fans.” Beginning 9th June, users in all markets will be able to purchase the Xbox One without the Kinect at £349 / €399/ $399.

Microsoft will sell a standalone Kinect sensor for Xbox One later for people that want a Kinect in the future.

What do you think about Microsoft doing Xbox One without the Kinect.

New Grid Autosport Gameplay from Codemasters

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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May 13, 2014

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New Grid Autosport Gameplay from Codemasters

Today Codemasters revealed a new video showcasing the Touring Car discipline, one of the five unique styles of racing set to star in the game’s new world of professional motorsport.

In the video, gameplay footage of GRID Autosport’s Touring Car discipline shows how this famously competitive style of racing will be experienced in-game. Cars go head-to-head in robust packs, with drivers trading paint and crashing out as no quarter is asked, nor given, out on the track. The video also features Touring Car racing drivers explaining what players need to succeed in this discipline, including 2013 BTCC Champion Andrew Jordan from Pirtek Racing, Team Dynamics’ Matt Neal, and Motorbase Performance’s eight-time touring car title winner Fabrizio Giovanardi who comments, “You need to be fast, you need to be clever – it’s a fighting race, not just a speed race.”

Touring Cars was a popular style of racing from Codemasters’ classic TOCA series and to bring this style of racing into GRID Autosport, Codemasters has consulted with drivers to authentically recreate the handling of the cars and bring alive this unique racing experience. Matt Neal, three-time winner of the BTCC and one of the drivers who has lent his expertise to the Codemasters development team, explains the enduring appeal of this style of racing in the video, “It’s the cut and thrust, it’s the physicality of it all, getting your elbows out and getting stuck in. You need to know when to be aggressive at the right point and you’ve got to be very wary of who you’ve got around you.”

Touring Cars represented in the game include both modern and classic cars. Contemporary examples include the Honda Civic Touring Car, Ford Focus ST Touring Car, the Holden VF Commodore and its rival the Ford Falcon FG plus many more. Classic content includes the Nissan 1991 (R32) Skyline GT-R Group A and the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Group A, two cars which fought out dramatic battles on track, plus the MINI Miglia and more. Touring races are held on the game’s real-world circuits, including the world famous Brands Hatch and Bathurst tracks, and offer players truly dramatic, immediate and intense racing.

In GRID Autosport’s huge career, gamers will specialise in their favourite racing discipline or conquer them all; players will feel the aggression of the pack in Touring Cars, manage tyre wear and race into the night in Endurance events, race Open-Wheel cars with precision, show car control in Tuner events and react on the fly in Street races. Each unique category features series dedicated to different classes, including Touring Cars, Hypercars, Endurance GT Cars, Prototypes, Single-Seaters, Super Modified vehicles, Drift cars and many, many more. Bursting with content, GRID Autosport features over 100 routes across 22 incredible locations and the world’s most exciting contemporary and classic high-performance racing cars to collect, tune and upgrade.

GRID Autosport is set to ship on 24th June in the USA and release on 27th June in Europe for the Xbox 360, Windows PC from Steam and for the PS3. A limited edition of GRID Autosport featuring exclusive additional content including the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupé Black Series Car, GRID Autosport Black Edition, is available to pre-order from GAME in the UK.