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YouTube and Universal Music Group are remastering old music videos
YouTube is perhaps the single biggest public repository of music videos, but many are bit outdated, with visuals and audio designed for old TVs with single speakers, and others that could use a bit of an upgrade too. Many videos from major artists will soon look and sound much better though, as YouTube and Universal Music Group are remastering almost 1,000 of them "to the highest possible standards."
Samsung, Foxconn back 'Kiss' high-speed wireless transfer tech
Samsung, Foxconn and other smartphone industry firms are backing a new standard that would let you wirelessly download large files in seconds. Called "Kiss," it was developed by a company called Keyssa, which has investors like former Apple and Google exec Tony Fadell, along with Samsung, Dolby, Intel and other companies. By placing two devices equipped with the tech close to each other, you can do "gigabit-sized" transfers in seconds, Keyssa says.
KISS' Photo Bomb app will glam up your photos in the worst way possible
Hey you! Have you ever wanted to use a mobile app to relive the heady glam-rock days of the late 1970s? If so, the newly released KISS Photo Bomb app for iOS and Android is not the way to go. The name says it all, really: with the app you can digitally insert members of KISS into your photos, as well as lather your face in iconic makeup (see above) and stick Gene Simmons' crimson tongue just about anywhere you like. The end results are... just as absurd and facepalm-y as you'd imagine. Yes, this is a real thing. No, we don't know why. Wait, yes we do: it's a ridiculous, naked money grab, with additional sticker and frame packs priced at $1 a pop. Then again, we'd expect nothing less from the guys who thought sticking their faces on caskets was a rad idea.
Rocksmith 2014's KISS DLC was made for lovin' you, baby
If Valentine's Day left you short on love, fret not: Ubisoft has got a big KISS waiting for you. A new DLC pack for Rocksmith 2014 has come bearing three songs from the '70s rock group of big hair, outlandish makeup and one very long tongue. "Detroit Rock City," "Heaven's On Fire" and "I Was Made For Loving You" are all available to purchase for $2.99 apiece, or together for $7.99. We won't say it's required that you put on the group's iconic makeup and costumes if you should decide to play these songs, but it's totally required that you put on the makeup and costumes. [Image: Ubisoft]
Aphrodite joins the SMITE fight crew
If any character ever had a good reason to wear the skimpiest armor ever, Aphrodite would have full license to strut. Hi-Rez revealed the revealing goddess of beauty in its newest SMITE update. Aphrodite utilizes her feminine wiles to win over the competition as a support character tied to a "soul mate." Her hugs give mana to a soul mate and her kisses do double duty as buffs and stuns. No, really. That said, if things get too hot and heavy, she can use her Back Off! skill to knock enemies back. She can also call down doves for both healing and damage because apparently doves are the combat medics of the avian world. Check out Aphrodite's trailer after the jump before catching up on SMITE's latest patch notes! [Thanks to Don for the tip!]
Kodak gets the green light to sell digital imaging patents
It's been a long road for Kodak to get to this point, but it seems the floundering company has finally won approval to sell off its digital imaging patents. Over the objections of Apple and Flashpoint (nothing like kicking a company when its down), the Bankruptcy Court awarded Kodak the right to auction off its Digital Capture and Kodak Imaging Systems and Services (KISS) patent portfolios. While the challenges haven't been completely dismissed, the ruling provides an opportunity for the struggling Rochester firm to move ahead with its auction plans in the face of what it calls "baseless claims." Soon enough the bids for the rather sizable and valuable portfolios will start rolling in, and should provide Kodak with enough cash to keep its head above water for a little bit longer. For more detail, check out the PR after the break. [Image Credit: MercerFilm]
Gene Simmons of Kiss teases Angry Birds game, makes total sense
While we've been blissfully ignoring Kiss frontman Gene Simmons since his last appearance on The Simpsons, he's been busy transitioning his band from 1970s stadium rockers into a crosspromotional love gun. Take, for example, Kiss Hello Kitty (which is apparently a thing?). We're not quite sure what to make of it either.And when asked about the band's movement in the video game world, Simmons sounds ready to jump in. "We're talking with Sony games now. We are really trying to take it in areas that haven't been done before," Simmons told Industry Gamers. "[We] have stayed out of the marketplace because the ideas simply weren't exciting enough." Sounds like somebody's never played hit Aerosmith crossover Revolution X. Perhaps he's more of a Paul of Duty kinda guy?But while the likes of Skyrim and Mass Effect haven't convinced Simmons, apparently Rovio's Angry Birds was just thrilling enough. "We're talking with Angry Birds ... Kiss and Angry Birds, which will become a deal," Simmons revealed. But despite upcoming Kiss-branded Archie comics and golf courses in Las Vegas, Simmons added, "Just because there are games, and just because there's this or that out there, unless the deal is right and unless the content is exciting to our fans, we don't do it." We imagine he winked at the interviewee a bunch after saying that, though. He had to, right?
The Daily Grind: Which MMOs would you marry, kiss or kill?
Let's play a game today! Oh, let's! I'm sure you've heard of the classic "marry/kiss/kill" ranking game (or some not-so-PG version thereof) designed to rank your interest in a trio of human beings. So how about turning that upon MMOs today? Which games would you marry, would you kiss, and would you kill? By which, I mean: Marry: You're in it for the long haul with this title, admiring the devs' past and present efforts, and are confident that the future will hold great things. You plus this game equals "happily ever after." Kiss: You're interested -- or currently involved -- with a brief fling with this game, but you're pretty sure that it's not going to last. This is a title best left to brief flirtations versus long-term relationships. Kill: You are done with this MMO -- or never wanted to get involved with it in the first place. You abhor the studio's practices and products, and wouldn't mind seeing the game thrown into the sun. Metaphorically, of course. So what's your list? Let us know in the comments section! Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Halo: Reach DLC 50% off this week, Toy Soldiers DLC and more next week
If all the talk of Halo Anniversary has put you in the mood for more modern fare, the Reach map packs are down to five bucks each this week. Alternately, if the release of Dead Rising 2: Off the Record gave you a hankerin' for Dead Rising 2 spinoffs, you'll find those half off next week, starting October 25. Dead Rising the first will also be On Demand for 25% off. There's currently a "Shocktober" sale happening, including Castlevania Harmony of Despair for 600 Points ($7.50), and Alan Wake On Demand for just $10 more than retail. What a deal. Racing fans can get a rolling staaaaaaaaaaaaaaart on Daytona USA on October 26, and check out the Toy Soldiers: Cold War "Napalm Pack" and A World of Keflings DLC on the same day. And in Avatar accessory news, it's finally happening on October 20. KISS Avatar clothing.
The Soapbox: Debunking the first kiss theory
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column. So I owe this week's Soapbox to one of my gaming buddies who recently opined that a lot of older genre fans wear rose-colored glasses. We're a sentimental, eternally ornery, and change-resistant bunch, he said, and we're all searching in vain for that one game that recaptures the magic of our first MMO rodeo. Ordinarily I'd take offense to those labels, but upon further reflection, my pal had a point (though it may not be the one he intended). This "first kiss theory" -- as I'm calling the bundle of nostalgia-related charges often leveled against old-school MMO fans -- is fairly common on massively multiplayer forums. This was the first time I'd heard the theory espoused by someone I knew personally, though, and as a result I spent a fair bit of time mulling it over. Join me after the cut to see why it ultimately doesn't hold water and why, if older MMOers are indeed nostalgic, there are quantifiable reasons for it that has little to do with half-remembered glory days.
Tactile kiss transmission device finally makes it okay to smooch your computer (video)
They say the vast majority of communication is done physically rather than verbally, but in the realm of technological advances we seem to have rather neglected the transmission of physical contact. Thankfully, there's always Japan to provide us with off-the-wall innovations, this latest one being a kiss transmission device that will record, relay, and -- if you wish it -- replay your finest tongue gymnastics. It's the height of simplicity at the moment, with a plastic implement taking input from one person's mouth and conveying it to a second box, intended to be gobbled up by the recipient of this techno-affection, who may respond in kind or just sit back and enjoy the thrill of it. The researchers sagely point out that there's more to be done, as the sense of taste, manner of breathing, and moistness of the tongue are all important aspects of a kiss that have yet to be recreated. Once they do get their kiss transmitter to v2.0, however, they envision a pretty neat market for it in reselling kiss replays performed by celebrities. For now, you can see a celeb-free video demo after the break.
Rock Band Weekly: Roy Orbison, KISS
To celebrate what would have been the legendary Roy Orbison's 75th birthday, next week's Rock Band DLC includes three songs from the artist. Don't fret, dream baby, if those tracks don't do it for you, there are already plenty of solid Orbison tracks available in the Rock Band store. There are also a couple individual tracks from KISS. Both songs are live versions of their greatest hits "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Strutter." Chewable blood packs and pyrotechnics sold separately. Head past the break for the full DLC details.
Kiss Controller lets you play a bowling game with your tongue... while it's in someone else's mouth (video)
Oh, this isn't weird at all! The Kissing Controller, an experimental project by one Hye Yeon Nam, is designed so that players of a bowling game can impart power and direction to their spherical projectile by performing the timeless act of smooching one another. A customized headset is required for one of the participants, acting as the input receiver, while the other straps a magnet to his or her tongue and goes to town with some literal full motion controls. Thrust is added to the on-screen ball in accordance with how vigorously you move your tongue around, something we're sure your partner will appreciate. Video after the break.
Canon trots out Canon Rebel T3 and Rebel T3i DSLR cameras
Not looking for a new PowerShot? How's about a new DSLR? Canon has just rolled out a new entry-level Rebel and a new flagship Rebel this evening, with the T3 (1100D) and T3i (600D) offering mild updates over their predecessors. The EOS Rebel T3 will ship at the end of March with a EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom lens for $599.99, offering up a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Imaging processor, nine-point autofocus system and a 63-zone dual-layer metering system. You'll need to provide your own SD, SDHC or SDXC card, but unlike entry-level bodies of the past, this guy will capture full-motion video at 1280 x 720. There's an ISO range of 100 to 6,400, a pop-up flash and a newfangled Basic+ non-technical interface that should help beginners grow accustomed to more technical aspects of photography without the steep learning curve.Stepping up, there's the new T3i, which boasts an 18 megapixel CMOS sensor, an ISO range of 100 to 6,400, support for SD / SDHC / SDXC cards, DIGIC 4 Imaging processor, pop-up flash, integrated Speedlite settings (to go along with a few new Speedlite flashes also introduced today) and a tilt / swivel LCD monitor. It'll ship at the start of March for $799.99 (body only), or $899.99 bundled with a EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II zoom lens. Hit the source links below for the devilish details, not to mention information on two new telephoto lenses (the EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM).
Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock gets KISS-mas Track Pack
KISS-mas? That's a bit of a stretch, isn't it? Regardless, a trio of KISS tunes for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, including "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Detroit Rock City" and "Calling Dr. Love," will be available today on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii for $5.50 (440 MS Points). The songs will also be available individually for $2 apiece. If you're still feeling a little PECK-ish for music DLC (okay, that was a stretch), Linkin Park adds remixes of "The Catalyst (Does It Offend You, Yeah? Remix)," "When They Come For Me" and "Pts.OF.Athrty" to DJ Hero 2. The pack will cost 640 Microsoft Points on Xbox 360, $7.99 on PS3 and be sold individually at 300 Wii Points each on Nintendo's console.
Kiss releases LED HDTV, because it's criminal to view Paul's Starchild makeup any other way
Legendary rockers are releasing officially-licensed LED HDTVs, available in 55-, 46-, 42-, and 32-inch (aka "Mini Kiss," to no one else but the Engadget staff) variants, priced between $818.88 and $1,988.88 (and unless we're mistaken by the wording, buying the 55-inch model also nets you a 32-incher) and on sale now online / in-store mid-November. Each set has the Kiss logo emblazoned on each bottom corner, and you'll be rocked -- nay, rawked -- by eight seconds of the band's imagery every time you turn it on. The TVs are produced by Roundtable Concepts and specs include... wait, you've already made up your mind, haven't you? Well, alright, then, our job here is done. One more picture after the break.
Three new track packs available for iPhone Guitar Hero
The in-app music store for Activision's pint-sized iPhone port of Guitar Hero has been updated with three new $1.99 song packs. The first includes one tune each from Band of Horses, Coldplay and Nada Surf, while the second and third each feature three tracks from KISS and Motörhead, respectively.
Report: Guitar Hero 6 dropping playable musicians, will work with previous DLC
Details about the upcoming sixth iteration in the Guitar Hero series (that is, if you don't count various spin-offs) have begun landing on the web from Official Xbox Magazine UK, reports GoNintendo. As Kiss' Gene Simmons proclaimed earlier this year, it seems he'll be emceeing the game. Alongside his appearance, Queen, Black Sabbath and Metallica's Lars Ulrich will also be showing up, though rather than being featured as playable characters, the various rockers will be recruitable characters for guidance through the game's campaign ("Quest Mode") -- that whole multiple lawsuit thing certainly couldn't have hurt Activision's decision, right? Maybe most important of all is the inclusion of legendary New York City club CBGB (& OMFUG) as the game's "only real-world location" (at least to this former CBGB attendee), but we suppose you're probably more interested in hearing that "previous DLC" will allegedly be playable in number six ... or whatever. Activision wouldn't confirm the details with us, but you OXM UK subscribers are welcome to re-confirm the report's legitimacy in our comments section below. [Via MTV Multiplayer]
Gene Simmons: 'I'm the voice of Guitar Hero 6'
"I'm the voice of Guitar Hero 6," says KISS front man Gene Simmons during a video clip produced by Game On, a division of UK media site ITN. And that's all he says. The clip -- view it after the break -- has been removed from the context of what's assumed to be a full interview and essentially turns Simmons' statement into a gag line. Still, Simmons does appear to be the first "official" spokesperson to outright name the next iteration of Guitar Hero, albeit unofficially. Activision previously dated a forthcoming Guitar Hero game for the "back half" of 2010. Presumably, that's "Guitar Hero 6" and the game Simmons will apparently star in. What? Activision didn't offer his crew a full-on Guitar Hero: KISS game? It's for the better, really, because all we want to do is get the digitized Simmons onstage and make him crank 'dat Soulja Boy!
TurpsterVision: Hands on with Chen Stormstout
We can't believe it either – Turpster has been let loose on WoW.com to bring you videos from in and around the World of Warcraft! You've heard him on the WoW Insider Show, and now see him on TurpsterVision right here on WoW.com. So it's Black Friday for a lot of you guys out there -- Happy Thanksgiving for yesterday and yes, my Turkey was awesome thanks for asking! A day for picking up electrical bargains and stopping The Intersect falling into Fulcrum's hands -- I'll be honest, my knowledge of Black Friday stems pretty much directly from episodes of Chuck. I was lucky enough to have my latest purchase come through today and I am super stoked to be able to show you guys, Chen Stormstout! This guys is many kinds of huge -- some say he looks like a fat Gene Simmons, I don't see that being a bad thing since The Demon is also pretty awesome (though he's no Starchild). Standing over 8" tall and weighing in at 4.5 lbs, this guy is built to impress. The detailing is beyond anything I've seen on my previous DC Unlimited figures. Enjoy the video and pick one up if you haven't already -- I wonder how much mine is worth now that it's out of the box... Check out more of Turpster's work, recent work like sites made for a Bristol Garden Landscaper or classic stuff from his WoW parody songs to TV previously on Massively.com, not forgetting everyone's favorite podcast 'The WoW Insider Show' and of course, TurpsterVision right here on WoW.com!
