Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Customer service avatars coming to JFK, La Guardia, Newark airports (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/airport-customer-service-avatars/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/airport-customer-service-avatars/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/airport-customer-service-avatars/#comments Customer service avatars coming to JFK, La Guardia, Newark airports in July

When you're running late, you're weighed-down with DIY in-flight entertainment and your gate number gets switched at the last minute, the last thing you need is a real-life human trying to be helpful. The Port Authority knows that, which is why it's promising to install "computerized, hologram-like avatars" in La Guardia, Newark and JFK terminal buildings by early July. The virtual assistants aren't actually holographic -- judging from the video after the break (courtesy of Transportation Nation), they appear to consist of either projected or LCD video displayed on a vaguely human-shaped static board, although given their reported $250,000 price tag we might (hopefully) be missing something. Oh, and they aren't even interactive, unless you try to push them over.

[Photo Credit: Jim O'Grady/WNYC]

Continue reading Customer service avatars coming to JFK, La Guardia, Newark airports (video)

Customer service avatars coming to JFK, La Guardia, Newark airports (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 07:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportannoyingavataravatarscustomer serviceCustomerServiceholographicinhumanjfkjfk airportJfkAirportLa GuardiaLa Guardia AirportLaGuardiaLaGuardiaAirportlife-sizelifesizeminipostnewarkport authorityPortAuthorityprojectedprojectionprojectorvideoTue, 22 May 2012 07:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel Medfield-packing Lenovo K800 to land next month, has an avatar in tow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/11/intel-medfield-sporting-lenovo-k800-to-land-next-month-has-an-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/11/intel-medfield-sporting-lenovo-k800-to-land-next-month-has-an-a/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/11/intel-medfield-sporting-lenovo-k800-to-land-next-month-has-an-a/#comments Intel Medfield sporting Lenovo K800 to land next month, has an avatar in towWondering when the Lenovo K800 will finally land? Or perhaps you're curious about how those Medfield processors will perform in real life? The answer to both those questions should be with us towards the end of next month -- according to Intel's Sean Maloney, who's hosting the Intel Developer Forum in Beijing right now. Announcing via microblogging site Sina Weibo, Maloney didn't go as far as fixing a date, but did go on to confirm that it will also be bringing the firm's new "Avatar Technology" with it (pictured after the break). What that is exactly, has yet to be revealed, but we're pretty sure / hopeful James Cameron's not involved.

Update: Our sources indicated that the launch will be towards the end of May, but yeah, still exclusive to China.

Continue reading Intel Medfield-packing Lenovo K800 to land next month, has an avatar in tow

Intel Medfield-packing Lenovo K800 to land next month, has an avatar in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar technologyAvatarTechnologychinaintelintel avatarintel avatar technologyintel medfieldIntelAvatarIntelAvatarTechnologyIntelMedfieldk800lenovolenovo k800LenovoK800medfieldsean maloneySeanMaloneyweiboWed, 11 Apr 2012 05:20:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's 'Avatar project' aims to give soldiers surrogate robots, make James Cameron proud]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/19/darpas-avatar-project-aims-to-give-soldiers-surrogate-robots/#comments In a fevered mash up of blockbuster films directed by James Cameron, DARPA is looking to put soldier controlled bi-pedal robots on the battlefield. Think Terminator meets Avatar. The agency has set aside $7 million of it's $2.8 billion 2012 budget to develop an "Avatar program" that will "develop interfaces and algorithms to enable a soldier to effectively partner with a semi-autonomous bi-pedal machine and allow it to act as the soldier's surrogate." DARPA isn't talking about simple remote control rigs, either -- these 'bots are being designed to clear rooms, and facilitate sentry control and combat casualty recovery. The new budget also sets aside $4.1 million to design laser countermeasures to protect military weapons, well, lasers -- ensuring that the future's robot soldiers will be nigh indestructible when they rebel against their human hosts.

DARPA's 'Avatar project' aims to give soldiers surrogate robots, make James Cameron proud originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armautonomousavatardarpahandhandsmachinesmilitaryrobotrobot apocalypserobot avatarRobotApocalypseRobotAvatarrobotssurrogatesurrogate soldiersSurrogateSoldiersterminatorwargadgetSun, 19 Feb 2012 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar special edition takes another dip on iTunes Tuesday, brings exclusive extras]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/avatar-special-edition-takes-another-dip-on-itunes-tuesday-brin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/avatar-special-edition-takes-another-dip-on-itunes-tuesday-brin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/avatar-special-edition-takes-another-dip-on-itunes-tuesday-brin/#comments If you've made the switch to watching movies delivered via the internet instead of disc, one of the things that you'll usually give up is interactive special features, but Fox is turning that trend around with its latest repackaging of Avatar. The iTunes Extras Special Edition of the movie goes on sale Tuesday and includes "Green Screen X-Ray" features letting viewers deconstruct the extensive special effects during 17 scenes as they watch, as well as an original screenplay from director James Cameron, his scriptment, and a gallery of 1,700 images. You can get an idea of how the X-ray feature works from the images here and a trailer (included after the break), but at $20 for an HD copy, we figure it will be just the most dedicated fans taking a trip back to Pandora before the 3D Blu-ray is freed from exclusivity next year.

Continue reading Avatar special edition takes another dip on iTunes Tuesday, brings exclusive extras

Avatar special edition takes another dip on iTunes Tuesday, brings exclusive extras originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleavatarfoxgreen screenGreenScreenhdpostminiitunesitunes extrasItunesExtrasjames cameronJamesCameronspecial featuresSpecialFeaturesvideox-rayMon, 19 Dec 2011 10:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Androidify holiday wardrobe update lets your bot ring in the New Year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/googles-androidify-holiday-wardrobe-update-lets-your-bot-ring-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/googles-androidify-holiday-wardrobe-update-lets-your-bot-ring-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/11/googles-androidify-holiday-wardrobe-update-lets-your-bot-ring-i/#comments Ready to celebrate the holidays this year? Google has gone and refreshed its free Androidify app with some season-appropriate gear for your avatar. The new virtual wardrobe selections should certainly please a variety of tastes, whether you're itching to fit your robo with an ugly Christmas sweater or just a pair of New Years party specs. You can catch our bot's new winter threads below, and snag the update for yourself by hitting up the Android Market link below.

Google's Androidify holiday wardrobe update lets your bot ring in the New Year originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketandroidifyAndroidMarketavatarbotfreegoogleholidayminipostmobilenew yearsnew years 2012new years glassesNewYearsNewYears2012NewYearsGlassesrobotsweaterugly christmas sweaterUglyChristmasSweaterupdatewardrobewinterSun, 11 Dec 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameloft bringing a dozen iPad games to Jetstar flights, curbing in-flight boredom with UNO]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/27/gameloft-bringing-a-dozen-ipad-games-to-jetstar-flights-curbing/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/27/gameloft-bringing-a-dozen-ipad-games-to-jetstar-flights-curbing/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/27/gameloft-bringing-a-dozen-ipad-games-to-jetstar-flights-curbing/#comments What's better than playing a nice round of kick the seat of the guy in front of you? Most things, really, including the dozen iPad titles that Gameloft is bringing to Australian air carrier Jetstar's rentable iPads. Real Football, Shrek Kart, Avatar, UNO and N.O.V.A.: Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance will be coming to the carrier's Apple tablets in December, with seven more games arriving in the first quarter of next year. All games will be followed by a bonus round of make sure your tray table is stored for landing.

Continue reading Gameloft bringing a dozen iPad games to Jetstar flights, curbing in-flight boredom with UNO

Gameloft bringing a dozen iPad games to Jetstar flights, curbing in-flight boredom with UNO originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineappleAvatargameloftgamesin-flightin-flight entertainmentIn-flightEntertainmentipadipad gamesIpadGamesjetstarminipostreal FootballRealFootballShrek KartShrekKartSun, 27 Nov 2011 04:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/telesar-v-robot-brings-new-meaning-to-escapism-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/telesar-v-robot-brings-new-meaning-to-escapism-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/telesar-v-robot-brings-new-meaning-to-escapism-video/#comments The esoteric art of telepresence is all about that sweetest of dreams: being somewhere you'd rather be. So far, though, it's hardly teleported much beyond our head movements and kisses. What we really need is a fully-fledged avatar that can also feed sensory information back to us -- and that's exactly what the Telesar V claims to be. The user dons a pair of VR goggles that control the robot's head and see through its eyes. A pair of gloves not only control the Telesar's hands, but also transmit force and temperature data back from its sensors. Drag yourself away from that violent BF3 simulator and check out the smoochiness after the break. (And yes, the inventor's surname is just about perfect.)

Continue reading Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video)

Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatargogglesjapanjapaneseKeio UniversityKeioUniversityProfessor TachiProfessorTachisensationsensorsensorssensoryTachitelepresencetelesarTelesar VTelesarVtelexistencevirtual realityVirtualRealityVRVR glovesVR gogglesVrGlovesVrGogglesMon, 07 Nov 2011 08:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Face-to-Avatar blimp soars through SIGGRAPH, melts the heart of Big Brother (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/sonys-face-to-avatar-blimp-soars-through-siggraph-melts-the-he/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/sonys-face-to-avatar-blimp-soars-through-siggraph-melts-the-he/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/sonys-face-to-avatar-blimp-soars-through-siggraph-melts-the-he/#comments Telepresence, say hello to your future. Humans, say hello to the next generation of Chancellor Sutler. All jesting aside, there's no question that Big Brother came to mind when eying Sony Computer Science Laboratories' Face-to-Avatar concept at SIGGRAPH. For all intents and purposes, it's a motorized blimp with a front-facing camera, microphone, a built-in projector and a WiFi module. It's capable of hovering above crowds in order to showcase an image of what's below, or displaying an image of whatever's being streamed to its wireless apparatus. The folks we spoke to seemed to think that it was still a few years out from being in a marketable state, but we can think of a few governments who'd probably be down to buy in right now. Kidding. Ominous video (and static male figurehead) await you after the break.

Gallery: Sony's Face-to-Avatar blimp soars through SIGGRAPH 2011

Continue reading Sony's Face-to-Avatar blimp soars through SIGGRAPH, melts the heart of Big Brother (video)

Sony's Face-to-Avatar blimp soars through SIGGRAPH, melts the heart of Big Brother (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisementadvertisingavatarblimpcameraconceptface to avatarface-to-avatarFaceToAvatarhands-onmarketingprivacyprojectorprototyperesearchsiggraphsiggraph 2011Siggraph2011sonytelepresencevideowebcamweirdThu, 11 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Visualized: Objet's 3D printer breathes plastic life into Hollywood creatures, layer by layer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/visualized-objets-3d-printer-breathes-plastic-life-into-hollyw/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/visualized-objets-3d-printer-breathes-plastic-life-into-hollyw/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/visualized-objets-3d-printer-breathes-plastic-life-into-hollyw/#comments It ain't easy being plastic, you know? Objet -- the 3D printing house that aimed to replace your office's all-in-one Epson back in July -- brought a few of its snazziest pieces here to SIGGRAPH, and we popped by to have a gander. Targeting the animation-inspired crowd that showed up here in Vancouver, the company brought along some Hollywood examples of how its multi-material Objet260 Connex helped movie makers craft prototype creatures before they were inserted into the storyline. Thor's Destroyer and Avatar's Na'vi were both on hand, as well as the two critters shown above. The hothead on the right was crafted in around 18 hours (and subsequently painted), while the cool cat on the left was built in three fewer. Wildly enough, that fellow required no painting whatsoever; so long as you're cool with shades of grey, you can program your object to be colored from the outset. Oh, and as for his cost? Around $80 for the materials -- slightly more for the printer itself.

Gallery: Objet's 3D printing breathes plastic life into Hollywood creatures at SIGGRAPH

Continue reading Visualized: Objet's 3D printer breathes plastic life into Hollywood creatures, layer by layer

Visualized: Objet's 3D printer breathes plastic life into Hollywood creatures, layer by layer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d model3d printer3d printing3dModel3dPrinter3dPrintingavatarConnexfilmfilmshands-onmodelmoviesObjetObjet260Objet260 ConnexObjet260Connexprintprinterprintingsiggraphsiggraph 2011Siggraph2011thorvisualizedThu, 11 Aug 2011 07:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar Kinect hits Xbox Live, your own virtual talk show starts today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/avatar-kinect-hits-xbox-live-your-own-virtual-talk-show-starts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/avatar-kinect-hits-xbox-live-your-own-virtual-talk-show-starts/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/avatar-kinect-hits-xbox-live-your-own-virtual-talk-show-starts/#comments
Microsoft has been touting Avatar Kinect, since CES way back in January, and you can now finally it try out for yourself. The Kinect Fun Labs Gadget is available as a free download for all Xbox Live Gold members starting today, and even non-paying Live members can try it out during a limited trial that runs until September 8th. So just what is it? Partly a tech demo showing off things like new facial expression capabilities, but mostly another way for you to hangout with a few friends online -- up to seven in this case, in your choice of 24 virtual environments. Those looking to try something else a little different with Kinect will also be able to download the Kinect Sparkler 3D finger painting application this Thursday, although it'll cost you 240 Microsoft Points.

Continue reading Avatar Kinect hits Xbox Live, your own virtual talk show starts today

Avatar Kinect hits Xbox Live, your own virtual talk show starts today originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar kinectAvatarKinectkinectkinect sparklerKinectSparklermicrosoftxboxxbox 360xbox liveXbox360XboxLiveMon, 25 Jul 2011 23:13:00 EST<![CDATA[NZXT stops being so sensitive with $40 Avatar S gaming mouse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/nzxt-stops-being-so-sensitive-with-40-avatar-s-gaming-mouse/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/nzxt-stops-being-so-sensitive-with-40-avatar-s-gaming-mouse/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/nzxt-stops-being-so-sensitive-with-40-avatar-s-gaming-mouse/#comments
It seems that the people at NZXT love gamers almost as much as they hate vowels. The company today took the wraps off of the Avatar S, a replacement for the already discontinued Avatar gaming mouse. The new model doesn't quite match the 2,600DPI of its predecessor -- instead it's got a 1,600 DPI laser sensor with three sensitivity settings: 1,600DPI, 800DPI, and 400DPI. The finned peripheral's five buttons are configurable, as is the LED lighting scheme and X-Y sensitivity -- customization that can be saved to the device's 16Kb of onboard memory. The mouse has a polling rate of 1000Hz and does tracking at 30 inches / second, and those little Teflon feet should help you move the thing around a bit more easily. The mouse comes in both black and white will run you $39.99 when it launches at the end June -- $20 cheaper than its predecessor's launch price, or $10 per fin. Press release after the break.

Continue reading NZXT stops being so sensitive with $40 Avatar S gaming mouse

NZXT stops being so sensitive with $40 Avatar S gaming mouse originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 May 2011 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar mouseavatar sAvatarMouseAvatarSgaminggaming mouseGamingMousemousenzxtnzxt avatarNzxtAvatarTue, 24 May 2011 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony makes floating-head telepresence avatars a reality, Sean Connery digs out gun and red speedos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/sony-makes-floating-head-telepresence-avatars-a-reality-sean-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/sony-makes-floating-head-telepresence-avatars-a-reality-sean-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/sony-makes-floating-head-telepresence-avatars-a-reality-sean-co/#comments


The real world just got a little more Zardoz thanks to Tobita Hiroaki and his colleagues at Sony Computer Science Laboratory, who've built a telepresence blimp that projects the operator's face across its meter-wide surface. The looming, translucent face can float about like any other blimp; an interior camera allows the user to see where it's going. The whole thing is ominous in a completely different way from, say, a tiny googly-eyed robot perched on your shoulder, but something about its nearly silent movements still gives us the creeps - and unlike the Anybots QB, it's not going to pick up your scone from the café. But if your dreams include having others bow before your god-like visage, you'll have to wait awhile, as the technology's still in its early stages. In the meantime, you can practice intoning "Zardoz is pleased!" while watching the video above.

Sony makes floating-head telepresence avatars a reality, Sean Connery digs out gun and red speedos originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarblimpCSLfloatfloatingFloating AvatarFloatingAvatarresearchrobotsSonySony Computer Science LaboratorySony CSLSonyComputerScienceLaboratorySonyCsltelepresenceTobita HiroakiTobitaHiroakivideovideo callvideo chatvideo conferenceVideoCallVideoChatVideoConferencezardozMon, 16 May 2011 07:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic extends Avatar Blu-ray 3D promotion by giving away copies with new Blu-ray players]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/panasonic-extends-avatar-blu-ray-3d-promotion-by-giving-away-cop/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/panasonic-extends-avatar-blu-ray-3d-promotion-by-giving-away-cop/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/panasonic-extends-avatar-blu-ray-3d-promotion-by-giving-away-cop/#comments If you're not interested in buying one of Panasonic's 3D televisions and snagging a copy of Avatar on Blu-ray 3D via the company's exclusivity deal, there is now a solution that doesn't involve downloading a rip, heading to eBay or opting for HBO's VOD version. Starting today, Panasonic has officially announced the offer extends to its 2011 3D Blu-ray players and HTIB systems, and invites all those who purchased one as early as March 1 to obtain a copy via the time honored tradition of a mail-in coupon. There's more details in the press release after the break or at the source link, unless you're looking for an in depth discussion of the properties of unobtanium, which would not be found at either of those locations.

Continue reading Panasonic extends Avatar Blu-ray 3D promotion by giving away copies with new Blu-ray players

Panasonic extends Avatar Blu-ray 3D promotion by giving away copies with new Blu-ray players originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d blu-ray player3dBlu-rayPlayeravatarblu-rayblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dexclusivehdhtibmail-inpack inPackInpanasonicMon, 25 Apr 2011 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[James Cameron picks up 50 RED EPIC-Ms, high-fives Peter Jackson]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/james-cameron-picks-up-50-red-epic-ms-high-fives-peter-jackson/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/james-cameron-picks-up-50-red-epic-ms-high-fives-peter-jackson/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/25/james-cameron-picks-up-50-red-epic-ms-high-fives-peter-jackson/#comments Looks like another director's been on a shopping spree lately, as RED's Jim Jannard's just announced that he sold another 50 EPIC-Ms to one generous customer. Who's this, you ask? Why, it's James Cameron of Avatar and Titanic fame, and he's probably just blown $2.9 million on his latest stash of cinematographic toys -- it's $58,000 a pop for these hand-machined professional cameras. Details are scarce at the moment, but any educated guess would point at the upcoming Avatar 2 due end of 2014, meaning our favorite blue aliens will be returning in a healthy 5K resolution. Keep an eye out for Jannard's official announcement later this week for the full lowdown.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

James Cameron picks up 50 RED EPIC-Ms, high-fives Peter Jackson originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 01:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5Kavataravatar 2Avatar2cameradirectorEPICEPIC-Mfilmfilm productionfilmingFilmProductionHDJames CameronJamesCameronjim jannardJimJannardmovieproductionREDRED EPICRED EPIC-MRedEpicRedEpic-mMon, 25 Apr 2011 01:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Want Avatar in 3D without buying Panasonic? It's on HBO VOD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/want-avatar-in-3d-without-buying-panasonic-its-on-hbo-vod/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/want-avatar-in-3d-without-buying-panasonic-its-on-hbo-vod/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/want-avatar-in-3d-without-buying-panasonic-its-on-hbo-vod/#comments While Panasonic's exclusive hold on the Avatar Blu-ray 3D release still holds, if you want to watch James Cameron's work at home without downloading a rip or snagging a copy from eBay you can get it from HBO video on-demand. It's actually been available since early this month according to posts on AVSForum, where viewers seem to differ on the picture quality, while it's clearly not up to the Blu-ray copy if you're fiending for another trip to Pandora it should get you through. Of course, this just brings us close to par with the UK where the flick aired months ago on Sky 3D, but with licensing deals being what they are, we'll take what we can get for now.

[Thanks, Mike]

Want Avatar in 3D without buying Panasonic? It's on HBO VOD originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d vod3dVodavatarblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dexclusivefoxhbohbo vodHboVodhdpanasonicvideo on demandVideoOnDemandvodMon, 18 Apr 2011 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[James Cameron ponders 48 or 60fps shooting of future Avatar films, because he's trendy like that]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/james-cameron-ponders-48-or-60fps-shooting-of-future-avatar-film/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/james-cameron-ponders-48-or-60fps-shooting-of-future-avatar-film/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/02/james-cameron-ponders-48-or-60fps-shooting-of-future-avatar-film/#commentsOh, Jameson. You trendy, trendy trendsetter. After coercing the entire world of cinema to bow down and worship the art of 3D, it looks as if James Cameron will soon be spearheading the effort to back away from the tried-and-true 24fps shooting method in favor of far faster options. The Hollywood Reporter is claiming that Cameron copped to the idea of shooting Avatar 2 and 3 at higher frame rates, likely 48fps or 60fps. The reason? It'll provide an "added sense of reality," and it'll probably create a wave of new camcorders, software and plug-ins to handle the dirty work. Onward and upward, we suppose.

James Cameron ponders 48 or 60fps shooting of future Avatar films, because he's trendy like that originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar 2avatar 3Avatar2Avatar3cinemaframe rateFrameRatehollywoodjames cameronJamesCameronmoviemoviestheaterSat, 02 Apr 2011 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[TEROOS robotic avatar gives your long-distance girlfriend a tiny, googly-eyed face (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/teroos-robotic-avatar-gives-your-long-distance-girlfriend-a-tiny/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/teroos-robotic-avatar-gives-your-long-distance-girlfriend-a-tiny/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/teroos-robotic-avatar-gives-your-long-distance-girlfriend-a-tiny/#comments Do you pine for animatronic eyes and robots that whisper sweet nothings in your ear? Well, geeks with distant girlfriends rejoice, because TEROOS, the shoulder-mounted, remotely-controlled telepresence avatar has arrived. Created by researchers from Keio University in Japan, the little bot has a camera and mic so far away friends can see and hear what you do, while a directional speaker keeps your conversations private. Communication's courtesy of Skype, while some custom code lets users control the device's six-axis articulating head. It's not an independent system, however, as it relies upon a smartphone to relay commands from a PC to the avatar through Bluetooth. Users can also change the bot's facial expressions thanks to a couple of googly eyes and mechanical eyelids, though it doesn't have quite the emotional range of other androids from the land of the rising sun. Intrigued? Check the vid after the break.

Continue reading TEROOS robotic avatar gives your long-distance girlfriend a tiny, googly-eyed face (video)

TEROOS robotic avatar gives your long-distance girlfriend a tiny, googly-eyed face (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatarsbluetoothchatkeio universityKeioUniversityrobotrobotsskypetelepresenceTEROOSvideovideo chatVideoChatFri, 25 Mar 2011 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Androidify app lets you create your very own bot avatar (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/googles-androidify-app-lets-you-create-your-very-own-bot-avatar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/googles-androidify-app-lets-you-create-your-very-own-bot-avatar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/googles-androidify-app-lets-you-create-your-very-own-bot-avatar/#comments While we're probably still years or decades away from getting our very own animatronic clones, Google's released the next best thing for the time being. Available on the Android Market is this Androidify app, which, as the name says for itself, lets us mere mortals craft our Android mascot lookalikes. Hell, you can even slap on some facial hair or a baby droid while you're at it. We'll say no more -- see the app in action after the break, if you're not already busy dishing out your new avatar across the web.

Continue reading Google's Androidify app lets you create your very own bot avatar (video)

Google's Androidify app lets you create your very own bot avatar (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 02:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroidifyandyappavatarawesomebotcustomcustomizationdroidfiguregooglemascotmodificationpersonalizationprofile picprofile pictureProfilePicProfilePicturerobotvideoMon, 14 Feb 2011 02:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar Kinect in action: prepare to be mildly diverted]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/avatar-kinect-in-action-prepare-to-be-mildly-diverted/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/avatar-kinect-in-action-prepare-to-be-mildly-diverted/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/avatar-kinect-in-action-prepare-to-be-mildly-diverted/#comments So, Microsoft doesn't have a press-ready demo of its new Avatar Kinect, but we at least got to see it in action today. To keep the unwashed masses lining up to try Kinect at the booth entertained, Microsoft has a comedian (dubbed "Mr. Kinect") controlling an Avatar with Kinect, heckling the queued-up folks with his digital puppetry. The good news is that he's working it from a seated position, the great dream of folks tired of standing up to get their motion gaming on. The bad news is that you only get control of your arms, face, and head -- you won't be walking around and punching your friends in the face, sadly. We saw a couple of settings -- sadly, not the AA-style setup we witnessed during the keynote -- which are pleasant but a little generic (like most of Microsoft's Kinect titles right now).

The actual facial tracking and body tracking worked, but the motions seemed a little minimal. Kinect is obviously completely capable of great skeletal tracking, so we're hoping for a bit more expressiveness, but we're still early on, so things could always be tweaked a bit before launch. We did confirm that Steve Ballmer's Avatar appearance last night was a canned recording, so we are looking at software that isn't ready for prime time. Overall we think Avatar Kinect is a great idea, and an excellent way to show off Kinect's exclusive motion control prowess, we just look forward to a future where we have even more control over our Avatars -- isn't that the whole point of Kinect, after all? Let us free, Microsoft. We just want to be free. Check out some video of the setup after the break.

Gallery: Avatar Kinect in action

Continue reading Avatar Kinect in action: prepare to be mildly diverted

Avatar Kinect in action: prepare to be mildly diverted originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar kinectAvatarKinectcesces 2011ces2011impressionskinectmicrosoftpreviewvideoThu, 06 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar Kinect for Xbox 360 is official, smile like you mean it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/avatar-kinect-is-official-smile-like-you-mean-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/avatar-kinect-is-official-smile-like-you-mean-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/avatar-kinect-is-official-smile-like-you-mean-it/#comments Turns out the rumor was true, Avatar Kinect is coming to the Xbox 360 this spring (for Xbox Live Gold members, at least). Details are sparse -- a place where you can virtually hang out with your "friends" -- but Kinect is shown to now be able to detect facial gestures like eyebrows, smiles, and laughs. Impressive, but after all we've seen with the Kinect hacks, can't say we're too surprised the camera's capable of such detection.

Gallery: Xbox Avatar Kinect

Avatar Kinect for Xbox 360 is official, smile like you mean it originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar kinectAvatarKinectbreaking newsBreakingNewscesces 2011ces2011kinectmicrosoftxboxxbox 360xbox livexbox live goldXbox360XboxLiveXboxLiveGoldWed, 05 Jan 2011 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft to announce 'Avatar Kinect' at CES?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/microsoft-to-announce-avatar-kinect-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/microsoft-to-announce-avatar-kinect-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/microsoft-to-announce-avatar-kinect-at-ces/#comments There isn't much to go on here, but a supposed snapshot from Microsoft's CES keynote has surfaced with the name Avatar Kinect displayed front and center. So, what is that, exactly? Chances are it's not the Avatar Kinect we were dreaming of earlier this week, but if we had to guess from the picture and the name alone, you'll probably be awkwardly moving your body to see just how well your on-screen representation can mimic the motion. Winrumors goes a step further, claiming (without citing any sources, though) that there'll be a separate channel for the Avatar coming via an Xbox Live software update. Nothing's confirmed here, but given Microsoft's CES keynote is tomorrow, this rumor's shelf life is thankfully pretty short.

Microsoft to announce 'Avatar Kinect' at CES? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360avataravatar kinectAvatarKinectcesces 2011ces2011kinectleakleaksmicrosoftrumorrumorsxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic's Avatar 3D monopoly runs into 2012, no 3D Blu-ray release until Mayan calendar ends?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/panasonics-avatar-3d-monopoly-runs-into-2012-no-3d-blu-ray-rel/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/panasonics-avatar-3d-monopoly-runs-into-2012-no-3d-blu-ray-rel/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/panasonics-avatar-3d-monopoly-runs-into-2012-no-3d-blu-ray-rel/#commentsPanasonic's Avatar monopoly extends into 2012, no 3D Blu-ray release until the Mayan calendar ends? When Panasonic announced it was including copies of Avatar in 3D with its 3DTVs and Blu-ray players, it simply seemed like a great marketing move. Now it's looking like more of a coup, with Panasonic UK confirming that the company's bundle deal runs until February of 2012. That deal is said to be exclusive, likely meaning that will be the only 3D version of Avatar pressed to disc until it runs out, leaving you with two somewhat less than desirable choices for getting a copy: spring for Panasonic hardware or pay a hefty premium on eBay. How hefty? Copies of the 3D Blu-ray version look to be going for $150 and up, and we're guessing things won't be getting much better in the near future.

Panasonic's Avatar 3D monopoly runs into 2012, no 3D Blu-ray release until Mayan calendar ends? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d blu-ray3dBlu-ray3dtvavatarblu-rayblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dpanasonicpromotionvieraTue, 14 Dec 2010 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic officially launches exclusive Avatar Blu-ray 3D pack-in, discs hit $400+ on eBay]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/panasonic-officially-launches-exclusive-avatar-blu-ray-3d-pack-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/panasonic-officially-launches-exclusive-avatar-blu-ray-3d-pack-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/panasonic-officially-launches-exclusive-avatar-blu-ray-3d-pack-i/#comments Panasonic has finally made official several pack-in deals already in effect at retailers both physical and online that add Blu-ray 3D players, glasses and most notably, an exclusive copy of Avatar on Blu-ray 3D (also available to existing owners via a mail-in offer, owners of the Extended Collectors Edition can preview a 3D Easter Egg there too.) Despite being the highest grossing 3D movie of all, it's still not available at retail and is unlikely to show up there anytime soon, sending the price of those pack-in copies skyrocketing on eBay as owners of non-Panasonic 3D capable TVs try to get their hands on the ultimate demo material. Many current auctions are above the $200 mark, while the highest sold price we saw was $399 about a week ago, although considering a copy of Bee Movie went for $400 back in the day, we can't say we're too surprised. Check out the details about Panasonic's current promotions on its highly rated HDTVs (and the demo tour that just started) in the press release after the break and bring your calculator, if Dances With Smurfs wasn't your cup of tea anyway, we might have found the perfect way to finance your new home theater upgrade.

Continue reading Panasonic officially launches exclusive Avatar Blu-ray 3D pack-in, discs hit $400+ on eBay

Panasonic officially launches exclusive Avatar Blu-ray 3D pack-in, discs hit $400+ on eBay originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d tv3dTvavataravatar 3dAvatar3dblu-rayblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3ddmp-bdt100ebayexclusivefoxgt25hdtvpack inPackInpanasonicsc-btt350vt26Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic 'Ultimate Pack' with Avatar 3D Blu-ray spotted at Best Buy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/panasonic-ultimate-pack-with-avatar-3d-blu-ray-spotted-at-best/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/panasonic-ultimate-pack-with-avatar-3d-blu-ray-spotted-at-best/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/panasonic-ultimate-pack-with-avatar-3d-blu-ray-spotted-at-best/#comments If you've been waiting for Panasonic's exclusive pack in of the 3D version of Avatar to bite on a new TV, your time is just about here as Mr. Blurrycam spotted these bundle packs of Avatar on Blu-ray 3D and two pairs of glasses arriving at a local Best Buy yesterday. No word if they're on hold for December 1, but we figure even if you're trying to haggle a salesman down on the price of a new VT25 plasma, it could be a worthwhile bargaining chip anyway.

Update: We've got a couple more pictures for you, while our tipster mentions the street date is still marked as December 1, the glasses in the pack are of the new USB-rechargeable variety. Check after the break for a couple more pictures.

[Thanks, Pastadude]

Continue reading Panasonic 'Ultimate Pack' with Avatar 3D Blu-ray spotted at Best Buy

Panasonic 'Ultimate Pack' with Avatar 3D Blu-ray spotted at Best Buy originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d movie3dMovieavatarbest buyBestBuyblu-rayblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dfoxhdpanasonicSat, 20 Nov 2010 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar Extended Collectors Edition Blu-ray includes 3D Easter Egg]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/avatar-extended-collectors-edition-blu-ray-includes-3d-easter-eg/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/avatar-extended-collectors-edition-blu-ray-includes-3d-easter-eg/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/avatar-extended-collectors-edition-blu-ray-includes-3d-easter-eg/#comments If you've snagged this week's Avatar Extended Collector's Edition on blu-ray even though you're really waiting for it to come out in 3D, you're in luck. AVSForum poster josephcoatar discovered that by fiddling with the menus, you can unlock an Easter Egg that pops up tow 3D special features, the three and a half minute extended theatrical trailer and a four minute "Pandora Discovered" featurette. Even if you do plan on getting your hands on the Panasonic-exclusive 3D release this year, you can cut the waiting down by going to "Live Extras" in the main menu of disc three, pressing down, and slipping on some 3D glasses.

Avatar Extended Collectors Edition Blu-ray includes 3D Easter Egg originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar 3davatar extended collectors editionAvatar3dAvatarExtendedCollectorsEditionblu-rayblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3deaster eggEasterEgghdspecial featureSpecialFeatureFri, 19 Nov 2010 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Fans pick Avatar Extended Collector's Edition special feature to be revealed early]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/fans-pick-avatar-extended-collectors-edition-special-feature-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/fans-pick-avatar-extended-collectors-edition-special-feature-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/fans-pick-avatar-extended-collectors-edition-special-feature-to/#comments
Just can't wait for Tuesday to get yet another peek at one of the many special features included on the Avatar Extended Collector's Edition Blu-ray? Check the embedded video for a featurette and the deleted scene "New Life," we figure with eight hours of new material Fox figured revealing drips and drabs all over the internet wouldn't spoil things too much.

Fans pick Avatar Extended Collector's Edition special feature to be revealed early originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar extended collectors editionAvatarExtendedCollectorsEditionblu-rayfoxhdspecial featuresSpecialFeaturesFri, 12 Nov 2010 14:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's adorable new Windows 7 ad touts Blu-ray, shows Macs and PCs really just want to be friends]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/microsofts-adorable-new-windows-7-ad-touts-blu-ray-shows-macs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/microsofts-adorable-new-windows-7-ad-touts-blu-ray-shows-macs/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/12/microsofts-adorable-new-windows-7-ad-touts-blu-ray-shows-macs/#comments With the holiday buying season descending upon us, fancy new commercials are naturally ramping up in tandem. Microsoft has a new spin on its Windows 7 promotional efforts with its latest ad, which shows a Mac and a PC bonding over a Blu-ray copy of Avatar during a long flight. Naturally, the PC is the only one who can play Blu-ray, which is Microsoft's semi-subtle pitch, but really this commercial is about the power of Friendship and Sharing Things With Others. We were halfway about to ruin it all by smarmily suggesting the fact that the Mac can play a very similar HD copy of Avatar pulled down from iTunes that won't put as much of a hurt on his battery, but for whatever reason there's no Avatar on the US iTunes Store right now (possibly James Cameron's upcoming extended special collector's millennium edition release has something to do with it?). Which brings us around to Apple's real reason for not supporting Blu-ray: they can't take it away from you.

Microsoft's adorable new Windows 7 ad touts Blu-ray, shows Macs and PCs really just want to be friends originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adavatarblu-raycommercialmacmicrosoftpcvideowindows 7Windows7Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft executives get their own public avatars, may never age]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/29/microsoft-executives-get-their-own-public-avatars-may-never-age/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/29/microsoft-executives-get-their-own-public-avatars-may-never-age/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/29/microsoft-executives-get-their-own-public-avatars-may-never-age/#comments Ever wondered what your favorite Microsoft executive would look like if transformed into an Xbox Live avatar? Wonder no more, as the aforementioned company has done the honors for you. Joey B. definitely looks like his real-world counterpart, but Steve's just looks... doctored. Why give the man forehead lines when he's still so young and vivacious? Hit the source link for lots more where these came from.

Microsoft executives get their own public avatars, may never age originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarcharactercomedyexecutivefunnymicrosoftmiisteve ballmerSteveBallmerFri, 29 Oct 2010 18:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic to start Avatar 3D Blu-ray promotion December 1]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/28/panasonic-to-start-avatar-3d-blu-ray-promotion-december-1/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/28/panasonic-to-start-avatar-3d-blu-ray-promotion-december-1/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/28/panasonic-to-start-avatar-3d-blu-ray-promotion-december-1/#comments Panasonic 3DTV owners and potential owners can expect a treat this December , when the company will exclusively distribute Avatar on 3D Blu-ray to its customers. While that doesn't help anyone who's purchased any other brand of 3DTV this year, these promotional flyers that spotted by a tipster at Best Buy reveal those who shell out for a VIERA brand 3D plasma this December will get a free pair of 3D glasses included, while all owners new and old are eligible to receive the disc through the "VIERA 3D TV Loyalty Program." Check out the full image after the break for all the details, and if you don't have a Panasonic set, set up your eBay watchlists now if you plan on getting Avatar in 3D before 2011.

[Thanks, Mike]

Continue reading Panasonic to start Avatar 3D Blu-ray promotion December 1

Panasonic to start Avatar 3D Blu-ray promotion December 1 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dtvavatarblu-rayblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dhdpanasonicpromotionvieraviera 3d tv loyalty programViera3dTvLoyaltyProgramThu, 28 Oct 2010 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Cameron says the Avatar extended edition Blu-ray is the last 2D release left... for reals]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/cameron-says-the-avatar-extended-edition-blu-ray-is-the-last-2d/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/cameron-says-the-avatar-extended-edition-blu-ray-is-the-last-2d/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/cameron-says-the-avatar-extended-edition-blu-ray-is-the-last-2d/#comments Wondering when the Avatar Blu-ray release madness might end? Well James Cameron thankfully clarified at a recent press event that the Avatar extended edition Blu-ray on November 16th will be the last 2D, 1080p, iteration of his Blue Man Group epic before the 3D version arrives. He also slightly adjusted his previous November 3D Blu-ray release predictions made during a Wall Street Journal interview -- stating vaguely that the highly-anticipated format would instead arrive "maybe one, [or] two years out." That's much more in line with statements made by his Fox handlers (coincidence?) and now leaves Panasonic as the only party still claiming their anointed 3DTV owners will bring the Avatar 3D Blu-ray "experience" home sometime this year. Still, while we certainly don't know who at this point would fail the polygraph, we're not Na'vi enough to ignore how Panny's time line helps attract consumers to buy 3DTVs over the holiday season. As with most rumors though, only time will tell who in this debacle had the date right, so for now we'll content ourselves watching the Alien Anthology.

Cameron says the Avatar extended edition Blu-ray is the last 2D release left... for reals originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d blu ray3d blu-ray3dBlu-ray3dBluRayAvatarAvatar 3D Blu-rayavatar blu-rayavatar extended collectors editionAvatar3dBlu-rayAvatarBlu-rayAvatarExtendedCollectorsEditionBlu-RayBlu-ray 3Dblu-ray discblu-ray releasesBlu-ray3dBlu-rayDiscBlu-rayReleasesHDHD MoviesHdMoviesjames cameronJamesCameronTue, 26 Oct 2010 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Hammacher Schlemmer's tablet-controlled 'Emotive Robotic Avatar' captures your heart, nest egg]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/15/hammacher-schlemmers-tablet-controlled-emotive-robotic-avatar/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/15/hammacher-schlemmers-tablet-controlled-emotive-robotic-avatar/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/15/hammacher-schlemmers-tablet-controlled-emotive-robotic-avatar/#commentsHammacher Schlemmer's tablet PC-controlled 'Emotive Robotic Avatar' will capture your heart, nest egg Yeah, it's almost time for the holidays, and smart busy-bodies are already checking items off their shopping lists. For that special someone, consider the most outrageously overpriced plastic toy we've ever seen. $65,000 buys you this "Emotive Robotic Avatar" from Hammacher Schlemmer, a little servo-actuated guy that can wave its arms around and go from looking happy (above) to evil (below). It's all controlled by a tablet PC with a 30 foot range that receives a real-time video feed, as we saw when we checked this guy out at the Toy Fair earlier this year, back when he was called Quasai. As shown in the video after the break, the "operator" can even speak through the robot, which will pitch shift his or her voice, a trick sure to give your children nightmares. If that doesn't work, just tell 'em you blew their college fund to buy the thing and they'll have to get work study jobs. That ought to send the shivers up their spines.

[Thanks, Evan]

Continue reading Hammacher Schlemmer's tablet-controlled 'Emotive Robotic Avatar' captures your heart, nest egg

Hammacher Schlemmer's tablet-controlled 'Emotive Robotic Avatar' captures your heart, nest egg originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataremotive robotic avatarEmotiveRoboticAvatarhammacher schlemmerHammacherSchlemmerremote controlRemoteControlrobottablet pcTabletPctoyvideoFri, 15 Oct 2010 08:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar: Extended Edition Blu-ray release date and specs are finally official - Update: Trailer, pre-order link]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/avatar-extended-edition-blu-ray-release-date-and-specs-are-fina/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/avatar-extended-edition-blu-ray-release-date-and-specs-are-fina/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/05/avatar-extended-edition-blu-ray-release-date-and-specs-are-fina/#comments Just in case you didn't get enough Avatar when it hit DVD and Blu-ray earlier this year, Fox has officially announced it's returning for a double-dip with the Extended Collectors Edition, packing eight hours of new material into a three disc Blu-ray or DVD set. James Cameron says the team included "everything in it the fans could possibly want" (at least, until the 3D version ships with Panasonic TVs or finally hits retail some time next year.) Disc on includes the theatrical version, special edition and Collector's Extended cut with 16 extra minutes and alternate opening scene, plus a "family audio track" with all the naughty words left out. Disc two is devoted to a long documentary on the movie and its creators, deleted scenes and production materials, while disc three holds bonuses like a BD-Live portal, interactive scene deconstruction and more. Check all the details after the break and get your blue, tailed bodysuit ready for the November 16 release date and $54.99 MSRP (international release dates are after the break.)

Update: And there goes the Amazon pre-order link ($35.99)

Continue reading Avatar: Extended Edition Blu-ray release date and specs are finally official - Update: Trailer, pre-order link

Avatar: Extended Edition Blu-ray release date and specs are finally official - Update: Trailer, pre-order link originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar extended collectors editionAvatarExtendedCollectorsEditionblu-raycollectors editionCollectorsEditionfoxhdnovember 16November16Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic locks up Avatar Blu-ray 3D release for 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/panasonic-locks-up-avatar-blu-ray-3d-release-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/panasonic-locks-up-avatar-blu-ray-3d-release-for-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/03/panasonic-locks-up-avatar-blu-ray-3d-release-for-2010/#comments Confirming earlier rumors and despite Fox's denials Panasonic representatives told TWICE and CNET we can expect a n exclusive offering of Avatar on the Blu-ray 3D format in "early December." Naturally, the 3D blockbuster is expected to push more than a few to make the jump, but this is nothing but bad news to those with televisions from other manufacturers like Samsung and Sony. There aren't many other details available yet, like if equipment outside of 3DTVs qualifies, or how much it might cost, so for now we'll just let the disappointment of yet another 3D exclusive wash over us.

Panasonic locks up Avatar Blu-ray 3D release for 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dtvavatarblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dexclusivefoxhdpanasonicFri, 03 Sep 2010 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Cyborg flies jack into Lego robots semi-Avatar-style]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/cyborg-flies-jack-into-lego-robots-semi-avatar-style/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/cyborg-flies-jack-into-lego-robots-semi-avatar-style/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/cyborg-flies-jack-into-lego-robots-semi-avatar-style/#comments
See that? It's a picture of a fly that thinks it's flying around, but it's really navigating a Lego car around a small obstacle course. Researchers at ETH Zurich's Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems developed an impressive visual stimulus tube that tricks said fly into thinking it's navigating the same terrain the camera-mounted robot is in. Then--in a novel twist--a high-speed visual wing-tracking system tells the robot where to roam, based on where the fly thinks it's flying. While it's not exactly what the Na'vi were dealing with, it's close enough to make us a fun combination of fascinated and scared. Pseudo-psychedelic fly stimulus video after the break.

Continue reading Cyborg flies jack into Lego robots semi-Avatar-style

Cyborg flies jack into Lego robots semi-Avatar-style originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatareth zurichEthZurichflyflyinghigh-speed photographyHigh-speedPhotographyinstitute of robotics and intelligent systemsInstituteOfRoboticsAndIntelligentSystemsrobotwingwing trackingwingsWingTrackingSat, 28 Aug 2010 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[James Cameron talks Avatar's theatrical, Blu-ray Special Editions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/25/james-cameron-talks-avatars-theatrical-blu-ray-special-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/25/james-cameron-talks-avatars-theatrical-blu-ray-special-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/25/james-cameron-talks-avatars-theatrical-blu-ray-special-edition/#commentsThis weekend Avatar comes back for more in theaters, packing an extra 8 and a half minutes and only available in 3D. According to director James Cameron, part of the reason is there are so many more 3D cinemas now than there were before, especially internationally. If you're still holding out for the (next) home release, expect even more footage with an extra 16 minutes added onto the original cut, which Cameron hopes will help hold fans over while they work on sequels that could take years to make. Oh, and the Blu-ray 3D release? The Hollywood Reporter says that's still on hold for 2011, while Cameron & Co. hold out for a larger installed base of 3D-ready displays.

Continue reading James Cameron talks Avatar's theatrical, Blu-ray Special Editions

James Cameron talks Avatar's theatrical, Blu-ray Special Editions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dtvavatarblu-rayblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dhdjames cameronJamesCameronspecial editionSpecialEditiontheatersWed, 25 Aug 2010 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[James Cameron, Piranha 3D actor Eli Roth speak up in support of 3D conversions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/james-cameron-piranha-3d-director-eli-roth-speak-up-in-support-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/james-cameron-piranha-3d-director-eli-roth-speak-up-in-support-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/13/james-cameron-piranha-3d-director-eli-roth-speak-up-in-support-of/#comments After Clash of the Titans and Avatar: The Last Airbender, we're leery of any movies rocking the converted-to-3D tag, but a few directors (not coincidentally, ones with 3D productions in the making they'd likely appreciate us buying tickets to see) claim the process itself isn't the problem. Among other comments (including discussing the upcoming return of Avatar to theaters exclusively in 3D, sequels and a new 3D flick on the way from Guillermo del Toro) with MarketSaw, our friend Jimmy C said "[Titans] showed a fundamental lack of knowledge about stereo space, in addition to the shoddy work that comes from rushing." Of course, we'll have to wait to see what the converted version of Titanic looks like, currently undergoing a process taking between 8-12 months. Eli Roth is in Piranha 3D, which debuts next weekend and is also a film that was filmed in 2D and converted in post, but he claims it's different from M Knight's flick because they planned ahead:
"You can shoot digital 3-D and it looks great, or you can shoot film and convert and it looks great - but only if you planned to do it that way from the start...With Piranha 3D, the very title of the film is Piranha 3D," he continues. "It was written that way and photographed to be converted. This means that when you're setting up a shot, next to the camera is a technical adviser from the 3D company who tells you exactly what light won't work for the 3D, how far the subject has to be from the lens if you want it to look good when it pops out of the camera, etc...It's not easy and it's not instant and when it's a last minute rushed decision we can see it immediately. But to associate Piranha 3D, a film which spent years planning this, months shooting it with the technicians on set checking the convertibility of every shot, and so far 8 months working on the conversion, is not fair."
Check Bloody-Disgusting for the rest of his comments, and listen to Cameron in his own words on MarketSaw -- we'll see how audiences and critics react over the coming weeks and months.

Continue reading James Cameron, Piranha 3D actor Eli Roth speak up in support of 3D conversions

James Cameron, Piranha 3D actor Eli Roth speak up in support of 3D conversions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d to 3d2dTo3d3d3d movies3dMovies3dtvavatarclash of the titansClash of the Titans 3DClashOfTheTitansClashOfTheTitans3dconversioneli rothEliRothhdpiranha 3dPiranha3dtitanicFri, 13 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Transformers 3 is using the Arri Alexa Pace cameras from Avatar to go 3D]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/transformers-3-is-using-the-arri-alexa-pace-cameras-from-avatar/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/transformers-3-is-using-the-arri-alexa-pace-cameras-from-avatar/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/transformers-3-is-using-the-arri-alexa-pace-cameras-from-avatar/#commentsAfter a bit of back and forth, Transformers 3 has been confirmed as yet another action flick jumping on the 3D train. The good news (unless you were really happy to hear that Megan Fox would no longer be a part of the franchise) is that they're filming in 3D as opposed to converting it in post production (like Clash of the Titans, Alice in Wonderland and The Last Airbender) as revealed by master of the 3D camera himself, Vince Pace. Apparently nothing would do for Michael Bay but Jimmy C's best, requiring the cameras used in Avatar and the upcoming Resident Evil flick. Just in case you were wondering, our friends at Cinematical have put together an impromptu list of recent/upcoming 3D movies that will be using a 2D to 3D conversion process (Harry Potter, Narnia, Piranha 3D) and those originally shot in 3D (Tron Legacy, Saw VII 3D) -- so you know what to expect before you put your cash down for a ticket.

Transformers 3 is using the Arri Alexa Pace cameras from Avatar to go 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d camera3dCameraavatarhdmichael bayMichaelBaypacetransformersTransformers 3Transformers3vince paceVincePaceTue, 06 Jul 2010 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Do you think Avatar will ship on Blu-ray 3D this year?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/29/poll-do-you-think-avatar-will-ship-on-blu-ray-3d-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/29/poll-do-you-think-avatar-will-ship-on-blu-ray-3d-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/29/poll-do-you-think-avatar-will-ship-on-blu-ray-3d-this-year/#comments Fox's flat denial appeared to squelch the possibility of a 2010 release of Avatar on Blu-ray 3D disc, but HollywoodinHiDef is suggesting Panasonic has secured an exclusive and will pack it in with HDTVs and Blu-ray players in November. Of course, that matches the original information mentioned to the Wall Street Journal by James Cameron, plus Panasonic has participated heavily in the movie's promotion and would love a little return on its investment sooner rather than later. Still, this remains firmly in rumor territory so we'll bring the question to you, will we be able to watch Avatar in 3D, at home, in 2010?

View Poll

Poll: Do you think Avatar will ship on Blu-ray 3D this year? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 May 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dtvavatarblu-ayblu-ray 3dBlu-ray3dexclusivefoxhdpanasonicSat, 29 May 2010 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Did Avatar work in your Blu-ray player?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/poll-did-avatar-work-in-your-blu-ray-player/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/poll-did-avatar-work-in-your-blu-ray-player/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/02/poll-did-avatar-work-in-your-blu-ray-player/#commentsThe biggest Blu-ray release so far had to endure a few glitches, and we're just wondering exactly how many of you experienced BD+ related problems (or didn't.) So if you're an obsessive updater who checks for new firmware every day whether they're watching a movie or not, or just stuck with an old player that didn't get its new software marching orders in time let us know what your experience was like once you put Avatar in and pressed play. If you were among those who had issues, drop a note on which player you're using in the comments.

View Poll

Poll: Did Avatar work in your Blu-ray player? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 May 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarbd+blu-raydrmfirmwarehdupdateSun, 02 May 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung fixes Avatar Blu-ray problems with firmware updates]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/samsung-fixes-avatar-blu-ray-problems-with-firmware-updates/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/samsung-fixes-avatar-blu-ray-problems-with-firmware-updates/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/samsung-fixes-avatar-blu-ray-problems-with-firmware-updates/#comments Being stuck with a Blu-ray player that couldn't handle what is (probably) the most popular movie on the format of all-time sounds like a bit of a problem, which Samsung has moved quickly to resolve with firmware updates for its BD-UP5000 (to version 1.5) and BD-P1400 (to version 2.13) Blu-ray players. Forum reports indicate all is well on Pandora once users have upgraded to the new versions with no lingering BD+ DRM issues getting in their way. Of course, the question of why legitimate buyers had to wait several days just to play a movie that was still ripped and redistributed without copy protection as soon as it launched remains unanswered. So is anyone else still having Avatar playback problems, or is all well in your high bitrate neck of the woods?

Samsung fixes Avatar Blu-ray problems with firmware updates originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarbd+bd-p1400bd-up5000blu-raydrmfirmwarefoxglitchhdproblemssamsungupdateupgradeFri, 30 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST