digital-copy
Latest
Wii version of Skylanders Trap Team includes Wii U digital copy
The Wii edition of Skylanders Trap Team will include a download code for the Wii U version of the game, the series' official Twitter account revealed this week. Fans can pre-order the Wii version (seen above) for $75, which includes a Traptanium portal, two traps, two Skylanders figures and, well, two copies of the game. Activision announced Trap Team in April as a follow-up to last year's successful Skylanders game, Swap Force. Developed by Skylanders Giants lead studio Toys For Bob, Trap Team will launch on October 5 for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, Wii U and 3DS. The game has players trapping 40 different enemies into trap crystal, turning them into usable characters. Trap Team will usher in 60 new Skylanders as well, including a new class known as the Trapmasters. The developer showed off a Dark Edition of the game at the San Diego Comic-Con event this week. [Image: Activision]
Vudu's 1080p movies and TV shows are now streaming on Chromecast
After a short test period, Walmart's movie streaming service Vudu has launched Chromecast support across its website and mobile apps, adding to the long list of devices it's already available on. A far cry from Vudu's $399 set-top box that launched in 2007, owners of Google's $35 HDMI dongle can now stream their entire collection of movies and TV shows in 1080p with just a press of the Cast button. That includes Ultraviolet digital copies, and while the code redemption process has been a source of frustration for many, Chromecast support means easy and cheap access without needing to log in, activate another device or set up an account again. In updated apps on Android or iOS the feature should already be live, and on Vudu.com if you have the Google Cast browser extension installed.
TERA outlines free-to-play restrictions in a new chart
By this point, we're all familiar with how transitions happen from subscription games to subscription-optional games. There are usually three tiers of membership; subscribers get the most stuff, and former subscribers get a few extra perks. In TERA's case, however, the restrictions outlined in a handy new chart suggest that it's not just subscribers getting a lot of extra benefit out of the change, as anyone who purchased the game in the past will get hefty rewards. Founders (that is, players who had purchased a boxed or digital copy of the game) will have access to eight character slots, a special title, and a special mount. Subscribers who had not previously purchased the game will be limited to two slots with more purchasable. Of course, subscribers also get shortened dungeon cooldowns, more auction house listings, and several bonus daily items. Looking to get in on the Founder benefits? You'll have to move quickly; digital sales of the game will be discontinued upon free-to-play launch, and no further boxes will be produced, so you'll want to buy soon to secure your benefits. [Thanks to Justin for the tip!]
BBC Worldwide announces first four Blu-ray / DVDs with UltraViolet digital copies
Coming nearly on the anniversary of its US launch, the UltraViolet digital locker system is getting a boost in the UK from BBC Worldwide. The BBC's commercial wing is releasing four Blu-ray / DVD titles that are UltraViolet-enabled and is partnering with Warner-owned Flixster to allow users to redeem their copies. The digital versions are available via streaming and downloading for viewing on or offline, and the first four titles queued up consist of Doctor Who Series 7 Part One, Rollercoaster, a new Top Gear special and Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild. UltraViolet was already live in the UK, and recently announced it's spreading to cover Canada, Ireland and Australia. We'll see how users like the signup process with its multiple logins, but a quick check of previous Blu-ray releases didn't show any iTunes or Windows Media digital copies at all so at least they'll appreciate the option.
Warner quietly extends the expiration dates of digital copies, discs remain ornamental
Missed out on claiming digital copies of video included with your discs because the expiration dates have passed? Well, Warner Bros. wants to make such frustrations a mere memory, as Tech of the Hub has found it's silently updated the use-by dates of a significant portion of its catalogue. By browsing the WB digital copy support page, it's evident most titles are now available until May 17th 2017, although we did find several exceptions. Some may discover that despite the extension their original codes won't work, but Gabe at Tech of the Hub was swiftly provided with fresh and functional ones when he notified WB, so we assume you'll get the same treatment. With streaming support now available for many of these digital copies through iCloud and expiration dates a thing of the far future, there's never been a better time to pack those shelves with limited editions and classic re-releases.
New York artist fashions dead drop from dying hardware, mounts DVD burner in city wall
The optical drive may be making its exit in the world of personal computing, but at least it seems to still have a place in artistic architecture. Aram Bartholl -- the man behind New York City's infamous USB dead drops -- has installed a DVD burner into the side of the Museum of the Moving Image to promote HOT, an art exhibition described as "a group show about video that is not video." Passersby who pop in a blank DVD-R will be rewarded with a digital copy of the show and the satisfaction of finally having something to do with their aging stash of unused optical media. Just how do you install PC hardware in a museum wall? Drill an enormous hole, of course -- check out a video of the installation for yourself after the break.
HBO and Fox cut a deal to keep the movies flowing through 2022, HBO Nordic launches soon
Just in case you only thought Amazon, Netflix and Redbox were working the studio deals, HBO announced today it's worked out an extension of its agreement with 20th Century Fox. Already the "premium network home" of Fox flicks for more than 30 years, this deal is long enough to keep it going into the next decade. The LA Times reports from its sources the original deal would have expired in 2015, while the extension pushes it out to 2022 at a price of over $200 million per year. One key adjustment that's been made for the digital age gives Fox the ability to continue to sell its movies over digital stores even while they're airing on HBO unlike the previous deal, although we're told this provision does not extend to rentals during that time. That's on top of a previous tweak negotiated months ago that let Fox and other HBO partners provide digital copies of their movies on services like iTunes from the Cloud and Ultraviolet during the HBO pay window. One other note is that on the same day Netflix revealed its service is coming to several Scandinavian locales, HBO announced it's doing the same, launching HBO Nordic in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark.
Marvel's The Avengers Blu-ray hits September 25th, iOS second screen app this month (video)
We don't have any more details yet on the 10-disc Marvel Cinematic Universe set that popped up on Amazon a month ago, but Disney and Marvel have revealed we can expect Marvel's The Avengers on Blu-ray September 25th. It will be shipping in the usual assortment of combo packs: four disc with Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital copy and digital download or two disc Blu-ray and DVD combo for $50 / $40 MSRP (respectively, Amazon currently lists the four disc set for $35). What will arrive first this month however, is The Avengers Initiative: A Marvel Second Screen App, available on iPad and, for the first time for one of Disney's second screen apps, iPhone. Marvel is promising bi-weekly content updates until September when it moves up to weekly updates of character profiles, interactive comic books and more before the movie even arrives. Extras on disc will include 7.1 DTS-HD MA audio, a gag reel, behind the scenes looks with director Joss Whedon and cast, deleted scenes and more. Check the press release after the break for the full list, plus a new trailer for the Blu-ray.
Paramount Movies Ultraviolet app released for Xbox 360
It appears that Microsoft is picking up the pace on the addition of video streaming apps for the Xbox 360. After it took months for many of the more anticipated apps from the first wave like HBO Go, Verizon and Comcast to arrive, a new app from Paramount has been released just days after it was part of the next wave announced at E3. The Paramount Movies app is a console based version of its Ultraviolet service already unleashed on the PC and iOS, letting users stream digital copies from their cloud libraries. While the overall Ultraviolet sign-up process and its multiple logins hasn't gotten any easier, once we created a ParamountMovies.com account we were able to stream a copy of Hugo unlocked by the Blu-ray 3D version in HD just by signing into the free app (XBL gold subscription required) on the Xbox 360 -- no antiquated discs necessary. There's no word on the other apps Microsoft announced were headed to the Xbox 360, but we'll keep an eye out for the arrival of WatchESPN all the same.
TERA subscription error affects thousands [Updated]
According to several tipsters and many, many pages on TERA's forums, something's gone badly wrong with En Masse's account system. The studio admits that some players have been billed immediately upon selecting a subscription plan instead of being billed after the 30 days. Other players have reported not being able to log in at all, as the game cannot find their subscriptions or free time and delivers an "expired account" error. En Masse posted that it is aware of the situation and is working to resolve it. The studio says that players who purchased a physical copy of the game and signed up for a subscription before entering their game code triggered this problem. However, we've also had reports of players who have encountered this error when dealing with digital copies. Affected players should now be able to log in to TERA while En Masse works on fixing the error. [Thanks to Andrew, Schippie, and Alex for the tip!] [Update: En Masse has contacted us to note that the 2000 players have been affected by the "insufficient remaining subscription time" issue, not the "immediate billing" error. En Masse says that these are two separate issues that the studio is actively working to resolve as fast as possible. We've updated this article accordingly.]
Jaws debuts on Blu-ray August 14th remastered and upmixed (video)
Universal Pictures promised it would celebrate its centennial by bringing classics out of the vaults and onto Blu-ray discs and now one of our most anticipated flicks, Jaws, finally has a release date. Steven Spielberg's 1975 hit will come home in "digitally remastered and fully restored" form with an upmixed 7.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack August 14th. The soundtrack and picture have both been carefully restored in a process undertaken in conjunction with Spielberg and Amblin Entertainment, as they went back to the original 35mm film and repaired it frame by frame. Also packed in will be four hours of bonus features, including an all new documentary The Shark Is Still Working: The Impact & Legacy of Jaws. If you're wondering about the restoration process, there are a couple of samples included after the break, plus a video about it and teaser trailer for the Blu-ray disc -- we're gonna need a bigger boat.
HBO in talks to relax iCloud ban on Universal, Fox movies for Apple TV
Remember when it was revealed that Fox and Universal's movie libraries wouldn't be able to stream via iCloud to your Apple TV? The reason was that both studios were locked into an exclusive window with HBO. Fortunately, the cable channel is already entering into negotiations with the studios to relax that rule for people who have already bought their movies -- having already done so for stablemate Warner Bros. A settlement is expected to be forthcoming in the next few weeks, at which point we can get back to the important things in life: the second series of Game of Thrones.
HBO confirms negotiations with Fox and Universal for iCloud video streaming
You may recall that after last week's introduction of the new Apple TV, we noted that Fox and Universal weren't providing iCloud video streaming content due to existing contractual obligations with HBO. Well, that's a temporary situation, as the Wall Street Journal is reporting that HBO is working with Fox and Universal to give the studios a bit more leeway in providing films for distribution for streaming services. HBO spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year to get "exclusive windows" during which HBO has the right to show movies on its channels and through the online service HBO Go. The company is in negotiations to allow users of iCloud and other services to send movies that they already own to other devices. According to sources at Fox and Universal, the iCloud restrictions should be lifted in the near future. HBO already loosened the ties on Warner Bros. content, which is why that studio was listed as a streaming content provider during the Apple event. In other television / movie news, CBS CEO Leslie Moonves told the Hollywood Reporter that he was approached by Steve Jobs about providing the network's shows to a subscription content service. Moonves said that he had concerns that the service could disrupt the traditional revenue streams for CBS, and that Jobs strongly disagreed with him -- not unsurprising, knowing the late Apple CEO's penchant for always being right. [via MacRumors]
Daily Update for March 9, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Digital Copy videos now available via iCloud
With no fanfare during the recent iPad / Apple TV event, Apple has quietly rolled out the availability of Digital Copy for the Apple TV via iCloud. The capability is similar to that of UltraViolet, the digital copy mechanism that accompanies the purchase of most Blu-ray DVDs. As with UV, you use the Digital Copy unlock code to stream an HD copy to your updated (you did update your Apple TV, didn't you?) Apple TV and authorize a downloadable file. Tech of the Hub notes that they were able to watch a previously activated Digital Copy of Star Trek in 720p, with the assumption that the copy would appear in 1080p on the new Apple TV. The movie was also available on an iPhone running iOS 5.1. Other movies don't appear to be available in HD; the site mentions that Kick-Ass was just a high-quality standard definition digital copy. Not all movies will work in this way. There are licensing issues with both Fox and Universal content right now, so you won't be able to get your Digital Copy for movies from those studios. Apple has a page that describes the process of adding your Digital Copy to iTunes for those who want to try it with an updated Apple TV. [via Engadget]
OrcaM sphere constructs detailed, digital 3D models of wares while you wait (video)
Ever wanted a 3D digital copy of all those Little League trophies? Well, the NEK has whipped up something to lend a hand that's a bit larger than another recent scanner. Enter the OrcaM, an Orbital Camera System capable of producing an accurate, digital 3D model of objects up to 80cm (about 31.5 inches) wide and weighing up to 100kg (around 220lbs). Making use of seven shooters simultaneously, the system photographs the object while projecting various light and shadow combinations in order to determine the ware's geometry. The OrcaM is able to reproduce high-quality digital reproductions with a geometric accuracy less than millimeter (nearly .04 inches). As if that wasn't enough, it produces complete color, texture and reflectivity maps so that every minute detail is accounted for. Once your to-be-copied object has been loaded, the OrcaM takes over and is automatic, churning out the completed rendering shortly after the requisite photos are taken. Hit the video up top for a look at the beast in action.
Transformers Blu-ray 3D comes home January 31st in Ultimate and Collector's editions
After a quickie Blu-ray dropped in the fall sans-extras, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is getting a full fledged release January 31st complete with 3D and four hours of bonus features. There's actually two versions coming, first up is the $39.99 four disc Ultimate Edition with a 2D copy on one disc, a Blu-ray full of extras, a Blu-ray 3D copy, and a DVD with the film in standard def plus iTunes / Windows Media Player compatible digital copies. Even though it's coming with that old school digital copy disc, this flick will also be Ultraviolet ready, so if you're packing the correct assortment of logins and software it can be downloaded or streamed on other devices. The other release is a $99 seven-disc Limited Collector's Edition Blu-ray Trilogy set that dedicates two discs each to the first two movies, and three for DotM as well as a signed plaque from the director. We may have to wait to see Martin Scorsese's Hugo to see a Blu-ray 3D release to watch a good movie on the format, but the extensive work done in creating Transformer's visual effects should definitely hold over AV junkies until Avatar gets a wide release. Check out the press release with a full list of extras and a picture of the LCE after the break.
Digital downloads bring UltraViolet one step closer to being useful
The dream of being able to buy a movie once and watch it anywhere promised by UltraViolet still seems impossible, but adding digital downloads to Flixster does bring it one step closer. Of course being able to download and watch a handful of movies on a single movie application is far from anyone's dream, but we supposed you have to start somewhere. If you had your hopes a simpler solution, though, you might also keep dreaming as the video after the break seems to show just how complicated one can make watching a movie. We suppose we'd be more excited if we'd just purchased Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 and learned that we could now also watch it on our tablet or smartphone -- now even if we aren't connected to the internet -- but perhaps like you, the final Potter installment isn't exactly on the top of our must have movie list.
UltraViolet 'digital locker' opens for business. Lets you buy once, play anywhere... eventually
The first UltraViolet-enabled disks wont actually appear on shelves till tomorrow, but that doesn't mean you can't get a head start on migrating to DECE's buy once, play anywhere platform. The digital locker is now open for business (sort of) and consumers can go sign up for an account right now. Sadly, there isn't much you can do just yet. Though the Flixster app for PCs and iOS was updated to add UltraViolet support, there doesn't appear to be anyway to link your various accounts (like iTunes or Netflix) with the service just yet. An account can have up to six different users associated with it, and you can control what content they will have access too -- a feature sure to be welcome by families with children. If you want to be able to purchase your flicks once and take them anywhere, right now your only hope is UltraViolet and Blu-ray discs bearing its logo -- a slow trickle of titles which begins October 11th with Horrible Bosses.
Unstoppable: the first Blu-ray film with Android-compatible Digital Copy
It's a little shocking that it's taken this long to get a Digital Copy that's compatible with Android, but clearly it's the week of shackles being broken. Just yesterday, Qualcomm announced that all future Snapdragon devices would be cleared for Netflix streaming, and now Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is announcing that its impending Unstoppable launch will allow Android users to watch the flick on the go. By enabling the transfer through BD Live, it marks the first time that this has been possible with Google's mobile OS, though it should be noted that consumers will need the disc itself, a WiFi-connected BD player, Android 1.6 or higher and the free PocketBLU app to make the magic happen. Both the movie and app can be downloaded starting today, but here's the real question: are you willing to invest in a movie just to experience Digital Copy... on Android?
