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Apple Music documentary chronicles the making of Kesha's ‘Rainbow’
Next month will mark the one-year anniversary of the release of Kesha's Rainbow, an album that confronts deep pain, features "spine-shivering feats" as Billboard noted and includes what Rolling Stone called the "best music of her career." On August 10th, Apple Music will celebrate the album and the woman behind it with a documentary about Kesha and the making of Rainbow. Rainbow - The Film includes never-before-seen footage of Kesha performances, the writing and recording of Rainbow and "psychedelic vignettes" that depict the artist's struggles and inner demons.
Facebook lets users 'celebrate pride' with rainbow filter
If you're a fan of the Supreme Court's ruling today that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, Facebook has your profile-pride needs on lock. While logged into Facebook, head to facebook.com/celebratepride to superimpose a rainbow banner over your profile picture. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and plenty of other tech executives are celebrating the legalization of gay marriage today on social media: Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted, "Today marks a victory for equality, perseverance and love," and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella similarly wrote on Twitter, "A historic moment and step forward for equality in America. #LoveWins." In a speech this morning, President Barack Obama characterized the Supreme Court decision as "justice that arrives like a thunderbolt."
Robo-Rainbow, all the way (video)
Paul Vasquez, meet your mech god... if god rode a bicycle and illegally tagged decrepit streetscapes with happy bands of color. Watch this complicated technical solution assist with a simple act of vandalism art urban renovation in the video after the break. [Image credit: Donna Zoll]
Inhabitat's Week in Green: rocket fuel, recycled jeans, and the electric eel powered Christmas tree
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green. Eco transportation took off this week as researchers in Sweden discovered a new molecule that could make rocket fuel 30 percent more efficient. We also caught up with Russia's plans to construct a new high-speed rail system for the 2018 World Cup, and we saw several major auto manufacturers give their vehicles green upgrades - Ford announced it will insulate its 2010 Focus with recycled jeans, and Chevrolet launched plans to transform 100,000 pounds of used oil booms into parts for the Volt. The past week also saw bright horizons dawn for renewable energy as the world's largest parabolic trough solar plant received a $1.5 billion DOE loan. The world of consumer tech was energized by the sun's rays as Toshiba unveiled a new solar-powered e-book reader and one designer developed a solar-powered desalination system that could keep shipwrecked survivors alive at sea. We also brought you artist Michael McKean's plan to shoot rainbows across the sky at will with his solar-powered rainbow generator. Speaking of spreading renewable cheer, this month Japan's Enoshima Aquarium unveiled the world's first Christmas tree powered by an electric eel. The FAA also got into the holiday spirit as they approved a next-gen Santa sleigh that delivers gifts 53% faster, and if you unwrapped a new video game system this year, you may be interested to know that the Nintendo Wii was recently crowned the most energy-efficient next-gen gaming console. Finally, if the wintry weather has you feeling down, just take a peek inside this supermassive airship hangar, transformed into a year-round tropical island getaway.
Hands-on: Toy Story 3: The Video Game (PS3)
Disney Interactive Studios has been making a lot of noise about refining and improving its approach to licensed games, and while Toy Story 3: The Video Game is still meant for the younger members of Pixar's vast following, it's the best evidence yet that Disney is serious about trying to use licenses right. I got to play the game at a recent pre-E3 event, and it was a solid, kid-friendly experience, with bright and beautiful graphics surrounding intuitive racing and platforming mechanics. With innovative features like a very dynamic difficulty system and lots and lots of collectibles and game modes, Disney's Avalanche Studios has created something here that you, as someone who enjoys fine game design, can actually be proud to have your kids play. %Gallery-93421%
Inventec Rainbow marries traditional good looks with a Tegra heart of gold
Unlike Mobinnova's slightly "edgier" take on the "smartbook," Inventec's new Rainbow device is decidedly more netbook-ey in the looks department. Specs are nothing new, of course, with an NVIDIA Tegra 600 chip, 256MB of RAM, 256MB of flash memory, 10-inch 1024 x 576 screen and Windows CE 6.0 (which has been outfitted with Firefox for the occasion, along with other NVIDIA-prepped apps). We're happy to see an edge to edge keyboard here, and despite the low-end specs, it's still nice to know this little number will be capable of nabbing 3G data (HSPA or EV-DO), GPS and DTV. Rainbow can purportedly handle 6 hours of continuous 720p playback, stream video over 3G for 4 hours, and is rated at a rather silly 240 hours of "standby." We're not exactly sure when the Rainbow is supposed to start shipping, but if none of this is striking your fancy, there's always Rainbow 2, which is supposed to hit in the first half of next year. [Via Engadget Spanish]
NVIDIA unveils 12 Tegra devices, 25 days of music or 10 hours of 1080p video on single charge (updated)
You've read about it, maybe even dreamed about it in your fantasies of a Microsoft Pink smartphone drizzled with Zune media. Now we've got Tegra taking center stage at Computex with a dozen "mobile internet devices" powered by the Tegra processor, the "world's smallest and lowest power computer-on-a-chip" according to NVIDIA. Of notable importance, the latest Tegra press release contradicts the Mobinnova Elan release by claiming 1080p video playback is supported by Tegra, not just 720p. Something we saw for ourselves (and had confirmed by NVIDIA) during our hands-on with the Elan. Now, get this; NVIDIA is using the term MID unlike Intel uses MID even though the terminology is of Intel origin. Instead of referring to handheld devices for consumers, NVIDIA's MIDs are classed as Tegra-based netbooks and tablets. In other words, the 8.9-inch Elan is a MID. Ugh. Semantics aside, the platform is smokin' hot with promise offering the following benefits: 25 days of music or 10-hours of 1080p video playback on a single charge video games play at up to 46 frames per second GPU accelerated Adobe Flash animations (huzzah for Hulu!) always-on processors for instant access to the network 3G, WiFi, and WiMax solutions support Great on paper, but still not available for purchase. Rest assured, we'll be hands-on with more Tegra devices on the quick.Update: Tegra devices are expected to land before 2009 is through, priced around $200 or less with carrier subsidies.
DIY ShiftBrite coffeetable a beautiful, headache-inducing conversation piece
Searching for the perfect coffeetable is a struggle we know well. DIYer macetech has sidestepped the whole "boring" furniture problem by installing 81 ShiftBrite LED modules into a 2x2 foot IKEA table which run a sine plasma into HSV/RGB conversion by way of an Arduino. Sure, it's probably not something your grandmother would want in her living room -- but your friends would undoubtedly be pretty jealous to see this thing hanging out in your place. Watch out for seizures, though. Video of the table in action after the break.[Via Make]
Rob Janoff and how he made the Apple logo
ZLOK has re-posted an article (originally meant for the defunct Sync Magazine) about Rob Janoff, a designer who's credited with coming up with the iconic-as-they-come Apple logo. It's actually a really short piece, but he does talk pretty candidly about where he got the idea: by buying a bag of apples and slicing them up in different ways.And the original design was just a single color Apple (which, of course, Apple has used versions of since), but Jobs thought the design should be more colorful, so the logo got its familiar colored bands. Janoff says he just threw the colors in where he thought they might fit, which makes sense -- they don't match up with the physical spectrum at all, they're just sort of in there.Cool to see that something now so well known started off so simply. Janoff did the work for a design firm, and says that nowadays, he gets "not even a holiday card" for his invention. Apple does take their time recognizing inventors, though -- maybe the card's in the mail.[via Cult of Mac]
One Shots: This is why we love rainstorms
Truly, storms can range from a simple shower that just freshens the land up, to torrential storms that make you wonder if you'll see the sun again. But when those storms are gone, and the light returns, you can occasionally spot a lovely rainbow in the sky, just like the one above captured in Lord of the Rings Online by the Hobbit Minstrel Bubotuber. He let us know that he ran across this particular view in Needlehole, in the Northern Shire, just after a rain storm there. It is definitely a lovely view!Have you seen any particular areas in your game -- or any weather effects -- that you really think are lovely, scary, or just interesting? All MMOs are welcome -- we don't care how new or old, big or small! Just send those screenshots in to us here at OneShots AT Massively.com, and be sure to include a quick description!%Gallery-9798%
Edifier packs 7-inch LCD into iF380 stereo, shows off Rainbow IR audio system
We're used to large quantities of "me too" design and product from most smaller manufacturers -- with China hosting some of the worst offenders -- but Edifier is breaking the mold with a couple of new home audio products. The Chinese company has put quite a bit of thought and design into its "Active IR" Rainbow wireless audio system, which uses a wide IR spectrum for ultra-low-loss uncompressed digital transmission. All it takes is a 3.5mm input and you're set, with transmissions from the base station to receivers working at up to 15 meters. The sound is supposedly CD quality, and it certainly sounded good to our ears. The other item of note is the iF380 iPod dock (pictured), which includes a 7-inch LCD, SD card and USB inputs, and some 25 Watt speakers. The €350 pricetag might be hard to swallow when this rolls around in July, but the unit is certainly quite a bit sexier than its competition.%Gallery-17419%
Deadly Creatures lives up to its name
Last week, we told you about THQ's plan to release a Wii game called Deadly Creatures. While interested in the idea, we took up a "wait-and-see" policy regarding the title. The game's official site recently launched, however, giving us a glimpse into the unique desert creature adventure.From what little we've seen, Deadly Creatures looks like it can be fun as long as the controls are pulled off correctly. Also, we're a little worried that the fighting might get repetitive. THQ has probably thought of that, though, making us think there will be more to the game than just beating up snakes and lizards. While we enjoyed the trailer, we have to admit -- hearing the poor little screeches of those bugs and reptiles tugged at our heartstrings a bit. Really, we're just big softies.%Gallery-16331%
Help, there are deadly creatures in my Wii!
Forget butterflies -- what we need is a game with manly critters to control.THQ intends to deliver on that desire, sating our need for a testosterone-infused game with Deadly Creatures. In this title, the player will control a scorpion and tarantula -- wait -- an armored scorpion and deadly tarantula, and beat up the likes of other desert creatures. That's right, we're looking at you, Gila monster.We have to subtract a few man-o-meter (not to be confused with manometer) points, though, since the name of the developer is Rainbow Studios. Still, we're sure that the "brutal creature-crushing action" will more than make up for having the word "rainbow" on the box.In all seriousness, the game sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Since it's on the Wii, you'd be correct to assume that it will involve some iteration of motion controls. Randy Shoemaker of THQ claims that the company is "raising the bar for all third party Wii titles." Let's just hope that the content backs up the talk. The last Wii game Rainbow Studios brought us was Cars, so we'll take a "wait-and-see" approach before we get too excited.[Press release via NeoGAF]
One Shots: Representing the Shire
I can already hear the complaints of the non-LotRO fans in the audience. Two Lord of the Rings Online shots in a row? In my defense, I can only say that I take submissions and this happens to be what I'm getting. This shot, sent in by reader Ronald, is taken in the town of Budgeford in the Shire. This precise sort of pastoral landscape is what embodies the Shire -- or that and nosy, busybody (albeit charming) Hobbits. The Shire's boisterous community is lacking from this shot, but I can only say it's all the more peaceful for it.But perhaps you have a screenshot of your own that you think expresses a unique or memorable moment in your favorite MMO? Send them to us with a description (including game name and location) and you may see it posted here for tomorrow's One Shots.%Gallery-9798%
Rainbow Audio unveils sleek iPaul line of car audio amplifiers
The almighty "i" prefix has somehow bled all the way over to the car audio realm, as Rainbow Audio has now glossed up a couple of amps and thrown 'em in the iPaul lineup. The iPaul 4.300 can put out 4 x 90-watts when ran at 4-ohms or 2 x 270-watts when bridged to two-channels, while the less powerful iPaul 2.400 outputs 2 x 130-watts at 4-ohms and takes up quite a bit less space. Both units sport a black / silver motif, obvious Apple influence, and of course, several levels of bass boost to keep the junk in the trunk appropriately jacked. Both amplifiers look to be available as we speak, and while the little fellow will run you £249.99 ($496), the 4.300 rings up at £299.99 ($596).[Via Audio Junkies]
LG Shine Rainbow Edition adds crystal hearts, poor taste
If the LG Shine's shimmering metallic shell simply isn't conspicuous enough for you, perhaps this'll do the trick. The "Rainbow Edition" of LG's fashion slider adds a mess of colored crystals in the shape of two hearts, perfect for the enterprising individual looking to deface an otherwise attractive handset with glued-on plastic. No word on when or where this is available -- or for how much of a premium over the basic handset -- but if this is really a factory issue phone and not some third party stunt, we have to say we're a little disappointed in you, LG.
Rainbow Islands Revolution for $10
If you weren't "lucky" enough to have a glitched copy of Bubble Bobble Revolution and the free Rainbow Islands that came with the replacement, you can get Rainbow Islands now for a very reasonable price. Gamestop is offering Codemasters' sequel for $9.99 new, no broken Bobbles included. It's backordered on the website (which has happened since we started writing the story) but it may be available in a local store or following a restock online.$10 is just about the right price for a game with a Metascore of 54. The original Rainbow Islands is worth like 500 million imaginary Metascore points, and if playing this one even evokes the arcade game a little, it's worth it. Also, $10 is like 1/6 of a copy of Gundam: Crossfire. When you think of it that way, it's quite the bargain![Via CAG]
Sasktel, Cogeco add HDTV channels for Canada
HDTV owners in Canada got a few more options recently as Sasktel and Cogeco have both announced addition to their HD lineups. Cogeco Quebec has added eleven new HD channels, eight of which are in French, the new channels are SRC (Montreal), CBC (Montreal), Canal Vie, HiSToRiA, Ztélé, Canal D, Séries +,VRAK.TV, CTV (Toronto), Global (Toronto) and HD Super Ecran. Meanwhile Sasktel has partnered with High Fidelity HDTV Inc. -- owned by Rainbow, basically Canadian Voom -- to add four new 24/7 HD channels to its services, Rush HD, Equator HD, Treasure HD and OasisHD. These four channels and Discovery HD are a part of the HD Adventure package that should run customers an additional $9.95 per month.Read - Cogeco Quebec adds more HD to its line-upRead - Four new HD channels launched on SaskTel Max
Rainbow Six: Vegas HD video
IGN has posted the E3 video of the 10-minute Rainbow Six: Vegas trailer that ran periodically during E3. What's different this time around, however, is that the video is in HD and you don't have to listen to thousands of people while trying to watch it. Instead, you only have to listen to a few folks providing solid commentary on the trailer. The page for the video can be accessed here.
VOOM HD creates new channel exclusively for gamers
The reborn Voom HD has launched a channel specifically for gamers, "GamePlay HD". The channel actually started broadcasting on February 1st, with some content from their new partner CNET (& GameSpot). They also plan to provide coverage of tournaments like the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational Tournament in Seoul and the Guild Wars Championship, both in April. Two GameSpot produced news segments, GameSpotting and The Art of Play, are also part of the scheduled programming.GamePlay HD can be found on DISH channel 9485, any HD Beat readers check it out yet?
