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Amazon sorta capitulates, will let publishers decide text-to-speech availability
While affirming its stance on the legality of Kindle 2's text-to-speech feature -- and in fact stating it'll actually get more customers interested in buying audiobooks -- Amazon's announced that it'll now let the books' rights holders decide on a title-by-title basis whether or not they'll let TTS be enabled. No word on when the update'll be fed to the devices, but we bet somewhere right now, Paul Aiken's cracking a tiny smile. Full release after the break.
BlizzPlanet reviews upcoming Arthas novel
One of the Warcraft novels I've actively been looking forward to is Arthas, Rise of the Lich King. It's set to be released to the world on April 21, 2009 but BlizzPlanet.com has gotten its hands on a few bound galleys of the book early. Some of them are being given away, but he's also reading one on his own and has gifted us with a quick review.The review makes the book sound incredible, though perhaps a bit too cluttered. The novel is roughly 300 pages in length (I believe) and the first 100 pages covers his childhood from the arrival of the Stormwind refugees in Lordaeron to the beginning of Warcraft III. That covers about fourteen years, and that's potentially a lot of territory to cover!
Google and Amazon debut cellphone e-books, eye strain
Sure, we pretty much figured that the V-Book (which is actually not a book at all) would be the final nail in the coffin of what was once known as "literature," but it looks like both Google and Amazon have other plans. Not only have their been rumblings of a new Kindle, but Amazon has announced that it'll soon be making the popular e-reader's some 230,000 titles available for your cellphone. The company hasn't said when the titles will be available or exactly what phones would be supported -- but we're guessing that we'll be seeing handsets with nice, big screens like the G1 and the iPhone on the list. If that weren't enough, Google's Book Search holdings -- about 1.5 million public domain works -- will soon be available for cellphone-based e-readers like Stanza. This is good news for people who need access to data on the go -- and really good news for anyone who would like to curl up next to the fire with a nice glass of wine and their Curve 8900.[Image courtesy of Spacesick, Via Unwired View]
Giant e-paper display spotted, ogled at Taiwanese book show
Now showing at a Taiwanese book expo: two gorgeous e-paper displays, one in black-and-white and one in color. The approximately 24-inch readers were created by Delta Electronics (no relation to the airliner) and are being used by a local newspaper publisher to survey attendees and gauge interest in their future use. Our friends at Engadget Chinese tell us the color one is less contrasty than its monochrome partner, but beyond that, details are scarce and no one at the booth could provide any specs. One thing's for certain: they're a helluva lot crisper than those 28-inch e-paper billboards popping up around Tokyo. Hit up the read link for more pics.
Fiction book features world domination via MMOs
With the world of creative fiction creating these bizarre, unrealistic stories about video games and how they magically kill people, it's a breath of refreshing air when something comes along that defies the usual conventions. The new techno-thriller novel Daemon by Daniel Suarez is one of those books that escapes from the usual traps of writing about video games.Daemon features a story about a dead game designer who rigs up multiple programs to run on the condition of finding his name in a obituary RSS feed. Programs that twist enough electronic mediums in just the right way to automatically steal identities, move money, recruit people, and even kill. And where is this virus hidden? In the dead game designer's MMO, of course!Daemon stays in the realm of plausibility via its writer, Suarez, who has a career as a IT consultant and is an avid gamer. While it originally had publishing difficulties, the book has picked up steam and is now available on his website through companies like Borders, Barnes & Noble, and others. So, when you're waiting during that next raid for your priest to show up and you have nothing else to do, why not give reading this book a go?[Via The Escapist]
Knife Music e-book approved for App Store after language modification
We're not exactly sure what this says about the officially unofficial App Store policy on explicit content, but David Carnoy's Knife Music has just been approved for distribution in said marketplace after the so-called "objectionable content" was removed. Essentially, the author decided to submit a copy of the novel sans a few foul words, with him noting that it was "more important to have people check the book out -- along with the whole concept of e-books on the iPhone" -- rather than take some stance for personal liberties and whatnot. For those interested, it's ready for download as we speak at no charge, but if you're the indecent type, you'll have to manually add in those swears as you go.
Blizzard unveils Wrath of the Lich King Cinematic Artbook
So hey, this is pretty cool. I like to consider myself a connoisseur of video game art, owning a good number of hardcover, glossy-paged artbooks that help me out when a) I need some inspiration, or b) I need to feel really inferior about my art. The artbook released with the Collector's Edition of Wrath was very well put-together (and certainly an improvement over the original WoW artbook with its half-pages of pre-rendered art for every race but orcs and humans) and had everything I like in an artbook--but oh, what's this, Blizzard? An entire book that shows and discusses the process of making the Wrath cinematic? Yes, this will do.Published by Insight Editions and titled The Cinematic Art of Wrath of the Lich King, it features 200 pieces of high-res concept art and CG renders, two 8x10 art cards with concept art of Arthas and Sindragosa the Frost Queen, lots of lore bits about major players in Wrath's storyline, and (I think this is the coolest) a 12-page illustrated storybook that tells the tale of Sindragosa. And even beyond all that, there's behind-the-scenes commentary about the cinematic every step of the way. It's valuable insight if you're interested in storyboarding, production, or just the Blizzard creative process.I think we can all agree that it sounds pretty awesome, whether you're into art or WoW itself. You can pick it up, if you're so inclined, at Amazon.com for the very reasonable sale price of $19.77 USD. If you're as-yet-unconvinced, you can check out a preview of the book at Blizzard's Wrath site.
AppleScript 1-2-3 now available from Peachpit Press
Mac users rejoice! Santa brought just what you wanted, a new book about AppleScript by the two of the top wizards of the Mac automation world.Apple's Product Manager for Automation, Sol Soghoian, and Bill Cheeseman, who is a noted developer in his own right, have announced the publication of AppleScript 1-2-3 by Peachpit Press. This book guides AppleScript newbies through an easy and enjoyable process of understanding how to use the Mac's automation language. Soghoian and Cheeseman based the book on ideas and scripts that have been used at hands-on seminars taught at Macworld Expo. While the book can take someone with no prior knowledge of programming or AppleScript and turn them into a confident Mac automator, experienced scripters will find a lot to like about AppleScript 1-2-3 as well. The authors have made a copy of the first chapter available on the Apple AppleScript website. During Macworld Expo, the Peachpit website will feature a "tip of the day" from the book. The book will be available at the Peachpit booth as well (#812).The book is available for pre-order now (US$44.99) through Peachpit, and will start appearing in bookstores in January. There's also an Adobe Reader version of the text that is available now (US$35.99) for download.
E-book barred from App Store due to obscene content
Gee, willickers. More App Store madness. In case you needed even more evidence that the whole approval process in Cupertino was in complete disarray, David Carnoy's "contemporary medical thriller" has been rejected from Apple's App Store twice now. The first time it was returned to sender due to a few bugs in the coding; the second time, it was rejected due to the inclusion of "obscene content." Despite all of this, certain apps like iFart and Pull My Finger are allowed to remain, though it stands to reason that those programs are just as "obscene" as a few dirty words and sexual innuendos. Alexandru Brie, a developer and one of the first publishers of e-books to the App Store, feels that "each of Apple's reviewers can interpret the obscene, pornographic or defamatory content clause in a different way." Clearly, he's right.
The Digital Continuum: Moria or Wrath?
Standing in the tiny store, I found myself at a crossroads. I'd put a lot of thought into this, but now that the decision was starting back at me, it seemed much more daunting. The question kept repeating in my head, "Do I buy Wrath, or Moria?" The financially devoid part of my brain enthusiastically yelled, "Both!" while the logical part reminded me that my time was already stretched fairly thin and that trying to dive into two new expansions would probably not be a wise move.Decisions, decisions.
Forum post of the day: Best LOL moment in "Wrath"
Wrath is an odd mix. It's unquestionably darker in tone than both classic WoW and Burning Crusade, but it's not hard to find funny bits and pieces scattered around. Därkseid of Deathwing, after having a disgusted murloc refuse to be rescued by him ("Ewwww, orc!") during a quest in the Borean Tundra, started a thread dedicated to peoples' favorite humorous moments so far in Wrath. All the normal world PvP events can be found here (aggroing a Storm Giant while being attacked and Feigning Death onto your enemy? Check!) but you'll also find a growing catalogue of memorable quest text and great NPC dialogue, like Akini's entry on this page.For my money it's tough to exceed the tongue-in-cheek commentary you'll find in the books scattered around Acherus as you start a career as a Death Knight, including the one pictured above. Some of them are actually serious and give accounts of the Scourge's spying into the preparations made by the Horde and the Alliance for an assault on Northrend. Some of them, like The Death Knights of Acherus, are just hilarious, namely the entry concerning one "Harmony" whose period of service turned out to be extremely brief: "The name of this death knight was found in violation of common Scourge decency. Struck down by the Lich King." Well, Arthas, in such matters I defer to your excellent judgment.
Amazon's Kindle 2 in the wild?
So much for Amazon's attempts to quell Kindle 2 rumors, eh? Talk of a replacement (or a pair of replacements) for Amazon's popular -- but very oddly-styled -- e-reader has been in the mix seemingly since the first model started shipping, and Boy Genius Report has scored shots of something that certainly looks like it could be in the legitimate pipeline. The revised device appears to address complaints over the original's look head-on, rounding the corners and ditching the oddball angles; the scroll wheel has been replaced with a joystick, the SD slot is gone (don't worry, there's at least a gig and a half on-board), and around back, we have grills that seem to suggest integrated stereo speakers. The display is basically the same size -- no color here yet, sorry -- so unless the sharp edges on your first-gen piece are driving you batty, it looks like this could be safely skipped by current owners while roping in new buyers who wouldn't have considered it before. Thing is, was ditching the scroll wheel and that trick mirrored bar in favor of a joystick really the right way to go?
WoW Insider Show's Turpster on How I Wow
Somehow, our good friend Turpster has scammed his way was invited on to another podcast, Patrick and Shawn from How I WoW -- a podcast that interviews "interesting people from all walks of life" -- wrangled him into their virtual studio for a long chat about what he's working lately, including our little show, his work with Turpstervision, his musical makings, and his upcoming movie and book, Why I Are teh Best (strangely, they didn't touch on his new fashion line, but that's not coming out 'till the fall anyway). It's a long podcast, and they hit on all kinds of things (from the issues over the leaked Wrath alpha to what kinds of games Turpster's girlfriend beats him at), so definitely give it a listen.How I WoW (both Patrick and Shawn are regulars on The Instance, another popular WoW podcast) has been doing a lot of good stuff so far -- they chatted with our friend Veronica Belmont a little while ago, as well as Felicia Day from The Guild, and they sat down with Curt Schilling a while back to talk Warcraft (and a little bit about the WoW Insider Show, I understand, even if not by name). They've offered a lot of fun indepth looks at people around the WoW community, and not surprisingly, Turpster turns out to be no exception. It's definitely cool to get a look at the man behind the T.
Commence chin stroking: New book mixes Zelda and Philosophy
Zelda fan Luke Cuddy was so inspired by his favorite franchise that he went one step further than scribbling down some fan-fiction: he actually compiled a book on Zelda, tied it in with his knowledge of pop philosophy, and found a publisher for it.Okay, so it's probably not going to be Sartre or anything, but if you do purchase this when it releases on November 28th, you'll be able to ponder such musings as: How does the gamer experience the game? Does Link have a will, or do gamers project their wills onto him? How does time function? Can Hyrule be seen as an ideal society? Can the game be enjoyable without winning? Deeeeep, man. And it goes without saying that there's also the perennial gamer/pseud's favorite: is Zelda art?%Gallery-29660%[Via Go Nintendo]
EVE Chronicle: Masks of Authority
Most EVE Online players wouldn't characterize themselves as roleplayers. Simply by piloting their ships as capsuleers -- whether it's to make New Eden a safer place, or to lay waste to every unfortunate soul that crosses their path -- all EVE players assume a role of sorts. However, for those who prefer greater immersion, one of the real strengths of EVE Online is the depth and breadth of its backstory, which provides a gritty setting for players to delve into, should they choose to. The latest EVE Chronicle provides a look within New Eden's power structures that goes beyond the heads of the four races. "Masks of Authority" sheds more light on the corporate paradigm that governs one's life as a Caldari player in EVE, a system overpowered by the Chief Executive Panel -- eight megacorporations whose collective wealth and influence makes or breaks the lives of all Caldari citizens.
The Empyrean Age Q&A with author Tony Gonzales
TenTonHammer has done a well-timed interview with Tony Gonzales, Lead Writer for EVE Online, who as of next week will be the published author of a sci-fi novel titled The Empyrean Age. The novel ties in with the namesake game expansion that CCP rolled out just days ago; both the novel and the game deal with the strife of all-out galactic warfare between the four races of New Eden. Gonzales talks about how he began as a volunteer writer for CCP Games, churning out fan fiction a cut above the rest and catching CCP's eye in the process. He discusses the challenges of making The Empyrean Age novel accessible to any fan of sci-fi, particularly those who are not familiar with the setting of EVE Online and the serendipity of 'being at the right place at the right time.' Have a look at the TenTonHammer interview and get an idea of the universal conflict Tony Gonzales brings to readers and gamers alike in The Empyrean Age. If you're interested in a sneak peak before the June 19 release date, TenTonHammer also has an excerpt from the novel at their site. Via EVE Online
Father's Day discounts for iPhoto books through 6/15
If your father is anything like my father, he loves getting Father's Day gifts with that personal touch ... but since monogrammed golf clubs are a bit out of my budget range this year, I'm going with an iPhoto book instead. Nothing dresses up a coffee table like a professionally printed book full of pictures of the grandkids all slathered in mud.Apple is ready to help with the giftgiving; there's a 20% book discount (use code 'springbooks' at checkout) through June 15. Standard shipping books need to be ordered today (June 3) for delivery by Father's Day, and express shipping gets you an extra few days (June 8 order deadline).
Flowers, Dungeons, and Pain confirmed for Europe
A new batch of European release dates has suddenly materialized from Nintendo, and is packed with all sorts of exciting confirmations. The most thrilling, for us at least, is the news that Flower, Sun, and Rain will be getting that rumored European release this October, followed by Lux Pain in November. If you want to know where to send your effusive "thank you" letters, Rising Star are the ones in charge of localizing both titles. Other items of interest include a specific launch date for Bakushow, and Euro versions of Pokémon Platinum (big surprise, right?) and Dungeon Maker.But here's a question: what's with DS Novel? It's been hanging around on these lists for the best part of eight months now, and we're still no nearer to learning a release date or what it even is. Check out the full list for yourselves past the break!%Gallery-12911%%Gallery-18526%
New book showcases the sociology of WoW
With over 10 million players strong (and growing), it seems that anything associated with World of Warcraft would be an instant success. We're talking movies, merchandise, novels and anything else Blizzard decides to license. But what about a book detailing WoW from several different sociological and psychological standpoints? Would it be directed at the correct target audience?In the recently published Digital Culture, Play, and Identify: A World of Warcraft Reader, we see an amazing collaboration among several authors giving their own views of the game, separated by their own chapters of the book. There's one on the economic model of WoW, one on the concept of virtual death and even one on how WoW could be considered a playground for feminism. So if you're into more than just teh phat lootz in your MMO of choice (WoW or not), and the actual sociology of the game is of interest to you, take a look at this book available now on Amazon.
Sarotech's Wizplatz W-31 looks like a book, isn't
If you felt like your Western Digital My Book hard drive went too far -- or didn't go too far enough -- in looking like an actual tome, Sarotech is here to turn it up a notch. When you absolutely, positively must have a drive that looks like a fake book, you can do no better than the Wizplat W-31 (yes, really). The SATA-drive-sporting, USB 2.0 device features an internal power supply, ample vents for keeping your drive cool, and a slick, sexy exterior that says, "Hey, I'm a book." All this luxury can be yours for the low, price of ???121,000 (about $120) for a 320GB version, up to ???315,000 ($312) for the 1TB model. Too bad this only appears to be available in Korea right now.[Via Everything USB]
