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'Michael Jackson's Thriller 3D' is coming to IMAX theaters
On what would have been Michael Jackson's 60th birthday, IMAX announced that it's remastering Michael Jackson's Thriller 3D for a limited run in its theaters. IMAX will show the iconic 1983 music video in 3D for one week starting September 21st, before screenings of the new movie The House with a Clock in Its Walls.
Obama: Michael Jordan is more than just a meme
We're sure most of you know Michael Jordan as one of the best basketball players of all time, but we wouldn't be surprised if some clueless kid only knows him as "crying MJ." Since the meme continues to enjoy immense popularity -- and it's not hard to see why -- the president had to make sure people knew who Jordan was when he awarded the legendary athlete the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He's "more than just a logo, more than just an internet meme," the president jokingly said when he introduced the former Chicago Bulls player and Space Jam star. It's been over a decade since his final retirement, after all, and twenty years since the film that co-starred Bugs Bunny.
Recommended Reading: Michael Jackson's music in 'Sonic 3'
The Michael Jackson Video Game Conspiracy Todd Van Luling, Huffington Post If you paid attention to the music in Sonic 3, you likely noticed some of the audio resembles Michael Jackson's tunes. While Sega admitted the King of Pop was involved with the soundtrack, it claimed to have nixed all of his work from the final version despite obvious nods to the singer. As it turns out, that's not exactly the case and Huffington Post details the a decade-spanning search for the truth from some of Sonic's biggest fans.
Michael Jackson's next posthumous act: The music video as tweet
Sony has used all kinds of technological tricks to sell you Michael Jackson's posthumous Xscape album, ranging from streaming music offers to life-size holograms. Its next move is something you're more likely to experience first-hand, however. The company's Epic Records label will premiere MJ's latest music video, "A Place with No Name," in a Twitter post; visit @MichaelJackson at 10PM Eastern tonight (August 13th) and you'll see the late King of Pop's promo attached to a tweet. Yes, it's ultimately a publicity grab for a music legend that doesn't need any stunts to capture the world's attention. With that said, there hasn't been a major music video launch on Twitter before -- it'll be interesting to see if Jackson can lure people away from the cat photos and social updates in their timelines, if just for a few minutes.
What you need to know about hologram people
Perhaps you watched the Billboard Music Awards and were aghast (or impressed) by Michael Jackson's performance from beyond the grave. Or maybe you were at Coachella and caught a resurrected Tupac onstage with real-life Snoop Dogg. Hell, let's say you were wooed by India's Narendra Modi in his recent holographic stump speeches. Maybe none of the above? Well, either way, here's a bit of disappointing news: None of those were true holograms, despite our dreams of a sci-fi future. The aforementioned performances are a product of a centuries-old technique called "Pepper's Ghost." You might've seen this on a pretty grand scale during a family vacation to Disneyland, too. The park's Haunted Mansion ride uses it extensively, especially during the ballroom scene where "ghosts" are dancing all over the place. The key difference between what we're seeing now and what's been used for the past few hundred years? The tech being used has gotten much more advanced.
Recommended Reading: will.i.am's Beats payday and bringing The Last of Us to PS4
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read. Behind the Scenes, a Frontman Awaits a Payday by Daniel Roberts, Fortune Pocket!function(d,i){if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement("script");j.id=i;j.src="https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1";var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);}}(document,"pocket-btn-js"); By now, you've heard about all the money that Dr. Dre stands to pocket when the alleged Apple buyout is announced. What you may not know is that another popular musician stands to pocket a handsome sum as well. William Adams, aka will.i.am, is an equity partner in Beats Electronics and has lent a hand toward the brand's rise over the last few years. Fortune's Daniel Roberts takes a look at Mr. Adams' tech ventures and his relationship with the headphone maker -- the latter of which could spell a big payout for the artist/businessman.
Watch Michael Jackson's holographic return at the Billboard Music Awards
Michael Jackson isn't the first posthumous recording artist to be reconstituted by light projection -- Tupac got there first -- but it didn't stop the assembled crowds at the Billboard Music Awards whipping themselves into a frenzy during the performance. Naturally, it all coincided with Jackson's Xscape album, launched earlier this month, but the surprise was spoiled a few days early by litigation between several holographic companies over the tech being used. We've embedded ABC's coverage after the break although the performance looks a little flat on video. And don't worry: there's moonwalking.
Sony hopes Michael Jackson's legacy can boost its streaming music service
Sony sure knows how to dangle a carrot in front of its customers. In a not-so-subtle use of music industry clout to drive its technology business, the company is offering access to five tunes off of the Michael Jackson album Xscape on its Music Unlimited streaming service days before the album's official debut (May 13th in the US). Meanwhile, iTunes and other services are getting one early song at best.
Ping gets exclusive posthumous Michael Jackson song
While some people think Ping is a flop (including me), Apple did score one little victory with its iTunes-centric social media network: its secured the exclusive rights to stream a new Michael Jackson song for the next week. Visitors to Ping's Michael Jackson page can listen to the song, titled "Much Too Soon" for free until next Thursday. As noted on Michael Jackson's Ping page: "Much Too Soon" was written at the time of Thriller. Michael always liked the song but never found the right home for it; here it finds its place as the bittersweet closing to the stellar collection. "Much Too Soon" is the tenth song on the upcoming Michael Jackson album, Michael, which goes on sale on iTunes on December 14th.
Talkcast reminder: 10pm ET, new gear and new month
It's the first of August -- already? -- and we're back live tonight on Talkshoe, so call in and chat with us about the biggest Apple stories of the past week. On the docket this evening, we'll be talking about what iPad owners (and the iPad's detractors) are like, the revised iMacs and Mac Pro, Apple's new battery charger and the Magic Trackpad, running iOS 4 on an older iPhone, and what exactly happened to the Michael Jackson zombie. To participate on TalkShoe, you can use the browser-only client, the embedded Facebook app, or the classic TalkShoe Pro Java client; however, for maximum fun, you should call in. For the web UI, just click the "TalkShoe Web" button on our profile page at 10 pm Sunday. To call in on regular phone or VoIP lines (take advantage of your free cellphone weekend minutes if you like): dial (724) 444-7444 and enter our talkcast ID, 45077 -- during the call, you can request to talk by keying in *8. If you've got a headset or microphone handy on your Mac or your PC, you can connect via the free Gizmo or X-Lite SIP clients or using the Talkshoe client's ShoePhone tool; basic instructions are here. We'll kick things off at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT. See you there!
Dear Aunt TUAW: Where's my Michael Jackson Zombie?
Dear Aunt TUAW, PopCap Games recently released an update to Plants vs. Zombies boasting "multiple performance enhances and bug fixes" (sure, but I never had an issue on my 3GS). Now, the King of Pop Zombie is nowhere to be found! He's replaced with a zombie with an orange Afro, white 70s leisure suit and orange shoes. Why? Why remove the King of Pop? Was there a threatening lawsuit? Can you all find out for us and get the scoop? I won't be updating anytime soon now. Thank you from your loving nephew, Alejandro
Samsung's S2 Portable gets Michael Jackson makeover, promises to heal the world
You know, something deep, deep inside of us knew that this was going to happen, but with Michael Jackson's untimely departure of Planet Earth back in the news thanks to Mr. Conrad Murray's arraignment, it seems like the glut of This Is It-related gear is even touching the typically straightforward tech industry. The drive you're weeping at above is the February 22nd-bound 500GB S2 Portable, complete with a paint job that can only be described as overkill. Jackson's final film is pre-loaded on here (and likely entangled in DRM), as well as Samsung's own Auto Backup feature that'll keep your aged concert photos safe for a few more decades. Of course, the inclusion of a "SecretZone" service -- which encrypts specific files while requiring a password to access -- seems a bit tasteless given the subject matter here, but leave it to Samsung to Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'. %Gallery-85015%
This is It Blu-ray release debuts movieIQ Sync, brings more Michael Jackson info to your iPhone or PC
Unfortunately, the most telling element of this Blu-ray news is that it didn't merit a mention during Sony's CES keynote, but a new BD-Live feature will be included on This is It. movieIQ Sync updates the original by allowing users to pull up additional movie info on a PC or iPhone synchronized with the movie -- we're guessing the recently released FBI files won't be included -- without it popping up on the television. The other new feature is the ability to create & share customized playlists of the songs featured in the flick. We've been waiting for an event that would change both the reality and perception of internet connected features on Blu-ray -- and there's still some hope -- but this probably isn't it.
Michael Jackson 'This is It' PS3 bundle makes it a better place for you and me
This is it! And by "it" we, of course, mean corporate synergy, as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment Japan reach across the cultural divide to bring America's late King of Pop to the island of Japan in the form of a bundled Blu-ray and "Special Pack" PlayStation 3 SKU. But this bundle isn't as off the wall as you may imagine. It won't heal the world or rock with you, but if MJ fans wanna be startin' somethin' with the PS3, you really can't beat it. Your ¥33,500 nabs you a Blu-ray of last year's behind-the-scenes cash-in and a 120GB PS3 Slim in a "limited offer" package beginning January 27 – sorry, no choice of black or white. Oof, that last one was bad.
Blinged out Michael Jackson phone is fashionably late
Michael Jackson may never take the stage again, but that doesn't mean you can't commemorate him in your pocket, right? This special, "limited edition" mobile phone appears to have been dipped in gold and diamonds, and, if we're not mistaken... it's basically a Vertu KIRF that's dressed like a headless MJ? We're pretty light on specs and pricing information here, but rest assured that unless you live in China, you'll probably never be able to get your be-gloved hand on one of these. Nothing like cashing in on the dead. [Via Shanzhai]
Michael Jackson memorial service gets HDTV broadcasts around the globe by 1 p.m.
Today's broadcasts of Michael Jackson's memorial services have become s big of a television event as there has ever been, with networks domestically planning to cover the proceedings in high definition, but Sky News HD is following up on its broadcast of the Obama Inauguration by taking of the Sky Arts 1 HD channel again, and Cinedigm flicks on its digital distribution network, though not in 3D, it will air the memorial starting at 1 p.m. EST for free at theaters around the country. If not for anything else, this should extend even beyond Presidential Address' ability to compare the audio/video delivery capabilities of different networks, with CNN, Fox, ABC, Fox News, CBS, E! and more broadcasting, plus internet streams available from most (CNN, Sky, CBS, ABC are confirmed), plus Hulu and the StaplesCenter.com website itself. So let us know, which network will you be tuning to / avoiding this afternoon, or are you already switching back and forth with one gloved hand on the remote, comparing camera angles and contrast levels in detail?Update: A live HD stream from Microsoft & Canada's Inmusic.com is available and apparently not subject to geographic restrictions for those tuning in via desktop (Thanks, Aaron) Read - Jackson memorial live in high definition in movie theaters and on TV Read - World will watch Jackson memorial Read - Michael Jackson Memorial In High Definition Read - Media is all about Michael Jackson Read - Michael Jackson Memorial Coverage times / networks
Video: Polish students take building light shows to the next level
Our friends at Engadget Polska caught this video of a giant lightshow -- a nerdworks, if you will -- put on by a group of students at Wrocław University of Technology. This is not the first time we've seen such a display, nor is it a first for this particular group, who call themselves Projekt P.I.W.O. -- but it is one of the best (and longest). The ten minute show includes much classic geekery -- Pong, Tetris, Dr. Mario, and Michael Jackson. Yes, that's right: Michael Jackson. Check the video after the break.[Via Engadget Polska]
Virtually Overlooked Week: JC's picks
Virtually Overlooked has taken over Wii Fanboy! All this week, members of the staff will be outlining their personal picks for future Virtual Console releases.Everyone can guess how my childhood was spent, since I talk about old games constantly. So, instead of relating a nostalgic anecdote for you, I'm going to use this intro space to tell you about the last week or so.When I'm not personally advancing the cause of random old games on next-generation consoles, I'm a full-time grad student at the University of North Texas, working on a master's degree in library science. From last Thursday until yesterday, I was in the midst of my capstone-- a seven-day marathon paper-writing session meant to be the final test of my suitability as a librarian. My wife and I were also preparing to move from Texas to Washington, which happened this Saturday. Add my regular coursework and job responsibilities to that, and, as you can imagine, I've been a complete wreck. My Fanboy colleagues are probably rolling their eyes right now as I complain again about my workload, but I feel like it was a pretty significant experience, one I hope never to repeat.I am now safely ensconced in a Washingtonian apartment, and I turned in my last essay in the early hours of Thursday morning. Getting a chance to write about a bunch of old games is like a vacation. I've been looking forward to this all week.Since this is a VO special week, I'm taking the opportunity to talk about more mainstream games than I usually cover. So there's a better chance that you guys have played this stuff, and we can all share in some retro-euphoria.
WoW Moviewatch: So that's where that dance came from!
We've all seen the videos of different dances. We've had ones where they all dance together, ones where the original source is cited. We've even seen video of a guy dancing like a Night Elf Female. Now we have another dance movie. There's one thing about this one that sets it apart, however. This is the first one I've seen that does a really good job of putting the dances side-by-side with their inspirations. As Bowzerblack on the WoW LJ said: "I didn't know that about ogres!" All I can say is that I didn't either. And yes, I know it's the Boomkin dance too, but you don't see a lot of (completely-bare) topless Boomkins running about. Which, now that I think about it, is probably a good thing.Previously, on MovieWatch...[via the WoW LJ community]
Michael Jackson may erect 50-foot 'Jackobot' in Vegas desert
We almost wouldn't believe it were it not in an esteemed publication like the New York Daily News, but the hard-hitting investigative journalists of Page Six are reporting that the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson himself, may attempt to erect a 50-foot, robotic likeness of himself in the Las Vegas desert in full view of incoming planes. According to entertainment company consultant Mike Luckman, his business partner Andre Van Pier has already designed what we'll refer to as the massive Jackobot, complete with -- and we'll stifle the urge to break out that tired old cliché -- laser beams shooting up into the sky. The plan will only go into motion if Jackson decides to launch a show in Sin City, for which Van Pier has also contributed sketches of a "stage set of a giant audience-interactive video game with human cyborgs controlled by the audience," whatever the hell that means. Perhaps aware that a Jackobot fiasco could be the straw that breaks the camel's back and forces Jackson to finally sell him that tasty share of the Beatles catalog, Sir Paul McCartney is said to be interested in investing in what we can only imagine will be a gaudy spectacle even for Vegas standards. We'll also forgo the slew of robot Jacko jokes we could close with and instead implore you all to please, oh please, help us find some pics / drawings of this alleged monstrosity...[Via Gearlog]
