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ISS astronauts won’t miss out on ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’
With Star Wars: The Last Jedi hitting theaters across the world this week, moviegoers will finally be able to witness the new space adventures the franchise consistently delivers. However, actual space explorers will also get the chance to enjoy the film in zero-gravity after NASA revealed that it'll screen The Last Jedi aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Researchers create prosthetic hand that offers more lifelike dexterity
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a prosthetic hand inspired by the bionic one given to Star Wars' Luke Skywalker. What sets this one apart from other prosthetics is the amount of dexterity it offers, allowing users to move individual fingers at will. With it, Jason Barnes, the amputee working with the researchers, was able to play piano for the first time since losing part of his arm in 2012.
Google's Pixel AR stickers are available starting today
During Google's Pixel 2 event in October, the company teased its upcoming AR stickers and starting today, Pixel users can actually get their hands on them. Those with Pixel phones running Android 8.1 Oreo will have access to AR stickers like Foodmoji, 3D text and celebratory balloons and champagne just in time for the holidays. And ahead of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Pixel users can also get a pack of Star Wars-themed AR stickers.
OnePlus launches 'Star Wars' 5T in time for 'The Last Jedi'
As Star Wars: The Last Jedi approaches its December 15th theatrical release, get ready to see the power of Disney's fully armed and operational merchandising machine. OnePlus has revealed that it will be part of that circus with the 5T Star Wars Limited Edition smartphone. Coming to India on December 14th, it's bedecked with a red side button, backside Star Wars logo and screen theme featuring First Order stormtrooper wallpaper.
EA patches 'Star Wars Battlefront II' to address technical issues
EA has faced a Star Destroyer's worth of trouble over the just-released Star Wars Battlefront II, most notably the backlash over the micro transactions that were panned as too expensive while also encouraging a pay-to-win vibe. EA subsequently pulled all transactions (temporarily) from the game. The game had its own set of technical problems, as well, which have also been addressed by the development team in a new patch available now for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
Kids can build their own Star Wars video game with Bloxels
There are a whole host of apps and games that are aimed at teaching kids to code, but not all of them come with stellar IP partnerships. But that's just what Bloxels, Pixel Press's video game building system aimed at teaching kids how to be content creators, has. Today, Pixel Press and the toy company Mattel announced that the companies were partnering to release a Star Wars edition of Bloxels. You can buy it today for $50 at retailers nationwide.
A live-action 'Star Wars' show is headed to Disney's streaming service
After years of rumors of a live-action Star Wars TV series, it's finally happening. The only catch? It'll be exclusive to Disney's upcoming streaming service, Polygon reports. CEO Bob Iger didn't have any details to share about the new series, but the fact that it's coming is still a bombshell for the Star Wars universe. And, of course, it's also a smart way to sell Disney's streaming service, which is set to launch in 2019.
A new 'Star Wars' trilogy is coming from 'The Last Jedi' director
The Last Jedi helmer Rian Johnson has signed on to write and direct a new trilogy within the Star Wars universe, Disney announced today. There aren't any details to share about the new project yet, but the company explicitly noted that it'll feature new characters and be completely separate from the Skywalker saga. If anything, the new spin-off trilogy is a sign that the company was pleased with his work on The Last Jedi, which hits theaters on December 5th.
Of course ‘Star Wars: Battlefront II’ is getting 'The Last Jedi' content
Fans of a galaxy far, far away are paying attention to two countdowns leading up to the holidays: The release of Star Wars: Battlefront II on November 17th and the next film in the saga, The Last Jedi, which comes out on December 15th. In a shrewd (but not unexpected) move, publisher EA has announced that the first batch of new (and free) content featuring locations and heroes from the new movie will be added to the game days before The Last Jedi hits theaters.
NVIDIA GPUs are 'Star Wars' merch now
It's easy to find flashy video cards that look good through a case window, but NVIDIA may have just kicked things up a notch. It's releasing two Star Wars-themed GeForce Titan Xp Collector's Edition GPUs that are very nearly art pieces, if also a classic example of arbitrary movie tie-ins. The Galactic Empire card is lit up in a sinister red and has a casing reminiscent of the dark, orderly nature of the Death Star, while the Jedi Order card is lit in a friendlier green and has the "battle-worn" finish you'd expect of Rebel gear. There are even nods to the hilt of Luke Skywalker's lightsaber.
You won't have to pay to win in 'Battlefront II' after all
If nothing else, EA is listening to the fans for Star Wars: Battlefront II. After all, outcry was the reason the game will have a single-player campaign mode and an awful lot more depth. So, perhaps it isn't too surprising that the game company paid attention when people were up in arms over the game's loot box implementation.
‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ turns the Empire into an unlikely protagonist
Star Wars: Battlefront did a lot of things right, but it was criticized for not having a lot of depth, primarily due to the utter lack of a story-driven single-player campaign. That's a shame, because the Star Wars universe is rich enough that fans are genuinely interested in stories that go far beyond what's presented in the main film series. Fortunately, Star Wars: Battlefront II, EA developer Motive was tasked with making a compelling story mode. Having completed a 90-minute playthrough of the game's prologue and first two chapters, it's safe to say that Battlefront II should have something to lure Star Wars fans who aren't necessarily interested in multiplayer adventures.
EA rebuffs 'pay to win' loot criticism of 'SW Battlefront 2'
A day after the beta for the extended Star Wars Battlefront 2 beta ended, Electronic Arts thanked the "millions" of fans who participated and asked them to keep sending feedback as developer DICE tinkers with the game before its release on November 17th. But it seems they've already got a few changes in mind that the giant studio listed in a blog post -- along with an extensive clarification of how the contentious loot crate system will work in the final version of the game.
Samsung's new robot vacuums banish Darth Vader to cleaning duty
If you've lamented the lack of Star Wars-themed home cleaning appliances, then Samsung has just the robot vacuums for you. Today they announced limited editions of their POWERbot VR7000 vacuum cleaner inspired by the iconic sci-fi franchise. There are two different designs: Darth Vader retails for $799, while his Stormtrooper counterpart retails for $699. You can preorder both now at the Samsung website; the estimated ship date is November 5th at the time of writing.
Here's your full-length 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' trailer
The next Star Wars film won't hit theaters until December 15th, but there's a new trailer that just aired during Monday Night Football. Star Wars: The Last Jedi brings Luke Skywalker back into the story -- along with the final appearance of Carrie Fisher as Leia -- and should answer some of the questions that have been eating at us ever since the credits rolled on The Force Awakens two years ago. If you're trying to come into this flick clean but just can't resist taking a peek at the trailer, don't worry -- director Rian Johnson feels your pain. Tickets are already on sale from a number of providers (IMAX, Fandango, Cinemark, AMC, Alamo Drafthouse, Atom Tickets, MovieTickets.com), but check below for the trailer in case you need a little more convincing. Oh, and if you just need more time in the universe, don't forget that EA just announced an extension to the Star Wars Battlefront II open beta. Update (11/1): Tonight during Game 7 of the World Series Disney/Lucasfilm released another, shorter, trailer, and while some of the earlier shots are repeated, we did spot some new bits in there. You can watch it below.
EA extends 'Star Wars Battlefront II' public beta until Wednesday
If you didn't get enough rebel-on-galactic action during EA's Star Wars Battlefront II beta this past weekend, you're in luck. EA announced on Monday that it is extending the public event until Wednesday, October 11th. While players won't have access to the new cinematic campaign during the beta, they will be able to experience the large-scale combat in Galactic Assault mode, fight against the AI in Arcade, pilot starships in Starfighter Assault and lead an 8-member fireteam in Strikes. BF2 is available on both the Xbox One and Playstation 4 consoles and is slated for release on November 17th.
‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ public betas are available this weekend
Whether it's the cinematic campaign, the much-improved space combat or simply being able to pilot ships as the franchise's favorite muppet wizard, there's a lot to look forward to when Star Wars Battlefront II hits store shelves on November 17th. Lucky for everyone, beta versions of the game are available to play on PC, PS4 and Xbox One this weekend, starting today.
Sphero’s R2-Q5 ‘Star Wars’ droid is basically a goth R2-D2
Sphero just announced a new app-controlled robot a few days ago, the Mini, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have anything else in the works. The company has now revealed the latest member of its Star Wars family, R2-Q5, the Empire's version of the beloved R2-D2 character. As is the case with all of Sphero's toys, you can take charge of R2-Q5 via its Droids app for iOS and Android, where you'll be able to drive it, hear it make sounds and use it to play various mini games. You'll need to act fast if you want one for yourself: Sphero says the number of R2-Q5 numbers made is in the "low thousands," and Best Buy has an exclusive on it in the US, while John Lewis has that honor in the UK. Pre-orders are open now for $200/£200, with shipping expected to happen November 5th.
Stormtrooper bot with facial recognition guards against intruders
We know what Star Wars fans will be wishing for this Christmas -- aside from Sphero's R2-D2 and BB-9E toys. Ubtech, the company behind the dancing Lynx robot, is releasing a Stormtrooper bot. Although it can't teach you yoga, you can use voice commands to instruct it to ward off intruders (hopefully not with an actual blaster). Its facial recognition tech also allows it to store up to three faces in its memory bank. That way, it can shout at any uninvited guests that keep barging into your room. And, its accompanying mobile app packs an augmented reality game that lets you fight off the Resistance and launch First Order attacks. The robot is available for pre-order from Ubtech right now, and will ship in November. It will set you back $300.
'Star Wars: Episode IX' will be directed by J.J. Abrams (updated)
It's only been a week since Colin Trevorrow left (or was forced out of) the director's seat for Star Wars: Episode IX, but a familiar replacement is already lined up. J.J. Abrams, who you may know from such films as the Star Trek reboot, Super 8 and a little film called Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be writing and directing Episode IX. It's a very safe and familiar choice -- Abrams did an admirable job handling The Force Awakens, skillfully reviving the series after George Lucas' reviled prequel trilogy. Of course, there was also criticism that he played it too safe and essentially remade A New Hope, but all but the most jaded fans found his take on the universe to be a solid return for the long-dormant franchise.