Late last night Sony finally took the veil off of the new NGP (Next Generation Portable) system and put all rumors to rest. Does it live up to the hype? So far….yes it does.
NGP features:
Multi-touch 5-inch organic light emitting display (OLED) as the front display
Multi-touch pad on the rear of the device
Dual analog sticks
Two cameras (front and rear)
Software titles on small, dedicated flash memory-based cards
Three motion sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer and electronic compass
Wi-Fi and 3G network connectivity
PlayStation Network access, including ““LiveArea™”, “Near” and “Activity” log features Trophy Support
NGP will be able to play PSP titles, minis, PS one classics, video and comics from the PlayStation Store.
Right up front this system does not do glasses less 3D like the recently unveiled 3DS handheld, but it does rival a Playstation 3 as far as visuals go. A few games early in development were shown off and a triple A title like “Uncharted” led the pack. The demo utilized touch screens on the front of the OLED screen and the back to navigate Nathan Drake from actions like climbing a mountain to finally pulling someone off a cliff. Other games announced included: Killzone, Little Big Planet, Resistance, Metal Gear Solid, Call Of Duty, and Hot Shots Golf. Here are the specs:
Hardware Specs
CPU:
ARM Corte-A9 core (4 core)
GPU:
SGX543MP4+
External Dimensions:
Approx. 182.0 x 18.6 x 83.5mm (width x height x depth) (tentative, excludes largest projection)
Screen:
(Touch screen) 5 inches (16:9), 960 x 544, Approx. 16 million colors, OLED Multi touch screen (capacitive type)
Sensors:
Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer)
Three-axis electronic compass
Location via Built-in GPS
Wi-Fi location service support
Keys/Switches:
PS button
Power button
Directional buttons (Up/Down/Right/Left)
Action buttons (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square)
Shoulder buttons (Right/Left)
Right stick, Left stick
START button, SELECT button
Volume buttons (+/-)
Wireless Communications:
Mobile network connectivity (3G)
IEEE 802.11b/g/n (n = 1×1)
(Wi-Fi) (Infrastructure mode/Ad-hoc mode)
Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (A2DP/AVRCP/HSP)
It looks like Sony will be keeping a tight lip on the NGP until this years E3 expo most likely. One thing is for sure, the Nintendo 3DS will have some strong competition this holiday season.
Well, it’s official. Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy have been cast as Selina Kyle and Bane in Chris Nolan’s next Batman installment, “The Dark Knight Rises”. Note that Anne Hathaway is only mentioned to be playing Selina Kyle – could this possibly mean there won’t be a Catwoman? Here’s the full press release:
BURBANK, CA, January 19, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises.” She will be starring alongside Christian Bale, who returns in the title role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Christopher Nolan stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.”
In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.”
Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven.
“The Dark Knight Rises” is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
Stan Lee has partnered with the NHL to create a superhero for every team in the league. Though most of them are a simple rehash of current Marvel characters, the idea has taken off and is a countdown to one of the most entertaining events in professional sports. We will update this post whenever a new character is added. You can read more about The Guardian Project HERE and be sure to watch the NHL All Star game the weekend of January 29, 2011.
Olivia Munn, belly dancing Slave Leias and a school that will teach you how to handle a Light Saber like a true Jedi…if that didn’t get your attention, you’re probably on the wrong site…move along.
“Jedi Junkies” is a documentary that dives into the world of only the most hardcore “Star Wars” fans and gives the viewer a real insight into a world that you probably didn’t even know existed. From “Star Wars” tribute bands to the ultimate collectors, “Jedi Junkies” delivers 1 hour and 13 minutes that spanned 4 years of footage taken from around the globe.
As a “Star Wars” fan myself, I thought I had seen it all. I have seen fan films online, like “Chad Vader”, whose creators are also in the film, but when I saw what went into making a fan film that needed to be respected by other “Star Wars” fans, I was stunned. Everything from a life size Millennium Falcon built in a film maker’s backyard to the blood sweat and tears that are shed during the production of a film that would probably yield no financial return. However, to these group of people, it isn’t about the money and it didn’t matter what anyone thought of them. It was about a tight knit community that had a common interest.
I had a chance to ask Mark Edlitz, the director and producer of “Jedi Junkies” a few questions and this is what he said:
Have you met or spoke with George Lucas?
I never met George Lucas before but I was in the same room with him twice. First time, it was at some event for filmmakers and he was sitting at a table with Francis Ford Coppola! I was too shy to approach him but others did. There were even a few who brought action figures for him to sign. You’d think someone probably tipped them off that he was coming. Otherwise, they’d just be walking around with Star Wars figures each day…hoping to bump into him on the street.
What influenced you to make this documentary?
I am a huge Star Wars fan. Star Wars got me into filmmaking. Before JEDI JUNKIES, I made an indie (narrative) film called THE EDEN MYTH which stars Justin Kirk from Weeds. For my second film, I thought it would be interesting to explore a subculture of really passionate and extreme fans.
What was your favorite part of making this film?
Making this film was fun for a couple of reasons. One, I got to make it with my friends. Two, the Star Wars fans and community were really nice to us and have continued to be very supportive of the film.
After they watch the film I hope that Star Wars fans and/or aspiring filmmakers reach out to me. I’d love to hear their feedback and answer any questions about filmmaking. They can visit us at FaceBook at Jedi Junkies. (http://www.facebook.com/Jedijunkies)
What could you tell us about the people in this film that may surprise us?
The Star Wars fans in the film are a diverse and extreme group. One fan built a life size Millennium Falcon in his backyard! How cool is that? He actually built a life size space ship. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a bad storm. In the film we show the creation and ultimate destruction of it.
There’s also a fan who has so many toys that he had to throw out his bed to make room for more! Now he sleeps on the floor.
The other thing you should know about Star Wars fans is that they are a very creative bunch. They take their love of Star Wars and their other interests and combine them. AeroSith is a Star Wars themed band who make Star Wars music. Candy Keane is into CosPlay and so she makes, models and sells her own costumes. Bob Iannocone makes and sells his own lightsabers.
Other people we interviewed were the NY Jedi who get together and practice their lightsaber skills.
What was the most difficult part of making this film?
I wanted to find the right balance of showing some extreme behavior but at the same time being very respectful of the individuals we interviewed and celebrating their passions.
How did you approach celebrities like Olivia Munn to sign on?
I met Olivia Munn through my day job. She was really nice to say yes. We also interviewed the actors who played Chewbacca, Darth Maul and Bobba Fett.
We also interviewed Ed Sanchez who directed The Blair Witch Project. He showed us his impressive Star Wars collection in his basement. It’s the best collection I’ve ever seen.
We also interviewed the Chad Vader guys.
Are you working on any other projects?
I’m writing a book about superheroes now.
“Jedi Junkies” is not just a documentary for those that are obsessed with the franchise. This charming film could be enjoyed by anyone who wants to take a gander into a world that they are unfamiliar with. Mark Edlitz introduces us to people who live for something they love and there is something fascinating about those with such passion.
I recommend this film to anyone who loves documentaries and that goes double for “Star Wars” fans. “Jedi Junkies” encompasses a galaxy of creative people who build props, write and produce stories, turn a sexy costume into a themed dance routine and, most importantly, are proud of who they are.
Twitter
Facebook