Ever wonder what you would look like as Darth Maul?…Me neither. But if curiosity has peaked your interest or you’re just a hardcore fan of the “Star Wars” franchise, this app may be for you.

Join the dark side and become Darth Maul using the free Darth Maul Me mobile app from Star Wars: Episode I in 3D. Whether you want to turn your face completely into one of Star Wars’ greatest villains, use the partial Darth Maul tattoos, or only give yourself the Sith eyes, Darth Maul Me has an option for you. Simply take a photo with your camera or use an existing photo to quickly and easily turn yourself into Darth Maul.  Share your creation with your friends and encourage them to join you on the dark side.

This app is now available in the app store and require the following specs:

Supported Devices:
iPhone 3GS / 4 / 4S and iPod Touch

Supported OS:
iOS 5 and above.

Now, who is waiting for the “Jar Jar Me” app?

“Star Wars: Episode I” re-releases in theaters Friday, February 10 in 3D.

The new Xbox 360 software will also allow users to navigate using voice commands (Kinect required to use this feature). The inclusion of Bing will give users the ability to verbally search for game, music, movies and more.

“With Bing on Xbox, you can use your voice to effortlessly find the games, movies, TV shows and music you want and discover the best offerings on Xbox LIVE, by simply saying what you’re searching for,” the company says. “You say it, Xbox finds it.” The new entertainment service scans not only Microsoft-offered services line Zune Video, but also some partner services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus and Comcast On Demand.

Just under 1 million Xbox 360 units were sold over the Thanksgiving weekend and Microsoft is beginning to realize the importance of a multimedia device rather than a console aimed solely at the gaming community. Competitors like the Sony Playstation 3 have promoted it’s console using the tagline “It Only Does Everything”. They have made sure potential buyers know that it plays games, is a Blu Ray player and can stream media from the most popular services. Microsoft will be following suit with their new update.

Users can begin downloading the update December 6.

Have you noticed that many of the hottest titles this holiday season, including “Batman: Arkham City” and “Assassins Creed: Revelations”, are 3D compatible…assuming you’ve spent the money to buy a 3D TV?

Well if you’re like me and don’t see the value in buying a technology that has died in the 50s, and again in the 80s, or you just don’t like the idea of spending over $100 on 3D glasses, then the Trioviz Inficolor glasses may interest you.

I had a chance to spend some time in “Arkham City” with my 1080P, LG HDTV (not 3D compatible) and I was actually surprised at the depth these glasses were able to provide. The Trioviz glasses come with instructions on how to get the most of the technology with details on how far you should be from your TV, how bright the surrounding light should be and even where the optimum contrast should be.

Once I got in game, I switched on the 3D mode in the settings and even the Batman splash screen had the noticeable 3D textures. I decided a good test would be to take to the skies and soar around Arkham City to get a real feel of environmental depth. The Trioviz glasses definitely added to the over all experience.

The only drawbacks I noticed after a couple hours of use was that the tinted lenses are pretty noticeable when you first start using them. Granted your eyes adapt and you can get a pretty good range of color and depth after you’ve used them a bit. Also, the overall clarity doesn’t really match the clarity you get with the commercial 3D technology used by the actually 3D TVs.

That being said, the glasses will run you just under $30 and you don’t need to purchase anything else to get the 3D experience on a TV you already own. For that price, it’s a no-brainer for those looking for a 3D experience without investing in a technology that may not be around.

You can read more about Trioviz and purchase the glasses on their site. They would make a great holiday gift for the game who has everything.

Unlike Boarders (R.I.P.), Barnes and Noble has done a pretty good job of staying relevant in an eBook market. With their house brand of eReader, The Nook, B&N has just announced their entrance into the tablet market just weeks after Amazon announced their Kindle Fire.

The Nook Tablet will be released on November 18, in alignment with the Kindle Fire, and will be a multimedia device with support for books, movies, apps and more. The Nook Tablet will also have full support for Hulu, Netflix and Pandora. Of course there will also be support for books and comics along with a web browser and email capabilities.

Our fastest, lightest tablet with the best in HD entertainment

• HD movies, TV shows and music from the top names—Netflix, Hulu Plus™, Pandora® & more
• World’s most advanced VividView™ 7″ Touchscreen
• Over 2.5 million books, magazines, comics & kids’ books
• Lightning fast Email, Web & smooth streaming video
• Thousands of must-have apps like Angry Birds and Epicurious
• 16 GB of memory, extra-long battery life—yet ultra-light and thin
• Always free NOOK support in-store

The Nook Tablet is now available for preorder at $249, just $50 more than the Kindle Fire, and you can see a full spec list on B&N’s website.

After a long battle with pancreatic cancer, tech innovator Steve Jobs passes away today.

Jobs has revolutionized the consumer tech market with the iPod, iPhone and, most recently, the iPad. After stepping down as Apple’s CEO just over a month ago, Jobs has lost his fight against cancer tonight and Angry Web’s thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and anyone he’s influenced over the years.

Jobs may be gone but will never be forgotten.

You can’t connect the dots looking forward you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart, even when it leads you off the well worn path – Steve Jobs

Well, it wasn’t the iPhone 5 as most people were expecting and as of now, Apple’s stock took a slight hit after the announcement of a new iPod Nano, iPod Touch and the iPhone 4S.

After months of speculation online from insiders and other “sources”, there was no iPhone 5 announced. Apple’s method of keeping everything a secret until it is officially announced might have created a bit of backlash on this one as the keynote did not meet the media’s, or consumer’s, expectations.

The iPhone 4S will basically be the same phone on the outside with some tweeks on the inside boasting an 8 megapixel camera and double the speed with a A5 chip. Most of the new features will be available through a software update that is compatible with iPhones going back to the 3GS.

The most impressive news from the keynote was Siri, which is basically an AI assistant that will allow users to dictate text messages, search the web using voice recognition or schedule events.

The iPhone 4S will be available on October 14th and can be preordered for AT&T, Verizon or Sprint starting October 7th.

Just in time for the holidays, Amazon has unveiled their new line up of Kindles. Now as low as $79, the Kindle has made itself available for all budgets and have even introduced a tablet that is aggressively priced to be the first real iPad competitor.

The base model is as low as $79 with advertisements and has slight changes since the Kindle 3. Amazon has completely done away with the keyboard and made it lighter (though previous models were pretty light already). This model comes in WiFi only but at the price, it’s not difficult to load it up at home and take it with you wherever you go.

The next model up, the Kindle Touch, now has a touch screen and will be available in WiFi or 3G versions starting as low as $99. Like previous models, the 3G will allow you to download books from wherever you are and will have no monthly fees associated with it.

The big change from the previous model would be the touch screen which replaces all buttons and keys on the unit.

Lastly, the one we have all been waiting for, the Kindle Fire. The Kindle Fire is a high resolution, full color tablet that seems to have its limitations from others on the market (like not having a 3G model) but has it where it counts…especially when it comes to pricing.

A mere fraction of what the iPad costs, the Kindle Fire starts under $200 and will allow full media playback including music, movies and streaming for Amazon Prime members. It also allows for full color books and magazines to be read and even though it will come with 8GB of on-board memory for media and apps (which will be available through Amazon), Amazon will be providing free cloud access so media can be stored with them while you access it on your device.

From the provided details, it may not be an iPad but for those who are interested in watching, reading, listening, checking email and browsing the web, the $200 price point may be a better bargain than Apple’s tablet. Also, with Amazon’s distribution (expect to see this on Amazon’s home page for the next year), this is sure to be a winner and may give Apple a run for their money in the tablet market.

News broke 30 minutes ago so unless you live under a rock, chances are you’ve heard this already. The question now is will Tim Cook be able to move to company in the direction Jobs has been for the past decade? My answer…yes.

As a former employee of the company, Tim Cook has been an innovator for a while now. Even 2 years ago the employee meetings would be recorded by Cook and his vision seems perfectly aligned with Jobs’.

That being said, the question is will customer and share holders see Cook as an emblem for everything the company stands for or was the fact that Steve Jobs a figure head for the company too important?

Here is the letter sent out by Jobs to the company. It is almost sad to read as his health was the only thing standing between him and his position as CEO of the company. We wish Steve and his family all the best.

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Warner Bros has released app editions for “The Dark Knight” and “Inception” on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.  The apps offer bonus features such as games, trivia, and soundtracks, and allow you to purchase the films.  Sounds like just another marketing ploy to milk more money out of the films, but then again, what fanboy won’t download these?

Here’s the press release:

Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD), a market leader in video-on-demand and electronic sell-through, today announced the groundbreaking launch of the “App Editions” of feature films “Inception” and “The Dark Knight,” giving consumers around the world an entirely new way to own special edition movies with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The “Inception: App Edition” and “The Dark Knight: App Edition” are now available on the App Store.

App Editions provide a fully-loaded, connected viewing experience that gives consumers the first five minutes of a feature film and a portion of bonus content that can include games, trivia, soundtracks and soundboards. The entire feature film can be unlocked via an in-app purchase, which enables downloading and unlimited streaming, as well as access to the entire array of bonus content available within the App.

The “Inception” and “The Dark Knight” App Editions are available in over 30 territories, including some which previously did not have access to films through iTunes including China, Brazil and the Netherlands. They contain fully customized menus in 16 languages including Japanese, Greek and Russian and also provide consumers movie subtitles in 34 languages ranging from Arabic to Ukrainian (streamed via WiFi). While watching the film, fans can also connect with friends by sharing their favorite movie quotes through Facebook and Twitter and watch a feed of social networking chatter directly related to the movie in real-time.

“Warner Bros. is bringing more than 100 million Apple device owners a highly innovative new way to experience their favorite films,” said Thomas Gewecke, President of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. “For many, watching a movie is a social activity and App Editions are the first mobile product to deliver this capability on a global scale. They offer a fully connected experience, allowing viewers to engage with others around the world in real-time through Facebook and Twitter. In 2011, Warner Bros. will release a full slate of App Editions including new release and catalog films.”

“Inception: App Edition”
Nominated for eight Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “Inception” stars Leonardo DiCapiro as “Dom Cobb,” who’s a skilled thief in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb’s rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible-inception.

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, “Inception” stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, Dileep Rao, and Michael Caine. Nolan also produced the film with Emma Thomas.

“Inception: App Edition” will not only allow fans to download or stream the blockbuster film, they can also enjoy exclusive bonus materials including three never-before-released tracks from the Academy Award® nominated score composed by Hans Zimmer that can be streamed via Airplay. The App also includes concept art, productions stills, movie poster artwork, bonus video showing a behind-the-scenes look at how Christopher Nolan’s unique vision was brought to life, and copies of “The PASIV Device Instruction Manual” and “The Cobol Job” comic.

The “Inception: App Edition” is available for free through the App Store on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore. The entire feature film and bonus materials can be purchased through an In-App Purchase at an introductory price of $11.99 (US).

“The Dark Knight: App Edition”

The follow-up to “Batman Begins,” Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “The Dark Knight” reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of “Batman/Bruce Wayne” in his continuing war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves effective, but soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker, who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces Batman closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante.

The film also stars Michael Caine as “Alfred”; Heath Ledger as “The Joker”; Gary Oldman as “Jim Gordon”; Aaron Eckhart as “Harvey Dent”; Maggie Gyllenhaal as “Rachel Dawes”; and Morgan Freeman as “Lucius Fox.” Nolan directed the film from a screenplay written by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The producers are Charles Roven, Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan.

“The Dark Knight: App Edition,” protected by Widevine, allows consumers to download a permanent copy of the film to their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, or stream it through the App. They can watch over three hours of bonus clips; explore a rich gallery of photos and trailers; test their film knowledge with interactive video trivia; listen to memorable one-liners and export them as ringtones; post Twitter and Facebook updates; and monitor relevant movie buzz in real time.

“The Dark Knight: App Edition” is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, or at www.itunes.com/appstore. The entire feature film and bonus materials can be purchased for $9.99 (US) through an In-App Purchase.

OSCAR® and ACADEMY AWARD® are registered trademarks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

I’m sure many of you have already stumbled across the news by now, but in case you haven’t, we’ll be happy to fill you in. Earlier today, an iPhone, discreetly wrapped in an iPhone 3GS case, was discovered in a bar in Redwood City, CA. The case was removed and to much surprise was revealed to apparently be Apple’s next generation iPhone. The following details are taken from Gizmodo:

What’s new

• Front-facing video chat camera
• Improved regular back-camera (the lens is quite noticeably larger than the iPhone 3GS)
• Camera flash
• Micro-SIM instead of standard SIM (like the iPad)
• Improved display. It’s unclear if it’s the 960×640 display thrown around before—it certainly looks like it, with the “Connect to iTunes” screen displaying much higher resolution than on a 3GS.
• What looks to be a secondary mic for noise cancellation, at the top, next to the headphone jack
• Split buttons for volume
• Power, mute, and volume buttons are all metallic

What’s changed

• The back is entirely flat, made of either glass (more likely) or ceramic or shiny plastic in order for the cell signal to poke through. Tapping on the back makes a more hollow and higher pitched sound compared to tapping on the glass on the front/screen, but that could just be the orientation of components inside making for a different sound
• An aluminum border going completely around the outside
• Slightly smaller screen than the 3GS (but seemingly higher resolution)
• Everything is more squared off
• 3 grams heavier
• 16% Larger battery
• Internals components are shrunken, miniaturized and reduced to make room for the larger battery

You can find the full scoop on Gizmodo here: http://gizmodo.com/5520164/this-is-apples-next-iphone