Nintendo Video, Netflix Comes To 3DS

BY

Nintendo today launched the Nintendo Video service for the 3DS in Europe, allowing owners of the portable to download video clips in 2D and 3D. The first clips are from Disney’s Oscar’s Oasis and exclusive 3D episodes of a series called Magic Tricks For Your Nintendo 3DS.

The Netflix app has also launched for the 3DS system available for free to everyone with a Netflix streaming account. While the system will allow users to pause and resume watching content from a Wii to a 3DS (and back again) the app currently does not support any 3D movies.

Empire Avenue Gets Xbox 360 Achievement

BY

Empire Avenue has announced the launch of Branded Luxury Items and Achievements. Pertinent to gamers, they can now convert their “Social Capital” into a virtual Xbox 360 an earn an achievement on the site.

“We’re thrilled to have Xbox on board to debut Branded Luxury Items and Achievements. It’s a great example of a brand that has really embraced social media, and it’s no surprise that Xbox quickly rose up the ranks on Empire Avenue,” said Duleepa Wijayawardhana, CEO at Empire Avenue. “We’re excited about the potential of this platform to allow users and brands to connect in meaningful, mutually beneficial ways, and we can’t wait to see how companies will leverage our Luxury Items and Achievements to reach new audiences and reward their existing, loyal fans.”

This allows users to invest in virtual goods from companies on the site, some of which grant discounts, products and services. Users who purchase the virtual Xbox 360 and then head to Empire Avenue, Facebook or Twitter and post “Xbox FTW” as a status update will unlock the “Xbox Fanatic” Achievement.

Halfbrick Strikes Animation Studio

BY

Halfbrick has announced that they have partially acquired The People’s Republic of Animation. The Australian developer will benefit from having the animation studio do the animated trailer for their next upcoming game Machine Gun Jetpack.

“This is an important step for Halfbrick, said Shainiel Deo, CEO of Halfbrick. We see their narrative focus as an incredible resource for creating new and truly compelling IP. Between PRA and Halfbrick, there is barely a screen we can’t reach. .

“The Halfbrick team has built a culture that fosters creative brilliance and simply breeds success,” said Sam White, CEO of The People’s Republic of Animation. “We are very excited to be a part of Halfbrick, both to work with them to create exciting new gaming IP, and to continue to establish PRA one of the world’s leading animation studios.”

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Conspiracy Unfolds

BY

The hype for Deus Ex: Human Revolution is becoming palpable, as bits of information coming out suggest just how much time and effort was put into the game. The latest trailer is cut as well as any techno-thriller movie could ask for.

K-Swiss Promotes Kenny Powers To CEO

BY

K-Swiss has promoted the star of HBO’s Eastbound & Down to the top position of the company and is bringing in athletes like Matt Cassel. Patrick Willis, Jillian Michaels and Rey Misterio to run the company. Check out the hilarious vids, though be warned the uncensored Funny or Die clip is NSFW due to language.

 

Inside Blends Film And Social Media Into A Live Entertainment Experience

BY

On Monday, July 25, Inside will begin (11 AM PST / 2 PM EST) brought to you by Intel and Toshiba and directed by DJ Carusuo starring Emmy Rossum and possibly you. A completely new genre of Hollywood-class entertainment will allow the audience to play as much of a role in the story as the actors and production team. Using social media, participants can interact with characters in real time, effect the plot and possibly earn a cameo in the final version of the film. Join on Facebook, YouTube or Twitter to stay up to date. If you are ready for your closeup, read the scripts, suggestions and guidelines and record and upload your audition to YouTube. To learn about the laptop that is making all of this possible, check out the Toshiba Satellite P775 here.

Saints Row: The Third Goes Platinum, Hyper-Ordinary

BY

THQ has announced details of the Saints Row: The Third Platinum Pack. The collectors edition of the game will include a custom molded Saints Row headset with vocoder voice processing feature, the official Saints Row: The Third soundtrack and a copy of the game for PS3 or Xbox 360 (depending on which Platinum Pack you acquired).

There’s also the Genki Hyper-Ordinary Pre-Order Pack (also packaged in the Platinum Pack) that will net players in game items from Professor Genki’s Super Ethical Reality Climax reality TV show. This includes the human-cannonball truck Professor Genki’s Super Ballistic Man-a-pult, the enemy hypnotizing Professor Genki’s “Octopuss” Weapon and the Professor Genki’s Leisure Stunt Suit with a Free Genki mask.

Source: saintsrow.com

Intel Sponsoring Curious New Discovery Show

BY

Intel has anted upwards of $10 million for Discovery Channel’s new series Curiosity. The serious journalism show, with focus ranging from government intelligence to neuroscience to nanotechnology, will have ads from only four advertisers.

Discovery has committed to producing 60 episodes over the next five years and will run this August in over 200 countries. “This is pretty ambitious and very expensive,” said Joe Abruzzese, president-ad sales, Discovery Communications.

Not only will ads run during the show and on Curiosity s new site, they will also participate in initiatives for Discovery’s education unit and get involved in social media and mobile marketing. “It’s not about us launching a new ad campaign,” said Nancy Bhagat, VP-marketing strategy at Intel. “It’s really about the content behind the idea of Curiosity itself.”

Intel will sponsor a major show segment, and the the relationship is such that it allows Intel a chance to discuss show topics and even to suggest possible hosts. “We’ve actually had a say in the content.” said Bhagat. “They’ve taken some show ideas off the table based on our discussions.”

Discovery maintains that they are ultimately responsible for Curiosity’s shape and tone. “I can’t really say they direct the content, because we really do control that, but they certainly have provided their feedback,” said Jocelyn Egan, senior VP-Discovery Solutions.

“Ultimately, we’re responsible for what we put on the air,” added Abruzzese.

Source: AdAge.com

Facebook Launches Every Phone App

BY

Facebook has launched an app called Facebook for Every Phone. As the name implies, it is designed to work with a wide variety of phones worldwide and not just fancy smartphones.

“This app not only includes Facebook’s most popular features, such as News Feed, Inbox, and Photos, but also enables you to upload photos and find friends from your phone’s contacts,” says Facebook Mobile. “People all over the world can download the app by visiting m.facebook.com and scrolling down to the download link, or by entering d.facebook.com/install directly into their mobile browser. You can also find it in leading app stores, including GetJar, Appia, and Mobile Weaver.”

Facebook has also partnered with various carriers to allow for free data usage for the new app for the next 90 days, though none are located in the U.S.

Source: Facebook.com