The Console Killer

from GeekChicDaily:

The history of video game development is littered with failed gaming systems. There was the Nokia N-Gage, a game system/cell phone that actually required you to remove the phone’s battery to switch game cards. Remember Nintendo’s Virtual Boy? Everyone loves an eyepiece on a stand that produces 3D images… and ocular damage in young children. How about the RDI Halcyon? Price? $2500. Total number of games released? Two.

You can forget the aforementioned. The eggheads at OnLive have engineered what may finally become button-mashing’s next great leap forward. Today marks the debut of their OnLive Game System, a device that lets you stream video games for the Xbox, PC and PS3 while owning almost no hardware.

OnLive’s new MicroConsole is about the size of a deck of cards and it does little processing work on its own. Instead, it connects your TV to the company’s servers, which stream games that you’ve bought or rented. What’s the catch? You need a pretty speedy internet tap to avoid diminished graphics and controller lag. For max performance, OnLive recommends an internet connection speed of 5Mbps, although it should still function at 3 Mbps. The best part? Because the console is portable and the games live in the computing cloud, you can start playing a title on your home PC, pick up a saved game on your laptop and maybe finish on the TV at your hotel. (Although why you’d be playing a game at a hotel and not watching Skinemax is beyond us.)

HEXBUG News and Holiday Deals

from HEXBUG:

Vote HEXBUG for Toy of the Year!
The HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set has been nominated for a Toy of the Year Award by the Toy Industry Association! We need your help to spread the word and get the vote out for HEXBUG! Make sure to vote for the Habitat Set as Specialty Toy of the Year and then again as Overall Toy of the Year. Vote for HEXBUG at hexbug.com/toty.

HEXBUG Nano Holiday Bundles now available! Free Shipping!
Just in time for the holidays, 6 different HEXBUG Nano Holiday Bundles have been released on HEXBUG.com. These bundles are a collection of our most popular HEXBUG Nano products at great prices. Holiday Bundles come in a box that is perfect for gift wrapping and, for a limited time only, we are offering Free Shipping on all Holiday Bundles! Check out the savings today at hexbug.com/holiday.

J!NX: $1000 Awarded to 3 Awesome Artists

from J!NX:

New Winners from the J!NX Design Arcade
The past few weeks have been pretty exciting for us with a few key launches. In the midst of all that, we wanted to highlight some of the gems that have come from the J!NX Design Arcade. I Slay Dragons (on the internet) comes to us from the inimitable iamdeadfish, which let me say, is also a cool alias. Ian-S enters the fray with Floppy Disk. It happens to everyone… I swear. And we round out the batch with Cult Classics from Mark722. Each of these digital artisans walks away with $750 cash and a $250 J!NX Gift Certificate!

WowWee’s newest toy robot: Roboscooper

from WowWee:

Meet Roboscooper, your fun, friendly robotic buddy who loves to pick up, dump and recycle! Have him carry or scoop your favorite things around the house. With lots of funny comments, modes and full driving control, Roboscooper is always ready to have fun!

Watch the ad

ThinkGeek rolls a crit & summons $1,000 spree

from ThinkGeek:

Greetings, walking dead!

We hope your Halloween was full of corn syrup and cosplay. Ours also featured the first episode of The Walking Dead. Don’t worry — we won’t spoil it for you if it’s on your DVR other than to say holy headshots, Batman, and we are concerned that nobody is double-tapping.

But enough about brain splatter! The stuff we have below will make you forget all about the rotting, chewed-up corpses of yesterday. We promise. When was the last time a monkey disappointed you?

Electronic Spy Camera Shirt!!
Even James Bond has to have an off day when all his fancy duds are at the $1.50 Dry Cleaners and he’s down to his last pair of underpants. But just because his suit jackets are gone doesn’t mean he can’t hide fancy spy gadgets on his person. Enter the Electronic Spy Camera Shirt. It’s so deliciously obvious. Centered in the artwork on the shirt is the man himself, holding a camera to his face. But not just a picture of a camera. Hidden behind the soft cotton exterior is a fully-functioning spy camera. That’s right. Whatever your chest can see, the camera can see. A cable connects the camera to a small black box that fits discreetly in your pocket. Just reach in, press the button, and your shirt will capture the evidence before you.

Critical Hit LED D20 Die!!
We love positive reinforcement. Which is why we thought that dice could be improved by the addition of a red LED that flashes when you roll a 20. We mean, it just seems RIGHT, doesn’t it? Players will love the extra celebration that comes with flashing lights when they land a crit on that nasty mindflayer. GMs are going to love the way that with the appropriate mood lighting, they can look extra evil — and glowy! — behind the screen when they dominate the fighter. (Again. That guy has like, no Will.) Make your RPG a little more awesome today with the Critical Hit LED d20 Die.

Win a $1000 ThinkGeek Shopping Spree — Mirror universe holiday
In a world… where ThinkGeek hands you presents for all your loved ones… for free… can a geek survive? Brace yourself, cadet, because this contest might launch you straight into that mirror universe (where you have a sweet goatee). Enter to win a $1000 ThinkGeek Shopping Spree. That’s plenty for gifts, leaving your previously-saved holiday fund for more selfish pursuits. And a beard trimmer for your fantastic goatee.

$10 Off Your Order — Candy or gadgets? Gadgets or candy? Both?
Early November is all about eating Halloween candy. Your kid’s candy, leftover candy, 50% off candy. Om nom nom! Either way, your “nutrition” for the next week is all set, right? Perhaps you should busy your fingers with a new toy or gadget from ThinkGeek instead. Use the code SUGARHIGH for $10 off orders of $40 or more, good through 11/5/2010 at 11:59 PM ET.

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

Immedium: Mega “Squid” and “Space” Contests, Octonauts on TV

from Immedium:

As the new film Megamind debuts this Friday, we cheerfully nudge you to see another big headed and slippery character, Sid the Squid.

The author David Derrick is a Dreamworks artist on How to Train Your Dragon and the aforementioned Megamind. Maybe Will Ferrell will take on a real acting challenge and portray our friendly 10-armed hero! 5 star Amazon reviews of Sid the Squid and the Search for the Perfect Job have flooded in, such as this praise from “Happy Reader”:

“This is the perfect read-out-loud book for children of all ages. The story is clever and engaging, with the type of subtle repetitive pattern that kids seem to love, followed by surprising and delightful outcomes. The story is humorous and the lesson taught is encouraging as children anticipate what Sid’s (and their) place in the world might be. The illustrations are charming with depth and unexpected detail perfect for kids (and delightful for their adult reading companions!). The witty feel of the book comes from the sense of humor evident in the paintings. Overall, a fabulous new addition to my collection of treasured children’s books.”

CONTEST: Win a 8 x 10 print of the book cover! Ask your child to draw Sid the Squid and email us a photo of them and their artwork to Sid@immedium.com. One lucky winner will get a photo print of Sid (suitable for framing).

We also offer the same GIVEAWAY for our second new adventure Space Cadet Topo: The Day the Sun Turned Off. Email your submissions to Topo@immedium.com.

The creators DGPH recently autographed copies at a toy workshop in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Space Cadet Topo is a fun-packed, enjoyable and incredibly imaginative tale of against all odds valor that takes you on an amazing journey of galactic proportions… This is a roller-coaster of a book. The story bolts you in and the illustrations take you on this amazing ride through space as our hero tries to save the universe. At times throughout the book I felt as if I were immersed in a video-game game; climbing through mazes, discovering new characters, testing my abilities… The crisp illustrations are littered with so many fun elements that will have kids (and adults) reading this story over and over again, each time discovering something new.” — I Like Characters

Two people who order autographed Space Cadet Topo books will get a free NASA Journey to the Stars educator’s guide and DVD!

The Octonauts travel the Globe:

International dateline update — our favorite ocean explorers have leapt onto the small screen to make new friends worldwide. For those of you who aren’t visiting the United Kingdom to watch the telly, you can still whet your Octo appetite here:

The Octonauts “sub” site: bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/octonauts/
1. Listen to the Theme Tune!
2. Dance to the Creature Report
3. Play at the TV show’s site

In France, Les Octonauts are stationed on channel TF1.
videos.tf1.fr/octonauts/

In South America, Los Octonautas headquarters is on Discovery Kids.
tudiscoverykids.com
discoverykidsbrasil.com

VIZ Media Launches Free VIZ Manga iPad App

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced its long-awaited digital manga (graphic novel) application for the Apple iPad mobile device, launching today for FREE download through the iTunes Store. With this launch, the VIZ Manga App instantly becomes the leading destination to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world.

The VIZ Manga App will launch on its first day with five legendary manga series, Bleach Vols. 1-2, Death Note Vols. 1-2, Dragon Ball Vol. 1, Naruto Vols. 1-2, and One Piece Vols. 1-2, as well as the recently launched Bakuman Vol. 1. In Week 2, the shojo fan favorite Ouran High School Host Club Vol. 1 joins the lineup. All volumes will be available for purchase and download directly within the application for $4.99 per volume. In addition, Death Note Vol. 1 will be available as a FREE download for a limited time only. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series for the iPad will also be featured and added on a frequent and regular basis.

“Fans have been clamoring for an official manga-dedicated app from the moment they heard of the iPad’s existence,” says Alvin Lu, Senior Vice President and General Manager of VIZ Media. “It’s easy to see how manga and the iPad make for a perfect and natural fit. The VIZ Manga App is a great start, and this is just the beginning of manga’s brave new world. Look for plenty more developments to come.”

For more information on the VIZ Manga App, please visit VIZ.com/apps.

National Geographic presents “Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology: The Exhibition”

from Lucasfilm:

For the past thirty years, audiences around the world have followed Indiana Jones on his quests for treasure, adventure, fortune and glory. And now, Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, a redefined modern exhibition experience, is coming to a museum near you. This innovative exhibition, made possible by Lucasfilm Ltd., presented by the National Geographic Society and produced by Montreal’s X3 Productions, will feature fascinating artefacts from the National Geographic Society and the Penn Museum, along with an extensive collection of Indiana Jones film materials from the Lucasfilm Archives. This first-of-its kind touring exhibition will be presented in twelve world-class institutions in Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The world premiere run will be held at the Montreal Science Centre, starting April 28, 2011.

Kyra Bowling, Exhibits Manager at Lucasfilm Ltd., is pleased to see that “Dr. Jones has found his way to the museum and accompanies visitors on their very own adventure into the science of field archaeology.” Bowling adds, “The Indiana Jones films have entertained generations of audiences and this exhibition provides a wonderful way to merge that on-screen excitement with the science of archaeology to help inspire learning in a fun, dynamic way.”

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology not only features a vast and exclusive collection of Indy props, models, concept art and set designs, it also presents a wealth of historical and cultural facts. The internationally renowned University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, otherwise known as the Penn Museum, is providing genuine archaeological artefacts and educational material. The National Geographic Society, the exhibition’s global presenting partner, also shares artefacts, photos, videos and content from its impressive and historic archive.

“This exhibition is an exciting journey into the real world of archaeology,” says Fredrik Hiebert, National Geographic’s Archaeology Fellow. “This is the perfect opportunity to introduce audiences of all ages to this fascinating scientific field through the inspiration of these highly popular films. It is a natural for National Geographic.”

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology transforms the museum experience into a multimedia and interactive adventure. Visitors will be immersed in the world of Indiana Jones, an environment created by state-of-the-art technology and spanning over 1,000 square metres. Equipped with a video companion, visitors will embark on a quest to uncover the true origins of archaeological mysteries. Charged with comprehensive educational content, photos and videos, the interactive hand-held devices will guide visitors on the “Indy Trail” and through the various archaeological zones. Visitors will also have the ability to create their own adventure with an interactive quest.

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology will elucidate myths associated with relics like the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail and explore mythical places such as Akator or Mayapore. The exhibition also will shed light on how archaeologists really work on projects such as deciphering ancient scripts and discovering the true origins of the mysterious Nasca lines in southern Peru. With Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, visitors will discover where fact meets fiction.

A Team of Experts
In order to create a new kind of museum experience, one that will engage, educate and entertain visitors in innovative ways, X3 Productions has not only put its creative expertise to work, it has also gathered a team of world-renowned specialists. With their recognized knowledge in academic and field archaeology Drs. Michel Fortin and Fredrik Hiebert have helped to create and develop the exhibition’s educational content. With a specialty in Near Eastern archaeology, Fortin is a Full Professor of Archaeology who has been teaching in the Department of History at Université Laval in Quebec City for nearly three decades. He has led numerous excavation teams in the Middle East and is a true ambassador to his profession. A world-renowned archaeologist and National Geographic Fellow, Hiebert is a field expert who has searched for human history in some of the world’s most remote and exotic places. His experience in both North and South America and across Asia is ideal for this project. The team is further supported by Shirley Reiff Howarth, director of the Humanities Exchange in Montreal, whose expertise in travelling exhibitions and museum curation has proven to be a great asset in the development of this project.

Archaeology and Local Treasures
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology sets the wheels in motion not only to inspire, but most importantly to cultivate a lasting interest in archaeology. The world abounds with treasures, some of which can be found in our own backyard. The exhibition is designed in such a way that the last gallery is dedicated to local archaeology, allowing the host museum to feature some of its prized collections. For its world premiere in Montreal, artefacts from the Archaeology Collection of the City of Montreal will be on display.

Information and Ticket Sales
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology: The Exhibition will launch its world premiere at the Montreal Science Centre from April 28 through September 18, 2011. Tickets are on sale now! For complete schedule and ticket information, visit the Montreal Science Centre Box Office or contact them at (514) 496-4724 or (877) 496-4724 or visit indianajonestheexhibition.com. Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology is the first production of X3 Productions, for more information visit x3productions.ca.

The Rocketeer is… You

from GeekChicDaily:

Weren’t we all supposed to have jetpacks by now? It’s not just that we expected to have them by the dawn of the 21st century, but that commercial air travel just seems to suck more and more each year. A one-man contraption without screaming babies and overpriced Pringles sounds like a heavenly alternative.

When it comes to long-awaited goals, however, trust the New Zealanders to get it done. Look how many people thought a faithful Lord of the Rings movie trilogy would never happen in our lifetime, but those resourceful Kiwis made the impossible a reality. Lo and behold, the Martin Jetpack is now here!

Assuming inventor Glenn Martin has his way, folks visiting Christchurch, NZ will soon be able to shell out $320 for a ride in one of these things, which aren’t quite at Rocketeer-levels of compactness just yet. Want to own one? That’ll be $100 grand, please (though maybe it’s New Zealand dollars, in which case you can save on the exchange rate). If that’s out of your budget, they also have T-shirts that you can buy. Call it an investment in the company.

If you do pick one up, we suggest steering clear of hibernation-blind, pike-wielding star pilots. And Sarlacc pits.

News That Squishes: Foxes and a Web Comic!

from Squishable:

Hello Folks!

So let’s say the next time you’re out on the town you’re caught in a rainy downpour of journalism coverage! Well you better hope that splashy journalism isn’t some hard, icy, freezing news. No indeed! You want your surprise precipitation in the form of warm, summery Squishy News! And here it is!

Squishable Fox! It’s taken a year and a LOT of requests, but we have a Squishable Fox! He’s cuddly, orange, pointy ears, fluffy tail… if it has anything to do with a fox, he’s probably got it. Best thing ever, or bestest thing ever? We’re gonna go with BOTH.

Squishable Android pre-order! Even iPhone owners have to admit that the Android cellphone operating system has an awesome mascot. And we’ve got our personal tribute in Squishy, Squishy form! He’s available for pre-order and will ship the end of next week (Oct 15th)! Woo!

Restocks! Guess what we’ve got back on the site? A lot, that’s what. If you’ve been holding off on doing a cross-country bike tour until your chosen Squishy is available, better start inflating those wheels! Or whatever it is bikers do! We’ve got the Squishy Panda, Hedgehog, Penguin, Snail, Raccoon, Rooster, Shark, Elephant, Octopus, and the Bat!

And just as a reminder, we’ve got Owls, Platypuses, and Cthulhu(‘s?) in for your hugging pleasure!

Squishable: The Web Comic! Ahem… Presenting The Fuzzy Five: a Squishable Comic! Starting this week, Mondays and Wednesdays are brought to you by the death-defying and adorable adventures of Breakfast, Spirit, Nightshade, Nina Jr, and Otto Von Cuddlesberger. And their humans. It is exactly as awesome as it sounds. Give it a try and tell us what you think! Be honest — our sweet and innocent artistic souls can take it!

Thanks folks!

Zoe and Aaron
Squishable.com

GIANTmicrobes Vinyl Figures

from Giantmicrobes:

Giantmicrobes is excited to announce our first release of microbe characters: Meet Sniffles, Bellie, Ahhh-lbert, and Dr. Larkin*!

Like our popular line of plush dolls, our collectible figurines are inspired by actual microscopic images of the microbes they represent — but this time, they’re full of personality and fun!

In addition to a collectible microbe figurine, each package includes an animation flip book and an action pose sticker. More characters (and more plush dolls) will be released later this fall and before Christmas.

We’re also pleased about the improvements we’ve made to our website giantmicrobes.com. Have a look — and don’t miss the GIANTmicrobes starring in their first video short!

It has been my dream to have the GIANTmicrobes bring the microscopic world to life in an entertaining way. It is a great pleasure for me to be able to share my enthusiasm about our new characters with you. I hope you’ll be as excited about them as I am.

Thank you very much for your continuing support for our products.

Drew Oliver
Founder/CEO
Giantmicrobes, Inc.
giantmicrobes.com

*Dr. Larkin was my childhood pediatrician. He served as a doctor in Vietnam, and then dedicated his life to keeping children healthy.