Microsoft pulls an Xbox One-80, backtracks from absurd policies
Independent gaming website Giant Bomb broke a news story about Microsoft turning its back on its ridiculous DRM policies for its next generation console, Xbox One. Microsoft has since confirmed their intentions to backtrack from such policies in a desperate attempt to win back consumer support, as well as level the playing field with its direct competitor and rival, Sony's PlayStation 4.
For those not paying attention to the uproar Microsoft's Xbox One announcement created, execs had planned on mandating an internet connection for the system as well as creating a stupid system that wouldn't allow consumers to sell, trade, or simply share their games with others. Microsoft is now stating that the Xbox One will function much like the current Xbox 360, allowing gamers to buy and sell used games, share disc-based games with friends, and only necessitate an internet connection upon first activating the system.
It's very, very surprising that Microsoft would be so willing to pull away from the policies they tried so hard to force upon the gaming community during their E3 conference last week. While it's partially true that the sudden retraction was caused by consumer backlash, it's all a business move to make money; unfortunately, some higher-ups will probably face severe ramifications for the shenanigans Microsoft had to face over the last week. Furthermore, if they can easily change face on their policies right now, who's to say they won't once again following the Xbox One's release?
Then again, if you're smart, you already pre-ordered a PS4 and won't have to worry about such things.
[via Microsoft]
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For is delayed until August 2014
In a surprising turn of events, the upcoming Sin City sequel, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For has been pushed back almost a year from October 2013 to August 2014. No official word has come out explaining the delay, but I'm assuming it's due to extensive post-production work necessary for the green screen shot film. It's terrible news for fans of both the original Sin City film as well as fans of Frank Miller's comics, but the extra production time should help with the film's use of special effects. I'm sure a more official reason will come out shortly, but for now, audiences can trust that director Robert Rodriguez (Machete) will do everything in his power to ensure the delay is worthwhile.
[via /Film]
Rumor: Instagram bites Vine's style, plans to implement videos
Facebook is playing catch up lately, first implementing hashtags on the popular social network last week. Now, rumors are spreading that they will announce a Vine-like video feature for Instagram, the photo-sharing app that Facebook acquired last April. With Vine itself having multiplied its user base with its release on Android two weeks ago, Facebook is doing its best to stay on the same playing field.
Tech Crunch cites an unnamed source pointing at a "Video Instagram" app to be announced on June 20th. Whether it will function within the Instagram app or be its own app is yet to be determined. However, the source claims that the video clips will run for five to 10 seconds, surpassing Vine's maximum allotment of six seconds. Given that this is rumored to be an Instagram-branded application, fans of the X-Pro II, Sierra, Walden, and other filters of its ilk should be implemented with the new service. Finally, aspiring camera phone photographers can break into the video business.
[via Tech Crunch]
Y: The Last Man film adaptation might begin production next year
With comic book adaptations all the rage these days, Hollywood has become more open to adapting some amazing series. Sure, a majority of these adaptations are niche superhero genre films, but with the success of Marvel's films, The Dark Knight trilogy, and The Walking Dead spreading like the virus, comic book adaptations aren't as risky as they used to be. This is great for some properties, as they'll receive the proper mainstream attention they deserve. However, if mishandled improperly, they could cause more harm than good (re: Watchmen).
Y: The Last Man by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Pia Guerra is a dystopic comic book series where an epidemic killed every mammal with a Y chromosome except for Yorick and his pet monkey, Ampersand. When they're discovered to be the only two living mammals left, the government assigns him a bodyguard, Agent 355, to ensure he makes it safely to a genetics lab in Boston to find why he and Ampersand are immune.
While the series spanned 60 issues and covers an extended period of time, current plans for the film adaptation are to condense it into one film. This would be a disservice to both the series and fans of the comic. However, plans could change, as nothing is set in stone. The film's producer, David Goyer (Man of Steel), recently stated the production could begin in 2014 and that the film should stand on its own, but be expandable. Y: The Last Man would fit better within the TV series format a la The Walking Dead, but a trilogy might be enough. I'll say this about it: if you haven't read Y: The Last Man, I urge you to go to your local comic book store and pick up a trade.
[via /Film]
Harmony Korine is "sizzurping" Spring Breakers on DVD, Blu-Ray
Spring Breakers has to be one of the most divisive films of the year. While I personally liked the film's themes when I saw it at SXSW a few months ago, most audiences didn't appreciate director Harmony Korine's (Kids) attempt at capturing the hazy party atmosphere of a Florida-set spring break. Perhaps caving into the audience reception of the film, Korine is editing the film for its home media release, referring to the process as both "sizzurped" and "chopped and screwed." They're outdated terms that kind of illustrate how out of touch Korine can be, but I guess the descriptions help fit what he's attempting to do.
What isn't known is whether or not the film on DVD and Blu-Ray will be completely re-edited, or if it'll exist concurrently with the film's original cut, much like various Director's/Extended/Unrated Cuts found on other home media releases. I'd assume that the "sizzurped" version of Spring Breakers will be an addition, but you can never be too sure with Korine. I guess we'll just find out on July 9th when Spring Breakers finds its way into our homes.
[via Complex]
Arnold Schwarzenegger will be back for Terminator 5
When Arnold Schwarzenegger famously said, "I'll be back," who would have known he'd return to the Terminator franchise 30 years after he uttered those words? The former Governator has recently confirmed he'll be portraying a Terminator in the upcoming Terminator 5 sequel. This might break the film's canon, given Schwarzenegger's age and the believability for Skynet to even create old Terminators. But hey, that's for the nerd writers to figure out, right?
In all seriousness, Schwarzenegger's return to the franchise that helped establish his popularity will be both a great PR casting for the film, but also help the former bodybuilder's return to Hollywood. A few years ago, Fast & Furious 6 director Justin Lin was set to direct, but he pulled out to finish his last film in the Fast & Furious franchise. However, Lin could theoretically return, which would be even better news for the film's potential. It'll also be interesting to see if Schwarzenegger still has the chops to be a Terminator, given his age. However, with a lot of time left before production even begins, Schwarzenegger will have a lot of time to get in the chopper.
[via Collider]
Facebook bites Twitter's style, plans to implement hashtags
What bugs me more than anything is seeing people using hashtags on Facebook. For those who don't know, hashtag links, most commonly and visibly utilized on Twitter, are a series of metadata tags that grouped together common tweets, posts, etc. Again, for the non-tweeters out there, somebody could write a tweet about the Blackhawks, then add a "#Blackhawks" tag, which is then grouped together with all other tweets that also incorporate "#Blackhawks. The problem with hashtags is that Facebook doesn't incorporate them in their system, so when non-privy people post their statuses with stupid hashtags, they don't really lead to anything, thus making that user look like an idiot.
That's all set to change over the coming weeks, as Facebook is doing their part to not only ensure such users will stop looking technologically uneducated, but also help them keep up in a social media expanse that's constantly growing and evolving. Much like MySpace's new attempt at revolutionizing itself, Facebook has taken one huge step in ensuring they don't get left in the dust. The implementation of Facebook hashtags will also help artists and businesses alike as they finally have access at grouping together their content for individuals with common interests, allowing them to grow their social media presence on Facebook the same way they would on Twitter. Some users have access to functioning hashtags, while others will be included in the updates as Facebook begins their roll-out of wave updates through the next few weeks.
Welcome to #2009, Facebook.
[via Facebook Newsroom]