Category Archives: Variety (Print)

Lightfield capture heralds new camera era

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Lightfield capture is one of the more intriguing technologies to hit the photographic world in years — and one that could eventually have a big impact on 3D filmmaking.

The tech is like something out of a sci-fi novel: Shoot a picture now and worry about focus later. It’s something that has been predicted as a possible replacement for the stereoscopic camera, since true lightfield capture would give filmmakers the flexibility to choose 3D settings in post — something that’s only possible now through post conversion.

Read more at Daily Variety

Fans finally warm to stereo vidgaming

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As the television manufacturing industry struggles to persuade consumers that 3D is the future, the videogame industry is having a little easier time of it.

Several of the hottest games of 2011 were 3D-compatible. Some, like Sony’s “Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception,” made a convincing case that the technology could add to the gaming experience and wasn’t just a gimmick. And after a sluggish start, Nintendo’s 3DS has, seemingly, finally found its footing.With the one-two punch of a price cut and a strong holiday slate of games, the 3DS surpassed first year sales of the Nintendo DS in just eight months. (The DS went on to be the bestselling game system of all time in the U.S.) Nintendo now estimates 3DS unit sales should top 4 million units by February.

Read more at Daily Variety

Google partners with OnLive

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Video game streaming service OnLive has taken another big step towards mass-market penetration.

Google has partnered with the company and will begin offering the service through all of its Google TV distribution partners. Though the company will initially offer just social features, it plans to let subscribers play popular console and PC games in the months to come.

Read more at Daily Variety

Tablets get in game

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Tablets offer plenty of games from Apple and Android’s app stores, but the selection can leave hardcore gamers frustrated.

While there are some exceptions, most of these app-based games are seen as the equivalent of a midday snack — fun diversions designed for short bursts of play, but ultimately disposable. And though there are some familiar console franchises in the mobile space such as Activision’s “Call of Duty Black Ops Zombies,” the depth of gameplay on those titles doesn’t begin to compare with the offerings on the Xbox, PlayStation 3 or PC.

Read more at Daily Variety

Microsoft makes its final CES keynote speech

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When Microsoft announced plans to stop giving the keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show, the company implied the reason was because it didn’t have a lot to say. And it certainly backed that up Monday night.

At times entertaining, at times baffling and at times a bit dry, Microsoft’s final appearance at CES was more notable because of the finality attached to it than what was said on stage.

Read more at Daily Variety

CES: Dish previews new HD DVRs

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Dish Network is counting on a couple of kangaroos to kick off a new era for its business.

The satellite company unveiled a pair of new flagship set-top boxes dubbed Hopper and Joey at its annual CES press conference on Monday, as well as a new faster broadband satellite Internet service. The new multi-room HD DVR combo will also be part of a new corporate identity.

Read more at Daily Variety

Panasonic, MySpace team for TV experiment

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Panasonic is teaming with MySpace for the rollout of the social network’s new social TV experiment.

MySpace TV will be the crown jewel of Panasonic’s collection of TV apps, letting people chat with friends as they watch programming and see what’s trending among their social circles.

Read more at Daily Variety

CES: Digital audiences rapidly growing

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The digital age is having a bigger impact on the entertainment industry than ever before.

The number of people opting to stream movies is approaching parity with those who watch them on DVD, according to Deloitte’s sixth “State of the Media Democracy” report: Some 42% of the people surveyed said they had streamed a film in the past six months versus 51% who watched on DVD, Blu-ray or VHS.

Read more at Daily Variety