This last weekend was the final run of Star Wars The Last Jedi at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. From a visit from The First Order’s stormtroopers, to a quick photo opp with BB8, to a one of a kind laser show experience, there was plenty of excitement for everyone.
Here’s a quick look at some of the images and fun from all the activities over at The El Capitan.
Downstairs, fans had a unique look at some of the behind the scenes photography by Rian Johnson.
Costumes used in the film by Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, and Carrie Fisher were also on site for viewing.
The El Capitan did a great job at creating a complete Star Wars experience from start to finish.
Before each showing, a spectacular laser show draws you into the power of The Force.
On the way out, there was also a beautiful look back at the marquee in tribute to Star Wars and our princess, Carrie Fisher.
To learn more about the other exciting events upcoming, including the highly anticipated release of Marvel’s Black Panther, check out https://elcapitantheatre.com/
Now that we are almost a month in to 2018, Disneyland is definitely going into off season mode with refurbishments, scaffolding, and updates around every corner. Though the crowds are still strong in numbers, you can definitely feel a little bit more space around you as you roam through the park gates into the magic that awaits.
There are a few obstacles to keep in mind before the fun can begin though. The previously announced updates to the Main Street track and central hub are now underway, creating a tight squeeze for everyone going in and out of the park. In tradition with years past, this time of year is best for major updates and maintenance that are more difficult to get away with during major holidays and crowd surges.
So many walls out there.
The usual suspects are down such as Grizzly River Run, Splash Mountain, and The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Though this year we are also seeing updates to the area around It’s A Small World, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Paradise Pier. Pixar Fest and Pixar Pier are just around the corner and the party can’t begin until some major work can be completed.
Coming Soon
Still, upon roaming the parks, the scaffolding and walls don’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirits. Photos are still being taken along Paradise Bay, wait times are holding strong, and people are eager to see what’s to come.
As sad as I am to see Paradise Pier fade off into the sunset, it is interesting to see all the work that is underway for Pixar Pier. Due to the tall nature of the design, it makes it a lot harder to hide the renovations. This means we will get a front row seat to the updates from start to finish. It’s sobering and exciting at the same time.
When I pier up at the remains of California Screamin’ and Mickey’s Fun Wheel, I will forever see the memories shared with the past forms that are now being transformed. Yet, getting to see that transformation first hand is powerful and uniquely intriguing in a way I didn’t quite expect until I got to see it all for myself.
The fading of the light.
Rose gold colored glasses aside, this brief moment of the “off-season” is not just about walls and construction. There are plenty of other fun surprises that will be worth taking a closer look into. Star Tours is a great example. For those who haven’t been on it since the release of The Last Jedi, new scenes have been thrown into the mix that take you to the mineral planet, Crait, as well as a sneak preview of Galaxy’s Edge.
The initial scenes have also been tweaked to be more consistent with the new trilogy timeline that feature Rey, Kylo Ren, and Poe Dameron. Since the beginning of Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, we have been used to random locations from cross the entire Star Wars saga. This new format creates the potential for an update that makes more sense.
Image courtesy of Disneyland’s official website.
Currently, you could jump from being confronted by Darth Vader to almost ramming into Jar Jar down on Naboo. Another jump could have you racing down the slopes of Hoth during a battle with the Empire only to find yourself rushing through another intense battle above Courscant during The Clone Wars.
Rather than jump from the prequel era to the original trilogy, and then back again, there is an opportunity for Star Tours to be era specific. Each trip will focus on key scenes from each era, staying within the same timeline, but allowing the element of surprise since there are three separate eras you could find yourself in. With the large assortment of various scenes, we can create a more uniform story.
I can only hope I wasn’t the only one who imagined that possibility. The focus for the time being will remain on both The Last Jedi and ultimately, Galaxy’s Edge. For those eager to jump into the Star Wars’ theme land, thankfully, there is more to be seen over the walls in Frontierland.
A look at the amazing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge model.
The towering spires of the newest land are starting to come into view and construction is well under way. Once completed, there will be plenty of incredible adventures to embark on. For the time being, we will have to focus on some other new distractions while we wait. These come in the form of new entertainment in Downtown Disney.
Along the Star Wars theme, the newest VR experience can be found in Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. Fans can jump right into the story and complete a walk through of custom made puzzles, battles, and choices leading up to a classic Star Wars finish. Reservations and advance ticketing for the venue are made available online, which can be viewed at https://www.thevoid.com/dimensions/starwars/secretsoftheempire/
Images courtesy of Lucasfilm and The Void
Just around the corner, guests will also get a chance to knock down a few pins at the soon to open, Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Once the ribbon is officially cut, all are welcome to venture in to explore the over 20 bowling lanes, state of the art kitchens, and California themed hot spots.
From concept to construction. Coming very soon! Image courtesy of Splitsville
The venue will be using a fixed price structure for play, rather than a more traditional setup. Time slots are also predetermined based of party size rather than per a set number of games.
Plenty of food options will be available that range from traditional burgers and fries to a more wide assortment of cuisine. To get a closer look at all the details, menus, and pricing, visit their website link below:
http://www.splitsvillelanes.com/location/anaheim/
Despite closures and construction, there is still a lot to discover and to do around the resort area. It’s going to be a fun ride and one I look forward into the new year.
Laughlin is Las Vegas on a lazy river, smaller, slower paced. And nowhere is this feeling more personified than at the Colorado Belle Hotel and Casino.
Located on the bank of the Colorado River, in the middle of “casino row,” the Belle is a replica of a 19th century Mississippi paddlewheel riverboat and the New Orleans and Bourbon Towers. It boasts two giant, iconic paddle wheels, four towering stacks, and an endless array of ornate styling and furnishings reminiscent of a Mark Twain novel.
I was thinking of Twain as a friend and I recently checked into the hotel. I wondered how he would describe this massive “boat,” with its 1,104 guest rooms and 57 suites, 65,000-sq.-ft. gaming, three restaurants, four lounges and a microbrewery. I bet he would have spun a fantastic yarn about it all.
But I didn’t drive four hours from Pasadena to Nevada to bet on Mark Twain. I came to win cash; gorge myself on cheap buffets; catch a live show or two; and to enjoy the Colorado River in winter, when the weather is mild and crowds are scarce.
So after unpacking in a spacious fifth floor suite with a two queen beds, a balcony full of songbirds, and a serene river view, I hit the casino.
My first stop was the 25-cent slots, where I spent about an hour winning a little, losing a little more, and sipping Bloody Marys. I then headed to a $5 minimum blackjack table, where I fared better. Showing uncharacteristic willpower, I left the table ahead $10.
I then joined my friend for a sure-thing: the seafood & prime rib buffet at The Loading Dock Bar and Grill. Located at the north end of Colorado Belle with spectacular mountain and river views, the restaurant offers indoor seating and patio dining overlooking the river. The delicious, endless buffet is great deal. It runs 4pm – 10pm and costs $24.99.
After dinner, we explored more of the vessel. The six-story Belle stretches 600 feet and features numerous rooms and suites with awesome river views. Besides restaurants and gaming, there are two pools, a Jacuzzi, and a state-of-the-art fitness room. There are also gift and candy stores, a pastry shop a private beach, and water features with hundreds of giant carp swimming around the premises.
As for accommodations, the rooms are beautifully appointed with memorable views of the Colorado River or the surrounding Nevada desert landscape. They equipped with one King or two Queen Beds, 32” flatscreen TVs with expanded viewing and pay-per-view options and all-new bedding and amenities. Of the resort’s 1,164 hotel rooms, 74% are non-smoking.
On the river side, the hotel offers a water taxi for guests who want to visit other casinos and hotels. From the docks, visitors can also hop aboard tour boats and jet boats for trips to nearby Davis Dam and the London Bridge in Lake Havasu.
For those who prefer exercise, Laughlin’s numerous riverfront casinos are linked by a walkway along the shore. This is not only a great way to see other casinos, but is also provides a wonderful stroll along the mighty Colorado River.
Meandering more than a thousand miles from the Rockies to the Sea of Cortez, the Colorado River provides irrigation, public water and hydroelectric power to parts of California, Nevada and Arizona. In Laughlin, the river also offers a wide spectrum of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing or a refreshing dip in the brisk water.
On February 10, legendary singer/songwriter Paul Anka will be performing at The Colorado Belle. The former teen idol, who has recorded 125 albums and sold close to 15 million albums worldwide, will be showcasing his new album “Rock Swings” as well as singing some of his hits such as “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” and “You’re Having My Baby.”
The Colorado Belle is located at 2100 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029. For more info on staying at the call (866) 352-3553 or visit: www.coloradobelle.com. For more info on visiting Laughlin, visit: www.visitlaughlin.com.
12 Strong is the story of soldiers who rode on horses against tanks in the earliest days of the War on Terror. It’s one of those stories that sounds far too unrealistic in a Hollywood script but here it was, bright as any day that could be legally declassified, in our very own reality. After the September 11 attacks that shook the global landscape as we knew it. A war unlike any other would swiftly follow and its devastating effects are still being, a team of a dozen CIA and Green Berets were shipped off to Afghanistan to unite with General Abdul Rashid Dostum to fight against the Taliban.
American action cinema has a problematic cinematic shorthand with its current crop of war movies and espionage thrillers. Mysterious, terrorizing boogeymen from the Middle East are consistently lined up for fodder for super powered strongmen, the likes of which are no match for the Jack Bauer’s of the medium. Hey, I’m not one to judge. I too indulge in 24‘s low budget action thrills. But it’s an odd feeling that encroached during the viewing of 12 Strong. After receiving backlash for its treatment of Middle Eastern characters (more often caricatures than fully rounded people), 24 wrote in an episode where two Middle Eastern brothers who owned a gunshop assisted Bauer as he and a friend attempted to survive an attack by mercenaries. It’s not that the idea is bad, it’s that the execution is a little hokey and stilled didn’t address the moral complexities that go into radicalization of terrorism, foreign and/or domestic. 12 Strong is based on actual events, and I found myself thinking of a Fox primetime action series.
The War on Terror is and was a disaster. No exit strategy, uprooting communities and practically defecating on several countries and their populaces. The effects of this military endeavor are still being felt today. So when 12 Strong insists on telling a story about American Bravery and hammering away the saccharine nature of a Jerry Bruckheimer production, it feels disingenuous. It is hardly the subject matter that would fit into a gun-ho feel good story about American might and the men who represent it. While it may have been less exciting in a pitch meeting, there’s a compelling story to tell about the ramifications of the war and seeing the perspective of the men who were actually in it would bring a much needed flavor to cinematic experiences. Not to mention how it remind us to have sadly necessary conversations about the impact of terror and the faulty reactions to it.
Furthermore on the 24 comparison, the Fox series might actually have a more cinematic feel to it. It’s shot for television, 24 episodes with a tight year long schedule. But some lively editing and constant screen sharing of characters in condensed spaces added something only done in comic book panels by that point. Just to reiterate, I’m not saying 12 Strong needs to be like 24 or any variation of pop action media. I’m simply saying when you’re working in this medium, you should use it to its full advantage. And this movie is about as visually exciting as wet concrete.
Nicolai Fuglsig, a Danish filmmaker and photojournalist, attempts to focalize his story on explaining facts and who these soldiers are. Unfortunately, there’s never an interesting placement of the camera. Everything is eye level with flat color grading and even more uninspired blocking in the scenes. For those interested, the energetic hyperrealism peaked with the Paul Greengrass Bourne films.
Thankfully, the cast is at least filled with performers who never fail to deliver quality. Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Trevante Rhodes, Navid Negahban, William Fichtner, Rob Riggle and more all do far more than a shallow script would normally allow. Trevante Rhodes and William Fichtner continue proving they deserve more time in the spotlight, while Hemsworth continues to prove he has charisma and talent outside of the Thor movies, though his name still isn’t quite the box office draw. That’s okay, though. People like me will always love him for his smaller movies like Blackhat. Oddly enough, Blackhat is a movie that may actually be more conscious of the impacts of modern warfare and terrorism.
It’s not a terrible movie and it doesn’t cause any disrespect to the people in the armed forces. Yet, it’s hard to imagine the immense quality improvement if 12 Strong would bring attention to a much needed discussion regarding the impact of the United States and its relationship to terrorism, warfare and the toll of being the first men in undiscovered warfare territories. Instead, we have another movie in another January weekend.
The Lunar New Year celebration is about to begin at Disney California Adventure park, commemorating the Year of the Dog. This year’s celebration will run from January 26 through February 18 and will feature specialty Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cuisine. All of the delicious food you see listed below will be offered in marketplaces located throughout the north side of Paradise Pier. Be sure to come celebrate the time-honored traditions that commemorate the start of a new year, and check out Erin Glover’s recent post about all of the festivities that will be returning for this year’s celebration.
Korea Marketplace (In front of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure)
Kimchi Bokkeumbap – Vegetable fried rice
Yachae Mandu – Steamed vegetable dumpling with sesame-garlic soy sauce
Yang Gaeng – Sweet red bean and raspberry jelly
Banana Ooyu – Non-alcoholic banana milk
Mae Shil Ju – Plum wine cocktail
Hite Pale Lager
China Marketplace (In front of Golden Zephyr)
Xiao Long Bao – Pork soup dumplings with black vinegar and ginger
Baixiangguo Lucha – Passion fruit green iced tea with lychee popping pearls (non-alcoholic)
Tsingtao Lager
Vietnam Marketplace (In front of Golden Zephyr)
Banh Chu’ng – Sticky rice cake with pork
Chao Tom – Sugar cane shrimp skewer with sweet and sour sauce
Banh Khoai Lang Tim – Purple sweet potato macaron
Ca Phe Sua Da – Vietnamese iced coffee (non-alcoholic)
Paradise Gardens Cart
Zhurou Bao – Steamed bao filled with pork and served with sweet chili dipping sauce
Xìngren Qu Qi – Three Mini Almond Cookies
Paradise Garden Grill
Ca Ro Phi Chien Gion – Whole crispy tilapia with chili-lime vinaigrette served family-style with soup, vegetables and rice
Japchae – Sweet potato noodles, onions, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, spinach, snow peas, broccolini and lightly sauteed tofu tossed with sesame oil and sweet and spicy sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds
Galbi – Short ribs marinated and grilled Korean-style and served with steamed rice and kimchi
Pho Bo: Beef noodle soup with seasoned beef stock, thinly sliced tri-tip and rice noodles with classic accompaniments of onion, jalapeno, basil-lime and hot sauce
Banh Mi Thit Nuong – Marinated pork belly, pickled carrots and daikon with cucumber, cilantro, seasoned mayonnaise and jalapeno on a crispy baguette
Mango Pudding
Almond Milk Black Iced Tea with Pudding (non-alcoholic)
Cirque du Soleil is excited to be adding one week of performances (March 21 – 25, 2018) to the previously-announced Costa Mesa engagement of its delightfully-imaginative and visually-stunning production LUZIA, a waking dream of Mexico. Now from February 21 – March 25, audiences are invited to a redesigned white-and-gold Big Top at the OC Fair & Event Center to escape to an imaginary Mexico – a sumptuous world suspended somewhere between dreams and reality. Tickets for additional performances are available now at www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia.
LUZIA is currently performing next to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles through February 11, before moving to Costa Mesa. Tickets for all Southern California performances of LUZIA are now available online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia.
About LUZIA – A waking dream of Mexico
Written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, in association with Brigitte Poupart, LUZIA takes you to an imaginary Mexico, like in a waking dream, where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul.
In a series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, LUZIA takes audiences on a surrealistic journey filled with wonders, playfulness and striking artistry. Smoothly passing from an old movie set to the ocean to a smoky dance hall or an arid desert, LUZIA cleverly brings to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity. Rich in awe-inspiring moments, LUZIA enchants by incorporating rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.
Santa Monica Place commemorates the Year of the Dog with its annual Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 17 from 2 – 6 p.m. Hosted by Katherine Ho from The Voice on NBC, celebrations will include authentic cultural performances and activities such as the traditional Chinese dragon dance, Korean fan dance, stilt walkers, classical folk music from a Chinese musical duo, New Year’s Wishing Trees and family-friendly arts and crafts for all to enjoy.
“We are excited to integrate the cultural traditions of the Lunar New Year holiday into Santa Monica Place’s shopping and dining experience,” commented Stephanie Eglin, Senior Manager, Marketing, Santa Monica Place. “The holiday is important to locals as well as to our international visitors and this event will offer an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate.”
Santa Monica Place’s Lunar New Year celebration features a variety of free cultural activities for the whole family to experience. Patrons are invited to hang a wish on the branches of the two New Year’s Wishing Trees for a two-dollar donation. The proceeds will benefit Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) at UCLA. CSSA-UCLA is an officially registered on-campus organization devoted to organizing activities for Chinese student groups and promoting traditional Chinese culture on the UCLA campus.
More information about Santa Monica Place and the annual Lunar New Year event is available here.
Santa Monica Place is located at 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, at Broadway and Third Street Promenade. The event will be held on level one in Center Plaza.
Check out this behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s upcoming “A Wrinkle in Time” which debuted during TV One’s broadcast of the 49th Annual NAACP Image Awards. “A Wrinkle in Time” opens nationwide on March 9, 2018.
From visionary director Ava DuVernay comes Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic which takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and, ultimately, the triumph of love. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, we discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light.
Directed by Ava DuVernay from a screenplay by Jennifer Lee based upon the beloved novel by Madeleine L’Engle, “A Wrinkle in Time” stars: Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Peňa, Storm Reid, Levi Miller and Deric McCabe with Zach Galifianakis and Chris Pine.
Now it’s time to say our bittersweet goodbye to one of the keystone foundations of Disney California Adventure as Paradise Pier fades into the setting sun of Disneyland history.
My first journey into the pier was when I started my Disney College Program back in 2013. A California Adventure newcomer, I had never seen anything like it and was blown away. Spending years in Disneyland Park, I was mesmerized by the boardwalk, attractions, and beauty of it all. Some of my favorite memories spawn from that side of the resort, and I will definitely miss the atmosphere.
On that first adventure in the video above, I found my way to California Screamin’ for the very last run of the night. It had been years since I had the chance to ride on a coaster and the rush came back instantly. In tune with that famous Neil Patrick Harris narration, I was definitely in a hurry hurry hurry to go back and speed off onto the tracks for another ride. Since then, Screamin’ has become one of my favorite attractions. I have memorized the safety spiel and can even hum the music to myself on each turn and curve of the track.
Upon my last ride on this past weekend’s final run of the attraction, I made sure to savor every moment. Grabbing my old vlogging camera, I was able to capture the moment and have placed it below.
What made that attraction magical was how simple it was. It brought me joy without having to try to hard with spectacle or special effects. It was a clean, fun, and exhilarating ride. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.
With Pixar Pier in the near future, it will be interesting to see how Disney holds onto that old school feel while providing a fresh perspective to keep us all intrigued. Toy Story Midway Mania has a perfect marriage of carnival grandeur and modern storytelling that is the model template of what needs to be done to ensure the rest of Pixar Pier becomes a longstanding part of the park.
Concept Art for this year’s updates for Pixar Pier
New attractions, new food, new adventures await. Yet, it will be hard to see anything replace some of the staples that we’ve gotten so attached to. Cove Bar is the best of it all. Nestled behind Ariel’s Grotto, it was a fantastic establishment and one I wished I visited more often.
From day one, the line never seemed to end, the talk never seemed to cease, and the hype was definitely warranted. From their famous lobster nachos to the seasonal offerings, I never had any complaints. It was a fantastic place to relax and catch up with friends. It also gave you the perfect view of the bay and the boardwalk, making you feel right at home.
Plenty of amazing food. Photo by Kaley Klaiber.Drinks all around! Photo by Kaley Klaiber.
For my final trip to the bar, I had to endure a four hour wait time. Yet, because of the insane crowds, I had the chance to learn more about my fellow park goers. New friends were made and some fun conversations were had. My time in line showed me yet another common thread with so many other Disney fans out there.
We all share a love for what has come and gone, are excited for the things yet to pass, and know how to send off a favorite hot spot in very remarkable way. Another great example of this connection comes from Phineas and Ferb’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Dance Party. Fully interactive and family friendly, it drew in large crowds all the way through its last show. All ages were allowed to participate, which made it a lot easier for parents and children to do something together.
Other interactive entertainment, such as Jedi Training Academy in Disneyland, focuses more on the children’s experience. This show managed to squeeze a little bit more, which even allowed the surrounding cast members to get involved. Working guest control shifts, I got to dance and sing along with everyone else.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a20-bHHBY8
It was a tough goodbye, just like this latest change with the pier as a whole. Yet, it will be exciting to be part of the first group of people to experience a new memory in the park. There are plenty of new things to look forward to, mysteries and wonder to behold. Here’s to hoping Pixar Pier will be just as fantastic and powerful as Paradise Pier.
If you want to learn more about the newest expansion and other upcoming events, please check out the Disney Parks Blog’s continuing coverage at https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/destinations/disneyland-resort/
At the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Dell is unveiling a suite of elegant new products and software to address the myriad ways people play and work. In addition to revealing some of the world’s most beautiful devices, Dell will highlight incredible hidden innovations within these products designed to improve performance, functionality and the overall user experience.
“At Dell, innovation never sleeps. We’re passionate about creating technology that expands the boundaries of what’s possible,” explains Sam Burd, president, Client Solutions Group, Dell. “With Dell, the incredible product design you see on the outside makes for gorgeous machines, but one of our most striking advantages comes from the innovation within. Beauty and brawn lurk beneath those beautiful exteriors, revolutionizing and redefining personal computing, and giving people experiences they want – and some they’ve never dreamed possible.”
Feats of engineering—XPS 13 and XPS 15 2-in-1
Dell’s XPS portfolio has won more product awards than any other brand in the company’s history. The latest XPS 13 is improved in every conceivable way and was just named a CES 2018 Innovation Award honoree. Along with its next-generation InfinityEdge 4K Ultra HD display, the XPS 13 adds a dazzling Rose Gold with Alpine White woven glass fiber interior as an option to traditional silver and black, with narrower borders and up to 80% more thermal headroom. Inside its thinner, lighter design, the Dell Power Manager delivers power just when you need it, while GORE Thermal Insulation, the same silica aerogels used in the Mars Rover to diffuse and dissipate heat, introduces an innovative material into the thermal design to keep the system cool while it works hard.
Addressing a gap in the marketplace for thinner, lighter and more powerful mobile devices that both hobbyists and professional creators demand, Dell unveils the first XPS 15 2-in-1, the world’s most powerful 15-inch 2-in-1, a feat of engineering that embodies innovation on every level. Balancing high performance with a sleek design, the smallest and thinnest 15.6-inch 2-in-1 available1 delivers the CPU and graphics horsepower to run content creation apps, process huge files and play AAA games while featuring touch, pen, an innovative maglev keyboard and the screen real estate that creators crave. New 8th Gen Intel® Core™ processor combining a high performance Intel CPU and discrete Radeon™ RX Vega M graphics in a single package, help make the new XPS 15 2-in-1 possible. The XPS 15 2-in-1 also offers an eye-catching next-generation InfinityEdge 4K Ultra HD display with vivid color and cinematic immersion in an impossibly slim 16mm form. Expert craftsmanship, premium materials and finishes including machined aluminum, carbon fiber and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 make this a functional, futuristic design.
Dell PC and smartphone integration with Dell Mobile Connect Software
People don’t just have a mouse and keyboard in their hands when using a computer, they now also have a smartphone. To increase convenience and productivity, Dell is the first PC maker to introduce a software solution that enables complete wireless integration between Dell PCs and smartphones (iOS and Android). Pre-installed on all new Dell consumer PCs, Dell Mobile Connect empowers users to make calls, send texts, get notifications and even fully mirror their phones to interact with all their favorite mobile apps2.
Immersive experiences with Dell Cinema
Now more than ever, people watch movies and TV shows on their PCs with the expectation of a full cinematic experience, including studio sound and visual quality, as creators intend. That experience is now available on XPS and select Inspiron PCs through Dell Cinema, an immersive audio and visual experience.
CinemaColor: powered by Windows HD Color, decodes and displays high dynamic range (HDR) streamed content with enhanced detail, more vivid hues, sharper brightness and a wider color gamut; Netflix in HDR also is supported on Dell Cinema PCs
CinemaSound: a Dell exclusive audio innovation powered by Waves MaxxAudio Pro that delivers clearer highs, enhanced bass and higher volume for a true cinematic audio experience
CinemaStream: powered by Killer and SmartByte, a software-based solution co-developed by Dell and Rivet Networks that optimizes online streaming and interactive video resulting in less buffering, more bandwidth and better resolution
Dell debuts new Alienware Software Command Center and eSports Training Centers
Redesigning its software from the ground up, Dell debuts the new Alienware Command Center that merges system settings, content and other functions into a simple and elegant interface. Alienware Command Center helps novice to experienced gamers optimize and tune PCs and peripherals to their unique gaming needs. Now a gamer can access her or his game library from all sources on a PC, easily create custom profiles for each game and squeeze out more performance with power management and overclocking tools.
Concurrently hitting the market is AlienFX 2.0, the second generation of Alienware’s proprietary in-game lighting system that works across Alienware PCs, mice and keyboards. The Alienware Command Center provides even more customization of individual keys and key groups with more than 16.8 million colors in each lighting zone.
Dell and Alienware have long invested in the eSports industry: supporting the first Championship Gaming Series in 2007; working with Team Liquid, Team Dignitas and ELEAGUE; and most recently working with Tobii to infuse eye-tracking technologies into eSports tournaments revolutionizing the spectator experience. Alienware currently is the hardware of choice for Team Liquid, who have selected Alienware peripherals (mice, keyboards, monitors) for use in training and competitions. Today, Dell is announcing the launch of the new Alienware eSports Training Facility for Team Liquid setting a new standard for a dedicated eSports training center. The new 8,000 square foot facility in Los Angeles will serve as Team Liquid headquarters, supporting multiple competitive teams with an in-office chef, sports psychologists, nutritionists, dedicated coach and analyst and training spaces– with everything powered by the newest and most powerful Dell and Alienware technology. Athletes will be training for high stakes competition while design teams, video crews and coaching staff make use of monitors, touch screen displays and more to break down the action and create content for fans.
Dell makes VR a reality
Alienware is collaborating with NVIDIA and Oculus to create a new category of competitive virtual reality (VR) eSports that combines physical and mental competitive gaming and brings it to the masses. During the last two months, more than 200 participants across 14 different cities competed on Alienware systems to get the fastest time on Survios’ latest VR game, “Sprint Vector.” The finale will take place in Las Vegastoday with the top eight players battling it out for the Alienware VR Cup National Champion title and $10,000 in prizes.
Dell also is announcing a new VR-ready Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop starting at just $799 to reduce the entry cost of VR. Engineered for PC gamers, the new Inspiron Gaming Desktop features 8th Gen Intel Core processors with up to six cores and graphics, solid-state drive options for faster boot-up times and intelligent thermal design for longer gaming sessions.
Adding to the ease of one stop shopping, Dell is the first PC provider to sell the consumer version of HTC Vive VR headsets. In addition to offering the HTC Vive Business Edition, Dell is also confirming a deal with Meta to offer its immersive augmented reality (AR) headset. This move will satisfy those developing new solutions with latest VR and AR technologies. Check out the blog for more information.
New monitors and a significant performance uplift for Dell’s Latitude portfolio
Dell continues to lead the industry in displays with the addition of the world’s brightest ultrathin monitors in their class3: the Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor (S2719DM) and Dell 24 Ultrathin Monitor (S2419HM). Pictures come to life in luminous, vivid color and both monitors support HDR-content playback for a CinemaColor experience, producing beautiful color depth, clarity and contrast in a virtually borderless InfinityEdge display for strikingly realistic images. With a sleek profile at only 5.5mm at its thinnest, both monitors deliver peak brightness of 600 nits.
Designed for the mobile workforce, Dell’s Latitude portfolio of secure and manageable commercial notebooks and 2-in-1s has been fully refreshed with the latest 15W dual-core and quad-core 8th Gen Intel® Core™ vPro™ 15W processors delivering significant performance improvement. Productivity benchmark tests show dramatic performance uplift over products based on the previous generation processors. The additional cores and threads make a noticeable difference on company networks when IT is running encryption, malware scans and other background apps to secure and connect employees. The Latitude product line also has been updated with several exciting new hidden innovations. For example, the Latitude 7490 notebook features an exclusive active steering antenna that delivers better WiFi range, speed and connection reliability, and a new Full HD super low power display that reduces power consumption by up to 50%, resulting in several hours of additional battery life. Check out this blog for more details on these innovations and the exciting new lineup of Latitude business solutions.
To maximize productivity for on-the-go professionals and media enthusiasts, Dell is introducing the world’s most compact Thunderbolt™ 3 storage device4 and one of the fastest portable drives available, the Dell Portable Thunderbolt SSD 1000 (1TB) and SSD 500 (500GB).
Availability
Available now globally:
Dell XPS 13 is available on Dell.com, Microsoft.com and your local Microsoft store starting at $999 with an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
Dell Latitude 7490 Notebook is available on Dell.com starting at $1,049
Dell Latitude 5490 Notebook is available on Dell.com starting at $779
Dell Latitude 7390 2-in-1 is available on Dell.com starting at $1,149
Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is available on Dell.com starting at $899
Coming soon:
Dell Mobile Connect will be available for download starting Jan. 1 and come pre-installed on all Dell consumer systems starting Jan. 27
Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor (S2719DM) will be available globally Jan. 30 on Dell.com starting at $499.99
Dell 24 Ultrathin Monitor (S2419HM) will be available globally Jan. 30 on Dell.com starting at $299.99
Dell Portable Thunderbolt 3 SSD in 500GB ($439) and 1TB ($799) will be available globally Feb. 28 on Dell.com
Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 will be available in the U.S. on Dell.com in April starting at $1,299.99
Alienware Command Center will be available starting on the new Area 51 in February
Dell also recently raised the bar when it comes to support, introducing its top-tier consumer support service, Premium Support Plus. Powered by Dell’s exclusive SupportAssist5 technology, it is the first and only consumer service to find issues proactively, predict problems before they start, remove viruses automatically and optimize performance for consumer PCs. Premium Support Plus is available for all Dell XPS, Inspiron and Alienware systems.
ILIFE, a world renowned robot vacuum manufacturer, is unveiling its flagship robot vacuum A8 at the 51st Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which opens its doors today. ILIFE will also showcase its classic robot vacuum collection, displaying the company’s latest achievements and competency in robotic cleaning technology. Among the models, the all-new A8, a robot vacuum equipped with a 360 degree live-vision camera navigation system, has drawn the most attention from the public and the media with its aesthetic design and superior automation.
Robot vacuum cleaners have been introduced into homes and offices as a cleaning tool requiring no human assistance. In general, robot vacuums perform random or planned cleaning. Random cleaning models have dominated the market with their competitive price range. Although planned cleaning robots are more intelligent and cover a larger area with higher cleaning effectiveness, high technological requirements and development costs have made them a relatively costly option to the consumers.
The all-new A8 is a self-navigating robot vacuum enabled by PanoView, which navigates spaces precisely with a high-definition camera. The information collected will be processed by three built-in data chips and CV-SLAM graphics algorithm for mapping and route planning. Assisted by a three-stage cleaning system, A8 cleans along the planned route without missing or repeat cleaning any areas. Also featuring a pause/resume navigation system, A8 automatically returns to its charging base when the battery runs low, and resumes cleaning when its task was interrupted, making it an autonomous large room cleaner. Moreover, it has a voice alert system that gives real-time status announcement. At only 7.2cm thick, A8 can easily scoot under the beds and sofas to catch dust and dirt in hard-to-reach areas.
“The launch of A8 means there’s a more affordable robot vacuum option available to the consumers,” notedChen Koon Leung, Vice General Manager of ILIFE. “Following our mission ‘Make Cleaning Easy for a Better Life,’ we’ll continue to bring the highest-quality, technologically advanced robotic cleaning offerings, which are also reasonably priced, to the consumers around the world.”
Since ILIFE branded products went global in 2015, their market penetration has continuously expanded. ILIFE’s technological know-hows and advanced products have also received wide recognition. In 2016, ILIFE received Amazon Global Selling “Amazon Top Newborn Brand Award”; in 2017, ILIFE V5s Pro stood out from the pack and won “Water Tank Structure Innovation Award” at the IFA Product Technical Innovation Award, and V8s was honored “China Good Design Award” by Red Dot Design Award in Germany. In the same year, ILIFE’s robot vacuum was named the top global bestseller and “AliExpress 11.11 Top 10 Brands” in AliExpress 11.11 Global Shopping Festival.
ILIFE will be launching A8 worldwide through online shopping platforms including Amazon and AliExpress. Besides A8, ILIFE will also showcase its classic models including A4s, A6 and V5s Pro at CES.
Today at CES, taking place in Las Vegas from Jan. 9 – 12, Polk Audio, a high-performance audio brand with a 40 plus-year legacy of sound engineering and design, introduced the Polk Command Bar, the first announced voice-controlled sound bar with the Amazon Alexa Voice Service built in. The Polk Command Bar delivers the power and convenience of Amazon Alexa in a superior home theater solution that produces loud, rich audio ideal for movies, music and wireless music streaming. Available in the spring 2018, the Polk Command Bar will retail in the U.S. for $299.95.
The Polk Command Bar is the new heart of the smart home theater. It boasts integrated far-field microphones atop the sound bar to easily control master volume, mute, bass, sound modes, and source selection with voice commands through the Polk Connect Skill. In addition, the Polk Command Bar includes a dedicated HDMI port designed to fit Amazon Fire TV devices and other HDMI streaming devices with wide form factors. With the Alexa Voice Service integrated into the Polk Command Bar, customers can use their voice to control Fire TV, connected smart home devices and the sound bar. With ease of setup in mind, a built-in USB port in the rear panel can power compatible Fire TV devices. The Polk Command Bar also supports a full set of smart home skills to control lights, locks, and HVAC in addition to a variety of Amazon Alexa-supported music services, including Amazon Music™, and can even read books from Audible. Support for additional music services will be announced later in 2018.
“Intelligent voice services like Amazon Alexa have fundamentally transformed how we interact with our surroundings. However until now, the home theater was devoid of an elegant solution,” said Kevin Duffy, CEO and president, Sound United. “For the past year, we worked to develop a sound bar that profoundly changes how we interact with the home entertainment experience. The result is a product that produces Polk Audio-quality sound for movies and music, while simultaneously delivering voice control not yet found in a traditional sound bar.”
Featuring Polk Audio’s performance-tuned drivers, the Polk Command Bar is loaded with two 1.25 x 3.25-inch full-range drivers, two 1-inch tweeters and a ported, wireless 6.5-inch subwoofer for big, dynamic sound. Despite its powerful driver arrangement, the Polk Command Bar’s optimized far-field microphone array enables customers to easily ask Alexa to share the time, weather, set alarms, tell jokes, or turn on the lights from anywhere in the home theater. When audio is playing at the loudest levels, owners can use the duck button in the Polk Command Bar’s remote control to lower playback volume and make it easier for Alexa to hear voice commands. Additionally, the sound bar is compatible with 4K HDTVs and ensures HDR content looks beautiful with dual HDMI 2.0b inputs. Support for Dolby and DTS surround formats provides customers with an immersive room-filling home theater experience.
“Voice is an incredibly natural way to interact with your home, and we’re excited to work with Polk Audio to bring customers a new Alexa experience for the home theater,” said Dave Limp, senior vice president of devices and services at Amazon. “With the new Polk Command Bar, customers get great sound quality and Alexa voice control for an even better entertainment experience.”
Polk Audio Command Bar Details:
Amazon Fire TV Compatible—The Polk Command Bar boasts HDMI ports custom designed to fit Fire TV devices and other wide HDMI streaming devices. A built-in USB port can also power compatible Fire TV devices.
Amazon Alexa Voice Control—At launch, customers will be able to simply ask Alexa to play music, control smart home devices, provide information, read the news, set alarms, read audiobooks from Audible, control Amazon Video on Fire TV, and more. The Polk Command Bar also features Universal control via HDMI CEC, IR Remote and Alexa voice commands. Alexa is always getting smarter and the Polk Command Bar receives automated over-the-air updates to provide customers access to new services and features.
Connectivity—Polk Audio’s Command Bar is Wi-Fi-and Bluetooth®-enabled and has a full suite of wired inputs, two built-in 4K HDMI 2.0b inputs (Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDCP 2.2 compliant), one HDMI (ARC) output and optical input for TV audio. It also ships with both HDMI and optical cables.
Polk Voice Adjust™ for Crystal Clear Dialogue—Polk’s proprietary dialogue-enhancing technology, VoiceAdjust, allows consumers to isolate and adjust the voice channel for clear, crisp vocals.
4K TV Compatible—Works with 4K and HDTVs—plus, built-in dual HDMI 2.0b inputs ensure 4K HDR content looks great.
Polk Smart Remote Compatibility: Whether connecting via Optical or HDMI cable, Polk Command Bar features built-in support for popular IR TV remotes from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio. It is also compatible with most CEC-enabled TVs.
Optimized Sound Modes—The Polk Command Bar is outfitted with several preset sound modes for Night, Movies, Music, and Sports, which optimize the sound bar and subwoofer levels to ensure owners get the clearest dialogue, big room-filling sound and deep bass.
Simple Mounting—Designed for both tabletop and wall-mounting with built-in keyholes slots, the Polk Command Bar is easily mountable anywhere in the living room.
Pricing and Availability
Polk Audio’s Command Bar will be available in the U.S. and Canada in the spring 2018 and will retail in the U.S. for $299.95. Preorders start April 1, 2018 at www.Amazon.com. It will be available in the UK, Germany, Australia and more regions later in 2018.
The trailer for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” from Oscar®-winning filmmaker James Cameron is here! The third film in the phenomenally successful “Avatar” franchise opens exclusively...
