disney

Disney throws open its doors for Halloween

BURBANK, Calif.--Every Hollywood studio is security-conscious in this era of online spoilers, but the folks at Disney play it tighter to the vest than most. To keep its news fresh (and to preserve the fairytale illusions for kids), Disney doesn't let "non-cast members" behind the scenes very often.

So it was a special (trick or) treat last week when Disney Interactive Media Group invited members of the press, staffers, and any kids in earshot to come on the studio back lot for a Halloween party.

The group used the event to hype its current slate of games across multiple platforms (Xbox 360, PS3, iOS, and PC), including Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, Cars 2: The Video Game, and Disney Universe. … Read more

SideBySide: Interacting handheld projectors

What's cooler than a pair of handheld projectors? A pair of handheld projectors that interact with each other. SideBySide is a prototype handheld projector system from Disney Research and Carnegie Mellon University. Aim two of the devices at adjacent spots on a surface, and the projected images react to one another.

In one application, a pair of cartoon boxers square off. When the characters are close to each other, fists fly. In another, a giant ape and a jet fighter do battle. There's also potential for engineering and productivity applications. (See the video below.)

The images interact because the devices project invisible infrared control signals along with the visible projections. Infrared cameras in the handheld units detect the control projections. This makes each unit aware of its own projections and those of other units. When the projections are close to each other or overlap, the animations change.… Read more

Ranking Steve Jobs among the great innovators

The death of Steve Jobs has led to the inevitable debate over just how important a figure he was. An undeniable master of consumer taste, Jobs transformed the tech industry and helped define the digital age. But where, ultimately, will he stand as an historical figure?

The comparisons to Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison seem a bit of a stretch. While Jobs has his name on hundreds of patents, he was not an inventor in the classic sense. What he was was an innovator and a business leader, with an unparalleled ability to bring people together to execute his … Read more

The 404 919: Where we say farewell to someone insanely great (podcast)

Today's episode of The 404 Podcast runs a little shorter than usual, but we spend the show talking about Steve Jobs and how he directly affected each of our careers in technology.

We'll also talk about former Gizmodo Editor Brian Lam's heartfelt letter of regret regarding the lost iPhone 4 and his interactions with the former Apple CEO, and show a few ways that New York is commemorating Steve Jobs.

The 404 Digest for Episode 919

CNET's full coverage of the passing of Steve Jobs. Statement from the President on the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve testing Photo Booth filters in 2005. Former Gizmodo Editor Brian Lam remembers Steve Jobs.

Episode 919 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Disney plans 3D party in theaters and on Blu-ray

Disney is doubling down on 3D with a mix of big-screen 3D rereleases and a big "Toy Story" rollout on Blu-ray 3D.

While analysts across the board are wondering if the general public wants movies in 3D at home or at the multiplex, a chorus of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" resounded from Burbank as Disney dominated the box office the last couple of weeks with the 3D theater release of "The Lion King."

So, forever an entity eager to make hay while the cartoon sun shines, Disney has announced more 3D rereleases of animated classics. The limited theatrical engagements will include "Beauty and the Beast" on January 13, 2012; Pixar's "Finding Nemo" on September 14, 2012; Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." on January 18, 2013; and "The Little Mermaid" on September 13, 2013.

On the home front, the "Toy Story" trilogy will hit on Blu-ray 3D on November 1. … Read more

The 404 918: Where a phone by any other name would smell as sweet (podcast)

The band is back together again, just in time for the release of the Apple iPhone 4S. Like everyone else in the first world, we have our share of complaints, but to whine about its aesthetics is to downplay the exciting changes to iOS 5, so we'll try to keep it posi without coming off as fanboiz.

We'll review CNET's First Take of the iPhone 4S at the start of the episode, beginning with a pedestrian explanation of its network connectivity options, and go over some of the more exciting features about iOS 5, things like Newsstand, iCloud with Find My Friends, Cards, and a new AppleCare+ accidental protection package.

And just to explore the playful side of yesterday's announcements, we'll tell you why Japanese customers are chuckling at the name Siri and show you a Steve Jobs Soundboard that could offer useful buying suggestions for potential upgraders.

After the first bathroom break, we'll move onto the general tech stories of the day, including a money dispute that could finally kill "The Simpsons" after 23 seasons, Google's first adult daycare center, a batch of rereleased Disney movies in 3D, and NASA seeking applicants for its next astronaut class in 2013.

The 404 Digest for Episode 918

CNET's complete coverage of the Apple iPhone 4S. Get $200 back for your iPhone 4. Money dispute may end 'Simpsons' Google opens first retail store for Chromebooks. Seriously, Apple? In Japan, Siri fans bottom jokes.

Are Disney's 3D rereleases helping people change their minds about 3D? NASA seeking applicants for next astronaut candidate class. Bathroom break 1: Nancy Grace might have farted on last night's Dancing With the Stars. Bathroom break 2: The Museum of Obselete Objects Presents: The Fax Machine.

Episode 918 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

AppMates: Disney toys turn iPad into a racetrack

It looks like Disney has an interesting new approach to gaming on the iPad. Check out AppMates, a new line of toys designed to convert your Apple tablet into a virtual play mat.

To start playing with the toy cars, you'll have to first download the official Cars 2 Appmates application. Launch the app and you'll be able to drive through obstacle courses, race scenarios, and various missions with them.

The miniature cars for kids aged 4 and up (yes, that includes you parents) will be available sometime in October either through Apple or Disney stores and cost $20 for two pieces. That's a bit pricey if you ask us, but on the bright side, the app required for these devices to work is free.

Additionally, Disney seems to be giving you more reasons to collect all of the toys--each lets you unlock a unique feature in the app.

Take a look at this video to see the toys in action: … Read more

Paraswift robot flings itself off buildings

The dramatic music in the video below would have you believe something magical is about to happen, like a superhero is set to swoop in and rescue a damsel in distress or an mysterious entity of some sort is about to be revealed.

Instead, a base-jumping robot merely throws itself off a building. It looks kind of shaky, but it's actually pretty cool.

You see, there's something magnificent about the Paraswift, a collaboration between Disney Research and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.

Although it was built for entertainment purposes, the compact robot can climb, fly, and be instrumental in gathering aerial footage for 3D modeling systems (like Google Street View), NewScientist says. … Read more

Replica of Disney-Pixar 'Up' house for sale in Utah

In the Disney-Pixar animated movie "Up," Carl Fredricksen (Edward Asner) and wife Ellie dream of traveling to Paradise Falls, South America. When Carl takes that trip by using thousands of helium balloons to lift his home right off its foundation, the house takes quite a beating.

A home builder in Utah has created a full-scale replica of that charming home--firmly fixed to the ground--in the city of Herriman, about 20 miles southwest of Salt Lake City.

Related story • Balloons float real-life 'Up' house near LA

The builder, Bangerter Homes, has re-created several rooms from the 2009 film in retro detail--down to the wallpaper, light switches, and custom-made fireplace mantel, which is currently adorned with some very "Up"-like knick-knacks. … Read more