Leaked Photos Of The Motorola ZiNe Z12?

No word on if this is true or not, but the Czech site Mobile.cz is claiming that these are the leaked photos of the Motorola ZiNe Z12. It’s said to have touch screen, and an array of goodies such as GPS, Wi-Fi and possibly a 5 to 8-megapixel camera. It certainly looks sexy and promising, but I’ve said that about a lot of women and gadgets and have been disappointed on both fronts.

[Mobil.idnes.cz via Gizmodo]

Why Warner Bros. REALLY Went To Blu-Ray

So as I had suspected all along, the real reason that Warner Bros. defected to Blu-Ray has come out. And it turns out that it's the reason I thought it might be, money.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Don Lindich uncovered the WB's dirty little secret, and the numbers that are involve are staggering. Aparently Warner wanted to stay with HD DVD, and gave Toshiba some time to bring in another studio into the camp before they turned Blu-Ray. Toshiba had Fox lined up to go HD DVD exclusive, which would have also made Warner HD DVD exclusive, but Fox nixed the deal in the last minutes.

The reason why Fox canceled the deal? Well Fox received a reported $120 million payout from Sony to stay with Blu-Ray. Warner Bros. then switched to Blu-Ray and received between $400 and $500 million to go Blu-Ray exclusive. Warner Bros. Kevin Tsujihara said that it wasn't a bidding war that brought them to Blu-Ray, which is true considering that HD DVD didn't get a bid in.

So it's not that the consumer made the decision to go with Blu-Ray, or the line that "Blu-Ray is the more advanced format, so that's why we went with them" crap. It's just Sony flat out paid more than Toshiba was willing to do, and the consumer suffers for their greed.

Money certainly does talk.

[Post-Gazette via Gizmodo]

Universal Ends Exclusivity With HD DVD

The end is nie…

This sounds to be the case for HD DVD as Variety has confirmed that Universal will no longer support HD DVD exclusively. Universal and Paramount were the last two movie homes to support HD DVD exclusively, but that has changed since the announcement of Warner Bros. Blu-Ray only support. Paramount has a clause that will allow them to also push both formats, but some speculate that they will leave HD DVD completely.

Universal did say that they’re still committed to HD DVD, and in fact plan HD DVD promotions in the future. But Jesus Diaz from Gizmodo brings up an interesting point stating that retailers are not going to commit "premium shelf space to a dying format.”

If HD DVD starts to lose shelve space and begins to be pushed to the side, Universal might as well not make another HD DVD!

[Variety via Gizmodo]

Are People Returning HD DVD Players Now?

You just knew that this was coming after the news that broke this past weekend, but reports from the CES are that people are returning HD DVD players bought on the cheap on Black Friday. What I find funny is that I couldn't find a cheap HD DVD player anywhere, and now it looks like that might have been a good thing.

Anyone get a HD DVD player this holiday season who's looking to return it?

[CES 2008 via Gizmodo]

Paramount Rumored To Go Blu-Ray Exclusively

Another devastating blow is rumored to be looming for HD DVD, as Financial Times is reporting Paramount has a clause in their HD DVD exclusivity that allows them to abandon ship if HD DVD tanks and Warner goes to Blu-Ray. Paramount is said to be ready to invoke that clause, in light of Warner’s defection.

In less than a week, HD DVD has gone from spunky underdog to heart attack victim on life support waiting to have the plug kicked out. If Paramount makes this switch, it would leave Universal and Dreamworks in the HD DVD camp. And with Dreamworks being a branch of Paramount, one would think that the change to Blu-Ray wouldn’t be to far behind.

Nite nite HD DVD. We hardly knew ye.

[Financial Times]

Zune 3 phone: iphone Killer?

You just knew that this was coming, but I'm hopeful that Microsoft actually pulls it off. Specs and a photo of what possibly could be the Zune 3 phone are making the rounds on the Internet. With how popular the iphone is, this was an obvious move for Microsoft, and the hopes that this could be the iphone killer everyone is looking for.

The Zune 3 will have a full touch screen, Wi-Fi, IE, and will be available in 16GB and 32GB flash drives. It will also have a high quality, scratch resistant, touch-sensitive glass, and unlike the iphone, will not be restricted to one cell phone carrier. Nothing about if the phone will be 3G capable or not as of yet.

No word on availability or pricing, but we'll keep an eye out for this one.

Zune 3 Concept [Zune Scene via Crunchgear]

Rumor Mill: iphone To Get Streaming Internet Radio?

If you've been waiting to get some Internet radio on your iphone, your wait might soon be over. Rumor has it that in the iTunes 7.5 update, that you might see streaming Internet radio coming to the iphone. This may or may not be good news to you, as I'm yet to find anything I really care about on Internet radio. But if your 5000 songs are not enough to keep you entertained, it might be something to look at.

If you're interested check it out here.

iTunes Radio? [Zatz not funny via Crunchgear]

Rumor: HD DVD Built Into The Xbox 360?

Well it looks like the Xbox 360 could be getting the make over that might change the console wars. According to Smarthouse, rumor has it the Toshiba is working on a 360 that has a built in HD DVD player and is expected to be released in 2008 or at the 2009 CES show in Las Vegas. Check the quote by a senior Toshiba executive:

"An Xbox with a built in HD DVD drive is critical. They and we are working on it. It also has to be more than a gaming machine. Microsoft recognise this. A version of the device may also be sold under the Toshiba brand name". Smarthouse also says "The device is being developed in response to the PS3 driving sales of games software and Blu-ray content in several countries."

Something tells me that I'm going to want to trade in my current 360 very soon.

Toshiba Working With Microsoft On New Entertainment Xbox [Smarthouse via G4TV]

WB Set To Release "Terminator Salvation"

Lets all face it, the last "Terminator" movie sucked big time. So when word of another "Terminator" movie was under production, I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the thought of old ass Arnold trying to reprise a roll he created 23 years ago. Well Warner Bros. at least is thinking the same thing, as they are looking to start another trilogy set in the future world of the Terminator universe. "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins" is the new title of the upcoming movie.

John Brancato and Michael Ferris who wrote T3, has an approved scripted that will focus on a new character that fights along side of John and Kate Brewster (last played by Nick Stahl and Claire Danes).

Moritz Borman who is the Executive producer said "The third film was really the conclusion of what happened in the 'now.' You will find the most-loved characters, but the intention here is to present a fresh new world and have this be the first of a trilogy."

"Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins" is scheduled to hit theaters summer of 2009.
[Mania]

40GB PS3 Coming Very Soon!

So the rumor about the 40GB PS3 that is said to be priced at $400 is starting to get some legs. Although Sony will not confirm if they are releasing a cheaper PS3, other sources are pointing to that conclusion. Check the bullet points below:

• Best Buy stock listings showing the new hard disk drive equipped model packed with a copy of Spider-man 3 with an in-stock date of October 28th.
• European retailer Play is now soliciting interest on its web site for the PS3 40GB model, aka the CECHG01. Supposedly, console has only 2 USB ports and is incompatible with PlayStation 2 games.

So no matter what Sony is saying, it looks like this is going to happen.

[Sony's $399 PS3 confirmed by Best Buy? Engadget via G4TV]

Zune 2 Pictures Leaked?

Well it looks like there are some leaked pictures of the upcoming Zune 2.

The rumor is that a smaller flash-based model similar to the ipod shuffle will be making its debut. These could be it with the pink Zune to the left and the brown one in the middle. Of course the larger one will continue to use the standard HDD as the last version did, which may be represented by the black Zune to the right. No word on how thin these newer versions will be.

But we shall find out very soon.

[Zune Scene via Gizmodo]

Xbox 360 To Get Bundled?

Alright, time to fire up the rumor mill again. This time we take the trip to 360 land, where rumor has it that games (Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance) will be bundled with the Xbox 360.

The bundle may be available as early as October 9th, which would give some legs to the rumor that Sony WILL be releasing a new $400 PS3 with a 40GB HDD. Microsoft hasn't confirmed this, nor have they stated that there will be any price drops for the 360. But the Core system may be getting a HDMI and wireless controller upgrade, and bundled with XBLA games (Boom Rocket, Pac-man, Uno, Feeding Frenzy, and Luxor2).

So if you've been holding out on picking up a Xbox 360, it just might pay off for you to get one now.

[G4TV]

Rumors Of A Newton 2.0?

It looks like Apple is dragging out an old idea and making it new again. Appleinsider is reporting that Apple's team of engineers will be developing a new version of 'Newton', a PDA type device that was out in the early 90's. The 'Newton 2.0 will be 1.5 the size of the iphone and will have the same form factor, including the touch aspect. The unit will have copy and paste and drag and drop abilities, and have a high-resolution display of 720×480.

Newton 2.0 is rumored to hit sometime in the first half of next year.

Up next for Apple: the return of the Newton [AppleInsider via Crunchgear]

Sony Dropping Price On 80GB PS3, New 40GB PS3 Model?

According to a mole with a proven track record, Opposable Thumbs is reporting that Sony will be making a price drop on the 80GB PS3 for the holidays to $499. They are also reporting that their will be a 40GB model offered for $399, which may be the price point that will put them back into the game. There is also talks that they make bundle Spiderman 3 Blu-Ray movie with the 40GB model.

So if you're looking for a PS3, but at a much lower price, you might want to wait it out.

Of course this is all rumors, so don't get pissed if it doesn't happen.

[Opposable Thumbs via Gizmodo]

Apple Event Details Revealed

As we come closer to Apple's Wednesday Event, more rumors are starting to surface. Some just seem to confirm stories that we already know. So the guys at 'Digitimes.com' who state that the new ipod will have widescreen, WiFi and touch screen UI simular to the iphone, and will be significantly slimmer due to a flash-based memory.

Of course the ipod nano will be revamped, and have a similar UI as the iphone and increased memory. How much they will be is not known yet, but I'm sure we'll find out on Wednesday.

Apple expected to unveil new iPod lineup [Digi Times via Crunchgear]

Uhura Cast & Plot For Star Trek XI?

The casting for the upcoming 'Star Trek XI' movie is slowly coming along. Rumor has it that JJ Abrams has offered Zoe Saldana (Haven, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl) the part of Lt. Uhura of the original series.

Meanwhile, 'AICN' is reporting that they have the plot to the new movie. It could be bogus, but maybe not, so I'll just say that if it's not, spoiler alert. Stop reading if you don't want to know anymore about it. You've been warned.

Here's the plot summary/concept according to them:

A group of Romulans will reportedly go back in time to kill off James T. Kirk, and the elder Spock (to once again be played by Leonard Nimoy) must do what he can to prevent that incident and change the timelines back.

AICN is also saying... "The plan is to use this second timeline as a way of rebooting without erasing or ignoring canon. These new voyages of the Enterprise, they're taking place in whatever timeline starts with this story. ... It's basically the same solution Marvel Comics has in terms of publishing, the way they use their Ultimates line to reboot continuity."

Star Trek XI hits the theaters December 25, 2008.

Thanks to Mania for this information.

CLOVERFIELD Maddness Is Back

Well some interesting things have come about for the mystery movie 1-18-08 or Cloverfield or Monsterous or what ever J.J. Abrams is calling it. The site aintitcool.com has more details about the movie and a little known audio footage added the the movies site. Go check it out.

If you haven't seen the trailer that everyone is talking about, take a look below:

Zune 2 And Zune Flash Pics!

The first pics of the Zune 2 and the Zune Flash have made it to the Internet, and I have to say that these are leaked photos. So you have to take it with a block of salt, because Microsoft could do the old switcheroo come launch time.

But we're going to go with it for now.

It looks like the controler has changed a bit, along with the HHD size. The Zune 2 has a 80GB version and the Flash has a 4 and 8GB flash model. No word on a release date or price of Microsoft's MP3 players, but if you care, it's rumored to be released for the holidays.

Courtesy of [Gizmodo]

New Apple ipod Rumors

Oh... how I love Apple rumors!!! They are so tasty and delicious, and usually have some truth behind them.

This one is about the upcoming ipod, in which Apple may be having a party for next month. And rumor has it that there have been sightings of the ipod in Asia factories of the full-screen touch iPods. A full-screen touch ipod similar to the iphone, just without the phone. It's also rumored that it will be getting an overhaul on the UI, and going to the OS X interface that is similar to the iphone. The familiar menu pattern will be replaced by Coverflow, which is cool, but as Crunchgear points out, not all albums and songs have covers. But I'm sure Apple has an answer for that issue.

Looks like Apple is gearing up for the upcoming holiday season.

Stay tuned for more info. [Crunchgear]

Xbox 360 Bundle Packs?

If you plan on waiting till the holidays before picking up an Xbox 360, Microsoft is trying to make it worth your while. Rumor has it that there will be bundle packs released for the holiday season, no doubt to get fence sitters on their side. The Elite supposedly includes Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance for "free", and the Premium is rumored to also have the same games.

No word on if the "Core" system will have any bundle pact at all.

Read more about it after the jump. [Joystiq via Engadget]