Author - Jerry Paxton

Xi3 Unveils CES 2014 Plans

2014/01/05

SALT LAKE CITY — January 5, 2014 — With its largest booth ever at the International CES trade show, Xi3 Corporation plans to “Go Big” at CES 2014 —nearly 3-times larger than its largest exhibit space at previous CES shows.

Xi3 will feature Xi3^® Modular™ Computers and PISTON™ Console gaming at its booth at CES 2014, as well as an emphasis on the health care, digital signage, entertainment, and industrial computing verticals.

More than half of Xi3’s booth at CES 2014 (#36612 in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center) will focus on the business side of computing, leading off with a full-size mock-up of the “Patient Room of the Future” that features Xi3’s new Near-Edge™ microSERV3R™. Additionally, Xi3’s in-booth Enterprise focus will include an area that highlights the use of Xi3’s tiny yet powerful X7A Modular Computers in the Digital Signage industry.

Xi3 will also showcase the abilities of its computers to function extremely well in a variety of harsh environments, including installations with elevated ambient temperatures, humidity levels and atmospheric pressure, as well as exposure to water, certain chemicals, airborne particulate matter, etc.

“With the launch of our X7A Modular Computer and Z3RO Pro Computer, many customers and partners are beginning to realize that our extremely tiny, powerful and eco-friendly machines are exactly what they’re missing in their enterprise installations,” said Jason A. Sullivan, Xi3’s Founder, President and CEO. “With these new enterprise products in our portfolio, we are targeting specific vertical markets where we know we hold major competitive advantages over traditional computing solutions. We invite everyone at CES 2014 to visit us to learn more about how we can help you solve your I.T. problems.”

The balance of Xi3’s CES 2014 floor space will be dedicated to the consumer marketplace with Xi3’s PISTON Consoles set-up for live gameplay on today’s most graphically demanding computer games on the market. Xi3 also plans to unveil new features for the PISTON Console at CES 2014 that allows PISTON to shorten the gap between the strengths of console gaming versus computer-based gaming, especially for mass-market gamers.

Withings Unveils Aura Sleep Experience Enhancer

2014/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

Las Vegas- January 5^th, 2014 @ 3:00 PM PST – Withings Aura is a cleverly designed system that both monitors and improves your sleep experience. It discreetly records your sleeping environment, providing you with a complete understanding of your sleep patterns. Using revolutionary and scientifically-validated light and sound programs, Withings Aura positively impacts your wake-up and fall-asleep experience, which are both instrumental in improving your sleep cycles and overall well-being.

Discreet yet complete monitoring

Withings Aura is comprised of a soft and discreet sleep sensor that slips under your mattress and works in synchronization with the sensitively designed bedside device. Together, the two units record and monitor an array of factors to offer you a deep understanding of your sleeping experience. The sleep sensor focuses on personal patterns (body movements, breathing cycles and heart rate) and the bedside device screens your bedroom environment (noise pollution, room temperature and light levels).

Revolutionizing sleep

Using the recorded data, Withings Aura provides you with scientifically-validated light and sound programs that will adapt to your personal body clock and positively impact your sleeping conditions.

The multi-color LED dimming lighting technology makes the most of a proven correlation between lighting wavelengths and secretion of Melatonin, the hormone responsible for the sleep-wake cycle. The delicate sound programs replicate the circadian rhythm’s frequency and pattern. They relax you while falling asleep, and stimulate you upon waking up.

With additional options to create personal ambiances for relaxation, powernaps, or even jet lag recovery programs, the Aura is the perfect bedside companion when it comes to sleep.

Visualize and improve

The Withings Aura mobile App connects wirelessly to the system and allows you to access all your collected data. You can visualize your sleeping patterns, understand what wakes you up and compare past nights, right in the palm of your hand. The application lets you control all your personalized programs including your wake-up schedule. Based on settings and preferences, you can trust Withings Aura to do some real-time adjustment and start its progressive wake-up program at the most beneficial time of your sleep cycle.

Cédric Hutchings, co-founder of Withings says: “Sleep is such a vital part of a healthy balance that we challenged ourselves to create a product that could be used not only to analyze and monitor sleep, but also to positively impact the experience. By combining environmental sensors, light and sound, we’ve been able to create a product that will give users the data and power to improve a third of their lives.”

A stunning design, a calming energy

Elegantly designed and incorporating high-quality audio and lighting, the Withings Aura^TM smart sleep system can be easily incorporated into any bedroom set-up. It not only nicely replaces a lamp, audio speaker and alarm clock, it also brings back the pleasure of sleeping for a better overall wellness.

Withings Aura will be available in Spring 2014 from select retail partners and on Withings.com, MSRP $299 along with a free mobile application.

About Withings

Withings is an innovative company that creates smart products and apps to help people around the world easily understand and take care of their health and well-being. Withings, founded by Cedric Hutchings and Eric Carreel, has quickly become a pioneer in the world of connected health devices and the Internet of Things. Withings has been recognized by international organizations for both its innovation and product design. Since the launch of its first product, the world’s first Wi-Fi connected scale, Withings has continued to expand its product ecosystem with products that benefit all aspects of a person’s well being. Withings now offers a wide range of lifestyle-friendly devices including the Smart Body Analyzer, the Blood Pressure Monitor, the Smart Baby Monitor and the Withings Pulse. Along with the Health Mate Application and over 100 compatible third-party partner applications, Withings provides its users with a unique 360° well-being experience. Read more about Withings on www.withings.com.

TAO Wellness Unveils TAO Isometric Exercise System

2014/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

LAS VEGAS – January 5, 2014 – TAO-Wellness, a startup with offices in California and Nevada, is providing a way to turn downtime into exercise time^TM. Introducing TAO, the world’s first mobile, isometric exercise system. With TAO, exercise at your desk, on the airplane, while watching TV or watching the kids. TAO-Wellness will present TAO at South Hall 2, Booth #26712 at the Consumer Electronics Show 2014 in Las Vegas.

The patented TAO system includes the handheld device, called the TAO WellShell^TM, and a comprehensive app for Android and iOS devices. The TAO approach to fitness and wellness focuses on simplicity, balance, and harmony.

Isometrics, the science of applying pressure, has been used for thousands of years to improve muscle strength, tone and circulation which is why it is so fundamental to today’s most popular fitness programs like Pilates, Plank Exercising, and the 7-Minute Scientific Workout. However, TAO takes it a step further by adding a dynamic element. It makes you vary the pressure by coaching you through your workout, and then electronically capturing the results. TAO-Wellness has coined the scientific term for this type of exercise as “variobics^TM.”

“Our vision is to provides every individual with a simple, effective, motivating and time saving way to enhance fitness and wellness – anywhere, anytime,” says Dr. Kosta Yanev, CEO and Co-Founder of TAO-Wellness.

How it Works

You push, TAO resists. TAO comes with more than 50 isometric exercises explained clearly in the phone app. Simply hold the TAO WellShell in your hands (against your thighs, between your knees, etc . . .) and just press it^TM. Push hard. TAO’s app coaches you to press more or press less, and when to hold and for how long. It shows a path for you to follow and measures the force you apply. It also tells you when to rest and how many reps to do.

Updating Isometric Exercise

TAO’s exercises allow you to convert wasted time into healthy activity.

“Most people are so busy that despite wanting to be more fit, they lead sedentary lives. Squeezing an hour in for jogging is not easy, especially on a daily basis. For these people, pedometers and trackers don’t solve the problem,“ says Philo Northrup, President and Co-Founder of TAO-Wellness.

TAO solves the problem for busy people by taking isometrics to a new level. TAO coaches you (audibly and visually through the app) to vary the pressure, giving you clear, measurable goals, and then crediting you for your good, calorie-burning work.

Here’s an example: work out your abdominals by pushing the TAO WellShell with both hands against the top of your thigh. TAO coaches you audibly via the app to press harder, or ease up slightly; how to hold and for how long; when to rest and when to start your next rep. The TAO app logs the exercise and the calories burned.

Fitness and Activity Tracker

TAO, the first-of-its kind mobile, isometric device, is paired with an effective method to measure and track results with the corresponding TAO app. It motivates and coaches you through exercise, and keeps track of steps, calorie intake, heart rate, sleep patterns and more. It even offers a gamification feature to help you through your fitness routine – instead of following your exercise graph, you can control a downhill skier and compete with your friends.

TAO also provides a simple way to input meals and all your activities from soccer practice and yoga to walking the dog.

TAO WellShell Design

Stylish and ergonomic, the TAO WellShell is designed to fit into the user’s hands, and it is tough enough to endure the pressure of the vigorous and measured isometric exercises TAO coaches you through. The contour and clearly outlined pads guide the user on how to properly hold the device. The TTP (Tilt, Tap, Press) navigation introduces a new way of buttonless interaction with the device through a combination of gestures.

For a personal demo of TAO, please stop by South Hall 2, Booth #26712 at the Consumer Electronics Show 2014 in Las Vegas. For more information, please head to www.tao-wellness.com.

Griffin and Square Team Up for Merchant Phone Case

2014/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, Mobile News, News, Peripherals News

LAS VEGAS, NV – January 5, 2014 – Today, Griffin Technology and Square introduce Merchant case for iPhone 5s and iPhone 5, the first protective case optimized for a Square Reader. Griffin’s new Merchant case builds on Square’s easy selling experience for mobile businesses everywhere. The introduction of the Merchant case launches Works with Square, a program that allows developers to build accessories for Square businesses.

Merchant Case + Square Reader
Square and hardware developer Griffin Technology partnered to design the Merchant case to enhance both performance and convenience for merchants selling on the go with Square.

The case is custom-molded to secure the Square Reader when connected. A groove in the bottom of the case aligns with the Square Reader to guide a credit card to an easy, consistent swipe time after time. Made from durable silicone, the case protects the phone from bumps and drops. The case’s non-slip sides and corners make it easier to hold the phone and to hand over for customers’ signatures. Additionally, the Square Reader can be detached and stored in the back of the case when not in use.

“Griffin is proud to be Square’s inaugural partner in its Works with Square program,” said J. Curtis, Director of B2B Product Development at Griffin. “Our Merchant case is the first protective case designed to augment and provide storage for the Square Reader. Paired together, our Merchant case and Square Reader create the ideal point of sale solution for all businesses on the go.”

Works with Square
Square is committed to making business tools accessible and easy to use for every kind of seller. Square’s tools are designed to give businesses effective, efficient, and seamless solutions for everything from accepting payments to managing their back office. And now, Works with Square accessories allow customers access to more products that meet the most specific needs of their business.

“Square lets me do business anywhere,” says Ben Pearson of GreenKeys Locksmith. “I don’t have to worry about how I’ll accept payments, and my customers don’t have to worry about carrying cash or a checkbook.”

Merchant Case + Square Reader works with Square Register, the free point of sale app that lets anyone, anywhere, accept credit card payments and run their business. With a customizable checkout flow, smart business analytics, and digital receipts, Square Register serves the needs of businesses of all sizes and types, from a locksmith to a retail store.

Merchant Case + Square Reader is available to order for $19.99 at store.griffintechnology.com/merchant-square-case-for-iphone-5(current orders shipping within 2 weeks). The new Merchant Case will be on display at Griffin’s CES booth located in LVCC, North Hall, Booth #5306.

Griffin Unveils Bluetooth Powermate Device

2014/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, News, Tech News

Las Vegas – January 5, 2014 – Griffin Technology, one of the world’s foremost creators of innovations for everyday life, will unveil a new wireless version of its PowerMate at CES 2014, PowerMate Bluetooth, a stylish power tool for the novice and pro computer user. Described as a clickable knob, PowerMate can be programmed to execute a wide array of key commands in virtually any application. Users can streamline routine tasks such as editing home movies like a pro, scrolling through long documents, or creating audio masterpieces.

“First introduced in 2001, PowerMate has proven to have exceptional staying power within the CE marketplace, an industry known for its rapid product life cycles and fated obsolescence,” said Mark Rowan, President at Griffin Technology. “The original PowerMate, with its timeless design and functionality, has garnered a dedicated user base and we’re certain PowerMate Bluetooth will carry on the legacy.”

PowerMate Bluetooth functions beautifully as a convenient volume knob and mute button for Bluetooth 4.0 enabled Mac computers, but that’s just the beginning of its possibilities. PowerMate is preset to work with iMovie and GarageBand right out of the box, making editing a breeze. But it’s not just for multimedia; users can follow the easy instructions to add custom commands within their preferred applications. Spin PowerMate like a wheel to quickly move through large multimedia files, spreadsheets, and word processor documents, or click it like a mouse to select text or perform commands.

This gleaming brushed aluminum desktop peripheral is most recognizable by its blue glowing base. Users can control the behavior of this pulsing LED to provide system status at a glance. Multiple PowerMates can be paired through Bluetooth, with no entangling wires, allowing users to assign various commands to each.

Although the PowerMate can replace repetitive keystrokes and solve the most routine of tasks, it has also taken on a life of its own among creative computer hackers over the years. PowerMate fans have created everything from custom audio visualizer programs to games to Intelligent MIDI controllers and even car entertainment systems that feature PowerMate.

In addition to the many clever programming hacks users have developed with PowerMate, Griffin’s iconic accessory has crossed over into pop culture as well. Among various cameos, PowerMate was prominently featured in the 2013 summer blockbuster movie Pacific Rim, as well as the 2005 thriller The Island, starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson.

PowerMate Bluetooth will be available Summer 2014 for $59.99. For more information visit store.griffintechnology.com/powermate-bluetooth and check out the PowerMate Bluetooth on display at CES 2014 (LVCC, North Hall, Booth #5306).

Nvidia CES 2014 Press Conference LIVE Stream

2014/01/05

Jerry Paxton

CES, Geek News, Hardware News, News, Tech News

Here is the live stream embed for Nvidia’s CES 2014 press conference, which will take place tonight, January 5th, at 8PM Pacific time.

VERTcast Debuts at AVCA All-American Game as Prelude to 2014 CES

2014/01/04

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (January 3, 2014) – On Friday December 20th 2013 during the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) High School All-‐American match at Seattle’s Key Arena, a new sports telemetry system known as VERTcast was displayed on the Jumbotron for spectators. The VERTcast showcased jump height data in real-‐time.

“VERT is a game changer for Volleyball” said Mary Wise, Head Coach for the University of Florida who attended the match. “We have been using VERT technology all year for injury prevention with jump count data” said Wise.

Mayfonk Athletic created the VERTcast technology using their VERT® jump device that will be available for purchase at this year’s 2014 CES convention. The VERT® jump device is used by individuals and teams to monitor jump height as well as jump count. The VERT® jump device is worn around the waist and integrated in the VERTbelt similar to a heart rate monitor.

The VERT® jump device has a built-‐in OLED display for instant display. VERT® also has built-‐in Bluetooth 4.0, which communicates with proprietary VERT iOS app available for download on the Apple app store. VERT® app syncs with the VERT® jump device and displays results in real-‐ time.

The VERT® jump device was introduced at the 2013 CES show and has gained attention in jumping sports such as volleyball and basketball.

“It has been an amazing ride since last year’s CES show where we began as a start-‐up in the Eureka Park exhibit” said Mayfonk founder Martin Matak. “Our technology is leading a new segment in the wearable fitness tech category and I am even more excited about our broadcast capabilities for fans” said Matak.

The highest “VERTical” of the match was 28.4” by All-‐American Carli Snyder from Dakota High School and future student at the University of Florida.

LG Unveils its Ultra HD Lineup for the 2014 International CES

2014/01/04

Jerry Paxton

CES, News, Tech News

SEOUL, Jan. 5, 2014 — LG Electronics (LG) will unveil a comprehensive ULTRA HD TV lineup at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 7 – 10, 2014. Last year, LG won over the crowds with a collection of ULTRA HD TVs equipped with advanced features and enhanced picture quality. At this year’s CES, the company will raise the bar once more, highlighted by the world’s first 21:9 aspect ratio CURVED ULTRA HD TV (Model 105UC9) with a screen measuring a remarkable 105 inches diagonally.

“Our newest ULTRA HD TV offerings are going to turn a lot of heads at this year’s CES,” said In-kyu Lee, Senior Vice President and head of the TV Division at LG Electronics’ Home Entertainment Company. “Image quality is simply outstanding, and consumers are recognizing LG as a trend setter in Ultra HD technology and a leader in moving the 4K medium forward.”

World’s First 105-inch 21:9 CURVED ULTRA HD TV

LG’s new CURVED ULTRA HD TV (model 105UC9) features a massive 105-inch screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio and 5120 x 2160 5K resolution. The result is a truly cinematic home viewing experience. With its beautiful, ergonomic design and enormous concave 105-inch screen, the 105UC9 delivers a viewing experience unmatched by any other TV available today. The screen matches the cinematic aspect ratio that most movies are filmed in, eliminating the black bars commonly visible with content played on conventional flat-panel TVs. The extra-wide screen enables viewers to access viewing information on the side of the screen without blocking any of the ongoing action.

The new ULTRA HD TV’s exceptional picture quality is complemented by the deep, rich audio produced by a forward-facing 7.2 multi-channel sound system designed in collaboration with Harman Kardon. Embodying LG’s new ULTRA Surround concept, the speakers create an auditory experience that takes the viewer deeper into the onscreen environment.

Brilliantly Designed Premium 4K ULTRA HD TV

In addition to its industry-leading 105-inch CURVED ULTRA HD TV, LG will also be showcasing its premium UB9800 series 4K ULTRA HD TV lineup comprised of 65-, 79-, 84- and 98-inch units.

The UB9800 series is equipped with a unique proprietary chip that enhances the Ultra HD resolution and optimizes overall image quality. Thanks to this chip, LG’s latest Tru-ULTRA HD Engine Pro further differentiates the TV’s picture quality from the competition.

The UB9800 comes with a sophisticated upscaling function that takes SD, HD or Full HD content and renders it in sharp, near Ultra HD quality. Working in tandem with the upgraded Super Resolution Algorithm, the Tru-ULTRA HD Engine Pro guarantees a more enjoyable viewing experience by eliminating the visual errors common to other upscaling systems. In addition, the Tru-ULTRA HD Engine Pro also supports a technique called 4K Motion Estimation Motion Compensation (MEMC), which ensures that all 4K Ultra HD content appears lifelike and free of motion blur.

A particularly forward-looking feature of LG’s ULTRA HD TVs is the built-in 4K HEVC 60p decoder. The device decodes broadcast signals in both H.264 and HEVC H.265 formats, in both 30p or 60p. What’s more, the TV seamlessly displays Ultra HD content from nearly any input source, including HDMI 2.0, USB and LAN. The new models also feature LG’s unique ULTRA HD CINEMA 3D, which uses Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology to render convincing 3D images with virtually no flicker or cross-talk. LG’s new ULTRA HD TV models features impressive 3840 x 2160 resolution ULTRA IPS panels. LG’s IPS technology is highly regarded for its ability to offer extraordinarily detailed images and a wide viewing angle. This series also features improved sound with the collaboration with harman/kardon®.

Visitors to LG’s booth at CES 2014 (Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall #8204) from Tuesday, January 7 through Friday, January 10 will have the opportunity to see LG’s newest ULTRA HD TVs with their own eyes.

Wikipad Unveils Gamevice and Wikipad Update

2014/01/03

Jerry Paxton

CES, Mobile News, News, Tech News

(LOS ANGELES, CA) – Jan. 3, 2014 – At CES 2014, Wikipad, Inc. (www.wikipad.com) the leader in mobile gaming platforms including the Wikipad 7 android gaming tablet announced the creation of Gamevice a next-generation detachable console-like controller for mobile devices. Gamevice, which received a utility and design global patent, transforms mobile games into full fledge mobile console experiences with a slim portable controller that effortlessly connects to mobile devices. Gamevice offers a unique patented flex bridge design that expands or collapses to fit mobile devices.

“We value the opinions of our community. We heard from many people who either expressed love for the Wikipad 7” or who already owned an iPad or an Android or Windows 8 mobile device and wanted us to make a controller that worked for them. We are currently working on versions for Windows 8 and Android devices. We have not forgotten other important OS systems and we hope to announce additional support those in the near future,” said Fraser Townley, President of Wikipad, Inc.

Gamevice transforms mobile devices into portable video game consoles complete with dual analog sticks, both L1/R1 and L2/R2 analog buttons, an analog D-pad, and four analog action buttons – every button gamers already use and in a form factor that will be familiar.

WIKIPAD 7” – OTA

Wikipad, Inc. (www.wikipad.com) today announced an important over-the-air (OTA) update for its premium 7” gaming tablet that will automatically refresh the Wikipad to add new features such as controller mapping, the addition of Android 4.2, new content such as Madfinger Games’ Dead Trigger 2 and access to a host of great games from new content partner WildTangent Games. The OTA showcase’s Wikipad commitment to redefine gaming in a mobile-centric world. The 7’ Wikipad tablet offers the functionality of a portable premium tablet with the exciting video game console experience.

To receive the update, Wikipad owners must connect their Wikipad to the Internet and install the software update when prompted. The whole process takes a few minutes.

The update includes:

CONTROLLER MAPPING

One of the limitations of mobile games is that complex games often have control schemes not suited for touch screens. Wikipad has released its Wikipad Controller Assistant allowing allows gamers to transform the touchscreen controls of virtually any Android game into a console-like experience using Wikipad’s patented gamepad controller.

ANDROID 4.2 (Jelly Bean+)

The updated version of Jelly Bean includes a number of improvements and new features, including improved battery life and the ability to create multiple user accounts. Android 4.2 enables gesture typing by sliding fingers across the virtual keyboard, improved camera features, gesture typing, lock screen widgets and Google Now updates that pull package tracking, hotel and flight details, restaurant reservations and other important meetings and other time sensitive information straight from Gmail. Wikipad owners will find many small improvements that enhance the Wikipad experience, whether you are gaming, using the Wikipad for work, or just browsing the web and having fun.

NEW CONTENT PARTNER

WildTangent Games offers access a host of premium games to consumers with WildTangent’s patented technology. Consumers receive free in-game items as well as free play of premium games courtesy of brand advertisers. In addition, consumers can rent games for a fraction of the retail price, with 100% of rental going toward ownership, or buy them outright.

WildTangent adds to an already impressive list of content partners including Google Play from Google Mobile Services, PlayStation®Mobile games from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., and TegraZone – NVIDIA’s free game discovery app.

As an added bonus, Wikipad users receive six premium games pre-installed:

Shadowgun – Madfinger Games
Reckless Racing 1 – Polarbit
Raging Thunder 2 – Polarbit
Sprinkle – Medicore
Granny Smith – Medicore
Zen Pin HD – Zen Studios

DEAD TRIGGER 2

The update also adds Madfinger Game’s award-winning and visually stunning first person zombie shooter Dead Trigger 2. The original Dead Trigger was a smash hit with more than 23M downloads, and Dead Trigger 2 offers even more bloody action and stunning HD graphics, placing gamers in an apocalyptical world where humanity must make its final stand against the growing onslaught of zombies.

ABOUT WIKIPAD

The Wikipad is the only tablet to possess both the unique combination of a console quality gaming experience with the functionality and portability of a tablet thanks to its award-winning and patented detachable dual-analog controller. Wikipad offers a multi capacitive 7 inch touch screen, 16 GB memory with an additional micro SD slot to support a further 32 GB of storage, together with micro USB, GPS, accelerometer and gyroscope. NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core mobile processor powers Wikipad’s The tablets ultra-light, super thin chassis and is optimized for cloud gaming with a 12 core Nvidia GPU. With an aspect ratio of 16:10, a 2-mega-pixel front facing camera the Wikipad tablet offers true widescreen HD display and HDMI out.

Consumers will have instant access to entertainment and videogame content of over 1,000,000 apps and games from Google Play from Google Mobile Services, PlayStation®Mobile games from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., and TegraZone – NVIDIA’s free app that highlights the best games optimized for the Tegra processor. When the gamepad controller is detached, Wikipad’s sleek design and full Android 4.2 Jelly Bean functionality make it a powerfully versatile tablet for surﬁng the web, emailing, enjoying all the latest ﬁlms, books, magazines and music, conversing via Skype or experiencing the latest apps at home or on the go.

For a full list of retailers, product specs, a comprehensive support page, technical forums, and retailers please visit: http://www.wikipad.com/

Disney Moves Star Wars Comics Under Marvel Umbrella in 2015

2014/01/03

Jerry Paxton

Comics News, Geek News, News

In a letter from Mike Richardson, founder of Dark Horse Comics, he outlines the news that Disney has decided to move their Star Wars comic books under the Marvel umbrella (which they now own), starting in 2015. Dark Horse has created some amazing Star Wars comics over the years – the best I can think of right now being the Dark Empire series. I am on the fence, personally, as to whether or not this will turn out for the best. Time will tell!

The End of an Era

All things come to pass. So too, do all licensed deals. I am sad to report that Disney, the new owner of Lucasfilm, has notified us here at Dark Horse of their intention to move the Star Wars publishing license to another of their recent acquisitions, Marvel Comics, beginning in 2015. This will end a partnership that has lasted more than two decades.

For those who are new to the industry, Dark Horse revolutionized the treatment of comics based on films. After a history of movie properties being poorly handled with little regard for execution and continuity, Dark Horse took a new approach, carefully choosing licenses and approaching them with excitement and creative energy. Our goal was to create sequels and prequels to the films we loved, paying careful attention to quality and detail, essentially treating those films as though they were our own. Star Wars has been the crown jewel of this approach. We began chasing the title as far back as 1989, and with the launch of Tom Veitch and Cam Kennedy’s Dark Empire, a new era in comics was born. I’m not ashamed to admit that we were Star Wars geeks, and we have been determined to spare neither effort nor expense in the pursuit of excellence.

It is ironic that this announcement comes at a time when Dark Horse is experiencing its most successful year ever. For obvious reasons, we have prepared for this eventuality by finding new and exciting projects to place on our schedule for 2015 and beyond. Will they take the place of Star Wars? That’s a tall order, but we will do our best to make that happen. In the meantime, 2014 may be our last year at the helm of the Star Wars comics franchise, but we plan to make it a memorable one. We know that fans of the franchise will expect no less. The Force is with us still.

Mike Richardson