Author - Jerry Paxton

DJI Unveils Osmo Pocket Stabilized Camera

November 28, 2018 – DJI, the world’s leader in creative camera technology, today announced Osmo Pocket, a highly compact three-axis stabilized camera created for everyone. Designed to be incredibly easy to use, Osmo Pocket offers a host of intelligent features to help capture creative videos and photographs in a portable form factor.

“Innovation is at the heart of every product we create and DJI Osmo Pocket is here to change the way photos and videos are captured, not just by professionals but by parents, couples, adventurers, travelers, and everyone in between,” said Roger Luo, President at DJI. “Osmo Pocket is a portable personal camera crew and we can’t wait to see how people use it to capture their stories and share them with the world.”

Small yet powerful
At just over 4 inches tall, Osmo Pocket is DJI’s smallest three-axis stabilized camera. It redefines DJI’s family of handheld gimbals offering features never before seen in a product this compact. A 1/2.3-inch sensor records 12-megapixel photographs and 4K video up to 60fps at 100Mbps in stunning detail. Osmo Pocket also uses built-in dual microphones and advanced noise-canceling algorithms to ensure you capture high quality audio to match your footage. Furthermore, a battery life of up to two hours shooting video in 4K, 30fps means you can always rely on Osmo Pocket to capture your story no matter where you are at the very best quality.

Smooth, stable video
Building on DJI’s experience creating gimbal technology, Osmo Pocket helps capture stable video for all of life’s moments. The state-of-the-art three-axis mechanical gimbal compensates for movements and smooths these motions so you can focus on composition and subject matter. Whether you are taking videos of your vacation or documenting special holiday moments, Osmo Pocket helps ensure your video comes out smooth.

Simple and smart
Designed with ease of use in mind, Osmo Pocket doesn’t just let anyone shoot cinematic footage; it empowers creativity.  The gimbal camera uses a 1-inch integrated touch screen that provides a high quality live view as well as the ability to toggle through the various shooting modes, adjust settings, review footage and gain access to a full suite of creative features including:

  • ActiveTrack-DJI’s image recognition algorithms allow Osmo Pocket to recognize and follow subjects of your choice, perfect for capturing family moments easily with the tap of your finger.
  • FaceTrack– FaceTrack takes ActiveTrack one step further. With enhanced ActiveTrack algorithms, FaceTrack automatically recognizes a human face and locks the subject in center of the frame at all times. It does not identify individual faces, but keeps the camera centered on one. To initiate FaceTrack, simply select selfie mode and the camera will detect your face.
  • Timelapse & Motionlapse– If you’re looking to turn minutes into seconds, Timelapse is perfect for capturing unique content with the effect of the world moving faster around you, while Motionlapse adds the dynamic element of camera movement to your Timelapse.
  • FPV Mode– FPV Mode lets you capture your greatest adventures by recording video from your perspective. Instead of locking the gimbal to maintain the horizon, FPV tells the camera to follow your every tilt and lean, shooting dynamic footage exactly as you experienced it.
  • 3×3 & 180° Panorama– For capturing breathtaking wide-angle photos, Osmo Pocket offers two Panorama modes. 3X3 takes an expansive 9 images in total while 180°mode captures 4 images. Osmo Pocket software stitches them together automatically so you can focus on the framing of the scene.

Unlock the full power of Osmo Pocket
A universal port under the touchscreen allows users to connect their mobile devices that use iOS Lightning or USB-C. Upon connection, the new dedicated DJI Mimo app will automatically open and serves as a monitor, while in-app menu offers a variety of intelligent features and recording modes:

  • Story Mode – Bring creative editing to your video with a host of preset music, video transitions and coloring. Choose one of 10 fun templates and Mimo will handle the camera movement for you. After finishing, Mimo automatically generates your very own short story, ready to be shared.
  • Pro Mode –If you want even more control over your content, “Pro mode” gives you access to camera setting adjustments and exposure settings to let you create exactly how you want, from rich video in bright conditions to a perfect handheld long exposure photo at night. Whatever you want to shoot, Osmo Pocket and DJI Mimo let you explore and expand your creativity. Osmo Pocket automatically detects and illuminates low-lit scenes into bright photos. This helps eliminates the need for a tripod, and you can rely on the gimbal to keep the camera still for a shutter speed of up to three seconds. Illuminate the dark, or capture the movement of light in a “light painting.” You’re only limited by your imagination.

A versatile tool with a range of accessories
An ecosystem of accessories unlocks the potential of Osmo Pocket:

  • Accessory Mount-The accessory mount makes Osmo Pocket compatible with action camera accessories so you’re able to capture your adventure footage, such as when mounted on a helmet, backpack or your wrist.
  • Wireless Module-The wireless module supports Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth transmission between Osmo Pocket and your smartphone, providing remote access to the camera feed and control of Osmo Pocket; perfect for setting up a Timelapse or Motionlapse on a busy city street.
  • Controller Wheel-The wheel allows you to precisely control gimbal movement (left-right or up-down) enabling you to easily adjust the composition of your shot. Re-center the gimbal or switch to selfie mode easily with dedicated buttons on the handle.
  • Expansion Kit- The expansion kit includes the Accessory Mount, Wireless Module and Controller Wheel.
  • ND Filters Set**-Specifically designed for Osmo Pocket, ND filters attach to the front of the camera to reduce the amount of light entering the sensor. The ND Filter Set offers several levels of filter darkness and allows for more control over the camera’s aperture, exposure time, and sensor sensitivity settings.
  • Waterproof Case**-Bring a unique underwater perspective to your footage using the Waterproof Case which can be placed at a depth of 60 meters.
  • Extension Rod**-The Extension Rod attaches to the Lightning or USB-C port and provides 31 inches of reach to Osmo Pocket, opening a world of new creative angles that are normally difficult or impossible to get. A gimbal control joystick and camera button on the handle were designed for remote control when using the Extension Rod and a tripod was added to the bottom for expanded use cases
  • Charging Case**-This dual-purpose case not only protects Osmo Pocket while in transit but charges it as well. Dedicated sections were added into the case for your MicroSD card and ND filters so you can quickly grab your Osmo Pocket and know you’re ready to capture those moments and adventures.
  • 3.5mm Adapter**-The 3.5mm Adapter allows you to connect an external microphone if you prefer to capture audio using a separate device.

**coming soon

Price and Availability
Osmo Pocket retails for $349 USD and will be available for pre-order at store.dji.com, DJI Flagship Stores, DJI Authorized Retailers and additional retailers beginning today. Pre-orders will start shipping December 15th. For more information on all the new features and capabilities of Osmo Pocket, please visit www.dji.com/osmo-pocket.

Jam City Acquires Bingo Pop Team

LOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 28, 2018 – Jam City, a leader in mobile entertainment, today announced that it has acquired Bingo Pop, one of the top bingo mobile games worldwide, from Uken Games. The veteran Bingo Pop team has joined Jam City and will continue to manage game operations from Jam City’s new Toronto studio. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

“We are so proud to be continuing Jam City’s rapid global expansion with the acquisition of one of the most popular bingo titles, and its highly talented team,” said Chris DeWolfe, co-founder and CEO of Jam City. “This acquisition provides Jam City with access to leading creative talent in one of the fastest growing and most exciting tech markets in the world. We look forward to working with the talented Jam City team in Toronto as we supercharge the live operations of Bingo Pop and develop innovative new titles and mobile entertainment experiences.”

Canada is quickly becoming a haven for top game developers, engineers, designers, and artists from around the world given its prestigious universities, universal healthcare, affordable housing and diverse communities. In addition, more than 35,000 students are enrolled in digital gaming related programs across the Toronto and Ontario regions. “Jam City is looking forward to tapping into the large pool of talent across the region and expanding our operations in such a vibrant and trend-setting city,” said DeWolfe.

“We are incredibly proud of what the Bingo Pop team has accomplished in creating a leader in the mobile bingo game category. We’re confident that Jam City will be a great home for Bingo Pop and the talented team behind the game in its next phase of growth,” said Chris Ye, co-founder and CEO of Uken Games. “Following this deal, we are excited to focus on the continued success of our iconic trivia titles and introduce brand new game franchises to players around the world. We are fully committed to continue hiring and investing in Toronto as a global hub for gaming.”

Jam City’s acquisition of Bingo Pop follows the company’s recent announcement of a multi-year partnership with Disney.

EVERSPACE Gets Nintendo Switch Pre-Ordering

Hamburg, Germany – November 27th, 2018 – Independent developer ROCKFISH Games announced today that EVERSPACE™, the surprise hit on Steam, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, is now available to pre-order on the Nintendo eShop for a 20% discounted price of $31.99 / €31.99 / £28.79 / ¥3,600.

EVERSPACE™ – Stellar Edition will launch on December 11th and feature the base game, the Encounters add-on, the original soundtrack with over 60 titles as well as an interactive art book in-game. Furthermore, the full set of 41 achievements has been implemented directly into the game. Both, the digital and the boxed version will retail for $39.99 / €39.99 / £35.99 / ¥4,500.

A boxed version will hit brick & mortar as well as online retail stores in Europe and North America early next year, too.

For more information on Everspace visit: https://everspace-game.com/

Stellaris: Megacorp Features Trailer

STOCKHOLM – Nov. 27, 2018 – Paradox Interactive, a publisher and developer of games that share your core values, has today shared a feature breakdown trailer for MegaCorp, the economy-focused expansion for its sci-fi strategy game, Stellaris. Launching December 6th, MegaCorp has players taking the helm of a
powerful corporate empire set on expanding operations across the stars.

Players who are sure they have leadership potential can pre-order today here: https://pdxint.at/2EHh6QW

Find everything you need to kickstart your own Megacorporation in the feature breakdown trailer here:

Alongside a host of free updates coming to Stellaris, the new MegaCorp expansion will include:

  • Corporate Culture: Chief Executive Officers of a MegaCorp can conduct business on a galaxy-wide scale with a host of new civics. By building Branch Offices on planets within empires they have trade agreements with, the MegaCorp can add a portion of the planet’s Trade Value to their own network. Using the new Corporate Authority government type, construct an economic powerhouse and dominate galactic trade – for a brighter future.
  • City World: With Ecumenopolis, players can increase the population density of core worlds to truly epic proportions, eventually creating a planet-spanning megacity.
  • Caravaneer Fleets: Keep an eye out for the Caravaneers, nomadic interstellar wheelers-and-dealers who stay aloof from galactic politics, and always have a bargain up their sleeve. Expect surprises when these master traders wander through your space or when you visit their home systems.
  • More Megastructures: Budget has been approved for your own glorious Matter Decompressor, Mega-Art Installation or Strategic Coordination Center to acquire new scaling capabilities for your megalopolis.
  • Galactic Slave Market: Buy and sell labor on an industrial scale, set them free or keep them as livestock. The choice is yours!
  • VIP Status Comes with its Perks: Keep your economy competitive in a cutthroat galaxy with additional Ascension perks.

For more information about Stellaris, visit http://www.stellarisgame.com/

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 Battle Overview Part 1 Trailer

November 26, 2018 – Space-naval combat returns in Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2, the highly-anticipated sequel from Tindalos Interactive and Focus Home Interactive, improving on every facet of the first game to make a bigger, better experience for admirals everywhere, and an even greater adaptation of the original board game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Today’s Battle Overview Part 1 video is the first in a two-part series that will show you the huge number of options at your disposal in Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2. Get everything you need to know ahead of the first beta phase, scheduled from December 5 to December 12.

With more factions and more ships come bigger battles, with larger fleets clashing to control the Eye of Terror and the surrounding region of space dubbed the Aegis Ocularis. All twelve factions from the tabletop game are now represented, and each has unique ships, new mechanics, and much more to show off.

Be it unique ways of moving through space or weird, alien weaponry and ships, each faction feels distinct from its peers. Even those that share similarities such as the Aeldari Corsairs and Asuryani Craftworlds or the Tau Protectorate Fleet and Merchant Fleet have differences in what they can field. This lets your faction selection, and choice of ships, armaments, admiral skills, and fleet upgrades allow for total customization and massive impact.

In the trailer you’ll see how this all combines with the layout of maps, capture points, the enemy fleet, and the various phases of battle to create a challenging and spectacular simulation of space combat. Prioritize targeting weapons or engines, kill crews with boarding actions to turn enemy ships into floating hulks, or go all out on ramming enemy ships and committing to close-quarters battles.

Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2 releases January 24, 2019, on PC. Pre-orders receive a 10% discount ahead of launch, 25% if they own the original Battlefleet Gothic: Armada. Beta testing begins in early December for all pre-orders.

Darksiders III Horse With no Name Trailer

Vienna, Austria and Austin, Texas, November 23rd, 2018 – For some, the original song (by the band America) is related to series, movies, or games (Breaking Bad, Parks and Recreation, The Simpsons, Six Feet Under, F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Air America, Hideous Kinky, The Trip, American Hustle, GTA San Andreas etc.).

For some, the original song is a memory of their youth and/or upbringing.
For some, this version (by Michelle Branch and Patrick Carney) is tied to the series of BoJack Horseman.
For some, after watching this video, we hope the memory will be tied to the story of Fury in Darksiders III.

Halloween Digital and Home Video Release Date

Universal City, California, November 20, 2018 – The infamous killer Michael Myers strikes again in Halloween, arriving on Digital and via the digital movie app MOVIES ANYWHERE on December 28, 2018, as well as on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-rayTM, DVD and On Demand on January 15, 2019. Hailed by critics as “a near perfect blend of craft, character growth and nostalgia” (Perri Nemiroff, Collider), Halloween takes place four decades after Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis, Halloween Franchise, “Scream Queens”) narrowly escaped the masked Michael Myers’ brutal killing spree. Packed with bonus features including chilling deleted and extended scenes as well as special featurettes showing behind the scenes looks at creating the film, Halloween delivers spine-chilling, hair-raising intensity and thrills to both new and repeat viewers.

Forty years after the events of 1978’s Halloween, Laurie Strode (Curtis) now lives in a heavily guarded home on the edge of Haddonfield, where she’s spent decades preparing for Michael’s potential return. After being locked up in an institution, Myers manages to escape when a bus transfer goes terribly wrong, leading to chaos in the same town he preyed on decades earlier. Laurie now faces a terrifying showdown when the deranged killer returns for her and her family – but this time, she’s ready for him.

Master of horror John Carpenter (Halloween (1978), The Thing) joins forces with director David Gordon Green (Joe,Pineapple Express) and producers Jason Blum (Blumhouse), Malek Akkad (Trancas International Films) and Bill Block (Miramax) for this follow up to Carpenter’s 1978 classic horror film. Halloween also includes a stellar cast including Judy Greer (Ant-Man and The WaspJurassic World), Andi Matichak (“Underground”), Will Patton (Armageddon, The Punisher), and Virginia Gardner (Project Almanac, “Runaways”).  Proving “classics never die” (Mara Reinstein, US Weekly), Halloween offers a tricky treat for audiences both old and new. Halloween is the perfect slasher film, lauded as “hands down the best Halloween sequel ever” (Katie Walsh, Nerdist) and “immensely entertaining” (Eric Eisenberg, Cinemablend).

BONUS FEATURES on 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL:

  • Deleted/Extended Scenes
    • Extended Shooting Range
    • Shower Mask Visit
    • Jog to a Hanging Dog
    • Allyson and Friends at School
    • Cameron and Cops Don’t Mix
    • Deluxe Banh Mi Cops
    • Sartain and Hawkins Ride Along
  • Back in Haddonfield: Making Halloween
  • The Original Scream Queen
  • The Sound of Fear
  • Journey of the Mask
  • The Legacy of Halloween

The film will be available on 4K Ultra HD in a combo pack which includes 4K Ultra HD Blu-rayTM, Blu-rayTM and Digital. The 4K Ultra HD disc will include the same bonus features as the Blu-rayTM version, all in stunning 4K resolution.

  • 4K Ultra HD is the ultimate movie watching experience. 4K Ultra HD features the combination of 4K resolution for four times sharper picture than HD, the color brilliance of High Dynamic Range (HDR) with immersive audio delivering a multidimensional sound experience.
  • Blu-rayTM unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
  • Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
  • MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers. Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-rayTM and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.com.

Knott’s Merry Farm 2018 Review

The 2018 holiday season has returned and, with it, comes Knott’s Merry Farm – a transformation of Knott’s Berry Farm into a Christmas wonderland. This year, Knott’s Merry Farm features a variety of shows, attractions, and culinary delights that will please both young and old.

Stepping into Ghost Town, guests are immediately greeting by the Christmas Crafts Village, a collection of vendors lining the Old Western town’s streets. The vendors sell an array of wares, from soaps to signs to art prints and a whole lot more. The craft village is a great place to look for unexpected holiday gifts for your friends and loved ones. Near the far end of the Christmas Craft Village, you’ll run into Santa’s Christmas Cabin. This is a terrific place – a magical place – full of holiday treats like green apples smothered in REAL caramel – not just caramel sauce. Aside from the caramel apples, you can also get roasted nuts, hot chocolate, some adult beverages, and a whole lot more. Also at the cabin, you’ll be able to take a picture with the big man himself: Santa Clause!

The holiday treats are not just in Santa’s Christmas Cabin! You can also find special holiday bites at various food vendors around the park, so keep your eyes open. In addition to food, Knott’s Merry Farm is selling holiday themed items for the season – such as the mystery bags, fudge bites, or even the interactive Ghost Town lanterns, but more on that later!

Walking the streets of Ghost Town are the Calico Carolers, who deserve special mention for their singing and bell-ringing talents. They put on a great, mobile show all day long. Speaking of shows, this year Knott’s Merry Farm is chock full of them. The Calico Saloon Christmas Show is back, along with characters Cameo Kate and Dakota Dan, at the Calico Saloon. At the Bird Cage Theater, guests can enjoy two holiday stage plays from the Knott’s melodrama company: The Gift of the Magi and A Christmas Carol. Each of the shows are somewhat abbreviated, just short enough to keep the attention of the small ones and long enough to make for a restful stop for the older ones. In Campy Snoopy, family’s can enjoy A Peanuts Guide to Christmas. In this stage show, the Peanuts gang shares fun pieces of wisdom on surviving the holidays and a lot of humor as well.

Topping off the Knott’s Merry Farm holiday shows are its two flagships: “It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown” at the Calico Mine Stage and “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” at the Charles M. Schulz Theatre. There are much higher budget productions and full of amazing visuals and holiday cheer. The ice show especially, where the skaters are allowed to put their athleticism on full display with amazing feats of skating.

Starting at 6:30PM, be sure to check out Calico Ghost Town “Snow and Glow” show. This short display takes place ever hour on the half throughout the evening and features some music and then faux-snow fall for families to play around in. It’s a lot of fun and also has an added element this year with the interactive Ghost Town lanterns being sold throughout the area. These lanterns cost $15 dollars each and provide a decent bit of yellow-orange light. What makes them interactive is that, during the Snow and Glow show, they turn on and off with the music. Does this short bit of interactivity warrant the price tag? That depends on how bad your children want it. They do make for nice keepsakes from the event, so it has that going for it. Personally, I would have liked to have seen them somehow interact with other lanterns when they get in close proximity. But, I digress….

Speaking of lights – a special mention must be given to the designers of the Merry Farm lighting scheme as well as the crew that sets it all up. The park looks absolutely stunning in its Christmastime makeover and it is an experience in and of itself just to walk around enjoying it all. Great job, gang!

Overall, Knott’s Merry Farm 2018 is a fun theme park makeover for the whole family with plenty of Christmas cheer to go around. Whether you take in the shows, the treats, or the decor, it will surely become a holiday family tradition for you and yours. Knott’s Merry Farm runs until January 6, 2019.

Photo Gallery

DCS: F-14 Anytime Baby Trailer

November 20, 2018 – Pre-order on Steam from: https://store.steampowered.com/app/411893/DCS_F14_by_Heatblur_Simulations/. The Grumman F-14 Tomcat was a two-crew, variable geometry, maritime air superiority fighter that served with the US Navy for 32 years and continues to serve with the IRIAF in Iran. The F-14 was the US Navy’s frontline fighter from the 1970s until the mid-2000s. Over the course of its long service life it also became the US Navy’s premier precision ground-attack platform and lone airborne reconnaissance asset.

Outstanding features of the aircraft are the swing-wing configuration, crew of two, and the powerful AN/AWG-9 Weapons Control System (WCS) and radar. The AWG-9 allows employment of the powerful AIM-54 Phoenix air to air missile while the LANTIRN pod allows the ability to carry out precision ground strikes using laser guided bombs. The F-14 Tomcat was present during many pivotal historic moments such as the two Gulf of Sidra incidents, Operation Desert storm in Iraq, the conflict in Yugoslavia, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was also immortalized in the iconic motion picture, Top Gun, and starred in several other feature films including The Final Countdown, Executive Decision, and others.

Redhill Games Founded

HELSINKI – NOV. 19, 2018 – A multinational group of video game creators and executives have assembled to form Redhill Games, a new studio focused on creating high-quality titles targeting underserved market segments in the gaming industry. Headquartered in Helsinki, Redhill Games’ proven leadership team draws from the ranks of top companies like Remedy Entertainment (Quantum BreakAlan Wake, Max Payne) and Wargaming (World of Tanks), with talent hand-picked from around the world from companies like Guerrilla Games, Starbreeze, Next Games and more.

“I’ve had the joy of working with so many wonderfully talented people since beginning in games in 1999. Redhill Games represents the best of the best from all my years of experience, bringing together some of the industry’s top professionals from various disciplines for a new adventure,” said Redhill Games CEO Matias Myllyrinne. “These are people who have collaborated closely before, and I’m confident our best games are still ahead of us.”

Myllyrinne is the former CEO of award-winning AAA studio Remedy Entertainment. As Head of Global Development for Wargaming since 2015, he spearheaded substantial advancements to the company’s development efficiency, quality and output across ten internal studios worldwide.

Redhill Games’ core leadership team is complemented by CTO Mikko Uromo and Executive Producer Milos Jerabek. Uromo previously served as Technical Director at both Wargaming and Remedy, in which he was instrumental in building up and improving the strategies, technologies and productivity of various internal development teams. Jerabek was the Development Director of World of Tanks at Wargaming, which he helped take to new heights of quality and success on a philosophy of “commit and deliver.” He is also experienced in managing publishing relationships and development as a former Production Director at Remedy.

Managing Redhill Games’ global talent is COO Ekaterina (Katya) Dolgova, the former Head of HR and Chief of Staff for Global Development at Wargaming. A lawyer and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Dolgova is a management and human resources professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial, consulting, IT and gaming industries worldwide.

With multiple veterans of one of PC gaming’s five top grossing games at the helm, Redhill Games’ core focus is creating new titles rooted in the genres the team knows best, particularly free-to-play tactical shooters and ongoing games-as-a-service titles. The leadership team has rallied around the principles of cooperative and social play, fair monetization models and data-driven development.

The next phase of Redhill Games’ company roadmap will focus on continuing to expand its development and production team with additional world-class talent while progressing toward delivery of an engaging proof of concept. Further announcements from the studio are expected in 2019. https://www.redhillgames.com/