Entertainment
May 17th, 2010 at 12:12am
Under Entertainment
Now that Jonathan Ross will be leaving the BBC, the corporation has appointed 38-year old journalist, TV and radio presenter, Claudia Winkleman as his successor on the popular programme, Film 2010.
Who is this zealous beauty and why is she the best choice for the newly adapted role? Chantél du Plooy investigates.
“She is smart and funny and knows her stuff”
The BBC One programme, currently known as Film 2010, is a weekly movie review production that has been popular since 1971. The show’s many celebrated hosts include Joan Bakewell, Frederic Raphael and Iain Johnstone. Barry Norman led the show for the longest period before Jonathan Ross took over in 1999.
As Ross completed his final episode of the programme after the BBC decided not to renew his pricey contract, he graciously passed the seat over to Winkleman and later wrote on his Twitter page that he hoped everyone would give her a chance to settle in.
“She is smart and funny and knows her stuff,” he added.
Winkleman, a mother of two, is married to movie producer Kris Thykier and has a résumé filled with experience in the media field. After completing an MA Honours Degree in History of Art from New Hall, Cambridge, the charming brunette made a name for herself as a writer for publications like The Sunday Times and The Independent.
Her TV career started in 1991 and since then, she has fulfilled an assortment of roles, including the host of Central Weekend and Liquid News as well as a reporter for This Morning, Sky News and many others.
More recently, the passionate presenter became a reality TV show queen and presented programmes like Fame Academy, It Takes Two, and Hell’s Kitchen.
A fan rather than a critic
Although Winkleman has a career history and reputation to make her a worthy candidate of presenting any show, many assumed that the BBC would choose Mark Kermode to step into Jonathan Ross’s shoes.
As an author of many books on film and a specialist movie critic for Radio 5 Live, Kermode seemed an obvious choice.
On his radio show, however, he mentioned that he was never approached for the job, nor did he think that would have been because the BBC needed someone more “mainstream”.
Even if Winkleman doesn’t have a list of film critic credentials, she doesn’t need it because the show will now feature weekly guests who are experts in the field. The quirky entertainer is a fan of the movie industry and that makes her ideal for the role.
Her favourite movies include Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather parts one and two and E.T, indicating that when it comes to films she isn’t “mainstream” at all.
“Everyone has an opinion on film,” she told the Guardian.
“I’m looking forward to debating the biggest news and releases with a whole variety of guests each week.”
On being awarded the role, Winkleman told The Times that she was “proper cock-a-hoop” about it.
“I feel incredibly happy and I just hope I don’t let film lovers down.”
“Bonkers”
Lucy Mangan wrote an animated piece in the Guardian about Winkleman’s prospects on Film 2010.
“I know she’s going to be funny,” she enthused.
“Properly funny, with, y’know, repartee and banter and cleverness and off-the-wall stuff. But better – much, much better – than that, I know she’s going to be bonkers.”
It seems as if fans of the programme can look forward to a show that will not only be out of the ordinary, but also vastly entertaining.
Chantel is a regular contributor of career advice and jobs news for leading UK Job Board http://www.careersandjobsuk.com Link text
By Chantel
May 13th, 2010 at 06:29am
Under Entertainment
Home recording studios are a very hot market in several industries right now such as audio equipment, home remodeling and home income opportunities to name a few. So hot, in fact, it has brought about the closing of some big-name studios due to people deciding to do it all themselves. Furthermore, this is a sector of people that have largely been ignored by these industries until recently. Consequently, the growing demand has stimulated interest to supply it on numerous key fronts leading to increased quantity and improved quality of the many component choices there are to make.
Building your own home recording studio can save you a huge amount of money if it‘s done correctly, and if not, it can cost you just as much and more. The facilities are typically designed in a way so that they are divided into three major zones, each adequately sound-proofed and separated from the others. The main action takes place in the studio proper, also at times referred to as the “live room.” It is essential that the rooms are carefully designed so that they have good acoustics and that there is good isolation between the rooms.
Home recording studios are easily equipped and have prospered with the reduction in costs of Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) equipment, accessories, and digital recording software. The use of electronic instrumentation or an isolation box or booth can solve small recording studio sound problems introduced by drums and electric guitars that challenge the home studio recording artist.
At some point you can also capitalize on the opportunity of being able to charge others for the use of your recording facilities and services. Recording studios are a major investment for any performing artist, and for the price of a demo session, you could have your own home studio setup. In fact, it’s possible for amateur and career musicians to outfit a home studio so it can successfully compete with expensive professional studios.
Recording studios are one of the most alluring businesses in the world. Many people fantasize about having this kind of profession. They are rapidly proving that they can be successful business ventures, too, given the right location and the right promotion. Here are three more key factors that contribute to success:
1) Charge appropriately. You can only make money if you set your prices sufficient to cover costs and earn a profit. As a studio owner, your time is money as well – and you have to charge accordingly. A lot of people think opening a studio and charging dirt cheap prices will help them win customers. WRONG! That’s a recipe for disaster. Believe me, you need to know this before you ever consider starting a studio business.
2) You need to learn and apply the 80/20 rule of recording studio headaches. You will find that 80% of your stress and problems come from 20% of your clients. And the worst part is… those clients aren’t worth the money that they are paying you. It is very important to learn how to filter out problem customers so that you can maximize the time you spend with friendly, high-paying customers. Why? Because that will bring you even more business later! Yes, you read that right. The best customers will send you more new clients to work with. But you have to learn how to make them do this.
3) You can turn many of your friends into the best “street team” on the planet! It’s quick, it’s effective, and it will make you more money than you can imagine. Plus, your street team will love you. Almost everyone you know is going to be interested in your studio business. You have a cool job! Get used to it. When you tell people about it, they will want to get involved. Learn to harness that power! Make more money from their work. That’s how the world’s richest business moguls get the job done.
So, the bottom line is that there can surely be a lot of fame and fortune and glamour and pleasure gained from owning and operating a home recording studio properly and profitably. It can also be your biggest nightmare. If your enthusiasm for the former is greater than your fear of the latter, then I encourage you to learn all the tricks of the trade from a master like Reuben Rock of Memphis, TN. You can watch the free video review of the “Recording Studio Profits” training program that he offers on our website and blog, details for which are in the authors area below.
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James Nelson has accumulated almost 40 years of successful business experience, and much of it has been based on the maxim, “Do what you do do well, then find others who can do the rest best!” You can learn more about “Recording Studio Profits” on their website and blog at http://www.jujamvideoreview.com/recordingstudioprofits.html. Mr. Nelson is currently President of JuJam Enterprises Incorporated.
By JamesRichard
May 12th, 2010 at 05:13pm
Under Entertainment
Naruto is a pop culture sensation derived from an incredibly popular manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto over a decade ago. Manga, as you know, is a popular style of comic book that originated in Japan but which has become popular with young people all over the world. What started off as a popular manga then became an equally well received video. Being translated into English has given it a worldwide fan following. It is probably the best selling manga in North America.
The Naruto series has all the elements that make manga and it’s off shoots so popular. This self titled series is based on the life and antics of a boy who has to fight adversity in order to make a name for himself. Based in rural Japan, Naruto’s father was a Hokage, or greatest ninja, who sealed the spirit of a nine tailed demon fox into his son in order to save the rest of the village. This does have the desired effect, but at the expense of the boy who becomes an attention seeking misfit. His only desire is to become a Hokage as well so that the village will look up to him.
Unfortunately, the fox residing in him makes him do a lot of pranks that cause him to constantly get into trouble.
In short, he is a mischievous 12 year old buy with superhuman ninja powers that he uses to help others. He does get into a lot of trouble and is often tricked by wicked people but in the end he prevails. He is very happy go lucky but will do almost anything for his friends.
The special effects and action sequences make the videos based upon this character very popular. What sets it apart from other anime series is that it has a lot of comedy and not just action. The characters are better rounded and Western audiences find them more to their liking. There is a lot of merchandise associated with this series including figurines, plush toys and a trading card game.
The films have received a lot of praise in the media for their production values. The character himself is very popular in the West because he has been drawn with blue eyes and blond hair and children associate with him better than they do with more mainstream Japanese characters. The films and video games are also well liked by parents because they illustrate the values of self help, dedication and the desire to help one’s friends at any cost and the need to fight for one’s rights.
This series has taken the logical step forward and is now an immensely popular video game. There are lots of video games based around this character and their online fan following is growing. It is also available in the form of cell phone downloads and in English translation comic books. They are currently available in an attractively packaged boxed set and there are many takers for it for obvious reasons.
I am basically a graduate at the University of Hamburg and you can get awesome articles and valid information from the ones which I submit specially for you to take a look at. Check out Naruto Images, Naruto Graphics or Naruto Pictures.
By FelixLehmann
May 11th, 2010 at 04:57pm
Under Entertainment
Many A say that the 1980s is the Strongest decennary— especially when it comes to music. This lay claim, of course, is contentious, but there is no traversing that a count of music that we still know today came from the 80s. The 80s is a period of melodious conceptions, with the deepens done at this time serving as the accelerator for a amount of charms in the been years. Here’s a look at some of the most potent artists during the 80s, including the Vocals and the Lyric Poems that they made fashionable. These Songs are self-confessed by singable authorities as among the Top-quality Vocals during that decennary.
“Like A Virgin,” by Madonna
No list about the music from the 80s is practiced without Madonna, the unchallengeable queen of reinvention. Her song “Like A Virgin” is mayhap her most contentious during the 80s (with Lyric Poems like “Like a virgin / Touched for the very first time / Like a virgin / When your heart beats / Next to mine”). Yet, while the Lyrics are polemic, its achievement as one of the decennary’s most achieved Vocals is not overshadowed. Its Lyric Poems, after all, only serve as the catalyst for other Vocals with standardized themes.
“Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was called the “King of Pop”—and for good concludes. If you look at the 80s, two of his Vocals can prove that he certainly deserve this title. “Billie Jean” is mayhap the most acclaimed song of Jackson, proving that the Lyrics and music he creates can both be critically and commercially made. The song bears on to the representative when a woman acclaimed is the father of her child, hence the Words “Billie Jean is not my lover / She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one / But the kid is not my son.” Needless to say, the Lyric Poems of this song carry on to be iconic until today. “Beat it,” on the other hand, has the same feel of the Lyric Poems of “Billie Jean.” Here, the Lyric Poems accommodate warnings to avoid vehemence at any costs. Both Vocals continue to be continued today, most notably by band Fall Out Boy (for “Beat It”) and American Idol winner David Cook (for “Billie Jean”)
“Livin’ on a Prayer,” by Bon Jovi
Interpreted by Some as the Warmest vocal of the 80s, this Bon Jovi piece was first taken for by Jon Bon Jovi as dark to be released. Its reworked edition was taken in their Slippery When Wet record album; it has accomplished massive success ever since. The Lyric Poems tell the story of a working class pair off who fight in order to go and preserve their relationship. The Lyric Poems have various reading —some say the Lyric Poems is anti-labor brotherhood, others say it has no policy-making propensities. But the careless of the Words, the song remains to be relevant—and lovely, just like a prayer.
“Just Like Heaven,” by The Cure
One of the British bands that reached success during the 80s is The Remedy. In an consultation, The Cure’s Robert Smith said he wrote the Lyric Poems for “Just Like Heaven” with the British interview in mind; he said he loved to write Lyric Poems that the British can relate to. And its success can also prove that its attract outstrips its thought commercialize.
Get the top hits of Music Song Lyrics available at http://www.musicsonglyrics.com
By TonyShapiro
May 11th, 2010 at 04:43pm
Under Entertainment
Of course, any musician would want a eternal and continuing career in the Euphony industry. This is, after all, a very paying and very satisfying moving in, and it can open doorways to a numeral of chances beyond Euphony. But there are clips when this isn’t thought to be. A number of creative people have tried to get through the Euphony line and have partially succeeded. But what chances when their first endeavour succeeds, yet their in efforts fail? They become the sad entities we know as One-hit Admirations.
The definition of a Grand-hit enquire can be more or less loose, although it is mathematical that anyone with just Unique hit of a song is considered as such. However, not all Special-hit Marvels can be specified in this category. For instance, strictly mouthing, Jimi Hendrix is a United-hot admiration since he only didst to get United hit in his wide range of discharged. Yet it is irrefutable that his total body of work is also well-known, although not inevitably big hits. But there are creative people who cannot achieve that. Here are some of the more famous Unique-hit Wonderments, and the Music and Lyrics that gave them their Corresponding shot at succeeder.
“Macarena,” by Los del Rio
What could be a large One-hit admiration than “Macarena,” that catching Latin dance song that conquered not just American but the whole world? At Special point, Billboard even given it as the fifth song in their All Time Top 100 list, and it in all likelihood corpses in that list until now. The achievement of this song is peculiar because of its Lyric Poems: the Lyrics of Macarena are altogether in Spanish—and it grown a numerate Grand in non-Spanish speechmaking countries. Of course, no Corresponding listens (or dances) to the “Macarena” because of its Lyrics, but it does make Unique enquire how something with enigmatic Words (at least in most parts of the world, where Spanish isn’t spoken) top the charts around the worldwide.
“Take On Me,” by a-ha
“Take On Me” was popular during the 1908s, and it even reached the top Special spot of the Billboard graphs. Its Music video is even studied as innovative during the time of its release. The Words of the song (sample Lyric Poems: “So needless to say / I’m odds and ends / But that’s me stumbling away / Slowly learning that life is OK”) weren’t awful, just plainly mean of songs created during that time. Yet a-ha never managed to follow their firstborn achiever, relegating “Take On Me” in a One-hit enquire position.
“Kung Fu Fighting,’ by Carl Douglas
Another infectious song with funny Lyric Poems (sample: “They were funky China men from funky Chinatown / They were chopping them up and they were chopping them down / It’s an ancient Chineese art and everybody knew their part / From a feint into a slip, and kicking from the hip’), “Kung Fu Fighting” stays to be old until today. In fact, gives thanks to its tricky pop hooks and Lyric Poems, ‘Kung Fu Fighting” has been used in films such as Epic Movie, Rush Hour 3, and Kung Fu Panda, among a mark of 90s picture shows.
Music Song Lyrics are very recent available at http://www.lyricsbay.com
By TonyShapiro
May 10th, 2010 at 03:13pm
Under Entertainment
According to Eric Clapton, Robert Johnson was ‘the most important blues singer who ever lived’. He is number five in Rolling Stone’s list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, but the man himself is still part legend, part mystery.
Almost the only concrete things we have of Robert Johnson are his recordings, made in 1936 and 1937. He died in 1938 at the age of - well no-one is quite sure. He seems to have been born in 1911 or 1912 which would make him around 25 or 26 when he died. He isn’t listed on his mother’s census entry for 1910 and his census entry for 1920 suggests he was born in 1912. These date’s aren’t consistent with the two marriage certificates that have been found, or the records of the school he attended and he has at least three separate gravestones. So who, really, was Robert Johnson?
There are not too many facts to go on. He was married in 1929 to a 16 year old girl who died giving birth soon after. In 1931 he married again, this time his wife was more than 10 years his senior. He was dedicated to his music and travelled from place to place, often sleeping in boxcars, yet he would emerge from them always looking as though his trousers had been carefully pressed. His voice and playing were distinctive, and he spent hours working on his songs. When he finally got the chance to record, he did so facing the wall. According to some, this was because he was shy, but the recording studios available to him were not advanced, it’s just as likely he worked facing the wall to improve the inadequate acoustics.
Johnson was an emotive performer who had the uncanny ability to pick up a tune after only one hearing and to play in a number of styles, In a way he shares many characteristics with Mozart, but while that composer was known to be a child prodigy and travelled Europe amazing audiences at a very young age, Johnson’s gift is not attributed to genius, but, so the story goes, to a bargain with the devil.
So desperate was Robert Johnson to sing and play the blues, that one night he waited by a crossroads and made a bargain with the devil; in return for the musical abilities he craved he would give his mortal soul.
That Johnson was very talented is not in question. At the time of his death he was scheduled to play in the very first ‘Spiritual to Swing concert at Carnegie Hall, but in August 1938, he was apparently poisoned by a jealous husband while performing near Greenwood Mississippi. He died on August 16th, but as he had no family around to bury him, no-one knows for certain where he was buried, a fact which has only added to the legend.
Johnson’s output was small, only 29 songs, but those songs and his recordings of them have been enormously influential, recorded and adapted by the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton and Steve Miller. He has even been described as the ‘Father of Rock and Roll’.
One thing everyone who knew him agrees on is that Johnson fed his talent by learning from other musicians at every opportunity. How about you?
Visit www.RockGuitarLesson.org to find out where to get your Blues Lesson. We won’t bite.
By JohnBlackwood
May 10th, 2010 at 08:28am
Under Entertainment
One of the most enjoyable things you can do with a PSP is to hear your favorite songs play right from the device. What if you do not have music files in your PSP and are new to the download process? Do not panic as here are easy tips for you.
First, have your PSP device ready for all your download activities. To do this, format your PSP memory stick in the PSP itself, if this is the first time that you are using it. Not sure how to do it? Simply turn your PSP on, scroll to “Home”, then “Settings”, down to “System Settings”, then choose “Format Memory Stick”. To choose the options, use the X-button of your PSP. Note that without a formatted memory stick, your PSP will not be able to handle and keep any files.
Now that your PSP is ready, you can get music files from your mobile phones, computers, another PSP, or from music download sites.
The music download sites can be accessed for free or for a certain charge. When you opt for this particular source, you just need to browse music download sites right on your PSP. There are lots of them on the internet. Just a word on internet safety though- choose credible and reliable sites. To know which ones, you can ask your friends which sites they use.
www.Allpspgames.com
If you go to sites that offer free downloads, your choices may be very limited. Sometimes, the files are not a complete copy of the originals so when you download it, you only get a part of the song. If you want full downloads and great wide choices just opt for the sites that offer fee-based services.
The services offered by fee-based sites differ in terms of costs and the “bundles” or packages that they offer. Some offer a week worth of downloads after you pay a certain fee. Others offer free trials while others offer free “bundles” after you have signed up for a particular subscription option. Some sites also have more songs than another.
If you are accessing the sites from a computer and want to transfer files from a computer, simply connect your PSP to the pc and proceed with the download. To connect your PSP device, follow these steps:
1. Connect your PSP device via USB. Your computer will install the drivers needed for the software to work, if this is the first time that you are connecting the device to your pc. If drivers are indeed installed, your system will prompt for a restart. Just click hit on yes if you see the prompt.
2. Once the system comes up again and detects the PSP device, you will see the drive name assigned to it (i.e. G:, H:, F:, etc.). This is the PSP drive that you will access to show the folders where your transferred or downloaded files will be. You have four folder options in a PSP namely, Games, Music, Videos and SaveData.
3. Drag and drop the files from the pc to the PSP drive. If you are downloading from the net, right click on download, choose save as, then save it to the PSP drive.
The article written by Zarqoo Zaimoo. Please visit Music Download Sites for more information and other download site visit http://www.ezydownload.net
By ZarqooZaimoo
May 10th, 2010 at 08:14am
Under Entertainment
One of the biggest ways to enjoy your PSP is to watch videos and play your favorite tunes in it. But a PSP does not come standard with these files. So, if you own a Sony PSP, or are planning to buy one, you should know how to download music and video files into the device to fully enjoy its benefits.
One of the easiest ways to download files into your psp is to connect your device from the computer and transfer the files from the pc. To rock your PSP with the hottest tunes and latest movies, the steps are easy. If you are not sure how to go about it, just read the easy-to-do and easy-to-follow directions lain out below.
1. First, you need to enable your psp device to accept and handle files. To do this, you may need to do two things:
Before you proceed with the actual download, prepare your PSP device to accept files. Make sure that you have a Memory Duo Stick set up in your PSP. Without the memory, your PSP will not be able to hold and handle any files.
Another thing, your PSP requires a formatted memory card. If the memory stick you are using is not formatted yet, format it in the PSP itself. To do this, turn your PSP on, go to “Home”, “Settings”, scroll down to “System Settings” and pick this option by pressing on the X-key of the PSP, and scroll further to select (use the X-key to choose) “Format Memory Stick”. Formatting is fast and is something you need to do one-time.
Now, your PSP device is ready to accept files. :
2. To transfer files from your pc, simply connect the USB cable of your PSP to your computer. If this is the first time that you are connecting your PSP to your pc, it will automatically install device drivers for it to work compatibly with your PSP. The process takes a few minutes so you just need to wait before you can proceed with what you are set to do. Your pc may ask you to restart to make the new settings work and when you see the prompt, just click on the “yes” button.
3. Simply drag and drop files into your PSP device from your pc. To do this, open your PSP folder by opening My Computer (just double-click on the icon) and selecting the appropriate drive. To know which drive it is, just look for “removable storage” (usually, it’s in G: or F). Double-click that drive to open it and you will see four default folders (Music, Games, Movies, Savedata) and pick the right folder by double-clicking on it. Once it is opened, open the folder containing the files you want to transfer and simply drag your selected files into your chosen PSP folder. ]
4. Optionally, you can log on to a website like Yahoo or Google and type in how do i download music and movies to the psp in the search box if you want to get a list of download sites. Access your chosen site and start your download. To do this, right lick on the “download” button, click on “save as” and select the drive for your PSP (see prior details on how to select the drive).
The article written by Zarqoo Zaimoo. Please visit Music Download Sites for more information and other download site visit http://www.ezydownload.net
By ZarqooZaimoo
May 10th, 2010 at 04:29am
Under Entertainment
The first time I watched Blue Mountain State I thought it looked a little corny and maybe a bit overdone, but as I watched a few more episodes I quickly fell in love with the show as I got to know the characters better. Blue Mountain State is a new original comedy from Spike TV about 4 players on the best college football team in the country. The show really isn’t about football though. It’s about college life, drinking and sex all looked at in a hilarious way.
The main character of the show would have to be Alex Moran. He is a freshman at Blue Mountain State, where he is the back-up quarterback (which he loves because he doesn’t have to play) and he definitely has a way with the ladies. In fact in one episode the father of the girl at his school takes his sperm as ransom until he dates his daughter!
Alex’s best friend from high school and roommate at Blue Mountain State is Sammy. He is also the mascot for the football team. Sammy is probably one of the craziest characters on the show as he is always coming up with some crazy ideas and he lives with a carefree attitude.
Craigh Shiloh is another freshman on the team, but he is already the star running back as he was the national high school player of the year in the previous season. Shiloh is tied down with his high school girlfriend who won’t even let him have sex with her. You definitely grow to hate Shiloh’s girlfriend throughout the show and just hope that Shiloh gets rid of her.
Finally, the last main character, and probably the funniest character on the show is Thad Castle. Thad is the captain of the teams defense and the most obnoxious player on the team. Thad is very stupid and has some crazy ideas on certain things that often get him upset with Alex Moran. Castle definitely makes the show with his shenanigans!
Blue Mountain State is an amazing show that is quickly gathering a following after a somewhat slow start. People are talking about the show around my University campus and this is definitely a good thing. I think Blue Mountain State could be the next big show on television as long as Spike TV looks to the future and decides to continue airing the show even after a slow start.
With episode titles like “It’s Called Hazing, Look It Up”, “Pocket Pu**y”, “The Drug Olympics”, “Ransom” and “Pee-Vacs or Oil Change?” it’s no wonder that this show is very entertaining. I would check it out, you won’t regret it. Watch Sammy kill the college’s goat mascot, Alex blackmail his professor by threatening that the football team will have sex with his mother, Shiloh lose his promise ring inside of a stripper or Thad trip out when he loses his pocket pu**y! Watch Blue Mountain State Now!
Watch Blue Mountain State online for free and follow all of the Blue Mountain State shenaningans. Watch Blue Mountain State season 1 online for free. And here are more season where that comes from!
By NikoDe
May 10th, 2010 at 12:43am
Under Entertainment
People have long been asking when the Alex E-Reader would ship since it was announced at the CES 2010. Spring Design the makers of the Android Powered Alex E-Reader says that it will ship officially April 16th of this year, just two weeks after the Apple I-PAD is released.
Alex E-Reader
The Alex E-Reader will retail for $399.00 and features a touch screen full color 3.5 inch bottom screen and 6 inch E-INK main screen to do your reading on. It has a WI-FI internet connection and is able to read EPUB, PDF, HTML, and txt formats. Its Internet connection is compatible with all WiFi, 3G, EVDO/CDMA and GSM Networks.
Alex content distributors include Google Book Store and will easily read all DRM PDF Documents. They also have been busy on the international front striking deals to land regional localization in Spanish, Russian, Chinese and more!
The Alex E-Reader will come bundled with a wide selection of built in Google Android Applications such as Photo Gallery, Web Browser, Calculator and Music Player. The sound really shines on this device in stereo sound, where as most other e-readers only do MONO. The device also has a native ability to read Flash driven website content. Making the Alex a very unique and versatile electronic reader.
The one thing we really like about the Spring Designs Alex E-Reader is the ability to download PDF E-books right from the internet and save them locally to your device. Most other E-Readers only transfer books to your device if you have bought them from an application store, sync your device with your computer, or connect it to your computer with a USB cable. We also think the ability to view streaming media over the web in E-INK is a great feature as well.
Speaking of being able to connect to the internet and browse via the web, Spring Design has announced a feature called Link-Notes. This feature will allow users to click on hyper text within e-books and then visit a web-page. They announced officially that the Link-Notes feature “opens up a whole new dimension in publishing.”
As we mentioned, the bottom screen of the Alex E-Reader is a full color touch screen, that is very much akin to the Barnes and Noble Nook E-Reader. Spring Design thought it was too similar and actually sued Barnes and Noble over it last November, which delayed the Nooks product release for a few months. This put a damper on everyone who wanted to purchase Nooks for Christmas time.
Alex in the upcoming weeks will be releasing an SDK to Android Developers giving them the ability to make custom applications for their E-Reader and some will be featured right on Spring Designs website. There is no word yet if they are going to be running their own app store. We will be reporting on this further on our Good E-Reader Forum
Final Thoughts: It remains to be seen if people will just spend $100.00 more and get the Apple I-PAD. As well, many of the new E-Readers that are coming out in the next few months all feature Google Android Operating systems, but hardly any applications have been made for them yet. What we would like to see with its web browser, audio and flash content are the next generation of Choose your Own adventure online E-books or more E-Books with audio and visual content in them.
Markus Reily writes for the E-reader forum and the Good E-reader website about the latest E-reader News and is interested in technology.
By MarkusReily
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