Aaron Sorkin on Jobs Biopic: Casting Announcement Imminent, ‘Heroine’ Will Be Daughter Lisa
In a new interview with The Independent, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin shares a few more details regarding his upcoming movie about Steve Jobs, noting that while there is no word on who will play the leading role yet, an announcement is imminent.
Leonardo DiCaprio and, more recently, Christian Bale, pulled out, the latter because of the sheer demands of the role: “It’s a 181-page script, about 100 of it is that one character,” says Sorkin. The frontrunner is now believed to be Michael Fassbender. Sorkin, today, can confirm only that an announcement is imminent.
As previously shared by Sorkin, the film will focus on three 30-minute scenes showing Jobs backstage before the announcement of the Mac, NeXT, and the iPod.
Sorkin also reveals in the new interview that the character of Jobs’ daughter Lisa will play a major role as the “heroine” of the film. Lisa Brennan-Jobs had declined to contribute to Walter Isaacson’s authorized biography of her father while he was alive, but has worked with Sorkin on the screenplay for the film.
“[I]in the case of Steve Jobs, it’s the relationships he had – particularly with his daughter, Lisa – that drew me to it,” he says. Jobs initially denied paternity of his daughter, now 36, though they later reconnected and she lived with him in her teens. “She didn’t participate in Walter Isaacson’s book, because her father was alive at the time, and she didn’t want to alienate either of her parents, so I was very grateful that she was willing to spend time with me,” says Sorkin. “She is the heroine of the movie.”
Sorkin’s Jobs film does not yet have a release date, but with Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle on board and casting starting to firm up, things are clearly moving forward.
Super-sized wooden emoji are Nick Offerman’s latest project
Ron Swanson is the portrait of manliness on Parks and Recreation, and in real life, Nick Offerman is an avid craftsman. The Offerman Woodshop cranks out all kinds of wares using its namesake material, and a recent effort took quite the tech culture twist. If a picture’s worth a thousand words, a solid oak 14-pound emoji must be worth more than that. The project was part of an infomercial sketch this week on Conan, so you won’t be able to nab the smiling poop block, but you also won’t suffer a back injury from hauling all of the items around for IRL chats. It does mean that you’ll miss out on a “more personal and more American way of communication,” though. You can, however, put that $30 towards a set of whiskey coasters.
Filed under: Misc
Via: CNET
Source: Conan (YouTube)
Lenovo, Asustek bringing lower cost Chromebooks to market in 2015
Although Chromebooks have only grabbed a small part of the laptop computer market thus far, despite much success in the education sector, the race to bring out less expensive models to entice buyers appears to be heating up for 2015. A new report from Digitimes Research indicates both Lenovo and Asustek are preparing new Chromebooks equipped with Rockchip technology to hit the market at a $149 price point.
Thus far, most Chromebooks have been priced in the $200 – $300 range, so the products from Lenovo and Asustek could set new lows for notebook devices. Both devices are expected to come with 11.6-inch screens and the Rockchip processors, but other details are not yet known. Acer is currently the biggest Chromebook producer and these new devices would be priced 25% lower than the Acer C720 that runs $199. Digitimes Research indicated that in addition to the price pressure this move will create for other Chromebook producers like Acer, it will also put pressure on Microsoft which has been modifying license costs in an effort to stave off Chromebooks’ growth in the market.
Rockchip is a “first-tier tablet application processor (AP) designer” from China. They have worked with Intel on chip design and distribution. They are also a Google-certified solutions provider.
source: Digitimes
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Shhhh – Google removes silent mode from phones with Lollipop
When Google first announced Android L last summer with a developer’s preview edition and then in October made the official announcement sans a final version being available, it was clear Google had all hands on deck to try to wrap up all the details that go into a major operating system overhaul. So it should be no surprise that some things may have been overlooked. At least, we hope this one is an oversight and not something intentional on the part of Google. Android Lollipop users have discovered that silent mode has been removed when running on a smartphone and other volume and notification management choices are just not well thought out.
As it stands now, users have a choice of volume that goes all the way down to “1″ and then to vibrate. Normally users could then hit the volume down key one more time and put their smartphone into silent mode where it won’t even vibrate. That last option is no longer available. Users have determined that on a tablet device, like the Nexus 9, users can go down to vibrate and if they tap the volume key back up they can get to “0″ volume. The only way to replicate this on a smartphone is for a user to go down to vibrate, then back up to “1″, then reboot their smartphone . The device will come back on at volume “0″.
There are other oddities that exist with the notification system as it relates to volume. Google tried to bake in a “sleep mode” type function in Lollipop where users could set notifications to be silent except for “Priority” sources. Unlike the function that appears in some manufacturers’ overlays, Google does not let you set a time of day for this to recur, relying instead on the user to manually set it for a specific length of time. That may be useful for on the fly needs for silence, like when attending a meeting or a movie. If a user sets the notification screening function to “None”, they will discover another problem. The “None” setting on smartphones will also silence alarms, rendering them useless.
Finally, Google makes the menu for changing notifications from “All” to “Priority” to “None” available from the lock screen, bypassing normal security like PIN codes. If you need your competition to miss a meeting because their alarm didn’t go off, all you need to do is get to their smartphone, set notifications to “None” and hope they don’t check it.
For more on how this works, you can check out a video Motorola put together showing these functions.
source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Shhhh – Google removes silent mode from phones with Lollipop
Home Monitoring Camera – SpotCam goes Android!
If you are a rich guy/gal, and store millions of bucks in your home (Which is probably not the right thing to do), then you obviously should be concerned about your security. The same goes for anyone who has kids to watch over while he/she is away. Or, maybe you just want to watch-out for a local thugs or delivery driver. To do so you might want to get a gizmo that can video monitor your desired view in real-time and send it live to your smartphone.
Gone are those days when this level of security was just a dream because the dream has just become true. Coming on to the subject i.e. SpotCam, it’s a Video Monitoring app which works with company’s specially designed security cameras also called SpotCam.
SpotCam is newcomer and offers competition to the already established cameras in this niche – DropCam and Simplicam. It is one of the Wi-Fi security cameras that you come across every once in a while but it has some new perks that others don’t.
Like a typical Wi-Fi security camera, it offers live transmission of a wide-angle 720p video feed anywhere you have internet access be it on your smartphone, PC or tablet and that too through a bank-level SSL encryption. It is easy to setup and provides Nightvision which can be helpful in theft investigations.
You are also notified of active motion or audio event via email or mobile app. With SpotCam app you can listen to and speak to with someone near the SpotCam thanks to its built-in microphone and speaker. It can be scheduled to turn on/off on a weekly basis. What sets this apart from the likes of other security cameras is the ability to share SpotCam videos with people or public on the air. You can watch some people’s public feed here: SpotCam On-Air.
Moving on to the paid subscriptions that it has to offer, SpotCam generally allows you free storage of 1 Day video feed so you can scroll entire day’s time-window to check for misconduct. But if you want even more flexibility on recording your videos, you might want to hit on their subscriptions which starts from as low as $3.95/month.
Even without a paid subscription, SpotCam does most of the things free for you that other charge for. It’s a great security camera with cross-platform viewing. If you have something you care for and want to keep an eye on, this is definitely worth looking into.
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Recommended Reading: NYC’s new subway hub is an architectural marvel
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you’ll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read.
How James Carpenter Gave NYC Subway Riders a Portal to the Sky
by Shaunacy Ferro,
Fast Company
New York City’s latest subway station is a really big deal. Fulton Center recalls an age when public transit stations packed in architectural prowess, and this hub does just that. The main element is the so-called Sky Reflector Net that not only bathes the atrium in natural light, but also reflects that light two stories underground thanks to a cable structure suspended way up above.
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The Boy with the Lego Hand Nine-year-old Aidan Robinson was born with only a portion of his left arm. After cycling through a number of prosthetic solutions, he developed his own idea for a better device at a summer camp last July. Pocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”); |
30 Minutes With: Nigel Lamb Gear Patrol caught up with 58-year-old aerobatic pilot Nigel Lamb just before his quest to win the Red Bull Air Race in Las Vegas began. Lamb has flown stunts in movies, and he’s rather used to flying 230 MPH and pulling 10 Gs when needed. Pocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”); |
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‘Battlefield Hardline’ is Shaping Up to be More than Just Another Gung-ho Shooter After drawing the ire of critics following its initial reveal, the makers of Battlefield Hardline delayed its launch to retool the title. Here’s a look at the changes that’ll differentiate gameplay from previous efforts in a big way. Pocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”); |
A Complete Guide to Every Person in the Serial Podcast Sure, this is more Recommended Viewing & Listening, but a handy guide from Vox is an essential companion to the popular Serial podcast’s episodic true crime tale. Pocket!function(d,i)if(!d.getElementById(i))var j=d.createElement(“script”);j.id=i;j.src=”https://widgets.getpocket.com/v1/j/btn.js?v=1″;var w=d.getElementById(i);d.body.appendChild(j);(document,”pocket-btn-js”); |
[Photo credit: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images]
Filed under: Misc
In Germany, these servers wants to keep every home warm
Most places around the world are getting ready to bring out the blankets and coats, in preparation for the cold, cold season ahead. Knowing this, a company called Cloud & Heat has come up with a very interesting idea, one that’s beneficial to both it and the parties interested in giving it a try. In exchange for heat, the Germany-based firm is offering to put a cabinet filled with servers in people’s homes. As Slate points out, Cloud & Heat isn’t the only company working on heat-for-server-housing program, but others aren’t as advanced in the implementation stages. Unfortunately, the service isn’t free for home owners, since there is a one-time (undisclosed) installation fee. The good news: Cloud & Heat takes care of the electricity and internet bills, so the deal could turn out to be more than decent.
Filed under: Misc, Storage, Internet
Via: Slate
Source: Cloud & Heat
HTC One M8 For $299 Unlocked Via HTC Hot Deals
Well HTC is back with their new deal for the week. After the excitement (and disappointment) from the last deal in which they sold the HTC Nexus 9 for 50% in a matter of minutes we hope this week the deals will flow smoothly. So what does HTC have in store this week. The HTC One M8 of course. For this HTC Hot Deal of the week HTC will offer the One M8 on any carrier or unlocked for $299. That means you can get a brand new HTC One M8 off contract for $299 which is one hell of a deal. You will save $350 off the regular price.
Sadly you will have to be quick with the F5 button for this one as HTC has only set 200 units aside at this price. After the 200 units sell out the next 300 individuals will get the HTC One M8 for $399. That still gives you a savings of $250 but who are we kidding we all want that $299 price. So hit up the link down below and try to snag one of the 200 $299 HTC One M8’s. Good luck!
The post HTC One M8 For $299 Unlocked Via HTC Hot Deals appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Nexus 6 Hits Sprint Web Sales and Stores on November 14th
Google is certainly doing a great job at keeping the Nexus hype alive with limited inventory releases through the Play Store. Equally important is the talks of launch dates and availability via carrier channels. We all know the nexus 6 will be landing on many of the major players in wireless and that is something that a lot of people are waiting for due to the devices more premium featured set price tag. Sprint has made an announcement today that the Nexus 6 will be available in stores and via Sprint Business Sales, Web Sales and Telesales beginning November 14th.
“Nexus 6 sets the stage for exciting new developments in smartphones with a stunning 6-inch Quad HD display, perfect for movies, videos and surfing the Web,” said Doug Kaufman, director-Device Strategy, Sprint. “With pricing plans like the Sprint Family Share Pack, families can take advantage of all the features of Nexus 6 without worrying about expensive rate plans or running out of data each month.”
Sprint is pushing the Sprint Easy Pay option in the press release with the device aiming at $0 down and 24 monthly payments of $29. They also offer up the full retail pricing at $696 excluding taxes and such.
Source: Sprint
The post Nexus 6 Hits Sprint Web Sales and Stores on November 14th appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Nexus 6 Pre-Orders for AT&T Go Live November 12th
‘Tis the season for the Nexus 6. Sprint has plans to push the device out to Stores and through their web and telesales channels November 14th, while AT&T is looking to go another route. The conglomerate that is AT&T has announced the they will start taking pre-orders for the Motorola Nexus 6 starting Wednesday November 12th.
“The Nexus 6 with Android 5.0 Lollipop is the first Nexus device to join AT&T’s leading device portfolio,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Mobile Devices, AT&T. “The power of the nation’s most reliable network, covering more than 300 million Americans, paired with the collective innovation from Google and Motorola make this device a winning combination for AT&T customers.”
Price wise you are looking at the standard pricing option on a device that rolls in with this price tag through AT&T. On the Next 24 you are looking at $22.77 per-month, Next 18 will be $28.416 a month Next 12 will be $34.15 per-month. If you are old school and go contract, then you will shell out $249.99 with another 2-year agreement. If your pockets are deep, or your are just dedicated to no-contract and no payments, then AT&T will put one in your hands for $682.99.
It isn’t all that surprising that the off contract price is more than it is through the Play Store. We have seen that in the past with previous devices. With the limited amount of devices that get released through the Play Store each week, the small premium from AT&T might be a sacrifice some will be willing to make, especially if they planned on using AT&T anyways.
AT&T will be adding in another offer though. If you do get yourself a Nexus 6 you will get $50 off the purchase of a Moto 360, Moto Hint or Moto Sliver II.
Source: AT&T
The post Nexus 6 Pre-Orders for AT&T Go Live November 12th appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
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