Posted By Donny Torrefranca

Well the BlackBerry Live Event is finally upon us and we will be present in Orlando, Florida covering all the fantastic events planned by BlackBerry for all the attendees.  Formerly known as "BlackBerry World", now BlackBerry's application store, is the event where BlackBerry enthusiasts, business leaders, IT decision makers, developers and partners gather together to experience first hand BlackBerry's latest and greatest.

BlackBerry Live is the place where you can:

• Road test the game changing BlackBerry 10 platform to see why everyone is so excited
• Get your toughest technical and business questions answered
• Meet the BlackBerry leaders behind BlackBerry 10
• Accelerate your mobile decision-making with expert advice and services
• Get the first in-depth look at Secure Work Space
• Form business relationships to rely on down the road
• Hear what's next for BlackBerry
• Participate in the mobile ecosystem and help shape the future of BlackBerry

From all forms of life, everyone attending will have something to enjoy. Whether you are an executive for your company, IT professional, or a developer, you are guaranteed to come out of this event with a wealth of knowledge to make your decisions regarding the company or how you can utilize BlackBerry 10 in all its glory. I am especially excited to see what BlackBerry has done recently with BlackBerry 10 and what they are planning with the Operating System.  Based on my experience with the current BlackBerry 10 devices, the future is bright. And speaking of BlackBerry 10 devices and the 'Bright' future, I'd like to personally thank Brightstar, one of the sponsors of the event for providing every attendee with their own brand new BlackBerry Z10 device. At this point of the article, I am still waiting to board my flight from Buffalo, NY to Charlotte, NC, eventually to Orlando, Florida, so I obviously have not picked up my device yet. I'm sure I have one with my name on it however.

3:00 AM: Finally all settled in at the Marriott World Centre hotel. Hotel room with a pool side view, and all the major events for the upcoming BlackBerry Live conveniently occurring in the same hotel.  Life is good leading up to tomorrow through to the 16th when the BlackBerry Live event concludes. In approximately 4 hours we will be heading to the lobby for registration and pick up of our free BlackBerry Z10 smartphone.  Most of the events tomorrow are welcoming parties for attendees hosted by various sponsors of the event.

May 14th:

The day has arrived and the first day is kicked off by Thorsten Heins' introductory Keynote.  Much like most keynotes, the recent successes, latest devices released (Z10 and Q10), and of course the total number of apps available in the BlackBerry World (120,000).  However, that is not the most interesting discussion that goes on in Keynotes.  Today, through Thorsten Heins, BlackBerry announced a new devices for emerging countries, the new BlackBerry Q5. The BlackBerry Q5 is similar to the Q10 in that it comes with BlackBerry's famous keyboard.  More details into the specs of the latest device will be added shortly, but for now what we can tell you is that it comes with 4 colour options. (Black, White, Red, and Pink)

In the BlackBerry World, included with the 120,000 apps available, Skype as well as Blaque are available starting today. Also available is the latest OS version 10.1 which initially came with the Q10 as the shipped OS, but now it is available for the Z10. These are all linked together because in order for Skype to become available, it requires that your device be on OS 10.1.  So for all you Skype users, check for an update on your BB 10 device and install today.

Thorsten discussed how mobile devices cannot, and should not, be running a desktop environment. He indicated that our mobile devices should have its own unique environment. He didn't stop there, BlackBerry showed off its latest integration into the automotive environment.  As you should know by now, BlackBerry has been using the QNX software to run its Operating System since the release of its first Blackberry Playbook a few years back. QNX is widely used in the automotive industry to run the background of vehicles with smart technology.  Today, the inevitable was announced and BlackBerry showed us a Mercedes Benz with BlackBerry integration with all applications such as Maps, music and BBM Video.  Yes BBM Video conferencing will soon be done from our vehicles.  But since safety comes first, when the vehicle is moving it quickly switches from video call, to a voice call. This may seem to some people as useless, but I guarantee you, this is the FUTURE we're seeing before our eyes folks.

10:45 am : BlackBerry announces BBM Channels, "lets you tune in and share".  As Thorsten describes it, real-time engagement for your social life.  It allows you to connect to your favourite brands, friends, and colleagues and stay up to date with each other.  Very much like having your own Facebook Page or your own Twitter account and allowing other people to "follow" you and see all your updates, all done and integrated within BBM. And on stage to help present BBM Channels with Thorsten Heins is Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton.  He discusses how his followers will be able to follow him on his channel and be able to keep up to date with his latest updates such as race results or upcoming races.  This is just an example of how it can be used between the general public who they choose to follow.  Very much like following someone's Twitter account, only with more media integration.

10:56 am:  BBM is going public and become available for multiple mobile platforms all around the globe, FOR FREE. Thorsten Heins just announced at the BlackBerry Live event that BBM is finally available to all users using different platforms such as iOS and Android. BBM is projected to be available to all platforms this summer of 2013 and will start with iOS and Android devices.

By Donny Torrefranca

When we first received our review unit from Motorola, it was hard for me to determine whether I should consider this a "Runner's watch" or if it is a "Smart Watch". Consider all the rumours swirling about all the different manufacturers developing Smart Watches these days, and not so recent release of the Pebble Smart Watch. While the MotoActv has the same functionality that a Smart Watch, by definition, should have... after having used this device for a few weeks, I think I may have found the answer to my initial confusion.

Before we delve into my conclusion, lets have a look at the specs of this device. 
The Motorola MotoActv has a 1.6" touchscreen display that is as responsive as most smartphone touchscreen for interaction. Its physical dimenstion is listed as 46 X 46 X 9.6 mm and weighs in at 35 g. The screen is made of Corning's Gorilla Glass 1 and the straps and overall build of the device is made to be sweat\water proof. Around the devices you will find the power button and the volume +/- buttons on the right side, while there are dedicated buttons for "Music" (stop\play) and "Start" (Stop\Start) when using the timer.  For connectivity, it has ANT+ enabled, Bluetooth 1.2 profile, microUSB, WiFi for syncing your workout progress on Motorola's server called "Training Portal", and of course the 3.5 mm headphone jack located along the bottom of the device.

The time has come for Microsoft to unleash the next beast. The next gen Xbox will be revealed at an event on May 21. Several blogs have received their invitations for the US event and will be streamed globally via XBOX.com and broadcase on Spike TV for Canadians. (Luckily Spike TV will still be a part of the Rogers VIP until May 24, and then they start charging extra for it!!)

Hopefully we get a good taste of what to expect with the new Xbox at the event but if not, fear not! E3 2013, The largest video game conference will begin on June 11 being held in Los Angeles and we expect to see a full lineup of blockbuster games. (most excited for Watch Dogs!)

We do not know much about the new Xbox, not even the name, although the Xbox 720 name has been flying around for years. We do not speculate on rumors so no point talking about what it may have until it is announced officially.

Stay tuned! The event will begin at 1PM EDT on May 21.

Source: Major Nelson

An anonymous tipster has indicated that the much anticipated Skype for BlackBerry 10 may be coming as early as April 15. For many side loaders the android port became available for the Playbook on April 16, 2012 and stopped working for video chats shortly after the Z10 was launched. Skype had previously confirmed that they will be working closely with BlackBerry to provide a ported Android version and are hoping for a direct integration with the BlackBerry hub for notifications.

This will be the first of many major promised apps that would be available for the BlackBerry 10 operating system. Another application we have been anxious to see is Rdio which unfortunately has offered no available timelines.

If you have been excited to try your favourite Android app, side loading to the Z10 is super easy and there are many apps available. One of the latest apps to be ported is Netflix and it works almost flawlessly with a slight lag but not always noticeable. This is great news for those that wanted Netflix BlackBerry's newest platform and it also looks bad on Netflix that they do not have the resources nor the desire to provide their service to BlackBerry customers. Shame on you Netflix!

So Skype & BlackBerry fans, the wait is almost over..Skype..on the Z10...April 15.. Enjoy! (this is no April Fool's joke..we do not participate in rumors unless we are certain about our sources.)

UPDATE:  Well it appears there will be a slight delay with the launch but fear not, it will still be looking like an April launch! Keep in mind our initial tipster reported as early as April 15, but we have another report this date will actually be April 30.  There are reports of the BlackBerry Q10 also launching on April 30 so perhaps there is a reason for this delay but in any case,  please keep those stories coming in and look forward for Skype on BB10 this month!

 UPDATE:  Well our tipster was right and Skype will be available April 30 and just in time for the launch of the BlackBerry Q10.

UPDATED:  BlackBerry has released Skype for BlackBerry 10 today and can now be downloaded on AppWorld with the Q10 device running 10.1  and will be available shortly for Z10 devices.  For official response from BlackBerry you can visit the BlackBerry Blog here.

Well the next DLC for Black Ops 2 is finally within sight and will be available on Xbox Live exclusively on April 16.  Uprising is the second DLC pack of the year from Treyarch and Activation and Xbox gamers get it first once again. The download includes four new multiplayer maps and a new Zombie experience called "Mob of the Dead" including  an Alcatraz map with four actors of the most notorious mobsters, Ray Liotta, Chazz Palminteri, Joe Pantoliano, and Michael Madsen.

Rather then read about the exciting new maps, check out the trailer below first! We are hoping to get a DLC code for giveaway so bookmark our post and come back before April 16 for a possible chance to win a redeemable code.

The new multiplayer maps include:

• MAGMA - is a modern Japanese village with volcanic eruptions carving multiple paths throughout the town
• ENCORE -  takes place in the aftermath of a deserted London music festival and leaves numerous opportunities for run-and-gun, close quarters combat.
• VERTIGO - is a futuristic high rise in India housing a high-tech lab featuring dizzying vistas and multi-tiered pathways.
• STUDIO -  is a contemporary remake of "Firing Range," a fan-favorite multiplayer map from the original Call of Duty®: Black Ops. "Studio" is a Hollywood movie back lot with a variety of cinematic themes that range from Sci-Fi to the Old West.

Uprising will be available for purchase on Xbox Live on April 16 and will cost 1200 Microsoft Points, or if you paid for the Season Pass, its included FREE! And PS3/PC gamers, you will be able to download UPRISING approximately a month later so stay tuned!

Source : Call of Duty

Press Release »

Some exciting news from the live Sony Playstation 4 unveiling is the availability of Watch Dogs on the PS4 system. Ubisoft Montreal demo'ed the Watch_Dogs game that allows players to experience a truly connected world and with only a smartphone, have the ability to hack into Chicago's central operating system and control most elements of the city including stopping trains, controlling traffic lights and tapping into the security cameras. The game looks sick and we can't wait for this title. Stay tuned for E3 as we will have more information. For now, check the trailer below and have patience for Holiday 2013. This is one title you don't want to miss.

For more information you can visit Watch_Dogs & Ubisoft.

Press Release »

Sony is unveiling the next gen Playstation console live right now! The ustream event seems to have kicked us out and the Playstation website also seems to be experiencing some big server load so perhaps there is a lot of interest in this event?

Here is the live stream if it does come back online for you..

Broadcasting live with Ustream
For updates as they come in stay tuned as we will be following along. Here is what we know so far..

• The PS4 will come equipped with 8GB  RAM
• The new Dual Shock 4 features a touchpad up top in the middle, a "share" button and a headphone jack, and a "light bar" as a "simpler, more friendly way to identify players."

• There's a a "secondary custom chip" that can download or update games in the background. "On PlayStation 4, digital titles are playable even as they are downloaded."
• The system will suspend when you hit the power button. To resume, just hit the power button again and BAM you're back in the game. "At the exact spot you left off."
• Playstation has teamed up with Ustream to live stream games online, similar to how Xbox is doing currently with Youtube.
• Remote Play will allow full graphic version of the game to be transferred to the PS Vita currently how Nintendo is doing with the Wii U controller.
• Playstation is teaming up with many services and vendors to provide streaming content.
• Sony is now playing a demo of Killzone 4 and now a new game called DriveClub. This looks good! This is 9 years in the making as they have been waiting for a console powerful enough to deliver their vision. 
• Another new title exclusive to the Playstation 4 is Infamous Second Son and it also looks great.
• It appears that a majority of this Playstation 4 unveiling is going to be announcing new titles. Sit tight folks this is a 2 hour event.
• After a few odd presentations, Capcom is now on stage. Stay tuned...
• Well with 25 minutes left, we have yet to see more information about the upcoming Playstation 4. This has been a sleeper of an event. Whatever will they show off for E3?
• Square Enix has taken the stage and advised that we should be excited for E3 as they are preparing a new Final Fantasy title. Guess some things are being saved for E3.
• Ubisoft is now on stage to talk about Watch Dogs. 
• Finally Ubisoft has woken us up. Watch Dogs looks great!

• Blizzard has just taken the stage with some big news... they will be taking over the world with Sony..

• Blizzard has announced Diablo 3 will be available for the PS4! (and PS3)  

• And lastly, Activision is now on stage.. to announce many major titles that will be coming to the PS4 which we will get more information at a later date..but they have hinted a partnership with Bungie..to bring Destiny to the Playstation 4.
• And with that...the event has come to an end and leaving us without very much information about the PS4 at all. See ya at E3! The Playstation 4 will be available for Holiday 2013.

UPDATE: We have some more details on the hardware specs and have also attached the press release from Sony below....

The PS4 is centered around a powerful custom chip that contains 8 x86-64 cores and a state of the art graphics processor.
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) has been enhanced in a number of ways, principally to allow for easier use of the GPU for general purpose computing (GPGPU) such as physics simulation. The GPU contains a unified array of 18 compute units, which collectively generate 1.84 Teraflops of processing power that can freely be applied to graphics, simulation tasks, or some mixture of the two.
PS4 is equipped with 8 GB of unified system memory, easing game creation and increasing the richness of content achievable on the platform. GDDR5 is used for this memory, giving the system 176 GB/second of bandwidth and providing a further boost to graphics performance.
The end result for gamers is new games with rich, high-fidelity graphics and deeply immersive experiences that shatter expectations.

Press Release »

It is that time again, for the 2013 Canadian International Auto Show taking place at the Metro Convention Centre in downtown Toronto. The show starts on Friday February 15 and runs through to February 24. But if you want a sneak peek at some of the hottest and smartest cars, check this post tomorrow as we will be LIVE at the Media Day Event.

What are we excited for?

2013 SRT Viper - The all-new 2013 SRT Viper makes its highly anticipated return to the high-performance sports car market. Canadian driving enthusiasts will truly enjoy this iconic two-seat supercar that has evolved to incorporate superior craftsmanship, new technologies and ergonomic improvements, while respecting its visceral legacy of outright performance.

2014 Audi R8 - Audi is making its R8 high-performance sports car sharper and more attractive than ever. The S tronic makes its debut in the series, which is now topped by the new R8 V10 plus. The all-LED front headlights are standard with all models; distinctive design details set accents. The R8 V8 Coupé weighs just 1,560 kilograms (3,439.21 lb) thanks to the Audi ultra lightweight construction principle.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Chevrolet is redefining modern performance with today’s debut of the all-new Corvette Stingray. And only a Corvette with the perfect balance of technology, design and performance can wear the iconic Stingray designation. The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the most powerful standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower (335 kW) and 450 lb.-ft. of torque (610 Nm). It is also the most capable standard model ever, able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than four seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. It is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, exceeding the EPA-estimated 26 mpg of the current model. The all-new Corvette Stingray shares only two parts with the previous generation Corvette. It incorporates an all-new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as completely new exterior and interior designs.

Acura NSX Concept - The new Acura NSX Concept showcases the evolution of the next-generation supercar’s styling and design, including a first-ever look at one possible direction for the next-generation NSX interior design. The design concept is founded on a "Human Support Cockpit" theme, a strong expression of Acura’s product direction focused on "the synergy between man and machine." The interior package boasts outstanding visibility, an exotic driving position, and an intuitive "Simple Sports Interface" that minimizes interior clutter, allowing the driver to focus on the driving experience.

Those are just a few! Check below for our live stream which will be active between 9AM and 4PM. If you want to see something, send us a tweet to @Autotok with the hashtag #CIAS40.

The 2013 Canadian International Auto Show has gone social. You can get more from one of their accounts below as they will be posting during the event:

LIKE CIAS on Facebook.com/autoshowcanada
Follow CIAS on Twitter @autoshowcanada
Follow CIAS on PINTEREST – Pinterest.com/autoshow

FOR ALL TICKETING INFORMATION: 905.940.2800 OR CIAS@AUTOSHOW.CA.

SHOW TIMES:

12:00 PM - 10:00 PM (February 15)

10:30 AM - 10:00 PM (February 16 - 23)

10:30 AM - 6:00 PM (February 24)

Enjoy the show!

Live broadcasting by Ustream

Before viewing Steven Soderbergh's (assumed) last directorial effort, you imagine the title of the movie corresponding very easily to the plot.

1. Girl gets hooked on drugs

2. Girl experiences some dangerous side effects

3. Girl goes crazy

That’s all I could really take from the trailer of Side Effects, aside from the obvious allusions to Darren Aronofsky’s “Requiem for a Dream” .

There is some moments of Requiem, more technical than anything. A dark, gloomy atmosphere with an emotional disconnect to the lead. It is a simple, slow, but engaging piece of cinema and a great showing for Rooney Mara as the maladjusted Emily, who’s eyes show a great deal of pain, misery and inner reflection.

After four long years, Emily (Mara) is reunited with her husband Martin (played by Channing Tatum), who was busted for insider trading and sent to prison. Things are only good for a short time, as Emily’s listlessness expands into a deeper state of depression. After a suicide attempt, Emily is visited by psychiatrist Dr. Banks (Jude Law), who has no qualms about wanting to help Emily’s depression with deep conversation and heavy prescription medication. He knows what he’s doing. He’s a gifted psychiatrist who really wants to see Emily’s issues resolved, though he’s not painted with your typical “hero brush”.

Nothing seems to work though, and at some provocation (through Emily, her previous psychiatrist (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones) and a pay-day from Big Pharma), Dr. Banks prescribes a newer medication, Ablixa. The proverbial “green fog bank” Emily suggests has been rolling around in her head begins dissipating. Her insomnia is over, her sex drive is in full force, but her sleepwalking is still very troubling for her husband. In a jarring twist (the first of a few), things go awry, but nobody’s quite sure who or what to blame.

The second half of the film then turns into something similar to David Fincher’s “Zodiac”, about a man obsessing over a closed case, causing major rifts with his spouse, patients and co-workers. Writer Scott Z. Burns reveals tidbits at a time for both Dr. Banks and the audience to resolve together. There is no need for the viewer to solve any lingering mysteries, but nothing is spelled out for us (aside from an awful scene full of revelations later in the movie).

Side Effects’ simple story about truth and lies is underscored with lingering, foreboding music and an incredible lack of natural light. There is very little sunshine, and it’s used mostly to wash out the overwhelming charm of Channing Tatum. The rest of the film is dark, dank and cold. There are storm clouds looming everywhere, an obvious over-the-top juxtaposition of the looming downward spirals of our characters. Unfortunately, the skin-tingling amounts to nothing, as the mystery unfolds so naturally and simply that you’re never really left in the dark like the characters.

It’s a well-made film, a very technically sound piece of cinema that uses the director’s signature style and flow to create a realistic backdrop with disposable characters. It’s transparent without being entirely predictable, offering commanding performances by both Mara and Law, and a mysterious tale about the side effects of more than just prescription medication… but side effects of our everyday lies, truths, and revelations… and just how no matter what way you spin it, people are who they are and nothing is unravel-able.

It’s not the edge-of-your-seat thriller that the TV spots present it as, nor is it a crazy dream-like Requiem clone, but a very technically good film, with a simple message that is masterfully executed on every level. It’s the perfect film for Soderbergh to bow out on. Good on him, and good for us.

It’s a solid 7/10, which is great for a movie I doubt I’ll have a pressing interest in watching again.