My Fellow 999,999 Angry Bird Halloween Fans

I admit it. I am addicted to Angry Birds. I play it on my iPhone whenever I have a few minutes of down time. my second confession, I also purchased Angry Birds Halloween even though I knew it was the same game just different pictures. Third confession, I will also purchase an Angry Birds Christmas edition if they develop it (which after the Halloween numbers you know it's coming).

Finland-based developer Rovio announced its new release of Angry Birds Halloween for the iPhone, iPod and iPad was downloaded one million times on the Apple App Store in just six days.

"We're delighted too see such fantastic reception for Angry Birds Halloween," said Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio. "We intend to continue creating more and more quality products and updates, and keep exceeding the expectations of our fans worldwide."

Angry Birds Halloween was the first self-published title by the studio after publisher Chillingo was purchased by Electronic Arts last week.

via: IGN

ComiXology, Image Comics & Robert Kirkman Release THE WALKING DEAD App

Just in time for Halloween and the premier of AMC's The Walking Dead Image, comiXology and Kirkman team-up to develop an iPhone app for The Walking Dead. I'm not quite sure what purpose this app serves since you can already read these books on your iPhone, but it does provides all the issues (for purchase) in one easy to use app with comiXology's new Guided View.

New York, NY – To commemorate the highly anticipated AMC series premiere of The Walking Dead this Halloween, comiXology has created a dedicated digital comic app of the award-winning series for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch in collaboration with Image Comics and the comic’s creator Robert Kirkman.

The Walking Dead, which won the 2010 Eisner Award for Best Continuing Series at San Diego Comic Con, recently went day-and-date with its digital version on comiXology-enabled devices and Web reader and is now giving its loyal fan base the ability to enjoy the comic in all of its gory in its own dedicated app. The Walking Dead in digital format is exclusive to the Comics by comiXology platform.

“Robert Kirkman and Image Comics have been great partners of ours and we love to see them continually pushing the envelope with The Walking Dead series,” said David Steinberger, CEO of comiXology. “Through this new app, zombie lovers everywhere will be getting a full dose of their favorite comic on their mobile devices all in one location. We’ve even added all the collected editions.”

The story centers around Rick Grimes, a former police officer who was shot in the line of duty and woke up from a coma after the world had succumbed to the zombie plague. Dazed from months in the hospital, and confused as to why he can't find anyone alive, he begins his journey to find his wife and son.

“Today’s app release will provide fans of The Walking Dead, new and old alike, another way to enjoy this series," said Robert Kirkman. “The Walking Dead app will make the series that much more accessible to the new generation that, more often than not, experiences their entertainment completely digitally. I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with comiXology, on the eve of the debut of the AMC television series, to bring this series in front of a whole new generation of readers.”

The Walking Dead app can be found in the iTunes App Store here and on comics.comixology.com.

The purchases made in The Walking Dead app will also be available in the Comics by comiXology app and online at comics.comixology.com.

via: Press Release

Why Link Needs an iPhone

Shane Parker created this wonderful piece of cartoon art entitled, "The Not So Lost in the Woods."  Shane came up with the idea while playing the original Zelda.  He says on his blog,

"While playing the original Zelda I was trapped in an endless struggle of man vs memory as I attempted to remember the route out of the lost woods. Sadly this is the way I live my life daily seeing as I have no navigational sense and must continually rely on gps to navigate me to the simplest and most common places."

Gfest couldn't agree more with Shane.  I was trapped in that damn forest for 2-3 years. 

Via:  Super Punch

Apple Makes Sweeping Changes to Entire iPod Line

Apple unveils its updated iPod line today in a special event in San Francisco. The changes are being herald as the most sweeping refresh of the iPod line in years. All three models of the iPod were updated: Shuffle, nano, and Touch.

The nano received the most significant update, jettisoning the current design and collapsing into a small square no bigger than the face of a watch. Of course, this leaves no room for a click wheel, and so the new nano features a multi-touch screen for navigation. The nano also borrows the general navigation of the iDevices, with a scrolling menu interface and icons for accessing your media library – music and photos. The new screen is 1.5-inches with 240x240 resolution.

The nano also comes standard with a clip on the back so it can be snapped anywhere on your person. I was kind of kidding before about the size of the nano resembling a watch face, but I can easily see a market for nano watchbands that turn this elegant little device into a timepiece. The new iPod nanos drop next week. The 8GB model is $149 and the 16GB model is $179. There will be seven color choices, including a (Product) Red model exclusive to Apple Stores.

 The iPod Touch line picked up a host of new features that inch it closer to the iPhone 4. Like the iPhone 4, the Touch now uses Apple's HD-esque Retina display. FaceTime video calling is made possible on the Touch with the inclusion of a front-facing camera, but Apple also placed a second camera on the rear of the device for taking photos and videos. The Touch takes HD video (up to 720P quality), just like the iPhone 4.

But it's not just the exterior of the Touch that changes. The new Touch models now sport the powerful A4 processor found inside the iPhone 4 and iPad, which Apple believes makes it the most powerful portable gaming rig on the planet. And to make sure gaming is very much a core feature of the Touch, it has added the iPhone 4's gyroscope for increased tilt control accuracy. The change in internal architecture allowed Apple to shrink the iPod Touch even more, too. The new Touch is now just 7.2 millimeters thick (the svelte iPhone 4 is only 9.3mm). It retains the curved edge design of the previous iPod Touch and iPhone models – it does not use the flat design of the iPhone 4. The new iPod Touch models are priced at 8GB for $229, 32GB for $299, and 64GB for $399.

Finally, the iPod Shuffle was also updated. The exterior of the Shuffle does not look terribly different from the previous model, complete with a click wheel front and a clip on the rear. The Shuffle uses VoiceOver to tell you the name of the current artist or playlist (because there is no screen) as well as alert you when the Shuffle's battery is running low.

The new iPod Shuffle comes in five colors but only one size: 2GB. When it goes on sale next week, it will be $49.

The new iPods arrive just in time for today's update of iTunes. The new version 10 of iTunes is a major upgrade for the storefront and media manager, which includes an all-new social network for music called Ping.

Source: ign

Target Stores Announces Customers Can Trade in iPhones, iPods, Cell Phones and Videogames

Target today announced it will soon allow customers to trade in a number of electronic devices, including new or used iPhones, iPods, cell phones and videogames, to receive in-store credit that can be used towards other purchases.

The company noted this new program "encourages guests to be eco-friendly," implying the electronics will be recycled and not resold. We contacted Target to get clarification.

It will launch in Northern California on August 24 with additional stores joining the program in September, and will be available in approximately 850 stores by the end of the year.

Target joins retailers GameStop, Best Buy, and Walmart as a destination to sell back used videogames. GameStop said on its latest earnings call that while the company is taking this new competition seriously, it has yet to see an impact on sales.

Source: IGN

All Six SCOTT PILGRIM Books Now on iPad & iPhone

Yesterday's announcement from ComiXology that the all six volumes of O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim graphic novels are now available on the iPad, iPhone, and on the web at comics.comixology.com. Published in print by Oni Press, the volumes are priced at $6.99 for 1 through 5, and $11.99 (cover price) for Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour, the sixth and final volume released to bookstores last month.

It’s another digital coup for market leader ComiXology, but the Scott Pilgrim comics actually aren’t available for purchase through the distributor’s simply named Comics app. Rather, a separate free app must be downloaded to buy the comics, which are then viewed through the Comics app (or the web). A bit roundabout, but that’s the deal.

Damn it! Like I needed another reason to be pissed that I do not own an iPad. Although, I already own all six volumes of Scott Pilgrim, but still iPads are cool and comic books on an iPad is even cooler. I want one!

Source:  Newsarama

iPhone Game Pad Makes Video Games Feel Good

I'm old school (or just plain old) and i like my buttons.  Touch screen is here and it will dominate in future, but there is something to be said for the arcade buttons.  Finally, someone has answered my prayers.

iPhone Game Pad is an iPhone case that slides on over the iPhone and lets you play arcade style games on your iphone. It has "four control buttons along with select, start and a pair of shoulder-buttons". It is the perfect thing for playing old Super Nintendo games. Now it is a prototype compatible with the first-gen iPhone, you can watch it in action after more. 

"Enter the gPod, an iPhone case with integrated gaming control pad. Interfacing with the Apple 30 pin connector and providing tactile buttons in the conventional game pad layout, the iPhone Game Pad allows a massive library of arcade and console games to be ported to the iPhone and not lose that old school interface that people who grew up in the 80′s and 90′s enjoyed so much."



Source likecool

Apple & iTunes Highlight Comics Apps During Comic Con Week

Apple is getting in on the Comic-Con pre-show hype by highlighting all their comic book applications within iTunes. In their "App Spotlight" newsletter, they wrote: "We're dusting off our Klingon costumes — it's time for Comic-Con. From Marvel Comics favorites to more recent releases such as Twilight: The Graphic Novel, you can now enjoy comics and graphic novels from past and present right on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch."

Source Robot 6

FINALLY! DC Comics Enters the Modern Age and Offers Digital Comics

After seeing virtually every other comic book publisher in the free world jump on board the digital comics bandwagon, and after facing months of questions and speculation about when DC Comics would finally announce a digital distribution initiative fro comics, we finally get an answer.  The DC Comics app is now available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad offering e-versions of selected DC comics.

DC’s app is powered by ComiXology, who is pretty much THE leader in digital publishing for the comic book industry.  They also power Marvel's app. 

Over 35 titles were available at launch, with prices ranging from FREE to $2.99. The initial selection features titles from all of DC’s imprints, including Wildstorm, Vertigo and Zuda.

While most of the offerings fall in the category of classic tales or first issues of classic runs, the one that is particularly noteworthy is the availability of Justice League: Generation Lost #4 ($2.99). The fourth issue of the series (the first three are also available through the app) is scheduled to arrive in comic book stores today.  Making a comic available digitaly on the same day it arrives in comic book stores is a BIG DEAL, and one gfest wholeheartedly supports.

A 10-page free preview of another key release scheduled for today, Superman #700, is also available on the service, along with seven other free titles.

The following is a list of titles available on the service at launch:



Action Comics #844 (Johns/Donner, $1.99)

All Star Superman #1 ($1.99)

The Authority: World’s End #1 ($1.99)

Batman #404 (first part of Year One, $1.99)

Batman #608-613 (first six parts of Hush, $1.99 each)

Batman #655-656 (first two Grant Morrison issues, $1.99 each)

Batman Black & White (five stories, all free)

Bayou #1 (Zuda, free)

Dante’s Inferno #1-3 ($1.99 each)

Fables #1-5 ($1.99 each)

Fringe #0 (free)

Fringe #1-3 ($1.99 each)

Gen 13 #21: World’s End ($0.99)

Green Lantern #21 ($1.99)

Green Lantern #29 ($1.99)

Green Lantern Corps #14 ($1.99)

Green Lantern: Rebirth #1-6 ($1.99 each)

Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special #1 ($1.99)

Jonah Hex #1-6 ($1.99 each)

Justice League: Generation Lost #1-3 ($1.99 each)

Justice League: Generation Lost #4 ($2.99)

The Losers #1-12 ($1.99 each)

Mirror’s Edge #0 (Free)

Mirror’s Edge #1-3 ($1.99 each)

The Origin of Batman #1 (free)

The Origin of Superman #1 (free)

Planetary #1-6 ($1.99 each)

Sandman #1 ($1.99)

Stormwatch: PHD #13: World’s End ($0.99)

Superman #700: Preview (free)

Superman/Batman #1-10 ($1.99 each)

Team Zero #1-6 ($0.99 each)

Tiny Titans #1-6 ($1.99 each)

The Unwritten #1 ($1.99)

Victorian Undead ($1.99)

Wildcats: World’s End #1 ($0.99)

IT'S HERE: Download iPhone iOS4 NOW!!

It's here.  iPhone 3GS and 3G owners, plus iPod Touch-users. You can update to iOS4 iPhone software right now.   All you need to do is download iTunes 9.2 and then download the new iOS4 software.  Best Monday Ever!

BOOM! STUDIOS ANNOUNCES IPAD/IPHONE COMIC APP

Hey, DC Comics!  Can you hear me?  Yes, I am talking to you Dan Didio.  In case you did not know comics can be read electronically.  In case you also did not know, Apple has sold two million iPads and 35 million iPhones.  These devices have the ability to allow the owner to watch videos and read books on them.

Enough Gfest ramblings about the piss poor management at DC Comics.  Congratulations to Boom studios for announcing the arrival of the BOOM! Studios Comics app for the iPad and iPhone.  BOOM! partnered with comicXology to create this app that will, "create an incomparable reading experience for BOOM! Studios fans and comic fans everywhere...BOOM! will release its mobile app with nearly 50 comic book titles optimized specifically for mobile devices. " 


To read the full press release from BOOM! Studios click read more.  

Steve Jobs Enters the Controversial World of Banning Books

As the most cultured gfesters already know, Ulysses was banned from publication in the United States because of a scene in which Leopold Bloom masturbates on a beach while fireworks burst nearby. The courts eventually decided the episode wasn’t obscene because it didn’t promote lust.

Well, history seems to be repeating itself, this time in Apple’s App Store. Sarah Weinman at the Daily Finance says that a Webcomic adaptation of the book has been banned from iPads and iPhones because one panel contains a cartoon penis.

Gfest understands Steve Jobs reluctance to let Playboy or Penthouse have a porn app on the Apple system.  But this is a whole different ballgame.  Censoring works of literature crosses over into a whole new world of control and controversy that Apple would be wise to avoid.  History has not exactly looked kindly on book banners Mr. Jobs. 

Cartoon Penis after the Jump...

Apple's iPad adds in San Francisco Get Porn Pranked

Two dudes who are clearly as frustrated as the rest of the free world that Steve Jobs hates porn and tries to keep it off everything "i" pulled a great prank on Apple's CEO.  

These guys, who call themselves Freedom From Porn overlayed funny porn images on iPad ads in public places all around San Francisco.

One shows Steve Jobs checking his Facebook account which seems to have an awful lot of porn links in it.  Don't worry, the video is safe work.

Freedom From Porn from Freedom From Porn on Vimeo.

iPhone HD Announced Tomorrow - Leaked Photos Here

According to the website Purist, at tomorrow’s Apple WWDC 2010, we know that Steve Jobs will be on stage with the brand new Apple iPhone. Featuring an updated design, the newly dubbed Apple HD (aka Apple iPhone 4G) will be offered in all white and all black. 

Additional advanced features include:

- Update to Apple iPhone OS with multitasking
- Advanced Apps Management
- Front-facing camera
- Camera with higher resolution
- Better battery life
- Video Chat and upgrade to iChat

Steve is also rumored to discuss the following at tomorrow’s WWDC 2010 Keynote:

- MobileMe offered free
- News on the new Mac OS X 10.7
- News on the new Apple TV, priced at $99 (offered in September)
- An in the cloud iTunes.com, streaming service ala Lala
- Finally, an upgrade to MacBook Air (rumored to have built-in 3G)
- New Safari 5.0, with Safari Reader and Bing Search option
- New iLife with updates to iMovie
- iPad updates, as more print magazine partners announce apps

What the the JLA Looks like on the iPhone vs. Android

Gfest found this post from Jase at about:blank that is damn funny.  Notice anything missing in the iPhone/iPad photo. 

He's been gone for 30 years after saving the the universe and the brought back to help save humanity once again, only to be killed again by Steve Jobs.  Poor Barry.

Like You Need Another Reason to Hate AT&T

AT&T says it will raise the penalty for canceling your new two-year smartphone contract early to $325, starting June 1 — and yes, that includes the iPhone — the Wall Street Journal reports. At the same time, AT&T will lower the early termination fee (or ETF, as it's called in the biz) for its less advanced "feature" phones to $150, from $175.

Apple Releases Greatest Product Yet - iPanties

Gfest worships at the alter of Steve Jobs.  We love Apple and we love their products.  We start to shake when we can't find our iPhone, and we'll take any job you offer (legal or not) in order to get ourselves an iPad.

But these iPanties may be the greatest and most simplest of Apple's inventions yet.  Men have been trying to figure out an easy way to get into women's panties for hundreds of years.  Leave it to Steve Jobs to figure out it could be as simple as - Slide to Unlock.

Nintendo Declares Victory Over Sony - Eyes Apple Next

Just a month after Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime claimed that the iPhone wasn't a "viable profit platform for game development," along comes the company's president to pull the rug out from under him and say that, in fact, Apple is the primary "enemy of the future."

Apple Sells 1 Million iPads in First Month

Engadget has broke the news on Apple's First Month iPad sales, and they are huge.

The iPad seems to be well on track to validating Steve Jobs bold claims about the product. This past Friday, "just 28 days after its introduction," Apple sold its millionth iPad.  But let's not stop there.  They have also sold 1.5 million ebooks, along with 12 million apps.

That's less than half of the 74 days it took to achieve the 1 million sales milestone with the original iPhone, and demand for the iPad continues to outstrip supply. Good lord we want one of these.

Steve Jobs Just Seriously Bitch Slapped Adobe Flash

In an open letter posted to the company's website, Apple CEO Steve Jobs finally explains why he has refused to let Adobe's popular Flash videos run on iPhones and iPads.


The letter, titled "Thoughts on Flash," gives six reasons why the company has specifically prevented Flash from running on iPhones, iPods and iPads, reasons that run the gamut from philosophical issues about the nature of closed and open platforms to simple complaints about performance and the frequency of crashes.