New Whip: Land Rover Announces Wheelbase Range Rover

Land Rover has officially unveiled its first long wheelbase Range Rover in over 20 years, which is set to debut at the Dubai Motor Show next month. Unlike the preceding Range Rover models, this luxury sport utility vehicle offers an additional six inches of legroom and significantly more recline angle for passengers in the rear seats. A host of luxurious add-on features such as automatic window blinds, a panoramic sunroof, and an option to slide the front passenger seat forward for increased legroom will be included. Customers can choose between an Autobiography and Autobiography Black trim levels, the latter of which will be made exclusive to the long wheelbase line. A bevy of exclusive color options such as Ebony/Lunar, Espresso/Tan and Dark Cherry/Ivory will be offered to those willing to indulge in the premium package. Undoubtedly, the added level of customization and luxury will cement the long wheelbase’s position as the most luxurious sport utility vehicle on the market. With the anticipated announcement of a hybrid version on the horizon, be sure to stay tuned in for more from Land Rover and its upcoming motor shows in Los Angeles and Guangzhou, China. (SOURCE)

New Tech: Handicapping the Youtube Music Awards nominees

So here’s a scenario I’m sure you’re familiar with: Someone in accounting – let’s call her ‘Marci – comes to work on casual Friday sporting a Metallica T-shirt. When that loser Brad snickers about it behind her back, she tells him, loud enough for the whole office to hear, “Suck it, Brad!” And just like that, you’re in love, but you have no idea how to win Marci’s affections.

Well, never fear. I’m a sucker for a few things, including good coffee, fine scotch, sandwiches, and, of course, love, so I’m here to help. Because there are few ways to an officemate’s heart more direct than… wait for it… winning an office pool. And I know you’re thinking, “But the Oscars and the Super Bowl are months away!” Well, someone hasn’t been paying attention, because on Sunday, the good folks at YouTube will throw an awards show together, and now that they’ve announced the nominees, I’m here to help you crush. That. Office pool.

Breakthrough Artist of the Year 

Let’s start with the category for nominees that have experienced “the biggest growth in views and subscribers”:

• Kendrick Lamar 
• Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 
• Passenger 
• Naughty Boy 
• Rudimental 

While Passenger’s brand of catchy acoustic folk-rock is, I’m sure, a big hit at the Starbucks, I’m not sure all the moms that fell in love with them will be voting here. Rudimental and Naughty Boy have creative videos, but they don’t have much name recognition – and considering that the voting for the awards ensures that this is an even bigger popularity contest than the VMAs, that’s going to hurt them both. That leaves Kendrick Lamar and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, both very successful hip hop artists. While Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ songs about shopping at a thrift store are quite catchy, Kendrick Lamar is (in my humble opinion) the best rapper out there now. There’s no one else close. So it’ll be Macklemore & Ryan Lewis! The best guy never wins.

Artist of the Year 

This next category is for the most watched, shared, liked, and subscribed-to artists on YouTube: 

• Eminem 
• Justin Bieber 
• Katy Perry 
• Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 
• Taylor Swift 
• Rihanna 
• Nicki Minaj 
• One Direction 
• Epic Rap Battles of History 
• PSY 

That’s a lot of big names, but it doesn’t matter in the least since Taylor Swift will win this one hands down. First, all the Swifties (not to be confused with Swiffers) will use the fact that her ex-boyfriend is in the same category as a rallying cry to vote their girl Taylor to victory. Second, Taylor Swift is part of a five person council – including Oprah, Andy Cohen, Brett Favre, and Papa John – that controls every aspect of our world. The sooner you recognize this fact and accept it, the more likely you’ll be safe in our dystopian near future.

Response of the Year 

The first category that’s unique to YouTube’s platform highlights the top “unofficial” fan videos based on views, shares and other activity:

• Boyce Avenue, featuring Fifth Harmony doing “Mirrors” 
• Jayesslee doing “Gangnam Style” 
• Lindsey Stirling and Pentatonix doing “Radioactive” 
• ThePianoGuys doing “Titanium/Pavane” 
• Walk Off the Earth, featuring KRNFX doing “I Knew You Were Trouble” 

It’s kind of lame that many of these videos are well-produced, sleek, and professional-looking – shouldn’t this category be dominated by enthusiastic amateurs? The two exceptions are Walk Off the Earth and Jayesslee; both have great voices, but only one has an instrument (Jayesslee). Attention all a cappella groups: Just because Glee was popular doesn’t mean you don’t need a backing band. I’m going with Jayesslee.

YouTube Phenomenon 

Another award that is unique to YouTube, this one showcases the videos that you couldn’t escape this year, the videos that inspired the most fan covers, responses, and parodies:

•  “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 
• “Diamonds” by Rihanna 
• “Gangnam Style” by PSY 
• “Harlem Shake” Original Army Edition 
• “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift 

While “Thrift Shop” and “Diamonds” were certainly popular, I’m not sure I’d call them a phenomenon like “Gangnam Style,” which for some unexplained reason is still included in the nominees for the past 12 months despite being published in July of 2012. Maybe they count like dog years. Or maybe they count it because the video is still technically on YouTube. If that’s the case can I put my vote in for “Thriller” for “Video of the Year” for this year and next? The one true phenomenon this year was “Harlem Shake” and if there is true justice in the world and a God in heaven, it will win this category. Well, there is! But unfortunately for the Norwegian Army, that God’s name is Taylor Swift and she’s in this category, too. Congratulations Taylor! I believe in you! I do! Don’t hurt me please.

Innovation of the Year 

This is the category I was personally most excited to see; it celebrates the most unique and creative videos on YouTube:

• “Endless Fantasy” by Anamanaguchi 
• “Ingenue” by Atoms For Peace 
• “Lilies” by Bat For Lashes 
• “See Me Standing” by DeStorm 
• “Say That” by Toro Y Moi 

When MTV stopped playing music videos 73 years ago, it didn’t just mean reality shows like “16 and Pregnant” would pollute the airways and be a sign of apocalypse; it meant that creative, experimental filmmaking lost its biggest platform. Before Spike Jonze made this, he made this and this. All of these nominees are amazing, and if I could be sincere for a minute I’d like to point out how inspiring it is that artistry of this level is still being created around music and we should all take a few moments to celebrate this.

Having said that, I’m picking Toro Y Moi, because this video looks like someone ran Tiger Woods through a Williamsburg hipster filter and filmed him singing in the woods, which is sort of hilarious.

Video of the Year 

That leaves us with just the final award, the crème de la crème, the big Kahuna. Video of the Year nominees are “the most loved, watched, and shared videos on YouTube over the last 12 months”:

• “Same Love” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, featuring Mary Lambert
• “Heart Attack” by Demi Lovato
• “Barack Obama vs Mitt Romney” by Epic Rap Battles Of History
• “I Got A Boy” by Girls’ Generation
• “Beauty And A Beat” by Justinn Bieber, featuring Nicki Minaj
• “Applause” by Lady Gaga
• “Best Song Ever” by One Direction
• “Gentlemen” by PSY
• “Come and Get It” by Selena Gomez
• “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus

This one’s tough to break down. The nomination includes half of the past election year, so do I pick “Obama vs. Romney”? Demi Lovato is a person, right? Maybe she could win. PSY? Wait, he had another song? Just go away. Maybe it’s One Direction? You know, call me crazy, but I don’t think “Best Song Ever” is the best song ever. This is tough…

Okay, I think I got it. After some careful consideration, there’s only one video in this bunch that became a cultural phenomenon; only one video that was parodied on Saturday Night Live. Yes, I’m speaking of the artist that everyone loves to hate, and also pretends to be offended by. This was Miley Cyrus’ year, good or bad, tongue or … well, more tongue and the YouTube Music Awards is going to be her party, so she can do what she wants.

Look, I’m not happy about it either, but it’s obvious from the nomination list that YouTube is less interested in innovating the concept of a music awards show and making it native to a non-linear platform than it is in creating some sort of popularity-driven traffic success. And we all know that Miley Cyrus isn’t just traffic gold, she’s traffic platinum.

Besides, this isn’t about who should win or lose, this is about Marci in accounting. Now go set up your office YouTube Music Awards pool so you can crush it this weekend and win Marci’s heart.

Article by Peter Soldinger / Digital Trends.com / (SOURCE)

New Video: 2 Chainz - Used 2

New Trailer: Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is directed by Anthony & Joe Russo ("Community" and "Arrested Development") with a script from Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor: The Dark World). Chris Evans reprises his role as Captain America, still struggling to adjust to present day life, when a powerful new enemy emerges. Scarlett Johansson also returns in the film as S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Natasha Romanoff along with Anthony Mackie, Emily VanCamp, Robert Redford, Frank Grillo and Sebastian Stan. Disney will release the Marvel sequel in theaters next spring starting April 4th.

New Kicks: Air Jordan 5 “Laney"

Michael Jordan goes back to school on the Air Jordan 5 “Laney”. MJ’s high school hues highlight this re-retro release, placing varsity royal and varsity maize highlights on a tumbled white leather base. Number tagging sees embroidery on the ankle, while icy bottoms, mesh inlays and translucent lace locks keep it classic. Look for the Air Jordan 5 “Laney” to launch on November 2nd at select Jordan Brand accounts. (SOURCE)

AIR JORDAN 5 “LANEY”
White/Varsity Maize-Varsity Royal-Black
November 2, 2013
Price: $170

New Gear: Panerai PAM 521 Radiomir Platino and PAM 522 Radiomir Oro Rosso

Italian-based, Swiss-made watchmaker Panerai takes to the web today to premiere two new timepieces inspired by its earlier work for the Royal Italian Navy and the use of its specially designed Radiomir material that provided luminous markings for clear underwater visibility. Each watch will feature a modest 47mm casing in platinum or red gold with wire loop strap attachments, Plexiglas crystal and a hand-wound mechanical exclusive Panerai OP XXVII caliber with a power reserve of 55 hours. As an added bonus, the overall vintage appeal is enhanced through the addition of its original spherical winding crown. The PAM 521 Radiomir Platino as well as the PAM 522 Radiomir Oro Rosso are both limited to 100 pieces each and are retailing for $76,000 USD and $53,000 USD respectively. (SOURCE)

New Tech: Apple’s Mac Pro in Stores December 2013

Following its initial unveiling earlier this summer, Apple took the opportunity today to further detail its forthcoming Mac Pro with a bevy of more concrete details. Designed as a professional top-of-the-line desktop, the Mac Pro uses a cylindrical design to organize some of the most advanced technologies available around a unified thermal core – effectively making the computer the most powerful and expandable Mac ever. Equipped with the latest Intel Xeon E5 processor with up to 12-core processing power and a four-channel memory controller providing up to 60GB/s of memory bandwidth, the Mac Pro is insanely fast with 40 lanes of the latest PCIe throughput, up to 30MB of L3 cache and over 500 gigaflops at peak performance. Coming standard are dual AMD FirePro workstation-class GPUs with up to 6GB each of dedicated VRAM and 2048 stream processors – meaning it’s powerful enough to edit full resolution 4K video while also rendering effects and connecting as many as three 4K displays. Additional details include the likes of 256GB of configurable PCIe-based on-board flash storage, a combined optical/digital audio output/analog line out minijack, HDMI 1.4 UltraHD, Dual Gigabit Ethernet, six Thunderbolt 2 connections, four USB 3.0 connections and a built-in speaker. The Mac Pro is due to be available this December starting at $2,999 USD while full details can be perused via Apple’s dedicated Mac Pro web page. (CLICK HERE FOR LINK)

New Video: Jimmy Fallon, Miley Cyrus, & The Roots Sing “We Can’t Stop” (Acappella)

New Trailer: 12 Slaves

Steve McQueen's Twelve Years a Slave stars Chiwetel Ejiofor (of Serenity, Kinky Boots, Children of Men, American Gangster, Salt) as Solomon Northup, a man living in New York during the mid-1800s who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the deep south. The film has an incredible ensemble cast to go along, featuring Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Beasts nominee Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sarah Paulson, Michael K. Williams and Marcus Lyle Brown. Fox Searchlight has the film set for limited release starting October 18th coming up soon.

New Kicks: Jordan 6 Rings “Color Purple"

Returning from a two-year hiatus, the Jordan 6 Rings is the next model to be inspired by the Fresh Prince. Although it didn’t directly release with the rest of the Jordan “Bel-Air” Collection, this Jordan 6 Rings “Court Purple” features the same design and ’90s colors as its predecessors. The 6 Rings are a hybrid of the seven Air Jordan models that Michael Jordan wore to win his six championships, and now the multiple model mashup is dressed in an equally complex color scheme. Sporting a purple and black upper, neon green, blue, purple, and pink are all integrated into the vibrant SKU. Do you like this return of the mash? Drop a comment in the feedback box with your thoughts, and freshen up with these Jordan 6 Rings “Court Purple” on October 19th for $160.

New Auto: 2014 BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo

Coming soon from Alpina is its powerful, customized take on the 2014 BMW 3 Series: the D3 Bi-Turbo. Unveiled just last month at Frankfurt’s IAA, the D3 Bi-Turbo incorporates upgrades like a bigger intercooler, optimized air intake, and a stainless steel-mounted sports exhaust system and exhaust manifold. Couple these with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox and a six-cylinder 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine and the D3 Bi-Turbo boasts 350 bhp, 516 lb-ft of torque, a top speed of 172 mph, and acceleration from 0 mph to 62 mph in about 4.6 seconds. The car even puts out minimal CO2 emissions and boasts a fuel economy of more than 44 mpg. Additional standard features include an Adaptive M Sport Suspension, bi-xenon headlights and 19″ alloy wheels while the interior has been given an overhaul with Alpina Blue instruments, a hand-stitched Lavalina leather-wrapped steering wheel, luxuriously carpeted mats, and heated sport seats. Alpina’s D3 Bi-Turbo can soon be had in either sedan or estate versions for £46,950 GBP (approximately $74,980 USD) and £49,950 GBP (approximately $79,770 USD), respectively.

New Tech: Nike x FuelBand SE

Today Nike took to its special FuelForum event in New York City to unveil the latest evolution of the acclaimed FuelBand: the Nike+ FuelBand SE. Sealed for superior water-resistance, the activity-tracking band has been tweaked and made even smarter to better credit deliberate movements while filtering out those that shouldn’t earn as much “Fuel.” The FuelBand SE also implements Bluetooth 4.0, thus ending the days of complicated syncing in favor of a device that’s now in constant connection with your phone and corresponding Nike+ FuelBand app. Nike even announced the establishment of the so-called Nike+ FuelLab in San Francisco: a forum that allows the area’s countless tech companies to use Nike+ APIs in new and exciting ways. Additional features of the FuelBand SE include the ability to track individual sessions, “Win The Hour,” improved sharing tools and “Group” functionalities, new milestones, and the ability to track the rate at which NikeFuel is being earned. The Nike+ FuelBand SE is set to launch November 6 in the United States, Canada, the UK, France, Germany and Japan for $149 USD in both classic black and new “Sport Pack” colorways of Volt, Pink Foil and Total Crimson. (SOURCE)

New Video: Green Street - New Beginnings

New Trailer: Raze

Raze, an action/horror film, focuses on two abducted women and 50 other women who are forced to fight each other using their bare hands. The film is directed by Josh C. Waller (of the film McCanick and a number of shorts previously), from a screenplay written by Robert Beaucage, and a story by Beaucage, Kenny Gage & Josh C. Waller. Actress/stunt-woman Zoe Bell is a producer, along with Kenny Gage, Andrew Pagana and Josh C. Waller. Zoe Bell explained previously about the film: "It's about 50 women that are kidnapped and held captive and forced to fight to the death. They all have a loved one that’s being held ransom so if we don't fight, our loved one dies. If we lose, our loved one dies, so basically literally forced to fight to the death." This first premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and is also playing at the New York Comic-Con. IFC Midnight will release Raze in theaters and on VOD starting January 10th early next year.

New Kicks: Nike LeBron 11 “Gamma Blue"

Gamma blue is the color of the holiday season for Nike and Jordan Brand, and the LeBron 11 is getting the “Gamma Blue” treatment next month thanks to this blue-hued release. Based on the idea of tempered steel, the Nike LeBron 11 “Gamma Blue” features a smooth Swoosh with a steely yellow-to-blue spectrum set against the shoe’s black and blue upper. Dominant and unbreakable like LeBron’s play, this 11 release will hit stores globally, as well as Nike.com, on November 16, 2013.

New Ride: Lafayette x W-Base x Durcus One “City Explorer"

New from Japanese bike company W-BASE and Yokohama-based label Lafayette comes the “CITY EXPLORER” bike. As both brands are staples of the urban streetwear scene, it only makes sense that W-BASE would provide one of its hallmark frames – the DURCUS ONE – for Lafayette’s expert curation. The DURCUS ONE itself takes cues from BMX bike styles in its 26-inch frame, which is painted all black and garnished with engraved details around. Accordingly, the bike is perfectly suited for urban cyclists looking to zip around the city without sacrificing comfort or durability. Enjoy a look at the Lafayette x W-BASE x DURCUS ONE City Explorer above, priced at $800 USD on Privilege NYC’s web shop. (CLICK HERE FOR LINK)

New Tech: Samsung Galaxy Gear

Samsung‘s latest commercial for the Galaxy Gear, which recently aired during week 5 of the NFL season, takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through the most iconic wrist-worn devices featured on the big-screen and television. With devices from The Jetsons, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Knight Rider, Predator and Star Trek to name but a few making an appearance, the promo concludes with a 360-degree look at Samsung’s latest innovation and a tagline that reads ”it’s finally real.” Check out the commercial below and an additional video featuring scenes from films and TV series that inspired the Galaxy Gear “evolution.”

New Video: Pusha T feat. Chris Brown - Sweet Serenade

New Trailer: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, being directed by Peter Jackson as three separate movies, is set in Middle-Earth 60 years before Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in a trilogy ten years ago. The films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, were shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest cameras. The Hobbit follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, played by Martin Freeman, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug lands in theaters in 3D and 48FPS on December 13th.

New Kicks: Air Jordan 5 “Bel-Air"

The second Air Jordan 5 sighting in as many weeks also marks the debut of another all-new colorway. Dubbed the “Bel-Air,” you don’t have to do too much research to guess where Jordan Brand got the inspiration for this theme. Testing the waters with a shocking color palette, the release of the “Bel-Air” surely draw attention when it releases this Saturday, October 5. (SOURCE)

  Air Jordan 5 Bel-Air from Nice Kicks on Vimeo.

New Gear: Shawn Carter by Hublot Classic Fusion

Having had a well-known affinity for the luxurious Swiss timepieces since rapping about them on Watch the Throne‘s “Otis,” Jay Z now has his very own signature Hublot – the Shawn Carter by Hublot Classic Fusion. Decked out in black and gold, Hov’s customized Classic Fusion sports a design aesthetic in line with that of the rest of his upcoming collaboration with Barneys. Measuring 45mm in diameter, the piece features Hublot’s 2.90mm HUB1300 hand-wound movement and sports a modified face highlighted by the collection’s stylized cross at the center. Finished with a black leather strap, the watch is set to be available exclusively at the Barneys “A New York Holiday” pop-up installation beginning November 20. Black ceramic editions will be limited to 250 pieces at $17,900 USD each while the $33,900 USD yellow gold version will be limited to just 100 production models.

New Tech: NBA 2K14 Video Game

Miami Heat star LeBron James graces the cover of NBA 2K14, the latest edition of the immensely popular and decorated basketball video game franchise that has sold more than five million copies in each of the last three years.

2K14 will be released for current generation platforms on Oct. 1 and is slated to be available on the as-yet-determined launch dates for the next-generation PS4 and X-Box One. Jason Argent, senior vice president of sports operations for 2K Sports, said playing 2K14 on current- and next-generation platforms would be “independent experiences.”

James, who has never appeared on the cover of a video game before, was involved in what Argent billed as their “biggest endeavor yet,” which is hard to fathom considering Jay-Z was involved in 2K13 as its executive producer. You’ll have to take their word on that – more details will be available next week at E3. But there is a new mode, “Path to Greatness,” that will feature James in some capacity. 

Also, those who pre-order 2K14 will have access to the “King James Bonus Pack,” which includes virtual currency (10,000), extra content on the “Path to Greatness,” James unlocked in “Blacktop” mode, and an all-new James signature move.