China's Internet loses 'The Big Bang Theory,' U.S. TV shows

Chinese online video sites were forced to pull the plug on “The Big Bang Theory” and three other U.S. TV shows over the weekend on orders from the nation’s regulators, leaving Internet users scratching their heads over why the shows were targeted.

The four shows, including “The Good Wife”, “NCIS” and “The Practice,” had originally been among the licensed programs offered by some of China’s top video sites, but were mysteriously taken down. 

DUMPADAYOn Monday, the CEO of Sohu, one of China’s largest providers of online videos, signaled that Chinese regulators had stepped in, but declined to elaborate.

“Of course, I cannot comment on what happened,” said Sohu CEO Charles Zhang in an earnings call. But he called the shutdown “a standalone event,” adding that China’s policy on U.S. TV shows “was not tightening up.”

China’s other top video sites, including Youku Tudou, declined to comment. But a clampdown on U.S. TV shows would be a major blow to the companies. The sites are spending millions to legally offer hit U.S. TV shows as a way to draw in Chinese consumers. In Sohu’s case, U.S. TV shows make up less than 10 percent of its video traffic, according to Zhang.

China is already notorious for its vast online censorship that routinely blocks anti-government and sexual content. Recently, the nation’s authorities have launched a crackdown against online porn. One of China’s top Internet companies, Sina, was later found to have posted pornographic content, and was forced to publicly apologize.

But why China has targeted “The Big Bang Theory”—a sitcom revolving around four nerds and their girlfriends—is unknown. The country’s top online video sites are showing U.S. TV shows with far more violence and sexual content. Among them is “House of Cards”, which features a storyline about corrupt political dealings with China, and “The Walking Dead”, a show about a zombie apocalypse.

China’s State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television could not be reached for comment.

Report Claims iPhone 6 Will Feature Curved Display, All-Aluminum Rear Shell

Apple's next-generation iPhone may feature rounded edges and a curved glass display, according to a new report from Mac Otakara 

   

 
                                                 The Squair Curvaceous Bumper

 Citing "reliable sources", the publication notes that the iPhone 6's cover glass will sit flush with the device's rounded corners, departing from the straight edges seen on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5s. The report likens the device's profile to the Squair Curvaceous Bumper, a Japan-made aluminum bumper for the iPhone that features a rounded housing. 

The report also claims that Apple will do away with the rear glass antenna breaks found on the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s in favor of an all-aluminum design. Such a move would likely mean that Apple is incorporating significant changes to its overall antenna layout, perhaps positioning current radios in different locations. 

Throughout the past few months, various reports have indicated that the iPhone 6 may feature slightly rounded edges. However, only a few reports have claimed that the device will feature a curved glass display, with Bloomberg noting last December that the company was working on two iPhones with large curved screens for this year. That account however was contrasted by The Wall Street Journal this past January, which said that Apple would not be using a curved display in its devices. 
 

           Renderings of the iPhone 6 (4.7'') and iPhone 6 (5.7'') based on leaked schematics

Apple will likely unveil the iPhone 6 later this year in two different sizes of 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches. It is also likely that the smaller 4.7-inch version of the phone will ship first in the third quarter of this year, while the larger version is estimated to ship later due to challenges with the device's display technology and battery life. 

In addition to a larger display, both versions of the iPhone 6 are expected to include a thinner, bezel-free design, faster A8 processor, Touch ID fingerprint sensor and an upgraded camera with optical image stabilization. The device is also expected to debut with Apple's latest iOS 8 mobile operating system, which will likely feature enhancements to Maps, Siri, and iCloud in addition to a new "Healthbook" app. Apple is also said to benegotiating with carriers to increase the price of the iPhone 6 by $100.

Spin, bend, drop, type: Logitech unveils quartet of iPad cases (hands-on)

Logitech's Hinge, Turnaround, Big Bang and Ultrathin keyboard cover cases are on the way this spring. I tried two of them over the weekend. 

 
It's hard to get excited about new iPad cases. I'll admit, though, I have a soft spot for Logitech: its keyboard accessories are among the best out there, and I've always found the build quality to be excellent.

Logitech has announced four new cases today, and they're all focused on specifically practical functions. I've been trying two of them for the past few days on an iPad Air. 
 
The Logitech Hinge (seen above) is a flexible adjustable-angle iPad case. No big surprise there, except the Hinge can bend and hold any angle along a 50-degree range of movement (15 to 65 degrees) thanks to its flexy-bend back hinge. I tried opening the iPad Air Hinge case up to a variety of upright, nearly full-recline and mid-range angles, and it worked well for all. The plastic-backed, fabric-front-covered design has an attractive look, but makes an Air a little thicker and heavier than using Apple's own leather Smart Case. Magnets in the lid auto-wake the iPad, and the hinge on the back keeps closed when in folio mode, avoiding any weird flip-open moments when using the case to read (a problem I've had with other flexible cases). Logitech claims the case is spill and drop-resistant more than normal cases, for a bit of extra protection. The Hinge is $59.99 for the Air version, or $49.99 for the iPad Mini or Retina Mini versions. I like this one a lot. 
  

                                                              Logitech Turnaround

The Logitech Turnaround offers up a rotational hinge to flip the iPad to landscape or portrait mode while still in the case. I've seen this trick before on other iPad cases, including some great ones by Targus, but Logitech's does it well. The case has a bit thicker overall feel than the Hinge, with a sleek type of brushed-nylon material on the outside that gives it the feel of some sort of executive attache when folded up shut. The case stands sturdily and supports a couple of angles, and in portrait mode the case did a fine job...even if it ends up looking a little less elegant on a desk. Die-hard portrait-mode users, take note: this could replace a deskside swivel stand. The Turnaround costs $59.99 for the Air or $49.99 for Mini or Retina Mini versions, too. 

  

     

                                                       Logitech Big Bang

LogitechThe Big Bang, which I didn't try, is an extra-rugged iPad case with additional impact resistance: its shock-absorbent slim case has been drop-tested by Logitech up to 1.8 meters. I'll make sure to dry some drops when I check one out. It's a basic slim folio case otherwise, in multiple colors and with five different viewing angles. Also available for the iPad Air and both iPad Minis, its extra protection will cost you a pretty penny: $99.99 for the Air, or $79.99 for the Mini versions.
 

 

                                      New Ultrathin Keyboard CoverLogitech

 

Finally, Logitech is updating its Ultrathin Keyboard Cover to be thinner, and have multiple viewing angles -- something other cases had, but the Ultrathin lacked. The cover case will be 6.5 millimeters thin and two-thirds the thickness of the iPad Air. The new Cover costs $99 for the Air version, or $89 for the Mini versions. It'll be released in Europe and the U.S. in May. The Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is my favorite thin iPad keyboard accessory, so I'm pretty excited about this news. Stay tuned for a review update when I get one.
 
The Hinge and Turnaround will be available in Europe in April and the U.S. in May, and the Big Bang will be available in May in both regions.

Android leads iOS in Q1 activations: The rumored $100 Google smartphone may kill iPhone

Google is looking to change the smartphone industry and new announcements are pitting the search company directly against the high priced iPhone from Apple. According to reports, there are rumors abuzz that Google is looking to release a new smartphone that will cost only $100, which could be well below the market average.

 
The initial rumors began after Taiwanese supply chain sources were reported to be dealing with the potential of the new possible cheaper smartphone from Google. However, it is still unclear whether this is a real idea, or something that was leaked without any company backing.
 
There were also reports that Google will be launching the phone at $100, but neither the Taiwanese "sources" nor the Chinese site detailed what that new phone would look like, although some have speculated it could be the evolution of the Nexus phones.
 
Google was not immediate available to comment on the leak and has not publicly confirmed or denied the reports coming out. The Mountain View-based company is expected to release its new Nexus 6 smartphone this year as it attempts to win over the general population.
Its previous smartphone, with a large screen, was well-received by observers and experts, but did not make a splash on the market as users shied away from the phone.
The rumors also come after Apple rumors over the future iPhone saw that its phone could see an increase in price, an issue that already has users worried that the newest addition to the Apple family could price itself out.
 
Based on reports, the proposal from Apple to start the selling price with American mobile carriers at $300 has not been received well, forcing the company to rethink the price hike. This could have led to Google seizing the moment among the angst to promote and release small details concerning their plans to undercut Apple with a much cheaper smartphone.
 
It also comes after seeing Motorola's own success with a cheaper smartphone. "The Moto G has been the most successful, highest-selling smartphone in Motorola's history," said Motorola's Senior VP Rick Osterloh during an MWC 2014 event. 
 
If Google does go forward with a large screen, cheaper model, it could help them move back into the smartphone market and compete against Apple. Users are picking up larger screen smartphones at cheaper costs, which could make the new Google smartphone at $100 a steal that could have much traction in the marketplace.
 
The smartphone battle appears to be heating up and while it is prudent to wait for confirmed details, the rumor mill is in full swing. 

Guide:Easiest way to convert Blu-ray movies to Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids edition

Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate Deal on 2014 Easter Sunday

Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate costs $65, but Pavtube Studio puts it on 2014 Easter sale with 20% off to show our gratitude. To win this 20% discount all you need to do is follow AND Like us on Facebook. If your friends who are interested in Video Converter Ultimate/iMedia Converter for Mac or other Pavtube programs, free to join us in Pavtube fans page on Facebook and get great discount.



Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate is an all-inclusive toolbox with the ability of backing up BD/DVD, ripping BD/DVD and converting videos to almost all video and audio formats for multimedia devices and media players. Pavtube Studio is offering 20% off for Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate and iMedia Converter for Mac on Facebook to celebrate the coming Easter Day. Get this coupon from April 18 to April 25.

Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate Review

With Video Converter Ultimate, you could easily load Blu-ray or DVD inserted from disc drive with one-click; or simply drag video files into the program, and another option is to browse them from local folder to load videos into software. You can add multiple videos in bath.

Read more: 2014 Top 5 Best Video Converter Ultimate Review For Tablet, Smartphone, HD Media Player & TV



Then choose the output format and customize profile presets at will. Find the preferred profile from the “Format” drop-down list by searching the video format or output device. Later adjust video and audio parameters like codec, size, birate and frame rate and achieve the best playback on your mobile device.

3D video creation is available in Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate and you could export 3D video in MKV, MPV, WMV, MOV, and AVI with various 3D effects: Side-by-Side, Red/Blue, and Top/Bottom.

What's more, with the built-in video editor, you are allowed to trim a segment out of the original file, cut off black bars, split a large file into segments, attach SRT/ASS/SSA subtitles into source video, add video effects, etc. 

Before conversion, preview the video in the software preview window on the software main UI. Hit on the “Convert” button and when it completes, transfer the converted movie to your media player or mobile device for movie enjoyment.

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Pavtube 2014 Easter Special Offer on DVD Ripper with 40% off

Description: This is a great opportunity to get 40% off Pavtube DVD Ripper on Pavtube Easter Day Facebook Promotion, which is capable of converting, transcoding, compressing and editing DVD movies for almost all mobile devices.

 
This Easter Sunday, people will be able to convert and watch DVDs using this powerful software from Pavtube Studio. DVD Ripper, an innovative conversion software from Pavtube, allows users to 1:1 copy the movie content from physical disc to computer hard drive without quality loss; plus, it could convert movies and videos from DVDs to MP4, MKV, AVI, M4V, etc, and then straight transfer onto their mobile devices while maintaining HD quality.

From April 18 to April 25, 2014 - Pavtube Studio announces its promotion activity of Pavtube DVD Ripper forWindows/Mac) with 40% discount on Facebook. With this easy-to-use software, users of Apple, Android or Windows products can easily and securely backup, convert and transfer DVD movies to mobile devices.

The standout feature of this software is that it is able to convert DVD disc, DVD folder and DVD IFO/ISO to a wide range of video and audio types for numerous potable devices. The software is able to backup disc content with original DVD structure with one-click.

Pavtube DVD Ripper Review

First of all, install and launch Pavtube DVD Ripper, and then hit on the "Load Disc" icon to browse to disc drive and import source movie.



Next step is to choose output format. Pavtube DVD Ripper offers more than 200 formats and you would find the optimized one for your device. Tab on the "Format" menu, select one category e.g. iPad, and locate the suitable profile there.

And then you could adjust video and audio parameters to achieve the best movie enjoyment on the mobile phone or tablet. You are allowed to change video codec, video size, bitrate, frame rate and more in profile settings. Don’t forget to preview the adjusted movie content in built-in player before conversion actually starts.

At last, click the "Convert" button and start DVD ripping process. After it completes, you could locate the output movie and move the ripped file to any device or media player you would like to enjoy the DVD movies.

40% Discount on Pavtube DVD Ripper Easter Day Promotion on Facebook

Pavtube DVD Ripper costs $35, but Pavtube Studio puts it on sale with 40% off to show our gratitude. To win this 40% discount all you need to do is follow AND Like us on Facebook. If your friends who are interested in DVD Ripper or other Pavtube programs, free to join us in Pavtube fans page on Facebook and get great discount.

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This Weekend movies: Johnny Depp Transcends and John Turturro Is 'Fading'

Though "Transcendence" is the box office hopeful this weekend, a number of offbeat indies and festival favorites also hit theaters, from director/star John Turturro's "Fading Gigolo" to the visually splendid Nepalese doc "Manakamana," and more.

Critics have not been too kind to cinematographer-turned-director Wally Pfister's "Transcendence," starring Johnny Depp as a scientist whose efforts to create the ultimate artificial intelligence machine land him square in the middle of an ideological war. But some of us at TOH! like the film, an auspicious directorial debut that's not only a smart sci-fi cautionary tale for our time, but also proof that Depp can effectively dial down the eccentricity with chilling restraint.

In his latest, “Fading Gigolo,” John Turturro exercises what amounts to the urban auteur’s droit de seigneur, casting himself as a member of New York's studliest, directing himself into a three-way with Sharon Stone and Sofia Vergara, and satisfying a client list that looks like it walked out of the pages of Vogue Paris. His pimp? Woody Allen. And this utterly personal comedy certainly has Allen's distinctive touch.
Meanwhile, two unanimously praised documentaries off the festival circuit arrive: "Manakamana," a gorgeous film about a group of pilgrims schlepping to Nepal to worship at the titular temple, and "The Final Member" (also on VOD Friday), about the world's only penis museum and its quest for a human specimen. With the latter being set in the Arctic Circle, both are eye-popping looks at some far-flung human curiosities.


  
On the indie front, Louise Archambault's "Gabrielle," Canada's 2014 Oscar submission for Best Foreign Language Film, arrives along with auteur Patrice Leconte's also-French "A Promise." The lovely "Gabrielle" is about a talented female musician with a rare developmental disorder who faces prejudice from her peers when she takes up a romance with another choir member. Leconte directs an English-language cast in the universally panned period drama "A Promise," about the dalliances of a married woman played by Rebecca Hall (who's also in "Transcendence").
And finally, for smart horror fans wanting more after last week's "Oculus" comes "13 Sins," starring Mark Webber as a down-and-out salesman enmeshed in a most dangerous game with a mysterious cell phone caller. Trailers for all films below. 

(1)Transcendence Dir. Wally Pfister, USA | Warner Bros. | Cast: Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman, Kate Mara, Cillian Murphy, Cole Hauser | 12% Fresh | The Dissolve: "'Transcendence' wants to use this future panic to comment meaningfully on our current interconnectedness and inorganic lifestyle, but it's screaming too much to have that conversation." | Our review roundup andpress conference coverage
(2)Fading Gigolo Dir. John Turturro, USA | Millennium Entertainment | Cast: John Turturro, Woody Allen, Sofia Vergara, Sharon Stone, Liev Schreiber | 56% Fresh | Film.com: "'Fading Gigolo' wants to be some sort of sunny tapestry about New York’s social groups, but it’s impossible to see past its absurd premise." | Our review
(3)Manakamana Dirs. Stephanie Spray & Pacho Velez, Nepal | Cinema Guild | 100% Fresh | Indiewire: "On the whole, 'Manakamana' succeeds by creating the ongoing anticipation of something, anything to happen next, a wholly unique sensation specific to its inventive design."
(4)The Final Member Dirs. Jonah Bekhor & Zach Math, Canada | Drafthouse Films | 100% Fresh | AV Club: "Boasts a stranger-than-fiction subject so odd and funny it almost couldn't miss. But Bekhor and Math make the film much more than a limp gag."
(5)Gabrielle Dir. Louise Archambault, Canada | Entertainment One | Cast: Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, Alexandre Landry, Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin | 100% Fresh | Variety: "Archambault's handling of Gabrielle and Martin's sexuality is one of the pic's strong suits, presenting their desire with a refreshing, straightforward honesty."
(6)A Promise Dir. Patrice Leconte, France | IFC Films | Cast: Rebecca Hall, Alan Rickman, Richard Madden, Maggie Steed | 0% Fresh | Slant: "Patrice Leconte struggles to find a coherent rhythm, a problem exacerbated by a hurried running time that compresses some of the novella's more interesting socio-political nuances."
(7)13 Sins Dir. Daniel Stamm, USA | Dimension Films | Cast: Mark Webber, Devon Graye, Tom Bower, Ron Perlman | 63% Fresh | Village Voice: "Stamm brings such a deft touch to these tonal transitions that it's hard to believe he directed the dreadful 2010 hit 'The Last Exorcism.'"

'Men in War' Proves Sherman Was Right The Cast

Olive Films | 1957 | 102 min | Not rated | Apr 15, 2014 (6 Days) 

 
IT appears that the underlying purpose of Sidney Harmon's new film, "Men in War," is to show that the famous observation of Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman was justified. War, in this low-budget picture, which came to the Capitol yesterday, is brutal and agonizing. It is unequivocal hell.
From the very beginning, when the camera brings us in touch with a platoon of hard-pressed American infantrymen cut off from their battalion during the Korean war, it is one long display of horror and misery as the soldiers, under the command of a tired and tormented lieutenant, try to slog their way back to their lines.
Half of the bruised and bearded soldiers appear to be suffering from battle fatigue, which causes them, at embarrassing moments, to do weird and incautious things. These unaccountable fellows are constantly having to be dragged down to the ground. The other half appear to be so frightened that they have to fee prodded to move. The courage and ingenuity of the lieutenant are unrelentingly taxed.
And, to add to his troubles, there early comes into his group a sergeant of nasty disposition, tending a colonel who is out of his mind. The colonel just sits there and gazes into space, but the sergeant gripes and growls, questioning the lieutenant's decisions. Yes sir, brother, war is hell.
So, we might add, is the experience of sitting through this film, which runs for an hour and three-quarters and never gets out of that ugly terrain. It is not just the war, it is the monotony of seeing the same things happen over and over again—feet dragging through dust, faces sweating, guys jumping up and going mad. The screen play by Philip Yordan and the direction of Anthony Mann are made up largely of previous war-film indications of human behavior that mean little when repeated so many times.
It is a relief when the lieutenant and the nasty sergeant, survivors of the band, wipe out an enemy bunker and permit the picture to come to an end.
The lieutenant is played by Robert Ryan and the sergeant by Aldo Ray. Both are rugged, ruthless soldiers, by the rules of realism here laid down, and James Edwards as a careless Negro and Philip Pine as a scared noncom are among the dozen or so actors who stumble and sweat commendably.
It is hard to figure what audience, if any, should be recommended to this film. By now, there are not many people who are unacquainted with the facts of Hollywood war.