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Microsoft Cancels The XBOX Dongle, Although It May Live On Elsewhere

During yesterday’s Slopecast with DJ Slope, our first topic of discussion on the podcast was Microsoft’s announcement that project Keystone has been scrapped but will live on in a new way. This info came from an article on The Verge.
Keystone was a dongle, much like Google’s Stadia, where any device with an HDMI port and internet connection could stream games from Microsoft’s XBOX Cloud Gaming service. Right now, smartphones and laptops can access XBOX’s library of games via an official app or a browser, with lag and resolution differing wildly depending on multiple factors.
MS’s statement made it seem like the Keystone dongle will morph into something else:

As part of any technical journey, we are constantly evaluating our efforts, reviewing our learnings, and ensuring we are bringing value to our customers. We have made the decision to pivot away from the current iteration of the Keystone device. We will take our learnings and refocus our efforts on a new approach that will allow us to deliver Xbox Cloud Gaming to more players around the world in the future.

So, the dongle idea may be dead, but not what the device was hoping to achieve: XBOX Cloud Gaming access anywhere. Could Stadia’s floundering have dissuaded Microsoft from joining the market? Possibly. Or maybe a dongle isn’t powerful enough to deliver the same gaming experience console owners already have.
I’ve tried the company’s cloud-based service on the official app on my PC and via a browser on a smartphone. The service has certainly improved over several months, but it’s hard to beat having a localized version of the game, especially if latency needs to be near non-existent.
As I mentioned during the Slopecast, Microsoft may partner with TV and monitor manufacturers to have hardware built-in specifically for the XBOX Cloud Gaming service. Smart TVs have evolved quite a lot since the early days. Getting a 4K television with XBOX gaming built right in thanks to a dedicated ethernet port could finally solidify video game streaming as a viable solution for the average consumer.

The problem I foresee is the chip shortage, which will last at least the next two years. Whether it’s a high-powered console, PC, or just a regular flatscreen TV, the lack of semiconductors is grinding a lot of the technology sector to a near standstill. Sony has already come out as expecting the supply of PS5s to be low even into 2023. Distributors I work with have told me that wait times for cameras, and even the most basic boards span 6-9 months.
What do you think of having XBOX’s game services integrated directly into TVs or other consumer products? Let us know below.
[Source: The Verge]

Transformer’s Blaster Gets Repainted For The Shattered Glass Collection

More Transformers inspired by IDW’s Shattered Glass comic book mini-series are coming from Hasbro Pulse. The line consists of Voyager, Leader, and Deluxe class figures, all in new color schemes to match the alternate dimension where the Decepticons are the heroes and the Autobots are the villains. Wouldn’t the Decepticons change their name to something less sinister then? Oh, well.
So far, we’ve seen alternative versions of Ultra Magnus, Jetfire, Goldbug, Starscream, Blurr, and Megatron. Today we learned that another Autobot is joining the mix to outnumber the Decepticons. This time it is Blaster!
Like many of the others in this line, Blaster is a re-release with new colors. This Blaster was previously seen in the Legacy line. The inverted paint job he’s sporting now is interesting, to say the least. Autobot Rewind is also included, and he now has a translucent blood-red body.
Blaster can be pre-ordered now for $41.99 and is estimated to ship during the beginning of November.

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Discover a universe that shatters everything you know about the Transformers robots…an upside-down world where the bad guys are good, and the good guys are bad. Welcome to Shattered Glass, an alternate universe where the heroic Decepticons battle the evil Autobots.

The devious Autobot (so weird to say) comes with the following features:

  • Figure depicts the ruthless Autobot Decepticon communications expert, Blaster, with deco and details inspired by the Shattered Glass universe
  • Converts from robot to cassette player mode in 20 steps
  • Features purple Autobot logo and comes with a blaster accessory
  • Includes Autobot Rewind Micromaster figure that converts from robot to cassette mode in 8 steps
  • Comes with the second of a 5-issue IDW Shattered Glass miniseries with a Hasbro Pulse exclusive variant cover you can only get with the figure, featuring spot UV

What do you think of the Shattered Glass Blaster? Let us know below.
[Source: Hasbro Pulse]

Static Shock, Harley Quinn, and Lois Lane Take Center Stage In New DC Comics YA Novels

DC Comics is producing a series of young adult novels that are bringing “new takes” on some fan favorite characters. Static Shock, Harley Quinn, and Lois Lane are apparently “speaking truth to power” from a variety of writers and artists.
‘Static: Up All Night’ is a young adult novel written by Lamar Giles and is illustrated by Paris Alleyne.


DC Universe describes the book on their website, “Virgil Hawkins has just gone through a bad break up. He can’t get over his ex, so his best friend Richie has an idea for how to distract him: attend a music festival in their city of Dakota. But wouldn’t you know it—his ex is in attendance. And that’s just the beginning of his troubles.”
‘The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley’ is a new story that gives an overhaul to the character. It is written by Melissa Marr with artwork from Jenn St-Onge.


“When Harleen signs up to participate in a clinical research trial with her girlfriend, Pamela, the most she can hope for is extra cash in her wallet and a chance to get her anxiety under control. But what she gets instead are increasingly larger gaps in her memory and stolen mementos from some guy named Jack she’s never met. Soon, Harleen discovers she’s sharing her life with Harley—a take-no-prisoners, who-cares-about attendance, maybe-we-oughtta-save-the-bunnies kind of girl. She is the opposite of Harleen in many ways. She is anarchy in a cute dress. And in this Jekyll and Hyde story, Harleen discovers that maybe evil ain’t so bad—as long as she doesn’t get caught,” DC Univer said.
‘Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story’ is written by Sarah Kuhn with illustrations from Arielle Jovellanos and shows the intrepid journalist before she met Superman.


“When Lois uncovers a potentially explosive scandal, she must team up with the last person she’d expect to publish her own website for young women. And as Lois discovers who she really is and what she actually wants, she becomes embroiled in her own scandal that could destroy everything she’s worked so hard to create,” DC Comics said.
Fans can enjoy Lane’s tale on April 4, 2023, Quinn’s transformation on May 2, 2023, and Static’s next adventure on June 6, 2023.

‘Tokyo Mew Mew New’ Anime Is Heading To Sentai

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‘Tokyo Mew Mew’ is a science fiction manga written by Reiko Yoshida and illustrated by Mia Ikumi through the publishing company Kodansha. The Japanese animation studios Yumeta Company and Graphinica are developing an upcoming reboot anime set to be released in July 2022.
Sentai Filmworks announced that they had picked up the series to be released on home video and on the HiDive streaming service. They said on their website, ” that it acquired exclusive rights to TOKYO MEW MEW NEW, the latest anime adaptation of the beloved mahou shoujo (AKA magical girl) manga series…” They added that the “reboots the iconic franchise and commemorates the manga’s 20th anniversary.”
The voice cast includes Yuuki Tenma, Mirai Hinata, Ryōko Jūni, Rian Toda, and Momoka Ishii. The anime is directed by Takahiro Natori and written by Yuka Yamada. Satoshi Ishino, who was the animation director for ‘Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ handled the character designs with Yasuharu Takanashi handling the music.
You can watch the trailer below:

Sentai Filmworks describes the synopsis as follows,
“The scientists of the μ(Mew) Project use DNA of endangered species to create a team of heroines imbued with amazing super-human abilities. One of them, Ichigo Momomiya, awakens to discover she is armed with all the skills of a Iriomote cat. Ichigo must band together with other Mew Mew girls to repel an alien incursion, all the while hiding their thrilling double lives from friends and family.”
The series previously had an anime adaption titled ‘Tokyo Mew Mew’ that ran for 52 from 2002 to 2003 that was produced by Studio Pierrot. In some markets, it was known as ‘Mew Mew Power.’ The first half of the series was dubbed into English by 4Kids, but the remainder did not get translated.
There are two sequels that followed the original manga titled ‘Tokyo Mew Mew à La Mode’ and ‘Tokyo Mew Mew Olé.’

Join Us On DJ Slope’s Retro Gaming Podcast “Slopecast” On May 31st!

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Unlike my regular articles, this is just an announcement that I’ll be appearing on DJ Slope’s (aka Daniel Ibbertson) weekly retro gaming podcast Slopecast today. If you’re a fan of retro video games and pop culture from the 1980s and 1990s, join us!
The Slopecast will take place on DJ Slope’s second channel Extra Slope at 4 PM ET, 1 PM PT, and 9 PM GMT.

Last week’s episode was about the recent Disney+ Rescue Rangers movie. Check that out here:

For more about DJ Slope check out his Twitter, Discord, and primary YouTube Channel.
Dan had previously appeared here on D-Rezzed as an interview guest. Check out that video below and another interview we did several years ago.


[Source: Extra Slope]

Join Us On DJ Slope’s Retro Gaming Podcast “Slopecast” On May 31st!

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Unlike my regular articles, this is just an announcement that I’ll be appearing on DJ Slope’s (aka Daniel Ibbertson) weekly retro gaming podcast Slopecast today. If you’re a fan of retro video games and pop culture from the 1980s and 1990s, join us!
The Slopecast will take place on DJ Slope’s second channel Extra Slope at 4 PM ET, 1 PM PT, and 9 PM GMT.

Last week’s episode was about the recent Disney+ Rescue Rangers movie. Check that out here:

For more about DJ Slope check out his Twitter, Discord, and primary YouTube Channel.
Dan had previously appeared here on D-Rezzed as an interview guest. Check out that video below and another interview we did several years ago.


[Source: Extra Slope]

Here’s The First Look At The Electric ‘Alpha 5’ DeLorean

A few months ago, DeLorean teased that the legendary car company would finally start production of a new vehicle, but it was going to be an electric chariot.
Today, DMC has finally revealed this new electric DeLorean, now called the Alpha 5. What followed was a series of computer-generated images of the car, but what DeLorean is chasing looks promising. There are hints of the 1981 classic vehicle, along with a lot, maybe too much, streamlining.
The Alpha 5 is sleek like many concept vehicles are. The gull-wing doors are back, but many of the other signatures of the stainless steel original are long gone. Had I not seen the name on the front and back of these images, I would not have guessed that this was the latest DeLorean automobile.

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Aside from several generic design choices, the DeLorean Alpha 5 is perfectly serviceable as an electric car. The company expands on the design choices on the Alpha 5’s dedicated webpage:

Designed with purpose. DeLorean has confidence and a compelling presence. We will continue to apply our rebellious DNA to shape our vehicles and constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible. We are writing our legacy in real-time. Instinctively adapting to the future with a heightened curated experience. Rooted in counterculture we confidently embrace the unexpected.
We create an environment to encourage human experience and connections. The balance between Artificial support and Human control. Intelligent intuitive human design and craftsmanship.

For those skeptical about just how real the Alpha 5 is, the car will allegedly be revealed during the Pebble Beach Concours d ‘Elegance award ramp in Carmel, California, on August 21st, 2022. General admission tickets for the events are $425 per person.
What do you think of the new DeLorean? Let us know below.
[Source: DeLorean Motor Company] [Source: Pebble Beach Concours d ‘Elegance]

Doctor Doom Is Decked Out In White For His Newest Bust

Secret Wars Doctor Doom is full of magic, and he’s ready to come home to wreck Thanos! This newest mini-bust from Diamond Select Toys shows off Doom as he appeared during 2015’s Secret Wars.
This 6″ tall work of art is currently available for pre-order on Previews World. Doom will set you back $99. Pre-orders are open until June 20th, with the mini-bust expected to be arriving on November 30th.

Diamond Select Toys
Diamond Select Toys

Call him Doom! Wearing his white robes as seen in the hit Marvel crossover Secret Wars, this approximately 6-inch mini-bust of Doom wields translucent blue energy as he prepares to cast a spell, or perhaps unleash a blast from his high-tech gauntlets. This bust of the Fantastic Four foe is limited to only 1000 pieces, and comes packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. Designed by Nelson Asencio, sculpted by Juan Pitluk!

Imbued with god-like powers, Doctor Victor Von Doom ruled Battleworld a little more aggressively than he did Latveria. This, of course, caught the eye of Thanos. The Mad Titan thought Doom was no threat, but Thanos made the mistake of informing Doom he no longer possessed the Infinity Gauntlet. Seizing upon this realization of weakness, Doom ripped Thanos’s skeleton from his body.
Doom was pretty brutal during this mini-series. If you’ve not read it yet, I suggest you do. Thanos was not the only big name Doctor Doom killed off. The arc of Secret Wars is something that would make for a great Phase 5 roadmap if the Marvel Cinematic Universe survives the mediocrity that is Phase 4.
Doom is one of those characters that makes for a great villain and draws sympathy. Unlike most MCU baddies, you could somewhat root for Doom if a good screenwriter is on hand who understands the character and doesn’t see him as a basic “deformed villain in an Iron Man-like suit.”
What do you think of Secret Wars Doom? Let us know below.
[Source: Previews World]

Sentai Filmworks To Release ‘Call of the Night’ Anime For North American Release

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‘Call of the Night’ is a supernatural romantic comedy manga created by Kotoyama and published by Shōnen Sunday Comics. The series was picked up by the Japanese animation studio Liden Films for an anime that is scheduled for release in July 2022 for Fuji TV. Ahead of its premier, Sentai Filmworks has announced that they will release it for a North American audience the HiDive streaming service.
Sentai said on their website, “Sentai announced today that it acquired exclusive rights to Call of the Night, the highly anticipated anime adaptation of the popular vampire-themed shounen manga of the same name. The manga, written and illustrated by Kotoyama, is serialized in hit-making publisher Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine and has sold more than 2 million volumes. Sentai will stream the series exclusively on HIDIVE, its direct-to-consumer streaming service, to multiple countries across the globe beginning Summer 2022.”
Tomoyuki Itamura and Tetsuya Miyanishi are co-directing the anime together with screenwriter Michiko Yokote handling the scripts.
You can watch the trailer mentioned above here:

Sentai describes the synopsis as follows,
“Wracked by insomnia and wanderlust, Ko Yamori is driven onto the moonlit streets every night in an aimless search for something he can’t seem to name. His nightly ritual is marked by purposeless introspection — until he meets Nazuna, who might just be a vampire! Ko’s new companion could offer him dark gifts and a vampire’s immortality. But there are conditions that must be met before Ko can sink his teeth into vampirism, and he’ll have to discover just how far he’s willing to go to satisfy his desires before he can heed the Call of the Night!”
The voice cast includes Sora Amamiya, Gen Sato, Yumiri Hanamori, Haruka Tomatsu, Eri Kitamura, Shizuka Itō, Naomi Ōzora, and Azumi Waki.
Viz Media is releasing the manga in the United States.

‘Batwheels’ Shifts Gears To Battle The Legion Of Zoom

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Ethan Hawke is jumping universes from the Marvel Universe and into the DC Universe with the upcoming kids cartoon series ‘Batwheels,’ where he will voice the Batman. He is joined by Jacob Bertrand who is voicing Bam the Batmobile, the leader of a group of heroic vehicles who battle the bad guys during Cartoon Network’s animation hour for younger audiences.
“Cartoonito is revving up for Batwheels, announcing today the DC Super-Villain voice cast lineup,” HBO Max said in a press release. “Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) as Catwoman, Xolo Maridueña (Cobra Kai) as Snowy the Snowcrawler, and Tom Kenny (Spongebob Squarepants) as Crash, lead the talented cast voicing some of Batman’s most iconic adversaries in the upcoming preschool action-adventure animated comedy.”
They continued, “The villains will go bumper-to-bumper against the heroes of Batwheels voiced by the previously announced cast led by Ethan Hawke (as Batman), Jacob Bertrand (as Bam the Batmobile), and AJ Hudson (as Duke Thomas/Robin). Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the series will race onto Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network this fall.”
HBO Max released a trailer for the show:

HBO Max described the synopsis as follows,
“They are a team of incredible crimefighters who have banded together to oppose evil, combat crime and clean up the streets of Gotham City. They are…okay, they’re NOT Batman and Robin. They’re the Batwheels – an awesome group of sentient super-powered crime-fighting vehicles defending Gotham City alongside Batman, Robin, Batgirl and a host of DC Super Heroes. Having just been created by the Batcomputer, our heroes are essentially kids with little to no life experience. Led by Bam (The Batmobile), the Batwheels – Bibi (The Batgirl Cycle), Redbird (Robin’s Sports Car), The Batwing and Buff (The Bat Truck) – must navigate the growing pains of being a newly formed super team as well as the growing pains that come with just being a kid.”
Sam Register, who previously worked on ‘The Looney Tunes Show’ is serving as executive producer.

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