For the children, ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’

For the children, ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’
Audi develops shock absorber system that recovers energy to save fuel
New trailer released for Shia LaBeouf’s ‘American Honey’ (VIDEO)
‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ writes to pen first live-action Pokemon film

Posted: 17 Aug 2016 06:38 PM PDT

Duration: 02:09, Published 18 Aug 2016

Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of Game of Thrones) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Hashi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta.

Audi develops shock absorber system that recovers energy to save fuel

Posted: 17 Aug 2016 06:35 PM PDT

Audi is working on a prototype called eROT, which uses electromechanical rotary dampers to replace traditional hydraulic dampers. — Reuters picFRANKFURT, Aug 18 — German carmaker Audi has unveiled innovative new shock absorption technology that can save fuel by recovering energy absorbed via the suspension from shocks encountered along the road.

Audi is working on a prototype called eROT, which uses electromechanical rotary dampers to replace traditional hydraulic dampers. The aim is to use every possible source of kinetic energy in the car — induced when the vehicle drives over bumps and potholes in the road — and transform it into electricity to power the car and save fuel.

Audi's engineers have developed a lever arm which absorbs the motion of the wheel carrier system. This force is then transmitted to an electric motor, which converts it into electricity. The manufacturer promises output of 100 to 150 watts on average, based on initial testing in Germany. However, output is greatly affected by the type of road and quality of its surface. This can range from three watts for a smooth, freshly surfaced freeway to more than 600 watts for a relatively rough secondary road. In real-life driving conditions, Audi expects this technology to save drivers up to 3g of CO2 per kilometre (4.8g/mile).

The Audi eROT suspension system could save drivers up to 3g of CO2 per kilometre. — Handout via AFPThe eROT system is based entirely on a 48-volt electrical system. Electric motors arranged horizontally on the rear axle replace upright telescopic shock absorbers. This arrangement also helps make more space for luggage in the trunk.

What's more, this active suspension adapts ideally to irregular road surfaces for a comfortable ride.

Audi hopes to install this system or its derivatives in future consumer vehicles. From 2017, Audi's 48-volt system will be used in a new hybrid model from the brand, promising potential fuel savings of up to 0.7l/100 km. — AFP-Relaxnews

New trailer released for Shia LaBeouf’s ‘American Honey’ (VIDEO)

Posted: 17 Aug 2016 06:32 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES, AUg 18 — Studio A24 has unveiled a new trailer for Shia LaBeouf's new movie American Honey, ahead of its release next month.

The clip for the upcoming road-trip movie is backed by Bruce Springsteen's cover of Suicide's Dream Baby Dream, and tells the story of 18-year-old runaway (played by newcomer Sasha Lane) who joins a group of teenagers (Riley Keough, Shia LaBeouf) travelling across America selling magazine subscriptions.

The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, marks the first US movie by British director Andrea Arnold and is also set to play at the Toronto Film Festival, before its theatre debut on September 30.

In addition to the 1979 song Dream Baby Dream, the soundtrack to American Honey will also feature Steve Earle's Copperhead Road, Mazzy Star's Fade Into You and Lady Antebellum's American Honey (via Rolling Stone). — AFP-Relaxnews

'American Honey' has published its first trailer ahead of its release later this year. — AFP pic

‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ writes to pen first live-action Pokemon film

Posted: 17 Aug 2016 06:31 PM PDT

Production on the first live-action Pokemon film is expected to begin in 2017. — AFP picLOS ANGELES, Aug 18 — Guardians Of The Galaxy writers Nicole Perlman and Alex Hirsch have signed on to pen the script for the first live-action Pokemon film, with production on the film expected to begin in 2017.

As previously reported, Legendary Entertainment has acquired the rights to the feature, which will centre on the character "Detective Pikachu", a character who isn't as agile as other Pokemon characters, relying on his intelligence to solve cases.

The deal, which will see Legendary partner with the Pokémon Company, comes just weeks after the launch of the "Pokemon Go" app game which has become a worldwide hit.

Since the release of Pokemon Go, shares in Nintendo have risen by 25 per cent, while Pokemon has sold 21.5 billion cards since it was launched in 1996. Games based on Pokemon have sold 280 million copies, according to NME. — AFP-Relaxnews