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A New Blue Hue for You to View
The digitization of Henry Ford’s Model T is seeing an illuminating next chapter.
And it’s quite a sight.
Cars are (as has been written about many times on Jimmy’s Daily Planet) increasingly being designed and built as supercomputers. Tesla is the best practical evidence in 2016 of this burgeoning reality with the Model S, Model 3 and Model X. No, the price point for these three car models have not dropped into mainstream affordability, but the availability is there nonetheless. That’s impressive, even if it’s an expensive alternative. An encouraging note is the Tesla Model 3 is trying to crack the Lexus and Mercedes consumer market with a tax credit/incentive in the thousands that makes people take a second glance at the electric automaker beyond its sleek lines and quiet, yet powerful engine.
For many of the major car makers, their giant leap from the engine and functionality from the 20th century to the computerized innovation in the 21st century won’t be comprehensive. That’s impractical and foolish. At some point, perhaps in half a century, but that’s still a ways off…
Thankfully, as is the natural consequence of innovation, engineers are constantly conceptualizing that manageable next step.
“Powerful batteries will give the SUV a driving range of over 300 miles.
It will be priced like a “reasonably equipped Mercedes GLC.” At today’s prices, that would be around $50,000.”
–Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN Money
Visitors of the 2016 Paris Motor Show were recently privileged to an exciting first glimpse of the Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ imagined for modern roads. While the cool blue design is a concept, there doesn’t appear to be too many far-fetched ideas in the video above. Yes, it’s a promo made by and for the German car giants, yet this engineering dream looks like a realistic ambition for a few years down the road. However, one small speed bump may be that, as clean and appealing as the white interior shows in HD, perhaps the final call should favor dark blue or black (from experience, bright white leather may not pair well with dark jeans or clothing with indigo or black dye).
That’s the only grilling the EQ warrants. Speaking of which, that new grill is hot.
Red Blue-hot.
Did Apple Cook Up a Winner?
“It’s the best iPhone we’ve ever made.”
The concluding line in the iPhone 7 introductory video revealed that Apple’s latest smartphone is not a new, groundbreaking invention. Instead, the iPhone 7 (and iPhone 7 Plus) are innovations from the past with impressive, eye-catching updates. Specifically, the focus of the engineers and design teams at Apple was on the improved camera of the 7 and the dual cameras on the 7 Plus. Moreover, the new iPhone 7s will be water resistant (huge plus) with an improved Retina HD screen resolution, stereo-quality speakers and the removal of the headphone jack with wireless earbuds/AirPods.
The forced Bluetooth feature may cause a toothache for Apple’s consumer base, but that’s still in the speculative “TBD” phase.
Without holding, listening, perusing or taking pictures with an iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in my hands, it’s difficult to rate the flashy new tech. My first reaction is that this series of iPhones look intriguing enough to consider for an upgrade after a couple of years with the iPhone 5. Avid fans aside, the question for many consumers will likely center on upgrading to a phone that will hold the creative and futuristic appeal for a couple years or so. Plus, the dramatic change in purchasing and carrier plan options could certainly impact consumer decision-making. Having said that, the updates in the iPhone 7 models will be easy to test through snapping/tapping test pictures, listening to songs in stereo mode and (potentially) pouring water on a test phone in the store.
Salespeople: Get ready for especially playful, interactive demonstrations with curious customers.
Tim Cook has been waiting for that “wow!” moment as the face of Apple. Today did not bring about that signature revelation, but perhaps slow and steady will, in fact, win that show-stopping race for Mr. Cook at some point down the road…
And the verdict on the iPhone 7s will all but rely on the invisible space between headphones/AirPods and the iPhone, as well as the location of said AirPods when not in use.
One thing’s for certain: Apple will definitely hear about its daring wireless experiment either way with unrivaled clarity.
The Unexpected Thrill of Singularity
While it’s a good thing not all movies are made in this format, it’s a blessing that one film every so often is bravely written and acted within such a simple and isolated storytelling dynamic.
Driving at night with a hands-free phone.
That’s it.
Ironically, this mundane, constrained seat appears to be the perfect setting for a nerve-racking, pulse-pounding thrill ride.
It’s called Locke and it features the talented, yet under-the-radar star Tom Hardy. Although it had an April 25th release date, it’s now entering major theaters, like in Columbus, Ohio. Be sure to check your local listings.
What’s driving you this weekend?
The New Old Tonight Show
First impression?
Jimmy Fallon is not Jay Leno.
That can mean several things, both positive and negative, but it’s the truth nonetheless. It’s unequivocally a new era in the long, esteemed (though recently fumbled) history of The Tonight Show. In an opening few minutes that appeared sincerely surreal to the newly crowned 39-year old prince of late night television, Jimmy Fallon expressed his gratitude and excitement for the tremendous (sorry, wrong host and network) treasured opportunity of receiving the baton of the show in late night.
The Tonight Show is back in New York City as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
He thanked his parents who were in the audience (a great moment!) and recapped how, in his younger days, he would sneak off to watch Johnny Carson’s monologue, first guest and so on. He then recalled how if somebody had told him that one day he would graduate high school, join SNL and then become host of The Tonight Show, he would have been shocked…he graduated high school!?
It will be that kind of humbleness (and more smiling!) that will help guide Jimmy Fallon in the early stages of his tenure as the host before he fully dives into the treacherous waters of late night comedy with its natural and inevitable rivalries and cross-networking jabbing.
The show’s opening sequence was directed by Spike Lee (how’s that for a New York introduction) with musical support by his trusty house band: The Roots. The set has a classic, old-school New York theater/lounge aesthetic with a Carson-inspired floor to ceiling curtain with a heavy focus on wood…lots of wood. Visually, it looks like a bit of an homage to the past, perhaps trying to channel respect for what this move represents for the show and the city of New York.
Jimmy Fallon seemed right at home last night (well, this morning) by engaging in a history of hip-hop dancing with his first Tonight Show guest Will Smith. The clothes, the moves and the comedic chemistry between the two were pitch perfect. Then, U2 rocked the top of 30 Rockefeller Center with an electric performance of their new hit single from their Super Bowl commercial, “Invisible.”
U2 + the top of New York City for the opening night = a magnificent beginning!
The night was also filled with several of Jimmy’s friends who humorously lost a bet that he’d become the host one day. One after the other, Robert De Niro, Tina Fey, Seth Rogen, Lady Gaga, a former NYC mayor, Joan Rivers, coin prankster Stephen Colbert and many more stepped out from behind the curtain to give Jimmy Fallon a funny anti-welcome that was constantly surprising and ultimately entertaining.
Plus, an acoustic U2 performance on the new couch to close the show isn’t bad either.
Where does Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show stand at this point?
It’s far too early to tell or to judge. First, some reaction needs to be reserved until the show premieres at its quintessential time slot of 11:35 p.m. Then, we need to witness the comedic and creative energy and endurance of a 10-minute monologue five days a week…every week.
The monologue was key to Jay’s success as it was his winning first impression night in and night out for 20+ years. Let’s not forget about his comedic bits and engaging interview skills as well.
“What the hell were you thinking?”
But that was Jay. He’s America’s stand-up comic. And, as the recent 60 Minutes story revealed, Jay and his writing team worked relentlessly to fine-tune each joke and each monologue, night and day, night and day.
But alas, Jimmy Fallon is more comfortable as a masterful impressionist, singer and sketch artist (more like Johnny than Jay). His show will be the same in many ways, but also different in many ways. Emphasis on certain aspects will vary as his style will define his Tonight Show legacy. As I wrote in a previous article about Jay Leno, the move to Jimmy Fallon symbolizes a generational shift in comedy, style and personalities, and not just in late night.
This will not be the only article about Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show, but instead (like last night) just the first.
Millions of Americans laughed with Jay Leno for 22 years…will these same people see Jimmy Fallon as a rising star to watch for some good laughs five nights a week?
The dynamic of returning (fans, city, style) certainly is the question for the host.
P.S. Congratulations to the real new King of Late Night: Lorne Michaels.
Only one more night left…
Jimmy's Daily Planet 