The small goblin like creature is 900 years old and will be used in several new TV commercials for the network to demonstrate how strong the ‘Force’ is with them. The aim of the campaign is to encourage Vodafone network users to get the most out of their mobile devices by using and experimenting with new apps and functions.

As the Mirror reports, the ads are also being produced by a visual effects team that is part of Lucasfilm called Industrial Light & Magic with the voice of Yoda coming from actor Tom Kane. In the first commercial Yoda is seen trying to use his powers in order to help a couple with dilemma of transferring contacts from one mobile to another. Of course he finds that his powers are not necessary thanks to Vodafone’s Red Box service, which automatically does it for you.

One spokesperson for the company said ‘The campaign with Yoda shows that you don’t need to be a Jedi Master to unlock the power of mobile internet.’ The first ad is scheduled to be aired in the UK tomorrow between 8pm and 9pm on Channel 4 but if you cannot wait until then you can watch it here below. What do you think of the advert? Will it entice you to take advantage of Vodafone’s services?

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LucasArts has just recently registered three new website domain names that all point towards the new title, Star Wars: Identities, whether this title is for a series, film or a game is yet to be determined, but our guess unlike Fusible is that it is most likely for a new game. The three domains which were registered on Monday, November 7th are sw-id.com, Starwarsidentities.com and starwarsidentites.com.

The fact that the company founder George Lucas has in the past firmly denied wanting to make Star Wars Episodes VII, VIII and IX also rules out the probability that this new title is for a new film. However a series is still a possibility. Evidence to support the fact that it could be for a game suggests this is most likely the case. The company was recently reported to have been recruiting for a new Star Wars title, but details on what that title can be have not yet been confirmed.

Rumors that an open-world game could be on the cards have also been circulating and this news suggests that Star Wars: Identities could be it. Although nothing official has been announced by the company themselves, further evidence came from a source close to them saying a next-generation Star Wars: Starfighter game was in development. Could this be it? What do you think the newly registered domains could be for?

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According to a new study consumers are now favoring Blu-ray over DVD when purchasing big blockbuster movies. PCMag are also reporting that consumer spending has climbed almost five percent on home entertainment in the last year. The Digital Entertainment Group said this is the first rise since 2008, and although no exact figures were given, with big new releases Blu-ray sales are fifty percent higher than the DVD equivalent.

DEG added that electronic sell-through and digital movies streaming also saw revenue growth. Catalog sales of Blu-ray titles are also on the up as well, with increases of over sixty percent led by the likes of Star Wars, Scarface, and Citizen Kane among others.

The amount of Blu-ray compatible devices in US homes now sits at over 33.5 million, which is up 52 percent compared to last year. DEG didn’t go in to specific numbers for its results, but it is regarded as one of the most accurate.

DVD was still way out in front of Blu-ray though with $14 billion spent, compared to $2.3 billion. Digital streaming also beat Blu-ray as well with $2.5 billion, while media sales have slipped since 2004. Do you buy more Blu-ray movies than before?

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In what is a major tie-in for the company, Panasonic have announced that residents in the UK who purchase either a Blu-ray player or Blu-ray Home Theatre systems, will get the original Star Wars trilogy on Blu-ray free according to TechRadar. The series of films is one of the most eagerly awaited releases for the format in recent times.

The Blu-ray format is beginning to grow as the price of the discs is lower than a few years ago, and the fact that successful franchises such as Star Wars become available. Panasonic has had a long relationship with 20th Century Fox with Blu-rays; it was the first company to bring Avatar to the UK on the format in an exclusive deal.

The complete collection of Star Wars films is being released on September 12th, but if you purchase a qualifying product from Panasonic you can get episodes IV, V and VI free. The Blu-ray players that are part of the deal include model numbers BDT110, 210, 310, PWT500. The Blu-ray Home Theatre systems which are included are BTT262, BTT270, BTT362, BTT370, BTT775, and BFT800.

There is also a couple of Blu-ray recorders included in the deal which are BWT700 and BWT800. The deal runs from today until December 31st, and to get your hands on the free Blu-rays you have to register on the Panasonic Star Wars website. Then once the trilogy becomes available you will be sent your free set.

This offer makes buying a nice new Panasonic Blu-ray player even more appealing than usual, and the films will really show off the technology at its best. Will you be getting the Star War movies on Blu-ray when they are released?

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The Move controller would be a better choice, as the shape is already similar to a Lightsaber. This would mean that you would be able to wave it around in a comparable way to a Jedi or Sith Lord; something that cannot be done with the Kinect, as you have nothing in your hands. How many times did you have a sword fight as a child and did it without a stick or plastic sword – bet the answer would be never?

LucasArts is all about technology, and is it for this reason why they would want to stick with the Kinect, but isn’t playability just as important? We are not saying that the Star Wars game will be a let down on Kinect, we are just saying that the Move version would be more practical. Put it this way, when kids get into a Lightsaber fight scene on the Kinect, how many of them will then get out their toy version or something else just so that they can feel a little closer to the action?

Maybe we are looking at this all wrong; LucasArts is all about making money, so maybe they will come out with a Lightsaber peripheral that will work with the Kinect? This would be a good idea if they want the game to feel realistic, but then how many other games would you want a peripheral for – you may as well get yourself a PS3 Move if you wanted to go down that route?

While reading over one or two forums on this very subject we came across Movemodo, and there was one suggestion by a member that LucasArts should take a look at Sports Champions, as the gladiator game shows that Star Wars on the Move is very possible. However, if they were to implement this then Sony had better get their act together and just make those moves a little more precise. When you do the small movements Move is fantastic, but when you make much larger and faster movements things have just a slight lag – maybe that’s why LucasArts went with the Kinect after all?

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From phrases such as “Right you should turn, then sharp left…control, control, if a Jedi, you wish to be,” Yoda will use the force to show you the way to go on your journeys throughout the galaxy far far and away. Yoda will also sometimes pair dialogue with that of Obi-Wan Kenobi from the classic Star Wars films too.

LucasFilms and Locutio Voice Technologies announced the addition today, which also includes a voice set from Darth Vader. Both will cost $12.95 and this will entitle you to purely randomised voiced phrases from both characters depending on which one you decide to purchase, meaning that not every-one journey will be the same.

Obviously, you can choose if you wish to be guided by the good or dark side of the force, although we recommend keeping your hands on the wheel whilst driving as the Garmin GPS voice packs do not come with hands-free driving skills too.

So how do you get the opportunity to be guided by the force? Well, you can get the Yoda or Darth Vader Garmiin GPS voice packs from Spot It Out’s GPS App Shop via Garmin.com, and in Best Buy stores across the US in the form of pre-paid gift cards says George Filley, Founder and General Partner at Spot It Out.

If you think that the voices are all you get, you can also relive parts of the magic of Star Wars with included TIE fighter and lightsaber sound effects, aswell as the unforgettable Imperial March music that is iconic in every Star Wars epic.

If you are interested in the Star Wars Garmin GPS collection, you can check out a sample of Yoda’s GPS navigation techniques via the YouTube video below. Also remember to check the official Garmin website or SpotItOut website for more information.

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That has all changed now however, as according to a recent article by Chris Pereira over at 1up.com, Microsoft has now officially unveiled the Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars-themed Xbox 360 bundle. The bundle – which as previously rumored will include a console made to look like R2-D2 – will be released alongside the game in December this year.

It’s not just the look of the R2-D2-themed Xbox 360 console that makes this Kinect Star Wars bundle pretty awesome either, as there’s more to it than meets the eye. When users power it on or eject the disc tray, they will be met with R2-D2 sound effects. According to Matt Buchanan from gizmodo.com, the disc tray also reveals a hidden message that reads: ‘Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.’

This is the very first time that Microsoft has decided to put something in the console’s disc tray. The Kinect peripheral that’s included in the bundle has ditched the original black color in favor of white, in order to match the actual console. As for the included wireless controller, that comes in shiny gold, with what appear to be exposed wires to resemble C-3PO.

The bundle – which also comes with a copy of the Kinect Star Wars game – comes with a price tag of $449.99. This special Xbox 360 Kinect Star Wars bundle is described as a limited edition, so fans may want to get their pre-orders in pretty quick to avoid any disappointment. You can view more images of the Limited Edition Kinect Star Wars bundle over at 1up.com.

Those of you that are attending this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International event – which is taking place from today through Sunday 24th, July – will get the opportunity to check out the much-anticipated Kinect Star Wars game. As we mentioned in a previous article, you will also get to hear about a brand new game mode, as well as receive a limited edition poster.

Do you like the looks of the special R2-D2-themed Xbox 360 console?

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The video is rather special too, as this looks like one of the rare instances of actually seeing in-game footage for the game, and not just CG trailers that we have become accustomed to seeing.

The E3 trailer shows off some campaign story modes, new fighting techniques, boss battles, companion characters, the ability to control your own starship, space battles, vehicles and much much more.

We’d also like to add that the accompanying soundtrack to the game is fantastic, while the voice casting looks very professional too, and similar to what you’d usually see in a Star Wars movie. The game has seemingly been in development for a very long time, but fans will be praying at E3 2011 finally brings a solid release date for the MMO.

Get a first look at SWTOR’s E3 showing below, we promise you it’s well worth watching. Afterwards, let us know your thoughts on the upcoming game, and tell us if you are more excited about this than say The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – now there’s a head scratcher for you.

PS. Don’t forget to select HD below for the best quality.

More About: E3 2011, star wars, Star Wars: The Old Republic

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According to a recent article over on the holyfragger.com website, both BioWare and LucasArts have just released a brand new progression trailer, which gives fans an idea of the armor and abilities that a player can achieve when taking on the role of a Sith Warrior.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a story-driven MMO that’s set thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader. The game will enable players to step into the shoes of a number of Star Wars classes including Imperial Agent, the Bounty Hunter and the Trooper.

Players will be able to make decision that will not only define their personal story, but also determine the path they take down the light or dark side of the Force. Gamers will befriend companions along their way, who will either fight at their side or betray them based on their actions.

Although we don’t know a specific release date at this stage, we will inform you when we do hear news on one. Are you looking forward to the arrival of the Star Wars: The Old Republic game?

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The gameplay is over 5 minutes long, and gives you a look at how the game is shaping up so far but it is due to release later on this year. We’ve all seen those stunning CGI videos of the game, but this time we see some actual gameplay footage – and the graphics are looking pretty slick we have to admit.

The video quality isn’t perfect, but this will be the first gameplay footage you’ve seen of the game in a while, so enjoy it while it is still online since it wasn’t officially provided by Bioware, just in case it gets removed in a few hours.

As for a release, we’ve heard via Play.tm that the game won’t be out until July at the earliest, and could even be out during the latter months of 2011, hopefully that won’t be the case though. It seems like this game has been in development for an eternity, but judging by the footage below – it’s well worth waiting for.

Are you looking forward to The Old Republic?

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