‘Star Wars’ BB-8 gets an evil twin?

Just in time for Force Friday II, when merch for the upcoming Star Wars film comes out, Disney together with Sphero unveiled new droids we’ve definitely been looking for. One is a tiny incarnation of R2-D2 (at least that’s what it looks like to us based on the video) and another is what Hollywood Reporter calls the evil twin trope incarnation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens’s BB-8. Called BB-9E (or if Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson had his way, BB-H8), the new droid will be debuting in the Dec. 15 film as part of the Astromech unit of the First Order. BB-9E helps keep the starships and machinery running. The toy itself is being called a “rolling menace” and you see it toppling a Jenga tower in the video above.

The BB-9E is almost identical to BB-8, down to the markings on the body, but this time it comes in black and gray and has a more angular head and a red-eye, making it look similar to Darth Vader with his helmet on. The BB-9E will be available for US$149.99 (around CA$190), while if you’re more interested in R2-D2, the iconic droid goes for US$179.99 (around CA$220).

Source: Variety

Disney set to leave Netflix, plans to launch own streaming service in 2019

Looks like Disney wants a piece of the streaming service pie. The company plans to end its distribution deal with Netflix to launch its own service, which they plan to unveil two years from now and it’ll come first to the US and then internationally. It seems like a natural move for Disney with its big library of movies and shows to offer, which they’ve kept mostly close to their chest. The Netflix deal, which was secured back in 2012, only took into effect last year, so this is going to be a big blow to the streaming giant.

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How to inspire kids to keep learning during summer break

Summer is a break from school but it doesn't mean it's a break from learning-- it doesn't have to be a chore for parents or their kids. In between camp days, sleepovers at grandmas, and trips to the ice cream shop there will always be some downtime (or rainy days).Today, there are many great ways parents and caregivers can fill the gap between break and school. 

Tips on how to keep learning fun AND boost confidence with younger kids during the holidays (or any time of the year!).

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Apple Clips gets new Disney- and Pixar-inspired effects

Here’s another fruit from Apple’s partnership with Disney. The company’s video creation app for iOS, Clips, is bringing tons of graphic overlays and posters from some of your favorite Disney and Pixar characters. Version 1.1 of the app now has animated overlays of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Daisy Duck as well as your favorite Toy Story and Inside Out characters like Woody and Jessie, Joy, Fear, etc. Aside from the overlays, there are new Disney-designed posters that can work as title cards for your stories.

Aside from these, there are 10 new Apple-designed overlays and 12 posters with “dramatic graphics, beautifully rendered backgrounds, and customizable animated text.” Apple says they’ve also included some usability improvements to make it that much easier to turn video clips and photos into something fun.