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Apple and Google partner together to help fight COVID-19

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The COVID-19 pandemic is running rampant across the globe, affecting all facets of life with governments, health authorities and businesses trying to do their part in find slowing down the spread, flattening the curve and finding a cure. Apple and Google have announced in partnering together to do their part to the cause, creating a system enabling widespread contact tracing.

Apple and Google plans to launch systems that application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing. How it will roughly work is that users with the app will be notified when they have been in close proximity to an individual contracting the COVID-19 virus. Apple and Google have also stressed privacy, transparency, and consent as extremely important factors to this initiative but there are still concerns regarding the matter.

We all need to do our own part in flattening the curve by following hygiene practices and social distancing, but having this system in place will assist further with the fight against COVID-19.

#stayhome

New Director for Doctor Strange 2

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Earlier this year, Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson parted ways while developing the upcoming sequel, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness over “creative differences” with Marvel Studios.

About a month later, it was reported via Comicbook.com that Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, 2002) had been added to direct the upcoming sequel while Marvel Studios never officially confirmed this, until now!

Comicbook.com reported while on a conference call with them and other journalists, Raimi was asked about the scene in Spider-Man 2 where Doctor Strange’s name is dropped. Raimi went onto then confirm that is is indeed working on the sequel after mentioning his adoration for Doctor Strange as a kid growing up.

Production on Doctor Strange 2 was meant to kick off in a few weeks, however with the Covid-19 situation, Marvel Studios & Disney have paused all productions & delayed the entire phase 4 slate of the MCU.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is due to hit cinemas in November 2021.

Two PS4 Games for Free As Part of ‘Play at Home’ Initiative

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Sony Interactive Entertainment announced yesterday that the Play at Home initiative, which will give PS4 players free games without any need of PlayStation Plus.

This is to encourage people to continue with social distancing and stay at home playing video games. As part of the Play at Home initiative, Sony is giving away two free games for all PS4 users.

1. Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

2. Journey

for a limited time through digital downloads from April 15 at 1pm through May 5, 2020 at 1pm Once you redeem the games, they are yours to keep.
As long as players redeem the games within that time-frame, they will be able to keep them forever in their digital PlayStation libraries.

Along with the Play at Home initiative is about more than just giving away free video games. Sony has also created as part of the Play at Home initiative called “Creative Funding.” Sony has started a $10 million fund to financially support its independent development partners, as they may be facing unexpected hardships during this global pandemic.

So stay safe and at Home with Sony PlayStation.

Photo courtesy: https://www.sony.com.au

Exclusive Look at Dune

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Thats right, Dune is making a comeback with a reboot. The Frank Herbert epic 1965 sci-fi novel is hitting the big screen once again.

Dune first hit the big screen in 1984 but it was labelled an incomprehensible mess. Then in 2000, the Sy-Fy channel picked it up as a miniseries which became a hit for the network, but is now only dimly remembered.

This time around Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve (known for Arrival & Blade Runner 2049) sits in the directors chair and brings an epic cast lineup into this reboot.

The synopsis reads “In the far future of humanity, Duke Leto Atreides accepts stewardship of the dangerous desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the most valuable substance in the universe, “the spice”, a drug which extends human life, provides superhuman levels of thought, and makes foldspace travel possible. Though Leto knows the opportunity is an intricate trap set by his enemies, he takes his Bene Gesserit concubine Lady Jessica, young son and heir Paul, and most trusted advisers to Arrakis, also known as Dune. Leto takes control of the spice mining operation, which is made perilous by the presence of giant sandworms. A bitter betrayal leads Paul and Jessica to the Fremen, natives of Arrakis who live in the deep desert.”

Some of the incredible lineup of the cast include the following actors
* Rebecca Ferguson (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation) as Lady Jessica
* Oscar Issac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) as Duke Leo Ateides
* Josh Brolin (Avengers: Infinity War) as Gurney Hallack
* Stellan Skarsgard (Thor) as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
* Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy) as Glossu Rabban
* Zendaya (Spiderman: Far From Home) as Chani
* Jason Momoa (Aquaman) as Duncan Idaho

Check out the gallery below of some behind the scenes photos and let us know what you think of this reboot sci-fi fans

Dune is set to hit cinemas in December 2020. The movie is in post production at time of writing this article.


Karl-Anthony Towns’ mother Jacqueline dies due to COVID-19

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Jacqueline Towns, the mother of NBA player Karl-Anthony Towns, died on Monday (13/04/2020) due to complications as a result of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.

In a family statement released via the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Twitter account.

“The Towns family is heartbroken by the untimely passing of Jacqueline Towns due complications as a result of COVID-19,” the statement said.

Karl did take to social media on March 24 in a emotional video saying that his mother had been placed in a medically induced coma, imploring fans to take extra precautions and to take the pandemic seriously.

We here at The Kickz Stand would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the Towns’ family.

First look at the Jordan Retro 13 ‘Flint’

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It’s been 10 years since we last saw the ‘Flint’ 13’s on the shelves and it was a bit of a disappointment. But it looks like Jordan brand has wound back the clock to 2005 and given us the retro we want!

The classic features its signature grey and white pattern topped off with the navy found across the upper, tongue and inline. Similar to the 2005 release, the pair features the 3M detailing that was nowhere to be found on the 2010 retro.

Check them out below and let us know what you think Jordan heads! Will you cop these? These are set to hit the shelves around mid year!

Full Preview of the LEGO Super Mario (Pre-Order Now)

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It’s not just a rumour anymore a preview into the LEGO group finally releasing Mario themed sets that will ever be expandable and only your imagination to hold you back.

The starter base set in the line is Set 71360 built up of 231 pieces to start off your Mario stage collection. This set includes your very own Digital Mario figure, Bowser Jr., and everyone’s favorite Goomba. A course able to be your “1st Level” of the Mario adventure where your digital Mario reacts to the stage built around him with pipes, enemies and that elusive end of stage flag.

This starter set will retail for $89.99 AUD/NZD releasing August 1st 2020 and online limit is 1 so get in there and place your pre-order. 

There has also been 2 expansion sets that have been announced with a 3rd yet to be confirmed.

Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle set is going to be the largest LEGO Super Mario set boasting another Mario digital figure, Bowser, a Boo and his dark and tricky Castle full of surprises right around the corner. Retail for this set is $149.99/169.99 AUD/NZD.

The other set announced is the Piranha Plant Power Slide retail for $49.99/$59.99 AUD/NZD. A much smaller set featuring a Piranha Plant, Koopa Troopa and a Goomba. 

This will finally brings together the gaming world in the hands of children and adults who grew up watching playing and being Mario to life in a fun and imaginative way. 

As a fan I cannot wait to get my hands on this set and expansions and also looking to the future when this does succeed with additions and a possible move into a minifig collection who knows. I’ll be definitely watching this space to see where LEGO takes this.

You can pre-order the LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario Starter Course on www.lego.com/supermario-startercourse and from selected retailers nationwide. 

Inside Drake’s Manor House in Toronto

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We all know the rappers love to live large. Back in the late 90s/early 2000s when MTV Cribs was a hit, we would always get a tour inside some high profile athlete, musican or celebrity mansion in the USA. People would just be amazed with how they live and what they have.

Drake is no different. Architectural Digest has recently published an article on the Canadian born Rappers manor house in his hometown of Toronto. Measuring 50,000 square feet with amenities such as a full size regulation NBA basketball court crowned by a pyramidal skylight, we can all see that Drake definitely loves to live large.

Below are some of the photos of this epic mansion. Be sure to read more here: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/inside-rapper-drakes-hometown-manor-in-toronto

Asics Gel Kayano 5 360

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An oldie but a goodie. These Gel Kayno 5 360’s will get you spinning. Pun intended. All funniness aside these gems ain’t no joke. Asics have mashed up 2 of their own different technologies in the GEL – Kayano 5 and the GEL – Quantum 360. Both already formidable comfort lines but together just makes sense.

Innovation isn’t the only thing Asics have integrated together, they’ve combined different types of materials to complete the upper. Such as Suede, mesh and leather. It is also strapped with features such as subtle multicolour panels that are also of 3M material.

But most importantly it comes down to the sole. The unit feels stable but secure with lots of support. Made with special technology to prevent your feet from pronating in the wrong direction.

And to top it all of its got the Dad Sneaker vibes all day long to keep it stylish. Although already released, these are definitely sleeping on some people. Check it out at your nearest Asics seller.

Second Off-White x Jordan 5 Rumored Release Date

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There hasn’t been a lot of good news in the sneaker world as of late, especially when it pertains to Jordan Brand release dates. This is because the Coronavirus has led to numerous delays in shipping and sneaker production. Some of the most anticipated shoes of the year have been pushed back by a couple of weeks and in some cases, even months. Well, this one comes as a surprise for all Off-White fans, with another Jordan 5 on the way later this year

For now, it is being reported that this will drop during the holiday season of 2020 which means either late November or early December. Pricing will be confirmed later this year as well as a detailed look. Here is a sneak peak for now! Let us know what you think.