Sesame Workshop, the drab corporate body behind the warm, suneshiney smile that is Sesame Street, has always been a little late to the digital party. This time they're nipping at the heels of Disney, which opened up its own Digital Books site in September. Well, better late than never.

Sesame Street books available digitally? Terrific. What's not so hot is how they're handling it, along with their publishing partner Impelsys. They'll start tomorrow by offering five free e-books at sesamestreet.org/ebooks, but those titles can only be read on your monitor, not downloaded. They'll introduce more titles sometime next spring, but will still leave about 98% of their back catalog to be rolled out at an indeterminate pace for an indeterminate subscription price (Disney charges around $80 a year). So let's see: a long wait for a few books that I can't download? Might have to pass on this one.

That's not even to mention the biggest inherent problem, which is that most e-readers currently available on the market aren't built for kids, and can't handle color. At least not yet they can't. And until they can, e-books for toddlers make about as much sense as Snuffleuphagus's taxonomy report. [Impelsys via WSJ]

And she has good reason to be scared that an entire generation doesn't find a television to be an essential household item. People are flocking to the web to watch streaming shows, but the networks still aren't making any money off these views. Hulu, the largest streaming site, is getting over 40 million visitors a month who are viewing 5 billion minutes of shows and clips. And that number is only going up, while TV viewership is going down.

These content creators need to figure out a way to monetize this phenomenon, and fast. Because the genie is out of the bottle, and there's no putting him back in. [NY Times]

The last time I visited Disney World, I was a bit distracted by the nausea that followed one too many rides after five too many scoops of ice cream. The visits before that though, I was entirely clearheaded. Yet not a single time did I notice the always present background music switch tunes.

Mr. Q would be laughing maniacally if he read those words. That's because those words mean that his baby, the project he worked on in the 1990s, grew up to be a success.

Apparently the original Disney World speaker system, set up in 1968, had an unnoticeable flaw: minuscule variations in sound volume along pathways. As someone walked closer to a speaker, music would seem louder than a few steps away. Despite not a single visitor ever complaining about this common sound effect, twenty years later good ol' Mickey decided to do something about it. Some work and a team effort later, they had Mr. Q's system and algorithm:

The system he built can slowly change the style of the music across a distance without the visitor noticing. As a person walks from Tomorrowland to Fantasyland, for example, each of the hundreds of speakers slowly fades in different melodies at different frequencies so that at any point you can stop and enjoy a fully accurate piece of music, but by the time you walk 400 feet, the entire song has changed and no one has noticed.

So how is a system which strives to be unnoticed manufacturing emotion? According to Mr. Q, the "life is sucked out of" the park when the speakers fail. Even a slightly flawed speaker system could lead to frowns, while perfect music ambiance only leaves Goofy's creepiness to achieve that. [Dustin Curtis via Boing Boing]

Granted, the resemblance to Spaceship Earth might be unavoidable when the Technosphere is meant to represent the state of Earth's ecosystem, now and in the future. But considering that everything in the building will be solar-powered with minimal waste due to water recycling, it's definitely a few steps ahead of the real thing though. [WAN]

Over the last few weeks I've been talking to people within the comics industry to try to sniff out Apple's plans, including Neal Adams, developer of an upcoming motion Astonishing X-Men comic on iTunes, who also told me the French saying. Everyone in Adams' line of work is buzzing about the tablet and what it can do for their masterpieces.

It's an easy presumption for comic book fans. The Sun Times' Andy Inhatko is betting that LongBox, a digital distribution platform for comic books, will make an appearance on Apple's upcoming tablet. More than just an appearance, really:

I'm pretty sure that Apple is entering into a formal alliance with LongBox. When I asked [LongBox CEO Rantz] Hoseley about what kind of partnerships the company is forming, he spoke vaguely of what was taking up most of his time at the moment: a lengthy and complicated agreement with a seriously large company operating in the media space.

One problem: Several sources I spoke to over the last couple of weeks, including top-level executives at giants like Marvel and DC, have said they've not heard a whisper from Apple—despite a nearly desperate hope that Apple would come a-courtin'. One executive said to me, when I mentioned the possibility of putting his comic books on the Apple tablet, "If you've heard anything from Apple, please tell them I'm ready to do it."

That means that LongBox may be the only distribution option for comic books at the tablet's launch, through some sort of dedicated LongBox app. And if LongBox's distribution plan for the Apple tablet is just an app, why would they need to do any negotiations with Apple? Launch the LongBox app, sell the content, and go. No Apple nod necessary.

We know that Apple has been reaching out to select publishers. It was Andy Inhatko who passed on the rumor about "trucks loaded with books" earlier this year. It all fits with the moves we already know Apple is making in its outreach to magazine and newspaper publishers. For Apple, the tablet is about cleaning up; with the addition of books, newspaper, magazines and comic books, there isn't a single vector of mass media that Apple won't be able to distribute through iTunes. With the success of the App Store—a success I think even Apple wasn't expecting to such a degree — they're even a major distributor of software and games.

Oh right, there's also music and video.

Marvel content, especially, seems like a given. Disney bought Pixar, putting Steve Jobs on the Disney board. Then Disney buys Marvel. Marvel has already dabbled in publishing content through iTunes, with a new "motion comic" version of The Astonishing X-Men hitting iTunes on October 28th.

I spoke to Inhatko on my tiny Apple tablet last week about his story. He's increasingly persuaded that Apple is content to let print publishers distribute their content through apps, not through the iTunes store itself.

He may very well be right, at least at the tablet's launch, especially given Apple's reticence to even acknowledge the tablet's existence, let alone provide publishers with detailed, unified specifications for an "iRead" format. But it also strikes me as an inelegant solution at best, especially considering iTunes 9's iTunes LP format is an HTML- and JavaScript-based 720p format that would work just wonderfully for a digital magazine and comics format.

Could just be wishful thinking on my part—I'd rather manage subscriptions through iTunes like podcasts, rather than individual apps—but either way it's a win for Apple, who will happily get their cut no matter what system of digital print distribution ultimately takes off. If you have any leads on comic book tablet activity, by all means, send us a tip.

There is one shocker I discovered in my discussions with Marvel folk: It's been confirmed to me that Hulk is stronger than Thor. Chew on that one for a while — at least until you can buy Hulk vs. Thor on iTunes. Excelsior!

Joel Johnson has a blog, but your best bet may be to follow him on Twitter @joeljohnson.

Motorola sent out a teaser for their upcoming Verizon Android phone, the Droid, and it uses Verizon's new tagline, "In a world of doesn't, Droid does." (For the record, thanks to Verizon for not saying "iDoesn't."). But the mailer also uses this weird scary monster motif, with a glowing red eye from some kind of hell-creature glaring out at you, and saying "the day of Droid is approaching." I've seen Battlestar Galactica, Motorola, and you're scaring the crap out of me. Unfortunately, there's not any new information on the handset to be found, so this scary promotional tool ends up here in Remainders. [BGR]

Did you guys know the Orionid meteor shower is tonight? I bet you did. You're a smart bunch. I bet I don't even have to tell you that the Orionid meteor shower is actually caused by the Earth passing through the tail of Halley's Comet (which flew by a long time ago, and isn't visible). You probably also know that the best time for viewing is between 1AM and dawn tonight (early early Wednesday morning), and that the best possible time is around 6AM EST (3AM PST). Since you knew all that, I guess this whole thing was a waste of time, which is why it's in Remainders. [Space.com]

Stupid novelty gadgets from Japan are a dime a dozen, and these earbuds are no different. Shaped like a screw, a banana, sushi, and a cat's foot (?), these 'buds don't deserve a full post—but I love how the drawn models look so despondent. Just imagine the art department responsible for this: Somebody made a decision that even their own drawings would be sad to cram half a plastic banana into their also-drawn ears. [CrunchGear]

Disney, whose video sales have sunk along with everyone else's, have come up with a new strategy called Keychest that's actually pretty shrewd, since it accounts for the expansion of viewing platforms beyond just the TV (computer, phone, PMP, etc). Keychest would basically mean that the purchase of a video would include access to that video in the cloud, on any device. So if you buy Up on DVD, it'll come with a code so you can download it at iTunes, and a code so you can stream it from Comcast. It's not a bad idea, but it's been done before: Industry leaders have been working on the very similar DECE project for years now, and it hasn't come to fruition yet. Keychest? Nice idea, but too old to deserve its own post. [WSJ]

Using prerendered chunks of track and a digital ruler, you can shape the path of their virtual roller coaster, bobsled track or jet flight. (Should you draw something that's impossible to perform, the system will guide and correct you.)

As for the simulation itself, your fate is in the hands of an industrial robot arm from Kuka Robotics, like you've seen in car plants. We can only assume that the robot shakes you at high velocities until you feel dizzy or sick, all while fans occasionally blow air at your face to simulate velocity.

Several years back, I tested a similar build-your-own coaster ride at DisneyQuest. Some effects were actually pretty wonderful, but the customization was fairly limited and the simulators were far more typical. Knowing my well-being is in the grasp of a robot that could literally destroy me makes the whole prospect sounds a lot more exciting. [CNN]

Good old Stevesy runs pretty much the most profitable retail chain in the country, the Apple Store, and coincidentally also owns Pixar—and thus sits on Disney's board. So he heavily consulted with Disney when they decided to totally redesign their retail store's image, and it shows. From minor details like mobile checkout (employees carry small receipt printers on them) to bigger philosophies like community (there'll be a small theatre, like in Apple Stores) and interactivity (karaoke, touchscreen kiosks, "live chat with Disney stars"), Steve's fingerprints are all over the new concept. Hell, Disney store employees will even carry iPhones (or iPods Touch) to communicate. And that's a good thing, in our opinion: Apple Stores certainly aren't perfect, but they are a decidedly individual and interesting shopping experience, which Disney needs. A Disney rep, apparently a fan of Fox angryface Gordon Ramsay, even described some of the current Children's Place stores (former Disney stores which still sell licensed Disney merch) as "a dog's breakfast."

Update: After speaking with a Disney rep, it looks like a few things need clarification. Steve Jobs did consult with Disney on the project, but only once, so while the new Disney stores do have a clear Apple Store influence, Jobs himself did not have as heavy a hand in their design as I first thought. Sorry for the confusion.

Disney is rebooting 340 of these stores, with a possible flagship store in, of course, Times Square, and is spending about $1 million to do it. They're still working with real estate agents and ironing out the final details, but this could actually work out: Disney + Apple has previously equaled Pixar, and that formula has worked out pretty spectacularly. [NY Times]

The entire reader is browser based and the books feature animated illustrations and authentic character voices. Amazon, a color Kindle Kiddie would be so cool! In the meantime the Disney Netpal netbook will have to do for viewing the interactive childrens ebooks, but a kid can dream. [Disney Digital Books]

Buzz was up there as part of a program by NASA and Disney to encourage students to study science, technology and math. He'll be honored in a parade at Disney's Magic Kingdom-along with his space station crewmates and veteran Buzz Aldrin-on October 2nd.

Too. Freakin'. Cute. To infinity and beyond! [Orlando Sentinel and Newslite | Photo by Tony Landis/NASA]

Now it appears they're at it again, although what the target(s) will be this time around is anybody's guess. A few of the names floated so far are Viacom Inc and Time Warner Inc.

It's most likely not Disney, said former Disney CEO Michael Eisner. "They may want to recapture their dreams of going after Disney, but not with Disney specifically," he said. "I am sure [Comcast] Brian Roberts and Steve Burke (COO) have Time Warner high on their computer screens."

The analysts, in a word, were weary of such a move. [Reuters via Slashdot]

The facility is designed to figure out just what types of web ads we'll give our attention to. Do bumpers before videos work? What about those horrible ads that cover a whole website and force you to find the tiny X to close them? They're using eye tracking, heart monitors, skin temperature readings and facial probes to measure expressions to see what works and what doesn't.

It all shows that web ads are a serious business, with tons of money there for people who figure out how to make them really work. But really, come on, enough with those ads that block content. Nobody likes those, and you don't need any fancy research to figure it out. [NY Times]

This Luxo Jr. debuted a few days ago at Disney's Hollywood studios, as part of Pixar's "Living Character" exhibit that includes an inflatable version of the house from Up and a possibly dangerous saturation of Randy Newman songs. [via Boing Boing Gadgets]

There's some cool stuff to this toy, to be sure. It has original Tim Allen voice work, which is nice, and it's obviously of solid construction. But it seems like its uses are pretty limited. Once your kid has said the dozen voice commands and has heard the quips and seen the motions, there's not a lot to keep them coming back. Sure, there's puppeteer mode that allows them to make their own sequence of motions, but it just doesn't scream "play with me."

But you can see where these things are going. In the next couple of decades kids toys are going to be real-deal robots that actually play back. But until then, we've got pseudo-robots that only respond to limited commands and are therefore not that fun.

The Netpal features a durable design, an 8.9-inch LCD display, Wi-Fi capabilities, Windows XP Home and over 40 parental controls including extra filters in browsers and email. There is also a Disney-themed UI "gadget tray" that offers a customized email, browser, icons, themes, widgets and kid-friendly software.

To me, netbooks and kids always made sense, so if I had kids, the Netpal would be an intriguing option for a first computer. All I can say is thank God it's not Hanna Montana (although that's probably coming). The Netpal will be available in two versions—with the base model arriving in July for $350.

DISNEY AND ASUS LAUNCH NETBOOK COMPUTER FOR KIDS

The Disney Netpal Makes Kids' Computing Fun, Web-Safe And Easy

With A Unique User Interface, Wi-Fi, Windows XP and Parental Controls

GLENDALE, Calif. – June 17, 2009 – Disney Consumer Products (DCP) and ASUS, maker of the pioneering Eee PC™ netbook, have collaborated to develop the Disney Netpal, a netbook computer for children that's fun, web-safe and easy to use. Developed with parents and kids in mind, the Disney Netpal by ASUS is durable, with a reinforced mechanical design, and offers a truly magical and engaging computing experience with a unique Disney user interface. Features include more than 40 robust parental control options, an 8.9-inch LCD display, Wi-Fi capabilities, Windows XP Home, and kid-friendly software featuring Disney characters and icons in stunning visual environments. Browsers and email have extra filters to assure that parents are able to control online safety and content for their children, and can easily select with whom their children can correspond via email. The Disney Magic Desktop "gadget tray" offers a creatively designed 2D menu displaying Disney-themed email, Disney-themed browser and a robust suite of Disney-themed parental control options.

With a user interface that is incredibly easy to use for both kids and parents, from package to set-up in four simple steps, the Disney Netpal will be available in late July in two models with prices based on features (see graphic below for Netpal feature comparisons). The Disney Netpal by ASUS is designed for kids ages 6-12. Retailers include Toys"R"Us and Amazon.com, and the suggested retail price is $349.99. Carrying cases will also be available separately.

"Today's kids are a digital generation," said Chris Heatherly, head of Disney's Toymorrow team and VP of Toys and Consumer Electronics for Disney Consumer Products. "Parents are comfortable with their kids using the Internet, but they want to be assured that their kids are having a safe online experience. The Disney Netpal, designed together by ASUS and our Disney Toymorrow team, is a no-compromise device. There are plenty of terrific features and fun applications designed just for kids, but parents have ultimate control over the experience, with the power to set limits on how their kids are using the PC."

Disney's Toymorrow team is an internal group of Disney inventors, designers, engineers, researchers and product development experts. The Toymorrow team meets several times a year to brainstorm and develop new products and product concepts that focus on the convergence of toys and digital media in exciting, fun and creative ways.

ASUS is an established leader in the netbook category and is widely credited with launching the netbook craze, with nearly 7 million Eee PC™ netbooks sold to date.

"We're proud to be involved in the creation of this very unique netbook for kids," said Eric Chen, Vice President of ASUS' Systems Business Group. "The Disney Netpal is creatively designed in a way that truly keeps the Disney magic alive, and its state-of-the-art features make it an excellent choice for kids and families."

Disney Netpal By ASUS Is Easy: Kid-friendly Disney Magic Desktop, Applications and Widgets

The Disney Magic Desktop installed on the Disney Netpal by ASUS is an easy-to-use interface specifically tailored to kids, with an intuitive visual interface and instructions that make it easy for kids to operate the computer. Right out of the box, the Disney browser launches numerous kid-friendly Disney websites for kids to explore. The Disney Magic Desktop features a 2D "gadget tray" that displays bold visual icons for easy access to applications. Rounding off the Disney Netpal by ASUS' fun, kid-friendly features are a collection of 15 easily-accessible widgets, including a stopwatch, digital memo pad, which inserts "reminder notes" on the Disney Magic Desktop, and a calculator.

Disney Netpal By ASUS Is Fun, Customizable And Colorful

The Disney Netpal by ASUS features two choices of stylishly designed lids; Disney Princess Pink boasts beautiful pink florals and Disney Magic Blue cleverly displays rows of miniature Mickey Mouse icons. Kids can dress their desktops with more than 10 customizable themes inspired by popular characters from Disney's and Disney∙Pixar's most popular franchises, including Cars, Club Penguin, Disney Classic Characters, Disney Fairies, Disney Princess, Vintage Mickey Mouse, Toy Story and WALL-E. Themes that appeal to slightly older kids, such as Hannah Montana and JONAS The Series styles, are also available. Favorite character icons can be attached to email addresses.

Additional Disney-developed applications include Disney Mix for music and media management, and Disney Pix for photo customization and organization. The Disney Pix application features fun Disney Bobblehead software, which lets kids insert images of their faces on top of bodies, download them into videos and postcards and play wacky moving dance scenes, for hours of fun. The Radio Disney widget streams real-time music and lets kids simultaneously submit song requests, if they wish. The Disney Netpal by ASUS also includes a driving game, number game, memory game and photo scrapbook.

Disney Netpal By ASUS is Optimized for Web-Safety and Sports a Sleek Durable Design

The Disney Netpal by ASUS is designed to be kid-friendly, both in terms of durability and content permissions. It's rugged and durable, with a spill-proof keyboard that protects against inadvertent liquid spills. The Disney Netpal by ASUS' ShockShield data protection guards against data loss when the computer is subject to impact.

The Disney Netpal also allows parents to create a web-safe computing environment with 40 parental control options. Parents can pre-select email correspondence options, browsers, the websites their kids visit and the programs they use. These permissions can also be scheduled on a calendar, providing parents with a convenient, automated means of granting access on the days and times that they choose. Parents can also pull up data to determine where children spent time, and for how long. Additional websites can be added for access, but only if the parent approves and submits the request within the password-protected system.

The robot, which is headed to the Hall of Presidents, is the most advanced presidential robot yet. It also will give a speech recorded by the fleshbag Obama specifically for the bot, just like the last few presidents have done.

It's probably the closest you're ever going to get to the guy, so if you're interested, you know where Disney World is. [NY Times]

Disney has decided to reassign these nipplecentric workers, making getting your boobs on screen a much easier affair at the theme park. See, the economic downturn does have a silver lining. [Wired via Boing Boing]