Samsung Galaxy S 4: Sales are off to a brisk start.

Though both are lauded Android smartphones, so far one is winning the race early in 2013. And that would be the Samsung Galaxy S 4.

Samsung reports it has moved about 10 million units so far – and will soon be the company’s best selling smartphone ever, besting even the popular S3 model that preceded it.

Those results outpace its nearest, most visible competitor. HTC announced that it had sold 5 million HTC One devices (per WSJ). Not a bad tally. But it remains to be seen how much longer HTC will remain a viable player in a market that has seen Samsung and Apple rise to dominate.

Samsung could get another boost next month, when a special, non carrier-bloated version of the Galaxy S 4 hits the Google Play Store. At $649 the device will run pure Android, just like Nexus devices such as the LG Nexus 4. The direct to consumer offer–no contracts are required–will enable carrier choice, and possible continue to put pressure on carriers to come up with less restrictive plans. With its contract free plans, T-Mobile has already headed down this path.

Apple is expected to unveil new devices at its upcoming developer conference (WWDC) in June. Sources say that CEO Tim Cook could unveil a lower priced iPhone made of plastic (instead of the more expensive aluminum housings used in the current iPhone 5 and 4S models). It’s unclear whether this type of entry level product will impact HTC and Samsung who have been focused on the premium end of the market.

By Mike Carrall - Stark Insider.

Remember this name: Janelle Monáe.

Though millions already know about the Kansas-born performer extraordinaire, I soon expect millions upon millions the world over to also discover the sensation. She simply has to be seen live in concert to be believed. Janelle last took the stage here last summer at the San Francisco Black & White Ball. There she played to a few hundred frenetic fans in a small (and warm) white tent. It was one of those pinch-me-this-is-too-epic kind of performances – the kind that tends to go down as a major milestone in an artist’s rise to the top.

Last week, she of the trademark pompadour and glowing smile was in town again, this time for the glitzy Spring gala hosted by the San Francisco Symphony. It may seem an unlikely pairing, but those that know Monáe’s unique mix of jazz, R&B, pop, and soul–delivered in energetic style on her debut album The ArchAndroid–will know that Davies Symphony Hall is an equally unexpected and appropriate venue for her to showcase her chops. And, indeed, what an evening it was.

It took all of about three songs before some of the audience (an electic mix of her fans and SF Symphony subscribers) was on their feet. By the time her groovalicious smash hit “Tightrope” filled Davies Symphony Hall, the place was set to explode. And, once again, there was a pompadour malfunction. There I was thinking that when it came apart a few years earlier in San Francisco I was witnessing something rare. Then again, with all that hopping, spinning, and (even!) moonwalking, it was inevitable the half-foot stack of hair would collapse.

By the encore the aisles were crammed with people getting down in all manner of dancing styles. Janelle herself joined in, even posing for an Instagram or two.

What I especially appreciate about Janelle Monáe is her talent is delivered straight up. So far as I can tell, there are no backing tracks; there are no fancy projection screens, no explosions, no MTV-style choreographed numbers. Granted the stage was a busy place on this evening. Along with the magnificently lush San Francisco Orchestra (who blew me away with a heart-pounding rendition of the James Bond theme during a wardrobe change), Janelle was, of course, joined by her superb band, backup singers, and frenetic dancers. Dull would be the last word that comes to mind.

ALSO SEE: Janelle Monáe astounds San Francisco audience

Michael Jackson, OutKast, and Grace Jones are obvious influences. As is Prince. Her rendition of “Take Me With You” was once again a highlight. Coupled with signature dance moves, she positively belts it out, “I don’t care where we go / I don’t care what we do / I don’t care pretty baby / Just take me with you.” The crowd was right there along with her, perhaps tentative at times half-wondering if protocol allowed for in-seat dancing. No matter that, by the encore the aisles were crammed with people celebrating in all manner of dancing styles. Janelle herself joined in, even posing for an Instagram or two.

In trying to describe Monáe, UK journalist Bernadette McNulty suggested she was “created in a laboratory as a super-musical cross between James Brown, Judy Garland, Andre 3000 and Steve Jobs, invented to test the desperate incredulity of music journalists.” She might be onto something. That Monáe is not so easily pigeon-holed, and such an interesting mash-up of styles speaks to her most important attribute: originality.

However, having said that, there is one chink in the armor. And that is her lack of original content. I’d prefer if she were able to open shows with at least two or three originals before segueing into covers. Then again there’s a reason for this. With only one album to work with, Janelle hasn’t built up enough repertoire. At 27 there’s much to look forward to though. Fortunately, I understand her sophomore effort, The Electric Lady (how appropriate is that title?), will land this fall.

I have to hand it to the SF Symphony for continuing to be so inventive in fusing such diverse artists into their seasons. Over the years there’s been remarkable work here. Who could forget the live scoring of the screening of Psycho here, or the fantastical performance of the Final Fantasy synchronized to the video game series on the big screen?

That I had goose bumps yet again after a Janelle Monáe performance probably tells me everything I need to know.

By Clinton Stark - Stark Insider.

Joan Crawford in the film Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

Wily West Productions has announced that the company will present two shows in repertory this summer over the span of four weeks (July 25-August 17) at the Exit Theatre in San Francisco.

The first will be the world premiere of Lawfully Wedded by 3 gay local writers Morgan Ludlow, Kirk Shimano and Alina Trowbridge. In repertory, will be another world premiere, Morgan Ludlow’s Gorgeous Hussy: An Interview with Joan Crawford.

The Supreme Court makes a decision on two important cases in Lawfully Wedded –  three local SF playwrights have written a timely collage of scenes and stories that reveal an inside view of America’s struggle for marriage equality. When Bill and Jason decide to get married, they confront all the familiar challenges any newlywed couple must face as they plan a wedding, meet their in-laws, buy a house, mix with the neighbors, have a child and deal with the calamity of a major illness.

In Gorgeous Hussy, Joan Crawford comes back to life for some drinks and lively conversation. When an ambitious young journalist sneaks into Joan Crawford’s Beverly Hills Hotel suite, he thinks he is about to get the interview of his career. But the aging movie star has something else in mind. In a strange twist of vodka and make-up, the tables are turned and the interviewer becomes Joan Crawford while the woman behind the icon asks the really hard questions as she struggles to understand the truth behind her career and life. Local actors Ryan Hayes and Susan Jackson (fresh from her show Off- Broadway) are featured.

Wily West Productions formed in 2008 to provide a locally run, locally cast, locally produced outlet for bay area playwrights. The production team members individually have a combined background totaling several dozen productions of various sizes and budgets from New York to Salt Lake City and San Francisco. WW is now entering its third full season.

Lawfully Wedded / Gorgeous Hussy: An Interview with Joan Crawford

The Exit Theatre, San Francisco

Lawfully Wedded will run July 25, 27 Aug 2, 8, 10, 17 @ 8:00pm

Gorgeous Hussy will run July 26, Aug 1, 3, 9, 15, 16 @ 8:00pm

Tickets: $25 ($20 online)

By Monica Turner - Stark Insider.

Think outside the varietal this summer with these classy Napa red wine blends.

Here’s a trio of classy Napa reds that ought to make your short list.

As seen standing proudly in the photo above, these are blends; a welcome opportunity to think outside the varietal this summer, and put your palate into the hands of some gifted winemakers. Wait, that doesn’t sound quite right. Perhaps, it should really be “put your palate into the hands of master chemists”. No, drab that. Or how about–awkward references aside–just give this trifecta a swirl at your next summer party and thank me later. Well, thank Ehlers, Hall, and Franciscan respectively.

What I like about blends is that they can really test, and showcase as the case may be, a winemaker’s skill. Plus, varietals can be predictable. You pretty much know already what to expect from most Chards, Cabs, and Merlots. For the most part. So a blend can give your palate something different to enjoy, something often unexpected.

With summer fast approaching, these three standout reds are BBQ certified. They won’t break the bank nor will they require a special drinking jacket or fancy tasting language to thoroughly enjoy.

One Twenty Over Eighty by Ehlers Estate (Napa Valley)

I’m a big fan of Ehlers’ 1886 Cabernet. It’s a bold, lavish wine that suits me well. I’ve laid down several over the years. But for something lighter, less intense, I’m really liking this (relatively) new red by winemaker Kevin Morrisey. If you visit the winery for any of their relaxing, food-filled events you’ll likely find this one on offer, along with their whites. True, with 88% Cabernet it’s not entirely accurate to call this one a blend, but its Bordeaux style ambitions are immediately evident.

Why the name? You should Google that. Good story. Good winery. Good cause.

Ehlers Estate One Twenty Over Eighty – St. Helena, Napa Valley

$45, 14.7% alc., 91 points

Top Gear personality: Tesla Model S

Craig’s Cuvée by Hall (Napa Valley)

Fancy yourself an In-N-Out burger apprentice? Next time you fire up your Weber and get your grease on, consider pairing that mega cheeseburger with this blend named in honor of founder Craig Hall. It’s proprietary they say. Then again, aren’t they all? Semantics aside, what you have with this Cuvee is a classic mix of Cab, Merlot and Syrah with a dash of Cab Franc tossed in for good measure. Heavy bodied. Stands up well to big meats coming off the grill. Definitely look for it.

Hall Craigs Cuvée – Napa Valley

$35, 15.6% alc, 90 points

Top Gear personality: Nissan 370Z

Magnificat by Franciscan Estate (Napa Valley)

Of the three, I’m most familiar with Janet Meyer’s eternal classic. Mastering the pronunciation ”Mag-nif-i-cat” alone is worthy of some sort of drinking game. Again, this is Cab-based (64%), with Merlot, Petite Verdot, Cab Franc, and Malbec in supporting roles. A beautiful wine. The team at Franciscan has been producing this meritage for 25 years now, and it shows. I liken it to the Porsche Cayman – just rare enough, and accessible enough, but with undeniable pedigree.

Franciscan Estate Magnificat – Napa Valley

$50, 14.5% alc., 93 points

Top Gear personality: Porsche Cayman S

By Clinton Stark - Stark Insider.

Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller: One of the most discussed aspects of the next Xbox is what the new controller will look like. We should know tomorrow when Microsoft holds a press event in Redmond to unveil key aspects of the Xbox codenamed “Durango.”

Microsoft is set to unveil its next next-gen console tomorrow on its campus in Redmond, Washington. When it hits store shelves this Fall (widely believed to be November), the Xbox “Durango” (codename) could once again steal the hearts of hardcore and casual gamers alike.

The pressure is on. Microsoft sold 130,000 Xbox 360s last month, once again making it the best selling video game console in the country. Fans and investors both have high expectations for the product. Last year the entertainment and devices devision pulled in $4.24 billion in revenue. Microsoft said that there are now 66 million Xbox 360 consoles and 18 million Kinect sensors.  Xbox LIVE has 40 million members globally.

After month’s of speculation we will finally get some insight into what Microsoft has planned. The “720″ moniker, though a favorite of many, will likely not be the device’s actual name. “Fusion” and “Infinity” are popular alternatives. Let’s hope cooler heads prevail tomorrow and it simply referred to as “Xbox” – a brand that Microsoft has spent millions upon millions, successfully striking fear into the likes of Nintendo (Wii U who?) and Sony (who’s PlayStation 4 reveal earlier this year underwhelemed).

Spec-wise, the odds on favorite config amongst the more reliable sites looks like this: blu-ray drive, 8-core AMD CPU running at 1.6Ghz, 8GB of DDR3 Ram and a built-in hard drive.

Given that mobile gaming has exploded, thanks mainly to iOS and wildly popular devices such as the iPhone and iPad, Microsoft will likely make hay about several features designed to synchronize mobile with the Xbox. Expect some sort of interplay between the console and Windows Phone 8. As the entertainment hub most likely to conquer today’s living room, the console could also see several non-game oriented features highlighted, such as: Skype video calling, streaming video, advanced multimedia web browsing, and social networking.

Microsoft blogger Paul Thurrott predicts the console will cost $499, or $299 for customers who also buy a two-year Xbox Live Gold subscription ($10 per month).

By Mike Carrall - Stark Insider.

Sometimes an unexpected email can put a smile on one’s face. Such was the case yesterday when Jeff B. wrote in with some photos attached of he and his son Emmett assembling a planter box using my plans. The first thought that came to my mind: cute!

The planter box plans have been flying off the virtual shelves here at Stark Insider, even more so that spring is here. I never expected them to reach thousands of people when I first drafted them. A few years back I too was looking for a simple DIY planter box so I could grow some veggies in a small space in the sideyard. I couldn’t find any suitable plans at the time. So I made my own. I’ve been enjoying fresh veggies (especially tomatoes) for years now, serving up fresh salads, and using various herbs and other goodies to add a dash of culinary delight to several of my dishes.

I knew that the planter box was good for growing vegetables. That’s obvious. But what I didn’t realize was how a simple gardening project could bring so many people together. Every time someone sends me photos of their finished planter I smile. I’ve received emails telling me about how the plans were used to build a planter for a community center. Another time, two room mates drank beers, listened to music while building theirs – striking funny poses along the way. Seniors have also benefited from the waist-high design that goes easy on the back.

This is the first time I’ve received father-son photos. I had to share them. Look how adorable four year old Emmett looks working with Dad in the garden. And check out that little guy’s intent focus!

My thanks again to Jeff for sending me these photos and allowing me to share them here with you.

Happy Gardening!

IN PHOTOS: Jeff and 4 year-old Emmet’s Planter Box Project

By Loni Stark - Stark Insider.

“All Access” is Google’s answer to Spotify. For $9.99/month the service offers unlimited music streaming. But is there enough here for users to switch? (Photo: TNW)

Among one of the more interesting announcements today at Google’s developer conference today here in San Francisco is its new music subscription service dubbed ‘All Access’.

With the success of Spotify, Pandora, and upstarts like Songza (really terrific) it’s no surprise that the heavies are now looking to jump into the subscription fray. Apple is widely expected to offer a similar iTunes-based model next month. But Google got the jump today at the I/O conference.

So, what is Google Play Music All Access?

Think of it as a Spotify killer – at least that’s likely the internal thinking at Google. It runs on Android devices, of course, and relies heavily on the company’s superb search algorithms to “surface” songs and artists of interest.

But there’s some challenges.

First off, at $9.99/month, it’s not cheap. Still, that’s on par with the industry leading Spotify’s premium plan. Clearly Google is confident enough that it won’t need to compete on price.

Google states it has millions of songs, but we don’t know how many exactly at this point. Spotify has over 17 million tracks, and in the  order of 20 million users. It’s unclear to me what compelling reason(s) would cause existing Spotify subscribers to switch.

I’ll have more soon after some hands-on time and comparisons of All Acess with my favorites, Pandora, Songza, and Spotify.

Meanwhile, one thing Google should consider is countering Amazon Prime. Well, everything but the two-day free shipping. That doesn’t apply with Google. A bundling of services–All Access music, magazines, free apps a la Sony PlayStation Store, etc.–for one annual fee could be an interesting way to reduce price friction that many consumers will inevitably encounter as they begin to add up a la carte costs.

By Clinton Stark - Stark Insider.

One thing I learned about that the Tesla S sedan after spending some time behind the wheel here in Silicon Valley is, yes, this thing drives like a slot car. It’s as impressive as we’ve been hearing for the past few months.

Tesla has built a car that is not only electric (relatively easy), but actually made it desirable (hard). Take a look on eBay and you’ll find very few available for sale. There’s a reason for that. Owners love their cars–and the ones I’ve spoken have raved incessantly. Call it the honeymoon phase, or early adopter lust if you like, but it’s consistent.

The other thing I learned about the Tesla S is that is has an available air suspension. The $1,500 option is active, while you drive. That is, per the Tesla “Design Studio”–where a car can be ordered with a 5K down payment (yes, they accept PayPal, of course!)–it “continuously responds to the vehicle’s speed, lowering to improve aerodynamics at highway speeds or raising to increase clearance for city driving.”

When I asked Mr. O., the owner of the amped Red rocket you see in these photos, why he opted for the option he indicated he wasn’t sure. But it sounded cool! And we both agreed it makes for a crowd pleasing demo. And isn’t that what Tesla is partly about anyways?

Here you can see the car lowered, at regular position, and then with the suspension raised. If you want to enjoy the thrill of making your bleeding edge electric cruiser sound like a big yellow school bus, the active suspension is definitely the ticket.

In case you missed it, here’s the scoop on the Tesla Customer Pickup experience, where I take along with Mr. O. while he takes delivery of his Tesla S sedan at the factory in Fremont, California.

Tesla S: With air suspension lowered.

Moments later… perfect for driveway ingress (and looking slightly like a BMW cross-over)

By Clinton Stark - Stark Insider.

CEO Thorsten Heins unveiled the new BlackBerry 10 platform earlier this year to much fanfare and generally positive reviews.

BBM lives!

BlackBerry Messenger, one of the most beloved features of BlackBerry owners, is coming to Android and iOS. CEO Thorsten Heins announced today at the BlackBerry developer conference in Orlando that the apps would be available this summer.

In addition, a new featured dubbed “BBM Channels,” which as explained during Heins’ keynote enables users to subscribe to various content feeds such as The Goo Goo Dolls, Mercedes Benz and Alicia Keys (hopefully she’s hidden her iPhone), could extend the service beyond its text messaging roots, and lay the foundation for a mobile social network of sorts.

According to Heins, BBM has 60 million monthly active users, and customers send and receive more than 10 billion messages each day. Half of all messages are read within twenty seconds, which he notes is “an incredible level of engagement.”

Approximately 5,000 developers are in Orlando for BlackBerry World, the company’s annual conference focused on the company’s platform. BlackBerry 10 was announced earlier this year to much fanfare. Heins continues to attempt to improve financial performance (
“We have reached solid ground with this company”). Many are reporting that the new Q10 and Z10 smartphones are off to a good start, while others are citing production cuts. Meanwhile, the stock (TSE:BB) is up 30% year-to-date, perhaps indicating investors are liking what they are seeing.

In addition, Heins unveiled the BlackBerry Q5, a lower-end phone with a physical keyboard. Targeted at emerging markets, the Q5 will ship in July in four colors, and run the newly released 10.1 version of the BlackBerry operating system.

By Mike Carrall - Stark Insider.

Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm (William Giammona) and Countess Charlotte Malcolm (Alicia Teeter) in Hillbarn’s presentation of ‘A Little Night Music’.

The Hillbarn Theatre production of A Little Night Music hints at the energy that inspired New York Times reviewer Clive Barnes to to describe the 1973 original as “heady, civilized, sophisticated and enchanting. It is Dom Perignon. It is supper at Laserre.” If the Hillbarn can’t quite deliver on the total package, it’s important to remember that even Barnes was a little over the top in his review. So while this production may not be a mixture of Cole Porter, Gustav Mahler, Antony Tudor and just a little of Ingmar Bergman” as Barnes opined, if you close your eyes, you can easily see what prompted Barnes to proffer such superlatives. This alone is quite amazing, given that the story is produced on such a tiny stage.

The strength of this cast was evident from the very beginning as Leah Kalish (Fredrika Armfeldt) drank in the dancers, divining clues to adult life. Kalish was a delight throughout the entire production. Cameron Weston (Fredrick Egerman) and Lee Ann Payne (Desirée Armfeldt) were perfectly paired, drawing on the sophistication that of which Barnes spoke, while having fun with the ridiculousness of their situation.

William Giammona (Carl Magnus) and Alicia Teeter (Magnus’ wife) were a wonderfully incoherent contrast to the urbane. Weston and Payne.  Giammona’s performance as the humorless dragoon was laugh-aloud funny. Likewise, Teeter strategically leveraged her dispassionate control to pull off moments distinct passion. This injection of contradictory elements is unmistakably Sondheim; it leaves the audience feeling that they’re watching something particularly smart – which indeed, they are.

Despite an excellent cast, the energy was uneven, making the first act overly long. Act two was stronger, moving faster toward resolution. While West and Giammona were invariably witty, they were not enough to carry the show. Part of the issue was the tiny set. While Hillbarn has pulled off miracles (such as their 2010 production of Chicago) in this idiosyncratic space, here it’s easy to feel psychically spot-welded to center stage.

A Little Night Music runs through June 2nd. It marks the end of the 2012-2013 Hillbarn Season. Their upcoming season begins with Spamalot.

By Cy Ashley Webb - Stark Insider.