Saturday, January 31, 2015

Vine goes child-friendly with Vine Kids app

Vine Kids features looping 6-second child-friendly videos. Screenshot by Michelle Meyers/CNET

Kids are known for having short attention spans and it appears Vine is banking on that with a new app that should also help put parents at ease.

The Twitter-owned video-sharing company rolled out Vine Kids on Friday to let children watch looping 6-second Vine videos that have been screened for child-appropriateness.

"Kids love Vine," Vine head of communications and marketing Carolyn Penner wrote in a blog post. "So, we built Vine Kids, a simple new app that gives young children a fun way to watch Vines."

Since launching in 2012 Vine has steadily grown its audience to at least 40 million. The video app is known for users who upload and share videos that show people doing goofy stunts, playing sports and other high jinks. In 2013, Vine had a dustup after a plethora of porn videos appeared on the site, which led Twitter to give the app a NC-17 rating. This newest Vine app, however, could easily be G rated.

Vine Kids features animations, Sesame Street characters like Elmo and videos with cute animals like hedgehogs and puppies. Vine's goal is to have a collection of videos for a young audience that are safe to watch.

The company picks the kids videos by choosing from its millions of daily uploads in its regular Vine app. Once a child tires of looking at one clip, they can swipe left or right to get a new video. By making Vine Kids a completely separate app, Vine has ensured that kids won't happen upon adult videos.

Vine Kids is only available on iOS.

‘Black or White,’ movie review

Sometimes flawed material can be saved by great performances and good intentions. That’s the case with “Black or White,” a racial melodrama that, until it stumbles into obvious and maudlin territory, is a thoughtful work thanks to Octavia Spencer, Anthony Mackie and especially Kevin Costner.

Costner plays Elliott, a middle-aged attorney whose life has seen a lot of heartbreak. His 17-year-old daughter died in childbirth nine years ago, and Elliott and his wife raised their granddaughter Eloise (adorable Jillian Estell) as their own.

But as the film opens, Elliott’s wife has just died. He’s not doing well — mostly because he’s so distraught that he’s drinking more than usual. But he and Eloise make a sweet team — even their names sound alike — and they fall into a routine: He makes lunches, picks her up from school and hires a tutor to teach them both fourth-grade math.

What they don’t talk about is that Eloise’s father is black — because it doesn’t matter to Elliott, and Eloise hasn’t seen her father in three years. But race matters to Rowena (Spencer), Eloise’s paternal grandmother. Always welcome in Elliott’s home, the outspoken Rowena thinks the death of Elliott’s wife means that she should take over raising Eloise. Plus, Eloise’s dad — her son — has reemerged after drug problems.

Her relationship with Elliott is congenial if a bit strained — and the grandparents’ differences, including issues of race, force Rowena to sue for custody of Eloise.

The resulting legal battle is hackneyed, with Rowena repeatedly told by an African-American female judge to stop disturbing the court. A racist comment made by Elliott is weighed for possible prejudice. A stabilizing force here is Mackie’s sharp portrayal of Rowena’s lawyer, who can see how ill-thought-out, if sincere, her case is.

The movie tilts things away from Rowena. That’s a structural problem — we should root for both her and Elliott — but still, there’s a good deal of measured nuance in “Black or White.”

Director Mike Binder is a standup comic-turned-director whose films (“Reign Over Me,” “The Upside of Anger”) aren’t afraid of uncomfortable emotions. Neither is this movie. But it is put together in such a way that white audiences who want to be reassured of inherent goodwill will leave satisfied.

On the plus side, Elliott is not a 21st-century Archie Bunker who happens to have a mixed-race granddaughter he adores. And it’s great to reexperience the easygoing charisma and average-guy-ness that made Costner a star almost 30 years ago.

This is the kind of comeback performance Costner needed, and it will help erase the stain of last year’s dreadful “Three Days to Kill.” As Elliott, he’s paunchy and often drunk, but when he confronts the father of the little girl he loves, his indignation seems to be fueled by the right reasons.

When he’s affectionately reading a story to young Eloise or shrugging off easy statements with a disbelieving wince and wave of his hand, he’s a leading man doing his best, even in a slippery story that meets him halfway.

As good as Costner is, what’s also satisfying is watching Spencer do so much with what could have been merely a stereotype, and seeing Mackie (“The Hurt Locker,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) take another step in a strong career.

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Title:: 'Black or White'
Film Info:: With Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer. A man fights for custody of his granddaughter — and himself. Director: Mike Binder (2:02). PG-13: Language, drinking, violence. Area theaters.

Australian Open final 2015: Serena Williams takes on Maria Sharapova in Melbourne

Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams are set to renew their rivalry

The two best players in women's tennis will go head-to-head in a dream Australian Open final on Saturday as Maria Sharapova meets arch nemesis Serena Williams.

The Russian will head into the Melbourne contest desperate to break a 10-year jinx against the top seed and world No 1 who holds a major psychological advantage.

Both players came through their respective semi-finals to renew an intense rivalry between two of the greats of the modern era with 23 Grand Slams between them - 18 for Williams and five for Sharapova.

The statistics heavily favour the experienced American who has a daunting 16-2 record over Sharapova.

Since 2005, the American's winning streak is 15-0, including straight sets wins over Sharapova in the Australian and French Open finals (2007 and 2013), as well as the gold medal match at the 2012 London Olympics.

Williams could not resist a dig when asked this week about her last loss to Sharapova in Los Angeles 11 years ago, replying: "She was 17, super young and I think I was basically serving under hand."

The 33-year-old also spoke of the multiple major champion in terms more often used for promising rookies, saying: "She wants to improve her game, she wants to take it to the next level".

Outstanding

Despite the ominous statistics, Sharapova has been in outstanding touch and blew away fellow Russian Makarova 6-3 6-2 on a blustery Thursday afternoon on Rod Laver Arena.

She is now in her fourth Australian final, having won in 2008.

Williams was made to work harder by rising American teenager Keys, who fought to the end, saving eight match points.

Coached by former US great Lindsay Davenport, Keys forced Williams to a first set tiebreak before her illustrious opponent took charge to win 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 to make her sixth Australian decider.

In reaching the final at 33, she became the oldest player to make the Australian Open decider in the Open Era, surpassing Chris Evert.

It also ensured that she keeps the No 1 ranking she has held for more than 100 weeks. Sharapova could have claimed the accolade if she had won the title and Williams had failed to make the final.

In another warning sign for Sharapova, her rival has won all five of the previous finals she has made in Melbourne.

"I'm excited. I love playing her. I look forward to it," said Williams, who would take her Grand Slam tally to 19, overtaking Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova on the all-time Open-era list to out her within striking distance of Steffi Graf's 22.

Stranglehold

Williams has made the Australian Open final five times previously and won every time, including a 2007 victory over Sharapova and said that against Sharapova she needed to avoid the slow starts that have dogged her tournament.

"It's going to be important for me to get off to a good start, I think. With that being said, if not, I'm going to be ready to fight," she said.

Sharapova, 27, dismissed Williams' psychological stranglehold.

The reigning French Open champion said she was concentrating on her form during this year's tournament rather than past losses to Williams.

"I think my confidence should be pretty high going into a final of a Grand Slam no matter who I'm facing and whether I've had a terrible record, to say the least, against someone," she said.

"It doesn't matter. I got there for a reason. I belong in that spot. I will do everything I can to get the title."

Quizzed on why her record against Williams was so poor, given her strength against other players on tour, Sharapova said she probably over-reacted to the American great's power and aggression.

"I think that's always made me a little bit too aggressive, maybe going for a little bit more than I had to," she said.

"She's great at making players hit that shot that you don't necessarily have to go for - maybe going for a little too much, going on the line.

"It's been a really difficult match-up for me, but I'm a competitor... I'll go out and do everything I can to try to change that result around."

Desperate

Sharapova admits her results against Williams are "terrible" and is desperate to break the sequence as their feud - which at times has seen the pair trade personal barbs - flares again on Saturday at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena.

Known for her steely composure on court, Sharapova admitted that Williams is one of the few players who riles her up.

"I think that's always made me a little bit too aggressive, maybe going for a little bit more than I had to," she said.

"She's great at making players hit that shot that you don't necessarily have to go for... it's been a really difficult match-up for me, but I'm a competitor. I'll go out and do everything I can to try to change that result around."

Williams cut short a training session after just five minutes on Friday, suffering from a hacking cough, but later returned for a hit-out.

"Again. I have to win," said Williams. "Everyone's expecting me to win. But we'll see. She's playing unbelievable. She was almost out of the tournament and has been playing better every single match. It's impressive."

Meanwhile, Sharapova said she did not expect her rival's condition to have any bearing on the final, saying she overcame similar snuffles when she won the title at Roland Garros last year.

"I came into the French Open last year being quite sick. Once you're out there, I don't think you think about anything but what's in front of you," she said.

Head-to-head: Williams leads 16-2 (tournament, winner, surface, round, score)

2014
Miami - Williams - hard - (SF) - 6-4 6-3
Brisbane - Williams - hard - (SF) - 6-2 7-6 (9-7)

2013
French Open - Williams - clay - (F) - 6-4 6-4
Madrid - Williams - clay - (F) - 6-1 6-4
Miami - Williams - hard - (F) - 4-6 6-3 6-0
Doha - Williams - hard - (SF) - 6-3 6-2

2012
Istanbul - Williams - hard - (F) - 6-4 6-3
London Olympics - Williams - grass - (R16) - 6-0 6-1
Madrid - Williams - clay - (QF) - 6-1 6-3

2011
Stanford - Williams - hard - (QF) - 6-1 6-3

2010
Wimbledon - Williams - grass - (R16) - 7-6 (11-9) 6-4

2008
Charleston - Williams - clay - (QF) - 7-5 4-6 6-1

2007
Miami - Williams - hard - (R16) - 6-1 6-1
Australian Open - Williams - hard - (F) - 6-1 6-2

2005
Australian Open - Williams - hard - (SF) - 2-6 7-5 8-6

2004
Los Angeles - Sharapova - hard - (F) - 4-6 6-2 6-4
Wimbledon - Sharapova - grass - (F) - 6-1 6-4
Miami - Williams - hard - (R16) - 6-4 6-3
Los Angeles - Sharapova - hard - (F) - 4-6 6-2 6-4
Wimbledon - Sharapova - grass - (F) - 6-1 6-4
Miami - Williams - hard - (R16) - 6-4 6-3

Australian Open 2015: Previous meetings between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic

Murray and Djokovic are set to contest their fifth Grand Slam final

Great Britain's Andy Murray will play world No 1 Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final on Sunday. It will be their 24th meeting and fifth in a Grand Slam final.

Murray is looking to become the first man in the open era to win the title after suffering defeats in his first three finals, the Scot having lost to Roger Federer in 2010 and Djokovic in 2011 and 2013.

The top seed holds a 15-8 winning record against Murray, but the record in major finals is 2-2 with Murray beating Djokovic in the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon the following year

Here, we delve into the archives and look back at their most important previous matches.

2011: Australian Open, final, Djokovic won 6-4 6-2 6-3

Having lost to Roger Federer the previous year and in New York two years before, Murray was looking finally to prove he could cut it in a Grand Slam final.

The Scot's wretched record in major finals continued, however, as he went down in straight sets to an inspired Djokovic, who began the season by winning 43 consecutive matches and ended it with three slam titles.

It triggered a run of dismal form on tour for Murray, who lost his opening matches at three straight tournaments.

2012: Australian Open, semi-final, Djokovic won 6-3 3-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 7-5

Murray had the perfect opportunity to exact revenge on Djokovic the following year in Melbourne, and he almost did it during an epic encounter that lasted four hours and 50 minutes.

Having just appointed Ivan Lendl as his coach, Murray fought back from losing the first set to win the next two, but defending champion Djokovic recovered to clinch victory and give Murray the unwanted tag of being the first man in the open era to be eliminated in semi-finals at four successive Grand Slams.

2012: London Olympics, semi-final, Murray won 7-5 7-5

Just a month after suffering a heartbreaking Wimbledon final loss to Roger Federer, Murray enjoyed what was then his finest run on the grass of the All England Club, beating Djokovic to guarantee himself a medal at his home Olympics. Murray lapped up the attention from the raucous crowd and went on to beat Federer in the final to win gold.

2012: US Open, final, Murray won 7-6 (12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2

Murray v Djokovic: US Open final

Murray ended Britain's 76-year wait for a Grand Slam men's singles champion after an epic victory that took four hours and 54 minutes to achieve.

The Scot sank to his knees and covered his mouth in disbelief at what he had achieved following four failed attempts to win a grand slam final.

"When I realised I had won, I was a little bit shocked, I was very relieved and I was very emotional," Murray said after recovering from letting a two-set lead slip away to win in five.

2013, Australian Open, final, Djokovic won 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-2

Djokovic brought Murray back down to earth with a bump as the Serbian showed typically high levels of mental strength to fight back from one set down to win his fourth title in Melbourne.

Murray was troubled throughout by a blister and was also thrown off guard by a feather that floated down onto the court, disrupting his serving pattern as Djokovic broke in the second set before clinching victory by winning the next two comfortably.

2013, Wimbledon, final, Murray won 6-4 7-5 6-4

The match that will define Murray's career ended with one of the most dramatic games ever seen in a grand slam final. The Scot had fought back from a break down to win the second set and recovered from a similar deficit in the third to leave himself serving for victory.

He looked to have done it when he moved to 40-0 but Djokovic saved all three match points and had three break points of his own before finally netting a backhand on Murray's fourth chance.

"Mentally, that last game will be the toughest game I'll play in my career," said Murray after he had finally consigned Fred Perry's status as the last British man to win a Wimbledon singles title to history.

2014, US Open, quarter-final, Djokovic won 7-6 (7-1) 6-7 (1-7) 6-2 6-4

Murray v Djokovic: US Open quarter final

Djokovic won all four of their matches last year as Murray struggled to regain form and fitness following back surgery.

It was all to play for after they shared the first two sets in New York, with Murray blasting forehands, but he let the momentum slip early in the third set and was never able to regain it as he faded physically.

The contest began at 9.43pm local time in New York and the clock was well past 1am by the time it had finished.

Murray admitted that Djokovic’s physicality had been crucial to the outcome of the match: "I am obviously disappointed. It is extremely late. I am tired and I don’t feel particularly proud right now."

Friday, January 30, 2015

Spotify said to be raising half a billion dollars from private investors

Spotify's service lets users stream music to mobile devices. Screenshot by César Salza/CNET

Word has it that Spotify is about to get a lot richer. The music-streaming service is rumored to be raising between $500 million and $600 million from investors, according to The Wall Street Journal. That amount of cash could boost the company's total funding to more than $1 billion.

Spotify is said to be in talks with Goldman Sachs about the new round of funds, sources familiar with the matter told the Journal. If the music service does raise this money, it could delay a possible initial public offering until next year.

Since coming on the scene, Spotify has competed neck and neck with similar services, like Pandora, Rdio and Google Play Music. It's risen to become one of the more prevalent services and announced earlier this month that it had reached 15 million paid subscribers and 60 million active users worldwide -- that's a 50 percent increase from last May. This big user base and surge in popularity has likely wowed investors.

Suho, Sunggyu, Jonghyun, Kyuhyun, Minho & Changmin join the trip to India for KBS' new show

EXO's Suho, INFINITE's Sunggyu, CNBlue's Jonghyun, SHINee's Minho, TVXQ's Changmin and Super Junior's Kyuhyun are departing altogether to India to film for a new KBS' variety show tentatively titled 'Exciting India'.

According to multiple broadcast insiders, the six members have been meeting with the program's PD for few times since the start of this year. Suho, Sunggyu, Jonghyun, Minho, Kyuhyun, and Changmin are departing for India on February 5 to film the new show.

The new variety program is described to cultivate the interaction between the locals and the celebrity members, and how will they cope with the culture, adapt to the environment, and communicate despite of language barrier.

'Exciting India' is expected to premiere in April.

Inside Gwyneth Paltrow's £14,500-a-week beach house in little-known Mexican surf spot that's become a haven for the stars

By Simon Cable for MailOnline

It has welcomed a smattering of celebrity guests over the past few years.

But a 200-mile stretch of Mexican coastline has now firmly established itself as a celebrity hotspot after Gwyneth Paltrow became the latest star to visit the Riviera Nayarit.

The 42-year-old Iron Man actress was seen soaking up the sun while celebrating friend Crystal Lourd’s 50th birthday at the exclusive Punta Mita resort this week.

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Casa China Blanca was used as a location for Bradley Cooper’s 2011 movie blockbuster, Limitless and has hosted Gwyneth Paltrow

The star was also seen partying at the resort’s luxurious private house, Casa China Blanca, which has itself featured as a location for numerous Hollywood blockbusters.

But while many might not have heard of the region, which is situated on Mexico's west coast, it has slowly become a magnet for the rich and famous.

The Riviera Nayabit features a host of luxury resorts, and stunning postcard-perfect landscapes. The destination is just a two-hour flight from Los Angeles.

In fact, with the romantic backdrop of pristine sandy shores contrasted against rugged mountains, it’s also become a natural choice for destination showbusiness weddings and honeymoons too.

Divine Mexico resort used as Elysium backdrop

Gwyneth Paltrow has been holidaying along the Riviera Nayarit. The region stretches along 192 miles of the Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains and as well as luxurious accommodation it offers pristine beaches, outdoor adventure and chic surf towns

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) has been holidaying along the Riviera Nayarit this month and Kim Kardashian (right) chose the little-known Mexican destination for her honeymoon last year after tying the knot with Kanye West

Gwyneth Paltrow's tips on how to have a healthy body

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West enjoyed their second honeymoon at Punta Mita in July last year.

The model posted several photos of herself sunbathing by the pool at the exclusive Casa Aramara property, which were promptly uploaded to her social media accounts for her millions of followers to marvel at.

Singer and actress Jessica Simpson followed suit choosing Riviera Nayarit as the destination for her honeymoon with husband Eric Johnson.

With spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean, the £14,500-a-week villa is the ultimate secluded celebrity spot

Up to 10 guests can stay at the 10,000sqft oceanfront property, which has been decorated in a minimalist style

Gwyneth Paltrow partied at Punta Mita's luxurious private house, Casa China Blanca, which has itself featured as a location for numerous Hollywood blockbusters

The pair stayed at the Four Seasons Punta Mita while actress Eva Longoria visited Puerto Vallarta in April to celebrate her 39th birthday at the Garza Blanca Resort’s grand penthouse suite.

With a large group of friends she spent her time reclining on the beach and toasting her celebrations by the pool.

The Puerto Vallarta resort has also proved a popular destination for the stars.

The Riviera Nayarit has been particularly popular because of its exotic climate and luxurious amenities, such as world-class spas and golf courses.

The region stretches along 192 miles of the Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains and as well as luxurious accommodation it offers pristine beaches, outdoor adventure and chic surf towns.

The interiors feature stone tiling, sleek white decor and panoramic windows offering views out to sea

The infinity pool appears to stretch out to the ocean, offering soothing views to the horizon

The picturesque fishing village of Punta Mita on the Riviera Nayarit has become a haven for celebrities and has some of the best snorkelling, diving, fishing, surfing and golf in the world

The nearby Puerto Vallarta region of Mexico has also become a magnet for the rich and famous

The St Regis Hotel in Punta Mita is among the resort's most luxurious hotels. The destination is just a two-hour flight from Los Angeles

Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, well-known for its diverse topography, including tropical jungles, river beds, steep mountain sides and arid flatlands.

The region features PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle spotting, zip lining, surfing, bird watching, international cuisine, and the local artwork from the traditional Huichol tribe.

It’s a favourite spot of Hollywood A-listers who want to avoid the crowds of tourists who flood Cancun on Mexico’s east coast.

In total, more than 40 actors, actresses, singers, sports figures and models were charmed by the attractions of Mexico’s Pacific Treasure.

Celebrities such as Demi Moore, Orlando Bloom and Vince Vaughn have also vacationed at Casa Aramara in Punta Mita.

Casa China Blanca has also been used as the location for numerous Hollywood films, including Bradley Cooper’s 2011 blockbuster, Limitless.

It also provided the setting for 2013 sci-fi thriller Elysium, starring Matt Damon.

Has Jessica Jung Left SM Entertainment? Post On Former Girls' Generation Singer's Weibo Page Causes Avalanche Of Speculation

For any Girls' Generation fans hoping that former member Jessica Jung remaining on the group's label, SM Entertainment, was a path to her rejoining the group, a post on Wednesday to the Chinese microblogging website Sina Weibo appears to have dashed those hopes.

The statement posted to the official account of Jessica's Chinese fan club allegedly came from the singer-turned-fashion mogul's PR manager Real Ting claiming her contract with SM Entertainment has been terminated.
Requests for comment from SM Entertainment on whether Jessica is still with the label were not immediately responded to.
Yet, the damage to the relationship between Jessica and the remaining eight members of Girls' Generation could have possibly already been done.
That same day, when asked by a reporter at the Yves Saint Laurent Beaute event in Hong Kong if she was planning on meeting up with her former SNSD bandmate Yuri, Jessica reportedly appeared caught off guard by the question.
"Oh, I didn't know that. But she's in Hong Kong?" Jung asked, according to the website Hollywood Take. "I see."
Soompi reader Novisantriaris is skeptical on account of her continued presence in the SM Entertainment-produced video game "SuperStar SM Town."
"I don't think so because her card still exists in 'SuperStar SM Town,'" the K-popper wrote on Thursday. "Anyway if it's true, it's her right to do so.
Soompi reader Lisa Szilagyi of Hanover Park, Ill. thinks Jessica made the right decision.
"Good for her," Szilagyi wrote on Thursday. "She's doing fine on her own and she won't be a pawn for SM anymore. She's going to go so much farther than the other girls like this."
Back in September, when SM Entertainment executives announced Jessica would be leaving Girls' Generation, the label claimed they did their best to keep her in the group, in an official statement.
"This coming spring, due to her personal situation, she notified us she will halt her team promotions with the release of one more album," The statement read.
"Despite Jessica's sudden notice, the agency and the Girls' Generation members tried our best and tried to figure out a way that Girls' Generation's activities can continue in the best possible direction. However, in the midst of insufficient negotiations regarding conflicts of differences in priorities and interest, Jessica started her fashion business."
The SM Entertainment statement came hours after Jessica's first official statement she was leaving SNSD. The singer's announcement had come in the form of a Weibo post.

Vintage cars, concrete football pitches and socialist murals: A snapshot of everyday life in Cuba before it changes forever

By Katie Amey for MailOnline

As historic talks between the United States and Cuba begin, there is great hope that the two will be able to successfully restore diplomatic ties.

Such a step forward marks the end of almost 50 years of Cold War-era hostility between the two countries.

Cuba, recognised for its architecture and infrastructure of a bygone era, now faces a new reality, threatening the nation's traditional way of life.

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As diplomatic ties between the US and Cuba are reestablish, Cubans face a new reality. Pictured: A Cuban woman walking past a mural along San Lazaro Street in Havana

A woman, Gydis Ricardo Vargas (left) feeds her son Wisin some ice cream in the Vedado district of Havana

These school children wear red scarves, which is a signature accessory among the socialist youth in the country

The United States flag is already appearing in small ways, including in the clothing - such as head scarves and tights - worn by locals.

It's also expected that with the end of restricted travel between the former Cold War enemies, that Cuba will also gain easier access to the American telecommunications technology, building materials and American food products.

Though currently vintage American convertible cars are often spotted along the Prado boulevard, a wide avenue that runs from Parque Central to the Malecon seafront highway, they may soon be replaced by more modern models.

The United States flag is already beginning to appear in small ways in Havana - like on these tights worn by a woman (right)

Also common in the country, cars that look as though they're from a bygone era, like this gold vintage American convertible car

Vintage cars used to drive tourists around Havana, Cuba

Individuals dressed in head-to-toe white clothing distinguishes them as a follower of the Santeria faith, like this couple in Habana Vieja

A participant in the Havana Triathlon runs along the Malecon seafront highway, while a Cuban flag billows beside him.

Cuban school children, sporting traditional red socialist scarves, cross the street in front of Hotel Saratoga in Havana.

A participant in the Havana Triathlon competes along the Malecon highway (left) while Cuban school children cross the street in front of the Hotel Saratoga in Havana (right)

A Cuban couple dances the Tango in the middle of the famous Prado boulevard in Habana Vieja in Havana, Cuba

Several young men engage in a game of football (or soccer, as it's known in Cuba) at the Camilo Cienfuegos Sports Centre in Havana

The rejuvenating of international relations began in December 2014.

President Obama began by announcing a 'new chapter' in US relations with Cuba, with plans announced by the White House include easing access for US citizens, lessening financial restrictions, and lifting the 54-year-old trade embargo.

And while the landmark thaw is relations signals a positive future for Cuba, travellers looking to explore the 'timewarp' nation are being urged to go now, before it changes forever.

As locals lounge nearby, a Cuban couple shows off their traditional dance moves in the middle of the old city of Havana

A common practice to save money, Cuban commuters share taxis during the drive home. Pictured: San Lazaro Street in Havana

A participant in the Havana Triathlon runs past a statue of Jose Marti, a Cuban poet and hero from the 19th century battle of independence from Spain

Vintage American cars - painted in bright colours - park outside some of Habana Vieja's most expensive hotels, offering driving tours

These young men play soccer on the concrete court at the Camilo Cienfuegos Sports Centre, while the sun sets against old buildings

Often, players cut their hair to emulate their favourite soccer players, but their shoes are full of holes and there's only one ball to play with

As part of resuming diplomatic relations with Cuba, the US will soon reopen an embassy in the capital of Havana and carry out high-level exchanges and visits between the governments.

Cubans can now apply for visas to travel to the Unites States, at the U.S. Interests Section building in Havana's Malecon in the district of Vedado, Plaza de la Revolucion.

An elderly couple demonstrates their Tango dance abilities in front of both tourists and locals in the middle of Prado boulevard

Vintage American cars - and a horse-drawn carriage - offer tourists guided tours of the capital city, beginning at about $29

Armed with resourcefulness and ingenuity, a man repairs his classic American car after it broke down along the Prado boulevard

Cubans wait for family members who have gone to apply for visas to the travel to the USA, in a park near the U.S. Interests Section building

Licensed American travelers to Cuba will now be able to return to the US with $400 in Cuban goods, including tobacco and alcohol products worth less than $100 combined. This means the long-standing ban on importing Cuban cigars is over, although there are still limits.

The US is also increasing the amount of money Americans can send to Cubans from $500 to $2,000 per quarter, or every three months. Early in his presidency, Obama allowed unlimited family visits by Cuban-Americans and removed a $1,200 annual cap on remittances. Secretary of State John Kerry is also launching a review of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terror.

Obama does not have the authority to fully lift the long-standing US economic embargo on Cuba, given that Congress enacted that policy. However, officials said he would welcome lawmakers taking that step.

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