NHL team projects Nintendo-esque ‘Bolts of Steel’ game on ice
We’ve seen 3D projections on basketball courts and arena floors before, but the NHL’s Tampa Lightning just took the game up a notch. Before the team’s Eastern Conference Finals game on Tuesday, it used the playing surface to project a “Bolts of Steel” (get it, lightning bolts) game simulation inspired by the Nintendo classic Blades of Steel. We surmise they opted for another name not just for copyright purposes, but because the franchise didn’t exist until 1992. While the video you’ll see after the break is a render/demo, a Deadspin reader caught the thing on tape during the pregame festivities, so you can have a look at was it was like for those in attendance. Perhaps if the Bolts advance to the Stanley Cup Finals, they’ll let a couple of fans duke it out for some nachos.
Filed under: Gaming
Via: SB Nation
Source: Tampa Bay Ligthning
‘3D printing’ used to test a ‘cure’ for type-1 diabetes
Researchers are one step closer to reducing the effects of type-1 diabetes after developing a way to implant insulin-generating cells into the pancreas. According to publisher IOP, this method was previously unsuccessful, but has begun to work now that scientists can “3D-print” a structure to protect the cells. Previous attempts to implant these cells, called islets of Langerhans, have been unsuccessful because the body’s immune system would attack them as soon as they were injected.
This time around, however, the team embedded the cells into a three-dimensional structure made from a mixture of alginate and gelatin. Another problem, however, was developing a scaffold that could both hold the islets in place and keep them protected while letting blood and insulin pass through. Right now, the project is just some grim-looking petri dishes at the University of Twente, but if the process can be refined, then type-1 diabetics may never again have to suffer the effects of an attack of hypoglycemia.
Via: Eurekalert
Source: IOP (.PDF)
What sweet treat will the ‘M’ in ‘Android M’ stand for?
In no surprise to anyone, Google announced that its next version of Android will be called “M,” the natural followup to Lollipop and its other edible mobile operating systems. We won’t know for some time what the “M” will stand for and are really hoping it’s not something lame like “Mobile.” Our team came up with a few suggestions of what the sweet treat might be and invite you to guess which one you think will get the honors. If we got it wrong and you have another idea, tweet it to us (we’re @engadget, natch).
What sweet treat will Android’s next operating system be named after?
Filed under: Google
Diving into M: Dark and light themes, and revamped app drawer too
Now that the Google Android M preview images are out, we are all eagerly digging in and trying to figure out what all has changed, both under the hood and right at the surface. We will be bringing you a video that takes a look at Android M a bit later, but in the meantime we’ll do our best to highlight some of the changes as we encounter them.
First up, light and dark themes. It seems that developer options now contains the ability to let users manually turn on dark or light options (light is the default, of course). You can also let it change automatically, perhaps so it can adjust for different lighting conditions while driving with Android Auto (just a thought). As you can see the in screenshots, the dark theme applies just to the settings screen and, at least in this early build, doesn’t affect the app drawer’s colors, the notification shade, or any other aspect of the UI. Whether this will change, or if the dark theme will even be in the final M build, remains unseen.
Another change that was immediately noticeable has to do with the app drawer. Android M has switched up the way that the app drawer is laid out, creating an alphatized list that makes it easier than ever to find what you’re looking for. Even better, your most used apps are all neatly tucked in and the top. For me at the time of testing this out, it was Settings, YouTube, Gmail, and Play Music that took these positions by default. That said, as I’ve used more apps (like Photos) my options have changed to reflect which ones I use the most.
That’s all we have for now, but rest assured, there’s more to come as the hours, days, and weeks progress. For those who have the dev preview installed, any other changes you’ve noticed that weren’t highlighted in Google’s announcement of M? Let us know in the comments!
Nvidia Shield Android TV now available from Nvidia and Amazon, Pro model coming soon
The Android TV platform has been out for about a year now, though the selection of Android TV boxes has been quite scarce so far. That’s starting to change today, as Nvidia has finally made its Android TV-powered set-top box available for purchase from a few different retailers around the web.
The Nvidia Shield Android TV can now be purchased from Nvidia and Amazon in the United States, with the standard 16GB model going for $199.99. There’s also a 500GB Pro model that will be available for $299.99, though this variant won’t be available until June. Both models come with a $30 Google Play gift card and a 90-day free trial to Google Play Music, and the Pro model will come with the Android version of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel when it launches in July.
You can also purchase some additional items along with the set-top box, including a remote for $49.99 and an extra controller for $59.99. You can also purchase a nifty little stand for the box for $29.99, but these are currently on backorder through Amazon for about 1-3 weeks.
Best Buy will also have all of these items available, but the Shield Android TV box is currently listed as “coming soon”. If you’re interested, follow the links below to purchase your own, and be sure to check out the new promotional video Nvidia just launched.
Are you planning to buy a Nvidia Shield Android TV?
Google I/O keynote roundup: all the announcements in one place
We haven’t got any new hardware, but Google made it up to us with a ton of software and platform news. We already covered most of the big stuff, but if you just want everything in one place, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are the top news from the Google I/O keynote today.
Android M preview
As expected, Google launched the M preview version of Android, with a consumer release scheduled for Q3. Read more or check out the main features:
- Chrome custom tabs – WebView got an update, with Chrome state preservation and support for custom buttons on top of the frame. Read more.
- Granular permissions – Apps developed for Android M will feature granular permission control, in-app and in-settings. Read more.
- Doze mode – when in Doze mode, Android M devices will consume less power, without interfering with notifications or alarms. Read more.
- USB Type C support – Android M will support USB Type C connectors out of the box. Useful for reverse charging and more. Read more.
- Fingerprint sensor support – stock Android now supports fingerprint sensors out of the box; any app can use the feature for authentication. Read more.
- Android Pay – built into Android M, Android Pay will allow fast, secure, contactless payments across US retailers and online. Read more.
- App state backup – apps running on Android M now have their state backed up to the cloud, making it easy to transfer your settings from device to device. Read more.
Android M developer preview images
Google has made developer preview versions of Android M available for the following devices:
Project Brillo
Project Brillo is Google’s Internet of Things operating systems. Based on a barebones version of Android, Brillo will give developers and manufacturers an easy way to create and run connected devices. Read more.
Inbox by Gmail
Inbox by Gmail is finally available without an invite. New features coming are availability for Google apps accounts, trip bundles, undo send button, custom signatures, swipe to delete option and more. Read more.
Google Photos
Google has decoupled the Photos functionality from Google Plus into a standalone app that offers unlimited storage, improved auto-tagging, revamped autoawesome features and more. Read more.
Google Now on Tap
Coming with Android M, Google Now on Tap makes the virtual assistant accessible from any app through a home button long press. Now with more contextual awareness. Read more.
For developers
Google announced Android Studio 1.3, Polymer 1.0, a new Material design library and more tools to help devs create awesome apps. Read more.
Offline Google Maps
Full offline functionality is coming to Google Maps by the end of the year. Read more.
Android One updates
For developing markets, Google is serving optimized versions of websites to ensure the best possible user experience. Read more.
Android Nanodegree
Want to learn everything about Android development? In six months, that is? Google’s new Nanodegree is for you. Read more.
Google Family Star
Family Star is a sort of G-rated section of the Play Store that kids can peruse without fear of bumping into something inappropriate. Read more.
Developer pages
Google now gives developers a nicer home in the Play Store and lets them A/B test app variants. Read more.
Virtual reality
Google is releasing an improved version of Cardboard VR that is compatible with more devices, as well as Jump and Expedition, two programs designed to spur the development of VR. Read more.
HBO Now
Finally, HBO Now is no longer exclusive to iOS devices. The service is hitting Play Store this summer. Read more.
Woah, that’s a lot of news. And it’s not even all of it – keep it tuned to Android Authority as we look at what’s new in Android M!
Google Brings ‘Cardboard’ Virtual Reality Headset to iOS With New SDK, iPhone App [iOS Blog]
Google last year debuted Google Cardboard, an inexpensive virtual reality platform that combined a cardboard mount and lens with a smartphone to create a virtual reality headset.
Up until today, Google Cardboard has only been available for Android users, but at its Google I/O event, Google announced a new Google Cardboard app for iOS. The new app lets the Cardboard system work with Apple’s iPhones for the first time.
With a Cardboard viewer and an iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus, the Cardboard app can be used to explore virtual environments, use a virtual kaleidoscope, view 3D objects in a virtual museum, and take hikes through cities around the world.
Google also announced a new version of Cardboard at its I/O event, which can accommodate phones as big as six inches. It also has a new activation “switch” that is constructed of cardboard instead of magnets, allowing it to work with all phones.
There are several third-party companies that have constructed Cardboard viewers based on Google’s Cardboard specifications, which can be purchased at prices that start at $20. Google also provides instructions that let users make their own Cardboard headsets.
Google Cardboard can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]
‘Inbox by Gmail’ Now Open to Everyone, Updated With Trip Bundles and More [iOS Blog]
Google has announced that Inbox by Gmail can now be used by everyone with no invitation required, and the search company has also updated the email app with Trip Bundles, Undo Send functionality on mobile, the option to select “Delete” as the default swiping action, custom signatures, suggested reminders and more.
Trip Bundles combine all of your emails about a trip, such as flight times and hotel reservation numbers, enabling you to view them instantly after opening Inbox. Google’s screenshots below, for example, show a Trip Bundle for London that displays information for a flight from Austin to London, Hertz car rental from the airport and a weeklong hotel reservation at The Blue Hotel.
The latest version of Inbox improves upon many core features of the app, with new Undo Send functionality on mobile for retracting an email right after sending it in case you made a spelling mistake, contacted the wrong person or have second thoughts. Also new is the option to make “Delete” the default swiping action, custom signatures, suggested reminders and the ability to view HotelTonight or Eat24 reservations and food orders directly within Inbox.
Inbox by Gmail is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. [Direct Link]
Apple Purchases Augmented Reality Startup Metaio
Apple recently acquired augmented reality startup Metaio, reports TechCrunch. According to the company’s website, Metaio is a “pioneer in augmented reality and computer vision” that built the Metaio Creator, an augmented reality authoring tool. With the Creator, users could create augmented reality scenarios “within minutes.”
Metaio has stopped taking new customers and a shareholder document concerning the transferring of shares has confirmed that it was purchased by Apple. Apple also provided TechCrunch with its standard acquisition confirmation statement: “Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans.”
Metaio’s augmented reality tools have been used by several companies to create interactive experiences. Ferarri, for example, created an augmented reality showroom with Metaio, and it’s been used in Berlin with historical footage to let travelers see what the scene they’re viewing would have looked like when the Berlin Wall was still in place.
It is not clear how Apple plans to use Metaio’s technology, but there have been persistent rumors indicating Apple is interested in virtual reality and augmented reality. Based on patents, Apple has explored a video headset, a motion-sensing virtual 3D interface for iOS devices, and 3D “hyper-reality” displays.
It’s possible that Apple could use Metaio’s AR creation tools to introduce unique features to Maps and other apps. A 2014 rumor suggested Apple was considering adding augmented reality features to Maps, and a more recent rumor points towards Apple’s work on a “Browse Around Me” feature for iOS 9 that includes an augmented reality view.
Recent rumors have suggested that Apple has a small team working on augmented reality projects at its Cupertino headquarters, but it remains unclear exactly when we’ll see Apple incorporating AR and VR features into its products.
NVIDIA launches the SHIELD and SHIELD Pro Android TV system at Google I/O 2015
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NVIDIA’s newest member of their line-up, the SHIELD Android TV. At the time of the announcement they stated it would be launched in May. With the month coming to a close, some wondered if they would meet that deadline. I had a sneaky suspicion that they would make the device officially available at Google I/O, and they did. In an announcement this afternoon NVIDIA has made the Android TV SHIELD box available to purchase.
For those who haven’t been keeping their eye on this magical little device let me clue you in on a few little details. The SHIELD is a set-top box of sorts that runs Android TV. It packs in a 64-bit NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor, 256-core NVIDIA graphics, 3GB of RAM, and can push out 4K video and games to your TV. It brings all the greatness that is Android TV and the Play Store to your living room, but it does a bit more. It brings the ability to connect to your PC, if it is SHIELD streaming ready, to play your current PC games away from the desk. It also has access to NVIDIA’s GRID service where you can subscribe to an ever-growing number of titles and even purchase games specifically that stream from NVIDIA to your home.
We knew that when the device finally made its debut it would set back a user $199.99. Which, by itself, is an amazing price tag. However, there was some rumor, leaks and “oops” that lead us to think that they were going to deliver a secondary option. See, the $199.99 variant of the device carries 16GB of on-board storage. The leaked one carried 500GB of storage. NVIDIA previously denied the device and said it was a partner variant for developers and such. However, that is not the case. NVIDIA did in fact also launch the 500GB device and only tacked on $100, making it $299.99. Almost seems silly to not spend the extra $100 for that much more space.
Hit the link below to put your order in today, and circle back around and let me know what you think..
Via NVIDIA
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