ILM created a film-quality Star Wars VR experience
Industrial Light and Magic, George Lucas’ award-winning special effects company, has created a stunning photo-realistic augmented and virtual reality that puts Star War fans in the middle of scenes inspired by the upcoming film. In a sneak peek with USA Today, ILM showcased the experience in its ILMxLab development studio.
The AR system utilizes specially outfitted iPads while the more immersive VR experience relies on an Oculus Rift. Looking through their iPads, visitors can watch 360-degree scenes from any of the characters’ points of view. The Oculus version instead plunks visitors into a virtual X-Wing cockpit where they can steer the fighter craft through head tilts. “With image-quality rivaling film,” Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy told USA Today. “You’ll be able to literally step into an alternate reality.” Both versions are expected to debut alongside the new film this Christmas.
[Image: Lucasfilms]
Filed under: Internet
Via: Polygon
Source: USA Today
Deal: Pick up a KeySmart 2.0 Compact Key Organizer for 26% off, Smart Micro USB Charge Kit for 32% off
Do you remember that awesome promotion for the KeySmart Key Organizer over at the AA Deals Store a few weeks ago? Good news… it’s back! Not only is the KeySmart available again for 26% off, but we also have a bonus deal for you that will help you see just how fast your mobile devices are charging. The Smart Micro USB Charge Kit will help you do this, and for only $16.99. Let’s take a look at the specifics:
The KeySmart Organizer is crafted from quality aluminum to give it a lightweight build, and the whole device is hardware milled from stainless steel to keep it durable. And if you can’t tell from the photo above, it’s super compact. The design of this organizer is made to fit double the amount of keys in half of the space. And better yet, if you purchase this KeySmart Organizer you’ll also receive an expansion pack that can fit up to ten keys. The KeySmart key organizer can be yours for just $16.99.
You may have a few external battery packs lying around the house, but do you have any idea how fast each one charges your device? That’s where the Smart Micro USB Charge Kit comes in. Just like a standard Micro USB cable, it links up to your mobile device and conveniently displays the device’s charging speed in real time. For only $16.99, the Smart Micro USB Charge Kit can be yours.
If you’re interested in one of these great deals, be sure to head to the links below.
Buyer’s Guide: Discounts on Retina iMac, Older MacBooks, Apple Accessories, and More [Mac Blog]
We’re in between Memorial Day and Father’s Day, which means deals less than impressive this week. There are a few sales on iMacs and older MacBooks, so now may be a good time to buy one of those, but if you’re looking for a solid deal on a new iPad or MacBook, you may want to hold out until later this month as retailers will likely be offering Father’s Day discounts.
That said, we’ve gathered up the few deals that are available this week, and we’ve found some solid deals on several Apple accessories. As always, also we’ve rounded up a list of the best apps you can get on the cheap.
iPad Air 2
B&H Photo is offering a small discount on most of its iPad Air 2 models, dropping prices by $30 to $50. With the discount, the 16GB WiFi only iPad Air 2 is priced at $459 and the 64GB model is priced at $549.99. Prices vary somewhat by model, but there are slight discounts to be had.
MacMall is also offering some discounts on iPad Air 2 models, dropping the prices by $30 to $50. With the discount, the 16GB entry-level Wi-Fi only iPad Air 2 is priced at $454, while the Wi-Fi-only 64GB iPad Air 2 is available for $553.
iPad Air
Both Best Buy and B&H Photo have deep discounts on some remaining stock of now-discontinued higher-capacity iPad Air models, as listed below.
– iPad Air Wi-Fi Space Gray 128GB – $529
– iPad Air Cellular Silver 64GB (AT&T) – $499
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 64GB (AT&T) – $529
– iPad Air Cellular Silver 128GB (Verizon) – $549
– iPad Air Cellular Space Gray 128GB (Verizon) – $529
iPad mini 3
Amazon has a few iPad mini 3 models available at a low price. The 16GB Silver Wi-Fi only model is available for $328.97, while the 16GB Space Gray Wi-Fi only model is available for $336.
B&H Photo is offering some modest discounts on various iPad mini 3 models, dropping the price by up to $100. The 16GB WiFi + Cellular iPad mini 3 in gold is available for $479 and the 128GB version is available for $649. The 16GB Wi-Fi only version in Silver is available for $329 and the 64GB Wi-Fi model in Silver is available for $429.
Discounts for each model and and color vary, but most models are being offered at a lower price than you’ll find at the Apple Store, and buying from B&H, you won’t have to pay sales tax unless you’re in New York.
iPad mini 2
Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Amazon have remaining stock of now-discontinued higher-capacity iPad mini 2 models, which are a good deal if you’re looking for an iPad mini. Compared to the iPad mini 3, the iPad mini 2 only lacks Touch ID.
– iPad mini Cellular Silver 128GB (AT&T) – $449.99
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 128GB (AT&T) – $449.99
– iPad mini Cellular Silver 64GB (AT&T) – $329.99
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 64GB (AT&T) – $379.99
– iPad mini Cellular Silver 128GB (Verizon) – $495
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 128GB (Verizon) – $534.99
– iPad mini Cellular Space Gray 64GB (Verizon) – $419.99
iMac
– 2014 21.5-inch 1.4GHz/8GB/500GB (Best Buy) (Adorama) – $999, $150 off
– 2013 21.5-inch 2.7GHz/8GB/1TB (Best Buy) (B&H Photo) (Adorama) – $1,199.99, $100 off
– 2013 21.5-inch 2.9GHz/8GB/1TB (Best Buy) – $1,299, $200 off
– 2013 27-inch 3.2GHz/8GB/1TB (Best Buy) – $1499.99, $300 off
– 2013 27-inch 3.4GHz/8GB/1TB (Adorama) – $1,794.99, $204 off
– 2014 27-inch 3.5GHz/8GB/1TB Retina iMac (Best Buy) – $2,099.99, $200 off
– 2015 3.3GHz/8GB/1TB Retina iMac (Best Buy) – $1,799.99, $200 off
Mac mini
– 1.4GHz/4GB/500GB (Best Buy) – $449.99, $50 off
– 2.6GHz/8GB/1TB (Best Buy) – $629.99, $70 off
– 2.8GHz/8GB/1TB (Adorama) – $938, $60 off
MacBook Air
– 2015 11-inch 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $824.99, $75 off
– 2015 11-inch 1.6GHz/4GB/256GB (Best Buy) (Amazon) (B&H Photo) (Adorama) – $1044.99, $50 off
– 2015 13-inch 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (Best Buy) (B&H Photo) (Adorama) – $949.99, $150 off
– 2015 13-inch 1.6GHz/4GB/256GB (Best Buy) (Adorama) (B&H PHoto) (MacMall) – $1,139, $60 off
– 2014 11-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/256GB (B&H Photo) – $799, $200 off
– 2014 13-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/128GB (Adorama) – $819, $180 off
– 2014 13-inch 1.4GHz/4GB/256GB (B&H Photo) – $899, $300 off
Retina MacBook Pro
– 2015 13-inch 2.7GHz/8GB/128GB (Best Buy) (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,234.99, $64 off
– 2015 13-inch 2.7GHz/8GB/256GB (Best Buy) (B&H Photo) (MacMall) – $1,424.99, $74 off
– 2015 13-inch 2.9GHz/8GB/512GB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,699.99 $100 off
– 2015 15-inch 2.2GHz/16GB/256GB (Best Buy) (B&H Photo) (MacMall) – $1,899, $100 off
– 2015 15-inch 2.5GHz/16GB/512GB (Best Buy) (Amazon) (B&H Photo) (MacMall) – $2,374.99, $125 off
– 2014 13-inch 2.6GHz/8GB/128GB (B&H Photo) (Adorama) – $1,129, $170 off
– 2014 13-inch 2.6GHz/8GB/256GB (B&H Photo) – $1,229, $259 off
– 2014 13-inch 2.8GHz/8GB/512GB (B&H Photo) – $1,399 $400 off
– 2014 15-inch 2.2GHz/16GB/256GB (Adorama) (B&H Photo) – $1,749, $150 off
– 2014 15-inch 2.5GHz/16GB/512GB (B&H Photo) – $1,999, $500 off
Apps
There are quite a few apps that are on sale at discounted prices or available for free for a limited time. We’ll highlight a few here, but make sure to check out our sister site AppShopper for a complete list.
Warhammer Quest is available for free, down from $4.99. Card Crawl, a solitare-style Dungeon Crawler, is available for $0.99, down from $1.99. Puzzle game Cubic! is available for free, down from $0.99.
Photo editing app Enlight is available for $4.99, down from $5.99. Board game Talisman is available for $0.99, down from $6.99. Tower defense game Sentinel 4: Dark Star is available for free, down from $2.99.
Action RPG Slayin was named Apple’s App of the Week, so it will be free to download until next Thursday when a new app is picked.
Apple Accessories
Adorama is offering mail-in rebates on a wide variety of Apple products like Airport Extremes and AppleCare, dropping the price by up to $40. To claim the rebate, you need to purchase an eligible product and then fill out the rebate form. Some eligible products and their rebates:
– Apple TV, $15 off
– 85W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter, $20 off
– Airport Extreme, $20 off
– 2TB Time Capsule, $30 off
– 3TB Time Capsule, $40 off
The Beats Pill 2.0 Speaker is available for $40 off from Best Buy. Groupon has Apple 5W USB Power Adapters available for $9.99 for one or $17.99 for two.
CrossOver Mac software from Codeweavers is available for 40 percent off with the code REMEMBERED. JBL is offering up to 40 percent off plus free two day shipping on its products. eBay has $50 iTunes gift cards for $40 this week.
The Waloo Desktop Charging Cradle for Apple Watch is available for $14.99 from Groupon, down from $29.99. iHome’s Car Charger is available for $14.99 from Groupon, down from $29.99. The Touchfire multi-purpose iPad case is available for 20% off with coupon code DG2015.
urBeats in-ear headphones are available for $45 from DailySteals. DailySteals also has Apple Earpods for $10, down from $29. Target is offering 20 percent off the Fitbit Flex.
MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors.
Google will take on Twitch this summer with YouTube Gaming
Although Google passed on the chance to purchase gaming giant Twitch last year (Amazon later bought the service for $1 billion), that doesn’t meant it’s giving up on the game streaming business altogether. As previously rumored, Google today has announced a new service called YouTube Gaming, an app and website that will be the new home to the company’s gaming video content. The service is slated to launch in the US and UK later this summer.
Even though the service has the word ‘YouTube’ in the title, Google assures users that the new gaming service will be completely separate from the rest of YouTube. For instance, in its announcement post, Google explains “you can search with confidence, knowing that typing ‘call’ will show you ‘Call of Duty’ and not ‘Call Me Maybe.’” Upwards of 25,000 games will have their very own landing page and each one will feature both on demand and live video streams. You’ll also be able to subscribe to different channels from YouTube creators and game publishers. You can get recommendations based on which channels you’re subscribed to, as well.
Take a look at the screenshots below to get a good look at the upcoming app:
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So, will YouTube Gaming prove successful in the game streaming market? While the new service does offer users a few things Twitch can’t, the now Amazon-owned company has developed quite a large user base over the past few years. Google knows it has to have a few tricks up its sleeve in order to get the diehard Twitch fans to change services, and it seems as though it’s doing exactly that. With YouTube Gaming, all streams are turned into YouTube videos automatically, which many Twitch users end up doing manually anyway. Although that’s not a feature that will necessarily get all Twitch users to jump ship, it’s certainly a way to start building a solid user base.
We’re still diving into the details of this new service, so stay tuned as we learn more about it in the near future. For those interested in getting more information about the release of YouTube Gaming, you can sign up for updates by following the link below.
Samsung files trademark application for S6 Note
Earlier we reported on word that Samsung is working on a new variant in their Galaxy S6 line of flagship devices that would come with a larger screen and curved edges going by the name Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. Now another piece of the puzzle has been revealed when it was discovered that Samsung has filed a trademark application for the name “S6 Note”. This name is curious and probably raises more questions than it answers.
Traditionally Samsung has kept the “S” line of devices distinct from its stylus-equipped large format “Note” series of devices. This raises the question of whether Samsung plans to produce an S device that is equipped with a stylus. Since devices with a stylus typically get large screens, this could also be the same device as the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus which will supposedly get a 5.7-inch screen.
If this device is actually part of the Note line of devices, it raises the question of why the “S6″ part was added. The dual curved edges of the Galaxy S6 edge could be added to the Note line, although the Galaxy Note 4 already added the original curved edge and that feature alone does not seem to be a necessary part of “S6″.
Any guesses as to what Samsung may be up to with this latest trademark application?
source: Galaxy Club
Come comment on this article: Samsung files trademark application for S6 Note
NASA explains how cell networks can restrict drone flights
NASA has taken on the job of preventing drones from crashing into things, and it’s now revealed more info about how it plans to do that. It wants to link up drones up to a control system when they’re flying, then “geo-fence” them off from trouble, according to its latest missive. And as the space agency mentioned earlier, one way it could communicate with them is via cellphone networks like Verizon’s. A central system would use them to transmit information to drones, helping them steer away from restricted areas and other aircraft. Creating such a network, which NASA calls the UAS traffic management system (UTM) would be a challenge, however.
To push things forward, it plans on co-hosting a three-day UTM convention next month with the Silicon Valley chapter of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems (AUVSI). As for Verizon and the whole cellphone network thing, NASA reiterated that “cellphone tower technology (may work) to track and monitor both commercial and civilian aircraft. NASA is in the initial stages of exploring this concept with telecommunication providers, such as Verizon.” It added that such a system wouldn’t track or interfere with cellphone communications, an obvious concern in the age of Stingray towers and the NSA.
Other private companies are working on related projects, like systems to keep UAVs away from private residences, fleet operations for large companies, battery life issues for drones in sensitive terran and low altitude tracking and avoidance systems. NASA will try to build a coherent plan with that jumble of technology at the UTM conference, which kicks off on July 28th at the Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley.
*Verizon is currently in the process of acquiring AOL, Engadget’s parent company. However, Engadget maintains full editorial control, and Verizon will have to pry it from our cold, dead hands.
Filed under: Robots
Source: NASA
Google puts Twitch on notice with launch of YouTube Gaming
For awhile, the rumor was that Google would buy Twitch. That didn’t happen (Amazon did that instead), but that doesn’t mean it’s given up on gaming. Today at an event held in YouTube Space LA, the company is taking the wrapper off its very own video game-centric effort called, appropriately enough, YouTube Gaming. It’s both an app and a website and is designed to put YouTube’s gaming content front and center. More than 25,000 games will have their own dedicated page and each page will feature videos and live streams related to that particular title. And if you’re really into, say, The Witcher 3, you can add that game into your “collection” to keep up on the latest videos.
Aside from those dedicated title pages, you can also subscribe to channels from game publishers and indie YouTube creators. Once you’ve subscribed to a few channels and pages, YouTube will offer up recommendations based on the stuff you like. And, of course, searching within YouTube Gaming will bring up results that are specifically gaming-related (“Mine” will bring up Minecraft and not that Taylor Swift song, for example).
Just like Twitch, live streams will a big deal for YouTube Gaming. Indeed, it’s the first thing you’ll see when you launch the app or the website. An essential part of this equation is to make live streaming on YouTube appealing to gamers who want to broadcast their gameplay. YouTube says it offers features like high frame rate streaming at 60fps, a DVR function and it’ll automatically convert that live stream to a YouTube video. It’s also redesigning its Live broadcasting system so that you don’t have to schedule an event ahead of time and you’ll be able to share a link to all your streams.
The comparison with Twitch is obvious here, but it’s not like YouTube doesn’t have its own dedicated gaming userbase. “Let’s Play” YouTubers like PewDiePie are insanely popular in their own respective YouTube channels, some with millions of subscribers. But with YouTube Gaming, the online video giant is putting Twitch squarely in its crosshairs, with the hopes of drawing even more gameplay broadcasters to its side. Twitch certainly has the headstart here, but YouTube’s sheer clout might make up for it. YouTube Gaming will be available later this summer in the US and the UK.
Source: YouTube
Rovio brings the pigs and birds global in match 3 title RPG ‘Angry Birds Fight’
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If you are a fan of titles like Big Hero 6 Bot Fight and Best Fiends and also have a fascinating addiction with Rovio’s Angry Birds, then there is a new (now globally available at least) title out now that might pique your interests. Rovio has launch Angry Birds Fight. The new bird themed game brings the match 3 game frenzy that many love and sort of mix it with Angry Birds Epic. You match the birds on the playing board to power up your bird character prior to battling it out against real-time and computer opponents. Although, the real-time battles aren’t interactive. While you might be fighting a friend in the same room, you can both set down your devices and have a shot while the battle commences on its own.
Much like Angry Birds Epic, you can outfit your bird with a variety of offensive and defensive equipment to put the odds of victory in more in your favor. Like most titles, you are able to purchase these additions with coins or gems, or toss real money at a boatload of gems and buy everything. Angry Birds Fight is free-to-play and I would imagine some careful planning and some serious grinding will get your through most of the title without dropping a dime. If you are all about spending a little coin for some extras you can expect the IAP’s to range from $1.12 – $84.87, or so says the Play Store listing.
Direct yourself to the Play Store via the link below and have at it. Let us know what you think too.
The post Rovio brings the pigs and birds global in match 3 title RPG ‘Angry Birds Fight’ appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Google offers to help select your next Android phone
With so many Android devices available in the market, some may have hard time figuring out what is the best smartphone to suit their individual needs. Sure millions of people love the ever famous and spectacular Samsung Galaxy S6, but that phone may not suit your needs as well as the HTC One M9 if you’re into music because of the M9’s incredible Boom Sound speakers. Or maybe you want to have a functional and business-savvy phone like the Note 4 but all of your Android friends are telling you to stay stock with the Nexus 6. Information is the key to making educated decisions and Google is here to help you make a decision that you’re most likely going to live with for the next two years.
The tech giant has just launched a new tool which you can use at their website. It asks you a few questions about how you use your current device and then it makes suggestions based on those answers.
The process is straightforward. You are presented with total 12 categories from taking photos to web browsing. The more categories you fill out questions for, the more specific the recommendations will be for your needs.
Overall, the tool is pretty neat and simple- all you have to do is just click on few options. The entire process takes less than 2 minutes. Check it out at the source link below.
The post Google offers to help select your next Android phone appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Hangouts for the desktop gets full-view screen sharing
This next update will be HUGE for those who work in the IT department for their company. Hangouts for the desktop, will be receiving an update that will allow full-view screen sharing between users. Although I don’t work for my employer’s IT department, I’m like the red-headed step-child that helps out, and this feature would work wonders for fixing simple issues.
Even if you don’t work in IT, but you are the family’s “nerd/geek”, this can help solve those issues your Grandma keeps having while she’s halfway across the country. It seems that Google is more focused on having Hangouts be more useful in the conference room with employees in different locations.
Moving forward, when people using Hangouts present to meeting participants in ‘Present to everyone’ mode—or another participant pins someone who is screen-sharing—Hangouts participants will see two changes to the user interface:
- The screen shared content will use as much visible area of the screen as possible. The thumbnail photos of meeting attendees will overlay the content at the bottom of the screen by default.
- A new button will be added to the control bar at the top to allow participants to hide the thumbnail photos of meeting attendees as desired.
What are your thoughts on these new changes to Hangouts for the desktop? Let us know in the comment section below.
The post Hangouts for the desktop gets full-view screen sharing appeared first on AndroidGuys.
AIVAnet 