SpaceX and ‘Westworld’ creators made a Falcon Heavy short film

Elon Musk promised a short film about the inaugural Falcon Heavy launch from the team behind Westworld, and he delivered. The entrepreneur has posted the video (he calls it Falcon Heavy and Starman) in two parts on Instagram. It’s not exactly a magnum opus, but it does a good job of encapsulating SpaceX’s milestone in a short amount of time, including Starman’s departure. Surprisingly, the video includes the loss of the center booster — SpaceX isn’t pretending the launch was all sunshine and roses. And naturally, there’s no shortage of David Bowie for the soundtrack.

The clips arrived soon after Musk made a guest appearance at the SXSW 2018 Westworld panel. While he didn’t offer any stunning insights, he did explain why he’s tackling pie-in-the-sky projects like SpaceX or Tesla. Life can’t be about “solving one miserable thing after another,” he said. They have to be things that “make you glad to wake up in the morning,” and concepts like electric cars and space travel certainly qualify.

Falcon Heavy and Starman, Part 1

A post shared by Elon Musk (@elonmusk) on Mar 10, 2018 at 4:00pm PST

Falcon Heavy and Starman, Part 2

A post shared by Elon Musk (@elonmusk) on Mar 10, 2018 at 3:51pm PST

Catch up on the latest news from SXSW 2018 right here.

Source: Elon Musk (Instagram 1), (2)

Bose sunglasses hands-on: audio AR makes more sense than you think

This week, Bose made a surprise announcement that it was getting into the augmented reality game. But Bose makes headphones, right? And AR is all about glasses with visual overlays? Well, nobody told them, and that’s a good thing. The company believes that the classic approach works fine for many things, but it still presents barriers (cost of specific hardware, battery life and so on).

Visual distractions also aren’t always appropriate, and sometimes all you need is relevant info — restaurant opening times, points of interest, for example — whispered in your ear. That’s what Bose is offering, and we (me and my colleague Cherlynn Low in the pictures and video above) tried it out for ourselves in downtown Austin at SXSW.

When Bose announced its AR intentions, it did so with a pair of sunglasses, not headphones. This might lead you to think there’s still a visual component, but there isn’t. The reason Bose chose a pair of specs is because a set of “smart headphones” would be predictable, and Bose wanted to shake things up a bit. So, it put its technology in sunglasses to show that it can be used in any kind of head-worn wearable, opening it up to all sorts of possibilities.

When a Bose representative handed me a pair of the glasses, I asked if they used bone-conduction for the audio, but he said no. I slipped them on, and instantly heard music. It had been playing before I put them on, but I hadn’t realized, as it was barely audible until the glasses were sitting on my ears. Bose says it worked on a super-thin mini speaker that “projects” audio into your ears, and was designed with this specific project in mind.

I’ll be honest, Cherlynn and I were both pretty impressed with just the idea of music-playing sunglasses as they were, we hadn’t even moved on to the AR demo yet. The sound quality was very impressive and there was a built-in microphone for answering calls. The glasses were 3D-printed prototypes, but were still light and comfortable to wear.

The AR element works thanks to a nine-axis IMU sensor that, in combination with your phone’s GPS, knows where you are and exactly what direction you’re looking in.

Before we headed out into the world, Bose played us some example audio with local information, or opening times, and demonstrated direction-specific information being played only in the one ear (“to your left is the train station” for example). Those ideas are somewhat possible with a phone and headphones already, the point here is that you will be able to look at something, and call up information about it on request.

To test this for real, Bose took us out onto Austin’s bustling Rainey Street, a lively spot filled with quirky bars and eateries. At the top of the street, I looked at a block of apartments, and double-tapped the side of the glasses (the gesture programmed to call up info for our demo). Initially I was told there was no information available. But I then turned around and looked at a restaurant called “El Naranjo,” double tapped again, and was told the name, the chef, where they trained, opening hours, how long people typically stayed there for and the type of cuisine (Mexican). I repeated this all the way down the street, looking at different businesses, and the glasses responded with impressive accuracy.

Of course, this information was just a demo created by Bose; it’s the technology that’s important. All I can say is that it worked pretty well. Only once did I get info on a bar next to the one I was actually looking at, and that was rectified by a slight adjustment of my head to get my target central to my gaze. Oh, and all the while, I had music playing in my ears, which would dip in volume as information was served up. Bose said that, when using this technology in actual headphones with noise cancellation, developers would be able to focus your attention to alerts etc, by “turning off” ambient noise around you to make sure you hear important details.

And that’s a key point to mention here. Bose isn’t trying to invent everything here (though it does of course plan to use this in its own headphones). It wants product-makers, app developers and creators to use its technology however they want. Training apps could use it to tell you where popular cycle routes are, or even where other runners are relative to you during a race. Other natural fits for the technology include travel info and reviews, of course, but this could just as easily be applied to games and language learning and beyond.

To encourage companies to adopt Bose AR, the audio firm has a pool of $50 million up for grabs to entice developers. So, whether you’re working on a dating app, a food delivery service or anything that could profit from location-specific information, then know that Bose appears to be serious about making it mainstream.

Audio and AR aren’t entirely strangers. We’ve seen rumblings from companies like Harman, Here and games like good ole’ Pokémon Go have all dabbled in augmenting sound in our environment. What Bose seems to be doing differently is making it useful and ubiquitous. By knowing what you’re looking at, and being able to control with gestures (touch, voice recognition or nodding for example) you can interact with apps intuitively without looking at your phone. Whether this is a technology easily replicated by giants like Google (it’s be perfect for Pixel Buds) or Apple remains to be seen.

It’s worth noting that the demo we were given isn’t an indicator of what it might actually be like in real life. The world is big, maps are inaccurate, and sensors can be fooled and confused. But it’s a promising start. If Bose can lure those developers over, and get its platform into a variety of devices, simply looking at something could be the go-to way of learning about the world.

Catch up on the latest news from SXSW 2018 right here.

Snapchat and Instagram pull Giphy stickers over racist GIF

When Snapchat and Instagram introduced Giphy stickers for Stories, they expected to offer PG-rated GIFs that even their young patrons can use. Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned: both platforms have disabled the feature after users discovered an extremely racist GIF that says “N—- Crime Death Counter — Keep Cranking Bonzo, the Numbers Just Keep on Climbing!” among Giphy’s offerings. Since the sticker was first discovered on Snapchat, the ephemeral messaging app yanked it first. A spokesperson told TechCrunch that it disabled the feature while it waits “for Giphy’s team to take a look at it.”

[Image credit: TechCrunch]

People found the same thing on Instagram shortly after, and the social network decided to follow suit. Its spokesperson echoed Snapchat’s statement, telling TechCrunch that it has “stopped [its] integration with Giphy as they investigate the issue.” Snapchat has poor track record when it comes to racial sensitivity — it released racist image filters more than once — but the fact that the sticker is also available on Instagram makes this a Giphy issue.

Giphy’s community guidelines says it doesn’t allow anything that contains Hate Speech, but it looks like at least one fell through the cracks. A spokesperson told us the image made its way to the platforms due to a bug in its content moderation filters. The online GIF database has since fixed the issue and is currently reviewing every sticker it offers by hand:

“A user discovered an offensive GIF sticker in our library, and we immediately removed it per our content guidelines.

After investigation of the incident, this sticker was available due to a bug in our content moderation filters specifically affecting GIF stickers. We have fixed the bug and have re-moderated all of the GIF stickers in our library.

The GIPHY staff is also further reviewing every GIF sticker by hand and should be finished shortly.

We take full responsibility for these recent events and sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended.”

Source: TechCrunch (1), (2)

Here’s what you missed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show

This year’s Geneva Motor Show seemed to be all about going fast without stopping at the gas pump. Gas-powered vehicles continue to dominate the market, but automakers took the opportunity to showcase their electrified roadmap as they transition from oil to electrons.

From supercar concepts like the Rimac Concept 2, to SUV’s that rival the Tesla Model X from Jaguar and Audi, this year’s show demonstrated the automotive world’s commitment to battery-powered vehicles. Even concept cars that will never make their way to an assembly line are now EVs. Hyundai’s Le Fil Rouge, its design blueprint for the future, was an EV.

It’s still early days for the EV as drivers overwhelmingly purchase gas-powered vehicles over electric. But while our collective preference is for internal combustion, the electric vehicle is clearly here to stay and frankly, it’s tough to overlook the offerings coming from automakers.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

Best Accessories for Samsung Gear VR

Make the most of your Samsung Gear VR experience with these accessories.

The Samsung Gear VR is an interesting option for people who want to explore virtual reality. It has a relatively low cost and works with some of the world’s most popular phones.

As your usage increases, you’ll want to invest in some essential accessories to get the most out of your Samsung Gear VR. Here are a few recommendations to get you on your way.

• Gamepad
• Headphones
• Microfiber cloths
• Storage
• Power
• What do you use?

Gamepad

Not every game for the Gear VR requires a gamepad, but most of the best games are made even better by not having to touch the pad on the side of your headset. Enhance your gaming experience on the Gear VR with what we call the best gamepad for this headset.

SteelSeries Stratus XL

As mentioned above, SteelSeries makes a quality controller. So while the SteelSeries Free has been priced out of consideration, the Stratus XL is arguably your best bet — as long as its bigger size isn’t an issue.

The Stratus XL is similar in size and feel to an Xbox One controller with analog sticks laid out similarly to Sony’s DualShock controllers. It’s a great compromise between the two leading console gaming standards and will instantly feel familiar the moment you pick it up. This Bluetooth controller is compatible with Android devices and Windows 10, plus it’ll only set you back $43.50.

See at Amazon

Xbox One controller

The Stratus XL may earn the crown for the best controller to use with the Gear VR, but you could already have a solid controller in your house, meaning you don’t have to purchase another one. The Xbox One controller works with the Gear VR and has a comfortable fit in the hand. It’s important that you make sure to get the Bluetooth enabled version since older Xbox One controllers and the Xbox One Elite controller do not support Bluetooth. If you aren’t an Xbox gamer or just want to grab another one, it’s available for $39.99

See at Amazon

Headphones

A fully-immersive VR experience is only possible with the right pair of headphones. Whether you prefer the over-the-ear variety or in-ear buds, we’ve picked out some prime options that pair well with the Gear VR headset so you can block out reality as you delve into your favorite VR games and apps.

Over-the-ear headphones

Sennheiser HD 598 C

If you are looking for the best audio experience with your Gear VR, this is where you start. This is among the best set of headphones you can get for under $150, and the included cable is short enough you can have them connected to your Gear VR without worrying about getting tangled up.

This isn’t designed to keep the rest of the world out, so there’s no active noise cancellation to be found here, but you’ll get quality audio from headphones comfortable enough to be worn for extended periods of time.

See at Amazon

One more thing: If you’re looking to go wireless or you need noise cancellation in your life, check out MrMobile’s review of the Bose QC 35 headphones!

In-ear headphones

Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbuds

If you’re looking for simple, straightforward in-ear headphones, Panasonic has what you need. They’re pretty basic in-ear headphones, which include a mic and a pause/play button built into the main cord, but they’ll deliver great sound comfortably at a great price. With three different pad sizes available, you should be able to find the right fit for your ears, and they should stay in as you move about wearing your Gear VR.

ErgoFit buds are available in a variety of colors, but they’ve also been lumped in with a few other Panasonic in-ear options — drops360 and drops360 Luxe. If you’re switching around the colors and suddenly see the price jump up, it’s because Amazon is showing you one of those higher-end models instead. And you might be inclined to spend a bit more for the better drivers, which provide better bass and build quality, if that’s important to you.

Otherwise, the ErgoFit earbuds come with a 90-day warranty and should be more than serviceable — especially for under $15.

See at Amazon

Want something nicer? Check out our Samsung Level In headphone review!.

Microfiber cloths

Another thing that might distract from your VR experience with your Samsung Gear VR is dust or smudges on your device or the VR headset lenses. To prevent that problem, it’s a good idea to have some microfiber cloths around to give things a good (but gentle) cleaning.

AmazonBasics offers a 24-pack of microfiber cleaning cloths for around $10 — that’s about $.50 a cloth. Better yet, they’re machine washer safe, so you’ll be able to keep your gear clean for months and months with this small, one-time investment. And of course, you’ll also have microfiber cloths on hand for cleaning all your other devices. Also available in packs of 36, 48, and 144 — which may essentially constitute a lifetime supply.

See on Amazon

Storage

microSD cards

This is a must-have accessory, especially if you’re using a Samsung Galaxy S7 or any newer model — the only current Gear VR-compatible mobile devices with microSD slots. Loading up your favorite movies, tv shows, apps and other media onto the microSD card allows you to use your Gear VR to its full potential without clogging up your phone’s internal storage, or continually cycling through content.

We’ve broken down a list of the best microSD cards to use with your Galaxy S8, but to save you a bit of time, we’ll recommend the $55.97 Samsung EVO Plus 128GB, which is sure to provide you with more than enough storage for hours upon hours of VR entertainment.

See at Amazon

USB-C flash drive

The latest Gear VR models allow you to do a number of things with the USB-C port on the bottom of the headset. One option is to watch local media. You can use a USB-C flash drive to take content from other devices and view it in your Gear VR. This drive from UGREEN works with both USB-C and USB-A making it easier to work across devices of different ages. It’s available in 16GB or 64GB variants for $16.99 and $44.99 respectively.

See at Amazon

Power

The newest Gear VR models also allow you to plug in your headset while using it. This doesn’t charge your phone but instead draws power from an outlet to power the Gear VR which leaves your phone with more of a charge when you’re finished.

You can get a two pack of nylon braided cables for $11. These are each 10ft long which is long enough to leave plugged in while playing in VR, as long as you aren’t playing a game the requires you to walk around. They also support quick charging for when you want to use them to charge your phone directly.

What do you use?

If you own a Samsung Gear VR, we’re curious to know what your must-have accessories are. Anything we’ve omitted on our list? Let us know in the comments!

Updated March 2018: We’ve added some great new accessories for your new Gear VR!

Samsung Gear VR

• Gear VR review
• The Best games for Samsung Gear VR
• Inside Samsung’s Gear VR web browser
• Gear VR vs. Google Cardboard

Amazon

Alexa now controls your FiOS TV set-top box

Verizon’s FiOS TV boxes haven’t lived on the cutting edge of technology, but they’re catching up in an important way: voice control. Big Red has quietly introduced an Alexa skill for its FiOS Video Media Server set-tops, letting you change the channel (by name or number) and steer DVR playback with spoken commands. You’ll need Multi-Room DVR Enhanced or Premium service, but this makes life a little easier if you happen to have an Echo speaker (or any Alexa device) and would rather not find the remote buried between the couch cushions.

This won’t help much if you prefer Google Assistant, and recording is conspicuously absent from the command list. Still, it’s evident that voice guidance is quickly becoming a must-have for modern cable and satellite services — it’s no longer enough to offer a mobile app as a remote substitute.

Via: Zatz Not Funny

Source: Verizon

Vimeo turned popular internet films into an art exhibition

It was hard to leave Westworld at SXSW, but it had to be done. Thankfully, the show here in Austin is full of other tech-themed places to check out. One of them is Vimeo’s “The Decade,” an art exhibition that turns popular internet films into immersive experiences. The company says the space, which is located inside a hostel in downtown ATX, was created to celebrate 10 years of its favorite Staff Picks. There are eight different installations total, with each being inspired by some of Vimeo’s best videos from the past decade. The documentary Jim Carrey: I needed Color, for instance, was brought to life with a showcase of Carrey’s real artwork and his painting boots — all while the film was playing in the same room, naturally.

Meanwhile, Press Play to Cry lets you step into a spot where there’s a loop of sad videos playing. A red button lets you skip between them and, as you watch, you’re surrounded by hundreds of boxes of tissues. Because sad puppies will definitely make you weep. Then there’s the Aspirational piece, based on a short film starring Kirsten Dunst, which is intended to portray people’s obsession with selfies. As you can see above, the plot is you standing in front of a bunch of smartphones as the front-facing camera is on. My favorite one by far, though, was viral hit, Hi Stranger — for no other reason than how creepy it was. I stood there as a naked creature stared into my soul and a live caricaturist surprised me with a drawing of my face.

Vimeo says it doesn’t have any plans to bring this exhibit anywhere else, so if you’re at SXSW, you should probably try to see it before it’s gone on March 11th.

Hi Stranger

Catch up on the latest news from SXSW 2018 right here.

Samsung Galaxy S9 teardown helps explain its camera tricks

Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and S9+ revolve around their camera features, but some of the hardware functionality behind them has been a little mysterious. The picture is a little clearer, however, as iFixit has torn down the S9+ and provided a better look at the phone’s camera tech. To start, the signature variable aperture camera is possible thanks to a simple design — where typical dedicated cameras have five-blade apertures, Samsung is using just two ring-like blades. That limits its functionality, of course (you can only choose from two apertures), but helps the camera stay relatively small.

At the same time, the teardown confirms what isn’t going on: namely, any advanced face detection. The camera and iris scanner system is “pretty much exactly” the same as on the S8, so it’s clear that features like AR Emoji are purely software-based. This isn’t exactly shocking (a quick spin with AR Emoji makes it clear there isn’t iPhone X-like hardware involved), but it’s good to have your hunches validated, isn’t it?

You won’t likely be discovering these things first hand, at any rate. While many of the parts are modular and can be replaced independently of each other, that curved display and rear glass make it very difficult to get inside without breaking something. And don’t even think of replacing the screen. You have to take apart the “entire phone” just to get at that panel, iFixit said. Like it or not, the days of easy access to Samsung phones are long gone.

Source: iFixit