Posts Tagged ‘new-technology’
New augmented reality apps point toward future trends
Augmented reality is a technology that combines the real world with digital information. It gives users the impression that they are interacting with real and physical objects. The technology itself is not exactly new and is being used in a varied of applications from GPS systems to fitness apps.
There are numerous cool augmented reality apps already in the market. However, not all are perfect or match expectations. While many have unshakeable image recognition technologies, getting real time information or even recognising objects and colours is still a challenge.
Future
The future of augmented reality seems to be more inclined towards haptics and tactile feedback (which uses sense of touch).
Earlier, Senseg, which claims mastery over such technology, had demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show, haptic technology that allowed users to feel their apps on the touchscreen by manipulating an electric field. With the technology, users will now be able to feel bumps and ridges, and also figure out which areas are more rough than others. The company believes if users are able to get the feel of anything other than glass, it would be a better experience.
The company demonstrated an Android tablet with a touchscreen, which had different textures on it. Users get used to such a touchscreen quickly and may not want to go back to a regular touchscreen. Senseg has deliberately made the effect subtle so it doesn’t distract the users while making its presence clearly felt. The company is still working on different kind of sensations.
Another app from application developer CrowdOptic may point towards a new trend in augmented reality apps. The new technology of CrowdOptic focuses on crowds, such as in concert or sports events.
When the camera of the smartphone is pointed at a player during a sporting event, it displays real time information about the player and the game. The details and context can also be shared through different social networks. So far, getting information on moving objects through augmented reality apps was not possible.
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Rebtel Updates iPhone App to Switch Between Network and Voice Calls; Reduces Call Cut Off
VoIP services provider Rebtel has designed a new version of its iPhone app which allows users to switch from network calls to voice calls. Network calls being cut off due to poor connectivity is a common problem with VoIP apps.
The Rebtel 2.0 app, currently only available for the iPhone, features a KeepTalking button that allows people to continue talking by quickly switching to a voice call.
The company states it typically takes 2 seconds for calls to switch between data and voice and that once the users switch to voice, the usual carrier charges apply, based on their plan.
“Our app makes smart decisions based on price and data connection quality. The app allows you to call any phone or PC anywhere over WiFi/3G or the cellular network using local minutes, and allows users to seamlessly switch between the two if data coverage deteriorates. It’s the best of both worlds and will ensure huge user savings of up to 40% compared to services like Skype,” said CEO of Rebtel, Andreas Bernstrom.
This new technology should be a welcome relief to those who make a lot of business calls using VoIP.
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Microsoft to Develop a Universal Gaming Portal for Smartphones, Tablets, Consoles and TV
Windows maker Microsoft Corp. is considering developing a brand new “universal gaming portal,” which will allow gamers to start and finish any Xbox 360 games on any device – be it on a smartphone, console, TV or tablet.
The company is expected to introduce the new offering sometime next year. The new technology, if truly implemented, will be the eventual outcome of the exponential growth that the tablet and smartphone devices have undergone so far.
According to reports, the Redmond based technology giant was working on the new interconnected single ecosystem from a while. However, that effort was primarily concentrated at unifying all its platforms including Windows.
But this new report highlights how the company is working on bringing the Xbox 360 to its other platforms as well.
“This won’t be the first try for Microsoft, either. It dipped its toes into cross-platform gaming when it connected simplified Xbox Live games with its Windows Phone 7 smartphones,” from a Dvice report.
“The integration is limited, but it’s no doubt a sector in which Microsoft wants to win,” the report stated.
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Microsoft Showcases Car Stalking System at Build 2011 Conference
Windows maker Microsoft Corporation has demonstrated a new technology in the company’s BUILD, 2011 developers’ conference that allows users to stalk some one’s car even when it is on the road.
The new technology, which involves the company’s Windows Phone 7.5 and the Azure cloud platform, was demonstrated by Jeff Sandquist, senior director of developer relations for Microsoft.
Apparently, Mr. Sandquist admitted of using the technology for stalking his daughter remotely while she hits the road in her VW Beetle.
Sandquist also revealed that he was using a Windows smartphone app to exploit the Viper SmartStart GPS system in his daughter’s car to monitor its speed, engine revs, battery as well as the location. The app can also lock and shut down the engine of the car if it is stolen.
“I love it when we can use technology to micromanage our families,” he said during a demo of the application at the BUILD conference in Anaheim, California, according to The Register.
It is worth noting that it’s been a while since Viper SmartStart started offering similar application for the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android devices.
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