Bose Introduces Audio Augmented Reality Platform and glasses to hear

Unveils the Future of Mobile Sound in Eyewear Prototype This week at SXSW, Bose introduced Bose AR, the world's first audio augmented reality platform, and glasses to hear— a Bose AR prototype that launches the future of mobile sound.  Bose also announces its SDK schedule date for developers, manufacturers, and research institutions, along with collaborations currently under way, and venture funding for related start-ups. Unlike other augmented reality products and platforms, Bose AR doesn't change what you see, but knows what you're looking at— without an integrated lens or phone camera.  And rather than superimposing visual objects on the real world, Bose AR adds an audible layer of information and experiences, making every day better, easier, more meaningful, and more productive. Bose AR debuts a minuscule, wafer-thin acoustics package developed specifically for the platform, representing the future of mobile micro-sound with jaw-dropping power and clarity.  It can be seamlessly built into headphones, eyewear, helmets and more, with no compromise to their existing functionality.  And it allows simple head gestures, voice, or a tap on the wearable to control content— replacing the need to swipe, type, or tap a touchscreen for the same commands. "Bose AR represents a new kind of augmented reality— one that's made for anyone and every day," said John Gordon, vice president of the Consumer Electronics Division at Bose.  "It places audio in your surroundings, not digital images, so you can focus on the amazing world around you— rather than a tiny display.  It knows which way you're facing, and can instantly connect that place and time with endless possibilities for travel, learning, music and more. And it can be added to products and apps we already use and love, removing some of the big obstacles that have kept AR on the sidelines." BOSE PROTOTYPE GLASSES— AUGMENTING WHAT YOU HEAR, NOT WHAT YOU SEE The first Bose AR wearable— a prototype pair of glasses— was engineered and manufactured by Bose.  They're Bluetooth compatible with microphones for calls, Siri or Google Assistant.  And they debut a new proprietary technology that keeps audio private.  With an ultra-slim, ultra-light, ultra-miniaturized acoustic package embedded discreetly in each arm, they can fit, function and look like standard eyewear, but sound and function more like Bose headphones— delivering amazing, lifelike performance that no one can hear but you. THE BOSE AR PLATFORM The Bose AR platform is purposely straightforward, focused on improving daily life instead of extremes.  In addition to delivering stunning audio quality for listening to music, talking on the phone, or using VPAs, a Bose AR wearable uses sensors to track head motion, and the GPS from an iOS or Android device to track location.  The sensors send the motion and location data to a Bose AR-enabled app that aggregates the information, sending relevant, real-time content back to the user's ears instantly.  It's all done hands-free, heads-up, and wirelessly, so there's no need to grab, read or touch the phone. And it can be used for multiple applications. FOR TRAVEL Bose AR can make every trip easier and more meaningful, transforming sightseeing into sighthearing.  Like simulating historic events at landmarks as you view them— so voices and horses are heard charging in from your left, then passing right in front of you before riding off in the direction of their original route, fading as they go.  Or letting you listen to a renowned speech "pinned" precisely to the famous person in a monument's statue.  Or telling you which way to turn towards your departure gate while checking in at the airport.  FOR LEARNING Bose AR can make the world a classroom.  Like translating the sign you're reading.  Or telling you the word or phrase for what you're looking at in any language.  Or explaining the story behind the painting you've just approached. FOR MUSICBose AR can put playlists right in front of you, so you can control them with gestures as easily as voice or touch.  With your wearable on, you can choose or change your music with simple head nods indicating yes, no, or next. FOR EVERY DAY Bose AR doesn't interfere with a wearable's primary purpose— it adds useful information based on where you look.  Like the forecast when you look up, or the restaurants on the street you look down.  COLLABORATIONS The Bose AR platform is open to approved developers and manufacturers.  Collaborations underway include ASICS Studio, Strava, TripAdvisor, TuneIn, and Yelp. Bose is also collaborating with academic research institutions, including the MIT Media Lab to advance human interaction related to augmented audio reality, and the NYU Future Reality Lab. Additional agreements have non-disclosure terms and will be announced in the future. VENTURE FUNDING AVAILABLE Bose will invest up to $50 million in start-ups focused on apps, services, or technologies for the Bose AR platform.  SDK AND AVAILABILITY The Bose AR SDK, and limited quantities of a refined and updated version of the Bose AR glasses, will be available this summer.  Sign-up information and details can be found at Developer.Bose.com/Bose-AR.

                                                           

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Microsoft announces first renewable energy deal in India, will help power Microsoft’s Bangalore office with solar energy

Microsoft Corp. has announced the completion of its first renewable energy deal within the Karnataka state of India. The agreement will see Microsoft purchase 3 megawatts of solar-powered electricity from Atria Power to help power its new office building in Bangalore. This will meet 80 percent of the projected electricity needs at the new facility. This deal is part of a state government of Karnataka program to encourage investments in local solar energy operations, in line with the larger Indian government goal to ramp up solar power generation to 100 gigawatts by 2022, as part of India’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

“Investing in local solar energy to help power our new Bangalore office building is good for Microsoft, good for India and good for the environment,” said Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India. “We are proud to be deepening our long history of partnership and investment in India with this agreement. This deal will help us grow sustainably and supports the growth of the Indian solar energy industry, so that the entire country can more easily and reliably access clean electricity.”  

“Microsoft, like India, has ambitious commitments to use more renewable energy,” said Rob Bernard, Chief Environmental Strategist, Microsoft. “By purchasing local solar power to meet some of our local electricity needs, we’re not only meeting our goals but also supporting the growth of local clean energy industries. This growth leads to more clean electricity capacity, which will help India meet its targets for the Paris Agreement, reduce carbon emissions and provide clean electricity to its growing population. We’re proud to play a small role in this Indian energy transformation.”

This is Microsoft’s first solar energy agreement in India, and one of the first in Asia — the company completed a new solar agreement in Singapore last week. Once completed, this project will bring Microsoft’s total global direct procurement in renewable energy projects to nearly 900 megawatts. The deals in Asia follow windprojects in Europe and a substantial portfolio in the United States, and mark continued momentum toward the corporate clean energy commitments set by the company in 2016. Microsoft’s goal is to rely on wind, solar and hydropower electricity for at least 50 percent of its energy usage worldwide by the end of 2018

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No more holding Selfie Sticks when you have Selfie Stick-It™ from inventors of The Selfie Stick™

Fromm Works, the father and daughter duo responsible for the invention of the selfie stick, is pleased to debut their latest product to the world. For those who have ever wished they could take a hands-free photo with their smartphone, their dreams have now come true. After appearing twice on "Dragon's Den" and finding success with their first product, inventors Sage and Wayne Fromm are back with Selfie Stick-It™, a device that magically converts any surface into a reusable instant photo booth.

Selfie Stick-it

As the inventors of the selfie stick, no one knows better than us the importance of a great selfie. However, we also realize that sometimes a selfie just won't cut it," said Adam Taub of Norlandam Marketing Inc. "As smartphones have become society's primary way of taking and storing pictures, things can get a bit tricky when someone wants to take a family photo or a solo shot that requires them to put the camera down or find someone else to take the picture. Understanding that smartphones aren't exactly conducive to these types of scenarios, we've come up with a remarkable solution to the problem, finally allowing anyone to take great hands-free photos without having to ask anyone to do it for them."

Apart from being a selfie stick-it , the product also works well for different use cases, like a phone stand to watch videos, follow recipe or makeup guide side by side by sticking phone on a surface etc. Below video explains such use cases for those interested.

Selfie Stick-It™ is the world's first hands-free smartphone mount with Bluetooth remote that can stick anywhere. A universal model that anyone can use, the remote works with both iOS and Android platforms. Selfie Stick-It™ fits any smartphone even when in a case, can be used in both portrait and landscape mode, is fully reusable (washable gel can be used over and over again), and works on almost any sealed or painted surface, including wood, glass, marble, and more. Weighing in at less than one ounce, the product has a strong yet temporary hold that won't leave any damage on the attached surface when mounted properly. Selfie Stick-It™ retails for $24.99 and is currently available at selfiestickit.ca as well as on Amazon.ca.

Selfie Stick-It™ is the world's first hands-free smartphone mount with Bluetooth remote that can stick anywhere. Company Founder Wayne Fromm has invented over 50 commercially successful products with companies including Disney®, Crayola® and Nestle® and holds dozens of patents..

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Doctor Insta App Review: Gets doctor teleported to you instantly

I got my first Android phone in 2010, back then Nokia was still the boss and 3.2 MP camera was something to boast on a phone's rear. My first Android was a Samsung Galaxy Ace which not only had a 5 MP rear camera but also a VGA camera on the front. I was more than happy with the phone but couldn't actually found a use case for the front camera. Fast forward to today the technology has changed a lot, the devices are more smarter, than ever. The tech we see on phones today has a lot new use cases to be applied on in day to day life, no I am not talking about taking tons of selfies and uploading them to social media, but more meaningful things which are supposed to be done to make use of these technological advances.

I was recently introduced to an app called Doctor Insta, which fits the vision of being more meaningful and helpful towards the society using the some of the tech stack we discussed above. As the name suggests Doctor Insta is your go to app to get a doctor instantly. I had this conversations with one of the team members that I have to be sick to review it because there is no other way to find out how would it go in real time and I was heard by higher authorities I guess. I got my chance to actually use the app before writing a word about it.

User Experience:

The look and feel of UI is pretty smooth, it has all the details without being too fancy. When you fire the app you can select from one of the below options.

In one tap you have the doctor's appointment ready, I tried the app in night at 9:50 PM , I was given option for 10:00 , 10:15 and 10:30 PM appointment. 

Once selected your appointment time you will be prompted for payment which is 400 Rs + 40 Rs internet handling charges. 

The app has a list of symptoms preloaded for each category which you can select prior to your appointment so that doctor can also understand the issue easily and faster. 

At the said time, you have the option to call, video call or text the doctor. I used a phone call and it went well.

Within minutes I had the prescription with me in my visit history. 

Verdict:

I liked how easy it is to get in touch with a doctor from wherever you are, I mean in your hometown or with your family doctor (if you have one) it can be in reach, but at times when you need someone right away to consult Doctor Insta is the best alternative. The pricing is also as good for now, when compared to the OPD fees of most of the doctors.

My suggestion - Its a must have in your phone. :)

Download:

Google Play

AppStore

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OPPO Launches New F5 Sidharth Limited Edition in Blue color

OPPO, The Selfie Expert and leader, unveiled a dashing blue edition of OPPO F5 in collaboration with its brand ambassador - Sidharth Malhotra: OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition. This striking new color edition continues the success of the F5 series, OPPO's first full-screen model featuring groundbreaking A.I. Beauty Recognition Technology designed to personalize beautification. Priced at INR 19,990 and just in time for Valentine's Day, the OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition will go on sale online on Feb. 8^th on Amazon. The offline sales start from 9th and will be available across all offline stores.

OPPO also revealed a brand new micro film (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcE66e0VlPI&t=9s) starring Sidharth Malhotra and directed by critically-acclaimed film director - Mohit Suri, who has many commercial successes like Kalyug, Awarapan, Raaz - The Mystery Continues, Ek Villainin his kitty. The micro film captures a special story of a young girl and how she achieves her dream. The new OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition is a very integral part of her journey.

Commenting on this new launch, Will Yang, Brand Director, OPPO India, said, "It brings us immense pleasure to offer our consumers another special that will enable them to capture special moments spent with loved ones. OPPO as a brand is focused on the youth and always innovates its marketing and product strategies to offer unique experiences. The OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition, a blend of innovation and technology, is an effort in that direction. We are extremely happy to collaborate with Sidharth Malhotra and bring the youth something unique, stylish and fun."

A Classic and Bold Color 

As a brand for young people around the world, OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition symbolizes OPPO's passion for fashion, beauty, and romance. Perfectly capturing the light with an eye-catching effect on the rear of the body, this special edition is finished with a glossy blue effect, above which streaks of light appear gleaming and flashing when held to the light. With a classic and bold color, OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition stands out in the crowd or indeed can blend in with your fashion style.

A.I. Beauty Recognition Technology 

As with OPPO's other F5 series models, OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition features A.I. Beauty Recognition Technology for personalized beauty. The A.I. gathers information and learns the specific facial features of different people from its centralized image database. Several professional photographers and make-up artists were consulted during the R&D process to improve the functioning of this technology. The resulting A.I. beauty recognition helps people capture more beautiful pictures.

Higher Resolution, Better Results 

OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition features a 20MP front camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a 16MP rear camera with F1.8 aperture. Compared with other competitors' 13MP or 16MP camera in the same price range, the device has a higher resolution (2160x1080) and better photo quality. The front camera can deliver Bokeh effect, and the front HDR solves any over-exposure issues.

Full-Screen and Graceful Design 

OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition features a 6.0-inch full-screen FHD+ display, giving the user a vivid visual enjoyment without the need to increase the size of the phone. It offers a high-resolution screen with 18:9 aspect ratio while the sleek unibody offers a visually slim appearance without any cut-offs. The gracefully curved body fits well in the palm, expressing a simple and elegant look. Also featured is Facial Unlock, the new face recognition Technology that will recognize its user and unlock the phone in an instant. 

Color OS - Smoothest To-Date 

OPPO's Color OS 3.2, together with 4G RAM + 32GB ROM memory gives the operating system much smoother user experience; The O-share file sharing Technology is 100 times faster than Bluetooth - 8 to 10 pictures (3MB each) can be transferred between OPPO phones within seconds.

Less Heat and More Powerful 

The flagship Octa-core CPU processor uses less energy, produces less heat while giving a higher performance speed (40% increased performance compared to the previous Color OS versions). With such powerful processing power, the transition between apps is smooth and gives an unprecedented mobile gaming experience. Split Screen allows two applications (e.g. Whatsapp and YouTube) can run on one screen at the same time.

Enjoy Life's Moments for Longer 

The OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition battery life is longer thanks to the 3200Ah battery and the Continuous Optimizing Technology which manages the apps running on the device, allowing the user up to 12 hours of continuous use (simulated test). The Do Not Disturb function for gaming will display an incoming call in the form of a banner. Users' gameplay will not be interrupted while ensuring that they don't miss any important calls.

Pricing and Availability 

Perfect for that Valentine's Day gift, the OPPO F5 Sidharth Limited Edition will go on sale online on Feb. 8^th on Amazon. The Off-line sales start from 9th and will be available across all offline stores.

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