Hot Gadget Hacks Posts
News: Microsoft's Azure Kinect Standalone Depth Sensor Powers Major Augmented Reality Improvements for $399
As the opening act to the grand unveiling of the long-awaited HoloLens 2 at Mobile World Congress Barcelona on Sunday, Microsoft showed off the standalone Azure Kinect time of flight sensor, which also happens to supply the improved human and environmental understanding capabilities of the next-generation augmented reality headset.
News: Vuzix Reveals First Smartglasses Running on Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR1 with the M400
Smartglasses maker Vuzix has emerged with the first hardware powered by the Snapdragon XR1 chip, roughly nine months after Qualcomm introduced the chipset designed to drive augmented reality wearables at the Augmented World Expo in Santa Clara.
News: Microsoft's HoloLens 2 Is an Enterprise Workhorse, but It's Sexy, Too, Here's a Close-Up Look
It's confession time. Through a couple of sources, I managed to get an early look at the HoloLens 2. But I was sworn to secrecy, and I take my tech oaths seriously (shame on you, leakers).
News: How to Pre-Order the HoloLens 2
The debut of Microsoft's HoloLens 2 went off without a hitch, and now it's time to figure out if you want to hop aboard the updated augmented reality train.
News: Microsoft Unveils the HoloLens 2
After years of waiting, Microsoft has finally updated its industry-leading augmented reality device, the HoloLens.
Market Reality: Samsung & Microsoft Dip into the Mobile AR Galaxy, with (Respectively) New Hardware & AR Apps
The augmented reality industry had enough twists this week to surprise even M. Night Shyamalan.
How To: Keep Facebook from Tracking Your Location When You're Not Using the App
When you think of companies that represent pillars like "privacy" or "security," Facebook is pretty far from the top of that list. However, the social media empire is making strides — small strides — to win trust with how it handles your user data. One of those efforts involves a way to prevent Facebook from tracking your iPhone or Android phone's location when you're not using the app.
How To: Follow Businesses on Google Maps to Stay Updated on Events & News for Your Favorite Spots
When you need to know how to get somewhere, Google Maps is the app to beat, but the king of navigation doesn't want to stop there. Google aims to make its navigation app for more than just directions, as made clear by its recent feature that lets you follow businesses in the app. Combining timely news and events posted by local businesses with real-time transit seems like the perfect match.
News: Here's How Much Money Samsung Will Give You for Trading in Your Current Phone for an S10
Great news if you're looking to upgrade to either the S10e, S10, or S10+. Samsung has a trade-in program that's offering potentially massive discounts of up to $550 if you preorder one of their flagships right now — but only for certain phones.
News: Google Leads Another $28 Million Funding Round into Neuron-Reading Technology at CTRL-Labs
It may sound like deja vu, but neural interface startup CTRL-labs has closed a $28 million funding round led by GV, Google's funding arm, for technology that reads user's nerve signals to interpret hand gestures.
News: North Cuts Employees After Slicing Price of Focals Smartglasses
A week after reducing the base price of its Focals smartglasses by nearly 50 percent, wearables maker North is now reducing its workforce.
News: What Is Augmented Reality?
Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that augmented reality (or, AR for short) will "change everything." But what, exactly, is augmented reality?
News: Microsoft Expands Its Augmented Reality App Portfolio from HoloLens to Android & iOS
Although all signs points to Microsoft releasing a new HoloLens in the coming days, the company is nevertheless looking to distribute its augmented reality apps to other operating systems.
News: The Galaxy S10 Is IP68 Water-Resistant — Here's What That Really Means
When it comes to resistance to the elements, Samsung seems to believe in the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." They've carried over the IP68 rating under IEC 60529 that was first found on the S8 all the way to their tenth-anniversary flagship, the Galaxy S10. While this certainly sounds great on paper, it's natural to want to dig a little deeper and find out what the rating means.
News: Samsung Jumps to Head of Mobile AR Class with Galaxy S10 5G & 3D Depth Sensor, Shows Off AR Concept Video
While augmented reality made more of a cameo appearance during Samsung's official grand unveiling of the Galaxy S10 line-up on Wednesday, it's the company's move into 5G connectivity that has huge implications for AR.
News: Meet Samsung's Crazy, Innovative & Flawed Galaxy Fold
After years of rumors and waiting, Samsung's first foldable smartphone is finally a reality. The phone itself is a bit wild, but with Samsung going so far out of their comfort zone with this one, there were some bumps in the road that caused a delayed release. The launch has been pushed back yet again, but when it does hit stores, it could end up being one of the most influential devices in years.
News: Samsung Galaxy S10 Review, 3 Months Later: All the Little Things to Know
The Galaxy S10 has finally been revealed to the masses, and it certainly doesn't disappoint. As the flagship to herald the tenth anniversary of the venerable Galaxy S line, the S10 has kept popular and familiar design elements like the immersive Infinity Display while employing new features like more advanced cameras to set a new standard for other OEMs to follow.
News: Social VR App vTime Opens a Window to Augmented Reality Users with iOS & Android App
Most of today's mobile augmented reality apps focus on individual experiences, but a new entrant into the space wants to make things a bit more social.
How To: Back Up Your iPhone Photos & Videos with Google Photos for Free
Since iCloud's introduction in 2011, you get only 5 GB of complimentary cloud storage with your Apple account. With iPhone backups, app data, iCloud Drive files, and even emails (if you have a Mac, Me, or iCloud email address), you'll quickly run out of space to back up photos and videos. Fortunately, Google offers 15 GB of free storage, making it easy to upload your Camera Roll for safekeeping.
News: Magic Leap Jumps into the Star Wars Universe with Release of Project Porg App
After some social media teasing, the Star Wars universe's Magic Leap debut has finally arrived. On Tuesday, Magic Leap announced the release of Star Wars: Project Prog, which is available for free via Magic Leap World.
News: Apple Just Released iOS 12.2 Public Beta 3 for iPhone, Fixes Group FaceTime & Lock Screen Issue
While developers received iOS 12.2 beta 3 on Feb. 19, public beta testers had to wait one extra day, following suit with previous iOS 12.2 beta releases. The third beta update includes fixes for Group FaceTime and the missing date on the lock screen, as well as a few tiny app updates.
News: Apple Just Released iOS 12.2 Developer Beta 3 for iPhone, Fixes Lock Screen Issue & Restores Group FaceTime
Apple just released the third iOS 12.2 developer beta Tuesday, Feb. 19, fifteen days after the release of iOS 12.2 developer beta 2. Beta 3 fixes an issue with the lock screen, and reintroduces Group FaceTime to beta testers. Overall, iOS 12.2 hosts a wealth of new features as well as bug and security patches.
News: How to Watch the Microsoft Mobile World Congress Event Rumored to Reveal HoloLens 2
We already know that Microsoft has something big planned for later this month, and now we have details on how to watch the company's big reveal.
News: Magic Leap & Three UK Power 5G Augmented Reality Fashion Show at London Fashion Week
While AT&T is gradually showing off the powers of its 5G technology in the US via the Magic Leap One, another major wireless company is doing the same in the UK using the world of fashion.
News: USA Today App Treats Fans with Oscars-Inspired AR Costume Showcase Featuring Black Panther, Mary Poppins, & More
The Oscars are fast approaching, which means that all the most talked about films are getting a second dose of heavy promotion in hopes of winning an Academy Award.
News: Lego Partner Kabooki Builds Virtual Pop-Up Shop with Snapchat's Shoppable AR
Now that Lego Movie 2, a film about an imaginary world made of plastic bricks existing parallel to the real world, is in theaters, it's the perfect time to shop for Lego apparel at a store modeled after that world.
Market Reality: Microsoft's Next HoloLens Close to Arriving, Apple Prepares for Big AR Marketing Push
The hype around augmented reality has risen to a fever pitch over the past two years, and if this week's selection of business news stories are any indication, the din is about to get down right deafening.
News: Google Releases ARCore 1.7 Update, Adds Face Filters & Expands Animation Support
Snapchat made augmented reality selfie effects famous, with Facebook copying the feature across its mobile apps. Of course, others have followed, but their face tracking apps often pale in comparison to the original.
How To: Use Gboard's Haptic Feedback on Your iPhone to Feel Everything You Type
For years, iPhones have had haptic feedback, but Apple didn't incorporate it into the stock iOS keyboard until iOS 16. To use keyboard haptics in iOS 15 and older — or as an alternative to the default keyboard's in iOS 16 — you can take advantage of third-party keyboards like Gboard.
News: Snapchat Lays Up Lens Studio Experience for Nike's Jordan Brand at NBA All-Star Weekend
Nike and Snapchat, having already reigned triumphant with its viral augmented reality ad featuring Lebron James, are teaming up with another basketball legend at NBA All-Star Weekend
News: Warner Bros. & Niantic Release Third Harry Potter Wizards Unite Trailer
Next to Game of Thrones, Harry Potter is one of the most beloved franchises in entertainment today, and now we have another peek at its dive into augmented reality.
News: Lego's Newest Playsets Transform Normal Toys into Augmented Reality Experiences Across Platforms
Beloved toy maker Lego is returning to the realm of augmented reality, this time with an experience that explores supernatural fun.
How To: Generate Viral Memes Like a Pro with These Apps for Your iPhone
If you use the internet regularly, it's nearly impossible to avoid memes. They are the epitome of internet culture, demonstrating how jokes can spread and change like wildfire. While there are many different types, the most common ones you'll come across are images and GIFs with humorous text accompanying them, and we've found the best iOS apps to help you create your own.
News: Google Joins Snapchat & Facebook by Adding Augmented Reality Video Effects to Duo App for Valentine's Day
Snapchat and Snap Camera aren't the only augmented reality apps available for couples to use on Valentine's Day.
News: Medical Software Maker Medivis Closes $2.3 Million in Funding to Bring HoloLens to Surgical Platform
The HoloLens has made enough of an impact on the healthcare industry for Microsoft technology partner Medivis to convince investors to pledge $2.3 million in funding for its surgical platform.
News: North Cuts Price of Focals Smartglasses, Launches Prescription Lenses, & Adds Pop-Up Stores to Seattle & San Francisco
With the first pop-up showroom for North's Focals smartglasses opening its doors next week, customers are now able to purchase the smartglasses at a drastically lower price tag.
News: Microsoft's New Light Capture Tool Adds More Realistic Lighting to HoloLens & Mobile AR Apps
We're still weeks away from a probably HoloLens 2 release, but Microsoft's immersive computing team is still hard at work on other aspects of its "mixed reality" ecosystem.
News: Startup Asteroid Aims to Reinvent the Human-Computer Interface with Augmented Reality Software & Hardware Kit
Every step in the evolution of computing brings an in-kind leap forward in user input technology. The personal computer had the mouse, touchscreens made smartphones mainstream consumer devices, and AR headsets like the HoloLens and the Magic Leap One have leveraged gesture recognition.
News: New Pokémon GO Augmented Reality Photo Feature Lets You Strike a Pose with Pikachu
The actual augmented reality portion of Pokémon GO is about to get even more fun for players. On Tuesday, the company revealed GO Snapshot, an extension of AR+ Mode facilitated by ARKit and ARCore that will enable players to pose Pokémon characters in augmented reality for photo capture.
News: All the Latest Leaks & Rumors on the LG G8 ThinQ
Update: The LG G8 ThinQ has been announced. You can read all of the official specs at our full article on the new phone.