Hot Gadget Hacks News Stories

News: Young Readers Can Now Enter the World of Dr. Seuss via New AR App Created with Unity's Project MARS

Alongside Sesame Street, the Dr. Seuss universe has been a constant presence in the formative years of several generations of children in the US.

News: Startup 1RIC Serves Up AR Volumetric Videos of Vic Mensa, Poppy, & More via Jadu iPhone App

While holographic Whitney Houston is hitting the road, a new mobile app is bringing volumetric captures of up and coming performers directly to the iPhones and iPads of fans.

News: Here's Your First Look at the US Army's Combat-Ready HoloLens 2 in Action

Though Microsoft has had trouble keeping up with the demand for HoloLens 2, the company has been able to supply modified headsets to the US Army.

News: Apple Releases Fourth iOS 13.4 Public Beta for iPhone Today

With today's release of iOS 13.4 developer beta 4, it seems Apple is closer than ever to releasing the official build for its upcoming iOS update. If you've been following the beta closely, you know that means new Memoji stickers, CarKey API support, and Mail toolbar updates, in addition to general bug fixes. Public testers can now take that extra step, as Apple just released 13.4 public beta 4 today.

News: Talespin Raises $15 Million from HTC & Cornerstone to Build AR & VR Training Solutions

While the rest of the world is scrambling to figure out how to adopt augmented reality and VR tools for remote meetings, one company is building its war chest to serve the growing space of corporate clients who need this kind of immersive computing training.

News: Apple Releases iOS 13.4 Developer Beta 4 for iPhone

March is looking to be an eventful month for Apple. Even with coronavirus throwing the tech industry into uncertainty, we still expect Apple to release the iPhone SE 2, the long-awaited follow up to the iPhone SE. Is it possible we'll also see iOS 13.4 fully released this month? We wouldn't be surprised if we do, seeing as Apple just released its fourth developer beta.

News: Apple Files Patent Application for Automatic AR Lens Adjustment via Proximity Sensors

One of the worst-kept secrets in the tech world is Apple's plans for consumer-grade AR smartglasses, still unconfirmed publicly and only recently corroborated through a leaked account of an internal employee meeting.

News: If You Have Philips Hue Bulbs, This $25 Accessory Is a MUST

I got my first Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulbs because they're the consensus best of the best for colored lighting. But after spending 90 bucks on two light bulbs, when it came to all the accessories like switches and buttons, I went with cheaper third party options. Little did I know, I was overlooking a great first-party accessory with a surprisingly reasonable price.

Market Reality: Facebook Cancels F8, Magic Leap Invites Developers to Headquarters, & Snapchat Promotes New UK Currency

Amid the coronavirus chaos, two companies at the forefront of augmented reality technology took starkly different approaches to their upcoming developers conferences, as Facebook has canceled its annual F8 conference and Magic Leap plans to invite a limited number of attendees to its Florida headquarters for LEAP Developer Days.

News: Apple & Tim Cook Back Civil Rights Augmented Reality Experience & Tech Education in Alabama

As a native of Alabama, Apple CEO Tim Cook has a special place in his heart for the state. He also empathizes with the struggles that African-Americans have historically faced in the state, particularly during the 1950s and '60s civil rights era.

News: Google Grants Augmented Reality Access to Historic Art of Chauvet Cave via Arts & Culture App & Google Search

Some of the oldest art on Earth was created 36,000 years ago on the walls of the Chauvet Cave in France. However, these days, physical access to the cave is restricted in order to preserve the site.

News: Facebook Cancels Annual F8 Developer Conference Due to Coronavirus Concerns

Facebook has announced the cancelation of its annual F8 developer conference, citing concerns around the developing coronavirus health crisis.

News: Burberry Teams with Google Search to Let You Browse High Fashion in Augmented Reality

Just days ago, Georgio Armani canceled his live show in Milan and opted to stream it instead due to coronavirus concerns. Now, at the start of Paris Fashion Week — shadowed by similar worries — Burberry has launched an augmented reality tool that lets you view the latest high fashion from the comfort of your home.

News: Apple Releases iOS 13.4 Public Beta 3 for iPhone, Hints at Future 'OS Recovery' Mode

In a welcomed Wednesday twist, iOS 13.4 public beta 3 follows the release of developer beta 3 by just three hours. While that isn't super uncommon for most beta cycles, it is for this one. Apple waited 24 hours between dev beta 2 and public beta 2, and five full days between dev beta 1 and public beta 1. It's nice to see these betas coming out on the same day again.

News: Apple Releases iOS 13.4 Developer Beta 3 for iPhone, Introduces First Evidence of Internet-Based 'OS Recovery' Mode

So far, iOS 13.4 hasn't been a disappointment. From new Memoji stickers, a refreshed Mail toolbar, and even the beginnings of controlling your car with your iPhone, Apple's latest iOS update is looking like a good one. That's why we're excited that Apple just released the third 13.4 developer beta today, one week after the release of the second one.

Hands-On: Whiteboard App For Magic Leap Lets You Share Your Strategic Genius In Augmented Reality

The business world is currently figuring out how to deal with the coronavirus crisis, with many offices opting to work remotely for at least the next few weeks as a safety precaution. Predictably, this has thrown remote meeting software back into the spotlight, especially augmented reality solutions.

News: Qualcomm Unveils Reference Design for AR Wearables Running on Snapdragon XR2

Following its dominance as a provider of silicon for smartphones, Qualcomm is eager to replicate that ubiquity with not only processors for augmented reality headsets but also reference designs to give device makers a head start.

News: Magic Leap Hosting LEAP Developer Days at Magic Leap HQ in May

Despite the cancellation of Mobile World Congress and several high-profile companies pulling out of the upcoming Game Developers Conference, Magic Leap is pushing forward with hosting its own developer conference.

Market Reality: HTC Vive Concept Smartglasses, Coronavirus Hits Apple, Holographic Celebs, & Snapchat Ground Effects

The coronavirus continues to disrupt the tech industry, including the augmented reality segment, with Apple and the iPhone the latest to feel the impact.

News: Bank of England Teams with Snapchat to Embed AR Animation in New 20-Pound Banknotes

The UK has officially exited the European Union, completing the long and tumultuous Brexit story and putting the storied nation once again on its own on the international stage.

News: Print Custom Labels Right from Your Smartphone or Computer & Organize All the Things

Life is too chaotic to be organized all the time, but little steps in the right direction make things easier overall. File folders keep paperwork from spiraling out of control. Spice jars take the clutter out of cabinets. Storage totes keep basements neat and tidy. But to find what you're looking for faster, you need a label maker.

News: Snapchat Evolves the Foundation of Its AR Capabilities with Ground Transformation Lenses

The sky is the limit when it comes to augmented reality, but Snapchat's latest innovation is keeping its AR platform grounded.

News: Wilder vs. Fury Boxing Rematch Will Feature an AR Experience & Sponsorship via a UFC Legend

As augmented reality continues its collision course with mainstream adoption, the technology will now have a role in one of the most anticipated boxing matches of the year.

News: Apple Releases iOS 13.4 Public Beta 2 for iPhone with New TV Settings & Mail Shortcuts

When it comes to iOS beta updates, developers get their updates first, and once they do, public testers play the waiting game. Sometimes Apple releases the public version three hours later. Other times it waits 24 hours. It's a roll of the dice almost every time. As for iOS 13.4 public beta 2, it's the latter case, coming exactly one after developer beta 2.

News: HTC Vive Project Proton Concept Devices Offer Potential Future High-End & Mobile AR Wearable Options

Part of the fallout from the canceled Mobile World Congress is that a range of products, ideas, and designs slated for reveal in Barcelona are now being showcased without the framing and context of the massive tech gathering.

News: How Whitney Houston's New Hologram Tour Is Proof That Virtual Beings & Volumetric Performances Are Going Mainstream

We've been so worried about volumetric scans possibly robbing celebrities and performers of their agency and right to control their image that, somewhere along the way, we forgot that scans may not always be necessary to produce passable holographic performances.

News: Apple Releases iOS 13.4 Developer Beta 2 for iPhone, Has New TV Options & Updated Mail Toolbar

Last week, Apple released the first iOS 13.4 beta with fun and useful new features, such as new Memoji, an upgrade Mail toolbar, and the ability to control your NFC-compatible car via CarKey. To add to that, Apple just released iOS 13.4 developer beta 2, but does the update have any more new changes to be excited about?

News: Apple Reveals Upcoming iPhone Shortage in Wake of Coronavirus Issues

If you thought the news coming from China about the coronavirus might not affect your daily life in Europe and in the Americas, think again.

News: Sea Shepherd's Web-Based Augmented Reality Experience Spotlights the Damage Done by the Fishing Industry

Augmented reality's status as a new storytelling medium has already led to the reinvention of filmmaking and journalism.

News: Best Winter Flu Kit Essentials — All You Need to Feel Better, Faster

Congratulations, you've made it deep into the middle of flu season! If you're reading this, you're either a very smart preemptive sick day prepper, or already in the throes of fighting off a cold or flu situation.

Market Reality: Nreal Light Goes Hollywood, Coronavirus Disrupts AR Industry, & Apple Takes on Snapchat

Smartglasses startup Nreal enjoyed some highs and endured some lows this week, as the company landed a product placement with Kevin Bacon but then faced production issues related to the coronavirus outbreak.

News: Galaxy S20 Ultra Starter Pack — First 4 Accessories to Buy When You Preorder

Starting February 21, you can preorder your Galaxy S20, S20+, or S20 Ultra. Samsung includes everything you need to get started in the box, but probably not everything you'll want. Let's go ahead and bridge that gap.

News: Google Prepares to Ship Web-Based AR Support in Chrome 81

Web-based mobile augmented reality technology continues to gain momentum as Google is set to expand the standard for immersive web content to AR.

News: Apple Attacks Snapchat's Shoppable AR with Apple Pay Button & Other Custom Actions for AR Quick Look Content

Snapchat is probably used to Facebook copying its features by now, but Apple borrowing a page out of its playbook is likely a bit more surprising.

News: Hulu Follows Instagram's Viral Sensation with Branded 'What Should I Watch' Lens on Snapchat

The "what (blank) are you" augmented reality filters on Instagram have become so popular that more and more Hollywood giants are following the augmented reality-powered social media meme train, with the latest example coming via Snapchat.

News: This Is the Best Power Bank for Your Galaxy S20 Ultra — Super Fast Charging 2.0 with USB PD 3.0 & PPS

When Samsung announced its new Super Fast Charging 2.0 system was based on USB PD, the industry rejoiced. By using an open standard, Galaxy users could pick from hundreds of third-party chargers in addition to first-party options from Samsung. Trouble is, this never came to fruition.

Galaxy S20 vs. iPhone 11: Full Spec Sheet Comparison Between Samsung & Apple's Base Models

Apple has their regular iPhone 11, then two higher-end "Pro" models. Samsung went the other way — they have the Galaxy S20 and S20+, then there's the S20 Ultra. But one thing these smartphone lines do have in common is the base model flagship. How do they compare?

News: Jack in the Box Partners with Paramount to Promote 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie with Snapchat AR

There might not be a better brand partnership for the speedy Sonic the Hedgehog character than a fast-food restaurant. For that matter, augmented reality is also the ideal technology for promoting a movie that features an animated talking rodent living life in the real world.

News: Galaxy S20 Ultra vs. iPhone 11 Pro Max: Full Spec Comparison of Samsung & Apple's Best Phones

The time to wait for an absolutely killer phone from Samsung is over. They've released a giant of a phone known as the S20 Ultra, and at least on paper, it's a grand slam. But only a few months ago, Apple released its first "Pro" iPhone, and it was giant in its own right. So which is better?

News: 5 Reasons Why the Galaxy S20 Is a Beastly Gaming Phone

Mobile gaming has exploded, with roughly $70 billion in revenue in 2019. This gave rise to the so-called gaming phone, headlined by names like Razer and ASUS. While the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra are being marketed as everyman devices, make no mistake — these are unstoppable mobile gaming machines.