Category Archives: Video

Augmented reality front and center in Esquire’s December issue

Print Media, Technology, Video, , ,

Augmented reality in magazines works like this:  You take the magazine, find special (black and white) coded markings, hold said markings up to your computer’s webcam, and voila–you can now interact with your magazine.  In this case, it involves being greeted by Academy Award winner (and brilliant actor) Robert Downey Jr., told jokes by Community’s Gillian Jacobs, and by rotating the magazine in various ways you can change the surrounding environment and clothes worn by actor Jeremy Renner.  Gimmicky, yes, but neat stuff nonetheless.  Will augmented reality tricks save the zine industry?  That’s a debated topic that shall be saved to discuss another day.  This issue of Esquire is on newsstands now.

[Via Engadget]

“The Cloud” to “broadcast the climate of humanity” during 2012 Olympics

Architecture, Technology, Video, , , , , ,

Researchers at MIT have designed a tower structure to be built in London in time for the 2012 Olympics.  It’s called “The Cloud” and its two towers will stand 400 feet tall and be connected by a series of plastic bubbles.  LCD screens will display scores and highlights from the Games and also act as a “barometer of the city’s interests and moods.”  “The Cloud” will run on ‘zero power;’ this means it will be powered by solar energy and will utilize regenerative breaking (like hybrid cars).  Besides displaying information, the structure will also house an observation deck.  The cost of the construction will be funded by citizens by way of micro-donations.  The research team is still deciding on a final location.  For more information visit raisethecloud.org.

[Via Engadget; BBC]

Watch #15 in red: Aggressive, competitive soccer player or demon-child?

Sports, Video, , , , ,

It’s BYU vs. New Mexico in the MWC Tournament.  Watch as New Mexico’s Elizabeth Lambert takes her competitive rage out on her oppenent’s team members.  There’s kicking, shoving, punching, and even some hair-pulling. 

And all Lambert got was a yellow card when she was asking for a red one.  She has been suspended from play indefinitely, even after she verbalized an apology for her insane actions.  Oh, and her team ended up losing and falling out of the tournament despite her best efforts.

[Via LA Times]

HP utilizing tilt-shifting photography for latest ad campaign

photography, Technology, Video, , , , , ,

And it rocks.

HP has used the techniques of tilt-shifting photography and minuature faking for the latest ad campaign called “Create Amazing.”  Tilt-shift photography “refers to the use of camera movements on small- and medium-format cameras, and sometimes specifically refers to the use of tilt for selective focus, often for simulating a miniature scene.”  Miniature faking is “a process in which a photograph of a life-size location or object is made to look like a photograph of a miniature scale model.  Blurring parts of the photo simulates the shallow depth of field normally encountered in close-up photography, making the scene seem much smaller than it actually is.”  “A miniature can also be simulated digitally, using an image editor to blur the top and bottom of the photograph, so that only the subject is sharp.”

UPDATE:  Apparently the video was taken off YouTube because the filmmaker still needs to clear it with HP.  I will repost as soon as it reappears on the Internet.

[Via Engadget; Wiki, here & here]

Verizon takes another jab at AT&T with slew of new “maps” adverts

Technology, Video, , , , , , , , ,

What happens when you have a great 3G phone (ie. the iPhone) but a poor cell phone carrier that lacks proper 3G coverage (read: AT&T)?  You get plopped onto the Island of Misfit Toys, that’s what.  Look after the break for two more anti-AT&T ads from Verizon Wireless.  Oh, it’s on.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Verizon takes another jab at AT&T with slew of new “maps” adverts →

New Droid commercials finally bring Android into play

Technology, Television, Video, , , , , , , , ,

We’ve already seen the viral iDont and pods falling from space promos.  Now Verizon has decided to take a turn in marketing strategy moving towards more traditional “this is what the product can actually do” commercials.  I mean, what does DroidDoes do does did?  Peek after the break for two more spots that will take over the airwaves “soon.”

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading New Droid commercials finally bring Android into play →

DJ Jazzy Jeff invades Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, DJ Hero and all

Music, Technology, Video, , , , , ,

DJ Jazzy Jeff + The Roots = pure awesomeness.

Last week DJ Jazzy Jeff sat in with house band The Roots for an episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  He was there to scratch out with the band and promote the release of DJ Hero.  This clip is a ‘best of’ that shows off Jazzy Jeff’s best material throughout the night; it also features a segment where Fallon and guests Ian Somerhalder (Lost‘s Boone) and Rosie O’Donnell give DJ Hero a try.

Also, look after the break for two IGN behind-the-scenes making-of DJ Hero videos.

Continue reading DJ Jazzy Jeff invades Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, DJ Hero and all →