November 2015

Google Cardboard

You might have heard of Google Cardboard, but what exactly is it? Essentially it’s a cardboard box that turns your smartphone into a virtual reality headset. You can purchase them, or make your own with instructions from Google. Many companies, such as the New York Times are creating their own VR content that you can view using this tool. Read more about it from Wired.

Architecture of Radio

Curious as to what all of those wireless signals around you would look like if you could see them? Now there’s an app for that! While it is $2.99 and is only available for iOS (Android is coming in 2016) it provides an interesting look at the world which you normally cannot see. Read more about it from The Verge.

3D Audio Technology

Working with a project called Cities Unlocked Microsoft has developed a type of 3D audio technology that helps the visually impaired navigate through cities. A reporter for the Telegraph tried out the technology first-hand which you can read about here. Though it is still very much in the testing phase it will hopefully allow those who use it in the future a greater sense of independence. You can also lean more about the project from The Next Web.

Spencer the Robot

If you happen to find yourself in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in the spring you might come across Spencer a friendly robot developed by the KLM airline to help passengers navigate through the airport so that they don’t miss their flights. You can read more about the robot here.

PI ZERO

The Raspberry Pi Foundation, which recently merged with the group Code Club, has released a $5 computer known as PI ZERO. Interest for making such a low cost device was spurred from the reality that cost can be a barrier for those interested in learning code. The co-founder talks a little bit about the computer in this video and you can read more about it from Tech Cruch.

April 2015

Microsoft Build 2015:

Microsoft held it’s Microsoft Build conference last month. During this event they showed the world their new operating system Microsoft 10 along with Microsoft Edge, which is set to replace Internet Explorer, and an improved Hololens (an augmented reality headset). It was also noted that it will soon be easier for iOS and Android app makers to bring their apps to the Windows phone as well. Read more about Microsoft’s announcements from The Verge.

3D Printed Airway Splint:

3D Printers are used for a ton of fun things, but here is yet another instance of 3D printed medical objects. Three babies have been saved with a 3D printed airway splint, and the coolest thing about this is that the splint will actually grow with them. You can read more about it from The Verge.

Periscope:

Periscope is a tool to provide live video of an event with their tagline being “explore the world in real time through someone else's eyes.”  While currently only available for iOS, there is work being done to also release the app on other platforms. It was used during the Therapy Dogs event during finals week and in the first ten days after the app’s launch over a million people signed in! You can read more about from Tech Crunch.

How Old do you look? - A Microsoft Product

In conjunction with its build event Microsoft released a product (how-old.net) that will guess your age and gender based on an uploaded photo. So far it has proven to be less than accurate, but some have done interesting things like have this tool determine the ages of Disney princes and Harry Potter characters. You can read more about it from Tech Crunch.