Augmented reality systems with technology that overlays digital interfaces onto the physical world may eventually edge out virtual reality and significantly impact human perception. While VR products such as Oculus Rift, Gear VR and HTC’s Vive get closer to launch, timelines for augmented reality devices such as Microsoft’s HoloLens and Google-backed Magic Leap remain vague. However, some believe AR is more likely to become integrated into our everyday activities and subsequently affect the way we interact, work and communicate. Continue reading Augmented Reality on Track to Transform Our Everyday Lives

More than 3,000 attendees and 200 exhibitors gathered in Santa Clara this week for the Augmented World Expo, now in its sixth year. The event, which has grown ten-fold since its inception, featured demos involving VR headsets, enhanced glasses, product-scanning apps and brain-scanning headbands. According to a recent Digi-Capital report, augmented and virtual reality is projected to reach $150 billion in revenue by 2020 (when AR is expected to dominate 80 percent of the market). AWE founder Ori Inbar believes “2016 will be the year of shakeups and mergers.” Continue reading AR/VR Leaders Imagine the Future at Augmented World Expo

Tech companies in the U.S. are urging the Obama administration not to impose policies that could potentially weaken encryption systems created to protect the privacy of consumers. “We are opposed to any policy actions or measures that would undermine encryption as an available and effective tool,” stated a letter to President Obama this week from the Information Technology Industry Council and the Software and Information Industry Association, representing companies such as Apple, Google, Facebook, IBM and Microsoft. Continue reading Tech Companies Urge White House to Leave Encryption Alone

Government data surveillance will likely cost cloud computing and tech companies more than originally projected two years ago. According to The Wall Street Journal, “the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation estimated that the revelations of widespread government surveillance by former defense contractor Edward Snowden could cost as much as $35 billion in lost sales and other expenses by 2016, as companies and governments opted not to buy IT products from U.S. companies.” The ITIF now predicts the amount will be much higher since data centers will need to be constructed in local jurisdictions in order to comply with international data sovereignty laws.

As part of its larger effort to become a lifestyle media brand, GoPro is looking to cloud services as an alternative for the increasing amount of content that ends up stuck on SD cards. GoPro founder and CEO Nick Woodman wants to make it easier for users to instantly share photos and video. Although still in early development, the approach would involve uploading footage to a cloud service while the camera charges, where it could be immediately shared or edited. This would eliminate the step of transferring footage from an SD card to editing software. Continue reading GoPro Exec Aims to Connect Action Cameras to Cloud Service

Yesterday we reported that Facebook was scrapping its plan to build a satellite for providing affordable Internet access to developing countries. Quartz points out that Google backed out of its own similar plan earlier this year. Google had hired satellite entrepreneur Greg Wyler, who believes that constellations comprised of numerous small satellites could solve the problems involving cost and slow data speeds common with other satellite Internet services. The article notes that Wyler has left Google and is pursuing satellite efforts with backing from Qualcomm and Virgin Galactic. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s SpaceX is also developing a constellation of small communications satellites.

Facebook Messenger allows users to make video calls and share photos, audio, text and GIFs. “Doodle Draw” is now available in the Messenger app list, making it the first true game available for the new messaging platform. While Facebook has so far emphasized apps involving content creation and curated content for Messenger, the social network has been “interested in eventually expanding it to a broader set of experiences, including utilities and games if test data looked good,” according to TechCrunch. With “Doodle Draw” for iOS and Android, users share their drawings with friends in order to initiate a guessing game regarding what has been drawn.

In an effort to better compete with major players such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft in cloud services, insiders indicate that Apple is developing a high-speed network and changing the way it builds data centers. While Apple has turned to network providers and tech suppliers in the past to support iTunes, iCloud, Siri and more, the company just announced a new streaming music service and is expected to launch an online TV service. Apple’s new initiatives will require faster, more efficient infrastructure to meet the increased demands for content delivery. Continue reading Apple Building a Faster Network and Upgrading Data Centers

Showtime plans to make its standalone Internet video service available on Roku and PlayStation devices when it launches early next month. The CBS-owned cable network originally announced that its OTT offering would initially be available through an exclusive distribution deal with Apple. The $10.99 per month service is the latest to target cord-nevers and cord-cutters who do not have traditional pay TV plans. Variety reports: “Showtime — similar to its arrangements with cable and satellite TV affiliates — will provide a recurring share of the monthly subscription fee to Apple, Roku, Sony and future OTT distributors, Showtime chairman and CEO Matt Blank said.”

Netflix announced this week that it has acquired distribution rights to “War Machine,” with Brad Pitt attached to star and David Michod to write and direct. In the $30 million range, the deal marks the biggest investment the company has made in a feature film so far. It is also the first time that Netflix has secured a deal with a global A-list star of Pitt’s stature. According to Deadline, “War Machine” is a satirical comedy based on the bestselling book about the war in Afghanistan by journalist Michael Hastings. It is slated for release in a small number of theaters late next year, but its primary home will be Netflix where it can be streamed to an international audience.

TiVo has confirmed that its new TiVo Online service will allow subscribers to stream DVR recordings in addition to live television programming via a Web browser interface. The site includes recommendations, an online guide, a search feature, and the ability to manage upcoming recordings and track favorites (including content available via streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu). The DVR maker is looking to address the evolving needs of viewers expecting to access TV on any screen by providing a tool that performs more like a modern streaming service. Continue reading TiVo Online Allows Users to Stream DVR Recordings, Live TV

Facebook has reportedly scrapped its plan to build a satellite that would have been used to provide cheap Internet access to developing nations. Due to the prohibitive cost (an estimated $500 million), the social giant has abandoned a plan that was never formally announced. However, if it decides to move forward, leasing a satellite from another provider could be an option. “Facebook has been exploring ways [to expand] Internet access — and along with it, access to its products — in emerging markets,” reports Business Insider. “One of the key ways is Internet.org, a Facebook-led initiative involving multiple companies to subsidize data costs in certain countries.”

An army of Internet trolls based in St. Petersburg, Russia has reportedly been coordinating complex disinformation campaigns, spreading hoaxes via social media, and wreaking havoc around the Internet. The so-called Internet Research Agency has “become known for employing hundreds of Russians to post pro-Kremlin propaganda online under fake identities, including on Twitter, in order to create the illusion of a massive army of supporters; it has often been called a ‘troll farm,’” reports The New York Times. The agency has used its information warfare against political opponents in Russia and abroad. Sources indicate there are numerous troll farms secretly operating by order of government authorities on multiple levels.

While the first day of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference did not include any major surprises, the company unveiled interesting details about its much anticipated music service launching this month, new versions of its OS X and iOS operating systems, and software updates to its car, home and smartwatch products. Apple is replacing its Newsstand app with “News,” and Passbook has become “Wallet.” The company announced new partners for Apple Pay, including Trader Joe’s and JC Penney, and an upcoming compatible reader from Square. Continue reading Apple Announces New Products, Updates from San Francisco

The new Apple Music service, unveiled during yesterday’s WWDC in San Francisco, will be released for iOS the end of this month and will be coming to Android devices this fall. The service will allow subscribers to stream their favorite music, access curated playlists, and watch music videos and exclusive clips in HD for $9.99 per month. The company is also offering a $14.99 family plan for sharing Apple Music with up to five other people. Apple is adding a global radio station called Beats 1 that will be run by DJ and music producer Zane Lowe. Continue reading Apple Blends Streaming, Social, Radio for New Music Service