This week, Google killed the headphone jack on their new Pixel 2. It got me thinking. I always thought it was a pretty stupid move by Apple last year, the same immediate reaction I had when Google launched the Pixel 2. A couple of days later, after cooling down, killing the headphone jack really does make sense. Here’s why.
Wireless Charging is Beast
Of all the features added to my smartphones over the years, wireless charging is by far my favourite. I have a Choetech wireless charger at my desk and one of Samsung’s official ones beside the bed, both of which have fast charge – a close second favourite thing about smartphones.
Many were pissed by the removal of headphone jacks because you could no longer listen to music and charge your phone at the same time. Bring a wireless charger into your life and it’s no longer a problem.
Unfortunately, Apple’s iPhone 7 and Google’s Pixel 2 don’t offer wireless charging. The iPhone 8, however, does have wireless charging. Shows they’re catching on.
Bluetooth Headphones Make Sense
Walk around Dublin and pay attention to people’s headphones. You won’t be long realising that a load of people are already using Bluetooth headphones. Here are some of the most popular ones I’ve noticed on my Dublin safari walks:
I’ve actually seen quite a few of Apple’s Earpods but they’re stupidly expensive, the likes of Google’s new Pixel Buds look like we’re closer to finding a happy medium between price and quality when it comes to wireless headphones.
There’s Always Adapters, Right?
When all else fails, smartphones that don’t have headphone jacks do have adapters. We’re at the stage now where you don’t even have to go straight for Apple’s official Belkin adapter. Amazon Basic also offers a similar product that some believe is slightly better designed and a little bit cheaper. They even offer free delivery to Ireland on that one too.
The space saved in smartphone design by removing the headphone jack makes phones smaller and packed with more tech. Considering we have so many alternatives nowadays, maybe it’s time to embrace the death of headphone sockets.
I don’t make my efforts to learn German for many years a secret. What I will be keeping secret is how annoying it is knowing that I never had to learn a word in the first place. Google has just launched the Pixel 2, which is a fairly boggo standardo phone as phones go. The other hardware launched by Google stepped up the game a little, but nothing impressed like Google’s Pixel Buds.
What Are Pixel Buds?
Right, so the Pixel 2 went the way of the iPhone and killed the headphone jack. Google could only pull this off if they had some pretty kick ass wireless earphones make up for that. Sure enough, they delivered. The Pixel Buds are wireless-ish, meaning the only cable connects the left and right earbuds. This actually works to your favourite as a clever bit of design means you can actually use that wire to tuck the bud into your ear. Other than that, you’re relying on Bluetooth to connect everything together.
The buds come stored in a pack which recharges the buds up to four times on the move. The gadgetry doesn’t stop there as the buds also come with Google Assistant built in. While we’ll need to have a better look, first impressions are good with Google Assitant launching fast upon tapping the bud in your ear.
Now, of course, I wasn’t going to bust out an article on just a pair of earphones now was I?
Live Translation: We’re Living in the Future
Here it is. The inevitable reason why I shouldn’t have wasted a second learning more languages. Google’s Pixel Buds provide users with a lightning fast translator at all times. You pop in the buds which can translate forty languages within a second or two in a language you understand. When you speak back, your Android smartphone will translate your spoken language into that of the person you’re conversing with.
How to Get the Pixel Buds in Ireland
If you’ve already read about the Pixel launch last year and the Pixel 2 launch this year, you’ll see where this is going. Right now, you’ll have to try and pick up the Pixel Buds through An Post’s AddressPal service which gives you a virtual US address. We’ll keep you posted with local availability in Ireland.
The Google Pixel is a funny old phone in Ireland. There was a huge amount of interest from Irish people looking for an alternative to Samsung and Apple. Unfortunately, there were no retailers ready to stock this market shaking smartphone. It was still possible to get the Google Pixel in Ireland and that what was one of our most popular articles last year. Now Google has launched the follow up with a not so creative title. Here’s everything you need to know about Google’s latest smartphone and details on how to get the Google Pixel 2 in Ireland.
So, Whats New With the Google Pixel 2?
The Let Downs
First thing’s first. Google has followed Apple and removed the headphone jack. Crap. Why would you do that? Why would you follow Apple on this of all thing? Well, the reason is they’ve made kick-ass wireless earphones which might make this less of a let-down after all, but more on that another time.
Actually, speaking of following Apple, a surprising development is where they didn’t follow the iPhone creators. Powered by USB-C charging and promising seven hours battery on a 15-minute charge, the Pixel 2 won’t have wireless charging. This is a feature I could now not live without, so it’s a pity Google hasn’t featured it.
Enough of the let downs.
What’s Great About the Google Pixel 2
At first glance, the best thing from Google’s launch event, as subjective as this might be, is the black top and white body. How upsetting to realise this is just on the bigger Google Pixel 2 XL. Such a shame this isn’t the standard style as it just looks so classy. It’s proving so popular that this more expensive model and colour has already sold out in the US. Still, looks are just looks. Better get into the nitty-gritty though, right?
‘Active Edge’ might seem a little silly, but since I’ve picked up the Note8, I actually appreciate having a physical way to launch your assistant. With the Pixel 2, a simple squeeze of the phone will launch your assistant.
Does it feel like that’s reaching a little? Well, the honest truth is very little else wow’s me about the Pixel 2. Sure enough, the fast charge seems impressive, the camera takes shots as good as any phone on the market and it’s a generally nice looking phone. The biggest win is perhaps the fact it’ll set you back little more than €700 to pick up before delivery charges and the likes.
Google seems to have focused on other hardware, like the Google Pixel Buds – again, a conversation for another day.
When Will the Google Pixel 2 Launch in Ireland?
Here we go again. Don’t hold your breath for an official place to but the Google Pixel 2 in Ireland this year. While there were murmurs that Carphone Warehouse might just stock Google’s flagship smartphone last year, that chatter never amounted to phones on shelves.
For some reason, Irish networks and Google just don’t see eye to eye on the Pixel 2 being easily available on our shores. But not all is lost. The Pixel 2 is available now, in the US, which means you can still order one and use An Post’s AddressPal to route your purchase to Ireland. You can probably add a few days onto that for AddressPal and you’ll pay a little more for delivery and customs charges.
Carphone Warehouse UK is offering the Pixel 2 SIM-free but again you’ll need to use Parcel Motel. Officially, their terms and conditions state they don’t ship to lockers but we’ve heard their enforcement of that is hit and miss.
Will You Be Getting a Google Pixel 2?
How do you feel about ordering through a virtual address service? Would you go through the extra hoops to get your hands on Google’s latest flagship? Let us know. Give us a like on Facebook for the latest news, or sign up to the Goos3DLetter to get the latest on the Google Pixel 2.
You’d almost feel sorry for all these tech companies that try to keep things secret. It’s tough enough to wow us with gadgets when you’ve got the likes of Jon nailing iPhone X specs back in February, but now Google has Walmart doing the leaking.
What Did Walmart Leak?
Google and Amazon have been fighting it out for a while now, especially in the voice controlled device area. For Amazon, this is the Echo and Echo Dot, but Google only had the full sized Google Home. That is until now.
Google has a big press event pencilled in for tomorrow where we expect to see the Pixel 2 launched. What we weren’t expecting was a brand new Google Home device; the Google Home Mini. Some poor divil that looks after Walmart’s website clicked prematurely and launched the Google Home Mini early. While it’s since been removed, the internet is fast to grab screenshots and jot down specs. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Google Home Mini?
The Walmart leak provided us with a sneak peek at the overdue, yet still unexpected, Google Home Mini. This is Google’s latest personal assistant powered device, a canvas covered pebble of technology. The Google Home Mini is a clear shot across the bow of Amazon in an effort to grab some market share where the cheaper Echo Dot was cleaning up.
Google Home Mini is a direct shot at Amazon Echo Dot
Simply put, the Google Home Mini is a speaker with a Google brain installed in it. You control the device with your voice, asking questions, playing music and controlling smart devices in the home to beat the band.
When is the Google Home Mini on Sale?
The page that Walmart leaked was a pre-order page, which showed the new speaker would be available from 19 October.
How Much Will This Cost?
You can expect to pay around the same as an Echo Dot for the Google Home Mini. So, you’ll be looking at around €42 excluding delivery.
How to Buy the Google Home Mini in Ireland
It’s unlikely you’ll be able to pick up Google’s latest smart assistant in Ireland. You can, however, order from Google’s US store and ship to Ireland using AddressPal.
Can’t help but feel for whoever runs that website. I once reduced everything on a site by €20. It’s easy happen.
For anyone who has ever been a regular commuter on the Luas in Dublin, you will have seen some weird stuff. As with any other public transport there will always been the freaks and creeps which we can do nothing about. However anti-social behaviour is something we have all seen more than we care to admit.
Regular Luas users will be very aware of the anti-social acts i’m talking about. Now while you or I have probably not actively got involved in stopping any of this bollixoligy the guys at Transdev (the Luas operator) want to make everyone’s journey safer. Hence they have launched a new service in an effort to crack down on anti-social behavior on the Luas.
Check this out:
Now these types of complaints are fairly light in comparison to some of things I’ve seen but you get the point. Any of us can now send a text to the number 5144 with the word LUAS and details of the incident, location and tram number.
According to operators they will be able to utilise existing security units more effectively and respond to a text 90 seconds. A team will then investigate the reported incident asap and having seen the tanks who work security on Luas trams, quicker response times is all they need.
Simon Dobbin, the revenue protection officer with Transdev was speaking at the launch of the new service at the Luas stop by St Stephen’s Green
“It’s more common at night,” he said. “You can have younger people drinking alcohol and making nuisances of themselves. That can get very loud on the trams.
CEO of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham has said about the new service:
“This new service means that Luas staff can be made aware of these incidents and can respond to them quicker than ever, so that journeys can be even safer and more pleasant for everybody.” she said.
At this moment in time around 90,000 passengers use the Luas every day across both the red and green line. This new simple service hopes to help reduce the amounts of incidents on the Luas. Especially when you think the new blue line is set to get up and running any day now we think this system is a long time coming.
What do you think? would you use this service? or are you a sceptic that thinks youngfellas are just going to use this as another way to wind up security? Only time will tell. One thing is for certain it’ll be interesting to see if this new service does indeed reduce anti-social behaviour on the Luas in the coming months.
Pretty much out of nowhere today Amazon decided to roll out a whole range of new toys to the market. Some believe this might come as a result of their spat with Google over YouTube support for the Echo Show. Whatever the reason, who cares? We’ve got new Alexa voice-powered toys to talk about.
A Whole New Amazon Echo
Many predicted this as Amazon were flogging first generation Echos for about €100 over the past few weeks. Sure enough, Amazon has released the Amazon Echo Second Generation. The new Echo comes with a cool looking cloth finish and promises to ‘fill any room with immersive sound’.
In all honesty, not much else has changed. Now, don’t feel like Amazon rushed this launch or anything. If you already have an Echo you won’t really benefit anything by picking up this new generation device. If you don’t have an Echo, picking between the Echo and the Echo Dot might be a little harder now with the second generation device coming in around €100. That’s the same as a first generation refurb.
The moral of the story here is they’re all really similar. Get on over to Amazon and have a look for what suits you best. If you see that they don’t deliver to Ireland, Parcel Motel is your best friend.
Amazon Echo Plus
Considering people are still adopting the concept of Echo itself, you really don’t need to worry about the Echo Plus. Unless you have plenty of connected home devices already as one major bonus with the Echo Plus is the built-in smart hub.
Amazon realised they needed to add a little more incentive to move this idea and will include a Philips Hue smart bulb in the box with each other. That’s pretty cool.
Amazon Echo Spot
Raging. Absolutely raging. Up until this morning, I thought the coolest piece of bedroom tech I had my eye on was one of those Irish-made Easca mattresses. Then Amazon announced a load of new tech, including the Echo Spot; a modern take on the bedside alarm clock. I’ve been looking to buy an alarm clock for ages to remove my reliance on my phone.
Before I ever had a chance to consider how much was in my bank account, I realised this won’t be available until December and that date is for the US launch. We might even have to wait longer for it to launch in the UK just so we can smuggle one into Ireland.
The Echo Spot looks a little like a traditional clock but the face is screen and the Spot, of course, has access to Alexa’s voice-controlled services. You’ll even be able to use this to call friends and family.
So. Do any of these new toys from Amazon tickle your fancy? Have you already got an Echo or something similar? Let us know what you have and what you think of it in the comments below.
The North Korean dictator has picked the national media as his weapon of choice against Trump. The Donald picked Twitter, a platform that limits what you can say to 140 characters. Wise move there Donald.
I love Twitter…. it's like owning your own newspaper— without the losses.
Trump’s use of Twitter has become increasingly aggressive in recent weeks as he berates the North Korean dictator following a series of Pyongyang nuclear tests. In a recent tweet, Trump basically said he’s willing to rid the world of North Korea. Of course, this is far from the first time Trump has been vocal in his aggression towards North Korea:
Trump issues stern warning to North Korea, saying they could face "fire and fury like the world has never seen" https://t.co/sfyzT1kZUh
But when he vocalised that aggression on Twitter, isn’t he breaching Twitter’s Terms of Service?
What Twitter Terms of Service is Trump Breaching
To protect their online community, Twitter enforces a set of rules held in their Terms of Service. In short, these rules are designed to prevent violent threats (direct or indirect), harassment and hateful conduct, among other things.
When Trump decided to Tweet a GIF of him taking down a CNN logo, not only was he being incredibly childish, he was also promoting violence to a certain extent:
This tweet clearly breached Twitter rules on hateful conduct targeting based on religious belief. What followed was Trump’s executive order to block travellers from certain countries based purely on their national origin. Again, Twitter took no action against Trump.
But he didn’t calm down once he became president either.
Trump Implying the Destruction of North Korea
Yeah, that headline should tick pretty much every box in the Twitter Terms of Service. In one tweet, the Donald threatened to wipe out North Korea’s leadership.
Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won't be around much longer!
Within the context of Trump’s earlier “fire and fury” statement, this is unlikely to be an attack with surgical precision which will impact some of North Korea’s 25 million person population.
Twitter simply can’t ignore the fact that Trump’s tweet is a clearly violent threat of violence, so why won’t Trump’s Twitter account be deleted?
Why Twitter Won’t Block Trump
A quick look at Google trends shows international interest in Twitter has been in decline over the past few years:
Trump’s presence on the platform has arrested that decline to a certain extent. One expert claims Trump’s immediate value to Twitter is around $2 billion – one-fifth the company’s overall value. So why would they get rid of him?
Regardless of his value to the company, Twitter needs a reason to justify keeping him. When asked by Wired if they would block Trump for inappropriate tweets, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said:
“We are going to hold all accounts to the same standards. Our policy does [account for] newsworthiness as well, and that was requested by our policy team. So we’re not taking something down that people should be able to report on and actually show that this is what the source said. It’s really important to make sure that we provide that source for the right reporting, and to minimize bias in articles.”
Will Twitter Ever Block Trump?
Yes. It does seem like it’s only a matter of time before Trump crosses some sort of line that Twitter deems unforgivable. Trump himself polices his own followership, banning the likes of Stephen King, which is why we created this workaround.
Chances are that will happen sometime after his presidency, whether that takes a full term of not remains to be seen.
Picture the scene: a slightly crowded cinema watching on in stunned silence as the final frame of Mother! Cuts abruptly to black and the credits began to roll. The lights go back up, the lone person in front of me swivelled his head around to face the rest of the audience with a pained and incredulous bemusement look on his face. Our eyes met, and we looked at each other for what seemed like an eternity a silent understanding passed between us before he mouthed quite clearly – “What. The. Fuck.”
And I could only shake my head and shrug.
“What the fuck” indeed”
What to Expect With Mother!
There was already a fair amout of intrigue behind Mother! generated by the movie’s strange title. It’s vague yet obnoxious trailer that gave away little about the plot. Is it a horror film? A thriller? A home invasion film? All three at once? Given the reputation that director Darren Aronofsky has for unsettlingly dark filmmaking, the consensus was that this wasn’t going to be an easy watch whatever it was.
Boy oh boy was it hard to get through.
For a movie like this, the best way to watch it is to go in totally blind. So I’m somewhat reluctant to give a detailed plot synopsis. Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem play an unnamed married couple. They live in a giant house in the middle of nowhere and that’s about all we know for sure about them. Barden claims the house was his family home which burned down in a tragic accident before he rebuilt it. There’s also some vague allusions made to the fact that he’s a famous and highly respected poet, trying and failing to write his latest piece. Jennifer Lawrence takes great pride in painting the house. Some basic character building there.
However, things take an odd turn when Ed Harris knocks on their door and invites himself in, claiming that he thought their house was a B&B, asking to stay the night anyway.
Things slowly get stranger from there.
Not For the Faint of Heart
Mother! has a surreal, nightmarish, quality to it, not too dissimilar to The Shining. In fact, there are several comparisons that you can make to The Shining, from the creepy atmosphere, the strange isolating feel even right down to the plot which revolves around a struggling writer and his wife cut off and isolated from the rest of the world. There’s a sense of creeping dread to the movie as if there’s some evil figure hiding just outside of the camera shot waiting for just the right moment to reveal itself. And when it does, quite literally all hell breaks loose. The last forty minutes might be the most insanity riddled close to a movie you’re ever likely to see.
The last forty minutes might be the most insanity riddled close to a movie you’re ever likely to see
For what it’s worth the camera work is fantastic where 90% of the shots are long looming glances over Lawrance’s shoulder as if were stalking her all around her home without her knowing. Naturally Javier Bardem does a fantastic job with the material they’re given, but regrettably, I feel all of that is going to be lost as the bizarre story and how it plays out will most likely get all the headlines.
Mother! has the potential to be one of the most polarising films out there, with the possibility that mainstream audiences will be alienated by a movie they were lead to believe some mildly unsettling horror movie, only to find it’s anything but. Aronofsky’s earlier work, ‘Black Swan’, was a film that much like this one used grotesque and surreal imagery to get its point across. In Mother! it feels like Aronofsky tried to do the same thing but he went overboard and way too aggressive with whatever message he was trying to convey
Verdict
Mother! is one of those rare movies that is less of a film you watch and more like something you experience, and while it might difficult to define exactly what genre of film it might be, the experience is certainly an uncomfortably memorable one
Recently a few rumours have been floating around in relation to Google buying out HTC. That is not exactly true. Google is spending €1 billion to a acquire a portion of the companies assets. Namely assets, engineers and intellectual property to do with their very own Google Pixel smartphone that was created and designed by those fine fellows at HTC.
According to analysts, there are really only two key reasons for this kind of deal and it makes for very interesting reading. Google has tried and failed when it comes to buying mobile phone companies, remember Motorola who they bought out for €10 billion before selling two years later for €2 billion. Basically by purchasing just assets relating to the Pixel we see Google doubling down on their hardware offering. Finally, the Pixel might be able to challenge of Apple and Samsung while acting as a shining example to other smartphone makers of what can be possible on Android. Oh and HTC created The Vive their virtual reality headset, anyone who thinks Google isn’t interested in this market is lying to themselves.
Secondly, over the last few years namely since the amazing M8 handset, HTC have been on a slippery slope and have almost gone bust a few times. This deal is a huge cash injection into the company and is a lifeline to HTC, Google’s way of ensuring a key partner doesn’t drop out of the game. This is actually great news for HTC and fans of their products as they live to fight another day.
So what exactly has Google paid for?
Unlike when Google bought Motorola, this is not a full-scale buyout. Instead, the acquisition is for HTC’s Pixel division, containing 2,000 staff and full access to HTC’s intellectual property. When news of the deal broke, Rick Osterloh the Senior VP of Google hardware had this to say:
“these future fellow Googlers are amazing folks we’ve already been working with closely on the Pixel smartphone line, and we’re excited to see what we can do together as one team.”
Interestingly enough there was no mention of any transfer of factories or any other manufacturing facilities so we can only presume Google will continue to outsource this back to HTC.
Does this mean Google is all in on the Pixel?
Yes, yes it does! Back in 2016, the first Pixel was created and it was noted as a major shift in direction for Google. While the Nexus line existed the sales figures never matched as let’s face it the Nexus was around more to fill the product range but not to take on the industry.
That is where the Pixel comes in. In this smartphone Google have a premium consumer product that is capable of competing with the big hitters in the industry and with the purchase of HTC assets it shows they are not interested in maintaining the current status quo. By purchasing all the IP and hiring the complete engineering team from the project this is a real sign of intent from Google hardware. It is demonstrating that it remains committed to that Pixel vision and wants to accelerate it by bringing all the relevant engineers under its direct control.
The Pixel is here to stay! Check out our article on how to purchase the latest Google Pixel in Ireland.
HTC getting a bit of well needed TLC
Once upon a time HTC were a major player in the smartphone game, but over the last number of years things have gone from bad to worse. After the nightmares of the M9 and M10 which were essentially the same phone in a different shell, HTC have fallen way behind Apple and Samsung. Really the HTC Vive seems to be the only thing keeping their reputation intact.
While they clearly see VR as the future of the brand they have also been a key partner with Google, namely with the Pixel. From the design to manufacturing, the Google Pixel was essentially a HTC flagship in disguise. It was a true testament of their capabilities when the money side of the business was being taken care of. Even this year’s U11 went a long way to showcasing their potential as phone designers. It was a beautiful bit of kit, nicely specced and innovative, a word recently forgotten by the smartphone industry. I’m looking at you Apple.
Maybe this cash injection is just what they needed, with a short term solution to their finance issues maybe HTC can get back to doing what they do best. Making bitching smartphones.
Because if they don’t in two years they will be part of the Google group but that’s just my opinion.
How does the future look for HTC?
It is hard to tell but HTC have stated publicly they will have a flagship phone in the market in 2018. Beyond that is any one’s guess, this essential lifeboat of money that has flooded in is basically selling their smartphone knowledge to Silicon Valley so they can stay afloat.
Google want to keep HTC around which is awesome but is it a case of not wanting to pay over the odd’s like they did with Motorola? Are they giving HTC a stay of execution so they themselves can purchase the brand in the future at a knockdown price? Or will this financial boost give HTC the breathing room to produce a smartphone that can take them back to the top?
Personally I hope HTC come back with a bang but only time will tell.
I remember a time where people just didn’t get excited about updates to operating systems. Apple, the wily spinmasters that they are, now have people excited about their phone launches and software updates. The latest of these software updates is iOS 11 which brings augmented reality to your iPhone.
What is Augmented Reality?
Right now, there’s a bit of a battle going on between two platforms; augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Both involved computer generate graphics with one key difference. When viewing VR, everything you see is computer generated. AR is a combination of computer-generated imagery real word images or video.
Here’s an example of a cool AR app that we came across in Dublin last year:
AR isn’t a brand new technology at all. Android has been developing their AR software, Project Tango, for some time. Credit where it’s due, Apple has won this battle to get AR to the masses. With this roll out, millions of people will now be able to play with a very accessible new technology. Once Apple adopts something, the world takes notice.
Once Apple adopts something, the world takes notice
Which iPhones Are Capable of Augmented Reality?
While not all iPhones support AR, it will be available on a large selection of iOS devices following the iOS 11 update. Here are the iPhone’s which support augmented reality:
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
iPhone 7
iPhone 7 Plus
iPhone 6
iPhone 6s Plus
iPhone SE
The iPhone SE is the most surprising inclusion on the list, but it does make sense as it’s an iPhone 6s in a 5s body. If you’re thinking it’s time to upgrade, check out all the pricing.
The Best AR Apps on iPhone
Now that you know if you can play with AR on your iPhone, here are some of the best apps to download. The best way to understand AR is just go play with it!
While most of these apps are free, to get the most out of them you’ll need to bump
1. TapMeasure
TapMeasure is the iPhone’s augmented reality poster boy, which is funny because you probably use a measuring tape once or twice a year. Still, don’t let that take away from how cool this app is.
TapMeasure lets you measure room sizes, distances or object sizes. The app can even tell how level paintings are hanging on your walls.
AR can do loads more than measuring, I promise. AirMeasure AR does double up on some of TapMeasure’s features. It does have the additional benefit of letting you place virtual furniture in your home.
Apparently, solving sudokus is considered a form of brain training and can help your mental health, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. So using AR to solved puzzles faster will help even more right?
Ok, that was a terrible joke and this is an app that’s been created purely because some developer got bored and wanted to prove it could be done. Using AR and Magic Sudoku, you can solve sudokus immediately by simply lining them up with your smartphone.
These guys are smart. It’s quite obvious that the likes of Housecraft will have Ikea fawning over them in no time at all. Housecraft is dedicated to helping you style your home. Place chairs, tables, couches and more around your room and then move around to see how it affects the feel of the room. Great idea for new homeowners or people doing a spot of redecorating.
Ok, so it’s the early days of a very exciting platform and a lot of developers are simply taking the piss. Yup, you can play with an AR fidget spinner. Are they even still a thing?
This definitely makes the ever-growing list of cool, but slightly useless AR apps that have heralded the launch of this new platform. #wordup does one simple task; it lets you write words somewhere in the real world and view them through your iPhone. Maybe it’s a unique way to wish someone a happy birth or just a cool way to send a message. Whatever the reason, you can download #wordup for iOS now.
Like most AR stuff, it’s cooler when you watch it:
7. Conduct AR
Ok, so at €3.99, this is at the higher end of the price scale when it comes to apps, but gaming is where AR is going to excel. Conduct AR lets you turn any surface into a trainset. You’ll have to move around the full set ensuring all the trains run on time. But, when you’re done, you don’t have to tidy anything away. Amazing.
There are more apps being released every day, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back for the latest AR powered apps. You can be sure they get even more useful as we go along.
