Google's Panorama App Photo Sphere Now Available on iOS
I really love Google's Street View. It allows you to walk around mapped cities and even explore certain interiors of buildings, creating a wholly immersive experience that, really, was only meant to help people get their bearings in new areas. For the past year, Android users had exclusive access to Google's photo app, "Photo Sphere," that allowed users to create interactive 360 panoramas of their locations that could be shared with other users over Google Maps. This week, iOS users can now share the experience as the year-long exclusivity period has expired.
As somebody who's had one iteration of the iPhone for more than four years, I can't wait to test this out. I think some very innovative and creative panoramic shots can be made that go beyond the normal panoramic photo. Google created a video last summer detailing how Photo Sphere works if you're still a bit confused about the new app. If you create any cool ones, send them our way so we could feature them in the near future!
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[via PetaPixel]
Google Glass Available to Consumers in the U.S.
Outside of a brief purchasing window a few months ago, there wasn't a guaranteed way of getting your hands on a pair of Google Glass; tou pretty much had to be chosen to experience what it was all about. Many people have heard about Google Glass, but in some ways it's still kind of mystery until you've actually have had to wear a pair. However, that's all changed as Google has finally made Glass available to people in the U.S. for a price tag of $1500. For now, they'll only be available to those living in the States until Google really pushes the product to more consumers. Until then, they'll continue to work on improving the software and hardware, as well as bringing ways to lower the cost. If you've been dying to own Glass, you can head on over to Google's official website to buy a pair. Check out the video of some of the first to experience Glass and what they enjoyed about it.
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[Via PetaPixel]
Google Seeks Patent to Integrate Cameras Into Contact Lenses
Photo credit: Google
The tech super giant that we all know as Google, has applied for a patent that details a way to integrate a camera into a contact lens. As if announcing the development of a contact lens that could continually monitor blood glucose levels of Type 2 diabetics wasn't enough, they continue to outdo themselves with this latest patent that is intended to help people with visual disabilities. This sounds phenomenal.
According to I Fucking Love Science, the lens is meant to work like this: "a small camera will be embedded out of the way of the pupil so it will not obstruct vision. Blinking activates the sensor for the camera. An advantage to using this lens instead of something like Google Glass is that the camera is able to follow the eye’s precise movement. Even the smallest sideways glance will still allow the camera to face the point of interest. The data collected by the camera can be processed to recognize a variety of properties including faces, motion, color, light, and certain objects." Basically, by fitting a camera into a contact lens, users could process all kinds of data that could then be relayed to a connected smartphone. Developers also hope to add a zoom to the camera, reducing the need for binoculars.
For those with a visual impairment, the lens will give an auditory warning to let the user know when it is safe to walk in the direction they are heading. The chip in the lens will also help identify friends and family through facial recognition by connecting to a database.
Although there is no telling when the contact lens will be available to the open market, the patent is groundbreaking, and to some of us photographers, it's a dream come true. However, some have argued that the idea is intrusive and even creepy. What do you think?
[Via I Fucking Love Science]
[Video] Google Glass Releases The Titanium Collection
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It looks like Google Glass has an eye on the everyday consumer with its newest Titanium Collection that consists of four frames for those with prescription glasses. There are four different styles available: thin, split, bold, and curve in an assortment of colors that should appeal to many people. As you can see by the photos, the glasses still have a futuristic look to them, but makes you look less like a cyborg. Also for those who are lucky and don't need prescription frames, there are also sunglasses available. It'll be interesting to see the evolution of Google Glass and how they go about targeting an audience that might be weary of wearing the current models, but as this collection suggests, Google Glass has taken steps to really hit the mainstream. For now, w'll have to wait and see if people will truly feel the need for a product like Google Glass when it launches to more consumers later in 2014. Just remember, if Glass is a bust, there's always Google Lens.
[Via Google Glass]
Would You Wear Contact Lenses Made By Google?
Google Glass has not even become available for the average consumer yet but that hasn't stopped Google from developing another potentially revolutionary product. Google now has started a new venture and are potentially stepping into the medical field with the development of contact lenses to help diabetics any easier way to monitor their glucose levels. The proto-type made up of wireless chips and glucose sensors sandwiched between two lenses. The sensor in the lenses are designed to measure glucose levels in the wearers tears which can truly be a game changer for those affected with Diabetes. Google plans to reach out for support from partners in the health care market and the FDA to make sure it's Smart Contact Lens becomes a reality. As of right now these lenses are being designed for medical purposes only but it'll be interesting to see what this technology leads too.
[Via CNN]
Rap Genius Comes Under Fire For SEO Practices
Hip-hop reference tool Rap Genius has come under fire over the past week as reports of their using shady SEO practices to drive traffic to the site has come to light. A host of media outlets reported on the issue, with Google giving a nod to being aware of what the site that recently rolled out "Rap Stats" is up to. Today, Google flexed and punished the New York-based Rap Genius by removing the site from the top of any of its search results pages and a search for the website only returns third-party sites talking about RG.
According to the L.A. Times, "Google took down Rap Genius after it was revealed that the lyrics website, which received $15 million in funding from Andreesson Horowitz last year, was offering bloggers exposure through its social media accounts in exchange for links to its website on their music blogs." Apparently, the site was trading unique views for access to its social media numbers-a fact that was revealed by Tech entrepreneur John Marbach who posted his findings here.
We'll see what effect this has on Rap Genius, which should bounce back quickly with that nice nest egg. More interestingly, it brings up an issue we could be facing moving forward in the Internet age of blogs and websites. Google made a statement, both in what practices are acceptable and how much clout they truly yield in the overall cyber universe. A check of other search engines shows that Google is alone in the ousting, but it is notable nevertheless. We'll keep an eye on this story as it develops, but it looks like RG is going to miss out on a lot of Beliebers looking up Journals lyrics in their new Christmas snuggies. Oh, well.
[via LA Times]
LG Launches Chromebase Desktop Computer
When you think of LG, the first things that come to mind are smartphones. LG is trying to change that with their unveiling of its new Chromebase all-in-one desktop computer that will the first of its kind to run on Google's ChromeOS operating system. The computer has a sleek design with a 21.5 inch 1080p IPS LCD screen with an Intel Celeron processor. It will be built with 2 GB of RAM and 16GB of storage with HDMI, USB , and LAN ports letting you connect the accessories that meet your needs. There has been no price point set or information as to when it will become available, but more should be known after its unveiling at CES 2014.
[Via CNET]
Google Search update is compatible with other apps
Yesterday, Google announced an update to their Google Search app for Androids that allows searches in the app to open in the native, pre-installed app. For example, if you did a Google search for The Matrix, your search results would have a link asking if you'd like to view the film's IMDb page in the IMDb app. While this may seem inconvenient for some (why not just search for it in the IMDb app in the first place?), Google Search could represent a central hub/landing page for searches while introducing compatibility with other approved apps.
In a way, Google is monopolizing all forms of app searches, giving power to approved apps and taking power away from those that aren't. However, considering the behemoth that Google is, it's no surprise that they would want to make the Google Search app the primary hub for any and all searches on Android phones. As an iPhone user, this doesn't necessarily affect me, but I can understand how some might find the new update convenient, even if it means adding another step to finding results. Plus, it gives Google even more reason to track and spy on any searches you may be conducting in third-party apps. Would you really sacrifice privacy for convenience?
The full list of compatible apps are below:
- AllTrails
- Allthecooks
- Beautylish
- Etsy
- Expedia
- Flixster
- Healthtap
- IMDb
- Moviefone
- Newegg
- OpenTable
- Trulia
- Wikipedia
[via Phandroid]