Digital Future Report: Mobile Will Lead the Charge in 2013

Technology predictions for 2013 are in and it’s all about mobile this year. According to comScore, the movement toward mobile is taking place everywhere from shopping to media to search — all of which combined could lead to a difficult economic transition for some companies as they struggle to stay ahead of rapidly changing consumer behavior. Continue reading Digital Future Report: Mobile Will Lead the Charge in 2013

Anomaly Showcases Augmented Reality for Graphic Novels

At the D:Dive Into Media conference, Anomaly Productions showcased its interactive storytelling technology. The company published a graphic novel called “Anomaly” last year, both as a hardcover book and a standalone app for iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook devices. The company also released a companion app for the printed version, that provides readers with extra material. Continue reading Anomaly Showcases Augmented Reality for Graphic Novels

Condition One Releases Version 2.0 App for Interactive Video

Condition One, the augmented reality app backed by Mark Cuban that lets users view videos from a 180-degree field of vision, just released its version 2.0 and Business Insider is “more impressed than ever.” The company, led by Academy Award nominated storyteller Danfung Dennis, launched an updated version that is “filled with cool new ways to watch video, particularly full high-def videos filmed with GoPro or RED epic cameras,” according to the article. Continue reading Condition One Releases Version 2.0 App for Interactive Video

Instagram Launches Full Image Feed for Desktop Browsers

Facebook acquired Instagram in part because Instagram’s success on mobile challenged Facebook’s subpar mobile application. The purchase helped improve Facebook’s mobile presence, and now the social network has helped redesign Instagram to serve desktop audiences with the launch of a full newsfeed for browsers. Now Instagram joins Facebook as a complete Web entity. Continue reading Instagram Launches Full Image Feed for Desktop Browsers

THX Launches Mobile App to Tune-Up Home Theater Systems

THX has released its first mobile iOS app, designed to help consumers properly adjust their home theater set-up, including TVs, projectors and speakers. The $1.99 app uses custom designed video patterns and audio tests to optimize equipment settings and proper connections. The THX tune-up system uses an iPad or iPhone camera to measure colors and users can follow step-by-step instructions via narration and text. Continue reading THX Launches Mobile App to Tune-Up Home Theater Systems

Serendip Media: Music Discovery Service Launches iOS App

Streaming music startup Serendip began offering its “lean back” music discovery service to mobile devices this week with the debut of the Serendip iOS application. Similar to its Web version, the new app offers a “continuous stream of the music popular among friends, or others you’ve dubbed your ‘music soulmates,”’ explains TechCrunch. Continue reading Serendip Media: Music Discovery Service Launches iOS App

CES 2013: ETC Provides Show Recap, 4K Leading Trend (VIDEO)

ETCentric correspondents Carolyn Giardina and George Gerba discuss the major trends on display at this year’s CES in Las Vegas. During the 5-minute video recap, Carolyn and George review this year’s breakout star — 4K — by discussing displays, content, cameras and upscaling technologies. They also address areas such as tablets, smartphones, second screen apps, and glasses-free 3D. Continue reading CES 2013: ETC Provides Show Recap, 4K Leading Trend (VIDEO)

CES 2013: Samsung Rings Up Pair of Windows 8 ATIV Phones

Samsung announced its first two Windows 8 smartphones in October with Verizon, but missed the December delivery date on both. Now it appears ready to ship the 3G LTE ATIV S, possibly as soon as January or February, but after talking up the 4G LTE ATIV Odyssey at CES, shoppers have little incentive beyond a thin form factor and slick brushed steel housing to dive in with the ATIV S. Continue reading CES 2013: Samsung Rings Up Pair of Windows 8 ATIV Phones

CES 2013: Internet of Everything Starts in the Connected Home

The Home of the Future was a popular theme at World’s Fairs and theme parks. Such a home would include centralized and automated control of appliances, voice commands, picture phones, and the use of computer technology throughout the house. That Home of the Future concept was in evidence throughout CES with connected solutions from companies including Samsung, Technicolor, Qualcomm and AT&T. Continue reading CES 2013: Internet of Everything Starts in the Connected Home

CES 2013: Razer Edge Takes Top Awards in CNET Best of CES

CNET announced the winners of its official “Best of CES” Awards program on Thursday morning. Hundreds of new products were judged by the CNET editors, while the People’s Voice Award was selected by an online audience. This year, both the Best of Show and People’s Voice Awards went to the $999 Razer Edge, a PC gaming-oriented Windows 8 tablet. Other winners included the Lenovo 27-inch Horizon Table PC, Samsung’s 4K UHDTV and the Android YotaPhone with e-ink display. Continue reading CES 2013: Razer Edge Takes Top Awards in CNET Best of CES

CES 2013: Vizio To Launch 3DGO! App On its Smart TVs

Vizio is adding an app for 3DGO! — Sensio Technologies’ 3D VOD service — to its Vizio Internet Apps on its Theatre 3D Smart TV models. Sensio is making the app, and is talking with additional set makers about this opportunity. Aimed at growing the amount of available 3D content in the home, 3DGO! currently offers roughly 30 titles, primarily documentaries. Continue reading CES 2013: Vizio To Launch 3DGO! App On its Smart TVs

CES 2013: Cars to Become More Connected and Conversational

Just as phones and TV have become “smart,” the latest generation of cars are much more digitally enhanced to keep drivers connected and keep their eyes on the road with a variety of hands-free voice controls and wireless offerings. From Ford’s SYNC interface to Hyundai’s Blue Link to Chrysler’s Uconnect, car manufacturers are upping the ante with displays and concepts at CES, expanding infotainment, connectivity and security. Continue reading CES 2013: Cars to Become More Connected and Conversational

CES 2013: New Lightplay Wi-Fi Projector Works with Android

PhoneSuit Inc. introduced Lightplay, a Wi-Fi-enabled Smart Pico projector with a motion controller that fits in the palm of your hand. Built-in Wi-Fi, rechargeable battery and tiny dimensions make this a very portable package. Android apps can run directly on the projector or it can be used with multiple connections from other devices. Continue reading CES 2013: New Lightplay Wi-Fi Projector Works with Android

NPD Study: Consumers Slow to Adopt Apps on Smart TVs

Research organization NPD estimates that approximately 25 million U.S. households currently have smart TVs. While nearly six out of 10 owners are using their smart TVs to watch over-the-top video services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, and roughly 15 percent are accessing music services like Pandora, the majority of Americans are not utilizing applications beyond streaming video and music. The latest NPD Connected Intelligence Application & Convergence report suggests the Internet connected HDTV screen has yet to reach beyond its TV-centric heritage. Continue reading NPD Study: Consumers Slow to Adopt Apps on Smart TVs

CES 2013: Wireless and Apps Must-Have Features for Cameras

Despite camera manufacturers shifting much of their focus to overseas events, Engadget still expects some announcements at January’s CES, especially with heavy-hitters such as Canon, Nikon, Samsung and Sony investing in significant floor space.

“Last year’s show brought consumer and advanced amateur models,” notes the post. “Fujifilm introduced the X-Pro1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, Canon showed off the PowerShot G1X with a 1.5-inch sensor, Samsung boosted its SMART line of point-and-shoots, while Polaroid delivered the SC1630 Android hybrid.”

“By the end of 2012, all of these additions faded from memory, overshadowed by more powerful ILCs, advanced compacts from Sony and the Samsung Galaxy Camera, respectively,” explains Engadget. “That’s not to say that any of these products were insignificant, but they surely weren’t blockbusters, despite CES-fueled excitement at the time.”

Wireless connectivity and downloadable apps are expected to be the must-have features in 2013. Also anticipated are larger sensors, smaller bodies, lower prices, in-camera filters and new touchscreens (particularly in high-end models). “And while Android may make an appearance in another compact or two, it won’t be the star of the show,” suggests the post.

Cameras with updated sensors and optics will also appear in a larger variety of other devices including TVs, tablets, laptops and smartphones. “Eye-tracking may also have a more substantial presence within select laptops and desktop computers, bringing additional cameras into the picture. We could also see camera-equipped robotic vacuums (for remote monitoring and navigation), and maybe even some home appliance surprises.”