Here because I think it's really cool, and a very innovative way to use display technology.
New display technology will be used in ways that surprise us all.
Generation Beyond (Lockheed Martin)
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Lies Damn Likes and Pixels
Joe sent me a message with this from Microvision's twitter feed last night.
Microvision's PicoP has super high contrast, because black pixels are OFF. There's a lot going on when determining resolution and brightness, not all of which is easily measured.
The picture from PicoP is fantastic -- and the experience is different and better than the numbers describe.
Thanks Joe.
The same is, broadly true of specifications. The simple answer may not give you the messy truth. As we have discussed before in these columns, in some detail, ANSI lumens really don't tell you much at all about how good a projector will look when it's showing a real image, especially an image of the real world in a video or photograph. The ANSI specification doesn't help you understand the issue of colour quality, which is so crucial, and which is why I am persuaded that CLO (Colour Light Output) or measuring output in sRGB are much better ways of specifying projector output. (Is There a New Number for Projector Performance?)
Resolution is Also Tricky
Some of the same issues apply when it comes to resolution. Twenty five years or so ago, I was very involved with high end CRT monitors and these always had a real problem in finding a specification that could genuinely express resolution and performance. Resolution was extremely difficult to define because although those that were not close to the technology thought it was all about the dot pitch of the CRT, the reality was that the actual resolution performance depended also on other factors. These included the shape and size of the CRT beam, the alignment of the three CRT beams and the ability of the amplifiers in the monitor to accurately control the intensity of the beams. In an extreme case, a very fine CRT beam could actually address the left and right hand side of each phosphor dot independently, so there was no coupling at all between the different components that defined the resolution.
The key point about the new definition is that it states that the contrast (Michelson contrast in this case, which helps to avoid issues with displays where pixels can be completely off, such as OLEDs, and which then always show infinite contrast because you are, effectively, dividing by zero) has to be specified at the claimed resolution. "Pass and fail" limits (25% for video and 50% for computer monitors) are still available, but the contrast also has to be shown. That means, effectively, two numbers - the resolution and the contrast at that resolution
The current version will stay at place until a new version of the IDMS is produced. The next full version will further develop the testing to get beyond simple "pass/fail" tests to include colour. Insight Media has published a white paper, written by Michael Becker at Display Metrology & Systems (DM&S) in Germany, explaining these changes and which can be downloaded here (registration required).
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
New Sharp Video about Robohon
Fast forward to 2:50-3:00 if you want to get to the projector part.
It's not about the Robot -- it's about Sharp & Foxconn accessing and using PicoP.
Wish I understood Japanese a lot better.
Thanks Joe
Monday, August 29, 2016
5G
One of the "ecosystem" technologies to watch is 5G.
How exactly it will appear remains to be determined, but it's sufficient to say that it will make wireless data a LOT faster, and probably a lot cheaper -- making streaming and downloading video content a lot more convenient and affordable.
PCMag (Much more at the source)
AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and other carriers will start to launch 5G networks next year. But what exactly is 5G? Here's what we know so far.
5G Will Enable Mobile AR/VR
So…what about phones? The biggest change 5G may bring is in virtual and augmented reality. As phones transform into devices meant to be used with VR headsets, the very low latency and consistent speeds of 5G will give you an Internet-augmented world, if and when you want it. Sprint recently demonstrated streaming wireless VR at the Copa America soccer tournament. The small cell aspects of 5G may also help with in-buildingcoverage, as 5G encourages every home router to become a cell site.
How exactly it will appear remains to be determined, but it's sufficient to say that it will make wireless data a LOT faster, and probably a lot cheaper -- making streaming and downloading video content a lot more convenient and affordable.
PCMag (Much more at the source)
AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and other carriers will start to launch 5G networks next year. But what exactly is 5G? Here's what we know so far.
5G Will Enable Mobile AR/VR
So…what about phones? The biggest change 5G may bring is in virtual and augmented reality. As phones transform into devices meant to be used with VR headsets, the very low latency and consistent speeds of 5G will give you an Internet-augmented world, if and when you want it. Sprint recently demonstrated streaming wireless VR at the Copa America soccer tournament. The small cell aspects of 5G may also help with in-building
VrRoom
Interesting way to jump start a new market. I bet it works.
Virtual Reality Reporter (Much more at Source)
Virtual Reality Reporter (Much more at Source)
VRrOOm Launches World’s First Global VR Cinema Network At BIRTV. Founded by ex-THX executive, VRrOOm officially announced on August 26 an exclusive partnership with CFEC, a China Film Group (CFG) company. The future network of VR cinemas, a key component of the company’s VR ecosystem, was introduced at the Beijing International Radio, TV & Film Exhibition (BIRTV).
Founder and CEO Louis Cacciuttolo, China market veteran and global cinema expert, announced the launch of his new company VRrOOm, a fully dedicated Virtual Reality (VR) ecosystem, today at the Beijing International Radio, TV & Film Exhibition (BIRTV).
“THE AR/VR Market is expected to hit $120 billion by 2020* and the technology is going to be the next big thing for storytelling, beyond gaming”, said Louis Cacciuttolo, who worked for THX as Global Brand VP until March this year and was top executive for international communication agencies such as Saatchi & Saatchi and Ogilvy before joining the cinema industry. “Yet, there are few resources dedicated to facilitating the access to VR and accelerating mass market adoption.” VRrOOm is built around three main pillars: information, through a digital media platform, www.vrroom.buzz, physical VR experience in cinemas with VRrOOM Sanctum and VR and AR content production.
Nintendo NX -- Interesting description
Been watching the developments/rumors around Nintendo NX for a long time because of some language about the kind of game-play they would have. This is the first time I've seen this particular phrase, and it's pretty interesting.
Often, the closer we get to release, the more that rumors seem to take shape and take the right shape.
Just something to watch, smoke, not fire.
As the guy in the video on the MyNintendoNews link repeats frequently... we don't know... um... anything.
Source
Rumors about the Nintendo NX sporting customizable controllers and a handheld hybrid screen keep its fans and players hyped waiting for its release in March 2017.
MyNintendoNews
He reports that the Eurogamer report is correct, but says to expect something that’s a little off the wall and extremely exciting
Often, the closer we get to release, the more that rumors seem to take shape and take the right shape.
Just something to watch, smoke, not fire.
As the guy in the video on the MyNintendoNews link repeats frequently... we don't know... um... anything.
Source
Rumors about the Nintendo NX sporting customizable controllers and a handheld hybrid screen keep its fans and players hyped waiting for its release in March 2017.
MyNintendoNews
He reports that the Eurogamer report is correct, but says to expect something that’s a little off the wall and extremely exciting
Sunday, August 28, 2016
The Growth of Indian Mobile Manufacturing
India is one of the three largest markets for smartphones (and accessories) in the world. Still an industry growing significantly, and desperate for innovation.
Nuts.Guts.Glory
EconomicTimes.IndiaTimes
Chinese companies like Gionee and Xiaomi are making their handsets at Foxconn plant in Andhra Pradesh. Domestic companies such as Karbonn, Lava, Micromax, Intex, Jivi, iTel, and MTech too have set up their manufacturing plants in the country.
As per industry sources, Chinese company LeEco will start mobile manufacturing unit on Tuesday.
Nuts.Guts.Glory
EconomicTimes.IndiaTimes
Chinese companies like Gionee and Xiaomi are making their handsets at Foxconn plant in Andhra Pradesh. Domestic companies such as Karbonn, Lava, Micromax, Intex, Jivi, iTel, and MTech too have set up their manufacturing plants in the country.
As per industry sources, Chinese company LeEco will start mobile manufacturing unit on Tuesday.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
ViewSmart on Amazon
At CES this device looked really excellent. The sound and picture were great. The PicoBit looks almost identical.
We'll see what this means. Remember that Sony did say that they intend to be first with all their innovations.
Amazon
Viewsmart PS1 Laser Projector with Android 4.4 Computer
by Viewsmart
We'll see what this means. Remember that Sony did say that they intend to be first with all their innovations.
Amazon
Viewsmart PS1 Laser Projector with Android 4.4 Computer
by Viewsmart
Friday, August 26, 2016
Mob seeks Pokemon in Taipei
Throngs of PicoP Customers
From Liveleak
A huge crowd of Pokemon Go players were filmed in a wild chase through the streets of Taipei, Taiwan, for a rare Pokemon on Saturday. Local media reported that the Pokemon trainers were rushing to catch a Snorlax that had spawned near Beitou Park.The Apple Daily newspaper reported that thousands of Pokemon players had flocked to the area since the game’s launch in Taiwan on August 6, sparking complaints from police and local residents about overcrowding and blocked roads. Credit: Wang Ting Yi (王亭懿)
Read more at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=f44_1471924818#Heftvx7veORcYCbf.99
From Liveleak
A huge crowd of Pokemon Go players were filmed in a wild chase through the streets of Taipei, Taiwan, for a rare Pokemon on Saturday. Local media reported that the Pokemon trainers were rushing to catch a Snorlax that had spawned near Beitou Park.The Apple Daily newspaper reported that thousands of Pokemon players had flocked to the area since the game’s launch in Taiwan on August 6, sparking complaints from police and local residents about overcrowding and blocked roads. Credit: Wang Ting Yi (王亭懿)
Read more at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=f44_1471924818#Heftvx7veORcYCbf.99
New Xperia coming at IFA
During a Sony presentation last fall, they highlighted new things they were working on, and some they weren't going to talk about. There was a reminder during that that they would present their own innovations "first."
No guarantees here, but certainly more to watch.
Sony typically unveils new cameras, televisions and mobile gear at IFA each year, and this time we’re fairly certain something particularly noteworthy is coming in the latter category: a new flagship Xperia smartphone.
XperiaBlog unearthed benchmark details of a new Sony handset type codenamed F833X, with specs that sit very close to those of the current Xperia X Performance: Snapdragon 820 processor, 3GB of RAM, 5.1in 1080p screen, 32GB of internal storage, 23MP rear-facing camera and 13MP front-facing camera.
While these are hardly bleeding edge tech specs, there’s likely to be something else, feature-wise, to differentiate this phone from the Xperia X Performance: something special on the build quality or camera front, perhaps? Then again, given that the X Performance never got a full UK launch, perhaps this is just Sony's way of making amends. Could this be an Xperia X2? Or something else? We’ll know more soon…
Read more at http://www.stuff.tv/news/6-things-we-cant-wait-see-ifa-2016#0XKISWCKkVXog4Rg.99
Lessons on Innovation from Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go was worth paying attention to, because it's a disruptor. Much like PicoP will be.
While the game was under development, it got no attention from anyone. It was almost completely under the radar of the general (and investing) public until the game was released. It then went from being unknown, to the most popular mobile device game almost instantly.
The following will likely be true of PicoP as well.
CISCO Blogs --- A lot more at the source
The real take-away from Pokémon Go is that it shows market transitions can come from anywhere—even a game meant for kids of all ages. There’s no better time for innovators to take an augmented reality check on market disruptions.
1. Market transitions often expose new ways to do business
They shift our perspective, present different ways of looking at things, transform experiences, change behaviors and create new business models.
Pokémon Go, which instantly became the most popular mobile device game of all time, did all of the above. In record time, it has disrupted its market and adjacent ones.
2. Market transitions can come from anywhere
Market transitions challenge our beliefs and biases. They force us to open our minds, cock our heads at an angle, and think, “Aha! Maybe we can do it a different way.” In addition, here comes an “Aha! Moment” from Pokémon Go. How does this social phenomenon influence your business?
Today, however, a disruptive solution can blindside anyone from around corners they didn’t know existed. It’s critical to keep your finger on the pulse of innovation everywhere–and understand how it might apply to you.
No single company can keep pace by itself with the speed and complexity of today’s customer-driven, digital economy. Large companies focused on incremental or leapfrog game-changers must collaborate and co-innovate with an expanding ecosystem of startups, entrepreneurs and programmers.
4. Embrace transitions before it’s too late
One thing is certain: Once-mighty brands that failed to anticipate or react fast enough to market transitions will continue to fill up graveyards. Kodak didn’t understand the impact of smart phones . . . Borders didn’t respond fast enough to Amazon . . . Blockbuster never recovered from Netflix . . . will Yellow Cab adjust to Uber?
Today, market transitions and their disruptive innovations will keep coming in never-ending waves all around us. They can mean the difference between life and death for any company. Learn how to spot them early, appreciate their power, adjust quickly, and you can ride their crest to new shores of opportunity.
While the game was under development, it got no attention from anyone. It was almost completely under the radar of the general (and investing) public until the game was released. It then went from being unknown, to the most popular mobile device game almost instantly.
The following will likely be true of PicoP as well.
CISCO Blogs --- A lot more at the source
The real take-away from Pokémon Go is that it shows market transitions can come from anywhere—even a game meant for kids of all ages. There’s no better time for innovators to take an augmented reality check on market disruptions.
1. Market transitions often expose new ways to do business
They shift our perspective, present different ways of looking at things, transform experiences, change behaviors and create new business models.
Pokémon Go, which instantly became the most popular mobile device game of all time, did all of the above. In record time, it has disrupted its market and adjacent ones.
2. Market transitions can come from anywhere
Market transitions challenge our beliefs and biases. They force us to open our minds, cock our heads at an angle, and think, “Aha! Maybe we can do it a different way.” In addition, here comes an “Aha! Moment” from Pokémon Go. How does this social phenomenon influence your business?
Today, however, a disruptive solution can blindside anyone from around corners they didn’t know existed. It’s critical to keep your finger on the pulse of innovation everywhere–and understand how it might apply to you.
No single company can keep pace by itself with the speed and complexity of today’s customer-driven, digital economy. Large companies focused on incremental or leapfrog game-changers must collaborate and co-innovate with an expanding ecosystem of startups, entrepreneurs and programmers.
4. Embrace transitions before it’s too late
One thing is certain: Once-mighty brands that failed to anticipate or react fast enough to market transitions will continue to fill up graveyards. Kodak didn’t understand the impact of smart phones . . . Borders didn’t respond fast enough to Amazon . . . Blockbuster never recovered from Netflix . . . will Yellow Cab adjust to Uber?
Today, market transitions and their disruptive innovations will keep coming in never-ending waves all around us. They can mean the difference between life and death for any company. Learn how to spot them early, appreciate their power, adjust quickly, and you can ride their crest to new shores of opportunity.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Projector enabled power tools
I'm pretty sure that's a Sony MPCL1 up there on that drill. The scan line pattern works, and it's just another use-case that's awesome.
PicoP will be everywhere.
FastCodeDesign -- Much more at the source
Chip Buyout Renesas to buy Intersil
If you've been following along here for any length of time, you may remember in May of this year, and interesting headline about Intersil, and their laser heads up display. They had an answer to a technical question. They have been cooperating with Microvision -- to what degree, and how much currently, we don't know. The word was that a temperature specification had been achieved that would allow automotive laser Heads Up Displays. (It gets very cold and very hot in automobiles.)
So, this purchase is of interest. Not sure what it means yet, but these two companies seem to have some compatibilities -- and it will probably have an effect on Microvision.
E_Week
E_Week
Japanese chip maker Renesas reportedly is in the final stages of a deal to buy U.S. rival Intersil for about $3 billion as it looks to bolster its position in the growing automotive technology space.
Reports from numerous news sites this week said the company, which competes with the likes of NXP and Infineon and is seeing other chip makers like Intel and Nvidia pushing their way into the autonomous vehicle space, could announce the acquisition soon.
The deal would continue a consolidation trend in the semiconductor industry as chip makers buy rivals to build out their capabilities and address such emerging trends as self-driving cars, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, the internet of things (IoT), mobility and the cloud. High-profile acquisitions in recent years include Intel buying programmable chip maker Altera for $16.7 billion, NXP acquiring Freescale for $12 billion and Avago Technologies grabbing Broadcom for $37 billion in a move to broaden its capabilities in such areas as IoT.
IFA 2016 Reporting
This is a familiar pattern if you've been following tech news for very long. The rumor mills scramble to find information about everything. Then close to the event, there's a lot of reporting, and very little substance -- which is being saved for the show. Below is a sample of IFA 2016 reporting.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
How Streaming is Changing Sports Watching
It's quiet out there, which is normal for pre-announcement season. There will be a lot of activity to report on in the first part of September.
This was tweeted by MicroVision yesterday.
Streaming video is where it's at for PicoP -- your big screen wherever you are. More and more people are using mobile streaming.
The ecosystem for MicroVision's PicoP is primed and ready -- which is a critically important thing for the adoption of new technology.... and leads to things like the instant crazy success of Pokemon Go.
Microvision Twitter
New York Times
Something amazing may be happening: Television broadcasters may start viewing their content the way the rest of us do — as something you watch, plain and simple, without caring what screen it’s on. And as something you want to see on your terms. Now.
If so, it’s going to be a very big deal for an industry that still thinks it’s special.
As Sapna Maheshwari writes, the Olympics seemed to show NBC, which had the rights to broadcast the Games in the United States, that people increasingly want to see live events as they happen.
Perhaps a half-million people a day watched the events on live streams, and a disproportionate number of those were probably in the coveted group of 18- to 34-year-olds.
This was tweeted by MicroVision yesterday.
Streaming video is where it's at for PicoP -- your big screen wherever you are. More and more people are using mobile streaming.
The ecosystem for MicroVision's PicoP is primed and ready -- which is a critically important thing for the adoption of new technology.... and leads to things like the instant crazy success of Pokemon Go.
Microvision Twitter
New York Times
Something amazing may be happening: Television broadcasters may start viewing their content the way the rest of us do — as something you watch, plain and simple, without caring what screen it’s on. And as something you want to see on your terms. Now.
If so, it’s going to be a very big deal for an industry that still thinks it’s special.
As Sapna Maheshwari writes, the Olympics seemed to show NBC, which had the rights to broadcast the Games in the United States, that people increasingly want to see live events as they happen.
Perhaps a half-million people a day watched the events on live streams, and a disproportionate number of those were probably in the coveted group of 18- to 34-year-olds.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Just how easy for a new product to pop up...
Just in case you think it's far away and difficult..
Only a few people really know everything that's going on behind the scenes. I suspect strongly that even among close players, there are secrets. When something is a big deal, or a big possible deal there are a lot of non-disclosures. Shareholders don't like how that is playing out in the stock price -- and holding back the revenue stream makes it more difficult to run the company for sure.
However with IFA close -- the possibility we get a product announcement and connect with public imagination is growing stronger.
This prototype found its way to the ASM three years ago, and in my opinion, this or something similar could show up easily and at any time.
When asked at that meeting how difficult it was to incorporate the PicoP engine into the tablet, they reported it as being very easy.
For those new to PicoP -- the scan lines & flicker you see in the videos is a camera artifact -- not visible when you're watching it in person. You're seeing the brightness compared to a presentation projector.
Only a few people really know everything that's going on behind the scenes. I suspect strongly that even among close players, there are secrets. When something is a big deal, or a big possible deal there are a lot of non-disclosures. Shareholders don't like how that is playing out in the stock price -- and holding back the revenue stream makes it more difficult to run the company for sure.
However with IFA close -- the possibility we get a product announcement and connect with public imagination is growing stronger.
This prototype found its way to the ASM three years ago, and in my opinion, this or something similar could show up easily and at any time.
When asked at that meeting how difficult it was to incorporate the PicoP engine into the tablet, they reported it as being very easy.
For those new to PicoP -- the scan lines & flicker you see in the videos is a camera artifact -- not visible when you're watching it in person. You're seeing the brightness compared to a presentation projector.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Micromax in Russia
Well, maybe this is meaningful given recent traffic patterns.
Actually, convincing me that the recent spike in traffic from Russia, and the suspected connection with Micromax is probably meaningful.
Also made me think that PicoP will probably be much more popular in very northern countries first. A great deal of darkness in the northern winters.
Megafon launches Micromax, ZTE smartphones promo
Russian mobile operator Megafon introduced a promotion of smartphones from Micromax and ZTE ahead of the coming new school year. The Micromax D303, ZTE A5 and ZTE A5 Pro smartphones are offered for RUB 990 when connecting to a package from the operator for five months. The price of the devices is RUB 1,990 when connecting to a two-month package.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Related and Awesome
This is with Virtual reality -- which Microvision MAY be involved with -- but the results are awesome, and unexpected.
Technology, used to do good things.
Technology, used to do good things.
Sony From Survival to Innovation
Thanks D.
AsiaNikkei (A lot more at the source)
TOKYO -- Its electronics are profitable again. Its bottom line, once deep in the red, is in the black. Its engineers are flexing their product development muscle.
Sony is back. And its goal of booking a 500 billion yen ($4.95 billion) operating profit for the first time in two decades suddenly seems within the realm of possibility.
But before investors and consumers fully buy into the turnaround, the company will have to do what it once did so well: wow the world. Sony hopes to do just that with a combination of robotics, artificial intelligence and everyday gadgetry.
Yet, here we are in 2016, and Sony has just posted its first consolidated net profit in three years -- 147 billion yen. It is the first time in seven years that the company has managed to turn a profit excluding one-offs, such as proceeds from property sales.
More crucially, perhaps, electronic hardware turned profitable for the first time in five years. That excludes game consoles, which were already money-makers.
After a series of bold restructuring measures, Hirai and a team of innovators are determined to ensure the turnaround is no fluke.
"SONY 2.0" One key player is Hiroaki Kitano, president and CEO of Sony Computer Science Laboratories. Kitano developed the Aibo robotic dog -- a product that attracted a devoted following but was cut as Sony's earnings worsened back in 2006. He is still regarded as a guru in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence.
Sony is working on prototypes -- from earphones to desktop minirobots -- in search of the ideal AI interface. "We will develop AI platforms that can serve as the fundamental infrastructure for society and life in the future," Hirai said.
For the president, it is all about the "last 1 inch," or the point where people come in contact with the cloud and artificial intelligence.
Yoshida, the finance chief, is convinced all this will put Sony on a firm footing. "Connecting AI and robotics to a network," he predicted, "will create new services that will earn recurring revenue from stable customers."
Finally, after nearly two decades of focusing on what ails the company, executives are looking toward the future. MIT's Ito, for his part, believes that future is bright. "Sony has great potential," he told the Nikkei Asian Review. "You should expect a lot of the company."
Qualper Images & video
Found and posted on the Reddit Microvision Board.
I had some trouble getting the images, so follow the link. There is also a video that I am not able to transfer, so looking at the source is a good idea.
There will be demand for this!
About Qualper (Translated below by Google.)
I had some trouble getting the images, so follow the link. There is also a video that I am not able to transfer, so looking at the source is a good idea.
There will be demand for this!
About Qualper (Translated below by Google.)
Only plain and simple top technical content match
The world's top technology companies, if you want to discuss with our technology, maybe we can set up a time to find a quiet and dark house, in front of the projection screen from the beginning we have been talking to prehistoric times.
Right now we have a very urgent things to do, so that more technology partners know that we know our products, know that we have opened a giant screen life.
So to me, this small series shot entirely understand, to record a video. And colleagues chose my reason is very simple, because do not understand, in order to reflect the true.
So there is the following photos with video.
T-Mobile Hates Data Plans, Loves Robohon - Target of Sprint / SoftBank & Son
This morning was a pretty interesting as one rather simple story morphed into a very interesting web.
T-Mobile is coming out with unlimited data and video for ALL of it's plans; and unlimited standard definition video, and unlimited high definition video for $25/month.
Okay, that's pretty cool -- and that can be significant for the adoption of PicoP. Limited
Then a little more digging and I learn something about T-Mobile. It's actually a European company that has coverage over much of Europe and all of the US. Based in Germany, it covers Germany, and 12 other countries in Europe.
Then, apparently Masayoshi Son, head of SoftBank -- recent acquirer of ARM Holdings, wants to buy T-Mobile to merge it together with Sprint that SoftBank already effectively owns.
It's background knowledge, but Legere had great praise for Robohon and wanted to offer it at T-Mobile.
And of course we know -- the more free video bandwidth for mobile devices - the better for PicoP adoption. (T-Mobile and Sprint, have unlimited plans, and Verizon is offering free Video streaming -- on it's own video delivery service.) This is all good news in the background - the ecosystem for mass adoption is in place.
John Legere on Twitter
T-Mobile on Wikipedia
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son Wants to Merge Sprint & T-Mobile
Phone Arena - Still wants a Merger between T-Mobile and Sprint
Bidding on Bandwidth Bloomberg
"There aren’t any current talks between Sprint and T-Mobile -- they’re actually forbidden. Opening bids for federal airwaves started this week in the FCC’s so-called incentive auction. TV broadcasters have agreed to hand over certain radio wave licenses to the agency, which in turn will offer the spectrum for sale to wireless carriers, including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Sprint isn’t participating. The spectrum could fetch as much as $86.4 billion. During the bidding, which could last until early next year if the auction doesn’t raise enough money in the early rounds, carriers are prohibited from any deal discussions. "
T-Mobile is coming out with unlimited data and video for ALL of it's plans; and unlimited standard definition video, and unlimited high definition video for $25/month.
Okay, that's pretty cool -- and that can be significant for the adoption of PicoP. Limited
Then a little more digging and I learn something about T-Mobile. It's actually a European company that has coverage over much of Europe and all of the US. Based in Germany, it covers Germany, and 12 other countries in Europe.
Then, apparently Masayoshi Son, head of SoftBank -- recent acquirer of ARM Holdings, wants to buy T-Mobile to merge it together with Sprint that SoftBank already effectively owns.
It's background knowledge, but Legere had great praise for Robohon and wanted to offer it at T-Mobile.
And of course we know -- the more free video bandwidth for mobile devices - the better for PicoP adoption. (T-Mobile and Sprint, have unlimited plans, and Verizon is offering free Video streaming -- on it's own video delivery service.) This is all good news in the background - the ecosystem for mass adoption is in place.
John Legere on Twitter
T-Mobile on Wikipedia
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son Wants to Merge Sprint & T-Mobile
Phone Arena - Still wants a Merger between T-Mobile and Sprint
Bidding on Bandwidth Bloomberg
"There aren’t any current talks between Sprint and T-Mobile -- they’re actually forbidden. Opening bids for federal airwaves started this week in the FCC’s so-called incentive auction. TV broadcasters have agreed to hand over certain radio wave licenses to the agency, which in turn will offer the spectrum for sale to wireless carriers, including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Sprint isn’t participating. The spectrum could fetch as much as $86.4 billion. During the bidding, which could last until early next year if the auction doesn’t raise enough money in the early rounds, carriers are prohibited from any deal discussions. "
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Windows Holographic & Vuforia
Apparently they will make their software support all of the AR or VR tethered headsets.
This will certainly be a boost to the demand for the display technology, and will probably have other unanticipated results.
And with software like Vuforia available, its popularity should be huge
ARS Technica
Vuforia is a set of tools that help developers build augmented and mixed realityexperiences. One of the prominent abilities, as demonstrated in the video above, is the ability to automatically render holograms when the cameras see a flat image. Basically, the image will display flat to anyone without a mixed reality device looking with just their eyes. Those with a HoloLens, however, will see a hologram in place of the flat image on the paper. That opens up a number of possibilities of how we can share mixed reality experiences out in the real world.
This will certainly be a boost to the demand for the display technology, and will probably have other unanticipated results.
And with software like Vuforia available, its popularity should be huge
ARS Technica
At IDF in San Francisco today, Microsoft's Terry Myerson said that the Windows Holographic experience, including the shell used on the HoloLens hardware, will be made available as an update to the standard Windows 10 desktop operating system some time next year.
Currently, the HoloLens runs a specialized variant of Windows. Desktop Windows offers many of the same APIs as the HoloLens, but the 3D user interface that mixes existing 2D apps with new 3D ones is only available on the augmented reality headset. Next year's update will make it available to all, opening it up not just to Microsoft's standalone device but also to hardware such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive that provide tethered virtual reality.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Harry Potter Go
Just in Case you thought the demand for AR would be limited.
This is going to be a wave the Microvision surfs big time.
I've been seeing people of all ages chase Pokemon critters around town. (really not my thing). Kids walking up the street hunting with a phone. One group when I asked them said "Mom told us to go out and get a ____." Grandma chased them up the street a few minutes later.
Morning Ledger
This is going to be a wave the Microvision surfs big time.
I've been seeing people of all ages chase Pokemon critters around town. (really not my thing). Kids walking up the street hunting with a phone. One group when I asked them said "Mom told us to go out and get a ____." Grandma chased them up the street a few minutes later.
Morning Ledger
Hololens Limited Field of View
This is a fantastic opportunity for Microvision. The Nomad has a much better field of view than anything out there now, but we've been hearing about the field of view problems, but haven't seen a demo of what it actually means until this article.
So, check out the pictures below -- what Microsoft advertises at the top, and what's really seen through their device (so far) in the image at the bottom.
GizMag
After getting a Microsoft HoloLens in the offices, our first impressions are largely positive, but the headset's big Achilles' heel – the one that jumps out like a pimple to a teen before prom night – is its limited field of view. Since pictures tend to be worth a thousand words, we decided to save ourselves about 550 of them and mock up what HoloLens' field of view really looks like vs. the ludicrous expectations that Microsoft's marketing is putting out there.
So, check out the pictures below -- what Microsoft advertises at the top, and what's really seen through their device (so far) in the image at the bottom.
GizMag
After getting a Microsoft HoloLens in the offices, our first impressions are largely positive, but the headset's big Achilles' heel – the one that jumps out like a pimple to a teen before prom night – is its limited field of view. Since pictures tend to be worth a thousand words, we decided to save ourselves about 550 of them and mock up what HoloLens' field of view really looks like vs. the ludicrous expectations that Microsoft's marketing is putting out there.
From the Gainesville Sun
Today’s devices pack enough juice to get see you through to the credits. Many also are incorporating Miracast and AirPlay technology so you can stream directly from your mobile device via Wi-Fi, which means a totally untangled, cordless experience. Since so much of today’s content is streaming, there are no more optical discs or ripping DVDs to make your content digital, just log in to Netflix or Hulu. Essentially the cultural shift from the living room to mobile makes the idea of a small device that projects a large image on a wall or screen even more relevant.
Celluon PicoPro ($399) — At roughly the size and weight of a smartphone, this device not only can fit in your pants pocket but also in a shirt pocket. Instead of using a traditional bulb, the PicoPro uses a laser, which creates uniform brightness from edge to edge. One of the most important aspects of a projector is the lumens or strength of light that is emitted. The device is rated at a low 32 lumens but because of laser technology it's essentially perceived as closer to 60 lumens. It is also able to auto-focus. For Android users, you can easily connect wirelessly to the device with Miracast technology.
Monday, August 15, 2016
TVButler
Stuff to do, but will dig around more about this later.
Good Find A!
TVButler
https://twitter.com/MicroVision/status/764886623024623616
Good Find A!
TVButler
https://twitter.com/MicroVision/status/764886623024623616
The Complexities and Ecosystem of AR
For those of you who are impatient.
This is the kind of thing that is being worked on in AR. It's one of the reasons why the 3D laser scanning that Microvision is working on will be so useful. (Knowing for sure what the depth and distance of objects are instead of having the computer guessing.)
This is the kind of thing that is being worked on in the background of any new technology. To work, augmented reality needs these kinds of problems solved.
Thankfully, Picop and its ecosystem are ready.
Progress is moving a lot more quickly in AR.
Edge Snapping-Based Depth Enhancement for Dynamic Occlusion Handling in Augmented Reality from Bosch RTC-NA Visual Computing on Vimeo.
This is the kind of thing that is being worked on in AR. It's one of the reasons why the 3D laser scanning that Microvision is working on will be so useful. (Knowing for sure what the depth and distance of objects are instead of having the computer guessing.)
This is the kind of thing that is being worked on in the background of any new technology. To work, augmented reality needs these kinds of problems solved.
Thankfully, Picop and its ecosystem are ready.
Progress is moving a lot more quickly in AR.
Edge Snapping-Based Depth Enhancement for Dynamic Occlusion Handling in Augmented Reality from Bosch RTC-NA Visual Computing on Vimeo.
Live Map Augmented Reality Helmet
We saw these guys a while ago, from Russia.
Almost certainly this uses PicoP -- We'll see.
Did receive a message that suggests they aren't using PicoP any longer. I'm agnostic about it at this point. Their original test case was ShowWX and the Sony module is much better than that, and a plug and play kind of component.
Yahoo thread about Use of PicoP or not
From Motorauthority
Previous Livemap Post
Almost certainly this uses PicoP -- We'll see.
Did receive a message that suggests they aren't using PicoP any longer. I'm agnostic about it at this point. Their original test case was ShowWX and the Sony module is much better than that, and a plug and play kind of component.
Yahoo thread about Use of PicoP or not
From Motorauthority
Previous Livemap Post
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Motorola At IFA September 2-7
In its teaser, Lenovo confirms that new Moto Mods are going to be announced at the event. Lenovo-owned Motorola announced these snap-on back panels alongside the Moto Z and Moto Z Force in June this year. The modular accessories connect to the smartphones via a 16-pin connector on the back. On launch date, Motorola announced the JBL SoundBoost speaker Moto Mod which introduced stereo quality sound from the smartphone, an Insta-Share pico projector Moto Mod (meant to deliver 70-inch projector experience), and the Incipio offGRID Power Pack Moto Mod that claims to provide up to 22 hours of additional battery life.
Lenovo has now released a sneak peek video of what to expect at the event, and new Moto Mods have been confirmed. Perhaps the rumoured camera module will see the light of the day? Soon after unveiling the Moto Mods, Lenovo announced that it will sell the Module Development Kit (MDK) to third party developers. The kit is now sold on developer.motorola.com, and contains all the tools that folks at Motorola use to build the Moto Mods. Motorola will showcase these different Moto Mods created by new third party partnerships at the event.
Apart from the Moto Mods, the company also looks to announce "a new chapter in tablets" and launch "a whole new kind of intuitive keyboard". Motorola is also expected to unveil the new Moto 360 smartwatch at the event, if only because of a brief glimpse in the first segment recounting previous innovations from the company. IFA is set to begin on September 2 and go on till September 7 this year.
Lenovo has now released a sneak peek video of what to expect at the event, and new Moto Mods have been confirmed. Perhaps the rumoured camera module will see the light of the day? Soon after unveiling the Moto Mods, Lenovo announced that it will sell the Module Development Kit (MDK) to third party developers. The kit is now sold on developer.motorola.com, and contains all the tools that folks at Motorola use to build the Moto Mods. Motorola will showcase these different Moto Mods created by new third party partnerships at the event.
Apart from the Moto Mods, the company also looks to announce "a new chapter in tablets" and launch "a whole new kind of intuitive keyboard". Motorola is also expected to unveil the new Moto 360 smartwatch at the event, if only because of a brief glimpse in the first segment recounting previous innovations from the company. IFA is set to begin on September 2 and go on till September 7 this year.
NexDock
These guys were on the radio a long time ago, back up there.
This does fit well with the long term vision for PicoP.
NexDock at MSPowerUser
The NexDock is a device which transforms your Windows 10 Mobile device into a laptop through Continuum, and it was a major success on Indiegogo, receiving 121% of required funding.
The device has run into the usual issues, but unlike many crowd-funding projects is actually shipping now to some users.
NexDock Website
NexDock at MSPowerUser
The NexDock is a device which transforms your Windows 10 Mobile device into a laptop through Continuum, and it was a major success on Indiegogo, receiving 121% of required funding.
The device has run into the usual issues, but unlike many crowd-funding projects is actually shipping now to some users.
NexDock Website
Hololens Commercial Suite "Ready for Business"
And Hololens is coming along faster than expected.
A great AR display is ready for them.
Road to VR
Hololens Commercial Suite: Microsoft
Hololens Development Edition
A great AR display is ready for them.
Road to VR
Hololens Commercial Suite: Microsoft
Hololens Development Edition
- Kiosk mode. With HoloLens kiosk mode, you can limit which apps to run to enable demo or showcase experiences.
- Mobile Device Management (MDM) for HoloLens. Your IT department can manage multiple HoloLens devices simultaneously using solutions like Microsoft InTune. You will be able to manage settings, select apps to install and set security configurations tailored to your organization’s need.
- Identity. Azure Active Directory and next generation credentials with PIN unlock.
- Windows Update for Business. Controlled operating system updates to devices and support for long term servicing branch.
- Data security. BitLocker data encryption and secure boot is enabled on HoloLens to provide the same level of security protection as any other Windows device.
- Work access. Anyone in your organization can remotely connect to the corporate network through a virtual private network on a HoloLens. HoloLens can also access Wi-Fi networks that require credentials.
- Windows Store for Business. Your IT department can also set up an enterprise private store, containing only your company’s apps for your specific HoloLens usage. Securely distribute your enterprise software to selected group of enterprise users.
Hololens -
Augmented reality Rocks.
Microvision is a huge player And a much better field of view than anything we've seen out there yet.
Twitter Post
Microvision is a huge player And a much better field of view than anything we've seen out there yet.
Twitter Post
Robohon and Hololens together
Hololens and PicoP
I'm not sure if Robohon is mocking the guy with the glasses on, but hey... they're together. I'm sure the combo will create a lot of interesting experiences.
I'm not sure if Robohon is mocking the guy with the glasses on, but hey... they're together. I'm sure the combo will create a lot of interesting experiences.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Mobile Ecosystem
Mobile Ecosystem Forum (More at the source)
Today’s phones do everything: take pictures, give directions, play music. So why can’t they project movies? Seven years after writing about phone projectors, Tim Green is still waiting to own one…
Two years ago my family had a dream. We would build a cinema in our back garden.
OK, not a real cinema with seats and ushers and exorbitant popcorn. But somewhere we could sit on summer evenings and project movies in the muggy darkness.
In nine years, the smartphone has taken control of everything – alarm clock, diary, camera, camcorder, satnav, map, MP3 player. The projector remains out of reach.
If only there was a solution. If only I could stream Italian realist cinema to my 4G enabled iPhone and throw the pictures on the wall. No long wires. No connectivity issues. Well, I can’t. Which is disappointing because I was writing about projectors coming to phones seven years ago.
In 2009, pico tech was shrinking enough to sit inside handsets, and the phone makers were all over it. The breakthrough projector phone was the LG Expo, but even smaller OEMs like Micromax and Spice were trying it.
Today’s phones do everything: take pictures, give directions, play music. So why can’t they project movies? Seven years after writing about phone projectors, Tim Green is still waiting to own one…
Two years ago my family had a dream. We would build a cinema in our back garden.
OK, not a real cinema with seats and ushers and exorbitant popcorn. But somewhere we could sit on summer evenings and project movies in the muggy darkness.
In nine years, the smartphone has taken control of everything – alarm clock, diary, camera, camcorder, satnav, map, MP3 player. The projector remains out of reach.
If only there was a solution. If only I could stream Italian realist cinema to my 4G enabled iPhone and throw the pictures on the wall. No long wires. No connectivity issues. Well, I can’t. Which is disappointing because I was writing about projectors coming to phones seven years ago.
In 2009, pico tech was shrinking enough to sit inside handsets, and the phone makers were all over it. The breakthrough projector phone was the LG Expo, but even smaller OEMs like Micromax and Spice were trying it.
Friday, August 12, 2016
Why The Russian Interest?? Possibilities discussed
Interest from Russia in what is posted here has grown to the point that traffic from Russia is dwarfing the traffic from anywhere else.
So maybe some investors are curious about the tech in Russia.
Not quite sure why that is. One of the suggestions was that Putin is watching me. So, hello Mr. Putin, stop by, I have some good Vodka in the freezer.
So maybe some investors are curious about the tech in Russia.
Not quite sure why that is. One of the suggestions was that Putin is watching me. So, hello Mr. Putin, stop by, I have some good Vodka in the freezer.
Another possibility: Livemap is making some headway. (which we are nearly certain has been using PicoP)
Another Suggestion. (Reddit) I like this one. Parts of Russia are getting a lot of Chinese immigrants. (If this is the case, I wonder why the same amount of attention isn't coming from China. Perhaps the degree or manner in which the internet is controlled in China is very different.)
ABC News (Much more at the source.)
The Chinese are invading Russia — not with tanks, but with suitcases.
It’s impossible to know the exact level of Chinese migration into the Russian Far East; Russia has not run a census in over a decade. But by all indications, a significant river of people is surging across the border.
The Moscow Carnegie Center, the only organization to launch an independent study, claimed that there were about 250,000 Chinese in Russia in 1997. The Interior Ministry has claimed that there are 2 million. Other estimates place the Chinese population at 5 million.
Regardless, the Federal Migration Service fears a flood. The service has repeatedly warned that the Chinese could become the dominant ethnic group in the Russian Far East in 20 to 30 years. Such an occurrence would require an annual influx of about 250,000 to 300,000 Chinese, less than one-third the rate that Shaikin currently claims.
There are reasons to believe that the flow will hit these levels, with at least tacit help from Beijing. The Russian Far East is becoming China’s safety valve, much like Mexico lets off population pressures with migration into the United States. China has more than 1.2 billion people — more than eight times Russia’s population. Only 7.4 million Russians populate the entire Russian Far East, versus more than 70 million in northeast China. The Russian Far East is comparatively empty, with only 1.3 people per kilometer. China’s Manchurian population has increased 13 percent in a little more than a decade.
Qualper attention or Phone release in Russia? (also from Reddit)
Translation below by Google
This Qualper QU1. As you might guess from the name, is the debut of a smartphone. And there she decided to place the camera in a very unusual place. How did she get there? Note the break in the rim, is in the left side of the upper end. Solid such centimeter two break. There is a built-in projector smartphone. This arrangement made it Qualper move the camera to the right. However, I do not understand why it was impossible to place the projector on the right and left of the camera, where it would look more logical. The projector is the cause and other features Qualper QU1: large thickness (12.8 mm) and weight (237 g). Other features QU1: 5,5 "Full HD-screen, 4000 mAh battery, 13-megapixel and 5-megapixel camera, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of ROM, an eight chipset with 1.3 GHz (MediaTek MT6753, probably).