Chủ Nhật, 18 tháng 9, 2016
Following that black and white iPhone 7 teaser video from last week, Apple has launched a new series of commercials promoting the iPhone 7 and the Apple Watch Series 2 and each one is, in true Apple tradition, a tiny work of art. The first is titled "Midnight," and it takes us on a trip with a skateboarder who has an eye for night photography. Designed to show off the iPhone 7's low-light powers, the one-minute mini movie is oddly intimate, even while touting the most talked about technology product on the planet. SEE ALSO: iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: the review Next there's "Morning Ride," a 30-second dip into the world of a cyclist who, suddenly called by nature's pull, decides to emerge from his garage and go for a ride. The spot ends on an epic frame of storm clouds gathering in front of the biker. The message: Yes, the newly water-resistant iPhone 7 can survive the looming downpour. Finally, "Go Time" is Apple's new take on promoting the powers of the Apple Watch, and the breathtaking visuals are not only convincing, they're a tad inspirational. From surfing to basketball to swimming to yoga, we see the Apple Watch Series 2, and the Apple Watch Nike+ (with that distinctive, perforated band), put through the rigors of all manner of sports, and even a bit of meditation. Next to the device's apparent durability, the message here also tends to focus on the device's newly water-resistant capabilities. All this action is set to the music of Nina Simone's "Sinner Man," which transports the video from common commercial into cultural message territory, familiar ground for Apple. That message appears to be focused on the notion of bringing our technology further into the natural parts of everyday life, whether that means thunderstorms, ocean waves or the usually dark, photo-obscuring pitch of night. Image: apple However, there's something different about these latest spots. Sure, Apple is known for producing slick television commercials, but these feel a lot more like short films. The devices are at the center of each video, but you actually feel like you're peeking in on a part of a story. This could be a mere change in directors and/or producers, or it could be yet another indication of Apple's increasing interest in producing original content. If it's the latter, then we may be in for a interesting ride from Apple, as these new spots are about as well shot and visually engaging on a narrative level as your favorite cable television drama or indie film.
Thứ Tư, 10 tháng 8, 2016
As much fun as Snapchat can be, sometimes there's no getting around the FOMO that goes along with watching friends' Snaps and Stories while you're stuck at home doing nothing. Now, there's a service that aims to help you trick your friends and followers into thinking you're having a fun night out even though you're just hanging at home. It probably won't make you feel better about yourself, but it could help you try to save face with your friends (or it could go terribly wrong.) Late Night Snap Hacks is a website dedicated to helping you spoof Snapchat videos so your friends will think you're somewhere you're not. Like a concert, or walking down the street (which is apparently an acceptable alternative.) The website has 10 different clips of parties, concerts, bars and other nighttime exploits — each with the kind of background noise you'd expect. Choose the scene you want to Snap and the website cycles through a 10 second clip you can record on Snapchat. Of course, the whole thing is more of a joke/marketing stunt than anything else. It was created by the founders of Casper, the mattress startup, but the whole thing is just functional enough to sort of work. The scenes themselves are, well, pretty generic — a dinner party, a taxi-filled street, a street vendor's hot dogs — and the accompanying soundtracks aren't great (you can turn them off luckily.) There's also the small matter of trying to record in such a way that doesn't make it obvious you're recording off a display (don't forget to move the mouse before you start). With the right light and setup you might just be able to actually trick some of your friends. Maybe. But remember, you'll have to live with the embarrassment if they find out, so bring your best Snap game before you do. h/t: Product Hunt
Thứ Bảy, 30 tháng 4, 2016
Because your cat doesn't already hate you enough, why not strap a gadget around its neck and give it even more reasons to look upon your human form with disdain. That's the only cat conclusion we can come to after watching the YouTube commercial for a device called the Catterbox, a cat collar that supposedly turns cat meows and purrs into human speech. Of course, the device isn't sold as actually translating cat mews into human words, rather, the device appears to trigger pre-recorded human phrases when the cat emits a sound. "We’ve analysed these cat sounds and created a program that detects a cat’s meow and matches it to a human voice." reads the product description on the company's website. "We then put this technology inside a sleek 3D printed collar which connects seamlessly to our app where you can choose your cat’s new voice." Ok, kinda funny. Kinda cute. Until you think about actually strapping the 3D-printed collar around your pet's neck. Imagine, if you will, that you're a mellow cat who now has to hear a loud human voice pierce your furry ears from a speaker around your neck every time you utter the faintest meow. Yep. Cat torture. If this product is even real (let's hope it's just a prank), and if you love your cat, we suggest passing on this one.

