Posted in Commentary with tags Asus on September 2, 2017 by itnerd
ASUS today announced the availability of the ZenFone AR – a next-generation smartphone that represents a significant advancement in mobile virtual and augmented reality technologies. The ZenFone AR is the world’s first smartphone that supports both Tango AR and Daydream VR technologies developed by Google, giving users totally new ways to engage with and be entertained by their smartphones. The ZenFone AR is available today, in a 6GB RAM configuration with 64GB storage, at Amazon Canada, BestBuy Canada and BestBuy Canada Prototype Stores, Canada Computers, Memory Express, and Staples Canada.
To create the best-in-class VR and AR smartphone, ASUS engineered the ZenFone AR with latest, top-of-the-line components. The ZenFone AR is equipped with 6GB of RAM and includes a Snapdragon 821 Mobile Platform; specially optimized for AR operations and unparalleled multi-tasking. ASUS worked closely with Qualcomm Technologies engineers and Google to efficiently distribute computer vision workloads, as well as rapidly process movement and positioning instructions by Tango that is known as six degrees of freedom, or “6DoF” (forward-backward / up-down / left-right / roll / pitch / yaw).
The desktop-class Qualcomm Adreno 530 graphics processing unit (GPU) delivers supercharged graphics performance, allowing the ZenFone AR to handle the graphics demands of Tango and Daydream with ease. Complementing the rich AR & VR experiences offered by ZenFone AR is a new audio system that supports Hi-Res Audio and DTS virtual surround sound. External audio also gets a boost with the ZenFone AR’s new ultra-loud 5-magnet speaker.
ASUS ZenFone AR was developed in close cooperation with Google to deliver the best user experience on both Tango and Daydream platforms. Tango, an augmented reality (AR) platform that uses qualified devices to detect their users’ positions relative to places and objects around them without using GPS or other external signals, allows application developers to create AR user experiences that include indoor navigation, 3D mapping, and environmental recognition, among other augmented reality applications. To date, there are already over 35 apps on Google Play that are Tango compatible. ASUS and Google are also partnering with well-known brands to bring the Tango AR experience to customers.
Today, Wayfair’s AR application, WayfairView, has been updated and integrated into its popular mobile shopping app for the ASUS ZenFone AR. The Wayfair app makes it possible for consumers to see virtual furniture and décor in their homes at full scale before they buy. A featured app on the ASUS ZenFone AR, shoppers can easily find and download the Wayfair app from the Tango App, or from the Google Play Store. Take a look at this to see the Wayfair app in action on the ZenFone AR:
To qualify as a Tango-enabled smartphone, ZenFone AR features a set of sensors and “computer vision” software that gives it the ability to interpret images, videos, space and motion like humans. Tango adds three new abilities to ZenFone AR: motion tracking, depth perception and area learning. Through these capabilities, ZenFone AR can detect how far it is away from a floor, wall or an object and understand where it is moving in three-dimensional space.
The ZenFone AR is also an accomplished camera smartphone, and contains the ASUS PixelMaster 3.0 camera system that includes the world’s highest resolution Sony IMX318 sensor and TriTech Autofocus system. Other key camera features include: 4-axis OIS photo and 3 axis EIS video stabilization, Super Resolution, Low Light, and a variety of optimized presets modes, as well as manual creative controls to provide photographers advanced control of the ZenFone AR’s camera to suit any need. Lastly, high resolution 4K video recording allows for ultra-detailed videos.
Posted in Commentary with tags ITAC on September 2, 2017 by itnerd
The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, today announced funding to the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) aspart of the Government of Canada’s Student Work Integrated Learning Program to support matching business and technology students with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Career Ready program will match current post-secondary students who are studying in the areas of Business Technology Management (BTM), Computer Science, Computer Systems Technology, Computer Engineering or alike programs with SME’s across Canada over the next five years.
Career Ready was announced at a launch event at D2L in Kitchener, hosting students from secondary educational institutions and business and education leaders. The Career Ready program is using the innovative Magnet Today matching technology platform, a technology that was developed and incubated at Ryerson’s Digital Media Zone.
The program provides up to 50% (to a maximum of $5,000) of a work term student’s pay in wage subsidies to employers. Employers that hire students from underrepresented groups including women in STEM, indigenous students, recent immigrants, persons with disabilities, and first-year students may also qualify for additional funding (up to 70% or $7,000).
ITAC works closely with the work term department staff at the post-secondary institutions to help students and employers bridge the school-to-work transition and have formed a consortium in Ontario with Ryerson University, Seneca College, Centennial College and Sheridan College. Further consortium partners will be pursued in 2018. The Career Ready program will also be launched in British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in 2018.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…take on the terrifying great white shark in Jaws Pinball! Based on the blockbuster film, this virtual pinball experience lets you relive your favorite moments with a gameplay twist. Turn the tides by playing as the shark in several game modes or start modes based on select movie scenes!
Jaws Pinball will release in the upcoming Universal Classics Pinball collection for Pinball FX3 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, and for Zen Pinball on iOS, Google Play and Mac. The collection also includes tables based on Back to the Future and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
Jaws Pinball Table Features:
Find and defeat the great white shark threatening Amity Island in Quint’s Main Modes!
Terrorize Amity Island’s local residents and visiting tourists in the Jaws Main Modes!
Keep the ball in play during the Raging Sea mode as the table becomes unsteady and the sea takes control!
Start different multiballs, play fast-paced frenzy modes and max out your score!
Set sail as night falls or navigate just before sunset!
They say that small is beautiful. In that case, the new Reykjavik loudspeaker must be qualified as simply stunning. Its ultra-compact, pebble-like design is just as intriguing and understated as the rough Icelandic nature that inspired this loudspeaker.
Back in the black
Material-wise, there are certainly surprises too. One model still comes in the classic, high-quality Kvadrat woolen fabric that covers Vifa’s other products. But Reykjavik is also available in a rough, rocky version of anodized aluminum. A whole new surface to the brand’s universe and a tribute to the Icelandic muses.
The new surface material is sturdy and resistant and perfectly matches the bring-me-along existence of a portable product. The leather strap allows you to carry the loudspeaker with you or hang it wherever you want.
Vifa number five
Reykjavik is the fifth wireless loudspeaker launched by Vifa in only three years. The Danish manufacturer’s audio roots go all the way back to the 1930s, as a sub-supplier to other speaker brands.
Believing that premium sound deserves a high-end presentation, in 2014 Vifa decided to launch its own range of wireless loudspeakers, building on the solid experience and proud craftsmanship behind the brand. The result is a series of high-end, highly intuitive, and aesthetically attractive loudspeakers, which never compromise the authentic sound that has been a core value for the brand throughout the years.
Features:
Bluetooth Wireless Technology
AUX 3.5 mm mini jack
USB playback
Lithium Ion battery
DSP crossover, optimized for low distortion and high precision
3 channel digital amplifier
LINK two speakers
Speaker phone (Incl. noise/echo cancelling)
Distribution and price
Reykjavik is available at www.vifa.dk and through selected dealers
ASUS ZenFone AR Now Available in Canada
Posted in Commentary with tags Asus on September 2, 2017 by itnerdASUS today announced the availability of the ZenFone AR – a next-generation smartphone that represents a significant advancement in mobile virtual and augmented reality technologies. The ZenFone AR is the world’s first smartphone that supports both Tango AR and Daydream VR technologies developed by Google, giving users totally new ways to engage with and be entertained by their smartphones. The ZenFone AR is available today, in a 6GB RAM configuration with 64GB storage, at Amazon Canada, BestBuy Canada and BestBuy Canada Prototype Stores, Canada Computers, Memory Express, and Staples Canada.
To create the best-in-class VR and AR smartphone, ASUS engineered the ZenFone AR with latest, top-of-the-line components. The ZenFone AR is equipped with 6GB of RAM and includes a Snapdragon 821 Mobile Platform; specially optimized for AR operations and unparalleled multi-tasking. ASUS worked closely with Qualcomm Technologies engineers and Google to efficiently distribute computer vision workloads, as well as rapidly process movement and positioning instructions by Tango that is known as six degrees of freedom, or “6DoF” (forward-backward / up-down / left-right / roll / pitch / yaw).
The desktop-class Qualcomm Adreno 530 graphics processing unit (GPU) delivers supercharged graphics performance, allowing the ZenFone AR to handle the graphics demands of Tango and Daydream with ease. Complementing the rich AR & VR experiences offered by ZenFone AR is a new audio system that supports Hi-Res Audio and DTS virtual surround sound. External audio also gets a boost with the ZenFone AR’s new ultra-loud 5-magnet speaker.
ASUS ZenFone AR was developed in close cooperation with Google to deliver the best user experience on both Tango and Daydream platforms. Tango, an augmented reality (AR) platform that uses qualified devices to detect their users’ positions relative to places and objects around them without using GPS or other external signals, allows application developers to create AR user experiences that include indoor navigation, 3D mapping, and environmental recognition, among other augmented reality applications. To date, there are already over 35 apps on Google Play that are Tango compatible. ASUS and Google are also partnering with well-known brands to bring the Tango AR experience to customers.
Today, Wayfair’s AR application, WayfairView, has been updated and integrated into its popular mobile shopping app for the ASUS ZenFone AR. The Wayfair app makes it possible for consumers to see virtual furniture and décor in their homes at full scale before they buy. A featured app on the ASUS ZenFone AR, shoppers can easily find and download the Wayfair app from the Tango App, or from the Google Play Store. Take a look at this to see the Wayfair app in action on the ZenFone AR:
To qualify as a Tango-enabled smartphone, ZenFone AR features a set of sensors and “computer vision” software that gives it the ability to interpret images, videos, space and motion like humans. Tango adds three new abilities to ZenFone AR: motion tracking, depth perception and area learning. Through these capabilities, ZenFone AR can detect how far it is away from a floor, wall or an object and understand where it is moving in three-dimensional space.
The ZenFone AR is also an accomplished camera smartphone, and contains the ASUS PixelMaster 3.0 camera system that includes the world’s highest resolution Sony IMX318 sensor and TriTech Autofocus system. Other key camera features include: 4-axis OIS photo and 3 axis EIS video stabilization, Super Resolution, Low Light, and a variety of optimized presets modes, as well as manual creative controls to provide photographers advanced control of the ZenFone AR’s camera to suit any need. Lastly, high resolution 4K video recording allows for ultra-detailed videos.
The 6GB RAM, 64GB storage ZenFone AR is available today for CAD MSRP $899 at: Amazon Canada, BestBuy Canada and BestBuy Canada Prototype Stores, Canada Computers, Memory Express, and Staples Canada.
To learn more about the ZenFone AR, including alternate configurations and updated where to buy information, visit: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/Phone/ZenFone-AR-ZS571KL/
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