For the first episode of 2021, Michael and Michael start off with a couple of technology and gaming focused articles related to the attack on the US Congress on the 6th. The Washington Post article focuses on what is being done to preserve the live streams, both for posterity and as evidence, and a Mashable post draws similarities to alternate reality games (ARGs). The cybersecurity breach via SolarWinds appears to be even worse than originally thought. For more details, check out Steve Gibson’s Security Now podcast link in the show notes below.
There is a bevy of AR topics, starting with Looking Glass, which takes advantage of your phone to capture holographic imagery. The DC Metro includes a full map of the metro in augmented reality on every Metro card. And, there is a concept of macOS in AR that looks just fantastic. Between these examples and the new art installation at LaGuardia’s airport, we can truly say that AR imitates life. Don’t miss the combination of Mario Kart Live with LEGO Super Mario – what a great concept.
Speaking of concepts, an intriguing idea for wireless recharging is expressed in an Apple patent “Inductive charging between electronic devices” whereby a MacBook or iPad could provide power to other devices like phones or watches.
Screens get some air time during this podcast as well – the OLEDs from LG as well as the new Mercedes Hyperscreen.
Before closing out this week’s episode with a new video of Boston Dynamics dancing robots, Michael and Michael muse on the idea of immortality that could be afforded by machine learning engines ingesting text, audio and video of a loved one in such a way that would allow post mortem interaction with the trained AI model. Much to think about – and a cool flashback to Games At Work episode 26 from 2012 on this subject.
Selected Links
Washington Post article: The Capitol mob recorded its own history. Now, volunteers are trying to preserve the record. — https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/07/capitol-mob-recorded-its-own-history-now-volunteers-are-trying-preserve-record/
Curiouser Institute post: A Game Designer’s Analysis of QAnon — https://medium.com/curiouserinstitute/a-game-designers-analysis-of-qanon-580972548be5
The Verge article: SolarWinds hack may be much worse than originally feared — https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/2/22210667/solarwinds-hack-worse-government-microsoft-cybersecurity
Security Now episode 800 Solarblizzard — https://twit.tv/shows/security-now/episodes/800?autostart=false
TechCrunch article: Looking Glass is launching 3D photo software for its holographic tech — https://techcrunch.com/2021/01/06/looking-glass-is-launching-3d-photo-software-for-its-holographic-tech/
Looking Glass Factory — https://lookingglassfactory.com
Cult of Mac article: Awesome macOS concept imagines the AR iMac of the future — https://www.cultofmac.com/731723/awesome-macos-concept-imagines-the-ar-imac-of-the-future/
Cult of Mac article: Making MacBooks and iPads into wireless chargers is a brilliantly dumb idea — https://www.cultofmac.com/731761/apple-patent-mac-ipad-wireless-chargers-charging/
WUNC article: Epic Games To Move HQ To Cary Towne Center — https://www.wunc.org/post/epic-games-move-hq-cary-towne-center
Gizmodo article: Combining Mario Kart Live With Lego Super Mario Creates the Ultimate IRL Video Game Experience — https://gizmodo.com/combining-mario-kart-live-with-lego-super-mario-creates-1845983472
Travel + Leisure article: LaGuardia Airport’s New Art Installation Will Turn You Into NYC Graffiti — https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/laguardia-airport/5pointz-graffiti-interactive-installation-laguardia-airport
Mashable article: LG wants to put transparent OLEDs in restaurants and subways — https://mashable.com/article/lg-transparent-oled/
TechCrunch article: Mercedes unveils Hyperscreen, a cured 56-inch screen for its flagship EQS electric vehicle — https://techcrunch.com/2021/01/07/mercedes-unveils-hyperscreen-a-curved-56-inch-screen-for-its-flagship-eqs-electric-vehicle/
The Times article: Chatbot could let you speak to relatives beyond the grave — https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/chatbot-could-let-you-speak-to-relatives-beyond-the-grave-2929fp3xk
Games At Work episode 26 — Business Process Management and Immortality — https://gamesatwork.biz/2012/11/04/episode26/
The Verge article: Amazon marked free podcasts as costing $8.95 with a discount for Audible subscribers — https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/6/22216803/amazon-audible-subscription-podcast-advertisement
Boston Dynamics has released yet another video of its robots dancing that is equal parts impressive, creepy, and cringe https://t.co/RF5mQQhC0m pic.twitter.com/h9hDiEJK8X
— Mikael Thalen (@MikaelThalen) December 29, 2020
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Such a fun episode, Michael & Andy! Loved your discussion on Life by You.