Apple Releases Plans for New Products

Apple introduced new apple watches, iPads, and subscription services in their annual September product launch. This year is quite different than others though, because there was no announcement of a new version of their best selling product, the iPhones. It was mentioned that the new device is delayed until October.

The introduction of their iOS 14 was made on Tuesday as well. This is their software for the mobile operating system. iOS 14 will be available for all products on Wednesday. The iOS updates routinely include new features, bug fixes, and advancements in the operating system.

The Series 6 Apple Watch has new features including two different versions of the physical watch. they are launching an “SE” version of the watch which is a slower but is also over $100 cheaper than the standard version. There are new features added to the Series 6, such as a brighter display, a faster processing chip, and even new blood oxygen level  tracking technology.  The new watches will be available on Friday.

The iPad is another Apple product that is getting a few upgrades in 2020. The major adjustments including the FaceID feature. Additionally, the iPad is converting from the current Lighting Cable charging cord, which most all other apple products are using, to the universal USB-C Cable.

Apple is one of the top tech companies nationwide and their continued technological advancements are always admired by the tech industry. It is always very interesting to tune into their launch in mid-september and see how they have out done themselves from the year prior.

source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/09/15/apple-event-2020-watch-ipad-announcements/5798048002/

 

Robotic Creations During COVID Times

Human interaction is practically a thing of the past as we navigate the pandemic society. Technology has made this strange reality a little more bearable and have kept some parts of society alive. Robots are a form of technology that have been greatly developed in the past 6 months, in hopes to limit human interaction to in turn, limit the spread of the virus. Robotics have been increasing in popularity and acceptance for a few decades at this point, but the world wide health crisis has really added a sense of urgency to the evolution.

Japan is where the majority of these advanced robotics have been created and hitting the public. Robots are replacing bartenders, security guards, and deliverymen in the country. The ideas and creations continue to blossom. For example, the “newme” robot, created by Avatarin, a Japanese company, allows people to virtually be somewhere in a physical form. A table is displayed on a stand with wheels and the person has the ability to remotely control the apparatus from wherever they are physically located.

Avatarin has recently partnered with the X Prize Foundation in hopes of advancing this technology. In collaboration, they launched a contest worth $10 million, spanning over 4 years. The contest is intended for companies to expand on the Avatar concept and further develop the robot.

I am curious to see where these ideas may go and how else our world will technologically advance in the next upcoming years. The global pandemic and healthcare crises have put a obvious sense of urgency on development and it should be interesting to see what else might come of it.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/covid-robots-social-distance-jobs-japan/2020/07/08/1a82ce96-afc6-11ea-98b5-279a6479a1e4_story.html

 

NBA Virtual Fan Experience

The COVID19 pandemic changed so many things about the world as we knew it. The sports industry was hit particularly hard, when all competition was cancelled and postponed in order to restrict any sort of gathering and transfer of the virus. As the months went on, and society begin to reopen and plan safe ways to conduct every day life, sport competition also resumed in a very unique way, without any spectators.

The NBA has found a way to get fans “into” the games without leaving their homes. Technology has made it possible to get virtual fans at the games, benefitting all parties involved. The NBA, in collaboration with Microsoft, created a viewing experience for fans to watch the game in real time through live streams. The veiwers’ camera is also turned on, and their video is projected in the virtual stands that surround the court in the Orlando Bubble at Disney Campus, where these special games are occurring.  The NBA is projecting this program to grow as the play offs begin, and are also hoping to get more sponsors and people involved.

Fans can sign up using a simple form on their individual team’s website, and other teams are offering the limited seats to season ticket holders and friends and family of the players. It does not cost anything to attend one of these games, if you are lucky enough to get selected. If fans are selected to virtually attend the game, they provide a username and password, and use Microsoft teams for communication and meeting purposes. There are some rules that come along with being a virtual fan, like only one person per seat, and no offensive language is prohibited.

People are really beginning to get used to doing everyday tasks virtually. Technology has made this time a little bit easier to adapt to these times, and there are new advancements everyday. Everyday pandemic life is changing everyday as people are finding new ways, such as the NBA virtual fan experience, to go about life as we knew it. This is so unique and it is also entertaining to watch all of the fans in their respective environments.

 

Sources: https://www.nba.com/article/2020/08/10/virtual-fans-help-restart-atmosphere

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/virtual-fan-video-board-2020-nba-restart/5h4c8szswyyi1tu9tc4ro95pd

https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-nba-virtual-fans-sign-up-cost-how-much-does-it-cost-to-be-on-nba-virtual-fan-screen/