Category Archives: Entertainment

Peel & Play: A new sensory toy for kids with special needs @ CES 2024



Peel & Play sensory toyThe Peel & Play interactive toy, designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other related disabilities, aims to provide a fun and creative way for these children to relieve stress and engage in interactive activities. This innovative toy is designed to address the stimming behaviors commonly seen in children with ASD. Stimming, which refers to repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping or repeating words, is a way for individuals with ASD to regulate their emotions and stress levels.

Interactive toy for children with special needs

While stimming behaviors provide comfort and joy for these children, they can also prevent them from attending to daily activities. The goal of the Peel & Play toy is to provide a replacement behavior that is both enjoyable and engaging. Developed by a team called Solive Ventures, the toy incorporates puzzles and interactive features.

Resembling an orange that can be peeled off, the toy provides tactile feedback and vibrations for sensory stimulation. It also includes lights, songs, and different gaming modes. The toy uses haptic device techniques to provide vibrating feedback when pieces are inserted, while the LEDs and songs provide auditory and visual feedback, making the toy engaging and interactive.

The pieces of the toy can be put together to form different shapes, such as animals and numbers, allowing children to be creative and play with the puzzles in various ways. The toy also includes different gaming modes, such as “Catch Me If You Can” and “Simon Says,” which promote cognitive development and memory skills.

Initially targeted at three to four-year-olds, the toy has been observed to be popular among children of different ages. The vibrating mode is popular among younger children, while the puzzle and gaming modes are more suitable for elementary school-aged children.

Tracking actions for engagement

One of the key features of the Peel & Play toy is its ability to track individual usage and provide metrics on children’s engagement. This functionality could prove invaluable in educational settings, enabling teachers to monitor and support children’s progress. By identifying when and how children are using the toy, educators can devise interventions and activities to improve classroom association and reduce reliance on stimming activities.

Future applications of the toy include the development of an app to monitor the developmental milestones of children using the toy. This app will allow parents and therapists to track the child’s progress and customize the activities based on their developmental age.

Conclusion: A toy to ease stimming activities

The Peel & Play toy is set to launch in South Korea in April, with the team behind the toy currently in discussions with clinics and kindergartens in the country. They also have plans to expand to the international market in the future. The toy is expected to be priced between 100 to 200 in Korea, a relatively affordable range considering the potential psychological benefits it can offer. This is particularly significant for children with autism who heavily rely on stimming activities for self-soothing.

In conclusion, the Peel & Play interactive toy, currently in its prototype phase, is a valuable tool for children with disabilities, particularly those with ASD and sensory needs. The toy provides a fun and engaging way for these children to relieve stress, regulate their emotions, and develop cognitive skills. By incorporating tactile, auditory, and visual feedback, the toy promotes sensory stimulation and interactive play. The future development of an app to monitor developmental milestones further enhances the toy’s potential impact on children’s growth and development.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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How Zoog brings families together through storytelling @ CES 2024



Zoog digital storytellingZoog is a platform that aims to connect generations through technology. The idea for Zoog was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when the founders realized the difficulty grandparents and parents faced in communicating with their children and grandchildren over video. They wanted to create a way for them to engage with kids in a similar way to offline activities such as reading books, singing songs, and making them laugh, but in an immersive and fun way that could be done remotely.

Zoog is an innovative platform that leverages technology to bridge the gap between generations. By providing a simple and immersive way for grandparents to connect with their grandchildren through storytelling and interactive videos, Zoog enhances the bond between generations and creates lasting memories. It is a testament to the power of technology in bringing people together, even when physical distance separates them.

Zoog – Connecting generations through technology

The concept behind Zoog is simple. Users can choose children’s content, such as Winnie the Pooh, and use the app to record themselves reading the story. As they read, the app adds animations, face filters, background animations, sound effects, and music to create an engaging and interactive video. This video can then be shared with grandchildren, who can view it on any device at any time. They can react to the video with emojis and even request the next content they want their grandparents to read.

The primary users of Zoog are grandparents who use the platform to connect with their grandkids, especially if they don’t live in the same house. The platform is designed to be user-friendly for older adults, and the creators actively involve grandparents in the product development process to ensure it meets their needs and preferences. Many grandparents today are technologically savvy, having used iPhones and computers for years, making Zoog’s intuitive interface and simplicity appealing to them.

How to use Zoog

To use Zoog, users can download the app for free from the iOS App Store. The app offers some free content for users to try, but to access the full library, a subscription called Zoog+ is required. Creating a video is straightforward, and grandparents can share it with their grandchildren as a link, similar to sending a text message. The child does not need to have the app installed to view the video, making it convenient for both parties. The child can watch the video at their convenience.

The delivery of media through Zoog is done via text message links. When a grandparent shares a video, the link leads the recipient to a webpage where they can view the video and interact with it. The child can leave emojis and request specific content for future videos. The company has partnered with various content creators, such as DreamWorks, to offer a wide range of children’s content, including popular characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and soon-to-be-released Paw Patrol content.

In terms of pricing, the Zoog+ monthly subscription is available for $9.99. However, they also provide cheaper plans for those who opt for annual or quarterly subscriptions. This pricing structure allows users to choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget.

Conclusion: A simple way to read across the world

The Zoog app is currently available for iOS devices, with an Android option coming soon. This means that iPhone and iPad users can easily download the app from the iOS App Store and start using it to connect with their loved ones. The app is called Zoog: Magical Storytime and can be found in the App Store.

In conclusion, the Zoog app is a groundbreaking platform that enables grandparents and grandchildren to connect through storytelling and interactive videos. Overall, the app is a testament to the power of technology in bringing people together and creating lasting memories.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Chat3D.ai: Making 3D modeling accessible to everyone @ CES 2024



Chat3D.ai AI-powered 3D modelingGenerative AI, also known as generative adversarial networks (GANs), is a revolutionary technology that has the ability to create 3D models from simple prompts or descriptions. This cutting-edge technology is being utilized by a company called Chat3D.ai, which aims to provide efficient and user-friendly solutions for various industries, including gaming, virtual reality, e-commerce, and engineering.

Generative AI creates 3D models

The concept behind generative AI is to use artificial intelligence algorithms to generate new content based on existing data. In the case of Chat3D, the AI is trained to understand and interpret prompts or descriptions provided by users, and then it generates 3D models accordingly. This eliminates the need for complex and time-consuming manual 3D modeling processes, making it a game-changer for industries that heavily rely on 3D models.

Traditionally, creating 3D models has been a time-consuming and complex process. Designers had to manually create every aspect of the model, which could take up to 60-70% of the time to market when developing a game or other virtual scenes. However, with the introduction of generative AI, this process is being revolutionized.

The development of Chat3D and its implementation of generative AI has been a relatively quick process. The company was founded in France less than a year ago and has already made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). This rapid progress is a testament to the dedication and innovative mindset of the team behind Chat3D.

Who is Chat3D intended for?

Chat3D’s target audience primarily consists of clients in the gaming industry who are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency. By using generative AI, these clients can save hours of work by simply prompting the software and letting the AI create 3D models in a matter of seconds to minutes. This not only saves time but also allows for greater creativity and flexibility in designing virtual environments and characters.

Although Chat3D is currently focused on the gaming industry, its applications are not limited to just gaming. Customers can also use the software for 3D printing purposes. For individuals who own a 3D printer but lack expertise in 3D modeling, Chat3D offers a simple and efficient solution. Users can describe what they want or even upload an image, and the software will generate a 3D model that can be printed.

What sets Chat3D apart is its accessibility. It is not limited to experts or professionals in 3D modeling. Anyone, regardless of their level of expertise, can use Chat3D to express their creativity. Whether it’s a child, a grandparent, or someone with no prior knowledge of 3D modeling, they can easily describe what they want or even upload an image, and the AI will transform it into a 3D model.

Conclusion: Chat3D.ai speeds up development of games and more

The pricing model for Chat3D is designed to be affordable and flexible for customers. Users are given credits based on their consumption, and they can spend these credits according to their needs on the website. This ensures that customers only pay for the services they use, making it a cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses alike.

In conclusion, generative AI has revolutionized the way 3D models are created, and Chat3D is at the forefront of this technological advancement. By utilizing AI algorithms, Chat3D allows users to easily generate 3D models by simply describing what they want or uploading an image. This accessibility and efficiency make Chat3D a valuable tool for various industries, including gaming, virtual reality, e-commerce, and engineering. With its affordable pricing model and user-friendly interface, Chat3D.ai is democratizing the world of 3D modeling and empowering individuals to express their creativity.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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Sennheiser: Innovative sport earbuds with biometric sensors @ CES 2024



Sennheiser MOMENTUM SportThe fitness industry has witnessed a technological revolution in recent years, with innovative tools emerging to enhance workout tracking and performance. A notable development in this domain is the advent of sports earbuds equipped with biometric sensors.

Great audio and biometric tracking together

Sennheiser, in collaboration with fitness company Polar, has developed what they term the “world’s best sport headphones” – the MOMENTUM Sport. These earbuds are uniquely designed with two biometric sensors – a heart rate sensor and a core body temperature sensor. The integration of these sensors enables fitness enthusiasts to track their workouts with greater accuracy and depth. By monitoring heart rate and core body temperature, users can gain valuable insights into their performance and exertion levels during exercise.

The sensors are strategically placed inside the earbuds, leveraging the unique characteristics of the inner ear. The inner ear, being quiet, dark, and muscle-free, provides a stable and consistent environment for biometric readings.

These sports earbuds offer a level of versatility and convenience not found in traditional fitness tracking devices. They can be used independently or in conjunction with a sports watch, accommodating a variety of athletic activities and personal preferences.

The earbuds also boast several additional features that set them apart. These include wireless charging, noise cancellation, and a built-in 3-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer allows users to control their earbuds even when wearing gloves or ear warmers, simply by tapping their cheek.

Set to be released in April, the MOMENTUM Sport earbuds are priced at $329. While this may be considered a premium price point, the extensive feature set justifies the investment for fitness enthusiasts seeking superior audio quality and comprehensive workout tracking capabilities.

MOMENTUM True Wireless 4: A blend of affordability and quality

The company also introduced its new MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds. These earbuds promise a premium audio experience at a price point that balances affordability and quality. The decision to set the price at $299 reflects Sennheiser’s commitment to delivering value to its customers without compromising on the quality of the product.

The design of these earbuds has been enhanced over its previous models, particularly the antenna design, resulting in improved connectivity. This is a critical feature for wireless earbuds, as a stable and reliable connection is vital for a seamless listening experience. Moreover, the earbuds come with a noise-canceling feature, ensuring that users can immerse themselves in their music without external distractions.

Conclusion: Great sound and features from Sennheiser

In conclusion, the introduction of the MOMENTUM Sport earbuds with biometric sensors marks a significant advancement in fitness technology. These earbuds offer a comprehensive solution for workout tracking, with features such as heart rate monitoring and core body temperature sensing. The strategic placement of biometric sensors ensures accurate readings, while additional features like wireless charging and noise cancellation enhance user experience.

The new Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 earbuds, priced at $299, present a compelling option for audio enthusiasts. With their enhanced antenna design, noise-canceling feature, and numerous other improvements, these earbuds are set to deliver a superior listening experience. Their affordability broadens their reach to a wider consumer base, ensuring that more people can enjoy the high-quality audio that Sennheiser is renowned for.

As for availability, the earbuds will be accessible on the Sennheiser website, allowing customers to easily purchase these earbuds directly from the manufacturer. Sennheiser is also actively engaging with its audience, promising to provide more information as the launch date nears.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Nimagna: Unleashing the power of AI in video communications @ CES 2024



Nimagna AI virtual studioVideo communication has become an integral part of our lives, especially in recent times when remote work and virtual meetings have become the norm. However, traditional video calls and presentations often lack the engagement and connection that comes with in-person interactions. That’s where Nimagna, a Swiss startup, comes in, revolutionizing video communications with the power of artificial intelligence (AI).

Revolutionizing video communications with AI

Nimagna, founded by Stephan Stadler, a computer science expert with a background in computer graphics, aims to bring the capabilities of professional TV broadcasts to video communications for everyone. Stadler’s previous company, LibraVision, was responsible for the graphics seen on ESPN and Fox Sports broadcasts. Now, with Nimagna, he is applying his expertise in visualization and camera analysis to transform video communications.

The goal of Nimagna is to eliminate the dullness and lack of engagement in video presentations. Stadler understands that when using platforms like Zoom or Teams for presentations, the presenter often becomes small on the screen, losing the human connection with the audience. Nimagna’s solution is to create an immersive and captivating video experience without the need for extensive setups or gear.

How Nimagna’s software works

Using AI, Nimagna’s software allows users to be cut out of their background environment and placed on a three-dimensional virtual stage. This stage can be augmented with various content, such as PowerPoint slides, images, and videos. The movements and transitions on this virtual stage are all controlled by AI, creating a dynamic and visually appealing presentation. What’s remarkable is that this can be achieved with just two static cameras, eliminating the need for expensive pan-tilt-zoom cameras.

The output of the Nimagna software appears as a webcam, making it compatible with popular video conferencing platforms such as Teams, Zoom, and Webex. Users can also use their favorite recording devices to capture the content. The software enables live streaming of presentations during video calls and allows users to record and share their content on social media platforms or professional networks like LinkedIn.

The quality of the Nimagna software’s output is a key focus for the company. As computer graphics experts, they strive to deliver high-quality visuals. While there may be some pixelation or artifacting, especially in more challenging environments, the software generally provides a solid and visually appealing experience. The founders acknowledge that achieving pixel-perfect quality similar to what is seen on professional broadcasts is challenging but state that for 99% of use cases, Nimagna’s output is more than sufficient.

The possibilities are literally endless

The possibilities that Nimagna presents are truly game-changing. It allows individuals and organizations to have access to the kind of professional studios and setups that were once only available to big-budget productions. The ability to create visually stunning presentations and engage audiences on a deeper level opens up new opportunities for businesses, educators, and content creators.

Imagine being able to stand inside a multi-million dollar studio, controlling the virtual stage with AI, and delivering a presentation that captivates your audience. Nimagna’s technology makes this possible, democratizing video communications and empowering individuals to create high-quality content without the need for extensive resources.

Conclusion: Nimagna makes presentations more engaging

In conclusion, Nimagna’s AI-powered video communication technology is revolutionizing the way we engage with virtual presentations. By bringing professional-grade capabilities to everyone, Nimagna empowers individuals and organizations to create visually stunning and engaging content. As we continue to navigate the world of remote work and virtual interactions, innovations like Nimagna’s offer a glimpse into the future of video communications.

The software is available today for Windows and macOS. The company offers a few pricing options starting at free and going up to Enterprise licensing for large corporations and more custom needs. To learn more or download the software, head over to their website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Skyted: The Solution for Secure and Private Conversations @ CES 2024



Skyted security maskDuring CES 2024, we got to take a look at the latest version of the Skyted mask, which is a sound-absorbing mask that allows users to make completely silent and confidential calls anywhere at any time. The mask has been developed to solve the problem of people talking loudly in public places, such as trains and airplanes, and disturbing those around them.

Silent, secure mask for confidential calls

The mask features resonators developed by The French Aerospace Lab that absorb all frequencies of the user’s voice, preventing any sound from escaping the mask.

The purpose of the mask goes beyond simply preventing disturbance to others. It also addresses concerns about espionage and the need for secure and confidential calls. All data and voice emitted from the mask are encrypted, ensuring that no information is leaked. The encryption process starts from the microphone and continues through third-party carriers, providing a high level of security.

The mask not only provides a solution for confidential calls but also ensures that the user’s location and surroundings are not revealed during the conversation. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who want to maintain privacy while making calls, such as those on vacation or conducting business in different locations.

In terms of connectivity, the mask can be used with either wired or Bluetooth connections. It offers both a jack and USB-C port for different user preferences. This flexibility allows users to connect the mask to their devices easily.

The Skyted mask is described as a travel-friendly device that can easily be carried in bags. It is noted that the mask is not just another ordinary face mask, but a specialized product with a specific purpose. The hosts highlight the importance of understanding the purpose of the mask and its potential benefits.

The target market for the Skyted mask includes frequent travelers, such as business people who spend a lot of time on airplanes and trains. It is also suitable for commuters who want to make calls during their daily travels, saving them time by starting their calls earlier. Additionally, the mask is useful for individuals who want to have private conversations in their vehicles, as it cancels out both their voice and external noise.
In terms of cost and availability, the podcast does not provide specific information. However, it suggests that the mask is targeted at a range of customers, including frequent travelers and commuters. The availability and pricing details would need to be obtained separately.

An upgraded model

This is not the first time we have seen the Skyted mask at CES. In 2023, we were first introduced to Skyted, but the device we saw never made it to market. Since then, the company has redesigned the mask to address feedback from those who saw it in action.

The design of the mask has been slimmed down and the weight has been reduced, making it more comfortable to wear. The technology has also been upgraded to cancel out even low frequencies, which are harder to eliminate.

Conclusion

Overall, the Skyted mask offers a unique solution for individuals who require silent and secure communication. With its sound-absorbing technology and encryption capabilities, it provides a way to have confidential conversations without disturbing others or compromising data security. This innovative product has the potential to revolutionize the way people make calls in public spaces and ensure their privacy and security.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Conversation Clear Plus aims to improve people’s hearing @ CES 2023



Sennheiser Conversation Clear PlusHearing products have come a long way in the past few years. Not too long ago, hearing products were very specific technology (aka hearing aids) with a specific look, feel, and behavior. They were controlled by a small number of companies that required a doctor’s appointment, a fitting, and a lot of money – often thousands of dollars. But, for most people, they were still uncomfortable and signaled that they were “old.” But now, technology companies have entered the fray and created new products that address the hearing problem in exciting ways. The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus is a new entry that aims to improve conversations in loud environments.

The problem with hearing

For many people, the problem with hearing isn’t about volume, it’s about context. Being able to hear in a private environment can be easy, but hearing in loud environments, such as CES itself, can be a challenge. The problem with traditional hearing aids, though, is that they generally amplify sound indiscriminately. So, if your issue is that you cannot focus on the voice of someone speaking to you in a loud environment, traditional hearing aids are going to make it worse, not better.

On the other hand, being able to use complicated algorithms to control volume and equalizer settings, you can amplify local sound while filtering out distant sounds. This means that you would be able to hear conversations with people who are close to you, or close to the headphones, without having to try and mentally filter out the rest of the noise in the room.

Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus

Sennheiser is known for its audio technology. Whether it be the handheld microphone we use for our interviews or the headphones we use to monitor the recording, Sennheiser makes a lot of audio products. In fact, a lot of the audio equipment we use for our events outside of the studio is from Sennheiser. This is because of the reputation they have for quality.

With that, they have taken their knowledge of mics, headphones, and equalizers and put them into the Conversation Clear Plus. This product is a hearing product intended specifically to help those who have trouble differentiating local and distant voices. It is accomplished by using a small microphone array to listen to the environment and make live adjustments dozens of times per second. By sampling and adjusting so frequently, the device is able to make transitions between volumes and settings less obvious and more natural.

The best part is that they do not look like hearing aids. Instead, they look like regular Bluetooth earbuds. This can help people who are worried about hearing aid stigma feel more comfortable wearing them in public. Plus, they actually can be used as Bluetooth earbuds, so it’s not even that far off.

Summary

The Sennheiser Conversation Clear Plus is available now for $850. To learn more about the product or the company’s other audio products, including headphones and earbuds, head over to the brand’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Roland AeroCaster: The live streamer’s new best friend @ CES 2023



Roland AeroCasterLive streaming has become a big business. Between gaming platforms like Twitch and standard platforms like YouTuve and Rumble, it’s never been easier to stream video. Even podcasters have gotten into the video game in larger numbers than those of us who have done it for over a decade. But proper production setups can be incredibly expensive and require a lot of specific hardware. The Roland AeroCaster is the company’s answer to cumbersome production systems.

What is the Roland AeroCaster?

The Roland AeroCaster is a live and recorded video switching system for small and medium sized setups. The system integrates nearly everything that a broadcast might need and does it in an incredibly small format piece of hardware. The core device is a small switching board with a few core inputs. On the back is a pair of combo jacks, so you can plug in XLR microphones, instruments, or even a soundboard. There are also RCA jacks for a line level connection.

On the front are a series of controls. For audio controls, there are sliders for mic 1, mic 2, line-in, and main. This gives you the ability to control the individual volumes for each direct audio input on the back of the board. There are also audio quality controls, such as de-esser and low cut filters. There is also control for an on-board microphone, sync delays, and more.

For video, it is a pretty standard basic video switcher. You’ve got buttons for your four video inputs, as well as the ability to create split-screen variants between any pair of inputs. However, the controls on the board are just the beginning of the story. The real magic comes from the connected software.

Roland AeroCaster LIVE app

The Roland AeroCaster LIVE app is really what separates the system from its competitors, some of which we have tried out. The software is well thought out and gives a lot of capabilities that we have complained about with other devices. First and foremost, the system allows you to import photos, audio, and video from your iPad for broadcast. This means that you have the ability to run bumpers, advertisements, and more. This is a huge benefit and something that makes the system really attractive.

In addition, the software integrates with streaming destinations to create a single point of connection. For those who are looking for a simple setup, you can connect to Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, and more. You can also monitor chats and comments on these platforms all within the software. For those looking to broadcast on a bigger stage, you can use RTMP directly to a service like Restream or Wowza to stream to multiple platforms.

Mobile cameras

One thing that really makes the Roland AeroCaster unique is its use of mobile phones as cameras. Rather than having to purchase special hardware, you can use your existing phone or tablet as a camera. This makes sense, especially for startup broadcasters, as we all have our current phone and many of us also have our last generation phone. This gives older phones a new life while producing a video quality that is equal to most professional streaming webcams.

Summary

The Roland AeroCaster is available now with a retail price of $295. You can get it right now at Amazon, B&H Photo, and more. To learn more about it, check out the product page.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Roland BRIDGE CAST makes game streaming a lot easier @ CES 2023



Roland BRIDGE CASTVideogame streaming has become a major part of the entertainment industry. In our offices, you can almost always find at least one Twitch stream running with one of the popular streamers. As the industry grows, new issues are introduced. For example, the RIAA has recently discovered what’s going on with Twitch and started handing out DMCA strikes for music usage. Gamers have been looking for a middle ground on this issue, and the Roland BRIDGE CAST might just be the solution they’ve been looking for.

What is the Roland BRIDGE CAST?

The Roland BRIDGE CAST is a new audio interface designed specifically for online broadcasters. This can be gamers, podcasters, and more. The device is a broadcaster’s dream with all of the inputs you can need. Across the back, it features an auxiliary input and a line out, both of which are 1/8″ jacks, as well as a 1/8″ headphone jack.

The interface has also got dual USB-C ports. One is a dedicated power port, which is a nice choice for those who aren’t going to have the device in a highly trafficked area. The other is for connecting the mixer to a computer for input and output of sound.

Most importantly, the Roland BRIDGE CAST features an XLR jack for a microphone. This allows you to use any type of professional microphone you might want to use. To make the offering better, the XLR jack has 48 V Phantom power to support the more powerful professional microphones like the ones we use in our studios.

What sets the Roland BRIDGE CAST apart?

One of the features that really sets the Roland BRIDGE CAST apart from the other competing options is its dual mix option. This means that you can have two separate and unique outputs coming from the same set of devices. The most common usage today would be for different music options for the streamer and their audience.

Why might a streamer want to hear something different from their audience? Because of copyright concerns. Many gamers like to listen to certain music to help get them in the zone to play better. But, to include that audio as part of a public broadcast, the streamer can be hit with DMCA strikes for using copyrighted music without permission. By using dual outputs, the gamer can listen to the copyrighted music that they want to listen to while playing something else, such as royalty-free music publicly.

On that topic, the Roland BRIDGE CAST system actually includes a large collection of royalty-free music that can be used safely on streams. So, those who are looking to keep their streams both entertaining and legal can use this collection as part of their public feed.

Summary

If you are a streamer or podcaster and are looking for a serious audio interface, the Roland BRIDGE CAST is a solid choice to consider. It is not yet available but is expected to launch in Quarter 2 of 2023. To learn more about the Roland BRIDGE CAST, head over to the product page.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Canon MREAL makes mixed reality a more natural place @ CES 2023



Canon MREAL MR hardwareVirtual reality has become a big business. Brands from several companies, including Apple and Facebook, have gotten into the virtual reality space in recent years. However, an up-and-coming aspect of the virtual space is augmented and mixed reality – a slightly different take on the concept. Canon, a company known for its cameras and optics, has entered the space with the Canon MREAL Platform.

What is Mixed Reality and how is it different from Virtual Reality?

Mixed Reality (MR), sometimes referred to as ‘Hybrid Reality’, combines elements of both augmented and virtual reality. While virtual reality immerses you in an entirely digital world, mixed reality adds real-world elements like textures, sounds, and light into the mix. This means that with mixed reality, users can interact with digital objects as if they were real, in a more realistic way. For example, a virtual table could be used to virtually hold a physical object, allowing the user to interact with the digital environment in an intuitive and natural way.

MR also has implications for remote collaboration, allowing multiple users from different locations to connect and interact with each other without being physically present in the same space. This technology has been successfully used in training, education, and entertainment settings, allowing users to explore three-dimensional objects with their hands as if they were actually there. Mixed reality also has advantages when it comes to reducing travel costs, time, and energy associated with collaborating across distances.

Using mixed reality is a powerful way to enhance the user experience in any setting. The technology provides an immersive, tactile approach to interacting with digital content, allowing users to explore objects and environments through a combination of physical movements and computer-generated visuals. It is also a great tool for communicating ideas and collaborating on projects, as its ability to bridge physical and virtual spaces makes it ideal for remote meetings, training, and demonstrations. Mixed reality also allows users to visualize complex 3D models in real-time, providing a more efficient way to evaluate designs or make edits on the fly. Finally, it has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with products, machines, and data in industrial settings by providing an intuitive, hands-on approach to understanding complex systems. Mixed reality offers an exciting and powerful way to explore virtual worlds and bridge the gap between physical and digital realms.

Mixed reality is also finding its way into more everyday applications outside of gaming, including education, healthcare, and retail. For example, teachers can use mixed reality to create immersive learning experiences, allowing students to virtually explore difficult concepts such as anatomy or the solar system. In healthcare, mixed reality can help doctors diagnose and treat patients more effectively by providing 3D visualizations of patient data. Finally, retailers are using this technology to create engaging shopping experiences through virtual try-ons and product demos.

Canon MREAL

Canon has placed a strong emphasis on the interaction between the real and virtual worlds. In particular, the focus of the platform is to make the way the physical world touches the virtual world in a natural way. With other hardware platforms, your real hands tend to mix too much with the virtual objects. In particular, they tend to lose their depth and vanish into virtual items or remain on top of them.

Canon has worked hard to ensure that your hands are tracked accurately and that only the parts that should be behind an object are. For example, if you are grabbing the handle of a microwave, your fingers will go behind the handle while your hand will remain in front. Obviously, this focus helps to make the Canon MREAL experience more natural so that new uses can be found for the technology. It makes it more accessible, so more people can find usefulness in the technology.

The Canon MREAL hardware has been available in Japan and the company is looking to bring it to the United States. To learn more about the technology and follow the product’s release plans, check out the product website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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