Happy Monday! Ease back into the week with a brand new edition of the Daily Roundup. First up, we take a look at why virtual reality is not the immediate future of film. Then find out what it's like to outfit your home theater with a Sonos system and we ponder what Elon Musk has up his sleeve that will "end range anxiety" for Tesla owners. Get caught up on these stories and more past the break.
Virtual reality is not the (immediate) future of film
Virtual reality was the belle of this year's Sundance Film Festival. Immersive exhibitions displayed on face-hugging headsets told powerful stories in lifelike worlds, in 360 degrees and with the viewer in control of the camera. Virtual reality brought Syria to an audience in Utah and made those same people fly like birds over San Francisco. Blogs and news programs lit up with stories about the future of storytelling, some including grand predictions about VR films going forward. But, now, the buzz is fading and a question remains: Do filmmakers in Hollywood think that virtual reality is the future of cinema?
Upgrading my living room with the Sonos Playbar and Sub
For a long time now, I've been reading (and writing) about Sonos' audio devices, filled with jealousy toward anyone who could afford to spend more than just a few minutes with them. Sure, I've briefly tried them at trade shows, but to really judge the merits of audio gear like the Playbar and Sub, you need the proper amount of soak-time. Well, I finally got my chance.
Tesla promises to 'end' Model S range anxiety on March 19th
If you drive an electric car, you're probably all too familiar with range anxiety - the fear that you'll travel too far and find yourself stranded by the side of the road. Tesla drivers may not have to worry about that for much longer, however. The EV maker's Elon Musk is teasing a media event on March 19th where the company will "end range anxiety" for Model S owners through an over-the-air software update.
The robotic star of 'Ex Machina' is toying with hapless SXSW attendees on Tinder
If you're guaranteed one thing at SXSW, it's that a marketing stunt will play tricks with your stupid human heart. This year, singletons looking for love on Tinder encountered Ava, a 25-year-old New Yorker with a startling resemblance to actress Alicia Vikander. Unfortunately, it's only after you've engaged in a lengthy back and forth that you'll be told that she's not interested in a temporary tumble in Texas. Instead, the whole thing is just a cruel ruse to promote Alex Garland's new film, Ex Machina.
Apple's trade-in policy may soon include gift cards for rival devices
Apple's not exactly new to courting Android fans, but a reported change to its trade-in policy could finally get owners of other smartphones pledging allegiance to Cupertino. The usual slew of unnamed sources told 9to5Mac that Apple will soon allow customers to swap non-Apple smartphones for gift cards in-store, just like people can currently do with old iPhones, iPads and Macs.
The FAA doesn't like you posting drone footage on YouTube
Thinking of posting that sweet drone footage online? You might want to be careful about it. The Federal Aviation Administration is telling at least one hobbyist, Jayson Hanes, that his aerial robotic videos run afoul of regulation because they're on YouTube. Hanes is allegedly flying "commercially" (and thus faces more stringent rules) due to his choice of site, strongly implying that YouTube's ads are at fault.
Mischievous drone sprays paint, silly string and flames
We're still not really sure what a "creative technology studio" is, but it sure seems like a damn fun place to work. Apparently your job at one, like Chaotic Moon, is to just think of "awesome" ideas with little practical purpose and make them a reality. Why? Because you can. Last year the firm used a drone to tase a poor intern, and married an Oculus Rift to a Leap motion so we could punch sharks. This year it decided to try something a little less dangerous (and far less likely to end in a lawsuit).
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