Virtual & augmented reality researcher Doug Bowman reportedly joins Apple

One of the top virtual reality researchers in the U.S. has reportedly joined Apple, perhaps to speed up the company’s development in that arena. Doug Bowman was recently a computer science professor at Virginia Tech and he was also director of Virginia Tech’s human-computer interaction center for about five years. His focus was said to be on “three-dimensional user interface design and the benefits of immersion in virtual environments.” He’s had experience in fully immersive virtual reality (like those of HTC’s Vive and Google Cardboard) and augmented reality like Google Glass. The video above shows what Bowman has been doing at Virginia Tech.

Some say Apple is lagging behind in virtual and augmented reality software development so hires like Bowman and recent acquisitions in the virtual reality market might be what Apple needs to catch up.

Source: 9to5Mac

Philips Lifeline GoSafe helps keep seniors safe even while mobile

Just because one advances in age, it doesn’t mean you should stop interacting with the world and those around you. But some do fear getting into accidents while they are out and about doing different activities. This is where technologies like the Philips Lifeline GoSafe come in. It’s Royal Philips’ mobile medical alert service that makes use of up to six location technologies to make sure seniors are protected around the clock, no matter where they are in the country.

It has features like built-in AutoAlert fall detection technology that will instantly call for help the moment it detects a fall without the senior having to call on their own. It also makes use of an in-home communicator to optimize in-home performance. The GoSafe pendant can be worn at all times, even when charging, for continuous protection. 

The Apple Beat: New music creation tools empower creativity

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

When Apple first released the original iMac, it released a series of tools like iMovie, iPhoto and GarageBand which empowered users into making original creations without the complexity usually affiliated with professional software. Apple seems to have gone back to this path of empowerment with its new music apps for iOS.

Apple recently released GarageBand 2.1 update  which introduces Live Loops, a fun visual music-making feature makes it possible to create loops and add DJ-style effects through multi-touch gestures.

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HP's got new Chromebooks designed for education for $199

HP's been churning out a lot of education-focused products and services and just recently revealed new HP Chromebook 11 G4 Education Edition (EE) – which creates designed to meet the needs of students and educators.

Built tough at 20 mm thin and just 2.7 pounds, the fanless HP Chromebook 11 G4 EE is the thinnest rugged Chromebook for Education designed to pass MIL-STD testing. The device passes HP’s 70 cm drop test to help protect it from occasional bumps with lockers and drops from desks.

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