Apple patent looks to be taking on Bitmoji

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

Looks like it isn’t just Facebook who’s taking cues from Snapchat. Apple looks to be creating an “avatar editing environment” which has a design an editing process that looks so eerily similar to Bitmoji. To be fair, the patent was filed back in 2011 but we can’t help compare the similarities. With Apple upping the game on its iMessage service, perhaps it’ll make sense for them to develop more features for it—including a 3D avatar model. As seen in some diagrams, it shows you can edit everything from hair color, eye color, skin color, etc. Based on the patent, though, it just won’t be used for chatting. It could also have applications in gaming, eye-tracking, and responsive action. Think of it as something you can use in virtual reality.

We don’t know if Apple will make use of the feature but there is a sense of ridiculousness in trying to patent this kind of feature. Bitmoji isn’t exactly new. Plus, if you remember avatar creation has been around for a while. Yahoo Avatar, anyone? Either way, let’s see what Apple decided to do with this.

Source: CNN + Mashable

Toronto-based teacher creates smartphone-based guitar amp

Chris Prendergast, a Toronto-based science teacher, takes his love for robots, guitars, and hands-on learning to create what’s considered the world’s first attachable guitar amplifier. Called JamStack, the 10-watt speaker can attach to the bottom of your guitar and have you strumming within minutes. It’s capable of delivering sound in both high and low volume levels and with the use of your smartphone, you can access effects from apps such as AmpKit. With its portable size, you can take it anywhere with you and play when you want. With it in high demand, there seems to be a waitlist on the product’s Kickstarter page. If this interests you, you might want to sign up now.

A red iPhone 7 rumoured to be coming next month

Rumour has it Apple is readying a new color option for the iPhone 7. Japanese blog Macotakara cites a research note from Barclays claiming Apple will be releasing a red version of the iPhone 7. This rumour first surfaced a few months ago from Apple’s supply chain with Macotakara reporting it then. The new color option will supposedly be unveiled at next month’s iPad event. Alongside it, a 128GB version of the iPhone SE will supposedly also be making an appearance.

Source: BGR

‘Alto’s Adventure’ gets follow-up game, brings players to the desert

The endless runner snowboarding game Alto’s Adventure is getting a sequel. And from what we can glean from the vague trailer, it’ll have you cruising through sand dunes this time around. Called Alto’s Odyssey, the game is set to come out summer of this year. There isn’t much we can get from the trailer but if you’re a fan of the first mobile game, you might be curious enough to check this out when it does launch.