Microsoft’s new Super Bowl ad sets out to touch hearts

Microsoft isn’t particularly known for releasing touching advertisements that try marry technology with humanity. That seems to be more Apple’s territory. But their new ad for the Super Bowl seems to have hit a good spot. The new ad features the voice of former NFL safety Steve Gleason, who is suffering from ALS. (He has a longer video from Microsoft here.) Microsoft has set out to explain how technology helps different kinds of people get through life and experience the world around them.

Source: CNET

EasyDownloader lets you save Instagram videos and images on Android sans rooting

Android users could only previously save images and videos from Instagram if their smartphone is rooted. Now, a new app called EasyDownloader will help you download the Instagram media without the need to root your phone. Before you download the app though, make sure you have the Instagram app already installed. There’s a bug in the app that won’t let it run if you download EasyDownloader before Instagram.

Once you have it installed, you just activate the download images option and tap on the Instagram icon on the app. You just have to select the three-dot menu at the bottom of each image and select “Copy Share URL.” You will get the notice that the link has been copied to your clipboard but the app has already downloaded the photo if you slide your notifications pane down.

Source: Lifehacker

Sensory Fiction concept to help you physically experience books

We’ve all heard of Smell-O-Vision as an idea meant to enhance the viewing experience. But we also know that is far from reality at the moment. But what about a book that lets you feel the plot? Well, MIT Media Lab researchers want to make that a reality with the Sensory Fiction prototype. In order to feel the book, the reader will have to wear a vest that is filled with actuators and sensors that are meant to change skin temperature through local heating; to express looseness and tightness through airbags; and simulate increased heart rate or shivering through vibration.

The researchers used the sci-fi novella “The Girl Who Was Plugged In” to pair and demonstrate the abilities of the vest. The book even comes with LED lighting to create ambient lighting for the reader.

Source: The Verge

Red Google Nexus 5 press render leaked ahead of reported announcement

Google is supposedly selling the Nexus 5 in different colors and just ahead of the announcement date (February 4) Evleaks on Twitter posted press render of a red coloured handset on January 31. This Nexus 5 will carry the same specs as the white and black versions and will reportedly run 4.4 KitKat out of the box but will be upgraded to the new 4.4.2 build through an over-the-air update that will appear when you power up the device.

Source: Cult of Android