Software : Video: Siri versus the world: the accent challenge |
- Video: Siri versus the world: the accent challenge
- Apple planning to launch 3D iOS Maps App?
- Microsoft announces Kinect for Windows commercial program
- YouTube announces 100 original channels
| Video: Siri versus the world: the accent challenge Posted:  When Apple revealed Siri to the world, people gaped at its amazing powers of voice recognition. Meanwhile, Glaswegians the world over turned to each other and said, "Aye, weel. We'll see aboot tha', pal." Which got us thinking – just how well can Siri handle the accents of the world? And thus we took to the international population of TechRadar HQ to find out… |
| Apple planning to launch 3D iOS Maps App? Posted:  Apple has reportedly snapped up a mapping firm called C3 Technologies, which creates incredibly detailed maps using three dimensional photography. If the rumour turns out to be true, C3's photo-realistic 3D model maps could make an appearance in an Apple-made iOS Maps app, rather than the company continuing to rely on Google Maps. C3's mapping technique uses a plane-mounted camera to capture the intimate details of a landscape, from super-sized skyscrapers to small shrubs. Turn left at the rhododendronThese incredibly accurate landscapes are then interlaced with traditional 2D maps as well as satellite images and Street-View-style photography, leaving you with a ridiculously detailed view of a route or destination before you even leave your house. Apple also acquired a 3D mapping company called Poly9 last year, adding more fuel to the bespoke three-dimensional mapping fire. Just as Apple acquired Siri quietly in early 2010 and then used it as the "killer" feature on the iPhone 4S in late 2011, there's likely to be a little wait until we see the amazingly detailed, high graphics quality Maps app land – although we'd wager it'll debut in iOS 6 at some point next year. And, since a recent job posting already made us think that Apple is keen on a maps "rethink", we'd say the rumours of its purchase of C3 are really quite likely.
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| Microsoft announces Kinect for Windows commercial program Posted:  Microsoft has indicated that it will celebrate the first birthday of Kinect by announcing the Kinect for Windows commercial program will launch early next year. The Kinect for Windows commercial program is intended to give businesses the means to develop tools with the motion sensor that can hand them an advantage. "The commercial program will give businesses the tools to develop applications that not only could improve their own operations, but potentially revolutionise entire industries," explained Microsoft's release. "To date, more than 200 businesses worldwide - including Toyota, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Razorfish - have joined a Kinect for Windows pilot program to begin exploring the possibilities of Kinect. "While no one knows what the future holds, if the past year is any indication, it's going to be inspiring." PotentialThe potential for Kinect has always been a focus of Microsoft's – and the cool elements of a voice and motion sensor are clear. Microsoft, in typical fashion, is keen to build an ecosystem for its product, which shattered consumer electronics records when it arrived for the Xbox 360. "Six months ago, a diverse group of hobbyists and academics from around the world embraced the possibilities of Kinect," added Microsoft. "In a wave of creativity, they downloaded the Microsoft Kinect for Windows SDK and began developing creative applications and innovative uses in healthcare, education, art and so much more. "Microsoft has recognised this phenomenon as "The Kinect Effect." It will be intriguing to see what the tool set handed out to businesses is, and just what they can do with a sensor that can pick out individual limbs and also listen out for instructions. |
| YouTube announces 100 original channels Posted:  YouTube has announced plans to roll-out 100 new channels, each providing a host of exclusive, original content, as part of a massive expansion. The new channels, which will be launched in the coming months, will see 25 hours of new, original programming arrive on the video sharing portal each week. Among the dozens of partners include celebrities like Madonna, Jay-Z, Tony Hawk, Shaquille O'Neal and, unfortunately, Ashton Kutcher. While established media outlets like the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, WWE, Slate, TED, Livestrong and The Onion are also on board. You can check out the full line-up here. Something for everyoneThe new content comes after YouTube's pledge to invest $100m in original content, moving away from its traditional role as a home for previously aired or low-end homemade footage. In a post on the official YouTube blog the company says there'll be a little something for everyone, as it looks to broaden its entertainment offerings. "These channels will have something for everyone, whether you're a mom, a comedy fan, a sports nut, a music lover or a pop-culture maven. "Our goal with this channels expansion... is to bring an even broader range of entertainment to YouTube, giving you more reasons to keep coming back again and again." YouTube says the roll-out will begin next month, but most of the channels won't begin broadcasting until 2012. |
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