News: This Viral Instagram Augmented Reality Filter Will Tell You Which Disney Character You Really Are
One Instagram creator's augmented reality homage to Disney's deep bench of animated characters has earned him fifteen minutes of fame.
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How To: Check Which Apps Have Access to Your Google Fit Data
There's definitely some malware-ridden apps on the Play Store. When it comes to the third-party apps you've connected to your Google Fit account, some have a crazy amount of permissions they have no business accessing. For example, you probably don't want a heart monitor app having access to your personal location data.
How To: Stop Your iPhone from Counting Steps & Tracking Fitness Activity
Every iPhone since the 5S has come equipped with a microchip called a motion coprocessor, which collects data from integrated accelerometers, gyroscopes and compasses, and can then transfer that information to fitness apps that track physical activity. Essentially, the chip knows whether you're running, walking, sleeping, or driving — but what if you don't want it to?
News: Does Face ID Work When Your iPhone 11, 11 Pro, or 11 Pro Max Is Flat on a Table?
While there is a lot to love about Apple's latest suite of iPhone models, the real draw comes down to the cameras. The iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max all have killer rear camera systems, but the front camera was also improved. Apple claims Face ID works at more angles than before in these models, which begs the question: can you unlock your iPhone when it's flat on a table?
News: Microsoft's HoloLens 2 Makes Primetime Debut on Fox TV Show 'The Resident'
The HoloLens 2 hasn't even reached most of the market, but it's already a big-time TV star. Microsoft's augmented reality device made its primetime debut on FOX TV last night on an episode of the hospital drama The Resident.
How To: Make Your Pixel 4's Notifications Auto-Expand When You Look at Your Lock Screen
When using face unlock on the Pixel 4, your lock screen notifications are bypassed by default to help you unlock your phone instantaneously. This is different than Face ID on the iPhone, which shows the lock screen until you swipe up, but only shows notifications when you've been authenticated. If you want to do it Apple's way, there are settings you can adjust on your Pixel.
News: Epic Games Enters Settlement Talks with Nreal Over Trademark Naming Dispute
At least one hurdle to China-based augmented reality startup Nreal going mainstream in the United States may be about to be knocked down, thanks to behind the scenes legal movements Next Reality has uncovered.
News: HBO 'Watchmen' Promo Rains Dead Squid Down on LA & New York via Augmented Reality Ad
Bus stops can provide shelter in the event of rain, and now they also protect you from augmented reality squid.
News: Apple Releases iOS 13.2 Developer Beta 4 for iPhone
Another day, another beta, right? Well, that's not always the case. Apple can be pretty inconsistent when it comes to beta releases. In the past, a beta release once every two weeks was pretty much guaranteed. Nowadays, these updates can come at any time. Consider today's release, iOS 13.2 developer beta 4, which comes one week after the release of dev beta 3.
How To: Flag Important Reminders in iOS 13 to Make Them Easier to Find
Reminders may have received the biggest update out of all the native Apple apps on iOS 13. Among other things, the new Reminders app now comes packed with smart lists to make it easier find things, and a flagging feature to help you better manage your most important reminders.
News: The Second iOS 13.2 Public Beta Is Out, Includes New Emoji, In-App Camera Settings & More
We public testers are in luck. Today, Apple released the second developer beta for iOS 13.2. As is the case with most beta releases, developers get theirs first, while public testers are left waiting. Will we get our update the same day, or will we need to wait? As it turns out, Apple decided to throw us a bone. The second public beta for iOS 13.2 is officially here.
How To: Announce Messages with Siri Not Working on iOS 13.2? Here's the Fix
Apple added "Announce Messages with Siri" with the release of iOS 13.2, and it came as a welcome surprise for me; I missed the feature from its initial run during iOS 13 beta testing. However, while users online gleefully showed off their newfound Announce Messages with Siri capabilities, I was frustrated to see that I didn't have the setting, even though I just updated my iPhone to 13.2. So, what's the fix?
How To: Schedule Emails to Send Later in Gmail for iPhone or Android
There is power in the detail. Sending an email at a specific time can give you an edge. Depending on what you are doing, it can help your email get read or it can put you at the top of someone's inbox. With the Gmail app for Android and iOS, you can now schedule your messages to maximize the efficiency of your email.
News: Still Using an Older iPhone? This iOS 13 Feature Gives You Back Some Screen Real Estate
With over 200 brand new features, iOS 13 is a worthy update for all compatible devices. That said, not all iPhone models are created equal. There is a new feature only older iPhones will see, one that skips over Apple's Face ID devices entirely. So if you have a traditional Home button iPhone capable of running iOS 13 but haven't updated yet, this is one benefit you're missing out on.
How To: Force-Enable Dark Mode in Gmail for Android Right Now
Dark mode is finally rolling out for Gmail on Android. But this is a Google product, so you already know it'll be a while before the server-side update hits most devices. Sideloading the newest APK doesn't work, neither does switching accounts. But if you're rooted, you can enable dark mode by modifying a simple XML.
Coming Soon: Colorize Black & White Pictures with Google Photos
Scanning pictures and uploading them to Google Photos is a great way to digitize your collection. With unlimited high-quality storage and text recognition capabilities, it's hard to pass up. And for your older family pictures, Google Photos will soon even colorize black and white images.
News: Magic Leap One Gets Educational Tool for Would-Be Paleontologists via Dinosaur Kit App
The growing stock of augmented reality apps filling up the Magic Leap store seems to be picking up pace in recent months.
News: Ximmerse Reveals New Rhino X Augmented Reality Headset
The company that supplied some of the technology behind the Star Wars Jedi Challenges AR playset now has its own headset to offer.
News: Airbus Previews Military Sandbox App for HoloLens
As Microsoft works toward fulfilling its $480 million contract to supply modified HoloLens 2 headsets to the US Army, Airbus is preparing to supply advanced augmented reality apps for the device.
News: Mad Gaze Joins China's Consumer Smartglasses Gold Rush with Glow Wearable
It appears that the floodgates of consumer-grade augmented reality smartglasses from China are now open, with Mad Gaze being the latest company to rush its product through.
News: Hollywood Taps into Tech Paranoia Around Augmented Reality in 'Auggie'
Ever since Skynet took over the world in the Terminator film franchise, a large segment of the world's population has feared artificial intelligence.
How To: 10 Must-Play Free Action Games for iPhone & Android
We've already shown you our favorite new action games that have come out this year, but now it's time to share our all-time top ten list. These games are available for both Android and iPhone, they don't have intrusive ads or freemium schemes, and most importantly, they're all completely free to play.
News: Apple Design Chief Jony Ive's Exit Offers Another Clue About Company's Rumored Augmented Reality Smartglasses
A new profile on Apple's exiting design chief Jony Ive, the man behind many of the company's most successful products, paints a fuller picture of what led to his departure.
How To: Disable Message Effects from Auto-Playing on Your iPhone
Message effects in iMessage lets you add a touch of flair to otherwise bland communications. With the feature, you can complement a birthday wish with a stream of balloons, send a congratulatory text along with a shower of confetti, or make the chat bubble slam itself in the thread. If you're on the receiving end, however, they may be distracting and even jarring.
How To: Get Custom Fonts in Samsung Messages
While you can now apply a dark theme to Samsung Messages thanks to One UI, you may want to further personalize your texting app. A great way to do this is by applying a custom font, which not only enhances the app aesthetically, but can also go a long way towards making your texts more readable and help you process information better.
Hands-On: Hands-On with CNN's Magic Leap News Video App
Magic Leap has done a great job of aggressively releasing new apps, software updates, and major franchise tie-ins. But aside from all the creative and entertainment apps, what's it like to use one of the apps the company hopes you'll use every day?
How To: iOS 13 Makes It Easier to Request Desktop & Mobile Sites for Webpages on Your iPhone
Ever since iOS 7, you could ask Safari on iPhone to show you the desktop version of a website, and in iOS 9, it became even easier to do. However, it's always been a hidden feature, something you wouldn't know is there without reading articles or tips online telling you what to do. Apple's iOS 13 update shines a light on it so everyone will know it's there, ready to use.
News: Magic Leap's Neal Stephenson Visits Microsoft HoloLens Headquarters to Talk Augmented Reality
One of the masters of science fiction, Neal Stephenson, may be on staff at Magic Leap, but that doesn't mean he can't take a moment to visit the halls of competitor Microsoft, the maker of the HoloLens.
News: Snapchat Celebrates Pride Month with New Landmark AR Experiences
While the 49th Annual Gay Pride Parade and Festival will take place on Santa Monica Boulevard and West Hollywood Park, revelers will also be able venture Northeast to the TCL Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard to continue celebrating via Snapchat.
News: Fashion Startup Kollectin Lets You Try on Earrings & Necklaces from Indie Designers in AR, with Just a Swipe to Buy
The natural marriage between fashion and augmented reality is charging onward, but not just from the major brands we already know about.
News: Snapchat Assists Warriors & Raptors Fans in Rooting for Their Teams with NBA Finals AR Experiences
With the defending champion Golden State Warriors and Drake's favorite team, the Toronto Raptors, set to face off in the NBA Finals starting Thursday, Snapchat has gifted hoops fans with a pair of augmented reality experiences.
How To: Play Talking Tom Hero Dash on Your iPhone Right Now
Talking Tom has long been mesmerizing children of all ages with his ability to repeat words and phrases and encourage touch interactions. Now, the lovable cat and his band of cuddly friends have ventured into the endless runner genre as heroes bent on saving Angela and their city from a band of mischievous raccoons.
News: Google Releases Glass Enterprise Edition 2, Includes Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1Upgrade
As the tech world patiently waits for the advent of mainstream consumer smartglasses, Google is content to stick to the business world (for now).
News: Apple's iOS 12.3 Public Beta 5 for iPhone Now Available
Eight days ago, Apple pushed out iOS 12.3 public beta 4 for anyone who wants to try it out. Now, there's a new version, iOS 12.3 public beta 5, released May 7, less than an hour after the developer software update. Just like it's developer version, the fifth iOS 12.3 beta for the public is a simple update with seemingly under-the-hood changes only.
News: Marvel Expands Roster of Avengers Playmoji for Pixel Playground Ahead of 'Avengers: Endgame'
The marketing team for Marvel Studios is doing "whatever it takes" to make sure you see Avengers: Endgame when it hits theaters in a couple of weeks, including offering an updated set of augmented reality Playmoji for the Playground app on Google Pixel.
Exclusive: ODG Filing Points to Magic Leap Acquisition of Auctioned Patent Assets
In case you thought the long and unfortunate story of ODG was over, hold on, there's one last chapter to tell.
How To: Share Your Wi-Fi Password with a QR Code in Android 10
If your phone is running Android 10, you can now share your Wi-Fi network with friends using a handy QR code. The other person doesn't have to be running Android 10 — in fact, you can even share this code with iPhone users. In most situations, this is now the fastest way to share your Wi-Fi password.
News: ODG's Remaining Inventory & Physical Assets Become Available to Purchase via Auction
While the story of augmented reality headset maker Osterhout Design Group has come to an end, the epilogue of its demise continues.
Exclusive: Meta Patent Infringement Case Moves Step Closer to Resolution, New Asset Owner Revealed
The story of Meta and its Meta 2 augmented reality headset isn't over, there's a new development that could impact its ultimate fate.
How To: 8 Shortcuts to Improve Your Instagram Experience on Your iPhone
Instagram has extensive tools built in for creating and editing posts and Stories, but there could always be more. Third-party apps can help you add photo and video effects for even more visually stimulating content, as well as create announcements, text-based images, and everything in between. However, now that Shortcuts exists on iOS, you may no longer need all those extra apps on your iPhone.