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Google's next-gen VR camera was designed for seamless video
Two years ago, Google introduced Jump, a VR platform that uses cloud-based software and smart stitching algorithms to make 360-video creation easier than ever before. It also partnered with GoPro to make the Odyssey, a 16-camera rig that was the first-ever camera to have the Jump software built right in. Now, Google is ready for the next generation of Jump, and for that, it's partnered with a new company and made a brand new camera. The $16,999 device is called the Yi Halo, and Google is touting it as the "next generation Jump camera."
JUNOJUMPR: Jumpstart your iPhone and your car
No, I am not making up that headline. JUNOJUMPR (US$99.99) is an external battery pack that not only gives your iPhone or iPad a boost when needed, but it can also be used with an included set of jumper cables to jumpstart a car. Talk about a multi-tasker! Specifications Dimensions: 5.47 x 2.95 x .59 inches (139 x 75 x 15 mm) Weight: 7 ounces (198.4 grams) Capacity: 6,000 mAh Output: For charging devices, 5V 2.1A. For jumpstarting cars, 12V 300A Compatible with: most 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder vehicles Includes USB to micro-USB cable, 12V car DC adapter, proprietary jumper cables Colors: Black, Blue Design Highlights Like most external battery packs, JUNOJUMPR has a micro-USB port for charging the battery and a USB port for recharging your device. It also comes with the almost ubiquitous LED flashlight, which could be very helpful if you need to jumpstart your car at night. There are three special ports on the JUNOJUMPR; two for plugging in the jumper cables, and one for plugging in a car charger if you want to top off the JUNOJUMPR's battery while you're driving. The review device came in a nice two-tone blue and white plastic case. One end has all of the ports, and there's a small pushbutton on one side to turn on the device or the flashlight. A battery level indicator shaped like the four quadrants of a circle is on top of the device and lights up the appropriate number of bright blue LEDs to tell you how much battery life you have left. Functionality Highlights Videos speak louder than words: I did not try jumpstarting my own car with this unit, but I think that the JUNOJUMPR is definitely a good idea. I have a spare battery/jumpstarting unit that I put in my car whenever I go on long road trips, and it not only takes up a lot of space, but also weighs about 18 pounds. JUNOJUMPR easily fits in a glove compartment of a car, and the fact that it can be recharged while driving is also a plus. Some might balk at the $100 price tag, but think of it this way -- you'd probably spend at least $35 for a cheap iPhone/iPad-only battery pack, anywhere from $10 to $50 for a set of booster cables for your car, or $75 annually for an auto club membership to have someone else start your car. Conclusion Finally, an external battery pack that can be used not only for charging your devices, but also to help you out in those rare but exceedingly annoying instances where you need to jumpstart your car. In terms of design, size, and capability, the JUNOJUMPR definitely gets a thumbs-up from me. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible
MMO Family: A cornucopia of kid-friendly Halloween events
Part of the fun of MMOs is the chance to dress up our characters, so it's no surprise that the month of October is a big one for kid-friendly MMOs. There's a plethora of pumpkins, countless costumes, and copious amounts of creepy housing decor. And the vast tonnage of treats available makes those real-life treat bags look minuscule in comparison. In this week's MMO Family, we've got a roundup of several Halloween celebrations in kid-friendly games. And while most are about the "stuff," there are also several creative contests and events that are worth a look. Get your scare on below!
MMO Family: First impressions of Dreamworks' School of Dragons
Who knew that the rough, barren cliffs of Berk could be so popular? The animated film How to Train Your Dragon has blossomed into a hit TV show, two upcoming sequels, and even its very own MMO. The studio behind Jumpstart has teamed up with Dreamworks to create School of Dragons, a kid-friendly MMO that blends in viking adventure, lessons in science, and plenty of fire-breathing dragons. In this week's MMO Family, I donned my pointy viking helmet and heavy fur cloak to check things out. Read on for my first impressions of the game!
MMO Family: Winter roundup of kid-friendly MMOs
Winter is always my favorite time of year for family-friendly MMOs. Holiday events tend to be the norm now in most MMOs, but they're tailor-made for games with a younger audience. Winter also seems to usher in lots of new changes and updates as well, so it's time again to revisit some popular titles to play catch up. Over the past year, we've looked at several new titles and visited veteran MMOs titles to see what's changed. From Club Penguin to Pirate101, we'll look at recent updates and upcoming news in MMO Family's winter roundup!
MMO Family: Jumping into learning with JumpStart
When the subject of kid-friendly MMOs comes up, it almost always ends up with a discussion about whether there's any educational value to them. Many of them are safe, provide fun, and bring families together, but actual learning doesn't seem to be the focus. And some games that do focus on learning end up starchy and bland. JumpStart, however, is one of those MMOs that tries to bring together fun and education for kids who are in preschool and elementary school. It launched a couple of years ago, and the world has expanded quite a bit since then. Does it deliver on both fun and learning? Read on for some first impressions!
JumpStart Dual USB charger sports an integrated rechargeable battery
It's a sad fact of life, really. Regardless of where you go, you'll end up needing to recharge something in your carry-on. Just the mere thought of locating an AC adapter in that airport you're headed to is enough to give even the most hardened traveler a reason to think twice, and tracking down one of those inverters for your road trip is just about the last thing you'd like to be doing. DigiPower has just pushed out the solution to all of your problems, with the JumpStart Dual 2-in-1 battery / AC adapter offering the ability to juice up a pair of USB devices via the internal 1,700mAh rechargeable battery. Each port is capable of rejuvenating 5V devices, and there's a status indicator, emergency flashlight and folding plugs for "easy transport." The company claims that this can be recharged over 500 times, after which you'll need to contact Sir Odor Blocker after the break for a pinch of P-P-P-P-P-P-Power.
