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Artificial intelligence is now creating its own magic tricks
You might not have to be a professional magician to come up with clever tricks in the near future. Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed artificial intelligence that can create magic tricks (specifically, those based on math) all on its own. Once their program learns the basics of creating magic jigsaws and "mind reading" stunts, it can generate many variants of these tricks by itself. This could be particularly handy if you like to impress your friends on a regular basis -- you could show them a new card trick every time without having to do much work.
Mental Killer is an iPhone magic trick that should throw your friends for a loop
I love a good trick, and it's been ages since I've reviewed any iPhone-based magic, so with the weekend coming up, here's a suggestion for something to keep your friends guessing. The trick is called Mental Killer, and it's just that. Basically, here's the effect: you place a note with a phone number of a friend on the table in full view. You have someone select a card, or if you don't have a deck nearby, they can just name one at random. Let's say the four of diamonds was selected -- the friend's phone number is then dialed and verified to match the written number, and your assistant will hear a voice mail message from your friend that names the card. Whoa! It's a slick variation on a trick most magicians will understand. If you have a few people standing around you can have the spectator put the call on speaker phone. I've tried the trick on a few friends, and it was definitely a fooler. The trick can be repeated with another card named, but I think it dilutes the impact -- just do it once and leave 'em guessing. The app was originally $20, but since it's on sale for just US$0.99, you can get a good price for such a grand effect. Check out YouTube to see the act performed live.
Slick card magic for your iPhone
I've enjoyed reviewing some of the clever magic tricks that are getting developed for the iPhone over the last year, and I want to be sure to point out Magic Card which is clever and will likely fool the uninitiated. Here's what the spectator sees: a person cuts the deck to select a card, which is kept face down. You use your iPhone to take a picture of the card, either alone on the table, or as I prefer at the top of the stack. The spectator sees you select the camera icon and take the picture. To be sure the picture wasn't taken in advance the spectator can put something in the picture like a ring or tableware next to the card to prove it. You display the picture you have just taken, and shake the iPhone a bit. In a moment, the face down image of the card changes to a face up picture. When the card is turned over, it matches. The trick can be repeated, and another card will show up. To the experienced, it may be obvious how it works. To people I tried it out on, it was a 'gee-whiz' moment. If you've done a bit of magic before, you can use alternate methods to get the card selected that may be even more mysterious. I think this is a nifty effect to do at a party or at a bar. Of course you'll need a deck of cards, but no self-respecting conjuror would be without one. Magic Card is on sale at the app store for US$2.99. Early versions of the app were reported to have some bugs, but I found this release to be rock solid. I think magic tricks will have a place on the iPad as well, and look forward to seeing versions in higher resolution.
These tricks are treats
Over the last few months I've reviewed a few magic tricks (here and here) that work on the iPhone and iPod touch. They were quite diverting, and can help you bring some joy to the office and take people's minds off the layoffs and other bad economic news.Now, Magician Andrew Mayne has come up with some clever tricks that work great and are, drum roll, free. Just the tonic for the recession.All these effects take a bit of preparation, and these are not the kinds of tricks experienced professionals would do, but of you have been hankering to try some magic and fool your friends these free effects are just the ticket.The first trick is called EZ Money. You show a collection of currency on your phone, then pull one bill literally right off the screen and the real thing appears in your hand.Weapon X works on the iPhone, iPod touch, and even the iPod Nano. You run the iPhone along your arm, and you see an X-ray, but there is something strangely wrong with it.Spirit Photography is a bit weird. Have someone choose any bill from their wallet, take an image with it using your iPhone and the image will be strangely haunting. It's a good effect, and has enough little traps to keep your audience guessing.Again, no one is going to confuse you with David Copperfield, but all these tricks are free and all but Weapon X are not likely to be easily figured out. Weapon X is more a novelty than a trick, so I'm not giving the set any demerits.Andrew creates professional illusions for Penn and Teller and David Blaine. His iPhone tricks are a fun diversion for him and probably will be for you too. You can see video demonstrations and explanations of all three tricks here. You'll also find some links to some iPhone gags. Enjoy.
