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YouTube's first live 360-degree videos were little more than tech demos
Last week, YouTube started supporting live 360-degree video streams in a bid for more-immersive video content. Though users have been able to upload and watch 360-degree video for over a year, it's only now that Google is introducing the option to beam such content live to thousands of viewers. Still, having the ability to broadcast this video in real time isn't the same as delivering a compelling visual experience. Indeed, the first uses of YouTube's new technology show that it's going to take a lot of creative thinking from directors and designers to actually make interesting content.
YouTube now streams 360-degree live video
You no longer have to watch canned footage if you want to enjoy YouTube's support for 360-degree video. YouTube is rolling out live 360-degree streaming, giving you a chance to watch that concert, surgery or special event as if you were there. It'll get its first big use with "select" performances at Coachella this coming weekend, but we'd expect it to take off anywhere that VR-like video works.
Coachella helps festival-goers prep for the desert with VR
VR has become a key marketing tool, especially when it comes to big events. When Coachella attendees receive this year's Welcome Box containing the requisite wristbands and more, a special edition Google Cardboard headset will be in the package, too. The festival teamed up with Vantage.tv on a Coachella VR app that's available for viewing on Google's virtual reality accessory and the Samsung Gear VR. Inside the app, there's plenty of 360-degree photos from previous years alongside interviews and performances from artists that'll hit the stage at this year's soiree.
How I tried and failed to be social at Coachella
I arrived in Palm Springs, California, with the best of intentions. I was to document -- painstakingly document -- the entire Coachella experience with all of the available mobile social tools at my disposal. I would Meerkat and Periscope and Instagram and Snapchat and tweet from Engadget's official accounts and the folks peering through from the other side of the digital window would watch, fave, like, retweet and comment live. I would use the festival's official app to plan my day and navigate the crowds. I would use an app dedicated to setting up reservations at (and paying for) pop-up dining experiences at the festival. I would Uber to and from the festival with abandon. With technology as my crutch, I would hack my Coachella experience. I would live through this festival as the ultimate millennial. Except I failed miserably at it.
Watch Jack White, Drake and others live from Coachella this weekend
If you prefer to enjoy music festivals with actual bathrooms, a hot shower and no dust, you're in luck. Just like previous years, you'll be able to stream three days of live music from Coachella on YouTube this weekend (April 10-12). Don't expect to see the full lineup of artists, but with three channels of performances and commentary, you'll be able to take in most of the big names. This year's list of acts includes AC/DC, Drake, Florence & The Machine, Interpol, Jack White, Run the Jewels, Vic Mensa and many more. If some of those names don't sound familiar, interactive profiles will bring you up to speed while you watch. There's also a virtual map of the festival that lets you to see photos taken on site, and a schedule feature that automatically updates based on your time zone and the channel you're watching. The stream begins Friday, so fire up your Chromecast or other YouTube-friendly device then, and head over to the Coachella YouTube page. [Image credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images]
Selfie sticks are banned at Coachella and Lollapalooza
If you're heading to either music festival this year, you can leave that selfie stick behind. Both April's Coachella and Lollapalooza in July have added the rods to their prohibited item lists. At Lollapalooza, the rules stipulate no "GoPro attachments like sticks, selfie sticks & monopods." Coachella said that "Selfie sticks / narsisstics" won't be allowed in, showing a healthy lack of self(ie)-awareness... and spelling skill.
Reserve wants you to order food at Coachella with your phone
Music festivals already dole out plenty of perks if you have a VIP pass, but Coachella is trying something new this year: ordering upscale food from your phone. Roll up to the event with a VIP wristband and you can use Reserve's restaurant app to order from pop-up locations at a flat $50 per person (not including the mandatory tip and Reserve's $5 fee). You can also use the app if you're a regular guest, but you'll be limited to the deluxe Rose Garden dinners at a hefty $225 a pop. You'd better like haute cuisine, folks. Still, you've already paid hundreds of dollars to see your favorite bands -- Reserve could be worth the added expense if it lets you enjoy concerts instead of waiting to get a seat or pay your bill.
iBeacon tech at Coachella and other news for April 9, 2014
Here's your AM roundup of Apple news. This time around it's Apple vs. Samsung (again), iBeacon goes to Coachella and improving Apple Maps. Apple has laid out its claim against Samsung, and it's a whopper. The Cupertino company is after US$2.2 billion in damages. The President of Quantitative Economic Solutions, who is working on the case on Apple's behalf, noted that Apple suffered particular damage because Samsung was able to pick up first-time buyers, who are often loyal to their chosen companies. iBeacon tech to be featured at Coachella. The popular music festival is the latest on a growing number of high-profile venues to adopt the young technology. The official 2014 iOS app features iBeacon support, and the event's official website says, "Use Bluetooth to interact with beacons placed around the grounds." If you attend the show, check it out. Get notified of resolved errors in Apple Maps. MacRumors has noticed that, when you report a problem in Apple Maps, you can now opt to receive a text message from Apple when that issue has been resolved. That's pretty thoughtful and helps users feel like their input is actually affecting change.
Google and T-Mobile are streaming Coachella live on YouTube April 12th - 14th
Dig hazy music festivals, but tickets to Coachella are too expensive? Don't fret, Google and T-Mobile may have the next best thing. For the third consecutive year the folks from Mountain View will air a free live stream of the show on YouTube. The remote festivities run from April 12th - 14th, giving you and your posse plenty of time to designate a device worthy of this broadcast. While some equipment may work better than others, you and your besties shouldn't have too much trouble finding a YouTube-friendly doodad that's up to the task.
Flipboard launches user-created magazines, partners with Etsy (video)
Everybody loves Flipboard, right? If you're a fan like us, rejoice -- your favorite social magazine just got a whole lot better. Today Flipboard for iOS is receiving a major update that will let you create and curate your very own magazines. It also brings a boatload of other improvements to the table including a content partnership with Etsy. An update to the Android version will follow shortly. We were able to take the new version of Flipboard for a spin and get a demo from CTO Eric Feng. Hit the break to dive into the details and watch our hands-on video. %Gallery-183818% %Gallery-183819%
Tupac hologram performs at Coachella, keeps all eyez on him
Have you been getting a kick out of Coachella's jams and arts in Indio, California? Or, did you decide to peacefully enjoy it from home via YouTube's site? Either way, you may have heard Tupac made an on-stage holographic appearance over the weekend, performing Hail Mary and 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted alongside Snoop Dogg. Tupac's hologram was made possible by AV Concepts in partnership with Dr. Dre's production company and Digital Domain, after reportedly working on the project for a few months. The outfits used a display technology dubbed "Eyeliner" that, with the help of a custom rig and a mechanical solution, was able to shoot out a life-sized, 3D illusion of Mr. Shakur onto the Coachella platform. Don't believe us? Hit 'em up at the source below, though we feel compelled to tell you language isn't exactly for all ages.
PSA: Watch Coachella on YouTube, Google devices for free this weekend
Sure, Google's previous Coachella stream ran about as smoothly as Woodstock 1999's final hours, but that's no reason to abandon the idea. Mountain View has decided to give it another go, streaming 2012's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on Youtube and to properly equipped devices. Looking to get your rock on? Hit the source link below.
Watching Coachella live on YouTube would be a great use for Google TV -- if it worked (Updated)
While waiting for hardware, sped up software and access to the Android Market's apps, early Google TV adopters looking to mix up their internet and TV viewing got some bad news (again) this weekend while trying to access YouTube's live broadcasts of the Coachella music festival. Despite the event being promoted on the official blog, owners of all three Google TV devices reported the stream would not load for them. We couldn't pull it up on our Sony Internet TV, getting only a loading bar and then the black screen shown above even though other YouTube Live broadcasts and many live Flash video streams work without a problem. At this time we haven't heard back from Google on the issue and a check of support forums came up empty too so for now a laptop with an HDMI cable is still the simplest way to get this internet video on your HDTV. Update: The @GoogleTV Twitter account just reported the team is "looking into it" so hopefully there's a chance of resolution before the event is over, we'll keep an eye out. Until then, we're hearing that the stream is working on the Boxee Box (Thanks @EricHulen) so that may be an option as well.
Take home the real-life, solar-powered ModNation Racers golf cart
Alright, stick with us, here: Last month, Sony collaborated with graphic artist Jeremiah Garcia to create a ModNation Racers-branded golf cart. It was supposed to be designed to look like it was created by the indie rock troupe Passion Pit (of LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer fame) -- whatever that means. The cart, which runs on solar power, was then displayed at the Coachella Festival to help promote the green energy movement in collaboration with the non-profit group Global Inheritance. But never mind all of that! What you do need know to is that you can win this golf cart by entering the "Get the Keys to Your ModNation Kart" sweepstakes over on the PlayStation Blog. You can try to get a better understanding of the vehicle's origins by watching the video after the jump, but c'mon, what more do you need to read then "hey, free golf cart."
Massive, solar powered bird is overseeing Coachella, pretty stoked about its chance to see Phoenix
This massive structure will greet you this weekend if you're headed to the Coachella music festival. It's a 45-foot tall solar-powered crane (the bird), and it boasts multicolored LEDs for what will surely be an awe-inspiring night. The huge art installation has a wingspan of 150 feet and weighs about 35,000 pounds. The photovoltaic-powered birdie was designed by Crimson Collective, and it's just another reason we're regretting our decision not to head out west for the festival. If you're lucky enough to be at Coachella, be sure to snap some closeups of the origami-styled crane hanging out with Steve Malkmus for us, okay? Hit the source link for a bunch of other photos.
SingStar: May 20th release in US
Sony let slip that their upcoming PS3 singing game, SingStar, will be striking American PS3 systems on May 20th. The game will be playable at this weekend's Coachella music festival, out in sunny California. Also playable at the Sony-sponsored event will be LittleBigPlanet and the already-released Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.We're still waiting for more details on the song list, and the US version of the SingStore. Hopefully, it won't be too long before all the details will be revealed.