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How to stream New Year's Eve 2019 countdowns
If you'd rather stream New Year's Eve celebrations in North America than venture outside, you'll have plenty of options... including a novelty or two. The most notable example comes from Times Square itself, which will show the New York City ball drop for 2019 in all its glory. However, you can also watch well-known game streamer Ninja play in Times Square using Twitch. You're covered if Fortnite is more to your taste than champagne, in other words.
NYPD will deploy a drone at Times Square on New Year's Eve
Security at Times Square tends to be extra-tight on New Year's Eve, but it's now poised to have some robotic support. The NYPD is deploying one of its new camera-toting drones at the event for the first time, giving it an aerial surveillance tool that's decidedly closer to the action than a conventional aircraft or helicopter. The machine will not only watch for trouble in the crowd, but wield "counter-drone technology" to keep potentially hostile vehicles at bay.
Watch Kanye West and U2 play a surprise charity concert live on YouTube
World AIDS Day has already done a lot to both raise awareness of AIDS and fund research for a cure, but it's about to end with a bang. Bank of America and the (RED) charity are hosting a surprise concert at 7:30PM Eastern tonight in Times Square -- and they're streaming the whole thing live on YouTube. The gig will see most of U2 play alongside Bruce Springsteen and Chris Martin (Bono is recovering from an accident), with Kanye West and Carrie Underwood adding to the star power. It's short notice, we know, but it's definitely worth tuning in if you want to see some of the biggest names in music play for a good cause... and no, this won't show up in your iTunes library afterwards.
Times Square's new digital billboard is almost the length of a football field
New Yorkers passing through Times Square will see (whether they want to or not) the biggest, most expensive digital billboard (at least in the US) when it turns on this Tuesday night. The screen is big enough to run a whole block, from 45th to 46th Street along Broadway, and is made up of 24 million pixels. (To contrast, 4K TVs weigh in with around 8 million pixel, although the scale here is massively different.) Oh yeah, it's also eight stories high. According to the New York Times, the cost of this prime advertising real estate comes in at over $2.5 million for four weeks. Google, a company that has the means, will take over the big screen as the debut advertiser until 2015. But we can go bigger: LG's already using the world's biggest billboard in Saudi Arabia, which is 820 feet long. [Image credit: Richard Perry/The New York Times]
LG trolls Samsung's Times Square billboards with Optimus G '4' ads
The press is headed to Radio City Music Hall for Samsung's Galaxy S IV event in a few hours, but the company has also taken up consumer-focused presence in Times Square -- where rival LG is waiting. As shown in the pic, LG has refashioned its billboards (which it already occupied for 20 years before the new neighbor moved in below last year) to mock Samsung's "4" themed advertising, touting that the Optimus G is "here 4 you now", among other messages. They'd probably have a better chance of grabbing our attention if the upgraded Optimus G Pro were here 4 us instead, but that's not an option yet. Still, we have to appreciate a prank pulled off well enough that it even scores some screen time in a Samsung promo video (at :49 and 2:04) embedded after the break.
Daily iPhone App: Ring in the New Year with the Official Times Square Ball App
It's New Year's Eve, which means there will be a rocking party in Times Square tonight. If you can't be in New York City for the shindig, you can still participate in the fun using the 2013 edition of the Times Square Official New Year's Eve Ball App. The official New Year's Eve app lets you watch a live stream of the events, including the midnight ball drop, from Times Square and even participate by submitting your own party photos. The top photos will be featured on the Toshiba Vision screen directly beneath the official crystal ball. The app also includes the history of the event as well as the news, photos and event schedule for the 2013 party. The Times Square Official New Year's Eve Ball App - 2013 is available for free in the iOS App Store.
Google's 'gallery for everyone' lets you take over Times Square, say thank you for...
What would be a neat trick to round off a perfect holiday with friends, family, and -- if you're lucky -- some bargain-priced tech? How about getting your smug, contented face up on the screens in Times Square? Not got the big corporate budget? No worries, as Google's here to pick up the tab as part of a Chromebook promotion, and possibly make it happen for you. Submit a picture at the source link, along with a snappy "For... " caption, and you could find yourself, your mom, your cat, or football team up there for all to see. We were going to submit one of our own, but, well y'know, we're still wearing the t-shirt.
Rovio hints at Angry Birds tie-in with Star Wars on October 8th, Red Bird Five standing by
The green pigs have had their moment in the sun: it's time for the Angry Birds to come back. Rovio Mobile has posted a teaser of a collaboration between its frustrated avians and Star Wars that will get a grand reveal on October 8th at Toys R Us' Times Square location in New York City. No clear giveaways exist as to what's coming, although Rovio is promising animations, comics and other material in the weeks ahead -- we imagine it means more than a toy line, as unique as that can be. But does it mean an Angry Birds Space add-on that goes well beyond the Martian landscape, an entirely new game or something else altogether? We've asked the company for more details and will let you know if we're given more information. In the meantime, get ready for what's likely to be a geek culture explosion. [Thanks, Jaakko]
Nokia takes over Times Square for Lumia 900 launch event (video)
We're still not exactly sure what Nicki Minaj has to do with Nokia's new Lumia 900, but the company put her at the center of its promotional efforts in a launch event Friday night that took over Times Square. Oh, you missed it? For just the visual effect of what went on, including CGI dancers on massive LED displays and coordinated effects on the tourist destination's many existing video boards (been there, done that) you can check out our gallery of pics from the event, or look below for the video. If you're all about the phones, Nokia is pushing its Windows Phone 7 flagship with new "the smartphone beta test is over" ads -- there's also one of those embedded after the break. So, is anyone concerned Nokia might not be doing enough to promote this new phone?
Inhabitat's Week in Green: hydrogen fuel cell-powered laptop, hybrid buses and bioluminescent bacteria
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green. The newswires were buzzing with alternative energy developments this week as Inhabitat reported that Apple filed a patent for a hydrogen fuel cell-powered laptop that can last an entire week without needing a recharge. We also celebrated the warm winter holidays with a look at the world's first solar-powered menorah, GE unveiled an awesome set of 3D-printed Christmas tree ornaments, and we brought you a first look at the dazzling LED-studded 2012 Times Square new year's eve ball. We also showcased several amazing examples of paper technology as Sony flipped the switch on a paper-powered battery and Joon & Jung unveiled an alarm clock with a cute paper shell. Eco transportation was a hot topic as well this week as Porsche unveiled plans to develop the third generation of its flywheel-boosted 911 GT3 R hybrid and the UK's new hybrid double-decker busses hit the streets of London. We also showcased plans for a greenery-filled AirTrain that harnesses Nasa-patented air purifying technology and we brought you Foster + Partner's plans for a striking new high-speed rail station in Galicia, Spain. In other news, this week we saw Waterstudio launch plans for a floating Sea Tree skyscraper that provides habitat for flora & fauna, a scientist has harnessed bioluminescent bacteria to combat pollution in a fragile Florida ecosystem, and researchers developed a new breed of self-fixing electronics that use liquid metal capsules to heal themselves. Finally, we brought you several hot developments in wearable tech - a set of 3D printed eyeglasses, a site that uses your webcam to measure your clothing size, and the world's first pair of over-ear headphones made with sustainable materials.
Engadget takes over Times Square, courtesy of TS2 (video)
Remember when we took over Times Square last month? Contrary to comments-based speculation, we didn't drop several years' salary to see our names and faces (and pets) up in lights. We were actually shooting a segment for the Engadget Show about a new service from Times Square2 (TS2). The NASDAQ / Thomson Reuters alliance is working to increase engagement on the giant electronic billboards it controls in one of the most heavily trafficked spots in the US. The organization has designed a free API for developers, making it possible to create applications for its giant ad spaces on the side of the Thomson Reuters and NASDAQ buildings, and it showed us some of the fruits of its labor in the video clip that you'll find after the break.%Gallery-130286%
Near Times Square? Come see Engadget on a really big screen
If you're on the island of Manhattan and are anywhere near Times Square, check out this lovely display of lights. For the next half-hour or so you'll be able to check out Engadget on one heck of a big screen, right above the NASDAQ sign. You won't even need those reading glasses! Wondering what this is all about? Check out the next Engadget Show, where all will be explained. %Gallery-130286%
Square has billboard in Times Square, still slowly delivering card readers
If you've been reading TUAW for any length of time, you've probably seen our posts about Square. This startup had the idea to develop a free credit card reader that could be used with an iPhone (later expanded to many phone models) or iPad, and provide a card authorization service with low enough rates that basically anyone in the U.S. could accept credit cards. The service works very well; I've moved from a traditional credit card authorization service to Square, and I'm saving money in the process. However, an informal Twitter poll showed that there are still a number of people (including our very own Dave Caolo) who are still patiently waiting for their readers over a year after signing up. Not good. That's apparently not keeping the company from shouting from the rooftops about how great their product is. The company received funding from a supporter to install a huge multi-panel billboard in New York's Times Square showing how anyone can accept credit cards with the Square reader and iPhone app. They've also teamed up with fashion designer Vivienne Tam to come out with a limited-edition high fashion card reader. We're happy to see that you're going places, Square -- just be sure to keep sending out those card readers to all those people who are still waiting.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: of space elevators, floating cities and solar sheltered drinking machines
Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green. This week Inhabitat showcased several incredible examples of futuristic architecture, starting with an epic floating ark that houses a self-sustaining city at sea. We also saw a plan to harness carbon nanotubes to create the world's first space elevator, and we brought you an ingenious solar-powered shelter that harvests and purifies rainwater for drinking. In other news, Asia revved up the world of eco transportation as South Korea unveiled the world's first commercial electric bus, and Beijing launched a plan to cut eliminate gridlock by cutting vehicle registration by 2/3. We also checked in on the electric Bluebird supercar, which is gearing up to break the UK land speed record next year, and we took an in-depth look at the year's best electric vehicles. Finally, welcome to 2011! As the final countdown rang out we took a look at Times Square's dazzling 2011 eco ball, which is studded with 32,256 LEDs. We also looked back on Inhabitat's top green energy, transportation, and tech stories of 2010, and we rounded up the year's best green products and wearable technology concepts that stand to change the way we get dressed for the day. And if you're running errands this week to return any unwanted holiday gifts, check out Amazon's new preemptive return tool - it could save you a trip next year.
Ring in the New Year on your iPhone with the official Times Square Ball app
Ever wanted to be in Times Square on New Years Eve instead of in your buddy's basement? Well, good luck with that. In the meantime you can download the first official Times Square Ball app. The app lets you live vicariously through those that are there and features the countdown clock (synced to your time zone), and it also includes a commercial-free, mobile stream of the webcast event. For those that are actually going to be there, the app offers news, weather, photos, maps and schedules for the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration. Additionally, you can check-in via Foursquare, Facebook and Twitter, and you'll be shown exactly how many miles you are from the festivities. Times Square Official New Year's Eve Ball is a free download.
AT&T making tourists even more annoying with free Times Square WiFi
AT&T's master plan to relieve 3G data congestion in New York City? Give the crush of upward-facing tourists in Times Square free WiFi. AT&T will announce its first ever free outdoor WiFi hotspot later today located at the north central part of Times Square, near 7th Avenue between 45th and 47th Street. Qualifying AT&T customers with smartphones like the iPhone will automatically switch from 3G data to WiFi when in range. Great, just what Times Square needs: smartphone wielding pedestrians enticed by fast data to be even more oblivious to the pace of busy New Yorkers. If successful, AT&T will add WiFi hotspots to other high-traffic areas... and hopefully help push through tourist-lane legislation that could solve NYC's real congestion problems. [Photo courtesy of MarkArms]
Times Square New Year's Eve ball drop brought to you by... some furiously pedaling tourists
Hey, if you're in New York City and bored on New Year's Eve, well, maybe you feel like working? Duracell's set up its Smart Power Lab in the heart of Manhattan, along with several Power Rovers, which are stationery bikes that generate renewable energy when pedaled. You see where this is going, right? That energy is being stored up and harnessed by Duracell to power the ball we watch drop every year, which boasts about 9,500 LEDs. Fun times, if you're not averse to the freezing cold, the screaming crowds, the garbage, and the awful music. Or you could always do what we do, and stay home in your jammies watching Twin Peaks -- but it's really up to you. Either way, we're glad to see the ball is no longer powered by Dick Clark's rage. There's one more shot after the break.
The Engadget Show: Hands-on with Times Square
In addition to our full length Engadget Show, we'll be doing short segments on a wide variety of topics which we're hoping will delight, inform, or at least entertain for a few, precious moments. Ever wondered who makes the outrageous displays in Times Square? Now you'll know. Josh talks to Meric Adriansen from D3 LED, the man who designs and builds those massive structures, and goes behind the scenes to see the rigs from the other side. Want to get deep inside of the art and science behind the light pollution that is -- literally -- New York's most visible spot? Watch the video... and subscribe to the RSS / iTunes feed below (we're still waiting on Zune Marketplace approval). Also, if you missed the premiere of the show with Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein, you can see it here. Host: Joshua Topolsky Produced and Directed by: Chad Mumm Edited by: Michael Slavens Music by: Bit Shifter Subscribe to the Show: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V). [RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically. Download the Show Download (720p) Download (iPhone / iPod formatted)
Humongous LED display at Walgreens in Times Square gets detailed
For those who've found themselves strolling through Times Square the past few days, you've probably seen the absolutely impossible-to-miss LED display board that was just recently lit up. The folks over at DailyDOOH were able to go check out the official launch, and it also did us the favor of hosting up a few pictures and providing all the juicy details behind the monolithic board. It sits 15 feet off of the ground and rises some 340 feet into the air, and within the sign are 13 interconnected plasma screens showing off coordinated content. Check the read link for even more amazing specs / images.
Gigantic LED display board goes live at Walgreens in Times Square
Remember that LED display board that was scheduled to be lit up at Walgreens in Times Square? You know, that 17,000-square foot one touting 12 million LEDs? Sure you do. The board, which was designed by D3 LED, was finally activated in the heart of New York City, and its creators are asserting that it's one of the most complex in existence. If you're wondering if this is worth a trip up (along with having a peek at the giant tree in Rockefeller Center), you might want to hit the read link first, but you should probably understand that almost nothing in NYC can hold a candle in terms of magnitude to downtown Dubai.
