Hacking Emperor

Popular chat apps like Facebook Messenger and (these days, sadly) WhatsApp might not cut it when it comes to privacy and security, but they sure do offer some fun ways to customize your chats. If you're worried that moving to Signal Private Messenger means you lose these features, don't — the privacy-focused app also lets you choose custom chat wallpapers for all your threads. Signal introduced custom chat wallpapers in version 5.3.1 for iOS and 5.3.7 for Android that also included other features like a status update-like "About" section in your profile and animated stickers. These are... more http://dlvr.it/RrdtmJ

Just as the augmented reality industry grows, so too does the segment dedicated to creating experiences for the tools becoming available. Leading the charge is former Magic Leap CEO Rony Abovitz, who launched a new venture focused on immersive entertainment and content creation. Meanwhile, three of the segment's biggest players demonstrated why investment in this area is crucial. Snap made an acquisition to add to its AR technology portfolio, Facebook rolled out a training program for its Spark AR platform, and Unity joined forces with Volvo to provide some sleek new AR assets for developers... more http://dlvr.it/Rrdb7B

To assist developers and researchers in their efforts to create apps and services for automobiles, Volvo Cars has launched a new Innovation Portal with useful new tools and assets. Among the free resources featured on the Innovation Portal is a high-quality 3D model of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, which you can also experience yourself in augmented reality. Don't Miss: Augmented Reality in Cars — the Companies & Tech Driving Us into the Future The Volvo XC40 model was created in collaboration with Unity and offers developers and creators the ability insert the automobile into AR experiences and... more http://dlvr.it/RrcmMb

You only 'thought' the HoloLens 2 was the most expensive augmented reality device on the market. As with many things tech, Japan is here to up the ante with what may indeed be the most expensive AR-dedicated wearable we've seen—the Canon MREAL S1. • Don't Miss: Next Reality's 30 People to Watch in Augmented Reality for 2020 The device costs a whopping $38,400 (4 million yen) and it's just the latest in a long line of MREAL AR devices that the company has shown off as far back as 2013, back when Google Glass was originally debuted to the public. Despite Canon's long history of developing... more http://dlvr.it/RrYq51

Hand tracking is a key component in making natural interactions with augmented reality content, and one of the leading technology makers in this discipline has just improved on its tracking engine. Ultraleap, the company emerging from the acquisition of Leap Motion by Ultrahaptics, has released a developer preview of the fifth version of its hand-tracking software that brings even more accurate tracking of two hands for AR interfaces. Don't Miss: Leap Motion's New Experimental Tools Give Developers Access to Camera Data & Unlock Multiple Device Support Continuing in its constellation-themed... more http://dlvr.it/RrTv5n

The company augmented reality that Rony Abovitz was trying to build at Magic Leap apparently wasn't working out the way he hoped it would. That company, built on dreams, music, and future-looking entertainment, rather than truly new technology, came with a $2,300 price tag for a device using dynamics most mainstream consumers have never even tried. The hurdles were steep. Today, Abovitz is about to embark upon a new journey that seems to truly speak directly to his interests: entertainment. On Wednesday, Abovitz unveiled his new company called Sun and Thunder. • Don't Miss: Magic Leap Made... more http://dlvr.it/RrTTYC

As Apple, Google, Snap, and Facebook wrestle for positioning to lure developers and creators to build augmented reality experiences for their respective tools, Facebook is looking at a learning approach for its Spark AR platform. On Tuesday, the Spark AR team launched a new series of online learning courses that are aimed at novices looking to jump into the AR field feet first as well as experienced developers and creators seeking to sharpen their skills. Don't Miss: This Viral Instagram Augmented Reality Filter Will Tell You Which Disney Character You Really Are Available through the... more http://dlvr.it/RrPxm3

The year 2021 is already promising to yield a number of major shifts in the augmented reality landscape, and Snap is signaling that it has every intention of being an aggressive part of that narrative. On Tuesday, it was revealed that the company has acquired a London-based research group called Arial AI, a team dedicated to developing ways to track the human form in AR with a high degree of accuracy. • Don't Miss: Bernie Sanders Presidential Inauguration Freezing Moment Spawns Meme-Worthy Snapchat Lens Specifically, the team is described its work as focused on "real-time and high-accuracy... more http://dlvr.it/RrPYFs

Snapchat's face tracking has certainly come a long way. This week, we've got an example of one effect that is nearly guaranteed to freak out your friends. Of course, these face-tracking capabilities are available to the Lens Studio community, as evidenced by an augmented reality tribute to rock gods KISS. For rear-facing camera AR experiences, we have more dancing characters plus a world-morphing effect that boggles the mind. • Don't Miss: Next Reality's 30 People to Watch in Augmented Reality for 2020 Try out these Lenses yourself by scanning their respective Snapcodes. Defy Nature... more http://dlvr.it/RrKCfM

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. At Magic Leap, the lemons are the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lemonade is a new solution for virtual meetings born out of social distancing. As reports of Apple's long-awaited AR wearable begin to kick up again (and designers continue to show off their concepts for the device), two Chinese companies, Lenovo and Rokid, unveiled their latest smartglasses offerings. Finally, Snapchat users found not one but two opportunities to insert AR into the pomp and circumstance of the 2021 US Presidential Inauguration. Magic Leap Built Its Own AR Virtual... more http://dlvr.it/Rr8Sg8

Every mainstream Android home screen app looks and behaves almost exactly like Google's Pixel Launcher. It's the trendsetter, like the Nexus Launcher before it. But when all your options are modeled after the same thing, that really takes the "custom" out of "custom launcher." The nine apps listed below seem to want to buck that trend, for the most part. These are launchers that either have minimal installs or are brand new on the scene in 2020 or 2021. Features range from automatic app sorting to overabundant gestures, so hopefully you'll find something fresh that you like. Don't Miss: How... more http://dlvr.it/Rr8SZ0

Every mainstream Android home screen app looks and behaves almost exactly like Google's Pixel Launcher. It's the trendsetter, like the Nexus Launcher before it. But when all your options are modeled after the same thing, that really takes the "custom" out of "custom launcher." The nine apps listed below seem to want to buck that trend, for the most part. These are launchers that either have minimal installs or are brand new on the scene in 2020 or 2021. Features range from automatic app sorting to overabundant gestures, so hopefully you'll find something fresh that you like. Don't Miss: How... more http://dlvr.it/Rr7b6q

Every mainstream Android home screen app looks and behaves almost exactly like Google's Pixel Launcher. It's the trendsetter, like the Nexus Launcher before it. But when all your options are modeled after the same thing, that really takes the "custom" out of "custom launcher." The nine apps listed below seem to want to buck that trend, for the most part. These are launchers that either have minimal installs or are brand new on the scene in 2020 or 2021. Features range from automatic app sorting to overabundant gestures, so hopefully you'll find something fresh that you like. Don't Miss: How... more http://dlvr.it/Rr4H0c

The latest whispers about Apple's plans to launch its long-awaited (yet still unconfirmed) augmented reality device hits several familiar notes, but lands on a different refrain. Earlier this month, a generally-reliable analyst has predicted that an AR device from Apple would launch later this year, buoyed by reports from supply chain sources that the company's rumored smartglasses prototype is entering the second phase of production. Now, rumors of a hybrid AR/VR headset, previously thought to be scrapped in favor of smartglasses with less-immersive capabilities, have emerged from yet... more http://dlvr.it/Rr4Gxc

The world of politics can sometimes get a little toxic, but with the new administration, there's already a bit of whimsy creeping back into the online meme space. The latest comes courtesy of a new unofficial Snapchat filter that takes an inauguration meme and lets you bring it into your own space via Snapchat Lens filter. • Don't Miss: Next Reality's 30 People to Watch in Augmented Reality for 2020 Of all the political memes to surface during Wednesday's inauguration, one of the most shared was former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders freezing while huddled in a chair during the... more http://dlvr.it/Rr0kJD

One of the easiest ways to change up your Android experience is by swapping out the stock launcher with a new one. The word "launcher" is Android lingo for "home screen app," and it's a common term because of how easy it is to switch to a new one. So if you're looking to revamp your home screen, this guide's for you. The cool thing about using a custom launcher is that you're in control of your experience, so you'll have plenty of chances to try out different ones and find your match. If you're looking for one that has all the tweaks you could ever want, there's plenty to fill that void... more http://dlvr.it/Rqx7BV

Samsung and Google have done some amazing work together in the past, particularly with Android related projects. But after years of an inexplicable lack of interoperability, the primary smart home hardware divisions from both companies are finally on the same page — starting right now. As of Jan. 14, 2021, you can now add your Nest cameras, thermostats, and doorbells to your SmartThings Hub. Cameras can serve as motion detectors or sound sensors, doorbells can do the same with the addition of button functionality, and thermostats can trigger events based on temperature, humidity, or mode... more http://dlvr.it/Rqx77V

While most established media brands are satisfied with copying Pokémon GO to jump into augmented reality gaming, at least one property is taking a slightly different approach. Launched this week, Wallace & Gromit: The Big Fix Up is a mobile game fitting into the life simulation genre that appoints players as partners in the titular characters' handyman startup, Spick & Spanners. Players coordinate various jobs, assigning available required contraptions and gadgets to complete the time-gated tasks. Don't Miss: AR Snapshots: Anime Makeovers, Mandalorian Helmets, Twerking Muppets, & More The... more http://dlvr.it/RqwNgq

Google Maps tracks everywhere you go with your smartphone, even when you're not using the app. Even if it's as mundane as your weekly grocery trip, Google Maps has it saved for you to see in its Android and iOS apps. And while it's mostly used for recommendations and your reference — you may not want Google Maps to keep such a rich location history. Location History, as the feature is officially known, allows you to view everywhere you've been. It's perfect for trying to remember that restaurant you visited a few years back when you were out of town, but it's not always a good feeling to know... more http://dlvr.it/RqrZS7

Want quick access to message threads with your favorite or important contacts? Just pin them to the top of the conversations list. It's a common feature in many messaging apps, including Apple's Messages in iOS 14. While it's not particularly well-advertised, TikTok also lets you pin chats to the top of your direct messages inbox on Android or iPhone. At first glance, there's no obvious way to stick a conversation thread with one person or a group at the top of your DMs, but the ability is definitely there. Tap the "Inbox" tab at the bottom, then the paper airplane icon to open your direct... more http://dlvr.it/Rqgdn3

Samsung and Google have done some amazing work together in the past, particularly with Android related projects. But after years of an inexplicable lack of interoperability, the primary smart home hardware divisions from both companies are finally on the same page — starting right now. As of Jan. 14, 2021, you can now add your Nest cameras, thermostats, and doorbells to your SmartThings Hub. Cameras can serve as motion detectors or sound sensors, doorbells can do the same with the addition of button functionality, and thermostats can trigger events based on temperature, humidity, or mode... more http://dlvr.it/Rqgdlt

In the three years since Snapchat launched Lens Studio, developers and artists have created more than 1.5 million AR camera effects with the desktop tool. Beginning this week, AR Snap Shots will feature five augmented reality filters that showcase the innovative, trendy, or just plain cool AR experiences available on the Snapchat app. • Don't Miss: Next Reality's 30 People to Watch in Augmented Reality for 2020 This week, we'll revisit one of the more popular Lenses from Snapchat, put on a tribute to one of 2020's hit streaming shows, dance with one of Jim Henson's most beloved creations... more http://dlvr.it/RqgFWM

Things tend to get noisy when you're in a big group chat, which is why the notification sound for that thread shouldn't be your standard, attention-grabbing ringtone. But you don't want to set the default notification sound to something too subtle, otherwise you'd miss messages that actually matter. Thankfully, Google's Messages app for Android, which can be used as the default texting app on any Android phone, has extremely granular notification settings. You can choose a default overall notification sound, then set up different notifications for each of your individual or group chats so you... more http://dlvr.it/Rqbpt7

Over the past two product cycles, Apple has been rumored to be preparing to reveal its Apple AirTags tracking devices that can help iPhone owners find their possessions with augmented reality. Now, it's 2021, and AppleTags are nowhere to be found. But Samsung has leapfrogged Apple with its own take on the product category. Don't Miss: Here Are All the Things in You Can Do in Augmented Reality with the Samsung Galaxy S9 & S9+ During its Unpacked 2021 event on Thursday, where the star of the show was the new Galaxy S21 lineup of smartphones, Samsung also unveiled the new Galaxy SmartTags and... more http://dlvr.it/RqbPXH

The focus on augmented reality over at Apple is, so far, restricted to the iPhone and the iPad. But if some of the most reliable analysts in the business are to be believed, we'll probably see some kind of AR or VR wearable from the company later this year. But what will that look like? Well, designer Dominik Hofacker has a few ideas, and they're so good they're worth examining. • Don't Miss: Next Reality's 30 People to Watch in Augmented Reality for 2020 Hofacker, who recently completed an internship at Facebook Reality Labs in Seattle, put together a concept video presentation that starts... more http://dlvr.it/RqZvPZ

Apps don't need to come bundled with an entire browser just to be able to display web pages — instead, they can call on the system WebView browser to render content for them. Android's default WebView renderer is Google software, which isn't quite as privacy-forward as some other options. For instance, Bromite comes with browser fingerprinting protection enabled by default. You can also enable ad blocking, send "Do not track" requests, and even open new tabs in incognito mode by default. It's based on the open-source Chromium code base, so the actual browsing experience is almost identical to... more http://dlvr.it/RqRzZF

Android Messages, formally named simply "Messages" now, has built-in spam protection. This doesn't get every spam SMS message, however — in fact, you can still get unwanted texts multiple times daily even with the feature enabled. Thankfully, you can manually block numbers, too. There are two different ways to do this. One method works from the Messages app's main menu, while the other works when you're inside the chat thread. Not only will this block future texts from that person or bot, but it will also report the phone number as spam so that built-in spam protection will work a little... more http://dlvr.it/RqRzZ6

Unity often reminds us that the majority of AR apps and experiences are built with the Unity 3D engine, and now the Unity MARS service, which facilitates easy AR creation for seasoned coders and newcomers. In its quest to make augmented reality development easier, Unity has launched the Unity MARS Companion app in beta via TestFlight for iOS and through Google Play's native beta program for Android. Don't Miss: Unity Previews Project MARS Mobile App, Extends AR Foundation to HoloLens & Magic Leap, Intros XR Interaction Toolkit With the Unity MARS Companion app, developers can create and... more http://dlvr.it/RqRzVf

I must admit, upon learning that the NFL was broadcasting the contest between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears on CBS, Amazon Prime Video, and Nickelodeon, the latter was the only option I wanted, purely for the novelty of the experience. Fans with a similar mindset, or the younger viewers that the NFL targeted with the broadcast, had their curiosity rewarded with some broadcast AR hijinks. • Don't Miss: The Weather Channel Takes Broadcast AR to Next Level with Wildfires Report Throughout the live broadcast, CBS Sports projected augmented reality effects onto the field of play and... more http://dlvr.it/RqMCqk

Roughly a year and a half after unveiling the HoloLens-like ThinkReality A6, Lenovo is back with its take on enterprise-grade smartglasses, and the results look impressive. Then again, looks can be deceiving. On Sunday, a day ahead of the opening of the virtual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Lenovo took the wraps off of the ThinkReality A3, a sleek pair of smartglasses designed for office and field roles in enterprises and scheduled to begin shipping by mid-2021 to select markets worldwide for an undisclosed price. Don't Miss: Hands-On: Hands-On with Lenovo's ThinkReality A6, a... more http://dlvr.it/RqHGwZ

Google's legendary phone series fittingly ended with the Nexus 6 (P), and all the replicants that have come in its wake failed to unite the geek crowd quite as well. It might seem silly to think back on a smartphone with a sense of nostalgia, but if any Android phone deserves it, it's the Nexus. A Magisk module from developer Chris Renshaw systemlessly replaces your phone's stock ringtones, notifications, and even system UI sounds (e.g., touch sound, charging beep) with their Nexus counterparts. If you were a Nexus owner in the past, or if you're just tired of the stock sounds on your phone... more http://dlvr.it/RqBnHL

The past year has revealed a gaping hole of opportunity in the world of business called virtual meetings. Some existing players like Zoom hopped on that opportunity, while others like Skype seemed stuck on the sidelines, and Google Meet just managed to catch up in time to snag some of the shift in remote work. But amid that shift, one question that has repeatedly come up is: Where are the augmented reality tools that promised to help us navigate this new remote frontier? While many upstarts and established players have gradually moved to meet our new needs, it turns out that Magic Leap is... more http://dlvr.it/RqBnDl

Compared to Apple's products like the iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets are very flexible devices. For instance, you can set a new home screen, replace the lock screen, or even beam files using NFC — but that's just the software side of things, and the flexibility goes well beyond that. Because of a technology called USB On-The-Go (USB OTG), your Android device might even be more powerful than you thought. This allows you to connect other devices to your smartphone or tablet using a $5 adapter that plugs into your charging port, and the possibilities are almost endless. But not all... more http://dlvr.it/RqBKWl

Rumors of Apple developing smartglasses have persisted as prophecy since 2016, but the arrival of what many herald as the savior of augmented reality have eluded even Nostradamus himself. However, the latest reading of the tea leaves leads us to believe the day may come sooner rather than later. Don't Miss: The Future of Apple Augmented Reality Smartglasses & the Android Copies to Follow A paywalled report from DigiTimes (h/t Cult of Mac) says that Apple is now in the "second phase" of production, citing supply chain sources. Now, what the "second phase" means is a bit ambiguous. However... more http://dlvr.it/Rq6cfk

Most iPhones are more than capable of shooting crispy, high-quality video, perfect for any TikTok account to use. But if you're serious about the platform, especially in the long-run, you don't want just any iPhone. Instead, you'll want to pick up an iPhone 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max. The reason why we recommend the more expensive iPhones for TikTok users isn't because there's something wrong with the iPhone 12 or 12 mini. Those iPhones shoot 4K video with Dolby Vision just like the Pros do. Rather, our specificity is due to something the Pros have that the regular iPhone 12s do not — LiDAR sensors... more http://dlvr.it/Rq6cY4

There are three tiers to Android customization: things you can do by default, things you can do with ADB, and things you can do with root. While root is still pretty tricky to get, ADB mods just got a lot easier. Back in Android 9, Google added a feature that allowed you to wirelessly send ADB commands from a computer to your phone over a Wi-Fi network. Not particularly groundbreaking, but it laid the groundwork. Enter developer Tyler Nijmeh and his new app, LADB. It creates a local host entirely on-phone, then acts as if it's a computer on your network. From there, it's just a matter of... more http://dlvr.it/Rq2nX2

Now that 3D display maker Looking Glass Factory is closing in on $2.2 million raised in its crowdfunding campaign for the consumer-grade Looking Glass Portrait device, the company now has a 3D content generator to go with it. On Wednesday, Looking Glass Factory unveiled a new conversion service that can convert any 2D image into a 3D hologram. After applying some machine learning magic to build a depth map from the source material, the tool creates multiple perspectives for display on the Looking Glass Portrait. Don't Miss: Looking Glass Pro Workstation Offers Glasses-Free 3D Computing, but... more http://dlvr.it/Rq2Hkc

Facebook recently implemented "Vanish Mode" into Messenger and Instagram, which lets you have an end-to-end encrypted conversation in a chat that will disappear as soon as you leave the thread. As cool as it sounds, it's easy to enable accidentally, and a friend could force you into using it. In some cases, that may not be ideal since everything you or the recipient said will disappear. Any text written or media shared in Vanish Mode stays in Vanish Mode. That means if you or your fellow chatter enables the end-to-end encrypted option, everything you or they say during that time will... more http://dlvr.it/Rpvtxm

To kick off 2021, the Apple rumor mill is spinning yet again. This time a familiar item is on the menu: an augmented reality device. If this tune sounds familiar, it should. The same sources also promised that 2020 would the year of the Apple AR wearable. • Don't Miss: Next Reality's 30 People to Watch in Augmented Reality for 2020 Specifically, back in 2018, generally reliable Apple-focused analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that the company would debut its smartglasses in 2020. For that reason, just ahead of the AirPods Max back in December, some hoped that Apple might drop a surprise pair of... more http://dlvr.it/RpvtxT

The first Android update of the year is here. On Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, Google started pushing out the January security patch for the Pixel 3 and all newer Pixels, after having ended support for the Pixel 2 last month. The update is available for all major US carriers, including Verizon, which typically doesn't update their Pixels on day 1 with the rest of the carriers. We'll go over the details below, from bug fixes to vulnerabilities closed. Don't Miss: How to Change the Status Bar Icons on Your Google Pixel Functional Fixes It appears that there are no new features in this update, but... more http://dlvr.it/RpvtwK