Welcome to another edition of our Dreamers Digital Digest. This week, we’ll be running through stories about Google Maps, Snapchat, the use of VR to combat crime and Instagram.
Google Maps now showing real time stats
Using Google Maps to find out information regarding a place or store has now evolved further with the (link: http://searchengineland.com/google-maps-adds-live-view-popular-times-venues-263855 text: addition of live, real time stats). The new addition will now let you know how busy or slow a venue is in real time. With the run up to Christmas, and endless hordes of people out last minute shopping, the new addition will help you decided whether you should head out or maybe just stick to the internet to buy your presents. In addition to the real time stats, Google have also introduced the hours of businesses within businesses meaning hours for a pharmacy within a supermarket, for example, would also be shown.
Bavarian Crime Office uses VR to net war criminals
Using VR is the norm these days, so much so that the Bavarian State Criminal Office (link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-38026007 text: have begun) to use it to target WW2 war criminals by creating a virtual reality version of concentration camp Auschwitz to assist with future prosecutions. The new method has already been rolled out, with an SS camp guard already being convicted.
Instagram launches disappearing videos to rival Snapchat
Following in the footsteps of Snapchat, Instagram are the latest social media giant to (link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/38054235/instagram-launches-live-disappearing-video-and-changes-direct-messaging text: introduce live disappearing video) broadcasts. One of the major differences is the fact that Instagram videos will disappear forever once the broadcast has finished meaning that there will be no link to share or viewers won’t be able to watch it after it has happened.
Snapchat Spectacles have been released
Snapchat have (link: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/nov/22/snapchat-spectacles-pop-up-new-york-lines text: released Spectacles), a pair of sunglasses with a camera. The glasses themselves, shoot video and connect directly to the Snapchat app itself. The videos will be recorded for 10 seconds and sent to smartphones via Bluetooth.
Microsoft Solitaire to be brought out on Android and iOS
Killing time back in the late 90’s/early 00’s would consist of watching the Crystal Maze and Fresh Prince of Bel Air alongside playing everyone’s favourite computer game, Solitaire on your Windows computer. Now in 2016, you can play with ease on whatever device you use following the (link: http://www.theverge.com/2016/11/23/13730380/microsoft-solitaire-ios-android-game text: release) of ‘Solitaire Collection’ to iOS and Android systems. Now all you need is Crystal Maze classics on YouTube in the background, and you’re all set.
Join us next time for more digital news!