Your Tech Story

Athulya

Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.

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Google Pixel’s Camera Genius, Marc Levoy to Join Forces with Adobe to Build Super Camera App

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A lot of fans were shocked when the researcher who led Google Pixel’s camera division left the company. However, much to their delight, Marc Levoy has joined Adobe to help them with the development of a universal camera application. As per the announcement today, the partnership will help the company create an amazing high-power camera application that will revolutionise mobile photography. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about this partnership.

Leaving Google

March was a bag full of surprises for everyone, with two top Pixel executives leaving Google. Both General Manager for the Pixel project, Mario Queiroz, and photography expert Marc Levoy bid farewell this year. Later reports stated that the manager had already moved on before the release of the Pixel 4, following which he left Google to join Palo Alto Networks. While no one was sure why such measures were taken, a few people believe that it was due to the Pixel 4 underperforming. The Pixel 4 did not do as well as its predecessors, with Google only shipping out 2 million devices as per The Information. In comparison, Google had shipped over 3.5 million and 3 million worth of Pixel 3 and Pixel 3A. 

Google Pixel Legacy

Levoy is best known for heading the camera team for the Google Pixel. Pixel smartphones have an awe-inspiring camera thanks to the use of computational photography technology. The camera on the smartphone boasts of features like HDR+ capability and Night Sight. In fact, Levoy helped devise a system by which the camera took better photos without requiring more expensive hardware. While the Apple iPhones used multiple cameras, the Pixel line-up competed with them with only a single camera. Later on, a desire for sharper zooming led to Google adding a telephoto lens to the Pixel 4. In comparison, the first iPhone to make use of a second lens was the iPhone 7 Plus, which came out in 2016.

Levoy’s Profile

Before leaving Google in March, he worked for them for over six years, within which he was a part of several large projects. Even before joining the tech giant, he was working on the camera of the Google Glass Explorer, which cost around $1,500. He was a visiting faculty at Moonshot division, which went by the name Google X. In 2002, he helped launch a Google research project, while at Standford, which later became Google Map’s Street View. He played an important role in piquing the world’s interest in light field photography. Furthermore, he worked as a researcher in computer graphics at Stanford. 

Image source: reportdoor.com

Soaring Reputation

Marc Levoy’s reputation inspired the other companies, including Samsung and Apple, to improve their computational photography technology. At Adobe, Levoy will try to do the same, by revolutionising their camera technology. Levoy’s work at Adobe, however, will benefit more than just Pixel users, helping anyone who owns a smartphone. Reports state that he will work on computational technology for cameras across Adobe. Also, his efforts will primarily focus on the development of a camera application that will trump everything on the market now. However, the company has not specified what that means. In the fast, social media platforms like Facebook and Snapchat have used the term to indicate a camera application for themselves. Others have used the name to refer to an app that works across devices, from larger mobile cameras to DSLRs.

Adobe’s Efforts

Adobe already has a camera app by the name Photoshop Camera, and they have a separate camera app in their Adobe Lightroom app. However, the recruiting of Levoy suggests that the company has bigger plans in store. Levoy will also assist in making Photoshop Camera, Sensei AI and Adobe Research better. This indicates that Photoshop Camera might play a bigger role in Adobe’s future. Levoy will be working under Abhay Parasnis, who is the Chief Technical Officer at Adobe. 

Marc Levoy built himself a legacy while at Google due to his association with the Pixel smartphone. The device was Google’s most competitive release with regard to mobile photography. Levoy’s brings with him the experience of working on projects as diverse as the 360-degree VR Jump and burst mode on Google Glass. Without a doubt, this will help him while at Adobe. It will be exciting to see how the photography maverick comes out with next, and how that will change the way we view mobile photography, all over again.

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UAE Successfully Launches Its First Interplanetary Mission

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The United Arab Emirates successfully launched its first interplanetary mission today. The launch took place in Japan, and the team sent to space, and eventually to Mars, a probe the size of a car. This launch marks the beginning of the UAE country’s most ambitious space project. The project aims to study Mars, its geography, and weather by following it throughout an entire year. Here’s a look at how important the launch was, and how the team got to where they are now.

Hope for the Future

Hope, which was the nation calls the spacecraft, launched out of Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan. The probe took off via an H-IIA rocket that Japan frequently uses for their launches, and the rocket launch occurred at 6:58 AM. The device will take seven months to venture into deep space. Throughout its journey, it will correct its course using engine burns to direct and align itself correctly. The probe will try to align itself with the Martian orbit sometime in February, next year. Once into the orbit, it will stay on to analyse the Martian atmosphere and gain insight into the planet’s climate and geography. 

Great Timing

For the UAE, the launch came at a critical time. The government came up with the idea for such a project in 2014 as a means to inspire their youth. Furthermore, the project was a way for the country to mark its 50th anniversary in December, next year. To ensure that the probe would be in the Martian orbit by then, the team needed to launch the satellite by the end of this summer. Also, the launch had to take place within a short window of time. This window was critical because it brought the Earth and Mars close together during their journey around the Sun. Since such a planetary alignment only occurs once every twenty-six months, the team needed to get their launch right, if they wanted to meet their deadline for next year.

Fears Subside

As far as experts can tell, the launch was a great success. However, briefly, after the launch, the scientists were afraid that the spacecraft’s solar panels had not opened correctly. Shortly afterward, the UAE government confirmed that they had deployed avoiding complications. Furthermore, the team stated that the spacecraft is in good shape and that communications have been established. This will allow them to continue monitoring the probe, ensuring it stays on course. Furthermore, the scientists will continue to analyse and process the data the probe collects along its journey.

Happy News Worth Celebrating

The UAE Ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba, stated that the launch ensures that years of hard work has paid off. During a live stream after the launch, he also congratulated the team and noted that this was just the beginning for the country. Up until recently, UAE dealt only with Earth satellites, making this a prestigious leap for them. The team comprising of engineers and scientists were able to turn a dream into a reality within six years. Furthermore, the team was able to do so by sticking to their budget of $200 million.

Project manager, Omran Sharaf said that the government was clear about the fact they wanted a new model of delivery. Rather than opting for something big budget, they wanted something efficient and fast. The team partnered with several institutions in the US, including the Universities of California, Colorado and Arizona State. All these educational institutions have experience building components for deep space probes. The partnership gave the team access to testing infrastructure, practical know-how, and experienced advice.

Big Steps Coming

The launch is big news for the UAE, but they still have a long way to go. Within the next month, they will perform the first manoeuvre needed to correct the probe’s course. It will need to keep accomplishing these engine thrusts to get itself to Mars. However, the biggest test will come in February next year wherein Hope must perform a 30-minute thruster burn to enter the Martian orbit. The move will also slow the craft, reducing its speed from 121,000 kmph to 18,000 kmph. However, by then, the craft will be too far away from the Earth. Hence, it will have to do so on its own, without any instructions from back home. 

But, February is a long way off, and for now, UAE is celebrating its successful launch. If everything goes according to plan, Mars will see quite a few spacecraft, with China planning their own launch in the days to come. NASA will follow up soon enough with their Perseverance rover, making the Martian landscape a new exploration ground.

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How SpotHero Gave People the Space They Needed Efficiently

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Anyone who has ever had to park a car in a city knows how difficult it is to find the right spot. When SpotHero came out in 2011, it revolutionised the way people looked at parking. No longer did you have to go around town looking for a space to park your car. This digital parking reservation app or service helped people find spots with the click of a button. Drivers no longer had to fight for good spots, or waste time scouring for the right area. So, how did three guys from Chicago change the way people parked their cars? Here’s a look at how SpotHero grew to become one of the best valet services of all time.

About the Service

SpotHero is essentially a digital system for parking reservations. It connects drivers who need a space to park their car, with driving lots, rental areas, and other parking garages. The service has both a mobile-based application and a fully functional website. Since launching in 2011, the service has grown to over 300 cities all around the US and Canada. The company began as a part of Excelerate Labe, which is a tech-incubator based in Chicago. Entrepreneur Troy Henikoff heads operations at Excelerate, helping provide much-needed guidance and support to companies like SpotHero.

Early beginnings

Mark Lawrence spothero
Image Source: Startup Grind

SpotHero was the humble effort of founders Mark Lawrence and Jeremy Smith. Based in Chicago, the duo got the idea for such a service when they saw just how difficult it was for people to find the right spot to park. Co-founder Larry Kiss joined the company soon after, completing the trifecta. The company began as a parking marketplace that helped connect people and rapidly grew into something more substantial. Initially, it helped people rent out their spaces as parking lots, before eventually partnering with existing garages and parking companies.

Funding Rounds

The company raised over $2.5 million through venture capitalists in December 2012. The companies that led that round were Battery Ventures, Bullet Time, OCA Ventures, Lightbank, and New World Ventures. During that time, the service had places and spaces only in Chicago and Milwaukee. Two years later, the company raised an additional $4.5 million and even announced new Directors. In June 2014, the company announced that LinkedIn’s Mike Gamson, VC Sam Guren, and Match.com’s Sam Yagan.

In April 2015, they acquired ParkPlease, which was a parking marketplace based in San Francisco. The same year, they raised through a Series B funding over $20 million, following it up with an additional $30 million through Series C round in July 2017. In the same year, they also acquired Parking Panda, which is an event parking company based in Baltimore. This acquisition helped the company expand its services into Canada, raising the number of locations they had to an excess of 5,000. In 2018, SpotHero raised another $10 million, bringing its grand total to $68 million. However, they outdid themselves and raised another $50 million in August 2019 through a Series D funding. This last round was led by Macquarie Capital, with the total funding raised amounting to $118 million.

Subsequent Growth and Expansion

Within a span of two years, from 2011 and 2013, the company grew from having just five employees to a team of 22. Furthermore, within the same span, they expanded to seven cities, adding Washington, New York, Newark, Baltimore, and Boston to the list. They also opened their own office in New York the same year. Two years later, they had expanded to Denver, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, and New Orleans. Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Smith left the company in 2015, to take time off for himself from a busy work schedule. In 2016, they added LA, and a year later had another 13 cities in their roster, including Miami, San Diego, and Austin. Since then, SpotHero has grown tremendously, branching out into over 300 cities across North America, partnering with more than 6,500 spaces and garages.

Later Launches

In 2017, they launched SpotHero for Business to help users with business-focused services. It allowed customers to pay, manage and organize all their parking expenses. Furthermore, the company launched a developer platform to enable businesses to integrate their services with their applications. In May of the same year, SpotHero partnered with WageWorks, which is a commuter-employee benefits service provider. This partnership allowed customers to pay for daily parking spots. They also cooperated with Hertz and Google Assistant to ready over 500 parking areas for driverless cars in Chicago.

Last year, they teamed up with Moovit, which works within the transit space to offer parking near stations in San Francisco. The move went a long way in helping ease the traffic congestion due to delayed parking in the Bay Area. The company is also in talks with Google’s navigation app Waze, to integrate their navigation and parking in a bid to improve user experience.

Thanks to their consistent efforts, parking around the US has become less stressful and easy. By helping over 10,000 people in every city they service, SpotHero has brought on a parking revolution that is giving people the space they craved for, simply and effortlessly.

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Microsoft Halts Production of Xbox One X and Xbox One S Digital as It Steps into the Future with Xbox Series X

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As per reports, Microsoft has decided to officially halt the production of both the Xbox One X and Xbox One S Digital consoles. The step comes as a way to help the company move into the next phase of interactive gaming. With the Xbox Series X, the company is shifting focus onto newer ventures, and has, therefore, come up with the natural decision to stop the manufacture of further old models. However, Microsoft will still manufacture, market, and sell their Xbox One S console. Here’s a look at what the halt in production means for gamers, and what Microsoft aims to do for the future.

Remaining Stock and Shortage

In the last few weeks, certain reports had stated that there was an acute shortage of Xbox One X and One S consoles. Both these models have seen an increase in demand ever since the start of the global pandemic, which has left people stranded at home. Though Microsoft halted production for the One S Digital and the One X, most stores will likely have stock left over, for the next few months. Hence, gamers can check with local retailers if they require any Xbox One hardware. 

Xbox One S

However, Microsoft has decided to keep churning out the Xbox One S. though it has canned the One S All-Digital Edition. Microsoft came out with the One X in 2017, calling it the “most powerful console in the world, thanks to the six teraflop capacity. The One S Digital came out in April 2019 as a disc-less alternative to the One S. In fact, reports stated that the model was selling out like hot pancakes, leading Microsoft to include it as a part of their Xbox All Access subscription.

Xbox All Access Subscription

The company will carry on providing the All Access subscriptions for the Series X as well. The console’s launch is expected to happen sometime later this year, and such an offer will allow users to upgrade their console. The subscription costs $19.99 currently for the One S Digital Edition, and this includes the Game Pass Ultimate. Later this year, Microsoft is planning on adding Project xCloud streaming technology to the Game Pass.

The All-Access subscription helps to split the cost of the console, Game Pass, and Live features into monthly installments across a period of 24 months. While the One S digital bundle costs $19.99, a regular One S package costs $22.99, and the One X comes in at $30.99 per month. Furthermore, the company also allowed gamers to upgrade to Project Scarlet within a year if they choose the One X bundle. The Project Scarlett console will hit the market at the end of this year.

Second Reveal of the Year

Furthermore, Microsoft might launch a cheaper, next-gen Xbox with fewer capabilities this year as well. Nicknamed “Lockhart,” this Xbox will serve integral to deciding Microsoft’s pricing plan for the rest of its next-gen Xbox consoles. Certain rumors state that the company will unveil Lockhart sometime next month. Initial reports noted that June was the month chosen for the launch initially. The rumors further claim that the console will go by the name Xbox Series S, and will target 1440p/1080p gaming. All of this information comes from a leaked document that hit the internet recently, with speculators waiting for a launch in August. 

Microsoft has been working on a cheaper next-gen model for months. The console will have a devkit, nicknamed Dante, which allows developers to enable a Lockhart mode. The reports also claim that the console will have 7.5GB worth of usable RAM, and four teraflops of GPU performance. In comparison, Xbox Series X will have 13.5GB worth of usable RAM and 12 teraflops of performance.

If the reports are true, gamers can expect Microsoft to launch the Series S and drop the pricing plan for the Series X in August, this year. The former will be a more affordable option, targeting mid-level gamers, whereas the latter will be a state-of-the-art console for high-end gamers. Users will just have to wait and see how the company spaces out the releases. No matter what the case, it looks like gamers will have something to celebrate in 2020, after all.

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An Honest Look at Paper Mario: The Origami King

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There are many unique and different things in Paper Mario: The Origami King when compared to other games. For instance, you get to fish in this game. Gamers get to see a happy Mario wait near the edge of a rock, and cast a line into the waves, hoping something bites. There is something quite satisfying and relaxing about this scene. After spending decades fighting bad guys, trying to save the Princess and squishing toads, Mario gets some time to unwind. Gamers can use their Switch to flick the pole back and forth, and even reel in the fish. However, when the fish does in fact bite, Mario reels it in, for a battle to begin! Once again, gamers get to battle it out, like they always have in Mario games. Goodbye, relaxation!

mario
Image Source: nintedno.co.uk

Differences Aside

There is something inherently different about fishing in Origami King, and Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While in Horizons, it is calming, relaxing and with nothing in mind, Mario takes it a step further. In Horizons, you can fish in VR while listening to a new album, or watching your favorite TV series. However, in the Origami King, fishing is a means to an end. You don’t get to multi-task while you fish. Instead, you need to focus on the game to ensure that you don’t end up dead. It isn’t a side-mission to gather new recipes or improve your ranking. In Origami King, fishing is a part of the main gameplay, a part of his quest to save the world, and Princess Peach. Though it is calming in a way, it also gives you a sudden jolt of adrenaline and rush that the story contains. You get to pay full attention to the game, and never feel bored in any way.

Gameplay and Impact

The Origami King brings together enough cuteness, risk, strategy, and excitement to keep things fresh and interesting. Players are left intrigued, and there is seldom time for distractions of any kind. Also, there is a definite structure to the game, as it is progressive, bringing together several creative mechanics and dynamics. The fight scenes are well-choreographed, tricky, and truly sweet. In conclusion, if you enjoyed playing New Horizons, it is a guarantee that Origami King will prove to be a great adventure for you.

Plot and Storyline

The Origami King feels in many ways like it is a part of the Doctor Who universe. The game starts with Mario and his buddies arriving at the castle of his beloved- Princess Peach. However, much to their dismay, they find it devoid of any life. Sadly, Princess Peach has turned into an origami shell, and her soul is nowhere to be seen. We get to know that King Olly has transformed her into one of his Folded Soldiers. The dictator wants complete control and will go to any lengths to achieve his goals. The end-game is that he will turn every inhabitant of the kingdom into a faithful Folded Soldier. To keep Mario at bay, he has covered the castle in streamers of various colors. Hence, to face off against King Olly, and save everyone he loves, Mario has to travel to all the different streamer-worlds and unravel them.

Nature and World-Building

While the plot seems quite sinister and dire, the cartoonish animation helps in creating a light and lively atmosphere. However, there is still a lot of heroism in the Paper Mario series. Mario wanders from one land to another, avoiding getting squashed, gaining extraordinary powers, and saving the world. The game effortlessly mixes 3D animation with 2D visuals, creating a realistic and textured world. There are several large and special maps that gamers can explore after unlocking. These worlds are all unique and contain their fair share of secrets, confetti, and great puzzles. Confetti is a primary mechanic that Mario obtains by hitting flowers, tree trunks, and bushes. Mario later uses this confetti to fill gaps and cover holes in the game matrix. While there are save cubes throughout the maps, they have a lot of riddles and enemies in front of them. Since on death, Mario respawns from the nearest save point, getting to them is crucial. As these save cubes could be worlds away, the act of dying is torturous, making the stakes quite high.

Battle Arena

One of the biggest threats to Mario in this game is via the ring-based battle arena. In this area, Mario encounters several villains like Goomba, Spiny, and Shy Guy. The battlefield has four rings, and enemies occupy each vacant spot, with Mario at the center. Since there is a timer here, and also a maximum limit on ring rotation, the game requires quite a bit of thought. This adds an extra layer of tension, making the game all the more exciting, and victory even sweeter.

Though New Horizons defined 2020, and if players want higher stakes and more exciting gameplay, then The Origami King should be their go-to choice. Also, remember to take your time, and explore the Mario world while you are at it. In fact, make sure you fish and enjoy the calm while it lasts. The moment the fish rises out of the water, it is time to roll up your sleeves and start smashing again!

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New Navigation Feature of Snapchat to Resemble TikTok’s

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Snapchat looks to be on course to compete with and challenge TikTok directly. The company, yesterday confirmed that it is, in fact testing a new update for improved user experience. The new navigation will help users go through the content on Snapchat, via vertical swipes or motions. Such vertical swiping was made popular by TikTok, wherein users would do the same to go from video to the next. Snapchat’s statement revealed that this new feature is an experiment in moving towards different formats, to enhance content and presentation. Here’s a look at what the new feature could mean for Snapchat.

New Update

The test for the new navigational feature will focus on content available publicly through Snapchat Discover. The company is currently not concentrating on doing the same to view private Stories. Since stories can have multiple framers, users will still need to tap to progress through them. Also, as per the new update, there will be changes regarding how the Horizontal swiping comes into play. For instance, from now horizontal swipes will exit the Story, instead of progressing through the Stories, as before. Anyone who has used TikTok equates the vertical swipe with the video-sharing platform. Therefore, this move by Snapchat will make things easier for users who are also on TikTok. 

Testing Things Out

It was a social media expert, Matt Navarra who spotted the testing for the first time, by referring to a post by Twitter user @artb2668. A photo also shows a pop-up explaining how to use and navigate with the new feature. However, Snapchat refused to offer other details regarding the test. They did say that testing was still in early stages and that further development would take time. Hence, the new feature will be viewable only for a small percentage of their users. Their spokesperson stated that the feature is a way for Snapchat to explore further options. The mobile-first community focuses on providing its users with an engaging and immersive interface. However, the timing for such a testing phase is very interesting. 

Issues Around the World

As the COVID-19 continues its rampant spread across the globe, China has had to bear the brunt of the blame. Countries around the world have not been light on the nation, cited as being the epicenter of the virus’s spread. Countries like the US and Germany have been vocal of their criticism of China, with the Trump administration even threatening the communist country. Similarly, in India as well, rising border tensions and skirmishes have led to the government taking steps against the country. In a bold move, a few weeks ago, the government banned over 59 Chinese apps and services from use within the country. Also, one of the most popular apps on that list was none other than, TikTok. Similarly, the Trump administration is also threatening to ban the video-sharing platform citing security concerns. 

Global Politics

Furthermore, Friday saw Amazon instruct employees from using the app from company-issued phones. However, a couple of hours later, the company squashed the directive. Similarly, American military branches and offices have also banned the use of the app, as per a Pentagon directive. While all this happens around the world, the app Musical.ly’s acquisition by ByteDance has come under a US national security review. As a result of such political issues, TikTok’s rivals have been enjoying more success on the app store charts. For instance, Likee, Dubsmash, Triller and Byte have all witnessed a spike in downloads. Also, Instagram has been using this opportunity to grow Reels into newer markets, like India. In recent days, even video-sharing giant YouTube has been trying out Tik-Tok-like features. 

Hence, with most rivals trying to make the most of this geopolitical opportunity, it only seems natural that Snapchat does the same. The company appears to have hopped onto the bandwagon by switching to a different navigational approach. With the TikTok user base going up for grabs around the world, we will have to wait and see what other companies do to attract that user base. All of this only goes to show just how influential TikTok has become in recent years. We will also have to see what the viral social-media app does to bounce back, or whether it ever will.