Light Start – Apple ads, original Star Wars, Hyperloop delay, and Facebook Messenger ads
Brett Venter
Apple’s newest ads make us think that people aren’t using 3D Touch and Live Photos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU-_O9gslgo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRRBs71p7II
You might notice a few more videos than is usual here in the top spot. Apple have come out with two new 30-second ad spots showing off some of the cooler features of the new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. You, of course, know all about them because you are a gadget fan (and if you’re not, why are you reading this?). But the average user, if such a thing exists, doesn’t seem to be all that aware of what Apple’s new 3D Touch tech or Live Photos are all about. 3D Touch, to bring it down to its simplest level, is a pressure-sensitive contextual menu on the new iPhone, while Live Photos are basically GIFs for people with a smartphone camera. Or those pictures from Harry Potter, which is what Apple would obviously prefer you think of. GIFs aren’t high-tech, after all. But you know that already. And if you don’t, well then Apple has a couple of videos for you above.
The original print of Star Wars is now floating around online…
Time to see how much of a geek you really are. The original 35mm print for the very first Star Wars film has been refurbished and release online in HD. That’s the original theatrical release, rather than the later special editions which had CGI additions. What’s more, this version is the first such reconditioned version of the film to be taken from a single source. Big deal, right? If you’re a specific sort of fan, then yes, it is. The release was done by a group called Team Negative 1, who spent their own cash to get the HD upgrade done before releasing it online. We’re not about to tell you where to find it, though, as current franchise owners Disney, as well as LucasArts and George Lucas had nothing to do with this release. Meaning it’s technically illegal. But you can track it down out there if you like. We won’t tell anybody.
SpaceX’s version of the Hyperloop test track will take longer than expected to set up
Remember the Hyperloop? Of course you do. It’s the transportation of the future, or at least looks that way, but first we have to get that pesky testing out of the way. Several companies are attempting to create the technology, with Elon Musk’s SpaceX being one of them. And SpaceX have just pushed back their testing a little, it seems. According to an email located by Tech Insider the company will be launching pods down the test track in August this year, or perhaps later, rather than June as was originally thought. There is some good news though – if construction plays ball, there’s also room for the tests to move up, meaning we might see them launching sooner rather than later. But since we’re keen on this actually, you know, working, we’re okay with the delays.
Facebook Messenger could soon be serving ads up in your direction
Do you use Facebook Messenger? Some people must, because Facebook are looking to start serving advertisements to users of the dedicated messaging platform. TechCrunch has come into some information that they believe is extremely accurate, which says that Facebook will be starting up ads on Messenger some time in Q2 2016. Facebook didn’t much want to comment on the report, saying “We don’t comment on rumor or speculation. That said, our aim with Messenger is to create a high quality, engaging experience for 800 million people around the world, and that includes ensuring people do not experience unwanted messages of any type.” Which leaves the door open for ‘wanted’ messaging, would could be a severely-targeted ad or two sent in your general direction. After you’ve agreed to said ads by entering into a Facebook Messenger conversation with a company. Try and ad-block those. Crap, ads are evolving…
