End the year with the best Tech Quotes compiled by WIRE magazine

End the year with the best Tech Quotes compiled by WIRE magazine

“A sense of open-ended mystery in reality and in life is absolutely core to being a good scientist or a good technologist or, for that matter, a good writer, a good artist, or just a good human being.” - Jaron Lanier

https://www.wired.com/story/best-tech-quotes-of-the-year/

European Union has even stricter privacy than the US, and they see the need for more.

European Union has even stricter privacy than the US, and they see the need for more.

I don’t always agree with EU tech policy (ex: classifying App stores as monopolies), but I tend to agree with this one.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-46675680

Christmas sales using Amazon Alexa tripled over last year!

Christmas sales using Amazon Alexa tripled over last year!

People are using their Alexa for real world activities. I think the Voice interface has arrived.

http://fortune.com/2018/12/26/amazon-alexa-2018-holiday-sales/

A list of the best Cross-platform MultiUser VR apps.

A list of the best Cross-platform MultiUser VR apps.

What are the best games or chat tools to share between Vive & Rifts & PSVR?

https://www.roadtovr.com/best-cross-compatible-multiplayer-games-for-rift-vive-psvr/

Guess who was a guest on “Another Wasted Hour”, an irreverent comedy podcast exploring DC events & culture.

Guess who was a guest on “Another Wasted Hour”, an irreverent comedy podcast exploring DC events & culture.

Yep, yours truely. It felt like a modern “Waynes World” production, with a lot of fun and humor (and a little tech). We pitched MagFest & VR.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/another-wasted-hour

The episode should be posted next week!

One Unity developers opinion on why working alone produces a better game.

One Unity developers opinion on why working alone produces a better game.

His conclusion: a single cohesive vision produced the best results.  Personally, I think he leaves out the synergy of many minds, but he has a point.

https://connect.unity.com/p/articles-i-work-alone

No tech update today! Go have some eggnog, and unwrap your gadget presents.

No tech update today! Go have some eggnog, and unwrap your gadget presents.

Dec 24, 1955, a misprinted phone number had kids calling CONAD (early continental tracking command) asking for updates on St. Nick.

Dec 24, 1955, a misprinted phone number had kids calling CONAD (early continental tracking command) asking for updates on St. Nick. 

And a tradition was started!

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-norad-santa-tracker-government-shutdown-20181223-story.html

Official Tracker: https://www.noradsanta.org

NORAD site: http://www.norad.mil/About-NORAD/NORAD-Tracks-Santa/

Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NORAD_Tracks_Santa

Astro Bot, a PS4 VR games, is smash hit, being first VR game to be on top 10 list.

Astro Bot, a PS4 VR games, is smash hit, being first VR game to be on top 10 list.

Also becomes best VR game of 2018! This is big news, showing the first AAA quality Virtual Reality game.

https://www.roadtovr.com/astro-bot-ranked-6th-best-ps4-game-of-2018-23rd-of-all-time/

Related link: https://www.roadtovr.com/astro-bot-wins-game-awards-best-vr-ar-game-2018/

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgNJBmRs-i0

Wells Fargo approach vs Facebooks approach: Comparison of how to handle Security Scandals.

Wells Fargo approach vs Facebooks approach: Comparison of how to handle Security Scandals.

Interesting article showing the differences and similarities in their approach to “cleaning up a mess”.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/20/tech/facebook-zuckerberg-wells-fargo/index.html

Epic announces their own Game Store, intend to take on the Steam platform.

Epic announces their own Game Store, intend to take on the Steam platform.

While they have a commanding lead in PC game Market, Steam will soon not be the only App Store in town.

https://www.roadtovr.com/epic-aims-take-steam-newly-announced-epic-games-store/

Related older article predicting this: https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/27/17785946/steam-usage-fallout-fortnite-amazon

IMAX shutting down their last VR Center, and stepping away from the tech.

IMAX shutting down their last VR Center, and stepping away from the tech.

2 years ago, IMAX invested $50 million with goal of 25 interactive centers. Now no plans for future.

https://www.roadtovr.com/imax-close-remaining-imax-vr-centres-soon/

California backs away from plan to tax text messaging with monthly fee due to ruling.

California backs away from plan to tax text messaging with monthly fee due to ruling.

FCC declare messaging is information service”, not “telecommunications service”, and as such not taxable. My guess, there will be some interesting long term effect.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/16/tech/california-text-tax-vote-canceled/index.html

Original article explaining proposed tax:  https://www.cnet.com/news/california-text-messaging-tax-could-add-extra-fees-to-phone-bills/

One of the most important figures in computer tech history has died, and you’ve never heard of her.

One of the most important figures in computer tech history has died, and you’ve never heard of her.

Evelyn Berezin (age 93) invented word processor and online flight booking, but lived era where women did not “do”, or get credit, for tech.

https://qz.com/work/1494071/the-woman-who-invented-the-word-processor-and-online-flight-booking-system-has-died/

Repeat Special Reminded: Please come join us for December’s DC VR in VA

Repeat Special Reminded: Please come join us for December’s DC VR in VA as we learn all about capturing and displaying 360 Videos!  Our own Joey Cathey will be given this talk at the Capital One Crescent Towers offices in Tyson’s Corner this Monday at 7 pm. Yes, Parking will be Free. And the knowledge will be invaluable!  

https://www.meetup.com/DCimmersive/events/257113220/

Here are 5 great Free assets for Unity Developers

Here are 5 great Free assets for Unity Developers

I tell people just starting in animation to use Unity, over all others, mostly for the amazing amount of readily available materials, artwork & tutorials. It is a great community.

https://assetstore.unity.com/g/five-assets-for-beginners

Capital One officially cuts the ribbon to their new mega office in Tyson’s Corner.

Capital One officially cuts the ribbon to their new mega office in Tyson’s Corner.

C1 does not think of themselves as a bank who does tech, but as a Tech company in the Financial Area.  Their new building really shows this!

https://wtop.com/business-finance/2018/12/grand-opening-for-washingtons-tallest-office-building/

Stories about why Steve Job’s was so good goes viral.

Stories about why Steve Job’s was so good goes viral.

Long time friend Brett Bilbrey’s Quora answers about Jobs are reported by Forbes! Over a million views, great writing Brett!

http://macdailynews.com/2018/12/13/how-did-steve-jobs-thrive-in-a-technical-field-with-a-non-technical-background/

Forbes article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2018/12/13/how-did-steve-jobs-thrive-in-a-technical-field-with-a-non-technical-background/

Quora article: https://www.quora.com/How-did-Steve-Jobs-thrive-in-a-technical-field-with-a-non-technical-background

Even more popular posting about Jobs: https://www.quora.com/What-was-it-like-to-deliver-a-presentation-to-Steve-Jobs

Apple announced building a 2nd major campus, this time in Austin Texas.

Apple announced building a 2nd major campus, this time in Austin Texas.

My guess this is due to 2 factors: the insane expense of living in Silicon Valley, and need for capital expenses due to the loss of Apple's massive European tax write-off.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/13/tech/apple-campus-austin-texas/index.html

Another classic game turns 25, all hail Doom!

Another classic game turns 25, all hail Doom!

John Romero founder of id Software looks back at Dooms development in 1993.

https://rome.ro/news/2018/12/10/reflections-on-dooms-development

Help celebrate Its 25th Anniversary by reviewing what made Myst so ground breaking.

Help celebrate Its 25th Anniversary by reviewing what made Myst so ground breaking.

We had graphic adventures before, but nothing prepared players, and the gaming industry, for Myst.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/exploring-myst-25-years-later

Sundance Film will have 18 VR/AR film experiences.

Sundance Film will have 18 VR/AR film experiences.

One or two is a sideshow, that 18 films seems to indicate much more mainstream acceptance of 360 video as a form of entertainment.

https://www.roadtovr.com/sundance-film-festival-feature-18-vr-ar-experiences-next-month/

Special Announcement: December’s DC VR in VA

Special Announcement:

Come join December’s DC VR in VA as we learn all about capturing and displaying 360 Videos!  Our own Joey Cathey will be given this talk at the Capital One Crescent Towers offices in Tyson’s Corner this Monday at 7 pm. Yes, Parking will be Free. And the knowledge will be invaluable!  

https://www.meetup.com/DCimmersive/events/257113220/

iDropNews provides lists of most popular iOS app by a number of categories.

iDropNews provides lists of most popular iOS app by a number of categories.

From last summer, this still shows some interesting trends.  Free utilities are still more popular than free games.

https://www.idropnews.com/news/analysis-highlights-popular-ios-apps-time-see-winners/75870/

Causal Games have become their own Genre, and deserve their own developer book

Causal Games have become their own Genre, and deserve their own developer book

"Crushing Hyper-Casual Games” by Trey Smith, author of numerous casual games shares his thoughts.

https://go.buildbox.com/hyper-casual-book/

For many, watching Lego running around a display box in the store was the first AR they had ever seen.

For many, watching Lego running around a display box in the store was the first AR they had ever seen.

Now Lego’s Augmented Reality is available using your device.

https://www.engadget.com/2018/12/06/lego-playgrounds-ar-available/

Alexa Conference hosted by VoiceFirst.FM will be in Chattanooga, TN on Jan 15-17, 2019.

Alexa Conference hosted by VoiceFirst.FM will be in Chattanooga, TN on Jan 15-17, 2019.

Aimed at Strategist & Developers of Amazon voice, the lineup is impressive.

https://www.voicefirst.fm/alexaconference

Magic Leap, the new AR system that is still only in development, has its first App in its store.

Magic Leap, the new AR system that is still only in development, has its first App in its store.

Nurture, grow and customize alien plant lifeforms in your living room with Insomnia’s Seedling.

https://www.roadtovr.com/insomniac-launches-seedling-magic-leap-ones-first-paid-app/

Video About the App: https://youtu.be/KBS8ZDueBSg

I have this issue! Thought never thought to have Steve sign it.

I have this issue! Thought never thought to have Steve sign it.

A little bit of computer history.  RR Auction authenticated the signing (with photos), and expects the bidding to reach $10,000.

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/12/05/steve-jobs-signed-macworld-magazine-auction/

Direct Link: https://www.rrauction.com/preview_itemdetail.cfm?IN=6150

The Oculus Go is the Grand Award Winner for Gadgets in this years Popular Science “Best of What’s New”.

The Oculus Go is the Grand Award Winner for Gadgets in this years Popular Science “Best of What’s New”.

The listing show 100 greatest innovations of 2018, but #1 is the “first VR headset that can create real immersion experience all on its own”.

https://www.popsci.com/best-of-whats-new-2018

I agree with them!

HTV Vive has published details on how to port their new Vive Focus, their upcoming stand alone VR device.

HTV Vive has published details on how to port their new Vive Focus, their upcoming stand alone VR device.

Currently only available only in China, the Focus will combine ability of high end VR device, without requiring an attached PC.

https://www.vrfocus.com/2018/10/htc-vive-encourages-devs-to-port-to-vive-wave-platform/

It’s a little dated, but interesting article about downloading games from Radio during early days of home computing.

It’s a little dated, but interesting article about downloading games from Radio during early days of home computing.

Pre-Internet, there was not a lot of ways of distributing software. I remember one magazine that embedded code using 2D barcodes.

http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2014/10/13/people-used-download-games-radio

$480 Million contract by US Army for Microsoft AR Devices

$480 Million contract by US Army for Microsoft AR Devices

I would say that Augmented Reality has arrived!

https://www.roadtovr.com/microsoft-wins-480m-defense-contract-provide-u-s-army-ar-headsets/

Gamasutra offers an Game Marketing 101 article to help anyone wanting to jump into the business.

Gamasutra offers an Game Marketing 101 article to help anyone wanting to jump into the business.

With an average of 20 new games a day on Steam alone, marketing is more important than development.

https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/PatrykGrzeszczuk/20180827/325274/Make_games_and_stay_afloat_game_marketing_101.php

Cross platform Mobile developers are using Google’s Flutter to write custom UI code for Android & iOS.

Cross platform Mobile developers are using Google’s Flutter to write custom UI code for Android & iOS.

Write Once, Deploy Many has been a goal for cross platform developers, Alibaba Tech article starts one learning this open source framework.

https://hackernoon.com/making-the-most-of-flutter-from-basics-to-customization-433171581d01

Has it been a good year for innovation?

Has it been a good year for innovation?

What do you think?

https://youtu.be/dMrD2nYu4XA

Writing an app is only half the battle, marketing it is the more difficult task for most developers.

Writing an app is only half the battle, marketing it is the more difficult task for most developers.

Vlad Korobov of Live Typing describes his experience promoting his Indie Game Trigono

https://medium.com/@vladislavkorobov/lessons-learned-from-testing-and-promoting-an-indie-video-game-on-events-737ee5d09fd

Excellent introduction to Kotlin language, for developers of all languages.

Excellent introduction to Kotlin language, for developers of all languages.

Since Kotlin is a JVM platform language, it is can be used everywhere Java was previously used.  It may become the preferred Android software language.

https://www.infoq.com/articles/intro-kotlin-java-developers

As the AR cloud becomes more important, and shared, the question of who owns it becomes vital.

As the AR cloud becomes more important, and shared, the question of who owns it becomes vital.

Mike Boland of Venture Beat article explores some of the issues we are starting to see.

https://venturebeat.com/2018/06/27/who-owns-augmented-realities/

Open Source is way of life, so we need tools to make it easier.

Open Source is way of life, so we need tools to make it easier.

Kazz Yokomizo list the best 20 Open Source tools.

https://hackernoon.com/20-useful-tools-for-open-source-maintainers-ee86a09e04e5

Apple has quietly picked up another tech company, in this case, AI expert Silk Labs.

Apple has quietly picked up another tech company, in this case, AI expert Silk Labs.

Silk Labs creates AI-based personal assistant technology both for home hubs and mobile devices. Why would Apple want this? <grin>

https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/21/apple-silk-labs/

Another article: https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/21/18106192/apple-privacy-ai-silk-labs-acquisition

Happy Thanksgiving! Even the Turkeys are trying VR.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Even the Turkeys are trying VR.

Enjoy this list of the best VR Games for Turkey day.

https://www.roadtovr.com/best-vr-games-show-family-thanksgiving-year/

Two week technical sprint

A special thanks to John Nelson of Computation .com for joining with me to complete an intense 2-week technical sprint to explore ARKit,  Apple’s Augmented Reality toolkit for iOS. We have created a framework for AR that includes animated 3D images (SceneKit), plane detection, 2D image detection, and 3D object detection. And in typical Refactoring fashion, at the end of this sprint, we have decided to throw out what we created, to rewrite a better one from scratch. Seriously, now that we know the capabilities, the new design we have created will be even better. I do not know if we will release this framework as Open Source, or keep in for internal use only, but it has been two weeks of time well spent.  I suspect I will be starting similar research sprints for other technologies.

Arlind Aliu shows of 3 iOS Design Patterns and how to implement them in Swift.

Arlind Aliu shows of 3 iOS Design Patterns and how to implement them in Swift.

Object Pool, Singleton, and Observer Patterns. Know your patterns, use your patterns.

https://medium.com/swift2go/exploring-design-patterns-used-by-apple-on-ios-23328873ecd3

Taras Skytski shared what makes good UX Animation.

Taras Skytski shared what makes good UX Animation.

His article uses animation effect to really show what works, what doesn’t and why!

https://uxdesign.cc/the-ultimate-guide-to-proper-use-of-animation-in-ux-10bd98614fa9

How can I be nostalgic for something I really didn't like when it came out?

How can I be nostalgic for something I really didn't like when it came out?

It is so cute, and cuddly. A $99 classic PC that fits in your hand.

https://www.pcgamer.com/the-pc-classic-is-a-tiny-console-for-dos-games/

Video: https://youtu.be/2sjbrqR36w4

Palmer Luckey, Founder of Oculus, has a very negative opinion of current state of VR

Palmer Luckey, Founder of Oculus, has a very negative opinion of current state of VR

The quality of experience is not enough for most people not ready to accept VR, 

http://palmerluckey.com

Extreme Tech followup on posting: https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/280014-oculus-co-founder-vr-wont-go-mass-market-if-you-gave-it-away-for-free

Woz thinks Steve Jobs would be happy with where Apple has gone.

Woz thinks Steve Jobs would be happy with where Apple has gone.

The well known dancer Steve Wozniak interview by CNBC touches on a number of subjects 

https://9to5mac.com/2018/11/13/steve-wozniak-interview/

Direct Link: https://youtu.be/ck3Fdrzv-DQ

Wreck It Ralph Breaks the Internet will be a Disney VR Experience.

Wreck It Ralph Breaks the Internet will be a Disney VR Experience.

The VOID will be bringing the upcoming animated film as a Hyper VR experience to Disney locations.

https://www.roadtovr.com/wreck-ralph-smash-way-void-soon-ralph-breaks-vr-trailer/

Link to Teaser: https://youtu.be/_wsGGG_exEQ

BBC VR shows “Nothing to be Written”, a WWI interactive story to a couple of elderly army Veterans.

BBC VR shows “Nothing to be Written”, a WWI interactive story to a couple of elderly army Veterans.

What is important here is not the technologic achievement, but the obvious emotional impact of this VR Experience.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/technology-46104435/chelsea-pensioners-verdict-on-ww1-vr-experience{

Link to “Nothing to be Written”: https://canvas-story.bbcrewind.co.uk/sites/virtual-reality-prom/

Paul Hudson of Hacking with Swift is coming out with a book on Test Driven Development on Swift!

Paul Hudson of Hacking with Swift is coming out with a book on Test Driven Development on Swift!

TDD is more than just Unit Testing and UI Tests, it is a way to approach your programming goals.

https://www.hackingwithswift.com/store/testing-swift

Todd Moore of TMSoft announced Playapod, a Free Cross-Platform Podcasting App.

Todd Moore of TMSoft announced Playapod,  a Free Cross-Platform Podcasting App.

Perfect for this with multiple iOS & Android apps, Playapod syncs podcasts to the cloud, allowing for immediate playback across all devices.

https://www.tmsoft.com/blog/tmsoft-launches-playapod-free-cross-platform-podcasting-app/

Announcing: I will be speaking at MagFest 2019 on the State of the Union in Virtual Reality

Announcing: I will be speaking at MagFest 2019 on the State of the Union in Virtual Reality

This will be part of a selection of panels we organized on VR/.AR. I will be moderators for two group discussions.

https://super.magfest.org

Come enjoy the show!

The explosion of sensors from the internet of Things (IoT) means there is unused data. How to solve this?

The explosion of sensors from the internet of Things (IoT) means there is unused data. How to solve this?

R-Style Lab explains how visualization tools will be used to handle this huge problem.

https://www.iotforall.com/iot-data-visualization-tools/

People are still spending to much time feeling out forms, especially on mobile platform

People are still spending to much time feeling out forms, especially on mobile platform

Stephanie Walter’s 2 part article on techniques to help users fill In mobile forms.

https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2018/08/ux-html5-mobile-form-part-1/

Part 2: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2018/08/ux-html5-mobile-form-part-2/

From a few weeks back, the latest VR rumors out of Apple

From a few weeks back, the latest VR rumors out of Apple

100s of employees working on secret high end VR headset?  That is just one of the threads from MacRumors.

https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-vr-project/

China Xinhua News previewed a entirely virtual Newscaster for English & Chinese broadcast.

China Xinhua News previewed a entirely virtual Newscaster for English & Chinese broadcast.

The flat delivery, stiff movement and negative reactions shows how China may have fallen into the “Uncanny valley”.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-46136504

Inkbot Design provides an engage article about the Math behind pleasing design.

Inkbot Design provides an engage article about the Math behind pleasing design.

Fibonacci, and Fractals and Polyhedra, oh my.  All UI developers should know these.

https://inkbotdesign.com/the-mathematics-of-design/

Business Insider reports that twice Apple was close to purchasing the VR hardware Magic Leap.

Business Insider reports that twice Apple was close to purchasing the VR hardware Magic Leap.

According to article, it was the Founder of Magic Leap who nixed the deal.

https://www.roadtovr.com/report-apple-nearly-acquired-leap-motion-but-the-deal-fell-through/

ps. Go Vote!

Youtube Channel Tested presents a hands-on review of Magic Leap AR system.

Youtube Channel Tested presents a hands-on review of Magic Leap AR system.

Magic Leaps are still hard to find, so I really appreciated this detailed look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrq2akzdFq8

Yahoo! Finance provides an animated origin story of Steve Jobs and Apple.

Yahoo! Finance provides an animated origin story of Steve Jobs and Apple.

New info for some, a tour down member lane for others. 

https://finance.yahoo.com/video/origin-story-apples-journey-steve-132818195.html

Non-game programmers should learn good game design, it is just another form of good user interface!

Non-game programmers should learn good game design, it is just another form of good user interface!

I think I own 4 of these books, and have read 2 others. I plan to finish the list!

https://www.buildbox.com/10-must-read-game-design-books/

John Sundell explores the power of Key paths in Swift

John Sundell explores the power of Key paths in Swift

What I like about his articles, is that he not only explains a feature, but what makes it powerful.

https://www.swiftbysundell.com/posts/the-power-of-key-paths-in-swift

Wired magazine went inside Google to talk about Privacy

Wired magazine went inside Google to talk about Privacy

These surprisingly even and detailed interview are worth reading.

https://www.wired.com/story/google-privacy-data/

I have said it once, and I will continue to say it. I LOVE creative people.

I have said it once, and I will continue to say it. I LOVE creative people.

Happy Halloween to all!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TsyCVbdop4

Make article on this: https://makezine.com/2018/10/29/terrorize-the-skies-with-this-diy-r-c-flying-witch/

Come join us for the 2nd DCVR in VA Meetup to talk about Hololens

Come join us for the 2nd DCVR in VA Meetup to talk about Hololens

Jose Delacruz of Microsoft will present at the Tysons Corner Microsoft Store on Nov 19.

https://www.meetup.com/DCimmersive/events/255952512/

In one of largest tech deals ever, IBM is buying cloud software provider Red Hat for $34 billion.

In one of largest tech deals ever, IBM is buying cloud software provider Red Hat for $34 billion.

If you are in the tech industry, when giants move, you need to pay attention.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/28/tech/ibm-red-hat/index.html

5 Secrets of Game Design by Tiana Crump of Buildbox

5 Secrets of Game Design by Tiana Crump of Buildbox

Buildbox emphasis hyper casual games, but their game design ideas should not be taken lightly. 

https://www.buildbox.com/5-secrets-of-game-design/

Oculus Founder leave company after Rift 2 is canceled.

Oculus Founder leave company after Rift 2 is canceled.

Apparently he did not agree with Facebook interested in low end VR.

https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/279364-oculus-rift-2-canceled-co-founder-leaves-facebook

Another writeup: https://techcrunch.com/2018/10/22/oculus-co-founder-is-leaving-facebook-after-cancellation-of-rift-2-headset/

Just to be silly, here is Felik, an AI-based Pet Companion.

Just to be silly, here is Felik, an AI-based Pet Companion.

They claim it is more than a random laser pointer, it actually interacts with your pet. Or as I call it, Felik taunts!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UilCAyYfJbY

Last years Crowdfunding: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/angrylychee/felik-intelligent-pet-companion

Now a product: http://felik.net

YouTube video with Top 5 VR Tech in 2018 (from Real Spirit Dynamics)

YouTube video with Top 5 VR Tech in 2018 (from Real Spirit Dynamics)

Learn what Control VR, VR Gloves, 8K VR Headsets, VR Motion chairs & Omni-directional treadmills means.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj6tVqbp9bk

Game Industry is not unique in creating an “Unsustainable Lifestyle” with constant crunch mode, but they are the worst at it.

Game Industry is not unique in creating an “Unsustainable Lifestyle” with constant crunch mode, but they are the worst at it.

Not new information, but still being done!

https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/how-crunch-affects-game-developers/

Thanks for DC Virtual Reality in Virginia meetup

Special Announcement: Thank you to everyone who made this first gathering of DC Virtual Reality in Virginia a great event.  Thank you to John Nelson, who stepped forward to give us a talk on ARKit. Thank you to NovaLabs for allowing us to use their Space. Thank you to Joey Cathey for having the vision to lead the VR DC group for so many years. And thank you for the attendees who showed up.  We had an amazing turn out (24+ people for 30+ reservations).  Most importantly, I think we have an idea of the type of things we want to learn about, and what type of future presentations we will have.  See you all in November!

DCVR in VA: https://www.meetup.com/DCimmersive/

Not everyone is an artist, so us developers need more 3D art source!

Not everyone is an artist, so us developers need more 3D art source!

Buildbox list of 10 sites with free 3D art!

https://www.buildbox.com/top-10-sites-free-3d-game-art/

NY Times interview of author and futurist Yuval Noah Harari regarding AI.

NY Times interview of author and futurist Yuval Noah Harari regarding AI.

The fact that AI is important enough for NY Times to interview about it, shows how mainstream it has become.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/18/business/q-and-a-yuval-harari.html

Add on link, NY Primer on AI: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/18/business/an-ai-glossary.html

Why are telephones and calculators keyboards different?

Why are telephones and calculators keyboards different? 

UX Designer Francesco Bertelli explains it is a bit of Hstory and a lot UX Design,  He throws in a lot of alternative keyboards that I find interesting!

https://uxdesign.cc/a-brief-history-of-the-numeric-keypad-59112cbf4c49

Every developer should know, if not by name then by principle, what ever part of SOLID stands for.

Every developer should know, if not by name then by principle, what ever part of SOLID stands for.

Chidume Nnamdi gives an excellent breakdown of these important Objected Oriented programming concepts.

https://blog.bitsrc.io/solid-principles-every-developer-should-know-b3bfa96bb688

5 Quick rules from Budi Tanrim for icon design

5 Quick rules from Budi Tanrim for icon design 

Complexity, Proportion, Concreteness, Relevancy & Cultural sensitivity explained with examples.

https://yellowstroke.com/2018/09/17/five-icon-design-problems/

Github announces GitHub Actions and GitHub Connect, and other new APIs & Features.

Github announces GitHub Actions and GitHub Connect, and other new APIs & Features.

GitHub is using their position as leader in open source development to provide some needed tools.

https://blog.github.com/2018-10-16-future-of-software/

Spot, Boston Dymanic 4 legged robotic dog, has learned some new dance moves.

Spot, Boston Dymanic 4 legged robotic dog, has learned some new dance moves.

Yes, it is silly, but on serious note, this shows an astonish level of balance and stability for a legged robot platform!

https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2018/10/16/robot-dog-spot-dancing.cnn-business/video/playlists/business-upstarts/

Google stops bid for Military Contract for Ethical reasons

Google stops bid for Military Contract for Ethical reasons

The Pentagon’s $10 billion cloud-computing contract met resistance within Googles corporate culture.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-08/google-drops-out-of-pentagon-s-10-billion-cloud-competition

You need Royalty Free art for your software? I have a resource for you!

You need Royalty Free art for your software? I have a resource for you!

Martin Wilsey, noted SciFi author, compiled this extremely useful list of links to Copyright Free images.

https://amanwithbread.blogspot.com/2015/08/copyright-free-image-links.html

Apple Mac sales slip, most likely due to lack of updated machines.

Apple Mac sales slip, most likely due to lack of updated machines.

With no MacBook, MacBook Air, and Mac mini updates, Apple computer growth can only be called stagnant.

https://www.macrumors.com/2018/10/10/apple-mac-sales-down-q3-2018/

Redis Labs changed their license from open source to limited commercial use, caused a response they did not expect.

Redis Labs changed their license from open source to limited commercial use, caused a response they did not expect.

The open source community forked that last branch of the open version to a new branch, GoodFORM, which will continue to be open source.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/redis-labs-and-common-clause-attacked-where-it-hurts-with-open-source-code/

1Password use of Apple Watch to enhance their already existing App is exceptional.

1Password use of Apple Watch to enhance their already existing App is exceptional.

Quick and secure access to tidbit of information we need in our tech world. My vote for great design!

https://thesweetsetup.com/articles/1password-on-your-wrist/

Yesterday was Magic Leap’s Conference in LA, and here is the 3 hour Keynote.

Yesterday was Magic Leap’s Conference in LA, and here is the 3 hour Keynote.

They are putting themselves in the forefront in regards to Spatial Computing, AR & XR!

https://youtu.be/vV8oGahOSgc

Direct Link to conference: https://www.magicleap.com/leapcon

Recap of the talk - https://www.magicleap.com/stories/blog/leap-conference-keynote-recap

Special Announcement: DC VR Meetup will be having their first NoVA Chapter

Special Announcement: DC VR Meetup will be having their first NoVA Chapter meeting on Oct 22 in Reston. I am the co-organizer of this event, and will be planing monthly VR/AR discussions in the Northern Virginia area.  Please come by and get excited by the new technologies available to us!

https://www.meetup.com/DCimmersive/events/stsfjqyxnbdc/

The Open Web Application Security Project (OSASP) maintains an open source manual on how to write secure Android & iOS App.

The Open Web Application Security Project (OSASP) maintains an open source manual on how to write secure Android & iOS App.

Their GitHub repository should be required reading for all mobile developers.

https://github.com/OWASP/owasp-mstg

Remember: Security should be written into code from the beginning, not added at the end!

Google’s Tilt paint program is helping to create a new art form through VR.

Google’s Tilt paint program is helping to create a new art form through VR.

I am fascinated regarding creating impossible art. Think Esher images or figures that insides are bigger than the outside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVTagEEtbWQ&feature=youtu.be

Sketch2Code converters sketches of websites into actually HTML code.

Sketch2Code converters sketches of websites into actually HTML code.

Microsoft open source project uses AI translate the wireframe into a functional website.

http://www.alphr.com/microsoft/1009840/microsofts-ai-sketch2code-builds-websites

Michael Katz of RayWenderlich details new features of Apple’s ARKit 2

Michael Katz of RayWenderlich details new features of Apple’s ARKit 2

Using image/object detection/tracking,  Michael explains the nut and bolts on making a great Augmented Reality app.

https://www.raywenderlich.com/6957-building-a-museum-app-with-arkit-2

Right intent, wrong implementation. CA passes law to require harder passwords security.

Right intent, wrong implementation.  CA passes law to require harder passwords security.

A good portion of cyberattacks now days are social hacks, where details are a person life gives hints about passwords.

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-45757528

Related link: https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/28/17874768/california-iot-smart-device-cybersecurity-bill-sb-327-signed-law

Recently released Magic Leap first augmented reality game is a family title: Angry Birds!

Recently released Magic Leap first augmented reality game is a family title: Angry Birds!

As the article mentions, it is interesting that Magic Leap 1st title and Apple’s ARKit 1st demo are both slingshot games.

https://techcrunch.com/2018/09/19/magic-leap-ones-first-major-game-is-angry-birds-heres-what-its-like-to-play-it/

Direct video link: https://youtu.be/Lum4tTsqKbc

Massive sales may be hiding an unhealthy Game Development Issue

Massive sales may be hiding an unhealthy Game Development Issue

The Week points out several factors that indicate the pattern for most Game Design companies is not sustainable.

http://theweek.com/articles/798336/video-game-industry-headed-crash

Microsoft’s vision of what Mixed Reality could be with using HoloLens

Microsoft’s vision of what Mixed Reality could be with using HoloLens

Possibly the best vision I have seen showing the possibilities of Augmented Reality combined with expert knowledge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIJM9xNg9xs

Related video regarding HoloLens at Case Western Medical University: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKpKlh1-en0

California wants Net Neutrality back, while the Feds do not.

California wants Net Neutrality back, while the Feds do not.

New law to require Net Neutrality signed in CA, Federal Government immediate moves to over turn it.

https://money.cnn.com/2018/09/30/technology/california-net-neutrality-law/index.html

Full disclosure here: I firmly believe that Net Neutrality is not only in ever ones best interest, but think it is a 1st Amendment issues, dealing with level access to all information on the Internet.  IP and large Data providers want to be able to sel//buy priority streaming. Obama was in favor, and not surprising, Trump reversed the policy, so CA is not a new requirement, but a return to the previous way it was. I do not understand Fed argument that CA law is unconstitutional, since in general, States can have stricter requirement than Federal laws in many areas. 

iOSDevCamp 2018 Videos are available for viewing on YouTube

iOSDevCamp 2018 Videos are available for viewing on YouTube

One of the best regional iOS conferences is one by one putting up their videos of various talks.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUh0bIfk24ka31a-Go3smA/videos

The Pun of “Apple v Pepper” not withstanding, this upcoming Supreme Court case will decided if App stores are illegal monopolies.

The Pun of “Apple v Pepper” not withstanding, this upcoming Supreme Court case will decided if App stores are illegal monopolies.

Yes, I would say this is important for the industry!  Pepper, and Company. is using the argument that Apple 30% cut inflates the App prices. Related ruling have been going this way!

https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/20/17479480/supreme-court-apple-vs-pepper-antitrust-lawsuit-standing-explainer

Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc._v._Pepper

Not surprising, but it is official: Windows 10 apps are considered to be legacy.

Not surprising, but it is official: Windows 10 apps are considered to be legacy.

Neowin reports that all mobile Office Apps from MS will only be on iOS & Android.

https://www.neowin.net/news/no-surprise-but-the-office-mobile-apps-for-windows-10-are-pretty-much-dead

Larry Wall, founder of Pearl, is asked what 5 programming languages everyone should know

Larry Wall, founder of Pearl, is asked what 5 programming languages everyone should know

His list of 5 languages is not as interesting as the reasons why!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR8fQiskYII

New favorite programmer quote: “Java is the Cobol of the 21st century. It’s kind of heavy weight, verbose and everyone loves to hate it, though not everyone will admit that.”

Developed by Netflix, Spinnaker is an open source, multi-cloud continuous delivery platform

Developed by Netflix, Spinnaker is an open source, multi-cloud continuous delivery platform.

Driven by their upcoming summit, Jenny Medeiros  explains why Netflix decided on Spinnaker.

https://www.spinnakersummit.com/blog/4-convincing-reasons-that-pushed-netflix-teams-to-adopt-spinnaker

Richard Moss, author of History of Mac Gaming, has his eye on history of Shareware

Richard Moss, author of History of Mac Gaming, has his eye on history of Shareware.

The evolution of Shareware has direct impact on the App stores of today.  Richard is only partially funded to his goal, so please considering helping him.

https://unbound.com/books/shareware-heroes/