Posts Tagged: turns

This cheap accessory turns your AirTag into a 5-in-1 multi-tool

Grab this 5-in-1 AppleAir Tag gadget while it is on sale at Huckberry.
Digital Trends

How Disney’s A Real Bug’s Life docu-series turns insects into giants

Pixar‘s 1998 movie, A Bug’s Life, brought tiny CGI ants to the world’s largest screens. National Geographic’s new docu-series, A Real Bug’s Life inverts that, turning insects into giants in our homes. The only thing digital about the critters featured in the Disney+ series, though, is the technology filming them. But like its animated counterpart, the show explores the world they live in and their adventures in ways we’ve never seen before.

With its focus on insects, A Real Bug’s Life isn’t limited to specific remote habitats. Over the course of the series you’ll visit arid desert planes, tropical jungle, concrete jungle, a rural farm in the UK and even the humble backyard. But thanks to a series of innovations, we see these worlds from entirely new perspectives. “I think that the look and feel of this show, and this is not just me saying it, I don’t think that there’s anything else that looks like this or has ever looked like this” Nathan Small, a self-shooting Producer/Director who worked on the show told Engadget.

A close up shot of a bold jumping spider taken during the filming of Disney's 'A Real Bug's Life.'
National Geographic

The series opens in New York City where we follow the misadventures of an adorable bold jumping spider. While our eight-legged hero begins his journey on a city rooftop, it’s not long before we’re down at street level and joined by a cast of intrepid ants, industrious flies and a menacing praying mantis. Some of the shots instantly stand out without you fully knowing why. But Small does.

He explained that macro professionals have long favored 60- or 100mm lenses, which give incredible detail but have a very shallow depth of field (DOF). “Which means that there’s no context ever, there’s no geography, and you’re always in this sort of very smushy, blurry world,” he said. “In the last few years, there have been lots of what are called ‘probe’ lenses released. The main one, which was a bit of a game changer, is made by a company called Laowa and it’s a 24 millimeter” he added.

A probe lens looks exactly how you’re imagining — more like a vacuum cleaner attachment — but the shots it produces have two key advantages, Small explained. The first one is practical: the 16-inch barrel means you don’t need to be as physically close to the bug you’re shooting. The second, and the real reason those shots are standing out, is that with a 24mm lens you have a much deeper DOF, leaving much more in focus. “You get that geography and you get that setting which gives it a really cartoony and fresh… kind of funky look.” All I’ll say after watching that episode is, a New York all-beef will never seem the same again. You’ll also see a fly dining on a burger in excruciating, stomach-churning detail.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Laowa lens is that it’s relatively affordable. At $ 1,600 it’s not cheap, but it’s the same price as a regular (albeit very good) Canon 85mm lens that serious hobbyists might consider.

Two members of the crew for 'A Real Bugs Life' capture close up shots for the show.
National Geographic

Small also explained that sometimes techology isn’t changing the shot, instead it can improve what happens within it. “Not very long ago, all the lights that I was using were your classic film lights, Arri Blondes and all that kind of thing. They’re very hot” he said. “LED lights, they’re super bright, but they’re cold, so it means we’re getting all the light we need without cooking the animal, which obviously no one wants, while letting it act in a natural way” he added. Capturing critters trying to escape the heat is far less interesting than watching them do what comes naturally.

But the thing that enabled many of the most cinematic shots in A Real Bug’s Life isn’t available to buy, at least not off the shelf. “I never really touch the camera any more,” Small said. “I’m doing everything on custom built motion control rigs. I have a robot that I’ve been working on for the last five years, gradually changing things.” Small’s “robot” is a machine-engineered rig, hewn with the same precision as medical tools — something he says is vital as any shake or wobble at the scale he’s working at is hugely magnified.

The robot allows him to work at a distance and monitor via a large display for a better idea of what the things will look like on a TV. Two rails with sliders provide dual axes of movement while a rotating stage and tilt control provide a full range of motion that, put together, opens up shots you could only dream of with a tripod and slider alone. The robot’s “brain” uses an eMotimo motion controller and he directs it all with a PlayStation 2 DualShock. After years of updating and refining, the robot can finally deliver the dynamic macro footage we enjoy in the show. Head to the episode set on the British farm if you want to see Small’s cinematic robo-shots for yourself.

Some things still require a human though. If you ever wondered how they capture seemingly impossible moments, like a spider spinning a web, the answer is… patience. In the show we see an elephant hawk-moth emerging from its chrysalis. “I just didn’t really sleep for about five days, that’s short of it” he said. “You collect a lot of them so you have options. I had my camera on a big rail and then as soon as I saw one start to twitch and move, I slide the camera along and bang, you’re on that one.” The final shot in the show lasts barely 10 seconds, but without it the narrative falls apart, such is the life of a wildlife photographer.

An extreme close up of a dung beetle as featured in Disney's 'A Real Bug's Life' docu-series.
National Geographic

If you want to have a go at recording an emerging elephant hawk-moth or bold jumping spider but don’t have Disney-level budgets, don’t worry. Small says that today’s consumer products are already more capable than a lot of pro gear was not that all that long ago. Specifically when it comes to working in low light. “Before, you were stuck at like ISO 200, which is a nightmare for macro, because everything is too dark or noisy,” he said. “[Now] you can shoot at 3200 and still get really clean images.” As he mentioned earlier, these higher apertures like f11 or above avoid those “smushy” backgrounds. He also says that a lot of his kit is put together with SmallRig parts (no relation).

For the camera itself, that will largely depend on what you want to capture. For close-up macro photos (rather than video), Small says the Olympus system is preferred within the industry, thanks mostly to its internal focus stacking/bracketing. In the same way HDR photos blend multiple exposures for more even, natural light, focus stacking does the same but with, well, focus, so you can have your subject and background pin sharp.

More of a bird person? Then Canon seems to be the industry favorite according to Small. Particularly the larger sensor models and RF mount lenses. Canon’s stellar auto-focus locks onto animals really quickly, and can keep it locked even when the subject is moving (as birds are wont to do). The RF lenses also have a great reputation thanks to their blend of speed and excellent built-in stabilization making them a good option for general wildlife photography too. When not shooting for work, Small uses a Canon EOS 5DS. “I think that’s a good all round camera that does everything that I need it to. Stills are like my hobby now, which is quite sad, isn’t it? Because it’s very close to my job.”

A Real Bug’s Life, narrated by Awkwafina, premieres on Disney+ Jan 24.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/disneys-a-real-bugs-life-docu-series-review-143009674.html?src=rss
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Fan-made mod turns ‘Half-Life 2’ into a fully playable VR game

If Half-Life: Alyx left you with an itch to revisit its seminal 2004 predecessor, now you can do so in virtual reality. On Friday, a group of fans known as the Source VR Mod Team released Half-Life 2: VR Mod. As long as you own the original, you can download and play the mod free through Steam.

While it’s currently in public beta, the mod allows you to play through Half-Life 2’s single-player story from start to finish. The Source VR Mod Team integrated a handful of features found in Half-Life: Alyx to modernize the experience and make it playable in VR. For instance, you switch between weapons using the same selection grid found in Valve’s 2020 game.

Other VR-minded tweaks include the addition of optional laser sights, over-the-shoulder ammo storage, manual reloading and two-handed weapon handling. There’s even support for room-scale movement. The Source VR Mod Team says the project isn’t finished, but that hasn’t stopped people from enjoying the experience, with the mod currently holding an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on 732 reviews.

Like Black Mesa before it, Half-Life 2: VR Mod has been a long time coming. As Eurogamer notes, the project was first announced in 2017 and went through development hell before remerging in 2021. The fact you can play it today is thanks to a recent influx of new team members who "revitalized" development.

Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics

Tesla’s latest update turns your EV into a boombox

Your Tesla could soon broadcast your taste in music to the world — if you have the right car, at least. Electrek notes that Tesla has released its promised holiday update, and the centerpiece appears to be a Boombox mode that pumps media outside as l…
Engadget

Apple TV’s Ted Lasso turns a viral video into a pretty good sitcom

Part-way through the first episode of Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso, I realized that internet streaming has killed the fish-out-of-water-comedy. American shows can’t mock how the funny foreigners do things, since they’re just as necessary these days to a glo…
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Sprint officially turns on their mobile 5G network in several cities

Sprint has officially entered the 5G market, turning on their new and upgraded network in a few places around the US. This is just the start of their 2019 plans to have 5G turned on in several new cities, and should be a big boost in coverage and speeds for anyone in one of those […]

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Nintendo’s Labo turns the Switch into a perfect VR gateway

Nintendo proved that its cardboard Labo kits could actually be decent gaming accessories — especially for kids. But the idea of using Labo to bring VR to the Switch sounds even more far-fetched. Could an under-powered system with a low-resolutio…
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Linc is a Moto Mod that turns your phone into a walkie talkie

Walkie talkies are definitely a little dated compared to a new smartphone, but there’s no denying they had some very useful situations where a smartphone just isn’t as good. When you’re out hiking, for example, you need to be able to just push and talk to someone and not have to worry about dialing a […]

Come comment on this article: Linc is a Moto Mod that turns your phone into a walkie talkie

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YouTube Kids turns 2 and there’s lots to celebrate!

Since launching two years ago, YouTube Kids has grown up a lot and become a go-to destination for families around the world. With over 30 billion views in the app to date and over 8 million active viewers enjoying the app each week, it’s been exciting to see kids fall in love with the storytelling and videos from our amazing global creators. From DIY tutorials and language learning to science experiments, magic tricks and animated shows, there truly is something for every family to explore!

Our Original Content team under Susanne Daniels is adding four new Original series to YouTube Red, created especially with the YouTube Kids app in mind. These new series will feature top creators: DanTDM , Joe and Cody of TheAtlanticCraft, popular tween music act L2M, and Fruit Ninja. This marks the first time YouTube Red has invested in creators who are producing original programming for family audiences. These series will debut starting in the spring. Additional shows are in development and will premiere throughout 2017.

The first of the new original series launching starting this spring include:

  • Hyperlinked: This series is inspired by a true story and stars music sensation L2M. It follows five girls as they come together to create their own website by girls for girls. They also must navigate everyday tween issues involving friends and relationships.
  • DanTDM Creates A Big Scene: Catch DanTDM and his lively group of animated friends as they battle mayhem and misadventure to keep their brand new live show on the road. Each episode follows their behind-the-scenes exploits as they learn new skills, overcome challenges and find that putting on an epic show isn’t quite as easy as it looks. …
  • The Kings of Atlantis: “The Kings of Atlantis” is an epic animated series that follows two young monarchs —Cody and Joe— in the vast underwater city of Atlantis as they seek to overthrow the brutal usurper of their kingdom, reclaim their birthright, and protect their people from his cruel reign.
  • Fruit Ninja: Frenzy Force: Four Fruit Ninjas set up a juice stand as a front for the messiest secret service in the world. The new Fruit Ninja characters—Seb, Niya, Peng and Ralph—come together to fight the evil forces of Durian Grey and the Deep Fried Samurai. They will use their Juice Jitsu skills (and perhaps some help from their own samurai) to prevail.

But the fun doesn’t stop there … YouTube Kids is coming soon to Smart TVs. Parents and kids often enjoy watching their favorite family programming on a big screen, so it’s a natural next step for the app to be available directly from the big screen in your home! The YouTube Kids app will be available soon for download on a number of internet-connected LG and Samsung Smart TVs.

As kids continue to grow up, we’re excited to grow up with them. It’s important that kids are able to explore what they love in the app, while we also continue to put parents in the driver’s seat to choose what is right for their family.

From engaging new shows to being able to watch in your living room, our 2nd birthday is shaping up to be a memorable one. We’re looking forward to all the other new things 2017 will bring. From our screen to yours. …

Malik Ducard, YouTube’s Global Head of Family and Learning, recently watched “A Pep Talk from Kid President.”


YouTube Blog

It turns out dating app Hinge is still free for select members despite shift to premium service

Dating app Hinge is scaling back a significant part of its overhaul less than a month after it was implemented by offering free membership to select users. Since the changes were enforced, users have had to pay $ 7 per month to access the service.

The post It turns out dating app Hinge is still free for select members despite shift to premium service appeared first on Digital Trends.

Mobile–Digital Trends

Beijing’s silver-plated ‘Smog Free Tower’ turns pollution into carbon cubes

The tower is part of the Smog Free Project, a clean air initiative led by Dutch artist designer Daan Roosegaarde, who refers to the structure as “the largest electronic vacuum cleaner in the world.”

The post Beijing’s silver-plated ‘Smog Free Tower’ turns pollution into carbon cubes appeared first on Digital Trends.

Cool Tech–Digital Trends

Snapchat turns to the past with Memories, a searchable camera-roll replacement

Snapchat may be known for its disappearing messages, however the social media app now wants you to save pictures to look at later using Memories, its attempt at a camera-roll replacement.

The post Snapchat turns to the past with Memories, a searchable camera-roll replacement appeared first on Digital Trends.

Android Army–Digital Trends

CarbFix turns a power plant’s CO2 emissions into rock

Apparently, pumping carbon dioxide into volcanic basalts is a pretty effective carbon capture technique. Back in 2012, scientists began an experiment in Iceland called the CarbFix Project. Since then, they've been injecting tons of carbon dioxide was…
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Just two megapixels and $40 turns any Android into a light field, 3D camera

The Eye-Plug may only add a 2-megapixel camera to Android smartphones, but don’t scoff at the little dongle. The $ 40 accessory, introduced at Computex, can add 3D functionality and refocusing capabilities — and therefore brings depth to simple smartphone images or video.

The post Just two megapixels and $ 40 turns any Android into a light field, 3D camera appeared first on Digital Trends.

Mobile–Digital Trends

Pianist turns well-known ring tones into classical masterpieces

Ever wondered what the well-known Nokia ring tone would sound like as a classical masterpiece? Wonder no more! A YouTuber has turned it and other well-known ring tones into piano masterpieces.

The post Pianist turns well-known ring tones into classical masterpieces appeared first on Digital Trends.

Android Army–Digital Trends

SkinTrack turns your whole forearm into a smartwatch interface

Imagine if you could use your whole forearm as as interface for your smartwatch, instead of the tiny display it comes with. That’s the idea behind SkinTrack, which uses a ring and range of sensors to let you use your arm as a touch display.

The post SkinTrack turns your whole forearm into a smartwatch interface appeared first on Digital Trends.

Wearables–Digital Trends

Bots roll, cameras shake, and anything turns into a tablet on day 2 of MWC 2016

Day two at Mobile World Congress brought us a brilliant portable home theater for one, LG’s take on BB-8, Oppo’s idea for a shake-less camera phone, and Sony’s interactive projector of the future.

The post Bots roll, cameras shake, and anything turns into a tablet on day 2 of MWC 2016 appeared first on Digital Trends.

Mobile–Digital Trends

Tom Brady turns Android Wear watch face designer for TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer has persuaded Tom Brady, Jeremy Lin, and Giancarlo Stanton to design personalized faces for its Carrera Connected Android Wear smartwatch. They’ll be released before the end of January.

The post Tom Brady turns Android Wear watch face designer for TAG Heuer appeared first on Digital Trends.

Wearables»Digital Trends

Trash-eating spacecraft turns orbital debris into fuel

There are more than a half million pieces of space junk that can do significant damage if they collide with a satellite or a spacecraft in orbit. A team of researchers from China have come up with a solution for removing it by using it as a fuel source.

The post Trash-eating spacecraft turns orbital debris into fuel appeared first on Digital Trends.

Cool Tech»Digital Trends