Hasta La Gadget!

Though we have previously covered the amazing fractal creations of Tom Beddard, we thought it would be worth revisiting his work to find some examples of his architectural explorations. As we’ve discussed many times, parametric modeling is becoming more popular in the architecture world, thanks largely to Patrik Schumacher of Zaha Hadid Architects. While many amazing projects have resulted from the meeting between programming and building, parametricism becomes more awe-inspiring and, paradoxically, more rigorous when it is freed from the constraints of human inhabitation.

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We’ve seen software and even TV shows that teach younger kids about technology, but we haven’t really seen ready-made educational robots for that age group — and no, AIBO and Furby don’t count. Play-i, a new startup involving former Apple and Google employees, thinks it’s time that the younger set receives some truly helpful mechanical companions. The company tells AllThingsD that it’s developing robots that 5 to 8 year olds can program through mobile devices, teaching them about code in a more tangible way than a device screen would allow. While details of the robots are scarce, the team is shooting for sub-$100 prices that parents could afford: these bots may not be limited to classrooms. We’ll hopefully discover more when Play-i starts a crowdfunding campaign in the summer, although it will still be a long while before we’re picking up Junior’s First Automaton.

[Image credit: Alonso Inostrosa Psijas, Flickr]

Filed under: Robots

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Source: AllThingsD

Just weeks after TWC TV was overhauled for iOS products, the carrier has announced that a “serious” update will hit the Android version of TWC TV as soon as next Tuesday. The refresh will add access to over 4,000 On Demand shows and movies, as well as live TV streaming and On Demand support for older Android devices still stuck on v2.2+. Moreover, some of that content will also be available while you’re away from home, “mirroring the experience” already available for iOS products. Moral of the story? Keep an eye on the Play Store as May 14th rolls around.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Software, HD

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Source: Time Warner Cable Untangled, Google Play

Quick: what’s the difference between a broadcast TV network (Fox, CBS, ABC and NBC) and a cable channel (TBS, TNT, ESPN, etc.)? Oh, only millions and millions of viewers. Nevertheless, Fox’s COO Chase Carey is perturbed enough by the mere thought of Aereo getting its way, that he’s already claiming that the network will go dark in favor of becoming a cable channel — if and when OTA network streaming over the internet is completely legalized, that is. Causticism aside, Carey’s remarks are certainly indicative of how the networks feel about the potential disruption of their revenue stream, and moreover, showcases just how far we are from living in a world that isn’t dominated by the same old processes when it comes to entertainment.

Carey stated: “We need to be able to be fairly compensated for our content. This is not an ideal path we look to pursue, but we can’t sit idly by and let an entity steal our signal. We will move to a subscription model if that’s our only recourse.“

Is it possible that Fox would suddenly vanish from over-the-air antennas everywhere, screwing up countless programming agreements with a near-endless amount of partners? Sure… but it’s also possible that the ninth circle of Hades will be converted into an NHL arena. We’re calling your bluff, Carey.

Update: According to the New York Times, Univision chairman Haim Saban joined the saber rattling, stating that his network is ready to consider all options, including converting to pay-tv.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD

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Source: Bloomberg

HBO’s president and COO Erik Kessler stated just last month that having à la carte access to HBO isn’t going to happen in the near future, but it seems that the channel’s CEO has been mulling a compromise. According to a new Reuters report, Richard Plepler believes that while HBO “has the right model today,” HBO Go — its standalone app — “could evolve.” In what way, you ask? Presently, HBO Go only shows content to folks who subscribe to the channel via their pay-TV provider, but Plepler seems to think that there’s potential to sell monthly access to the app itself so long as buyers are also subscribed to a broadband internet connection.

In other words, this wouldn’t provide HBO access via one’s cable box or DVR, but considering that HBO Go just recently gained AirPlay support, an iPad + Apple TV combo could effectively accomplish the same thing. Well, outside of the whole “live viewing” thing. Still, the concept of paying $10 or $15 per month for HBO Go (alongside broadband) could be quite compelling for up-and-coming cord cutters — after all, these folks are used to watching shows after they air. Now, here comes the part where you wait for these thoughts to translate into reality. If we had to guess, we’d say that HBO’s oh-so-friendly cable partners aren’t going to be inclined to let such a solid idea actually happen.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: Reuters