Microsoft launches first laptop

Called Surface Book, Microsoft has launched its very first laptop, whose aim is apparently to take on Apple’s MacBook Air. It comes with a 13.5-inch touchscreen display and detachable keyboard, Windows 10, Surface Pen, and weighs a smidge over 1.5kg.

Revealing the new Opera brand

Opera – maker of the browser of the same name – has rebranded, saying its new three-dimensional ‘O’ logo “symbolises a gateway that leads you to more: more content, more discoveries, more answers, more communication, more fun, more data savings, more of life.” The first product to feature the new logo is Opera Mini for iOS, with others to follow.

How does Pear Deck Work?

Quick overview of Pear Deck, a tool for creating interactive and engaging online slide presentations.

Ian Taylor – Animation Research Limited

Delegates at next year’s INTERFACEXpo are in for a technological treat. Ian Taylor – founder of Animation Research Limited and one of New Zealand’s leading innovators – will be the keynote speaker at the three events. From revolutionising the viewing of sports with Virtual Eye, most notably America’s Cup racing, to award-winning TV commercials, he’s helped to pioneer and develop the use of 3D computer graphics on a global stage. He will take time out from his busy schedule to share his expertise and experiences, as well as thoughts and insights on using digital technology in learning.

In this video Ian explains his passion to provide world class jobs in Dunedin, where he and his team develop technology that shines on the international stage.

The Foos

The Foos is a learn-to-code app for ages 5+. Kids learn to code via a series of exciting adventures with Foos. These tiny creatures live deep inside computer chips. Program them to do almost anything. They’ll track down a sneaky donut thief, rescue puppies lost in space and serve up gourmet meals while mastering core computer science concepts. As programming skills increase, new characters, commands, and adventures unlock to take the game to the next level.

Tynker – What Will You Make?

Tynker is a programming language designed specifically for kids to learn the basics of coding and put it into practice through game-like puzzles, tutorials, stories and several interactive activities. Whether you want to build an app or make your own game, the easy drag-and-drop visual blocks make it really simple.

Google Keep

Save what’s on your mind and remember anything you need wherever you are. With Google Keep, stay on top of your world by quickly accessing and organizing the information you want. Enter a note with your voice, add a photo, or just type a list. All your notes are instantly saved across your devices.

Introduction to TiddlyWiki

A brief introduction to the concepts of TiddlyWiki, a site for capturing, organising and sharing complex information. Use it to keep your to-do list, to plan an essay or novel, or to organise your wedding. Record every thought that crosses your brain, or build a flexible and responsive website.

Van Gogh painting comes to life in 3D

Ever wondered what a painting would be like if it could come to life? Check out Van Gogh painting comes to life in 3D, an animated video creating the Vincent van Gogh masterpiece Night Café by as a 3D environment.

Moon in Google Earth

Land on the Moon in Google Earth. With Moon in Google Earth, you can take tours narrated by Apollo astronauts, view 3D models of landed spacecraft, zoom into 360-degree photos, and watch rare TV footage of the Apollo missions. Download Google Earth 5.0 to start exploring the Moon.

Crossy Road – Gameplay Launch Trailer

How good are you at crossing the road? The highly addictive Crossy Road challenges you to cross the road, river, and train tracks without getting hit. Look out for traffic, and collect extra playable characters.

Dubsmash Summer 2015 Compilation

Create short selfie videos dubbed with well-known quotes and sounds with Dubsmash. Simply browse through the soundboard categories and choose a sound, record yourself, add them together and share. This video features some Dubs in recent time, including Hugh Jackman, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kevin Hart, Toni Garrn, Camila Cabello and a dolphin!

Flip your Classroom by Creating Office Mix Lessons

Take PowerPoint presentations to a whole new, interactive level with Office Mix. The tool lets you add video or voiceover/music, write on your slides as you would on your whiteboard, and insert quizzes and polls. Each ‘Mix’ slide is independent and lives online, so can be accessed with any browser.

FotoJet – Free Online App for Creating Photo Cards, Collages and Posters

Design and create photo collages, cards and posters with FotoJet. Choose your template (from about 320 options), and upload and add your photos. Edit photos for size, exposure, rotate, flip or mirror, add text, and more. When finished, share or save as a jpeg/png file. See the tutorial for further instructions and guidance.