Apple TV Air Concept

We have already seen some concept designs from the guys over at Curved, which include a new Apple TV and the iPad Pro, and now they have come up with a new design, the Apple TV Air.
As the name suggests, the Apple TV Air is a smaller version of the Apple TV, more like an Apple version of the Google Chromebox, than the current Apple TV.

At CURVED/labs we are one step ahead and mused about how Apple TV could evolve as an HDMI stick: Welcome to Apple TV Air!
• Apple TV Air is the cheapest possible way to watch Apple TV
• It consists of two parts: the HDMI ‘dongle’ (the actual Apple TV) and a small remote control, both sold together in one box for aprox. 49 $/EUR.

• The dongle is powered through HDMI, while the remote has a small changeable battery like the current Apple TV remote
• Connection over Bluetooth (IR not possible due to fact that the box will always be out of sight)
• Made from plastic materials to keep costs down but maintaining  Apple’s trademark quality (think back to the first generation Apple iPod shuffle)

The Apple TV Air seems like a cool concept, we know Apple is working on a new Apple TV device, which is expected to replace the existing Apple TV.
I wonder if Apple have considered the possibility of releasing a cheaper, scaled down version of the Apple TV, similar to the Google Chromebox.
The next generation Apple TV set top box is rumored to come with apps and games, as yet we do not know how Apple will implement this.
They can either launch the new Apple TV with built in storage, so you can download the apps and games, or these apps could possibly be run from iCloud.

MicrobeScope Transforms Your iPhone Into A Microscope

If you are interested in seeing the smaller side of life i n the hidden world of microbes and how nature has constructed the world around us, you might be interested in a new device called the MicrobeScope.
The MicrobeScope in small enough to fit in your pocket and transforms your iPhone into a microscope, and has been designed by 4D Optical. Watch the video after the jump to learn more about the MicrobeScope project and see it in action.

 “The MicrobeScope is a very powerful fixed focus instrument capable of viewing sub 1micron features of individual bacteria and other life forms at the physical limits of optical resolution. It works great in the field, in the lab, or at home yet is simple enough for a child to use. It doesn’t require any supplies like glass slides, and there are no knobs to adjust. 

The specimen is placed directly on the inverted lens, and the internal AAA size battery powered light source provides the illumination. The 800x magnification achieved by this simple device is unmatched by other small scopes and the phone mount is a game changer because of the ability to share real time video.”

 The MicrobeScope project is currently over on the Kickstarter crowd funding website looking to raise enough pledges to make the jump from concept to production. So if you think MicrobeScope is something you could benefit from, visit the Kickstarter website now to make a pledge and help MicrobeScope become a reality.

Yahoo Screen Lands On Roku Set-Top Boxes

Roku users might be pleased to learn that Yahoo Screen is now available as a Roku channel, joining the likes of Apple TV and iOS which it was made available on last year.
Yahoo Screen, formerly Yahoo Video is a video sharing website on which users could upload and share videos. Providing easy access to shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Colbert Report and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, together with live news, music and Yahoo’s original TV shows.

The new Yahoo Screen channel is now available on Roku 1, 2 and 3 boxes starting today in the United States. Over the coming months it will be interesting to see the next platform is Yahoo will take their Yahoo Screen channel.
Perhaps it might be on its way to Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox One games console or Sony’s next-generation PlayStation 4. Only time will tell but as any more information is announced about its arrival on other platforms we will keep you updated as always.