Mike's List 243
Mike's List 243
Vaccine smokescreen; AI photo editing; guessing games; multiplayer typing; AR for getting dressed; and more!
Vaccine confusion grows; here's what you need to know
Vaccines used to be simple. They make a vaccine. You go to the doctor (or, in the case of the annual flu shot, possibly some other location) and you get the shot. Case closed.
But in this age of pandemic panic, governmental incompetence and disinformation, vaccination has become mired by confusion, false beliefs and ignorance.
Here’s everything you need to know right now about Covid-19 vaccination.
Mike’s List of Brilliantly Bad Ideas
1. AI-based “content aware” photo editing software
A new tool called Facet uses computer vision and deep learning to help you edit your cat photos (or any photos). The company claims that Facet is the first fully content-aware image editor. The software separates lighting, color, composition and content, so you can edit each individually. One trick is that you can edit one photo, then apply those changes to many different photos. The entire product works in a browser. Here are some Facet-edited photos on Instagram. It’s invite only. Here’s where you can sign up for the invite.
2. Guessing game: programming language inventor or serial killer?
It’s a fine line, apparently. (No, seriously, this is harder than it sounds.)
3. Multiplayer typing
Nitro Type is a typing game where you race in a car. The faster you type, the faster your car goes. You can race people anywhere in the world — up to five players per game.
4. Augmented reality that helps you get dressed
Tie a tie in Augmented Reality uses the Chrome browser on Android to teach you how to tie a tie. It superimposes a virtual tie on top of your shirt. Someday, your bathroom mirror will do this.
Mike’s List of Shameless Self-Promotion
How to assess business collaboration technology: the data you need
AI will understand the world (so you don't have to!)
It's time to ban news-choosing algorithms