Category: Entertainment

IKEA’s Parody of Apple is Hilarious

Swedish furniture manufacturer IKEA has brought out a new advertisement for their catalog and it is hilarious. The USP of the ad is that it parodies Apple’s style of promotional videos.

The ad is for IKEA’s new catalog that they satirically call the “BookBook”. From Apple’s signature animation styles to graphics, the ad takes on them all. Some of the features like scrolling through the Bookbook, bookmarking and sharing will make you LYAO.

Apple is about to present its most revamped iPhone yet. So in the wait for it, this ad helps to fill up the void till the 9th of September. So go ahead and check out the video, it will surely make your day.

September 6, 2014
LG to Roll Out World’s First 4K OLED Display

The battle of pixels just reached a major extreme. LG will become the first company to sell a 4K OLED TV in the world. These TV’s are massive; they come in 65 and 77-inch variant. These monstrosities have a pixel resolution of 3840X2160.

The 4K OLED TV’s would be first sold in LG’s homeland of South Korea. The company plans to sell the 65-inch variant at a price of 12 million Won ($11,766) that is a huge amount of moolah, but the prices will, of course, come down over time.

The OLED TV’s are capable of producing better blacks, fix flickering and blurring, and reproduce colors more efficiently. LG’s 4K OLED TV will also have audio system that has been designed by Harmon Kardon. The operating system on the TV is WebOS, which is really easy to pick up and makes browsing around the options fairly simple.

The 4K OLED’s were introduced at CES 2014

The main issue with these TV’s is the availability of content that will do justice to such a massive high-def screen. 4K has gained steam in the past few years, but there is a shortage of content for both 2K and 4K. 2K screens have percolated down to mobile devices and have found home in devices like Oppo Find 7, LG’s G3 and the upcoming Note 3. But even here there is a serious lack of content in terms of multimedia and apps. Most importantly, there aren’t enough content delivery mechanisms like discs or USB devices out there for 2K or 4K master quality.

The only option currently is to access the little amount of content available on the internet. But even here, the streaming options are limited by the internet speeds. Even the ISP’s don’t have the capability to handle the massive resources that 4K requires. Currently, 4K content can only be streamed in America, so LG could have introduced them in USA first, but guess they wanted to unleash the pixel powered brilliance to their compatriots first. The TV’s will arrive soon to North American and European markets.

August 25, 2014
Samsung Galaxy S5 Takes the Ice Bucket: Challenges iPhone 5S, HTC One and Lumia 930

After a slew of celebrities, looks like its now time for the smartphone brigade to join in. There is no denying the fact that ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has taken over our social media feeds. If there is anyone still wondering why everyone is dousing themselves in iced bucket water, it’s to spread awareness about the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) disease.

The challenge is simple. If you’re nominated, you need to drench yourself in ice cold water and nominate three others to do the same within 24 hours. If you decide against taking it up, you have the option of donating $100 to the ALS Association. Since it started on 29th July, the organisation has already raised a whopping $53 million. A viral social media trend with a cause; we definitely need more of those.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 took the challenge. In the video, after completing the task, Samsung’s voice assistant nominated iPhone 5S, HTC One(M8) and Nokia Lumia 930 and gave them 24 hours to finish the challenge. A clear jab at their inability to withstand water.

By taking on the Ice Bucket Challenge, Samsung managed to do two things – spread awareness and raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and more obviously, it showed off its water-proof abilities.

August 23, 2014
Smart Cap : A DIY Google Glass Replica Made For Only Rs.4500

We love to get ‘inspired.’ Our Bollywood movies are predominantly ‘inspired’ by previous works by other filmmakers who in-turn get their inspiration from others. But sometimes these inspirations lead to some cool new inventions like a Google Glass replica that costs a meager Rs. 4500 in comparison to the hefty price tag of Google’s Augmented glasses.

Though the Smart Cap looks rudimentary, it is quite functional

Now Cochin-based Arvind Sanjeev has invented the “Smart Cap” which is basically a nerdier version of the sleek Google Glass. Now we, of course, need to cut him some slack as he didn’t have huge monetary resources backing those researchers at Google X.

Arvind’s design though rudimentary is pretty functional. The raw materials that went into making the smart cap are easily available. The Smart cap uses a USB Webcam, an LCD panel, aspheric lens, headphones, a Raspberry Pi Board, a sun board sheet and glue which is a DIY guy’s favorite tool.

Now since creating an operating system would have been a long task, Arvind went with open Android as the OS for Smart cap. The front of the cap has the camera, the Raspberry Pi board, and 2.5 inch LCD display mounted on it. To make the LCD display legible at such close distance, he used an aspheric lens.

The Smart cap works by taking commands using the microphone on the headset. The device can help you with navigation, Google search, YouTube, webcam recording and first person viewing of other cameras, etc.

Smart Cap can be used to access maps, send emails, take photos and more.

What is really appreciable is that he put the entire project in DIY and posted it for anyone to create their own smart cap. He has been doing this for a while and has uploaded several DIY tutorials. He also owns a start-up called A.R.S devices which make devices for automation, connected devices and safety purposes. He has in line for a hardware patent which will let you control your car using a smartphone app. Now that’s an app we’d all love to have.

Even though the Smart Cap is inspired by Google Glass, Arvind’s audacity and patience in creating this device is commendable. The value of DIY has always been to bring replicated expensive technology and attaining similar levels of functionality using cheaper alternatives. The Smart cap stands up to the value, and though it looks rudimentary, it is pretty dope, almost like a prop from a sci-fi movie about robots. So if you have the talent of DIY, then go ahead, get in the game and teach the world how to make some awesome stuff inexpensively.

August 20, 2014
Activision to Pull a Marvel: May Start its Own Movie Studio

You have played those Activision games a million times, they have intricate storylines and some amazing characters. Activision understands the tremendous motion picture potential that they have that is waiting to add multiple zeros to their bank statements.

Activision is famous for its gaming titles such as Call of Duty and Skylanders. The company is inspired by the phenomenal success that Marvel has had since the comic book company unleashed its characters on the big screen. The Marvel Cinematic Universe was one tough nut to crack and Marvel executive managed to achieve it and now are reaping the glory. Activision wants to follow suit and bring out films on which it has complete control.

Usually the producers who are interested in a title ask for rights of characters from comic characters and games. After buying the rights the producers can decide on the script and treatment of the story. But in the case of Marvel, the company wanted to have control over the decisions of the films and so established their own movie studio.

Activision intends to have such control when it establishes the movie studio. There is a huge market full of gamers who would simply love to watch their favorite character played by Hollywood stars. They can easily come back to their games and create a personalized version of the story in their home consoles. As of now Activision isn’t opening its cards and is not commenting on the issue but they realize the prospects of a movie business are huge. They should move fast before the other studios get ahead of them. We are waiting and getting our popcorns ready. Activision, show us what you got.

August 19, 2014
WhatsApp Brings a New Update for Android Wear Devices

Messaging app WhatsApp has brought their fresh new update and this one has support for your Android Wear devices. With WhatsApp becoming a staple communication tool having almost replaced text messaging, it’s the right move from them.

The New version (Version 2.11.318) lets you access the app on your phone using voice controls and checking on the notifications. The update gives you options to view you entire message on the watch itself instead of just being short notifications.

You can also see all notifications individually without having to take out your phones and reply to them using the voice feature.

This new enhancement provided by Whatsapp is keeping up with the times and the app is ready for the age of the wearables. We can’t wait to see what the other app industry leaders have in store for this new world.

August 5, 2014
Wearable Technology You Should Know About

Wearable technology is the next technology boom. Since the saturation of the mobile phone market, companies have been looking for an alternative and wearable tech was a godsend for them.

Now if you are wondering that if this is another column about Smartwatches and Google glass then you are about to be surprised at what the market has in store for you.

Here we bring you some cool wearable tech which performs some amazing tasks while being rather pocket friendly.

1. Vrase

Now we all have been waiting for the Virtual Reality glasses to come in our reach. Well, there is a start-up that promises the experience using just your phone. Introducing Vrase, a VR and Augmented reality capable wearable. Simply load the content on your phone and slide it in the Vrase moble holder. This easy to use device gives options to attach peripherals like earphones and joysticks. All this makes Vrase perfect for movies, gaming and Augmented Reality purposes. The best part you ask, this incredibly simple device comes at less than half the price of Oculus and Project Morpheus and is compatible with multiple mobile phones.

2. Recon Jet

Google Glass’s real nemesis is Recon Jet. Unlike the Glass, the Recon Jet is for health and adrenaline junkies. It is the stud of wearable technology. The jet comes with onboard processing capabilities. It has 3D accelerometer, 3D gyroscope and 3D magnetometer and ambient temperature sensors along with altimeter and barometer applications and GPS. The device has an optical touch sensor like the Google glass to help the user interact with the device. The device is also compatible with health sensors so you can have real time update while you are drillin it out.

The device has a 1 GHz Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 processor with 1GB DDR2 SDRAM and 8GB flash memory. It also has an HD camera to substitute it for a go-pro, because POV shots are always the best. You can also connect the Recon Jet with your phone and check your text and messages.

3. The Dash

This is every outdoor lover’s dream headphone set. These wireless headphones don’t just entertain you with your music but also give you vital stats on the go. The device is perfect for people who like to track their performance. It is water resistant so feel free to take them for your next rafting trip. The headphones can measure Heart rate, Oxygen Saturation, Body temperature and calories burned. Along with the basics, the headgear also measures distance, speed, pace, rotation, G-force, drop rate, altitude, etc. The device also has an touch controls for changing songs and answering calls by connecting it to a phone through Bluetooth.

The device has 4 GB flash storage and is powered by a 100 mAh battery. The processor on-board is a 32bit ARM processor. Their neonish lighting design gives it a Tron-like feel.

At about 300$, these headphones are worth the money.

4. MBODY

These are pants which monitor your workout. You might be asking, why buy a pair of pants that measures vital stats instead of just a watch? Well the answer is that the MBODY does a lot more that a smart watch. It is capable of measuring Muscle Load, Heart Rate, Speed, Candence, Balance, Route etc. It is also capable of measuring electrical activity in your muscles and hence gives one of the best analysis amongst health hardware. If doings legs have been the pain for you, then MBODY will definitely help you out. The pants also measure the strengths of your muscles and body balance.

The “pants” come with their own MCell Bluetooth receiver which sends the information to its live app in your smartphone.

July 23, 2014
Top 5 Wearable Gadgets That You Can Buy Today

While we wait for the elusive iWatch to appear magically on Tim Cook’s wrist. Here is a list of wearable gadgets you can buy right now:

1. Google Glass

Any surprise that this one tops our list? There is no doubt that Google Glass is one of the most coveted wearable technology available today. Its the one sci-fi-looking gadget that everyone can’t wait to get their hands on. Developed by Google X, it became available to the general public earlier this year. The increasing number of Google Glass invites had led to Project Glass being open to everyone in the US and now the UK.

2. Jawbone Up

The Jawbone Up wristband combines sleep-cycle tracker, a meal tracker, a pedometer, an activity tracker, and a vibrating alarm clock in one neat little bracelet. This can be connected to your iPhone. In an effort to keep its owner active, the Up even vibrates when you’ve been sitting still too long. Sweat-proof and water-resistant, the Up is a good looker as well. It costs $99, and comes in four colours: blue, black, white, and red.

3. Misfit Shine

The Misfit Shine fitness tracker has a sharp design, and is compatible with a variety of wearable accessories. Its best part: The device lasts four months on a single battery. It is also waterproof and can be used for swimming. Minimal design doesn’t display detailed data on the device. It currently works only with iOS and needs to be held close to phone screen to sync. The Shine is one of the most stylish and futuristic-looking fitness trackers in the market.

4.Pebble Smartwatch

The Pebble Watch is waterproof, runs a ton of apps, and is compatible with both iOS and Android phones. Recently, it has partnered with Misfit, a fitness tracking company, for a new app. The gadget, with a major software update and a new app store is all set to customize itself and fit right in your life. The only drawback is the lack of touch screen and multitasking limits the capability of apps.

5. Nike+ Fuel Band

As a fitness tracker, the Nike+ Fuel Band offers a simple, attractive design manages to completely stays out of your way during most physical activities. Its pedometer tracks steps taken, calories burned, and a proprietary measurement of activity called Nike Fuel. The accompanying iOS app and Nike+ Web site offer great motivational tricks too. Nike FuelBand can be very effective as a motivator for casual exercise.

June 25, 2014
5 Vintage Tech Ads That Will Make You ROFL

We frequently go back to quoting the relatable posts from ‘when we were a 90’s kid’. The times were simple and in the absence of screens we actually went out in the sun to interact with the real 3D world, instead of trying to grab at air while wearing dorky glasses. Remember when we spent countless hours on those 8-bit games with our sibling, screwing with them every time it was their turn? So, if you are a 90’s kid, you would have also grown up as a generation who experienced the big technology evolution.

This train of thought got me thinking about the technology that used to excite us in the past. And what records an era in time better than an advertisement of that period. So I decided to dig up some hilarious vintage tech ads. Watch them, they’ll make you wonder, “where we really so excited about this stuff?”

1. Motorola Flip phone (Vintage Early 90’s)

Motorola was a true pioneer in personal communications. They introduced the world’s first commercial portable cellular phone. Watching this commercial you will wonder how our lives have transformed in past few decades and obviously the funny voice-over tingle your nerves.

2. Ms-Dos 5 Upgrade Promotion (1991)

I’m sure you are going to ROFL-ing when you watch this video. It seems Microsoft spent quite a lot of money back in day, to get people use MS-DOS.

P.S.- Our pal MC C-Prompt paved the way for generations of goofy white rappers. You know, like Vanilla Ice. And Eminem.

3. The Kids Guide to the Internet (1997)

This is the best vintage video I have ever seen. It is not exactly an ad, but I so wanted you guys to watch it. Video starts with a text asking viewers ‘Adjust the VCR tracking for the clearest picture.’ Okay. But what the hell is VCR tracking?

4. Windows 1.0 (1986)

I didn’t know who this guy is introducing the then ‘New’ Windows 1.0. Trust me when you find out who this man is, it will make this ad even more hilarious. He is the present CEO of Microsoft, Steve Balmer. You have to appreciate the enthusiasm of Mr. Balmer though. Maybe it was this zealousness for the company that got him his present job.

5. IBM PS/2 (1989)

‘In your Business, you have got a mission: to rise up the competition. How are you gonna do it? Well, you have to PS/2 it!’ It’s all fun and games until this song gets stuck in your head for four days. Trust me.

June 22, 2014
LG Unveils Ultra HD TVs with Web OS in India

LG introduced its ULTRA HD TV line up with Web OS technology at the India Gadget Expo. These TVs have some of the best resolutions in the market, and the Ultra HD content showcased was spectacular to look at on the displays.

The USP of the TV is a Web OS based user interface. LG claims that it’s the simplest Smart TV to set up and operate. The sound system on the TV is a 5.2 channel system designed by Harman Kardon, which LG claims to provide an immersive experience when coupled with the stunning images on the screen.

The OLED Tvs from LG had some spectacular Displays

LG ULTRA HD Tvs incorporate IPS panels that give exceptional color accuracy and a consistent picture quality at any viewing angles. LG’s ULTRA HD Engine Pro powers the 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) of the TV. There is also a proprietary chip that works with the engine to eliminate any visual artifacts. The ULTRA HD TVs also have the ability to upscale standard HD and Full HD content to near 4K quality.

Another offering by LG was the CINEMA 3D TV. These TV’s provide realistic 3D effect with minimal flicker in 4K resolution. This year the TV’s are equipped with advanced 3D conversion engine so that it can add depth to the 2D content.

The Web OS system was a mobile OS platform developed by mobile phone manufacturers Palm. The company sold the OS to HP, who later sold it to LG. LG had been long talking about including Web OS on its TV, and the result is rather encouraging. The OS itself is looks clean and extremely easy to use even for novices.

The Magic Remote will make life easy for a lot of Couch potatoes.

The remote, called the Magic Remote (“The Wand” might have been a cooler name) provided with the TV works like a mouse or a Kinect system from Xbox. It makes it easier to access content. A launcher menu is accessible from the bottom of the screen. This easily customizable panel helps to access the featured options of the TV like YouTube, Netflix, or other apps added by the user.

Web Os is also open to third party content providers, and additional apps can be installed on the TV from the LG App Store. Contents like latest movies, television shows and games are on offer at the App store. From the Live Menu in the TV’s, you can browse your content and the Today menu shows you an entertainment listing so that you are never short of viewable options.

LG’s design reasoning with these TV’s is to bring simplicity in the operating of Smart TVs. Together with the Ultra HD TV, the Cinema 3D TV and the Curved OLED’s, LG hopes to capture 30% of the market share by the end of this year.

The Ultra HD TV new models are available in different screen size of 84, 79, 65, 55, 49 and all are within the price range of 1.5 to 15 Lakhs. The new WebOS Cinema 3D TV is available in 42, 47, 55 and 65 size options, in all leading outlets starting June 2014, and all are within the price range of 82,900 to 15 Lakhs.

LG has put some strong 4K and 3DTV contenders in the market. It’s now for the consumers to see if they want to be with their old idiot boxes or if they want to shift to intelligent Smart TVs which combine the TV and internet experience in one device; that too with incredible picture quality. Even at their exorbitant prices, these TVs are worth the money.

June 20, 2014
Skullcandy Launches a New Series for Football Fans in India
The highly recognized audio brand has launched a new set of headphones for Football lovers who are currently losing it over the World Cup. They’ve created headphone assortments for three national teams heading to Brazil– England (FA), Germany (DFB) and France (FFF). The range of Hesh 2, Ink’d and Uprock headsets, complete with iconic federation logos and patriotic national colours was launched at selected retailers in India on 16th June, 2014.

The Utah-based company also made another major announcement – Thiago Silva has been chosen as their first ever football brand ambassador. Silva is the captain of the Brazilian national team and has led Brazil to its third consecutive FIFA Confederations Cup title recently.

The newly launched series is now available in Indian stores. As mentioned earlier, there are three headsets involved in this new Skullcandy Football World Cup Series and their features include:
1. UPROCK
These extremely comfortable headset is encased with plush ear pillows and has a soft-touch finish. Its name is based on an urban dance and it truly enables us to incorporate music in our daily routine. It consists of twin 40 mm drivers and tangle-proof flat cables. It also consists of mixed material so it can withstand intense pressure and prevents any damage. These are priced at Rs 2,899
1. HESH 2:
These have conical over-ear housing drives which give a really powerful sound. It has features which enables you to switch track and also has a built-in microphone for making and receiving calls. Its cable is detachable which helps you to move around and the soft leather touch ear pillows are there for the acoustics as well as to fit your ear perfectly for convenience. Hesh 2 are slightly expensive, they are priced at Rs 5,299.
1. INK’D 2:
These earphones have a supreme sound which delivers an attacking Bass, natural vocals and precision highs. These are the only in-ear headphones of the series with different sized ear buds which you can keep changing according to your needs. It also has a flattened cable for enhancing its visual appeal. The most inexpensive of the lot, these are available for Rs 1,549
June 19, 2014
10 Things You Don’t Know About Facebook (But You Should)

Long long ago, there was Orkut, Hi5 and MySpace. Somehow, none of them stuck quite the way Facebook did. In fact, Mark Zuckerberg’s brainchild has done way more than just stick around, it changed the way we connect with people.

It’s not only for frivolous stalking. Even if you’d like to quit the website, you can’t. How else would you log onto your Soundcloud, Pinterest, Tumblr or Spotify? Facebook’s made sure its got us entwined in a tight web.

Even though we’ve being using it for years, there are certain facts about Facebook none of us know. Here is the list of things you should know about Facebook, which you probably don’t:

1. You Can Calculate the Time You’ve Wasted on Facebook.

Yes, it’s addictive. And yes, most of the time you’re wasting hours checking out who your ex-girlfriend is hanging out with these days. I think we all can agree that we can survive without the information Facebook gives us. But since we’ve already established that quitting is not an option, you can check out this tool, developed by Time magazine, which counts the days of your life you’ve wasted on Facebook. A perfect reminder to restrict your time on the site.

2. Facebook has 1.28 billion Active Users

For most, it’s become a daily addiction. You’ve just woken up, sleepy and bleary eyed, you’re already checking your notifications or you click on your browser to check your emails, but before you know it, you’re scanning your news feed to see if anyone has done anything exciting. Sounds familiar? Clicking on the blue icon has become a reflex action.

3. Facebook has a 100 million active users in India

And 84 percent of those users access the site via their smart phones. These numbers were announced on 31st March 2014. Facebook’s biggest competitor is its very own WhatsApp, which has more than 40 million registered users in the subcontinent.

4. There is a Reason Facebook is Blue

A lot of you may already know this one, but the reason is that Mark Zuckerberg, the Founder and CEO of Facebook, is colorblind. Zuckerberg sees the color blue best, because of his red–green color blindness.

5. Facebook is currently blocked in 4 countries

There are bouts of the site being blocked off and on in several countries. North Korea, China, Iran, Syria, Vietnam have held on to the blockage for a long time.

6.Despite being blocked, China has about 63.5 million Facebook users

When there is a will, there is a way. Although, Facebook is very much blocked by the Great China Firewall, formally known as the Golden Shield Project, a surprising report gave whopping number of registered users in China.

7. You Can Schedule Status Updates on Facebook

Download Hootsuite and it will allow you to schedule posts ahead of time. So you could be sharing content even while you’re relaxing or if you’re busy with some other activity.

8. Viacom, MySpace,Yahoo and NBC Have All Tried to Buy Facebook

In the past ten years, according to David Kirkpatrick’s book The Facebook Effect, 11 companies have tried to acquire this social media giant. Makes us wonder, where would the website be if Mark Zuckerberg had given in and handed it over?

9. Facebook Has Spent a Total of 22billion on Acquisitions

Instagram, WhatsApp and now, Oculus are only three of the 45 companies that Facebook owns. Facebook has spent a total of 22billion on acquisitions. Some of the other acquired companies include Snaptu, Little Eye Labs, Face.com and Friendster Patents.

10. Mark Zuckerberg is the Youngest Self-Made Billionaire

Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard shortly after he came up with the idea of Facebook and now his net worth is 28.5 billion dollars. According to Forbes, Facebook’s shares are up more than 130% over the past year. That’s caused Zuck’s net worth to more than double over the same period, even after he gave away 18 million shares in late December.

June 19, 2014
GTA 5 Gets a Visual Upgrade For The PC

PC gamers have had it bad over the past one year. The most ambitious version of the Grand Theft Auto came out about a year ago and they still haven’t had the opportunity to try out the three menacing protagonists. The game released for the PS3 and the Xbox 360 last year. Rockstar games are now going to release the much awaited game on PC, PS4 and Xbox in the Fall of this year.

The Game itself is extremely enticing. A gamer can control three protagonists and navigate around the maps on foot or on vehicle, a cause a lot of damage. They have a massive open world to explore and conquer.

This GTA release will include the Grand Theft Auto Online. Apart from that, all content released after the launch will be included in the purchase. It will also carry on game data from previous versions and progresses can be carried forward to the new system.

Get Ready for some enhanced kickass experience

GTA 5 will be enhanced for the PC users. The makers say they want to utilize the full potential of the PC. The new version will have higher resolution and graphical detail, denser traffic, greater draw distances, upgraded AI, and advanced weather and damage effects. These will definitely add to the pleasures of the pernicious protagonists and the players alike.

The PC release is also touted to have new wildlife. Guess the open world exploration of the GTA world just got a lot more interesting. The release last year was a phenomenal success, the game earned a Billion dollars in just the first three days after its release. It also took home most of the “Game of the Year” awards. And with heavy demand on the new consoles and the PC, it is expected to recreate the success of last year.

It’s time that PC gamers stop damping up the floor with their saliva looking at the GTA gameplays. It’s time for them to take care of some serious business.

June 17, 2014
The Top 5 FIFA World Cup Ads of 2014

The world’s greatest Cup is up again for grabs and the entire planet just got a serious adrenaline hit. The sponsoring companies are leaving no stone unturned to get maximum visibility in this controversial yet most watched edition of FIFA World Cup 2014.
Here are the Fifa World Cup ads from prominent companies which are making the football fever fly high:

1. Nike

Football’s existence is under threat. It just had a corporate takeover and there has just been an attack of the clones. Our favourite sport is ruined and the greatest footballers now have to do odd jobs to survive. The Original Ronaldo decides brings them all together to save a game that has been their collective passion. Sometimes in life you just have to Risk Everything.

June 12, 2014
NASA Enters The Marvel Universe With The S.T.A.T.I.O.N

Marvel has in a manner reinvented the superhero universe. It took the usual good versus bad story lines and created an entire universe with complex characters whose stories are interlinked with one another. With the release of Avengers 2: Age of Ultron next year, Marvel Cinematic Universe(MCU) will conclude its Phase Two.

While everyone is waiting for MCU’s next installment, Marvel in association with NASA and the National Academy of Sciences is close to opening the Marvel S.T.A.T.I.O.N (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) exhibit at the Discovery Times Square exhibition centre.

The six month long exhibition will teach the attendees about the science of the Marvel Universe. It is one massive exhibition with 140 video screens, dozens of large-scale touch interfaces, working robotics, augmented reality, and motion response applications.

The visitor is oriented as an Agent of SHEILD (the show’s first season had an Awesome finale). The lucky ones who get to go will be treated as Agents in training and will get to play around with lots of cool stuff.

They will get to learn to operate Iron Man’s suit, see the neurological effects of Bruce Banner’s transformation into the Hulk, and physically test themselves against Captain America. The agents will also get to see some of the memorabilia from the attack on New York which was defended by the Avengers. There are some amazing visuals at the S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

Its almost like entering into Tony Stark’s workspace

The organizers approached NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for authentic scientific content. The MCU itself is a very science centric universe. Across the Movies and the TV shows, it tries to explain the events with a scientific perspective. They even backup the supernatural phenomenons of the universe with scientific explanations. Here is an example from Thor 2 of regular dialogues from which downplay the supernatural elements:

Loki: “I went down to Midgard to rule the people of Earth as a benevolent God, just like you.”

Odin: “We are not gods! We’re born, we live, we die, just as humans do.”

Loki: “Give or take five thousand years.”

Joss Whedon, Director of Avenger 1 & 2, is one of the major science fiction Directors who have tried to interlink fictional narratives with real science. His brother Jed Whedon took an even more indepth scientific approach while making Agents of SHIELD.

NASA has provided the S.T.A.T.I.O.N with written content, images and videos on topics like electromagnetic spectrum, black holes as powerful energy sources, and aerospace materials used in creating Iron Man’s armor.

Using the NASA’s exoplanet research technology, the “Agents” will get to map out the exoplanets and try to find Asguard.

Your ID card gives you access to an Awesome interactive website

The Exhibition also gives you an access to an interactive website for which you to us the login id given on the pass at entry (Lame.)

This unique, interactive educational display was to open on May 30^th but was delayed for extensive testing of equipment. This is one novel approach of teaching regular folks about the awe-inspiring knowledge of science. We really hope that it comes to India someday.

June 4, 2014