Video beyond the box

Great leaps forward in technology – and a big drop in machinery costs – have placed 3D printing within reach of the global masses. And, say our experts, those who embrace the trend have the potential to change the way we do business, forever Think of 3D and you're most likely to conjure images of clunky dark glasses and disappointing films. But the underwhelming response to those movies could hardly be in sharper contrast to the current buzz around 3D printing – a rapidly evolving prototyping and manufacturing technique for which, thankfully, no cumbersome eyewear or suspension of disbelief is required. In fact, while it's making global headlines, 3D printing – or additive manufacturing as it is also known – has been around for more than 25 years. In 1986, American inventor Charles W. Hull patented an automated technique for creating a solid object by laying down, or 'printing', successive thin layers of a liquid plastic – each solidifying on top of the other until the desired shape was created.

Microsoft just announced that the Windows Store, the app store for the company’s upcoming Windows 8 release, is now open for app submissions from all developers, including individuals. This marks the final step in Microsoft’s program to bring the Windows Store to as many developers around the world as possible. Microsoft also announced that it is now ready for submissions in 82 additional markets, bringing the total number to 120.

Biking directions on Google Maps are nothing new for users in the U.S. and Canada, but starting today, Google will also allow Android users to get voice-guided turn-by-turn directions during their bike trips. Riders, Google says, can now “mount their device on their handlebars, see upcoming turns and use speaker mode to hear voice-guided directions.” The turn-by-turn directions can even help you avoid steep hills, Google notes.

When ShoutEm was first launched back in 2008, it was focused on helping users to build their own social networking platforms. Well, the world has changed, and since then, it’s transitioned the business as a platform that can be used to build mobile applications. But not everyone needs (or wants) a native app — so ShoutEm now has a way to easily create HTML5 apps that can be viewed in any mobile web browser.

Facebook will be launching new features next week that allow advertisers to target their ads to customers based on contact information that the advertiser has already collected. It’s a way for businesses to connect their Facebook ads with the customer lists they may have built up elsewhere.

One step closer to integrating the real world with data.

A refreshing change from the throw away society we live in.

Seeing the world through a Smart Phone suddenly becomes more interesting than without. Bringing a whole new level to media and marketing.