PrimeSense Natural Interaction

Have you guys ever pondered on how cool Kinect is? The mere thought of playing games without the need of a controller seemed to be a pretty cool idea.

 Playing Star Wars without the traditional controller.

But how about taking over your whole living room without using a remote controller just like Kinect - using your own hands without getting near your TV.

Feel like Tom Cruise in Minority Report as you take control of your TV, but not this near from it.

But this far away from it, or even farther and while sitting on your couch like a boss.

Yes, you've just read it right. This technology even made Smart TVs become smarter than you've ever imagined. It basically uses the same technology as what the Kinect is currently using. It's a product made by PrimeSense - also the company who made Kinect - which they showcased in CES.

Smart TVs made even smarter by this tiny device, the PrimeSensor

According to PrimeSense, "Programs are that are actually relevant to the people in the room (and won't embarrass you). With a PrimeSense enabled Smart TV, your TV will 'see' and register the people watching and transmit content you want and that's appropriate for the audience. You can also get a selection of programming that you actually want to see. Based on preferences you set and your past viewing behavior, your television will deliver what you want. And access content directly from the web or from any other digital device – music, videos, images. You'll even be able to do some shopping, answer emails, or call your mom – in between commercials." Seems to be so fun right? You'd probably not leave your living room anymore if you have this kind of device connected to your Smart TV.

That's what the latest technologies got for us right now, who might know if we might be able to install this kind of technology to our households and be able to control everything inside our house using simple gestures only.

Stay tuned for more cool and fun stuff we've got in store for you guys.

Do or Die Wednesday

On Wednesday, January 18, will be the biggest day in the current PBA Season yet because there will be two epic showdowns in the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Powerade Tigers VS Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

Can El Granada explode Powerade to the Finals?
Or will Paul Lee and the rest of the Elasto Painters extinguish the Tigers?

At 5:15 pm, the first of two back to back winner take all series will take place as the Powerade Tigers and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters square off. With Powerade leading the series 3-2, the Elasto Painters dug deep and forced a win-or-go-home game 7 with a 112-98 win. Led by Jeff Chan's 26 points on 5/9 shooting from behind the arc, Rain or Shine equalized the series with a much needed victory. The Elasto Painters bounced back from their 2-point devastating loss back in game 5 with this convincing W. The game started close with Powerade leading the way.But with strong second and fourth quarters, the Painters were able to pull away and got the win. Gary David and Marcio Lassiter led the charge for the Tigers with 30 points each but wasn't enough to fend off the Painters.
One a side note, this was Gary David's 8th 30 plus point game in 9 contests dating back to the quarter finals round.


Talk N Text Tropang Texters VS Petron Blaze Boosters

The second game of the double header is the do or die game between last season's all Filipino Champion, Talk N Text, against last season's with Import Champion, Petron. With the first 6 games being decided by a total of 16 points, look for this game to be one heck of a nail biter! With Petron, going up 3-1 in the series, the Tropang Texters harnessed all of the energy and won the next two games to tie up the series! Being the hero of game 6 with his 3point shot in the left corner giving TNT the lead and the win, Jimmy Alapag, the reigning MVP, proved to everyone why he is the leader of this team. Pouring in a game high 29 points, grabbing 7 rebounds and adding 10 dimes as well, Jimmy "Mighty Mouse" Alapag carried the Texters and forced a Game 7. Even with 6 Blaze Boosters scoring in double figures, they could not overcome the "Mighty Mouse" as Petron lost 111-108.

Who will be back in the Finals?
Alex and the Boosters or Jayson and the Tropang Texters?

With these two games set on Wednesday, it will surely be one exciting evening! So tune into Skycable channel 15 or Free tv channel 13 this Wednesday to catch the "Clash of the Titans".

Skittles Vodka

by Anton Mercado

Skittles Vodka - flickr.com/photos/jcbecker

College brings a time of change. From classmates to blockmates; everyday uniforms to planning daily civilian outfits; and planned soirees to everyday soirees. But the biggest change is the change from the always-controversial OPEN PARTIES to chill HOUSE PARTIES. Being able to host (and make successful) one of these house parties is a true step into college life.

Here’s a fun and easy to make drink that will have your friends begging you to plan more parties.

Ingredients:

• 3 packs of Skittles
• 5 empty glass bottles
• any plain vodka
• coffee filter

Procedure:

1. Open the bags of Skittles and separate the different colors.
2. Place the separated Skittles in their respective glass bottles.
3. Pour in an ounce of clear vodka for every 10 pieces of skittles in each bottle (preferably The Bar Silver because it is cheap and easy to mix with but other more expensive vodkas will do).
4. Leave the mixture overnight to dissolve the Skittles; shaking it every 2 hours to speed the dissolving process.
5. The next day, strain the contents of the bottle using a coffee filter for there are white slow dissolving particles at the bottom of each bottle.
6. Freeze the mixture
7. Enjoy and always serve cold

Miami Heat: Not Unstoppable

Last year, the Miami Heat, the most scrutinized and the most hated team in the league, fell short of winning the NBA championship, to the delight of the entire basketball world. The Heat was ahead in 4 of the 6 games entering the 4th quarter and the collapsed and choked away the lead 12 minutes later to lose 4 games to 2 to the Dallas mavericks. The Heat said that was just a fluke, a learning curve or stepping stone they must take to become the best possible team they can be. They said they would put their 4th quarter collapses in their past.


That was in June. Now, almost 8 months later, the Heat are still having their 4th quarter collapses. Despite being one of the most athletic, quickest, and accurate 3point shooting team, the Heat are on a downward spiral. Their nightmares of the NBA Finals last year are resurfacing as they have encountered 3 straight 4th quarter (and over-time) meltdowns.

A picture of the Miami Heat's Not-So-Big Three
Taken from NBA.com

The Heat's biggest point of concern  is their Zone offense. Everyone knows they have 2 of the best 1-on-1 players in the league, which is why teams play them in a zone. Teams force the Heat to move the ball, to drive and kick, to rely on a team game rather than on 3 people. This is where the Miami Heat struggles.


As unselfish and team-oriented LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade are, they still always revert back to their one-on-one ways against the zone, the same mentality that cost them the Championship.


The team, not only struggled on the offensive end in the 4th quarters of the past three games, but also on the defensive end despite being one of the best defensive teams in the league. Their failure to score on one end and to defend on the other has cost the heat their top spot in the NBA.


The Miami Heat, now currently the 6th seeded team in the Eastern Conference, looks to silence all the loud, once more, doubters and haters with a win in their next game on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs.