Samsung Galaxy Surfboard

Samsung Brazil has created a commercial featuring Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina and a wild Samsung Galaxy Surfboard concept.

It looks like any regular sleek surfboard, except it has an LED display that's powered by a Samsung Galaxy S7 that slots into the base of the board.

The surfboard can feed live conditions of the sea straight onto the display, alongside wind direction and the frequency / height of waves. Trainers can even send surfers messages to help improve their technique.

Touchscreen Arm

PC Magazine reports that Samsung has received a patent for a small projector that can display UI elements on skin and read behaviors to translate into mobile or virtual actions. PC Mag notes Carnegie Mellon researchers introduced SkinTrack last month, a similar system for turning your arm or hand into a touch screen. That system uses a high-frequency AC-signal-emitting ring to communicate with electrodes in a wristband.

Gesture Control for Gear VR

Tired of using a controller for your GearVR or Google Cardboard? Well, Eyesight Technologies has developed gesture control that uses a phone’s rear camera allowing touch-free input for phone based VR systems. It's a great video and we can't wait to get our hands on the it. 

No mention on when it will come to phones-- though Engadget says Eyesight is bringing its control scheme to phones with built-in 3D sensors.

Self Driving Semi Trucks

Backchannel reports on Otto a startup founded by Anthony Levandowski, the man who built Google’s first self-driving car, and three other ex-Google engineers. The company has bought and retrofitted three Volvo truck cabs with lidar, radar and cameras and driven them sometimes with no human occupant, on highways in Nevada.

Otto plans to sell after-market self-driving kits at a fraction of the cost of a new cab. Initially the tech will only work on highways, exit to exit.

New Upcoming TV shows

The Upfronts are a yearly event where new TV shows are shown off for the major networks to buy up. Along with TV show pilots, networks also announce all the new shows they’ve purchased and send out trailers so the general public knows what to look forward to. Here are some of the new shows you can look forward to seeing this year.

Vice Principals

Vice Principals is an upcoming American television comedy series starring Danny McBride, Walton Goggins, Georgia King, Busy Philipps, Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Sheaun McKinney and Shea Whigham. Co-creators are Danny McBride and Jody. On HBO July 17th.

https://youtu.be/qerpkmHGvuE

 

Shooter

Shooter follows the courageous journey of Swagger, a highly-decorated ex-marine sniper who is coaxed back into action after he learns about a plot to kill the President. When Swagger’s former commanding officer Isaac Johnson (Omar Epps) solicits his expertise in a clandestine operation, Swagger re-emerges from exile only to discover that he is inextricably involved in a disastrous operation with ties to his past. On the USA network July 19th.

https://youtu.be/X2x6IR3FhbQ

 

Good Behavior

Letty Dobesh is a thief and con artist whose life is always one wrong turn, one bad decision, from implosion. Which is just how she likes it. Fresh out of prison, she's attempting to stay afloat. But when she overhears a hit man being hired to kill a man's wife, she sets out to derail the job, sending her on a wild collision course with the charming killer, and entangling them in dangerous, seductive relationship. On TNT.

https://youtu.be/obf5AQBaHsI

Will

Will opens with a young William Shakespeare (Davidson) just arriving onto the punk-rock theater scene in 16th century London. It is in this seductive, violent world that his raw talent faces rioting audiences, religious fanatics and raucous sideshows.

Attracted to Will's naïve genius is Alice Burbage (DeJonge), the talented, beautiful and rebellious daughter of James Burbage (Meaney), the carpenter with a vision to build the first theater in London since Roman times. Despite being the daughter of an impresario, Alice is forbidden by society from pursuing a career in the theater. Her brother Richard Burbage (Inwood), is innately talented, but too much in love with himself and prone to overact. A chance encounter at the theater leads him to team up with Will in what would soon become the greatest actor-writer partnership the world has ever seen. Starring Laurie Davidson, Olivia DeJonge, Colm Meaney, Mattias Inwood, Jamie Campbell Bower and Ewen Bremner. On TNT.

https://youtu.be/9ZpviszpJlg

Fox

Lethal Weapon

Texas cop and former Navy SEAL Martin Riggs suffers the loss of his wife and baby and he moves to Los Angeles to start anew. There, he gets partnered with LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh who, having recently suffered a “minor” heart attack, must avoid any stress in his life. Based on the movie franchise. On Fox this fall.

https://youtu.be/mar_b9hgS9Y

The Exorcist

Directed by Rupert Wyatt (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”), THE EXORCIST is a propulsive psychological thriller following two very different priests tackling one family’s case of horrifying demonic possession. On Fox this fall.

https://youtu.be/5NH3ffAp9aA?list=PLXd9aCB0yKuhUe9SSIRKPq7g1YllUfeHQ

Son of Zorn

An animated warrior from a faraway island in the Pacific Ocean returns to Orange County, CA, to win back his live-action ex-wife and teenage son. On Fox this fall.

https://youtu.be/kPnlQTi8heM?list=PLXd9aCB0yKuhUe9SSIRKPq7g1YllUfeHQ

24: Legacy

The clock ticks again with 24: LEGACY, the next evolution of the Emmy Award-winning “24”.Six months ago in Yemen, an elite squad of U.S. Army Rangers, led by Sergeant ERIC CARTER (Corey Hawkins, “Straight Outta Compton”), killed terrorist leader Sheik Ibrahim Bin-Khalid. In the aftermath, Bin-Khalid’s followers declared a fatwah against Carter, his squad and their families, forcing them into federal witness protection. But a recent attempt on Carter’s own life makes it clear to him that his team is now exposed.

https://youtu.be/sOWpUB_Xdqs?list=PLXd9aCB0yKuhUe9SSIRKPq7g1YllUfeHQ

Pitch

A beautiful, tough and gifted athlete, GINNY BAKER (Kylie Bunbury, “Under The Dome”) is vaulted into instant fame when she’s called up by the San Diego Padres to make her Major League debut. Like any rookie, Ginny must prove herself to her teammates. On Fox this fall.

https://youtu.be/k0wLCGwYZ3g?list=PLXd9aCB0yKuhUe9SSIRKPq7g1YllUfeHQ

Making History

MAKING HISTORY follows three friends from two different centuries as they try to balance the thrill of time travel with the mundane concerns of their present-day lives. On Fox this fall.

https://youtu.be/Z-TVyOqCkr0?list=PLXd9aCB0yKuhUe9SSIRKPq7g1YllUfeHQ

The Mick

The Mick is a no-holds-barred single-camera comedy that gives new meaning to the phrase “dysfunctional family.” MACKENZIE aka “MICKEY” (Kaitlin Olson, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) is a brash, two-bit hustler from Rhode Island who has spent her entire life shirking any semblance of responsibility.

https://youtu.be/MQ6Jg5i_pqc?list=PLXd9aCB0yKuhUe9SSIRKPq7g1YllUfeHQ

Shots Fired

FOX's all-new show, SHOTS FIRED, is a compelling event series examining the dangerous aftermath of racially charged shootings in a small Southern town.

https://youtu.be/1RmkAihHeJg?list=PLXd9aCB0yKuhUe9SSIRKPq7g1YllUfeHQ

Star

Three talented singers, desperate for a new start and with ambitions of stardom, navigate the cut-throat music business on their road to success. On Fox this fall.

https://youtu.be/T2snL9QUIZI?list=PLXd9aCB0yKuhUe9SSIRKPq7g1YllUfeHQ

APB

After Gideon Reeves witnesses his best friend’s murder, he takes over Chicago’s troubled 13th District and reboots it as a private police force. On Fox this fall.

https://youtu.be/bsbVnrOkcr8?list=PLXd9aCB0yKuhUe9SSIRKPq7g1YllUfeHQ

NBC

The Good Place

Follow Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell, "House of Lies," "Veronica Mars"), an ordinary woman who, through an extraordinary string of events, enters the afterlife where she comes to realize that she hasn't been a very good person. With the help of her wise afterlife mentor (Ted Danson, "Bored to Death," "Cheers"), she's determined to shed her old way of living and discover the awesome (or at least the pretty good) person within. On NBC this fall.

https://youtu.be/UMf24rEsMOs?list=PLRUSbbQynOdGDHtWaJhW8k07GpVPJ60KJ

This is Us

A group of people born on the same day, including Rebecca (Moore) and Jack (Ventimiglia), a married couple expecting triplets in Pittsburgh, and Kevin (Hartley), a handsome television actor growing bored of his fly bachelor lifestyle. On NBC this fall.

https://youtu.be/rfUiKg28r_M

Timeless

a mysterious criminal steals a secret state-of-the-art time machine, intent on destroying America as we know it by changing the past. Our only hope is an unexpected team: a scientist, soldier and history professor who must use the machine’s prototype to travel back in time to critical events. While they must make every effort not to affect the past themselves, they must also stay one step ahead of this dangerous fugitive. Can this handpicked team uncover the mystery behind it all and end his destruction before it’s too late? The cast includes Abigail Spencer, Matt Lanter, Malcolm Barrett, Goran Visnjic, Paterson Joseph, Sakina Jaffrey and Claudia Doumit. On NBC this fall.

https://youtu.be/zSYZJGAGvww

ABC

Uncle Buck

Uncle Buck is a fun loving but irresponsible guy who needs a job and a place to stay. Starring Mike Epps, Nia Long, James Lesure. On ABC June 17th.

https://youtu.be/evqliJzKxqY

Designated Survivor

Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland (“24”) returns to primetime in a conspiracy thriller as Tom Kirkman, a lower-level cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes president after a devastating attack on Washington. He will struggle to prevent the country and his own family from falling into chaos, as he is thrust into one of the most difficult presidencies in history. ABC this fall.

https://youtu.be/N_f1v0Nx5Sw

Notorious

“Notorious” is inspired by the true-life stories of famed criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos and cable news producer Wendy Walker, who serve as executive producers. The series is a provocative look at the unique, sexy and dangerous interplay of criminal law and the media. Josh Berman (“Blacklist,” “Bones,” “CSI”) is writer and executive producer, and Allie Hagan (“Suri’s Burn Book”) is writer and co-executive producer. On ABC this fall.

https://youtu.be/yZBP6wb3xmI

Speechless

Maya DiMeo (Minnie Driver) is a mother who is willing to do anything for her family. Her son, JJ (Michah Fowler) has cerebral palsy and she will fight for justice in order to give him what he deserves. From the creators of Fresh Off The Boat, comes Speechless on ABC.

https://youtu.be/4u55WK6AbaM

Downward Dog

Based on the web series, “Downward Dog” is about a struggling millennial, Nan (Emmy-nominated Allison Tolman, “Fargo”), from the point of view of her lonely and philosophical dog, Martin. One session at obedience school already makes them realize that even at their worst they may be the best thing for each other. On ABC.

https://youtu.be/M3_bDWTTLWc

Still Star Crossed

“Still Star-Crossed,” a period drama from Shondaland, picks up where the famous story of Romeo and Juliet ends, charting the treachery, palace intrigue and ill-fated romances of the Montagues and Capulets in the wake of the young lovers’ tragic fate. The series is based on the book by Melinda Taub. On ABC.

https://youtu.be/8o3Li_K3v2M

Conviction

Lawyer and former First Daughter Hayes Morrison (Hayley Atwell, “Marvel’s Agent Carter”) is about to accept a job offered from her sexy nemesis, NY District Attorney Wayne Wallis, to avoid jail time for cocaine possession and avoid hurting her mother’s Senate campaign. Working with his team at the new Conviction Integrity Unit will let her use her brilliant mind to turn over cases, where there is credible suspicion of wrongful conviction, and give her a chance to turn things around with her high-powered political family. On ABC this fall.

https://youtu.be/KJqg6J4JeLg

Time After Time

Based on the novel and movie “Time After Time,” executive producer/writer Kevin Williamson (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Scream” franchise, “Dawson’s Creek”) delivers a fantastical cat and mouse adventure through time when famed science fiction writer H.G. Wells is transported to modern day Manhattan in pursuit of Jack the Ripper. Once H.G. arrives in New York City, he finds a world he never thought possible and a young woman who captivates him.Starring Josh Bowman, Freddie Stroma, Genesis Rodriguez, Regina Taylor, Jordin Sparks. On ABC this fall.

https://youtu.be/VN4C4Ar5BLo

Imaginary Mary

Alice (Jenna Elfman) has her life turned upside-down when she ‘stupidly’ falls for the love of her life Ben (Stephen Schneider)— an adorable, quick-witted divorced father with three kids. But when she ignores her fears of commitment and her ability to mother, Imaginary Mary, her childhood invention (voiced by Rachel Dratch), comes back to life to express Alice’s deepest fears and add more chaos to the situation. On ABC this fall.

https://youtu.be/15vywGIjvPk

American Housewife

Katie Otto (Katy Mixon, “Mike and Molly”), a confident, unapologetic wife and mother of three, raises her flawed family in the wealthy town of Westport, Connecticut, filled with “perfect” mommies and their “perfect” offspring.  

https://youtu.be/A9JRoZsnINw?list=PLDe0CguuqcMCYjNrtV9t8ScSw2BU7B-Om  

The CW

No Tomorrow

The series centers on a risk-averse quality-control assessor (Tori Anderson), who falls in love with a freewheeling man (Joshua Sasse) who lives life to the fullest because he believes the apocalypse is imminent. They embark on a quest together to fulfill their individual bucket lists, with comedic and poignant results. Sarayu Blue, Amy Pietz, Jesse Rath and Jonathan Langdon also star. No Tomorrow will air on the CW in the fall.

https://youtu.be/pHomgpe_HYE

Frequency

In this reimagining of the 2000 New Line film, Peyton List stars as a female police detective who in 2016 discovers she is able to speak via a ham radio with her estranged father (Riley Smith), who's also was a detective but died in 1996. They forge a new relationship while working together on an unresolved murder case, but unintended consequences of the ‘butterfly effect’ wreak havoc in the present day. Devin Kelley, Lenny Jacobson, Anthony Ruivivar and Daniel Bonjour also star. To air in the fall on the CW.

https://youtu.be/BL8Rl2n2C6Y

The Great Indoors

An adventure reporter must adapt to the times when he becomes the boss to a group of millennials in the digital department of the magazine. Starring: Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Joel McHale, and Stephen Fry. On CBS in the fall.

https://youtu.be/oIGqzXhqsqc

Pure Genius

A young Silicon Valley tech-titan enlists a veteran surgeon with a controversial past in starting a hospital with a cutting-edge, new school approach to medicine. CBS this fall.

https://youtu.be/Fx-5-t4Njlc

MacGyver

A reimagining of the television series of the same name, following a 20-something MacGyver as he creates a clandestine organization where he uses his knack for solving problems in unconventional ways to help prevent disasters from happening. CBS this fall.

https://youtu.be/2pS39X658Vw

Bull

Dr. Jason Bull is an expert in human psychology and the best trial consultant in the business. He and his team helps his clients by profiling the jury as a in this exciting new law drama. Starring Michael Weatherly (Anthony DiNozzo, NCIS). Executive producer Steven Spielberg. CBS this fall.

https://youtu.be/cRbT53K9XZQ

Training Day

TV follow-up to the 2001 film 'Training Day' about a rookie cop partnered with a corrupt officer.

https://youtu.be/qeoB3R1QteI

Kevin Can Wait

A newly retired police officer looks forward to spending more quality time with his wife and three kids only to discover he faces much tougher challenges at home than he ever did on the streets. Kevin James stars in Kevin Can Wait, this fall on CBS.

https://youtu.be/RuNcS1-Xpxs

Man with a Plan

CBS’ new comedy series Man With a Plan, starring Matt LeBlanc as a contractor who learns that raising his kids is more challenging than expected when his wife goes back to her job as a medical lab technician.

https://youtu.be/Sn5XHuGbYvY

TV Renewals and Cancellations

It’s that time of year folks. Is your favorite show getting canceled? Or is it safe for another year? Here’s the list so far according to Deadline.

Renewals

·       Dr. Ken -- ABC

·       American Crime -- ABC

·       The Catch -- ABC

·       The Real O’Neals -- ABC

·       Supergirl -- CW

·       Crazy Ex-Girlfriend -- CW

·       Reign -- CW

·       Jane the Virgin -- CW

·       The Vampire Diaries -- CW

·       iZombie -- CW

·       The 100 -- CW

·       Legends of Tomorrow -- CW

·       Supernatural -- CW

·       Arrow -- CW

·       Flash -- CW

Cancellations

·       Grinder -- Fox

·       Grandfathered -- Fox

·       Bordertown -- Fox

·       Cooper Barrett -- Fox

·       Galavant -- ABC

·       The Muppets -- ABC

·       Agent Carter -- ABC

·       Castle -- ABC

·       The Family -- ABC

·       Nashville -- ABC

·       Containment -- CW

·       CSI Cyber -- CBS

Fox Orders New Series

Deadline reports that Fox has ordered series runs for some interesting properties including:  The Exorcist, Lethal Weapon, A.P.B. and Pitch; and two comedies Making History and The Mick.

While Lethal Weapon and The Exorcist are based on their movie counterparts the other tv shows are more original.

Making History: Chronicles three friends from two different centuries as they try to balance the thrill of time travel with the mundane concerns of their present-day lives. Two shows in one, it’s both a rollicking historical adventure, and a contemporary comedy about love, friendship and trying to fit into an increasingly complex and impersonal world.

The Mick: Mackenzie “The Mick” Murphy (Kaitlin Olson) is a brash, blue collar, two-bit hustler who has spent her entire life gaming the system and shirking any semblance of responsibility. But when her estranged sister and billionaire brother-in-law flee the country to escape federal charges, the opulent, care-free life Mickey has always envied is finally within reach… But there is one minor catch: she must assume custody of her sister’s three rich, entitled, high-maintenance children.

A.P.B.:  Inspired by true events, APB is about the Chicago Police Department spiraling out of control amid sky-high crime, officer-involved shootings, cover-ups and corruption. After witnessing a violent crime first-hand, genius tech billionaire Gideon Reeves (Justin Kirk), decides to do something about it, putting up millions of dollars of his own money to take over the troubled 13th Precinct and reboot it as a private police force: better, faster and smarter than anything seen before. With cutting-edge technology and revolutionary new ideas, Gideon plans to rethink everything about the way cops fight crime.

Disney Infinity not Infinite after all

Disney announced Tuesday it is shutting down its Disney Infinity line of games and collectible toys and ending its self-published console game business. Two last playsets will be released in the next two months. Disney did say they were open to third party game makers using their intellectual property but internal game making will be shutting down.

Google Translate in Any App

Google is making it way easier to translate text on Android: just highlight it.

The new feature is called Tap to Translate, and it arrives in an update to Google Translate for Android. The feature allows Translate to automatically pop up inside of other apps after you've highlighted text in a foreign language, all without copy and pasting. The pop up will also allow you to translate text from your first language back into the foreign language you're reading.

Hyperloop One tested

Hyperloop Technologies has changed its name to Hyperloop One and showed off a test of its linear-electric motor on a test track in the desert north of Las Vegas. A 10-foot sled was accelerated to 400 mph along a test track into a pile of sand at a force of 2.5Gs. CTO Brogan BamBrogan hopes to have a quarter-mile track with tubes by the end of the year.

Viv is Siri 2.0

Viv, the open platform voice assistant from the creators of Siri, was demonstrated today at Disrupt New York and generally impressed as expected. Not only did Viv handle conversational requests for information but also but by connecting with third-party merchants to purchase goods and book reservations.

Viv additionally demonstrated dynamic program generation. With every verbal requests Viv showed the code that handled it. This could allow developers build a conversational UI by speaking to Viv and tweaking the generated code returned.

Viv utilizes advancements that will replace current voice assistants like Siri and Cortana.

Amazon takes on YouTube

TechCrunch reports that this week Amazon launched Amazon Video Direct. This service allows creators to upload their own videos to Amazon’s Prime Video and generate royalties based on the hours streamed. Creators must fill out tax information and link a bank account, plus create pages for their series and provide artwork for display. They can choose to include shows in Amazon Prime, streamed free with ads, rented, sold or any combination.

Amazon video is available in Japan, the UK, Austria, Germany and the US. Variety reports Amazon will pay creators 50% of retail, 55% of ad-supported free streaming and 15 cents per hour streamed in on Prime in the US, 6 cents per hours streamed elsewhere, capped at $75,000. The top 100 titles get paid a monthly bonus.

It seems like Amazon is looking to take on the big players in the user generated content services like YouTube.

Revealed: The four Houses of American Hogwarts

The Daily Mail reports that they were able to get a sneak peek at the four houses of the American School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Ilvermorny, featured in the upcoming film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Federico Ian Cervantez accidentally discovered that the four houses on the Pottermore site. The houses of Ilvermorny are Horned Serpent, Wampus, Thunderbird and Pukwudgie. Furthermore they are described as:

The Horned Serpent is described as 'dragon-like serpents with horns and long teeth. They are often associated with or said to control the weather, particularly rain, lightning, and thunder. Magical abilities ascribed to them include shape-shifting, invisibility, and hypnotic powers'

The Wampus is a cat-like creature 'described as some kind of fearsome variation of a cougar'.

The Thunderbird is a legendary creature 'often described as a very large bird, capable of generating storms and thunder as it flies'.

The Pukwudgie is:  'two-to-three-feet tall and human-shaped, but with a larger nose, ears, and fingers and smooth, grey skin that sometimes glows. Its magical abilities include disappearing and reappearing, partial or complete transformation into a porcupine or cougar, and creating fire'.

What house do you think the American sorting hat would place you in?

Save your Periscopes

Periscope’s latest update lets beta testers permanently save your broadcasts by adding #save to the title. Saved broadcasts will remain online “forever.” Saved videos will also appear in user profiles. There is no limit on the number of videos you can save. Android and iOS users can ask for an invite to try the feature by visiting bit.ly/betascope.

Automated Lyft Test

Only a few months after GM invested $500 million in Lyft,

The Wall Street Journal reports GM and Lyft plan to test self-driving Chevy Bolt cabs in 2017 picking up actual Lyft passengers. The plan will use technology from Cruise Automation which GM acquired in March. GM will also begin renting out Chevy Bolts to Lyft drivers. Currently it rents only the Chevy Equinox. GM and Lyft announced a partnership in January. No word on what city they plan to roll out the test in.

New Power Rangers, New Suits

Entertainment Weekly reports that when the Power Rangers revival morphs into theaters, the five teenagers with attitude won’t be wearing the original series’ costumes to battle Rita Repulsa (Elizabeth Banks). Instead, the new cast will don translucent extraterrestrial armor that crystallizes around their bodies. New Rangers, new suits. That’s the rule.

New Han Solo Confirmed

Breaking Last night. Deadline confirmed that Alden Ehrenreich (Beautiful Creatures, Hail Caesar!, Blue Jasmine) has scored the role of Han Solo in Disney’s stand-alone Star Wars movie. The Han Solo film, expected to be called Han Solo: A Star Wars Story. The movie is currently in preproduction under directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

YouTube Unplugged

Bloomberg reports its sources tell it YouTube is planning another subscription based streaming service called Unplugged that would include network and cable channels.

YouTube has supposedly been working on the product since 2012 and plans to launch in 2017 at around $35 a month with add-ons available. YouTube is in talks with such companies as: Comcast, NBCUniversal, Viacom, Twenty-First Century Fox, and CBS, although it has yet to strike any deals.

Hulu On-Demand

The Wall Street Journal reports that Hulu is planning a new web subscription service that would sell live and on-demand programming from the likes of ESPN, ABC, Fox and FX, for about $40 a month, starting early next year.

Hulu may be trying to compete with other skinny bundle services like the Roku.

GeoOrbital adds power to any Bicycle

In as little as 60 seconds, GeoOrbital says they can add motorized power to just about any bicycle.

You just snap off your front wheel and replace it with GeoOrbital's electric wheel. The wheel uses a 500W motor and 36V battery to propel the bicycle up to 20 miles per hour. The battery — which is removable— will last at least 20 miles on its own, or about 50 miles if you mix in some pedaling.

The GeoOrbital wheel will eventually retail for about $900 — which is cheap by electric bike standards — and the company is offering it for as low as $500 to early backers on Kickstarter.