Tag Archive for: How To Kill An Hour

Google Pixel 4 – Astrophotography

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We recently attended a one off urban astrophotography event hosted by Google. All to highlight Google Pixel 4 Astrophotography! We headed up to The Shard and headed out to “The View” and took some incredible shots. The iconic London building even shut off all of the lights for us! They turned off the lights for one hour to allow us to all get closer to the stars and capture the constellations.

Google partnered with the Royal Observatory Greenwich (ROG) for the event, which was very impressive! Astronomer Tom Kerss stopped by to talk about the cosmos and the history of astrophotography. With Google Pixel 4’s Night Sight, a brand new feature which allows us to see into space and capture the Milky Way. Consequently bringing astrophotography to everyone!

In London

New research shows that over a quarter of Londoners (26.7%) said they lived in a city where they can’t see the stars but wish they could! The percentage was higher than any other city in the UK!

Google worked alongside a fantastic team of social experts to look at 3o,000 UK instagram posts. Of which were related to things stars. For example the #NightSky hashtag. Therefore they were able to find out which of the most popular images were from what parts of the capital. As a result Google were able to identify which where the top 10 London locations for Night Sky photography!

Top 10 most popular Night Sky locations in London: 

  1. Tower Bridge
  2. The Shard
  3. The London Eye
  4. The Royal Observatory Greenwich
  5. South Bank
  6. St Paul’s Cathedral
  7. London Bridge
  8. Sky Garden
  9. The 02 Greenwich
  10. Millennium Bridge

So where have you been and are you going to take a look at the night sky tonight?

“Our research has shown that over 10% of Londoners can’t remember the last time they looked at the night sky. We want to inspire people to spend more time looking up at the stars. With enhanced Night Sight on the new Pixel 4, anyone can take incredible pictures of the galaxy – and where better to demonstrate this than in the UK’s tallest building, The Shard.” – Nick Clark, Product Manager for Google Pixel 4

“With so many people living in urban areas it may seem like our connection to the night sky is lost, but even in the glow of London lights the brightest stars, planets and the Moon can still be seen with the naked eye. These days we take photos of everything and it’s incredible that we can now capture the stars using just the smartphone technology in our pockets.”  – Tom Kerss, Astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Google Pixel 4 Astrophotography – Photos

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Kill Ben Lyk – New RED BAND TRAILER

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British Dark Comedy is always a blast at the cinema and the new film Kill Ben Lyk, looks to continue that trend! It’s the debut film written and directed by Erwan Marinopoulos and stars Eugene Simon (“Game of Thrones”) and Simone Ashley (“Sex education”)
The film has had success on the international film festival circuit, Kill Ben Lyk will be out in UK Cinemas nationwide from 22nd November via ourscreen.

Plot

Multiple bullets, multiple targets, one name. Pop quiz: someone is running around London killing your namesake. What do you do? Do you run? Do you stay and fight? If you’re quasi-famous YouTuber Ben Lyk (Eugene Simon), you vlog about it and hope for the best. That is, until Scotland Yard try and sort it out, rounding him up along with every other Ben Lyk in town, keeping them holed up in a safe house that isn’t so safe. And once the Ben Lyk’s begin dropping dead one by one, it’s a mad dash to figure out why this is even happening in the first place.

Kill Ben Lyk Stars:

Eugene Simon (“Game of Thrones”) stars as one of eight other Ben Lyk’s, including:

Ashley Thomas (“Top Boy” and “Black Mirror”),
Distraction Pieces Podcast presenter Scroobius Pip (“Taboo”),
Bruce MacKinnon (Guardians of the Galaxy),
Bronson Webb (The Dark Knight),
Youtube star Daz Black (“Daz Black watches”),
Charlie Rawes (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom)
Gretchen Egolf (The Talented Mr. Ripley).
Dimitri Leonidas (“Riviera” and The Monuments Men)
Mixed Martial Arts superstar Martyn Ford (“The Nevers” and Kingsman: The Golden Circle)
and James Chalmers (Vanity Fair).

Kill Ben Lyk is 77 mins / English / Cert 15

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Domestic Robots – Do YOU trust them?

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7 in 10 Americans would totally trust a domestic robot to do their chores, according to Yahoo.

Yet, what about Brits? How do we feel about domestic robots?  

(A domestic Robot is an autonomous Robot that is primarily used for household chores)

Specops Software wanted to find out how we Brits felt about robots doing chores so surveyed 2,424 British consumers. They found out something quite the opposite to our American counterparts.

The survey consisted of the questions based on the characteristics of domestic robots. Specops wanted to identify the elements British people believe would make “ideal” robot for the home.

Some of their findings included:

  • 61% of people do not want domestic robots to read emotion
  • 88% of Brits would like the ability to modify their domestic robot
  • 39% of Brits would be likely to purchase a domestic robot, if available now
  • 82% of people would prefer a domestic robot with gender neutral characteristics
  • 82% of people do not want domestic robots to have access to personal, private data

So it looked like us Brits don’t like the idea of Robots doing our chores for us! With many of the statistics being based around privacy based concerns such as reading emotion and access to private personal data.

So, 77% of Brits do not want human-like robots in the home and: 

  • 61% of people do not want domestic robots to read emotion
  • 88% of Brits would like the ability to modify their domestic robot
  • 39% of Brits would be likely to purchase a domestic robot, if available now
  • 82% of people would prefer a domestic robot with gender neutral characteristics
  • 82% of people do not want domestic robots to have access to personal, private data

Domestic Robots Emotion

The most interesting statistic that Specops found was that 39% of Brits agree that it would be an asset for domestic robots to be able to read emotion. With the most favourable emotions ranking as most favourable to be read:

  1. Stress (60%)
  2. Fear (40%)
  3. Happiness (40%)

Functionality wise, 59% of Brits would like domestic robots to memorise what they see and do. While 41% would prefer robots forgot what they see and did instantly.

Aesthetics

But how do we want our robots to look? Well us Brits want domestic robots to look:

  1. Mechanical (65%)
  2. Be neutral in colour (53%)
  3. Have round, soft edges (29%)
  4. Be small and compact (53%)

While, a whopping 82% of people surveyed would like a domestic robot to have gender neutral characteristics (male 6% / female 12%)

We would also like to be able to modify the domestic robot if it were to exist (88%) most favourable modifications:

  • Ability to change its voice or noises (100%)
  •  Wipe its memory instantly (87%)
  • Download apps to increase its knowledge and performance (80%)
  • Extend or add different parts (60%)
  • Change its “skin” / outer casing (27%)
  • Zap or radiate when touched by something unknown (7%)

82% of us believe that the most effective use for a Robot is for security and surveillance.

Cleaning and use as a personal assistant came in a close second at 76%. Entertainment ranked 3rd at 65%, Cooking 53% in at 4th, companionship ranked 5th at 35%, furthermore guidance and advice 6th at  24%, healthcare  7th at 18% and Childcare came last at 6%


(Specops Software)

 

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The Witcher on Netflix

The Witcher on Netflix

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Well I don’t know about you but The Witcher looks FANTASTIC! We all know about the amazing games that are based on the same book series by Andrzej Sapkowski. But this is the first time we’ve seen a live action adaptation. We have to say that we are very very excited for what’s to come.

For those unawares The Witcher is an upcoming fantasy drama web series that’s created by Lauren Schmidt for Netflix. (Who recently revealed that she’s planning 7 seasons!)

Games Radar recently published an interview that Schmidt did with their sister publication SFX magazine and told them that they’re planning to set up stories that can capture audiences interest for years at a time.

“We don’t have a second season yet – God willing we will – but right now it’s just about, ‘How do you set up stories that really capture audiences for years at a time?….The worst thing we could do is put all of our energies just into season one, and not be thinking about where these characters can grow to.” 

Nothing is better than a long story arc, gives us time to breathe and we can connect with the characters more. So we’re all for it!

The Witcher Plot

The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia. He is a monster hunter who traverses an unnamed continent, hunting down lots of different monsters and creatures. All with a HUGE sword! The Geralt saga has spanned five books, released between 2008 and 2017. While the author (Sapkowski) has also written other short stories which also take place in the same realm as Geralt.

Based on the best-selling fantasy series of books, THE WITCHER is an epic tale of fate and family. The story of the intertwined destinies of three individuals in the vast world of The Continent, where humans, elves, witchers, gnomes, and monsters battle to survive and thrive, and where good and evil is not easily identified.

The trailer was dropped at Lucca Comics and Games 2019 as a part of a special panel with The Witcher cast (Freya Allan, Anya Chalotra) and Showrunner, Lauren Schmidt Hissrich!

The Witcher begins streaming on Netflix on December 20th 2019.

(Quartz / Games Radar) 

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Ocean all electric affordable car by Fisker!

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Fisker recently revealed that they are planning to release an affordable electric SUV in 2021. This SUV is called “Fisker Ocean”, they’ll build a show car and debut a “fully running production intent prototype sitting on the actual, completely engineered platform” on the 4th January 2020.  When they reveal the “Fisker Ocean” it will be during a private event. However, it will be livestreamed so everyone can watch.

Recycling

What separates the Fisker Ocean from many other electric vehicles is that it will have a full length solar roof. Therefore extending the vehicles range. Fisker believes that the solar panel will provide up to an extra 1,000 miles worth of energy and clean miles a year. To further highlight Fisker’s belief in recycling, the carpeting will be made of fishing net which have been pulled from oceans. While vegan materials will be used for the interior.

Fisker are releasing it’s own mobile app on November 27th to lease the vehicle with no long term contracts. They will take early reservations and tell us more information about “Ocean” on the same day.

Fisker have previously said that the SUV will cost >$40,000, therefore making it one of the relatively affordable EV’s on the market. The target range for the SUV will approximately be 250 to 300miles. While it may come with an 80kWh lithium-ion battery.

While, Fisker’s Ocean sub-$40,000 electric car will debut on January 4th, 2020, production is stated to begin by the end of 2021. With the first set of high volume deliveries to take place in 2022.

(Engadget)

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Need A New Car? These Top Tips Should Help You Decide

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There comes a time in life when you have to put down your electric scooter and upgrade to something a bit more substantial to get you from A to B. Getting a new car is one of the most rewarding ventures, and choosing one that fits your own specific needs couldn’t be simpler. Following a few basic guidelines can help you sort through the thousands upon thousands that are on offer today, and help you to make the most of any test drives you plan for cars that you’re potentially interested in. So, if you need to buy a new or even your first car, then read on for some of the best top tips to aid you in making the right choice!

 

Set Your Budget

 

Before you even start looking for a car, you have to set your budget. Looking at vehicles that are completely out of your price range will only leave you disappointed when you feel as though you are ‘settling’ for a cheaper make and model. Secure an amount that you can definitely stick to, and begin searching for cars that are less than this number. Don’t be afraid to search for second hand vehicles, as despite them having a previous owner, they can still provide you with all of the usual services at a fraction of the price. For example, a brows though a used Audi Q range can offer you some really great prices for SUVs which although they have been used previously, they have been looked after very well with low mileages, valeted to a high standard – what’s not to love? 

 

Petrol Or Electric?

 

With such an increase in investment in the electric car industry, the following question is becoming more and more common: do you really want or need a petrol powered vehicle? Though there is such a wealth of different makes and models that run on petrol, or even diesel, buying an electric car might just be a smart investment. They offer all of the usual services and features of their gas counterparts, but are much more environmentally friendly, and are said to be much cheaper to run and maintain. The main issue with electric cars is finding a charging point when you are out and about, as they are much less common than petrol stations, which could leave you in need of a tow on more than one occasion. 

 

Always Do A Test Drive

 

One of the most important things you must always do before purchasing any car is perform a test drive in the vehicle. That very reasonable price tag might be down to an issue that’s not listed in the advert, and this could leave you out of pocket with a car that doesn’t work. Even if you just go for a short spin around the block, you will get the chance to listen to the car, and test the steering and motor for any obvious faults. 

 

So, what are you waiting for? for? Get out there and find your next car today!

Mavic Mini – A Vloggers Dream!

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DJI Introducing Mavic Mini

This is a MUST for all filmmakers! DJI Mavic Mini!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Thursday, 31 October 2019

 

DJI have released their latest drone. However, this time it’s small. Very small. The foldable Mavic Mini is the lightest and smallest model that DJI have released. It weights 249g and comes with a whole host of features. That makes flying drones and aerial photography fun and accessible for everyone. The size of the Mavic Mini too doesn’t require FAA registration either!

Mavic Mini has a range of 2.5miles (4km) and has a flight time of 30mins. GPS recievers and downward visual sensors allow for precise hovering and stable flying. It has 2.7k video and 30fps which is a higher resolution than the Mavic Spark (1080p)!.

However, it doesn’t have obstacle avoidance or quickshots (pre-programmed flight photography). The Mavic Mini is designed for simple every day use, fun, quick set up and go. Not your high end filmmakers. Think of this one for your vlogging arsenal.

You can get the Mavic Mini in 2 different options.

One option, a standard option, comes with the Mavic Mini, remote controller, one batter, extra propellers and accessories for $399.

The Fly More Combo comes with all the things available in the standard but with a 360 degree propeller cage, 2-way charging hub, 3 batteries, 3 sets of extra propellers and a carrying case. All that for $499.

Available on November 11th by clicking here!

(Engadget)

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Europe From Above

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Europe From Above _ Official Trailer – Elevate Your Perspective

Europe looks so different from above! National Geographic

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Tuesday, 29 October 2019

EUROPE FROM ABOVE

National Geographic will give people an impressive aerial tour across Europe very soon! As part of a brand new six part series “Europe From Above” premiering on 10th November, we will get to see spectacular views, unique insights and a brand new perspective on Europe’s finest cultural and geographic landmarks.

Filmed over a course of a year, Europe From Above will explore in stunning visual detail, the culture, history, innovation and engineering feats which have shaped Europe. Viewers will get to witness what their favourite countries look like. Through the change of seasons, such as the tulip fields in Holland magically bursting into colour! Furthermore viewers will get to witness the cascading waterfalls at Italy’s Dolomites solidify into ice in seconds!

Each episode is focused on one distinct European country. As this awe-inspiring visual journey highlights and celebrates both natures creations and the human stories which contributed to how their modern nations look today.

Furthermore, viewers will be soaring over well known sites such as Spain’s unfinished Sagrada Familia. Also, the beautiful, historyic windmills and floating homes of the Netherlands and the UK’s Eden Project.

Also, witness incredible views of a tropical resort from within a disused airship hangar in Germany, the largest castle in the world in Poland and an ice-track in Italy.

Europe From Above Episodes:

 

Europe From Above: United Kingdom

Premieres Sunday 10th November at 9pm

This spectacular aerial journey reveals the United Kingdom, as we’ve never seen it before. Flying cameras soar over the Giant’s Causeway as jet-ski litter pickers tidy up the coast. Daredevil gardeners handle chainsaws while hanging from the Eden Project roof. Glide through the London skyline as one of the city’s tallest skyscrapers gets a spring clean.

Europe From Above: Italy

Premieres Sunday 17th November at 9pm

Cameras swoop over the treasures of ancient Rome, fly alongside dredger in Venice and get a bird’s eye view of Sicily’s ladder top fishermen.  We look down on daring scientists as they climb Italy’s Etna volcano, we see bizarre vibrating forks at work in Puglia’s olive groves. Race around an ice track in the high Alps at the world’s strangest supercar school.

Europe From Above: Germany

Premieres Sunday 24th November at 9pm

Hover over a factory the size of a city, fly alongside a record-breaking cable car and get a bird’s eye view of the largest land vehicle on the planet. But this is a country with a quirky side. We’ll fly through a tropical resort inside a vast disused airship hangar. Tour 10 tiny islands where residents have their own personal trains.

Europe From Above: The Netherlands

Premieres Sunday 1st December at 9pm

This spectacular aerial journey reveals the innovations that made the Netherlands a technological powerhouse.  Flying high over historic windmills, futuristic greenhouses, modern turbines and floating homes we reveal the Netherland’s battle for space to live on and grow food.  Weird looking forts provide a glimpse of this nation’s struggle for independence, and bizarre New Year’s traditions bare its community spirit.

Europe From Above: Poland

Premieres Sunday 8th December at 9pm

Swoop over the largest castle in the world, zoom through fireworks over Krakow. Witness the struggles of European Bison, the largest land animal in Europe. This bird’s eye view of Poland also reveals a nation undergoing an astonishing transformation. In Warsaw Poles are hard at work building what will become the tallest building in the EU.

Europe From Above: Spain

Premieres Sunday 15th December at 9pm

Soar over Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia as architects work around the clock to finish the building. Daredevil barnacle hunters rappel down jagged cliffs to hunt for one of the world’s most exclusive shellfish. Glide over one of the world’s greatest abandoned buildings nestled deep in Spain’s northern mountains.

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AirPods Pro – Music To Your Ears

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AirPods Go Pro

Airpods Go Pro!

Posted by How To Kill an Hour on Tuesday, 29 October 2019

 

The AirPods Pro are here and they offer noise cancellation and hands-free access to Siri for $249. There was a bunch of design changes as the stems are shorter, there’s silicone tips to offer a better seal and a wider bigger charging case. (Which is still wireless charging!) Furthermore Apple magic helps you fit the buds perfectly. The use of the Ear Tip Fit Test will examine the seal for each ear, determining which size tip is best!

Apple says the AirPods Pro “superior sound quality” with audio feature called Adaptive EQ. Adaptive EQ will automatically tune the low and mid range frequencies to suit each person’s ears. AirPods pro have an amplifier on board for “pure, incredibly clear sound” and extended battery life. Bass will be produced down to 20Hz to create an “immersive” audio quality for the listener.

Active Noise Cancellation

Active Noise Cancellation works by employing two microphones on each earbud which continuously adapt the level of noice cancellation to your ears. One mic will listen to ambient sound around you, while the other will pick up any additional sound inward. Continuously analysing the sound 200 times per second! Impressive! Furthermore to promote safety, Apple have included a ‘transparency mode’.

This is for when you need to hear what’s going on or you need to chat to someone. You can activate it on the earbud itself via the force sensor or through the control center. The force sensor can also be used to play/pause, skip and answer calls. However volume adjustments will need to be done on your iPhone.

Battery life is 5hours with active noise cancelling turned off and 4.5hrs with active noise cancelling turned on. With the included wireless charging case, you can expect up to 24hrs of total listening time.

AirPods cost £249, begin shipping on 30th Oct and you can purchase your own here

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Hitmen Hiring Hitmen!

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This story is a little crazy, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a little fictional! A total of 5 hitmen have been jailed for attempted murder. As each one avoided carrying out of the contract themselves so they could make a profit.

Chinese businessman Tan Youhui was looking for a hitman to take out a competitor, Wei Mou. Tan was willing to pay a total of 2M yuan (£218,000) for completion of the hit. Yet the hitman that Mr Youhui hired decided to offer the job to another hitman for half of the original price.  This hitman then subcontracted to another hitman (hitman #3), who then subcontracted to a 4th different hitman. Still following along? Then 4th hitman gave the job to a 5th and final hitman.

However, the 5th hitman was furious that the value of the hit had fallen so low, he went to target (Wei Mou) and asked him to fake his own death. (Not exactly a smart thing to do) This of course led to the police finding out about the plot, Beijing News reported.

Youhui and all of his comedy hitmen were all convicted of attempted murder by a court in Nanning, Guangxi, following a trail that lasted 3 years.

However, the dispute between Wei and Youhui originally began in 2013 when Wei sued real estate developer Youhui.

Sentencing of the Hitmen

The sentences were a little different for all those involved. Tan who hired the original hitman was jailed for 5 years. Xi, hitman #1 was sentenced to 3yrs and 6mnths. Yang Kangsheng (hitman #3) and Yang Guangsheng (hitman #4) were sentenced to three years and three months. Mo (hitman #2) was sentenced to 3yrs, and Ling (hitman #5) was sentenced to two years and seven months.

(Metro)

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