Tag: reality

Fujifilm Introduces the instax mini Link+ Smartphone Printer

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, Imaging Solutions Division, today announced the introduction of the instax mini Link+™ (mini Link+) smartphone printer. The latest iteration in the instax™ Link series smartphone printer lineup, mini Link+ integrates even more instant photo technology into its free, downloadable instax mini Link™ smartphone app, with new features centered around inspiration, impact, and imagination, including new and enhanced print modes designed to capture both the aesthetic of the creator and the moment. They are launched a new evo Cinema camera today.

“One of our favorite things about the instax mini Link™ series of smartphone printers is the breadth of options it delivers to creators,” said Shin Udono, Senior Vice President, Imaging Solutions, FUJIFILM Europe. “Users being able to print images from their smartphone’s camera roll has brought the joy of instant photography and the analog film experience to so many. With the introduction of mini Link+, we’re especially excited because the features will allow them to take their creativity and self-expression even further.”

Main Features: 

Simple Print Mode

With mini Link+, users can utilize Simple Print mode in the instax mini Link™ app to print photos directly from their smartphone’s camera roll, or even print out saved images from their Pinterest® account for some handheld inspiration.

Design Print Mode

This mode captures every detail in users’ images – from text to illustrations or other graphics, the images show the finest details with precision.

Simulation Mode

Simulation mode lets the user see what the photos will look like before they print, whether the image is going on a wall, a shelf, a table, or more, this mode lets you experiment with placement and style, to ensure your printed image fits your design plan.

Multiple Print Mode

Multiple Print Mode on the instax mini Link™ smartphone app lets users print up to 10 images3 they have previewed and selected in Simulation Mode – in a single step. This ensures smooth printing of images in the sequence the user selected, with no waiting. 

Frame Print Feature

With this feature, users can customize their images by applying a frame, adding a sticker, or even adding a text caption.


Video Print Feature

Within the instax mini Link™ smartphone app, the Video Print feature allows users to isolate the perfect frame within a video they have shot with their smartphone, and output that frame as a printed image3.

Bold Design

The mini Link+ smartphone printer is purposefully designed with a slim, easily portable form factor in a sophisticated black with a striking orange color accent. Additional features within the instax mini Link™ smartphone app include:

 

  • Remote shooting capability 
  • Collage Print functionality
    • Users can gather multiple images and print them in collage format on a single instax™ mini photo
  • Light/Dark user interface modes
  • instaxAiR Studio™ feature
  • Users can add 3D Augmented Reality effects before taking photos in the app 

Pricing and Availability

The instax mini Link+™ smartphone printer will be available on 28th January 2026 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of €150.00 (inc. VAT). Available at FUJIFILM stockists nationwide. For more product information, please visit https://instax.ie/cameras/mini-link-plus/

See our instax reviews 

Live Casino Technology: Safety, Reality of Play and Confidence in Dealers

With the introduction of live casino services, which give players an opportunity to enjoy casino games run by real dealers via real-time streaming, online casinos now provide an environment similar to that of a traditional casino.

Live casinos differ significantly from conventional online casinos that rely on random number generators to produce game outcomes. These platforms offer real-time games managed by live dealers, which increases the sense of authenticity and fosters player engagement beyond the typical interactions found in standard online casinos.

Overview Of Live Casino Features

The incorporation of live dealer services has enhanced online casinos, making it possible to merge aspects of digital and conventional physical gaming establishments. At these live casinos, players have the opportunity to engage with dealers in real time. These online casinos feature incredible popularity since only in Canada, 32% of wagers are placed in a live casino, so they may soon beat the popularity of slots!

The advent of sophisticated streaming technologies has made it possible for players to engage with live dealers and other gamblers, bringing the excitement of a physical casino to the convenience of their own homes. Several technologies lie behind this.

Central to this evolution is high-definition (HD) video streaming, which delivers live dealer interactions directly to players, establishing a real-time connection between the digital and physical realms. Additionally, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology is essential, as it translates croupiers’ actions and the game results into digital information that players can access on their devices.

What Technology Makes Live Casino Experience Close to Real

Live casinos employ advanced technology known as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which converts the dealer’s physical transactions into data that is communicated to the players. The outcomes of the game are determined not by an automated system, but by human interaction. There are several major characteristics that contribute to the quality of gaming experience.

The Game Control Unit 

Every table game has an attached to the table game control unit. The video broadcasting from the live casino studio is processed by the game control unit. This unit is a crucial element of live casino games, as it enables dealers to oversee each game separately.

Multiple Cameras

Cameras play a crucial role in ensuring the effective transmission of live sporting events. Recent advancements in technology have led to the development of smaller yet more powerful cameras capable of delivering live broadcasts. In live casino settings, a roulette table typically utilizes several cameras: one for a general overview, another for capturing images of the table, the third for photographing the wheel, and an additional camera dedicated to image display.

Dealers And Croupiers

The dealers run games, ensuring that there is no noticeable distinction between traditional and online casino formats. All live casinos employ dealers who are well-versed in the rules and regulations of each game, having undergone comprehensive training. Advances in technology enable a smart card to monitor all actions performed by the dealer.

Monitor With Players

The monitor provides a view of online gamers as they appear on their screens. Players have the option to adjust their seating position if they prefer not to be visible on camera, as most cameras possess certain “blind spots.”

A tracking system assists the dealer in responding promptly and monitoring the bets placed by players. Dealers get a recommendation to use this technology in most cases.

Additionally, the monitor allows the dealer to verify the identities of online game participants. As mentioned earlier, live communication between players and dealers facilitates the swift resolution of any issues that may arise within the casino environment.

Technology Hidden Behind Live Casino Safety

 

Live casinos utilize a wide range of tools and approaches to guarantee gamblers a secure environment to wager money in real time. Sophisticated encryption techniques protect personal and financial data of players, maintaining the security and integrity of the gaming experience. Furthermore, Random Number Generators (RNGs) guarantee that each spin, card draw, or dice roll is completely random and equitable in games. These are some of the technologies used by live casinos to guarantee players the highest level of security. 

  • Improved Security. Advanced encryption methods and secure server infrastructures safeguard personal and financial data of players, enhancing the safety of online gambling. Additionally, the incorporation of biometric security measures, including facial recognition and fingerprint, is being adopted within casino operations to imporve security even more.
  • Transparency and fairness. RNGs guarantee a fair gameplay by generating unpredictable results. Furthermore, the exploration of blockchain technology is underway to potentially improve transparency and fairness in live casino operations through the secure documentation of transactions and game results.
  • AI-powered surveillance. AI-driven systems are capable of continuously monitoring gameplay, identifying unusual patterns, and observing any deviations from established protocols. These advanced systems facilitate the immediate identification of potential fraudulent activities, thereby enabling swift action to safeguard both the casino and its patrons.
  • Multi-layered security frameworks. The integration of encryption, biometric systems, artificial intelligence surveillance, and blockchain technology forms a robust security framework for live casinos. These components function collaboratively to tackle different facets of cybersecurity, offering extensive protection against a range of threats. This layered strategy enhances overall security, facilitating ongoing advancements within the casino sector.

Live casinos provide an exceptional opportunity to experience the thrill of gaming from the comfort of home. The technology supporting these platforms is not only more accessible but also significantly safer than traditional physical establishments. For example, platforms like Drake Casino leverage these cutting-edge security measures to ensure fair play, data protection, and an immersive gaming experience.

The harmonious incorporation of these cutting-edge technologies signifies a remarkable advancement within the live casino sector. This unwavering dedication to operational excellence and enhanced security serves as a clear indication of the industry’s pledge to protect player interests while maintaining the utmost standards of fairness and transparency.

Full Lineup Revealed For Belfast XR Festival With Top Extended Reality Experiences On The Bill

An innovative arts festival is set to once again merge technology and art to create a unique virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experience for attendees.

Belfast XR, now in its third year, specialises in curating worldclass immersive technology content that takes the art of storytelling to a new level.

Extended Reality or ‘XR’ is the collective name for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). VR is a computer-generated artificial environment with scenes that appear to be real, while AR is a digital overlay onto the real world, which is viewed through your phone or an iPad.

This year’s lineup has been confirmed to include three unique paid for experiences along with an additional three free bonus experiences available for visitors to the festival.

Appearing at the festival will be the magical VR journey through the work of Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí in Gaudí, The Atelier of the Divine.

Attendees will take part in a 20 minute experience designed for small groups of six.

The story will take festival goers back to 1926 when, weakened by age and feeling his death approaching, Gaudí invites his new assistants to discover his studio, to understand his vision and complete his work.

The heart-wrenching voyage of survival Stay Alive My Son is also one of the key events, based on the internationally acclaimed memoirs of Pin Yathay, this immersive 60 minute story thrusts audiences into the shoes of a pained father forced to make the gut-wrenching decision to abandon his six-year-old son to survive during the Cambodian genocide.

The final headline experience will be Eternal, the profound exploration of eternal life, where during this 20 minute experience attendees will step into the realm of eternity with a mesmerising audio journey designed exclusively for one person, in the comfort of their own bed.

As intimate audiences of just two people per time slot climb into a bed they will delve into a profound exploration of eternal life and contemplate the sacrifices one might make for immortality.

Deepa Mann-Kler, director and curator for Belfast XR Festival which is an annual gathering for the XR arts – storytelling, visual arts, music, drama, dance, literature and theatre, said bringing virtual and augmented reality content to new audiences locally is something the team at Belfast XR are passionate about.

She said: “Our ambition is to create an unmissable annual gathering for XR that inspires storytelling and our passion is to bring the best global virtual and augmented reality content to new local audiences. You don’t need to have used a virtual reality headset before, as our team will guide you through the whole process.”

For attendees who purchase tickets for any of the headline events this year they will have exclusive access to three additional free experiences.

Emperor is a 40 minute long captivating virtual reality experience that delves into the mind of a father grappling with aphasia. Attendees will witness the poignant journey of a daughter striving to connect with her speechless father, uncovering the depths of his memories along the way.

Flow is a 15 minute experience where users will be swept away by the winds through what appears to be an ordinary day filled with turbulence. Encounter the sensations of smells, heat and breath, as the air currents unveil hidden presences and reveal captivating events in the life of a woman.

SEN is also a 15 minute experience where attendees will enter the mystical realm of the traditional Japanese tea room, where they’ll meet SEN, the tea spirit. As disaster strikes and SEN dissolves into the universe, it discovers unity with all beings, bringing calm to the tea room.

Running on Wednesday February 28 and Thursday 29 this year’s festival theme is Legacy which will offer attendees the chance to experience world history in captivating ways allowing audiences to step into the past, interact with historical figures, and explore significant events firsthand.

Belfast XR Festival is both for XR enthusiasts and those who haven’t experienced any form of XR in the past.

Deepa explained: “The Festival is aimed at 16+ years of age and is open to everyone. You don’t need to have experienced AR, VR or any of these types of experiences before. We  have an amazing team who will guide you through the whole process from the  minute you step into The Black Box.

“I want people to have memorable experiences. I want them to be altered, in a good way. I want them to talk about how it made them feel. I want to increase their appetite to experience more.

The Belfast XR Festival is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. It is also supported by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen, Digital Catapult NI, Future Screens NI and Ulster Screen Academy.

For more information follow Belfast XR Festival on social media or go to belfastxrfestival.com

Dublin City Council Launch ‘DiscovAR Dublin’ – Ireland’s First Augmented Reality Map

Dublin City Council has today announced the launch of a new augmented-reality (AR) mapping feature that allows users of the Dublin Discovery Trails app to open up a 3D map of Dublin on their device and allow them to explore the city in a new, innovative way.

‘DiscovAR Dublin’ is a first for Ireland in utilising new open Google Maps technology to form an interactive 3D map where users can be transported into the city to interact with the map to uncover Dublin landmarks, museums and attractions. Users can also learn more about the history and significance of locations such as the Guinness Storehouse, EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum and 14 Henrietta Street.

The project is a collaboration between the Dublin City Council, Smart Dublin and Virgin Media Business alongside Peel X, who developed the feature for the Dublin Discovery Trails app.

Launched last year, the app is a platform on which the Dublin local authorities can develop new and exciting immersive experiences combining the real-world history with smart technologies. Already there are unique experiences published including Doors into Docklands, Balbriggan and Castleknock heritage tours.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste, launching this exciting new feature said, “This is first for Ireland, the user can ‘literally’ step into the city from anywhere in the world and explore Dublin in the palm of their hand. This innovative technology will help further position Dublin as a world-class destination with this new experience. I’m delighted to launch DiscovAR here today and I’d encourage everyone to download the app and try it today to explore the best of what Dublin has to offer.”

Tourists and locals alike can use the app before they visit the city, or while they are in the city with the vision that it will assist users to learn more about Dublin and its extensive history, sights, monuments and streets across the capital city.

Also commenting on the launch of ‘DiscovAR Dublin’, Jamie Cudden, Smart City Lead, Dublin City Council said, “DiscovAR offers a new way for visitors and locals to experience the capital city. Through our Smart Dublin programme, we are always thinking about how we can embrace new technologies to enhance how people engage with our Capital City. This app through its immersive AR technology is a new and fun way to explore the City’s culture and history and we see huge potential to expand this.”

The Dublin Discovery Trail app is part of a larger Smart Tourism strategy to invest in digital to transform Dublin’s tourism experience for how we tell the story and history of the city and was developed as part of the new Dublin City Council Tourism Strategy 2023-2028 – Innovation Pillar. Using new and immersive technologies, such as augmented reality, will help further position Dublin as a world-class tourism destination with this new digital experience and allow for further unique and tailored customer experiences that will keep the city relevant for tourists.

For more information on ‘DiscovAR’ and to download the app visit http://dublindiscoverytrails.com or search Dublin Discovery Trails on Apple App Store or Google Play..

How Tech is Changing The Reality of Gaming

The world of online gaming is still a relatively new one, especially when you compare it to the PC or console gaming sector. Although we take for granted things like cloud gaming making it possible for us to instantly play huge titles, games that allow us to trade NFTs with others all over the world, and being able to connect and play with friends on almost all of the major releases, these technologies are still very much in their infancy. Some of the older technology is equally fascinating though and that all stems from virtual reality. As virtual reality begins to reach the point where it almost can’t be improved upon, we’re going to take a look at the other ‘realities’ that the gaming industry is working on, including some that might surprise you.

Reality Live Streaming

Streaming sites have really come into their own in the last few years, with Twitch being one of the most used. This site offers users the chance to watch live-streamed footage of creators playing their favorite games. It’s possible to live stream this footage to anywhere in the world thanks to Twitch’s strategically placed hubs that they operate worldwide. These hubs send out the livestreamed footage to their closest users, enabling them to watch in real time. All the content creator has to have is a live-stream enabled headset. This is pretty fascinating tech, but a sector that’s taking it even further is the casino sector. Live dealer casinos enable players to see a croupier dealing cards from several different angles all in real time. Then, once the cards are dealt, they can interact with the croupier using the user interface on their screens. This requires much more sophisticated technology to facilitate the interaction, but this style of gaming is proving hugely popular with users of online casinos. So much so that Arabian Betting’s rundown of online casinos in Bahrain features the top three casinos as offering this style of gaming. 

Virtual Reality

Now onto the technology that’s been around the longest, virtual reality has been bubbling away in the background for decades. Going to the cinema and wearing the red and blue glasses to watch a film in three dimensions might seem hilarious now, but it was the first taste of what virtual reality could be. The dinosaurs on the screen weren’t actually leaping out at you, but with those glasses on, it did kind of seem like it. Fast forward to this decade and virtual reality has come and leaps and bounds since. Now it’s affordable for many to have a set of virtual reality goggles at home, enabling a totally immersive gaming experience. Prices range from the ridiculously cost effective Google Cardboard, which at around $9 enables you to fold a set of goggles that fits around your smartphone, creating a three dimensional gaming experience that isn’t going to blow minds, but isn’t going to blow budgets either. On the other end of the scale is the HTC Vive Pro Virtual Reality Headset which for the full set up comes in at around $1400. This promises a totally mesmerizing experience, users will be treated to full 360-degree vision with head tracking and feedback too. So each action you take, has a reaction, sometimes physical, sometimes audio, sometimes visual. The technology in this sort of headset can also enable users to experience augmented reality, which we’ll explore next.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is where you see the world as it is around you but with some changes. For example you might be walking around your city and an enormous dinosaur appears from around the corner of a building. It could appear to topple a statue over and seem incredibly lifelike, all through your VR goggles. At the other end of the scale, the hit game Pokémon Go is also a great example of augmented reality. In this game you head out on a walk and your phone notifies you if you get close to a Pokémon. Once you do, the Pokémon will appear on your screen with the backdrop of the actual world you’re in behind it. Obviously the Vive Pro gives a far more immersive experience than this, but it goes to show how accessible this technology is now becoming that anybody with even a basic smartphone can access it. The benefits of this sort of technology stretch far beyond the world of gaming. Already it is being used to help blind and partially sighted people learn to navigate the world safely. Environments are being simulated for them to negotiate, helping them to feel more at ease when they step out into the actual world.