Computer Science Education Week
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Computer Science Education Week
By Kelly Cronin
The first full week of December is Computer Science Education Week, celebrating the importance of computer science education for both students and educators alike. Computer science education has the power to shape our future, and it is becoming more and more prevalent in classrooms all over the country. Take a look at how new technologies are benefitting computer science education.
Managed Solution displayed the HoloLens at CalPoly Cyber Security & Awareness Fair
Managed Solution participated in the 2016 Cal Poly Pomona Cyber Security & Awareness Fair. The fair aimed to bring awareness to the world of Cyber Security where our entire world is progressing into an internet connected world. At the fair students and faculty got to experience a variety of speakers that have in-depth knowledge of the Cyber Security do’s and don’ts and experience in the Cyber Security field, a poster contest where students displayed their research of pressing issues in the Information Technology Industry, and a hands-on exhibit that allowed students to experience the world of a typical attacker on Internet of Things products.
Students demonstrate their HoloLens apps after a quarter of VR and AR design
At the University of Washington, a computer science classroom is equipping their students with HoloLens headsets to let them develop their own apps. One app developed is called HoloScanner, which redesigns the process of scanning a room and turns it into a game that can then be used for other apps. Other apps include augmented reality cooking, a painting app, and more.
HackingSTEM: Using Computational Thinking to Understand Earthquakes
Millions of students worldwide are in the process of discovering the possibilities of instructing machines to accomplish tasks. Whether completing the Minecraft Hour of Code tutorial, or watching a Pixar In a Box episode on Khan Academy, the spirit of discovery, experimentation and the art of Computer Science is celebrated while students build core 21st century software engineering skills.
This month, the Education Workshop has partnered with the California Academy of Sciences and KQED to combine coding with mechanical engineering and data science to empower students to use computational thinking to experience how engineers and computer scientists are working together to mitigate the impact of earthquakes.
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National Video Games Day Comes to Life with the HoloLens
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National Video Games Day Comes to Life with the HoloLens
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By Kelly Cronin
In a wave of new technology updates, we have taken notice to a completely unique experience - mixed reality. In a mixture of augmented and virtual reality, the Microsoft HoloLens brings holograms to life with complete interaction between our fingertips and 3D holographic objects. One can only imagine the incredible uses for such a tool, but of course we all mostly just want to play with it. National Video Games Day, on September 12th, is inspiring us to see how the HoloLens is transforming the video game world. Check out some articles, photos, and videos below to see just how awesome the HoloLens truly is.
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Pokémon Go bringing attention to Microsoft’s HoloLens
The hype over Pokémon Go isn't solely because Team Mystic is the best, it's also because the augmented reality game is changing how we see video games interact with our real lives. Augmented reality is an incredible experience that moves gamers from sitting behind a screen all day to moving around inside, outside, and everywhere in between. The HoloLens is an augmented reality headset - putting the game inside your living room. Imagine catching a Pikachu without your phone in your hand. Epic.
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Students demonstrate their HoloLens apps after a quarter of VR and AR design
At the University of Washington, a computer science classroom is equipping their students with HoloLens headsets to let them develop their own apps. One app developed is called HoloScanner, which redesigns the process of scanning a room and turns it into a game that can then be used for other apps. Other apps include augmented reality cooking, a painting app, and more.
Check out the HoloScanner app video and more here>>
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Putting Video Games into your Living Space: Young Conker
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Managed Solution hosts HoloLens event, featuring custom made app
We are just as excited about the HoloLens as you are, so we're sharing the experience. Vice President of Marketing and Engagement, Jackie Weiner, developed a custom-made app for our HoloLens that has objects, games, and videos to interact with. At our invite-only events, we host a friendly competition among CEO's and other C-Level executives.
Photos from the event are below, and you can check out the full press release here.
Want to get an invite to one of the coolest experiences around? Check out our events page to find an event near you.
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“The app is awesome! The HoloLens is just fantastic. I was really impressed by the investment that was made into creating this app. The app just blew my mind, and it just shows you how much the HoloLens platform can offer developers."
- Ian Koskela, CIO CD Savoia
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Lenovo announces two Windows 10 desktop PCs ready for virtual reality
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Today at gamescom, Lenovo unveiled two Windows 10 desktop PCs built for you to game and experience virtual reality anywhere you go: the IdeaCentre Y710 Cube and IdeaCentre AIO Y910.
While many gamers dedicate rooms for their battle stations, about half are playing beyond the confines of a desk. The minimalist designs of both PCs, combined with Windows 10, give you top-of-the-line performance virtually anywhere.
The IdeaCentre Y710 Cube with Windows 10
Ideal for gamers who want to stay competitive no matter where they play, the IdeaCentre Y710 Cube comes with a built-in carry handle for easy transport between gaming stations and a new, compact cube form factor weighing only 16 pounds.
The IdeaCentre Y710 Cube allows you to handle 4K gaming, VR and high-quality streaming with massive computing capabilities in real time, as well as multitask between editing a spreadsheet and streaming a movie. With Windows 10 and the Xbox app, you can stream Xbox games from your Xbox One to your Windows 10 PC. For even more control in your favorite games, the Cube also comes with the option of an integrated Xbox One Wireless receiver, including an Xbox One wireless controller.
Other features include:
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Powered by Windows 10
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Integrated Xbox One Wireless receiver supports up to eight Xbox One controllers simultaneously
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Up to NVIDIA’s latest GeForce GTX 1080 graphics
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Up to 6thGen Intel Core i7 processor
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KillerDoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi reduces in-game lag
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Up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM
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Up to 2TB HDD (hard disk drive) or up to 256GB SSD (solid state drive) storage
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Available with option to bundle with Lenovo YSeries Gaming Mechanical Keyboard and Precision Mouse
Price and Availability: The VR-ready IdeaCentre Y710 Cube with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 starts at $1,299.99, available starting in October 2016.1 For more information, visit Lenovo.com.
The IdeaCentre AIO Y910 with Windows 10
The slim, compact, VR-ready IdeaCentre AIO Y910 gives you the most powerful gaming experiences in a size that fits nearly any battle station. Built entirely within a 27-inch Quad High Definition (2560×1440) borderless display, it cuts down on the clutter of hardware and cables, without cutting down on game performance.
As both a VR-ready PC and a high-end desktop, it offers all the features you need as a great personal gaming powerhouse, family PC or entertainment center. With Windows 10 and the Xbox app, you can stream Xbox games from your Xbox One to your PC and also have access to the productivity apps of Microsoft, such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and more.
Other features include:
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Powered by Windows 10
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Easily detachableback panel allows for one-step access to the AIO’s core components
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Ultra-thin display featuring 144Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time
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Impeccable sound with Twin 5W HarmanKardon stereo speakers
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KillerDoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi reduces in-game lag
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Up to NVIDIA’s latest GeForce GTX 1080 or AMDRadeon RX 460 graphics
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Up to 6thGen Intel Core i7 processor
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Up to 32GB DDR4 RAM
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Up to 2TB HDD or up to 256GB SSD
Price and Availability: The VR-ready IdeaCentre AIO Y910 with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 starts at $1,799.99, available starting in October 2016.1 For more information, visit Lenovo.com.
Lenovo’s newest gaming desktop designs, the IdeaCentre Y710 Cube and the IdeaCentre AIO Y910, together with Windows 10, are perfect for exploring virtual reality anywhere you go. Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. Visit Lenovo.com to learn more about today’s news!
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All Windows 10 PCs will get Windows Holographic access next year
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All Windows 10 PCs will get Windows Holographic access next year
By Darrell Etherington as written on techcrunch.com
Windows 10 users will be able to dive into mixed reality starting next year, with an update planned that can let any “mainstream” Windows 10 PC run the Windows Holographic shell the company first revealed in January 2015.
The update will allow users to multi-task in mixed reality environments, which combine traditional 2D Windows 10 apps with immersive, 3D graphical environments. These will be enabled via a range of “6 degrees of freedom devices,” input devices that add positional tracking to other more traditional forms of input, like clicking and pointing.
The Windows team is trying to make this more broadly available, too, thanks to support for a range of Windows 10 PCs that don’t necessarily need the specs required to run full-scale VR today. As an example, Microsoft presented a video of Windows 10 Holographic running at 90 FPS on an Intel NUC, a tiny desktop PC that’s not super expensive and included integrated Intel graphics.
While it’s still unlikely that we’ll all be doing our average desk workflow of spreadsheets and slide presentation in mixed reality any time soon, it’s good to see Microsoft set a timeline for public availability of a feature which, at launch, seems like it had the potential to become vaporware rather than a shipping product.
Intel and Microsoft are also building a specification for mixed reality PCs, as well as head-mounted displays that let users experience the mixed reality operating environment. The public release of the spec is planned for an upcoming Windows hardware develop conference in Shenzhen this December.
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HoloLens Development Edition Updates
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HoloLens Development Edition Updates
In the four months since we began shipping Microsoft HoloLens to our developer and commercial partners, we’ve been absolutely amazed at the innovation shown by the creative people and companies building real solutions using HoloLens. From training aircraft mechanics and flight crews, to helping golf pros and fans get more out of their game, I’m inspired by the experiences you are creating.
In May, we announced the first major software update to Windows Holographic, and today, I’m excited to share our second major update: the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. This is our fastest and most reliable version yet. Some exciting changes are on tap with this release, as well as some new policies making it easier than ever for more developers to create the future of holographic computing.
We’ve also heard that companies are looking for a solution they can confidently pilot and deploy in their enterprises, so today we are introducing the Microsoft HoloLens Commercial Suite, which includes the Development Edition hardware as well as enterprise features for added security and device management. Check out this video to learn more about the HoloLens Commercial Suite:
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Some of the Microsoft HoloLens Commercial Suite features include:
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Kiosk mode. With HoloLens kiosk mode, you can limit which apps to run to enable demo or showcase experiences.
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Mobile Device Management (MDM) for HoloLens. Your IT department can manage multiple HoloLens devices simultaneously using solutions like Microsoft InTune. You will be able to manage settings, select apps to install and set security configurations tailored to your organization’s need.
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Identity. Azure Active Directory & next generation credentials with pin unlock.
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Windows Update for Business. Controlled operating system updates to devices and support for long term servicing branch.
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Data security. BitLocker data encryption and secure boot is enabled on HoloLens to provide the same level of security protection as any other Windows device.
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Work access. Anyone in your organization can remotely connect to the corporate network through a virtual private network on a HoloLens. HoloLens can also access Wi-Fi networks that require credentials.
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Windows Store for Business. Your IT department can also set up an enterprise private store, containing only your company’s apps for your specific HoloLens usage. Securely distribute your enterprise software to selected group of enterprise users.
Check out our documentation page for the full list of things we’ve been working on to make HoloLens even better for you.
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