Beam is acquired by Microsoft | Crunch Report

TL;DR

Microsoft acquires interactive game streaming service Beam, while MIT partners with Microsoft Research to create smart temporary tattoos.

Transcript

beam gets acquired by microsoft soon even our tattoos will be smart new Star Wars rogue one trailer and more it's Friday August twelfth and this is crunch report what is up last day of traveling down in Southern California we are somewhere a little past the grapevine right now you can actually see the grapevine back there it's a little town called ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Microsoft's acquisition of Beam indicates a growing interest in interactive game streaming services.
• 🧠 The Duke University study showcases the potential of brain-machine interfaces in improving mobility for paraplegic patients.
• 💨 The collaboration between MIT Media Lab and Microsoft Research highlights the exploration of new ways to interact with devices using temporary tattoos.
• 🫠 Facebook's response to Adblock Plus blocking its ads demonstrates the ongoing battle between ad blockers and online platforms.
• 🪭 The second trailer for Rogue One, Disney's Star Wars spin-off film, has generated excitement among fans.
• 🎮 The use of crowdsource controls in game streaming creates a more engaging experience for viewers.
• 🤗 The development of smart temporary tattoos opens up possibilities for new forms of device interaction.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Beam and what does it offer?

Beam is an interactive game streaming service that allows viewers to play along with streamers by interacting with them via crowdsource controls. It offers a more engaging experience compared to traditional streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Q: How does the brain-machine interface developed by Duke University work?

The brain-machine interface developed by Duke University utilizes an Oculus Rift headset to simulate a neurological connection to the lower limbs for paraplegic patients. The interface also incorporates robotic actuators to create movements. The study showed promising results, with patients experiencing improved sensation and muscle control in their lower limbs.

Q: What are smart temporary tattoos and how are they being developed?

Smart temporary tattoos are metallic tattoos that can be used to interact with smartphones and computers. MIT Media Lab and Microsoft Research are collaborating to produce these tattoos, with the aim of eventually making the technology available for permanent tattoo creations.

Q: How did Facebook respond to Adblock Plus blocking its ads?

Facebook responded quickly to Adblock Plus blocking its ads by developing a fix. Within hours, they pushed an update to their site code that nullified the Adblock Plus workaround.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Microsoft has acquired Beam, a game streaming service that allows viewers to interact with streamers via crowdsource controls.

• A study conducted by Duke University demonstrates the potential for brain-machine interfaces to restore mobility in paraplegic patients.

• MIT Media Lab and Microsoft Research collaborate to develop smart temporary tattoos that can be used to interact with devices.