The Switch: Innovations: Vertical videos, long scorned, find a niche on smartphones

Today's technology and tech policy news  •  Wed., Mar. 4, 2015 View in your Web browser

Innovations: Vertical videos, long scorned, find a niche on smartphones “It’s not crack or nothing, but it’s still really bad,” a puppet warned in a popular YouTube video on the perils of “Vertical Video Syndrome.” Another clips warn that “vertical videos are a sin.”This is the kind of criticism typically made of vertical videos. The well-established backlash stems from our use of smartphones. Because we generally hold them vertically, many people shoot videos that way, too. But when these videos get replayed on horizontal screens, the result is unsightly. Vertical black bars flank the actual video.  Read full article »

Uber is putting tablets for kids in hundreds of cars in the D.C. area

Uber has added a new feature to its family-focused service that could make rides with your children a bit easier: kid-friendly tablets.The car service said Tuesday that it has put Nabi 2 tablets into hundreds of cars in its fleet in the D.C. area as part of its Uber Family  service, which already gives parents the option to request a vehicle with a car seat.  Read full article »

Why Google couldn’t live up to its mobile security promise

Last year, Google made a sweeping promise, saying that content stored on smartphones using the next version of its Android operating system, Lollipop, would be automatically encrypted from the moment users power up a device for the first time. The shift, announced shortly after Apple made a similar commitment, rankled law enforcement officials who warned it might make their jobs harder.  Read full article »

Innovations: Why not to fear the impact of virtual reality goggles on your long-term health

Last week, Magic Leap chief executive Rony Abovitz caused a stir when he said that many virtual reality goggles can cause permanent neurological deficits.Abovitz called out a certain type of headset called stereoscopic 3D. That happens to be the style used by his competitors, including Oculus, Microsoft and Samsung.  Read full article »

Five start-ups chosen for Northern Virginia cybersecurity program

The Northern Virginia accelerator program that nurtures cybersecurity start-ups by offering them investment money and mentorship has chosen its latest crop of companies.The five firms chosen for MACH37’s spring cohort will receive a $50,000 investment and take part in a 90-day program during which they will be “mentored in all aspects of creating a sustainable and successful business.”  Read full article »

The Switchboard: Clinton’s private e-mail helped thwart FOIA requests

Published every weekday, the Switchboard is your morning helping of hand-picked stories from the Switch team.Over the next few weeks, we’ll be switching things up with a new Switchboard feature we’re calling "On Our Radar.” If you hate it, tell us.  Read full article »

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