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🚀 The year 2017 at a glance

The year 2017 was amazing and a busy year. It was like a rocket when the time goes that quickly. You saw a lot of exciting updates and new features. And we will not sit still for the year 2018. Here a short overview from Turn Off the Lights work in 2017.

Update and features in Year 2017

App

In January we updated the Turn Off the Lights for Desktop Mac app with for the support of the Touch Bar for the latest MacBook Pro hardware.
In February we launched the screen dimmer app for Windows 10. That is available in the Microsoft Store.

Web

For the Google Chrome and Firefox web browser you have the option to install a Dark browser theme that is coherent with the dark layer.
Turn Off the Lights Browser extension have also some improvements, such as take a screenshot of your playing YouTube video. That capture the best moment you love in that YouTube video. And you can edit live the screenshot to your own personal style. There is an option to control the HTML5 video playback, this to speed up any video on the web.
In July we published our first Google Assistant app, that is always here if you have any questions about Turn Off the Lights Software. Or if you want to hear a tip of the day.
The Turn Off the Lights Firefox extension have also new and unique update that can really dark everything in your web browser, with one single click. That in your website content, tabs and menu bar. And in September is the Turn Off the Lights Safari extension available in the App Store.
In October we launched our new WebVR virtual reality technology experiment. And at least our team is selected as one of the European technology leader and innovator of the web. The Turn Off the Lights Browser extension won the Bronze Award and also the People Award at the The Lovie Awards 2017, that happened in London!

We want to thank the Turn Off the Lights communities and translators for their work, and we look forward to what we will accomplish together in 2018!
And for all our users, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

About The Author

Stefan Van Damme

WebVR virtual reality technology is the Next Chapter

In our previous post we talked about the 5 Pieces of Innovative Technology for Your Computer. And the virtual reality technology is one of them. Today we present you our new experiment, Aurora Player for VR. It is the next generation video player for your virtual headset, that show you a reality glow effect around the video content. You can try this WebVR app for free in your modern web browser.

This app is built up with the WebVR API and with the same technology as in the most popular Turn Off the Lights Browser extension. You can play the demo video that is default loaded, but you can also choose your own video from your hard disk or phone memory SD card. Set VR headset on, and you ready to experience this virtual reality. In this next-generation video player app, you can play it on your Google Cardboard, Daydream, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets.

https://www.stefanvd.net/project/aurora-player-for-vr/index.html

You can try yourself this free Aurora Player for VR on your modern web browser. This virtual reality technology is only supported on Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Microsoft Edge. And if you liked the new experience you as user can get it also on your personal computer. The app is available for Mac and Windows users.

Customizable Virtual Reality Technology

In this virtual world you can play your own favorite videos and movies. And you can also customize the background to your own style. Such as the color black, gray, white, purple, red, yellow, blue and green.

Change webvr background color in Aurora Player app

We hope you like this new WebVR project, and experience yourself a beautiful way to enjoy your own videos in the VR headset. And you can always feedback us on the official support page of Aurora Player.

About The Author

Stefan Van Damme

5 Pieces of Innovative Technology for Your Computer

Do you find it hard to sift through the newest tech releases just to find the best of the best? Frankly, we don’t blame you.

One estimate suggests that 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are produced in one day alone! With that much new data created every single day, finding the best tech can be a tricky endeavor. But we’re here to help!

Keep reading, as we’re breaking down the top 5 trends in innovative technology for your computer.

5 Pieces of Innovative Technology for Your Computer

  1. Binaural Podcasts

Okay, so binaural audio isn’t necessarily “new” per say, but it has seen a resurgence in the last few years. Podcasts are more prolific than ever thanks to properties like Lore and Serial.

And if you’re a headphones addict, you’ll want to be sure to grab your nicest headphones and stream a binaural podcast. Think of it as surround sound without the hassle. There’s no need for an expensive system — just use headphones!

Whether you’re looking to unwind a bit or want some chills, binaural podcasts will practically put you in your favorite stories.

  1. FRAPS

This one is for the gamers out there. FRAPS is a fantastic resource for measuring your PC’s efficiency and frame rate.

A high FPS is an absolute must for streamers, so make sure to give FRAPS a free download. The only downside is that it takes up a bit of space on your PC.

If you’re a video editor, FRAPS is a fantastic recording resource. It records HD videos in either DirectX or OpenGL tech.

  1. Voice Assistants

Whether you’ve got an Android or an iPhone, a Windows PC or a Mac, voice assistants are taking the market by storm. But these fun, robotic friends are no longer confined to your phone.

Voice assisted technology is now available on almost every computer on the market.  Apple owners can use Siri with the click of a button, while Windows users get the high-powered Cortana.

These voice assistants can do everything from schedule an event for you to do a quick Google search. It’s innovative technology at its most helpful!

  1. Virtual Reality (VR)

Perhaps the biggest tech trend of 2016 was the VR boom. The Facebook-backed Oculus Rift launched onto the market to middling success, while the HTC Vive found an audience immediately.

Then there were more price-friendly options like Sony’s PSVR and the Samsung Gear VR.

Now, a year later, the tech is already improving. Oculus released touch controllers to make gaming easier and more immersive. Conversely, HTC lowered its price, making it easier than ever to get into the world of VR.

If 2017 is any indication, VR isn’t going anywhere. In a few months, Microsoft is releasing their own headset, the Hololens. The Hololens is targeted at business owners, so expect to create spreadsheets in VR in no time.

  1. Screen Dimming

With all of this new technology, your electric bill may jump a bit. But you can make things easier for your self with the right screen dimming app.

Whether you’re looking to dim an entire screen or just want to make reading easier, it’s a smarter, easier way to browse the web.

Wrap-Up

It’s amazing to think about how far tech has come in the last few years alone. And the future seems like it’s going to be every bit as exciting!

Don’t forget to give Turn Off the Lights an install. Whether you’re looking for mobile or desktop dimming, we’ve got the free solution for you.

About The Author

Stefan Van Damme