The Switch that hybrid between console and laptop is one of the most exciting pieces of hardware that we have been able to test in the video game industry over the last few years. And that's saying a lot. After the commercial failure of Wii U and the exhaustion of the model started with Wii, the Japanese had only to reinvent itself. But if there is a firm capable of doing that, an equivalent of Madonna in videojueguil format, that is Nintendo.
At Teknautas, we had the opportunity to try the Switch a few weeks ago. The sensations were good, as were the first impressions when the console was announced and it was confirmed that Nintendo was behind that hybrid between console and laptop. Now, after a few days of testing and despite the meager number of its catalog (we have only been able to test the new 'Zelda', which has a look unbeatable), all our feelings have been confirmed: the console has a huge potential that should be deployed Over the years if the catalog accompanies. In other words: on paper everything is very beautiful, but now it is necessary to confirm where it really counts, on the screen.
Let's go at the beginning. Switch gives off, to a certain extent, an old school scent. Not exactly because of its proposal, which is completely new in this industry, but because it is simple to remove it from the box and play. It does not even need to be connected to the television. Just adapt the two controls, called 'joy with', to the sides of the screen to start playing. After a few very brief steps, the machine is ready to boot. In the version that has come to us, it was not possible to update the 'firmware' first, but we have done during these first hours and, aware of the fact, the process has lasted no more than 30 seconds. A blessing compared to the hours that Wii U was upgraded before being able to play the first match.
You can play Switch on the subway, although we do not recommend it for short trips.You can play Switch on the subway, although we do not recommend it for short trips.
But Nintendo is bent on selling Switch as a desktop console with laptop heart. Removing the 'marketing', comes to tell us that it is a two in one more focused on the traditional game but that allows you to take it out. And if something is necessary to remove the hat with the console is in the facility that gives the user to move from one to another mode. The installation of all the components (the base from which the power cable and the hdmi come out) only lasts a few minutes and the transition between desktop and laptop mode takes everything that is used to transfer the 'joy with' from The base that acts as traditional control until the sides of the tablet.
The transition time is so fast that in the first few occasions you will be surprised. But what really gets the console, and in our case is still difficult for us to adapt still to it, is to dilute that barrier between playing in the traditional way and do it anywhere, not from home, but the street or the public transport.
The version in red and blue is especially resultona. (JE)
The version in red and blue is especially resultona. (JE)
For example, I am very clear that television is where I play 'FIFA', 'Skyrim' or 'The Last Guardian'. And that mobile, which has become a companion inseparable from fatigue, is an ideal format for games that are designed for it, either 'Hearthstone' or an 'Animal Crossing' in a 3DS. With Switch, that border is erased: you can take it to the bathroom in a time of trouble or take advantage of dead times in public transport.
This last point may be somewhat controversial. We are facing a console that is something bigger than a PlayStation Vita (the screen of the Switch is the approximate size of the latest Sony laptop), so we take it out for very short trips, something that we would do with the mobile phone, it seems outside of place. Even some games, the same 'Zelda' that we have tried, ask you for a little longer game sessions. Maybe four or five subway stops do not give you a chance to enjoy the game, but those people who have half-an-hour trips a day in public transport will appreciate being able to dedicate that window to games that, to date, To the TV and sitting on a sofa.
In the background, the idea of Switch is not far from what was in a way pointed to Wii U. That the command had a large screen that would give some independence of the console itself. This time, the console 'is' the controller and to my surprise, I spent more time playing with it in portable mode than in my traditional room dedicated to games with a generously sized TV. If this attitude has been the result of novelty, it is something that only time can solve.
The controls: three in one
We do not refer to the famous degreaser, but the 'joy with' can be used in up to three different formats. Glued to side and side of the tablet in portable mode, in a plastic holder to turn them into a traditional controller, and each separately in very specific games. In our experience, we have tried the first two, while the third mode, designed for '1-2-Switch' mini-game titles, we could taste it in our test with the console a few months ago.
The two 'joy with' fit well in the palm of your hand. (JE)The two 'joy with' fit well in the palm of your hand. (JE)
In their two most traditional formats, the controls have their pros and cons. It misses once more, and there are already a few, that Nintendo includes analog triggers that only respond to two 'inputs' as opposed to the triggers that can be found in the controls of PlayStation or Xbox. The loss of the traditional crosshead, the first in a console from NES, is also missing, although the philosophy of the console has forced the Japanese to leave it on the way.
It may seem a little ergonomic, but the controller in this format is comfortable enough to play with in long sessions. (JE)It may seem a little ergonomic, but the controller in this format is comfortable enough to play with in long sessions. (JE)
Perhaps more surprising is the performance of the remote with the bracket. At first glance, and seeing the photo on these lines, it does not look like it will be a comfortable driver. With my partner Sergio Ferrer we have discussed on more than one occasion: after Sony and Xbox have nailed the guidelines of what should be a driver, it is not necessary to go off on the tangent. Steam and its Controller are a good example.
Despite this, the command emerged from the union of a base next to the two 'joy with' (and that, putting a lot of imagination, looks like a perrete) is not especially uncomfortable. Moreover, after a few minutes, you have forgotten the same, which is the best you can say of a command. I wish the same could be said about triggers.
Few games and little battery
What's wrong with Switch? Perhaps the most important is the battery of the tablet and it could be argued that the catalog is somewhat scarce. Nintendo, once again, wanted to point out that we are not before a portable console but before a desktop that can be taken to the street and take you wherever you want. Yes, on the paper is a very nice definition, but when it comes to the truth is a bit short. A three-hour 'Zelda' game has been enough for us to squeeze it all the way, and although Nintendo claims that some games will be able to reach six hours of life, it is a statement that, for the moment, has to be taken with tweezers.
Another controversial aspect is the console's output catalog. In 2017, a new 'Super Mario' ('Odissey', which we will not see until the end of the year) is expected to appear, and an updated version of 'Mario Kart 8' should be released in a matter of weeks. There are few new features (next to 'Splatoon 2' or 'Arms') to convince the user to be undecided.
Much has been said about the console catalog compared to PS4 or Xbox One, although some voices have recalled that not so much, in the days of NES, Super Nintendo or Nintendo 64, the consoles came to the street with a meager catalog. What does it mean for the user that there are so few exit games? That patience is your best ally. These first months, at least until the arrival of the Christmas period, will serve to see which route the Switch takes and which games are announced for 2018.
Do I buy it?
But that the catalog is small does not imply that you should not run to buy it. If you're a fan of Nintendo, Switch is the type of console that will return to ingratiar with the Japanese manufacturer. And if you are also a lover of 'Zelda', you should know that the first criticisms have not been exceptional but have put it through the clouds, with several websites specialized as the best title of the franchise ever created, above even 'OCarina Of Time '.
The 'joy with' leaves the traditional crosshead for the first time since the NES. (JE)
The 'joy with' leaves the traditional crosshead for the first time since the NES. (JE)
In our case, we think it may be soon enough to get a Switch unless you have it very clear or you know that you're going to pay it off with 'Zelda' now, 'Mario Kart' in a few months and the next 'Super Mario' In Christmas. In that case, you should do it with a head.
It seems almost impossible to make a forecast of the commercial performance of Switch in the market. The console has everything to win the player: has a reasonable price (320 euros), works great in both portable and desktop mode and offers something that, to date, neither Sony nor Microsoft have been able to provide. It remains to be seen whether the catalog of the console, which really gives it meaning, will be up to the consequences.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Losing time with video games at work seems a legitimate reason for dismissal
Losing time with video games at work seems a legitimate reason for dismissal, but it is just what the Spanish startup Gamelearn encourages . The trick is that, in fact, the games they have developed promote such useful skills in the workplace as leadership, team management and time, negotiation and customer service. Now, this management- focused learning system has just received an investment of two million euros from Kibo Ventures.
The idea came when three fellow mates, Ibrahim Jabary, Mai Apraiz and Eduardo Monfort, founded a company to give face-to-face training to managers. Realizing the popularity of video games between people aged 25 and 40, they decided to offer a product instead of a service. Thus was born in 2014 Gamelearn, which already has 85 employees. Its business model is to sell 'online' licenses to companies interested in these courses, either as a complement to their training program or as a unique learning tool.
To date they have developed four titles - with a fifth in gestation -: Triskelion, to improve personal productivity; Pacific, to improve leadership skills; 2100 to boost customer service capabilities; Shipping companies to learn how to trade. The latter, for example, makes us a merchant of the Venice of the fifteenth century who must create his own fleet of ships.
"They are the most realistic situations possible, you have to make decisions and if you do not find the right solution, it explains what you had to do," said Gamelearn executive director, Virginia Donado, to Teknautas. If the player is 'stuck', the video game throws clues that help him to reach a good port.
The key to these training courses is that, while educating, they share the spirit of any video game: entertain and engage. "We have a completion rate of 92%, which in the world of e-learning is very high," adds Donado. The leaderboards allow dozens of employees of the same company to compete with each other and 'peck' to improve their score and finish the game.
Shipbuilders makes us a merchant of the Venice of the fifteenth century who must create his own fleet. To do this, you will need to learn how to negotiate
Each game is available for mobile, tablet and computer, so it can be used from work or dead times. The duration is between ten and fifteen hours, so that it can be completed in a couple of weeks without getting too long. The titles are available in eleven languages, from English and German to Chinese and Arabic, an internationalization designed to reach multinationals with presence in several countries.
"We go to multinationals with many employees, but it can be coupled to smaller companies because at the budget level it is cheaper than the face-to-face training," says Donado. Its clients include well-known companies such as Repsol, Iberia, LG and BMW and in total reach about 7,000 players connected every month.
Donado says that the advantage of online games is that they can be updated and improved to extend their life. One of the latest built-in options allows the technical team of the company that buys the license to customize the video game: "The titles have very generic situations, and so each company can have their logo or a smartphone or A specific product ".
The idea came when three fellow mates, Ibrahim Jabary, Mai Apraiz and Eduardo Monfort, founded a company to give face-to-face training to managers. Realizing the popularity of video games between people aged 25 and 40, they decided to offer a product instead of a service. Thus was born in 2014 Gamelearn, which already has 85 employees. Its business model is to sell 'online' licenses to companies interested in these courses, either as a complement to their training program or as a unique learning tool.
To date they have developed four titles - with a fifth in gestation -: Triskelion, to improve personal productivity; Pacific, to improve leadership skills; 2100 to boost customer service capabilities; Shipping companies to learn how to trade. The latter, for example, makes us a merchant of the Venice of the fifteenth century who must create his own fleet of ships.
"They are the most realistic situations possible, you have to make decisions and if you do not find the right solution, it explains what you had to do," said Gamelearn executive director, Virginia Donado, to Teknautas. If the player is 'stuck', the video game throws clues that help him to reach a good port.
The key to these training courses is that, while educating, they share the spirit of any video game: entertain and engage. "We have a completion rate of 92%, which in the world of e-learning is very high," adds Donado. The leaderboards allow dozens of employees of the same company to compete with each other and 'peck' to improve their score and finish the game.
Shipbuilders makes us a merchant of the Venice of the fifteenth century who must create his own fleet. To do this, you will need to learn how to negotiate
Each game is available for mobile, tablet and computer, so it can be used from work or dead times. The duration is between ten and fifteen hours, so that it can be completed in a couple of weeks without getting too long. The titles are available in eleven languages, from English and German to Chinese and Arabic, an internationalization designed to reach multinationals with presence in several countries.
"We go to multinationals with many employees, but it can be coupled to smaller companies because at the budget level it is cheaper than the face-to-face training," says Donado. Its clients include well-known companies such as Repsol, Iberia, LG and BMW and in total reach about 7,000 players connected every month.
Donado says that the advantage of online games is that they can be updated and improved to extend their life. One of the latest built-in options allows the technical team of the company that buys the license to customize the video game: "The titles have very generic situations, and so each company can have their logo or a smartphone or A specific product ".
Chema Alonso the hacker and signing star of Telefónica almost two years ago
Chema Alonso the hacker and signing star of Telefónica almost two years ago , arrives at the interview with this newspaper dressed in a Superman T-shirt but as pale as if he had eaten kryptonite. It's almost three o'clock and he has not actually eaten anything. He can not take a step without someone stopping him. And everyone asks for the same thing: the fourth platform. This is a personal bet "the boss", José María Álvarez-Pallete , president of the operator, who intends to give back control of our data, the ones the company handles over us. "Your data are yours and you can do with them what you want," explains Alonso while devouring a wrap. The idea sounds very altruistic, but it is in fact the first step of the next big business of the operator.
If Google, Facebook or WhatsApp have spent millions entering years at the expense of our data, why not do something similar? And why not ask for help instead of charging against them? It is just the project in which he is immersed Alonso, for which he has counted among others with the support of Sheryl Sandberg, the number two of Facebook. Something unthinkable a few years ago. The idea of Alonso is ambitious: to create an application called Aura that allows us to know all the data that Telefónica handles about us and to choose if we want to share them (or not) with third companies in exchange for receiving a consideration.
Before we were not enemies of WhatsApp or Google, nor are we now. Sometimes there are discrepancies, but it is logical
"A good example is CaixaBank: they offer you a discount if you let them see the risk of default on Telefónica. Knowing if you have been a good payer and client with us for 15 years may interest other companies. Offer people something in exchange for knowing it, all happy, "smiles Alonso. On paper, round. But there are many doubts to clear. The most important: where is the border between protecting our privacy and building a big business thanks to it?
Question: You have allied with Facebook to launch the fourth platform. From wanting to plunge WhatsApp or Google to be its partners. What a change.
Answer : I can not tell you much about what happened before, I was not [laughing]. But since my arrival there has never been any intention of getting in the middle of an internet firm, or blocking it. Before we were not enemies of WhatsApp or Google, nor are we now. Like all companies, sometimes there are discrepancies, but of course.
The Chief Data Ofiicer of Telefónica, Chema Alonso, during the presentation of 'Aura'. (Photo: EFE)The Chief Data Ofiicer of Telefónica, Chema Alonso, during the presentation of 'Aura'. (Photo: EFE)
P. Google and Facebook have set up an empire thanks to our data. Now do you want to do the same?
A. No, it's different. We have been doing something similar to the fourth platform for some time. In 2012 Telefónica launched Dynamics Insights, a service with which we sold general information to companies, not aggregated and anonymised data. It is a business that works very well and we have it all over the world and for a long time. Our priority is mobile communications, hence 70% of revenues. The remaining 30% are digital services. But where we are not going to get involved is never in the sale of personal data, as other Internet companies. We get along with them, but each one has its model.
Q. Define the fourth platform in a couple of phrases for everyone to understand.
A. The idea is to give customers three powers: one, that the services of Telefónica by those who pay each month to operate in the simplest way possible. Two, transparency with all the data generated by the use of these services. And three, give them back, let them be the owners of all that and decide what they want to do with them. And all through an application of artificial intelligence managed by voice like Aura.
"What I do not want is for someone to cage and steal the data to the customers. Let's control who connects, but without being a guardian"
Q. How are you going to make money with Aura?
A. It's very simple. 45% of the calls made to the call center are to clarify doubts about the bill, about contracted services or about television programming. The annual cost of managing that is brutal. If we manage to reduce it a bit, simply giving customers what they ask for, which is more clarity and information, would be a breakthrough. But there is another way: to stay more customers with us instead of changing operators because they can manage their router by voice or ask the mobile in five seconds to record an episode of Game of Thrones. And we let them do what they want with their data. And if someone is willing to pay for them, they have to pay the customer, not us.
Q. On this last, you are closing agreements with CaixaBank, Facebook ... Can any company join the new platform and access the data with our consent?
A. Yes, but we will be very careful. What I do not want is for someone to cage and steal the data to customers. We will control who connects, but without being a guardian. Do you have something good that you might be interested in? Do you meet a number of security requirements etc? Ahead. We have to define these principles, but we seek partners that enrich people's lives.
The president of Telefónica, José María Álvarez-Pallete. (Photo: EFE)
The president of Telefónica, José María Álvarez-Pallete. (Photo: EFE)
Q. What kind of economic deals will you close with the companies joining the platform?
A. In these first agreements we are not charging anything. It is more valuable to us that the client is interested and that we have to charge something to the companies. We won more like this. It is what we think now, but we do not discard in the future to charge to connect to our platform. To this day we have not decided.
Q. It sounds like Telefonica is becoming just what I criticized about Facebook or Google: selling aggregated user information to other companies.
A. It is not the same. In the case of Facebook, I do not care that I do business with my data, I accept it because it brings me much value. But we are not in that world. If one day we decided to charge other companies for connecting to Aura, what we would be doing is a typical Telefónica business, which is charging for the use of an infrastructure. It is the same as when Google charges for using the Maps API, does not charge for the information of those maps, it charges for the consumption of the connection. It seems to me a totally licit business model.
P. Licit, but confused. Are not you disguising as a benefit for privacy something that is actually a business based on our data?
A. That is not our goal now. There is no business model, that's why we do not talk about it. For example, imagine a company that wants to do a study of how pollution in cities affects the diseases of the population. And they need data of 80,000 people. They can do it via surveys or connect to our platform. We have tried a case like this with Carlos III University: it connects to the platform, we ask for permission from the clients, we explain what data they were giving and how they would receive a payment of three euros in return. Whoever accepts, who does not, does not. It would be extremely twisted to say that that is to sell data, when in fact it would be to charge for using the API, the connection, and to take an insight or a data that is totally anonymous. I repeat: we are not selling data.
There is no business model right now. There is no excel where we calculate how much we are going to win. Really. Does not exist
Q. Not directly, but you sell the connection to a platform that provides information based on customer data.
A. That already happens. When you enter Google, you look for your favorite restaurant and it tells you that people spend there between 2 and 3 hours per visit, that's an 'insight'. We have data to offer the same, give better service and our customers do not leave. We have made a commitment to this platform to improve customer service. But right now there is no business model. There is no excel where we calculate how much we are going to win. Really. Does not exist.
Q. When can we use Aura in Spain to check it?
A. In the next 12 months it has to be ready and Spain will be among the first countries. I do not want to commit to any date that the boss already gives me lots of sticks so he does not say anything [laughs]. I can only comment that in Spain the thing is very advanced.
If Google, Facebook or WhatsApp have spent millions entering years at the expense of our data, why not do something similar? And why not ask for help instead of charging against them? It is just the project in which he is immersed Alonso, for which he has counted among others with the support of Sheryl Sandberg, the number two of Facebook. Something unthinkable a few years ago. The idea of Alonso is ambitious: to create an application called Aura that allows us to know all the data that Telefónica handles about us and to choose if we want to share them (or not) with third companies in exchange for receiving a consideration.
Before we were not enemies of WhatsApp or Google, nor are we now. Sometimes there are discrepancies, but it is logical
"A good example is CaixaBank: they offer you a discount if you let them see the risk of default on Telefónica. Knowing if you have been a good payer and client with us for 15 years may interest other companies. Offer people something in exchange for knowing it, all happy, "smiles Alonso. On paper, round. But there are many doubts to clear. The most important: where is the border between protecting our privacy and building a big business thanks to it?
Question: You have allied with Facebook to launch the fourth platform. From wanting to plunge WhatsApp or Google to be its partners. What a change.
Answer : I can not tell you much about what happened before, I was not [laughing]. But since my arrival there has never been any intention of getting in the middle of an internet firm, or blocking it. Before we were not enemies of WhatsApp or Google, nor are we now. Like all companies, sometimes there are discrepancies, but of course.
The Chief Data Ofiicer of Telefónica, Chema Alonso, during the presentation of 'Aura'. (Photo: EFE)The Chief Data Ofiicer of Telefónica, Chema Alonso, during the presentation of 'Aura'. (Photo: EFE)
P. Google and Facebook have set up an empire thanks to our data. Now do you want to do the same?
A. No, it's different. We have been doing something similar to the fourth platform for some time. In 2012 Telefónica launched Dynamics Insights, a service with which we sold general information to companies, not aggregated and anonymised data. It is a business that works very well and we have it all over the world and for a long time. Our priority is mobile communications, hence 70% of revenues. The remaining 30% are digital services. But where we are not going to get involved is never in the sale of personal data, as other Internet companies. We get along with them, but each one has its model.
Q. Define the fourth platform in a couple of phrases for everyone to understand.
A. The idea is to give customers three powers: one, that the services of Telefónica by those who pay each month to operate in the simplest way possible. Two, transparency with all the data generated by the use of these services. And three, give them back, let them be the owners of all that and decide what they want to do with them. And all through an application of artificial intelligence managed by voice like Aura.
"What I do not want is for someone to cage and steal the data to the customers. Let's control who connects, but without being a guardian"
Q. How are you going to make money with Aura?
A. It's very simple. 45% of the calls made to the call center are to clarify doubts about the bill, about contracted services or about television programming. The annual cost of managing that is brutal. If we manage to reduce it a bit, simply giving customers what they ask for, which is more clarity and information, would be a breakthrough. But there is another way: to stay more customers with us instead of changing operators because they can manage their router by voice or ask the mobile in five seconds to record an episode of Game of Thrones. And we let them do what they want with their data. And if someone is willing to pay for them, they have to pay the customer, not us.
Q. On this last, you are closing agreements with CaixaBank, Facebook ... Can any company join the new platform and access the data with our consent?
A. Yes, but we will be very careful. What I do not want is for someone to cage and steal the data to customers. We will control who connects, but without being a guardian. Do you have something good that you might be interested in? Do you meet a number of security requirements etc? Ahead. We have to define these principles, but we seek partners that enrich people's lives.
The president of Telefónica, José María Álvarez-Pallete. (Photo: EFE)
The president of Telefónica, José María Álvarez-Pallete. (Photo: EFE)
Q. What kind of economic deals will you close with the companies joining the platform?
A. In these first agreements we are not charging anything. It is more valuable to us that the client is interested and that we have to charge something to the companies. We won more like this. It is what we think now, but we do not discard in the future to charge to connect to our platform. To this day we have not decided.
Q. It sounds like Telefonica is becoming just what I criticized about Facebook or Google: selling aggregated user information to other companies.
A. It is not the same. In the case of Facebook, I do not care that I do business with my data, I accept it because it brings me much value. But we are not in that world. If one day we decided to charge other companies for connecting to Aura, what we would be doing is a typical Telefónica business, which is charging for the use of an infrastructure. It is the same as when Google charges for using the Maps API, does not charge for the information of those maps, it charges for the consumption of the connection. It seems to me a totally licit business model.
P. Licit, but confused. Are not you disguising as a benefit for privacy something that is actually a business based on our data?
A. That is not our goal now. There is no business model, that's why we do not talk about it. For example, imagine a company that wants to do a study of how pollution in cities affects the diseases of the population. And they need data of 80,000 people. They can do it via surveys or connect to our platform. We have tried a case like this with Carlos III University: it connects to the platform, we ask for permission from the clients, we explain what data they were giving and how they would receive a payment of three euros in return. Whoever accepts, who does not, does not. It would be extremely twisted to say that that is to sell data, when in fact it would be to charge for using the API, the connection, and to take an insight or a data that is totally anonymous. I repeat: we are not selling data.
There is no business model right now. There is no excel where we calculate how much we are going to win. Really. Does not exist
Q. Not directly, but you sell the connection to a platform that provides information based on customer data.
A. That already happens. When you enter Google, you look for your favorite restaurant and it tells you that people spend there between 2 and 3 hours per visit, that's an 'insight'. We have data to offer the same, give better service and our customers do not leave. We have made a commitment to this platform to improve customer service. But right now there is no business model. There is no excel where we calculate how much we are going to win. Really. Does not exist.
Q. When can we use Aura in Spain to check it?
A. In the next 12 months it has to be ready and Spain will be among the first countries. I do not want to commit to any date that the boss already gives me lots of sticks so he does not say anything [laughs]. I can only comment that in Spain the thing is very advanced.
It is the time it will take to see self-employed cars for sale at a dealership
Between five and ten years. It is the time it will take to see self-employed cars for sale at a dealership. The prediction comes from Ken Washington, Ford's world leader in advanced research and engineering and responsible for the company's million-dollar investment in this field . A nuclear engineer, forged at MIT and Star Labs , the ultra-secret technology research unit of defense giant Lookheed Martin, Washington is clear that the machines will outpace us. "The 'software' is going to replace the wheel and make decisions, just like humans ... only better," he says with a half smile in an interview with this newspaper.
Washington already has a fleet of 30 self-employed cars the company tests in the US and a recent $ 1 billion investment in Argo, an artificial intelligence firm created by ex-directors of Google and Uber. And all to try to make the car of the future take us home without a pedal pressing the Ford logo. It will not be easy. Uber, Google, Tesla , Apple, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz ... everyone wants to be the first to get us to stop driving. Forever.
Question. There are only four years left for 2021. Are they going to arrive in time to release their autonomous cars?
Answer. Of course. The exact way we are going to market them is yet to be seen, but we are looking at two options: use them for parcel delivery or as a taxi service. It may in the end be a combination of both, but the two options involve a fleet of autonomous vehicles in a mapped area. It will be like in a city today, there will be plenty of conventional cars around, pedestrians ... all mixed up.
Sensors and software neither drink nor distract by sending WhatsApps while driving, they will do better than us
Q. Do you really believe that you can mix humans and machines on the same road?
A. Yes. The sensors and the software neither drink nor distract by sending WhatsApps while they drive, they will do better than us. Because, remember, more than 90% of accidents resulting in fatalities are due to human error. It is a de facto opportunity to improve security.
Q. When can we buy an autonomous car?
A. It will not be in 2021, at least we will not sell them in that year. It is difficult to predict a date, but I think it will be between the next five and ten years as technology gradually becomes cheaper.
Q. What is left to do from the point of view of technology to get there?
A. Very much! In the tests we are learning that we have to improve a lot in identifying objects in the distance and also in predicting the intentions of movement in the next seconds of everything surrounding the car. There are many things we still do not know, problems that arise as we test.
The latest version of the self-contained Ford cars.The latest version of the self-contained Ford cars.
Q. There is increasing competition between technology and traditional car manufacturers. Uber is already trying out a taxi service. The 'startup' NuTonomy has released it in Singapore. Google has been involved for years, Apple, Tesla ... Ford will not do something similar until 2021. Are not you ahead of your competitors?
A. No. We started working on freelance cars 10 years ago. We are already very advanced with the prototypes we have. And we know what it takes to make vehicles fully autonomous. Maybe we have a different philosophy on how to release this safely. We try the cars with our engineers, we do not put the people inside to see what happens.
Q. It refers to Tesla and its accidents with the autopilot ...
A. I will not give names. I'm just saying it's not our way of doing things.
Q. Do you think Tesla was quick to launch its autopilot function, or did not explain it well?
A. I'll let you ask that question to Tesla, I'll just say that we test the technology very seriously before allowing people to use it. And when we say autonomous vehicle we mean 100% autonomous. That's different from what a Tesla does right now. We should not confuse an autopilot function with an autonomous car. If a driver believes that function is more capable than it actually is, it can be very dangerous. Ford already has cars with autopilot function for some time. But we have always said it: you can not lean back to read a book, you have to keep pending at all times.
(Photo: MAM)
(Photo: MAM)
Q. Do you really see Uber, Google or Apple selling their own cars, made by themselves, and freelancers?
A. There are three types of companies that are working on this: traditional manufacturers such as us, startups, which focus on developing software and algorithms, and large technology companies such as Uber, Google and others. What we are seeing is that startups and technology in the end have to work with a manufacturer because integrating 'software' into a car is much more difficult than they thought.
Q. What about ethical decisions about saving the driver or pedestrians in case of possible accidents. Should self-employed cars make such decisions?
A. I think it's important to realize that such hypothetical situations are generated by humans. Our hope is precisely that autonomous vehicles avoid such situations. But in case they happen, the whole industry must agree on a solution. Among all. It can not be that Ford goes on one side, GM on the other, BMW on the other ... These moral dilemmas must be openly and publicly debated, and governments and regulators must be part of that debate.
Q. I do not agree with the Mercedes-Benz manager who said that in the event of an accident between an autonomous car and pedestrians, the vehicle should save the driver because he is most likely to survive.
A. I think it's too early to say something like that. It is a very complicated issue. We still do not know what is the most morally and socially correct way of solving this. And that has to be established throughout the industry.
Q. How will we know that the car, the software, is not making such decisions for us?
A. Any algorithm that is used in an autonomous car can be registered and known. What needs to be resolved is to know how open and accessible that code will be for governments, regulators, insurers ... and all parties that have something to say in the case of accidents.
Q. When will you start to try out self-drive cars in Spain?
A. I do not know. We have promised that this year we will begin testing in a country in Europe. But we have yet to choose which. Spain has as many possibilities as the rest of the countries.
Washington already has a fleet of 30 self-employed cars the company tests in the US and a recent $ 1 billion investment in Argo, an artificial intelligence firm created by ex-directors of Google and Uber. And all to try to make the car of the future take us home without a pedal pressing the Ford logo. It will not be easy. Uber, Google, Tesla , Apple, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz ... everyone wants to be the first to get us to stop driving. Forever.
Question. There are only four years left for 2021. Are they going to arrive in time to release their autonomous cars?
Answer. Of course. The exact way we are going to market them is yet to be seen, but we are looking at two options: use them for parcel delivery or as a taxi service. It may in the end be a combination of both, but the two options involve a fleet of autonomous vehicles in a mapped area. It will be like in a city today, there will be plenty of conventional cars around, pedestrians ... all mixed up.
Sensors and software neither drink nor distract by sending WhatsApps while driving, they will do better than us
Q. Do you really believe that you can mix humans and machines on the same road?
A. Yes. The sensors and the software neither drink nor distract by sending WhatsApps while they drive, they will do better than us. Because, remember, more than 90% of accidents resulting in fatalities are due to human error. It is a de facto opportunity to improve security.
Q. When can we buy an autonomous car?
A. It will not be in 2021, at least we will not sell them in that year. It is difficult to predict a date, but I think it will be between the next five and ten years as technology gradually becomes cheaper.
Q. What is left to do from the point of view of technology to get there?
A. Very much! In the tests we are learning that we have to improve a lot in identifying objects in the distance and also in predicting the intentions of movement in the next seconds of everything surrounding the car. There are many things we still do not know, problems that arise as we test.
The latest version of the self-contained Ford cars.The latest version of the self-contained Ford cars.
Q. There is increasing competition between technology and traditional car manufacturers. Uber is already trying out a taxi service. The 'startup' NuTonomy has released it in Singapore. Google has been involved for years, Apple, Tesla ... Ford will not do something similar until 2021. Are not you ahead of your competitors?
A. No. We started working on freelance cars 10 years ago. We are already very advanced with the prototypes we have. And we know what it takes to make vehicles fully autonomous. Maybe we have a different philosophy on how to release this safely. We try the cars with our engineers, we do not put the people inside to see what happens.
Q. It refers to Tesla and its accidents with the autopilot ...
A. I will not give names. I'm just saying it's not our way of doing things.
Q. Do you think Tesla was quick to launch its autopilot function, or did not explain it well?
A. I'll let you ask that question to Tesla, I'll just say that we test the technology very seriously before allowing people to use it. And when we say autonomous vehicle we mean 100% autonomous. That's different from what a Tesla does right now. We should not confuse an autopilot function with an autonomous car. If a driver believes that function is more capable than it actually is, it can be very dangerous. Ford already has cars with autopilot function for some time. But we have always said it: you can not lean back to read a book, you have to keep pending at all times.
(Photo: MAM)
(Photo: MAM)
Q. Do you really see Uber, Google or Apple selling their own cars, made by themselves, and freelancers?
A. There are three types of companies that are working on this: traditional manufacturers such as us, startups, which focus on developing software and algorithms, and large technology companies such as Uber, Google and others. What we are seeing is that startups and technology in the end have to work with a manufacturer because integrating 'software' into a car is much more difficult than they thought.
Q. What about ethical decisions about saving the driver or pedestrians in case of possible accidents. Should self-employed cars make such decisions?
A. I think it's important to realize that such hypothetical situations are generated by humans. Our hope is precisely that autonomous vehicles avoid such situations. But in case they happen, the whole industry must agree on a solution. Among all. It can not be that Ford goes on one side, GM on the other, BMW on the other ... These moral dilemmas must be openly and publicly debated, and governments and regulators must be part of that debate.
Q. I do not agree with the Mercedes-Benz manager who said that in the event of an accident between an autonomous car and pedestrians, the vehicle should save the driver because he is most likely to survive.
A. I think it's too early to say something like that. It is a very complicated issue. We still do not know what is the most morally and socially correct way of solving this. And that has to be established throughout the industry.
Q. How will we know that the car, the software, is not making such decisions for us?
A. Any algorithm that is used in an autonomous car can be registered and known. What needs to be resolved is to know how open and accessible that code will be for governments, regulators, insurers ... and all parties that have something to say in the case of accidents.
Q. When will you start to try out self-drive cars in Spain?
A. I do not know. We have promised that this year we will begin testing in a country in Europe. But we have yet to choose which. Spain has as many possibilities as the rest of the countries.
Research focused on increasing the quality and duration of batteries has been going on for decades
Research focused on increasing the quality and duration of batteries has been going on for decades, but recently there has been a clear increase in interest from researchers and companies. Working for improvements, scientists experiment with a long list of components called to become the secret ingredient for batteries to last longer . Graphene, magnesium, variations based on lithium, sodium and even other candidates that may sound more surreal like beer or beach sand, among many others, star studios and advertisements.
There are more and more portable devices and tools: vacuum cleaners, computers, telephones ..." explains Teknautas Carlos Roldán Porta, professor and director of the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Valencia , justifying the increase in research. "But it's mainly because of the proximity of the electric vehicle, which will mean there will be an immense market for batteries," adds the expert.
Zachary Favors, Scientific Director at NexTech Batteries, a startup focused on developing new batteries, and postdoctoral researcher at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab also points to electric cars as one of the main reasons for this investigative peak. "Companies like Tesla have made batteries a bit 'sexy' for the first time in history, and researchers want to be part of that growing electrification of the world around us," he explains.
"Another reason for this popularity is the explosive growth in the field of nanotechnology, which has opened the door to countless advances and new materials in the field of energy storage," adds the researcher. In addition to working on the development of lithium-sulfide batteries - one of the great hopes in the field of electric vehicles - this scientist was the main signatory of the study that proposed beach sand as a possible solution to improve the duration of Lithium-ion batteries - present in most of our mobile phones, laptops and music players.
The winning ingredient
Talking about a winning ingredient called to revolutionize the battery market is tremendously complicated. Rather, and according to researchers, different components will improve certain aspects. "If a company found something that would improve everything, all the characteristics of the battery, would revolutionize the market, and that is more difficult to produce," says Roldan.
Lithium ion batteries are present in our mobiles, but pose different problems. (Source: Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr)
Lithium ion batteries are present in our mobiles, but pose different problems. (Source: Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr)
Even so, there are materials with which progress is being made: "I believe that progressive improvements are being achieved. The batteries have improved compared to what they had a few years ago, "he adds. Favors shares his opinion and notes that it all depends on the application: "If we think of batteries for electric vehicles and aircraft, we are seeing the introduction of silicon oxide in the anodes and a continued reliance on cobalt and nickel based metal oxides for The cathodes, "says the researcher.
"In addition, lithium is gaining widespread attention as a possible successor to graphite at the anode, while materials such as metal oxides rich in sulfide and lithium metal are gaining popularity in research for cathodes," he adds.
For his part, Roldan admits that investigations with lithium are certainly interesting, but it is a metal more expensive than aluminum or sodium. "With the lithium batteries is progressing a lot. It improves aspects, like with a solid electrolyte instead of liquid that makes them safer, for example ". According to their point of view, the sodium batteries also look promising, although there are still no conclusive results that allow to affirm that they will replace others.
The professor also points to graphene as a possible engine of change . "It can play an important role in improving current batteries," he says. A great interest of the scientific world , which considers it the material of the future, and large injections of funding also point in that direction.
Along with these ingredients, which seem to be leading the battle for the materials of the future, there are others who also have options. "Although there are now things and materials that do not seem profitable, in a few years they may be. That's why it's hard to dismiss ideas, "he says. "I intuit that there are organic and lithium-air batteries that may be important in the future, but now they are very green."
Ads for financing
Although often discoveries concerning batteries are in their early stages, every so often the media announce something that seems destined to revolutionize the market: graphene, hydrogen , vanadium , magnesium and all kinds of organic materials -from Sugar to the remains of beer - seem to be at a certain time the great find.
Faced with this, both experts ask for patience. "Since the launch of an idea, from laboratory results, and since it is said that it can be until it is commercial, there may be a period of five years and a great technological investment," explains the professor of the Polytechnic University From Valencia.
Research with different versions of lithium batteries is one of the most popular. (Source: Adelphi Lab Center | Flickr)
Research with different versions of lithium batteries is one of the most popular. (Source: Adelphi Lab Center | Flickr)
"Behind any innovation and any scientific bet is always the risk that nothing comes out," adds Roldán. However, without means can not be reached until the end, so scientists need to publish studies and star headlines. "That's why a lot of people announce things that are not completely done, with the objective of attracting the economic investment", remarca.
However, there is still a long way to go. Batteries with lithium as the main component but in different versions, the still developing sodium batteries and materials such as graphene or magnesium will have to solve a long list of problems. "Current batteries have a number of drawbacks that limit their use: they are heavy, their useful life is short ...", quotes Roldan. It is also necessary to improve the charge density, that is, the amount of energy that is stored per kilogram of battery. "They are trying to weigh less, but they store the same energy," he adds.
In addition, they also aim to load faster - especially for the vehicle market - and extend their useful life in terms of the number of loading and unloading cycles. "In the field of portable electronics, the devices consume more energy year after year, because they increase their capacities and the power of computation", indicates Factors. "The development of the batteries will ensure that consumers do not experience shorter battery life and their devices do not burn."
Solving these problems is also to combat the use of fossil fuels. "One of the most important reasons for continuing research is climate change. The development of safer, longer-lasting and more energy-efficient batteries will allow electric cars to have the same scope and cost as internal combustion and that renewable energy can provide an increasing amount of clean and reliable energy for These work ", defends the scientist.
Many challenges and important reasons to continue the research in a great obstacle course that, at least for the moment, does not have a clear favorite. If there was, the revolution would have started, our devices would be different and the main material would be on everyone's lips. Since this has not happened, we still have to wait.
There are more and more portable devices and tools: vacuum cleaners, computers, telephones ..." explains Teknautas Carlos Roldán Porta, professor and director of the Department of Electrical Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Valencia , justifying the increase in research. "But it's mainly because of the proximity of the electric vehicle, which will mean there will be an immense market for batteries," adds the expert.
Zachary Favors, Scientific Director at NexTech Batteries, a startup focused on developing new batteries, and postdoctoral researcher at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab also points to electric cars as one of the main reasons for this investigative peak. "Companies like Tesla have made batteries a bit 'sexy' for the first time in history, and researchers want to be part of that growing electrification of the world around us," he explains.
"Another reason for this popularity is the explosive growth in the field of nanotechnology, which has opened the door to countless advances and new materials in the field of energy storage," adds the researcher. In addition to working on the development of lithium-sulfide batteries - one of the great hopes in the field of electric vehicles - this scientist was the main signatory of the study that proposed beach sand as a possible solution to improve the duration of Lithium-ion batteries - present in most of our mobile phones, laptops and music players.
The winning ingredient
Talking about a winning ingredient called to revolutionize the battery market is tremendously complicated. Rather, and according to researchers, different components will improve certain aspects. "If a company found something that would improve everything, all the characteristics of the battery, would revolutionize the market, and that is more difficult to produce," says Roldan.
Lithium ion batteries are present in our mobiles, but pose different problems. (Source: Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr)
Lithium ion batteries are present in our mobiles, but pose different problems. (Source: Kārlis Dambrāns | Flickr)
Even so, there are materials with which progress is being made: "I believe that progressive improvements are being achieved. The batteries have improved compared to what they had a few years ago, "he adds. Favors shares his opinion and notes that it all depends on the application: "If we think of batteries for electric vehicles and aircraft, we are seeing the introduction of silicon oxide in the anodes and a continued reliance on cobalt and nickel based metal oxides for The cathodes, "says the researcher.
"In addition, lithium is gaining widespread attention as a possible successor to graphite at the anode, while materials such as metal oxides rich in sulfide and lithium metal are gaining popularity in research for cathodes," he adds.
For his part, Roldan admits that investigations with lithium are certainly interesting, but it is a metal more expensive than aluminum or sodium. "With the lithium batteries is progressing a lot. It improves aspects, like with a solid electrolyte instead of liquid that makes them safer, for example ". According to their point of view, the sodium batteries also look promising, although there are still no conclusive results that allow to affirm that they will replace others.
The professor also points to graphene as a possible engine of change . "It can play an important role in improving current batteries," he says. A great interest of the scientific world , which considers it the material of the future, and large injections of funding also point in that direction.
Along with these ingredients, which seem to be leading the battle for the materials of the future, there are others who also have options. "Although there are now things and materials that do not seem profitable, in a few years they may be. That's why it's hard to dismiss ideas, "he says. "I intuit that there are organic and lithium-air batteries that may be important in the future, but now they are very green."
Ads for financing
Although often discoveries concerning batteries are in their early stages, every so often the media announce something that seems destined to revolutionize the market: graphene, hydrogen , vanadium , magnesium and all kinds of organic materials -from Sugar to the remains of beer - seem to be at a certain time the great find.
Faced with this, both experts ask for patience. "Since the launch of an idea, from laboratory results, and since it is said that it can be until it is commercial, there may be a period of five years and a great technological investment," explains the professor of the Polytechnic University From Valencia.
Research with different versions of lithium batteries is one of the most popular. (Source: Adelphi Lab Center | Flickr)
Research with different versions of lithium batteries is one of the most popular. (Source: Adelphi Lab Center | Flickr)
"Behind any innovation and any scientific bet is always the risk that nothing comes out," adds Roldán. However, without means can not be reached until the end, so scientists need to publish studies and star headlines. "That's why a lot of people announce things that are not completely done, with the objective of attracting the economic investment", remarca.
However, there is still a long way to go. Batteries with lithium as the main component but in different versions, the still developing sodium batteries and materials such as graphene or magnesium will have to solve a long list of problems. "Current batteries have a number of drawbacks that limit their use: they are heavy, their useful life is short ...", quotes Roldan. It is also necessary to improve the charge density, that is, the amount of energy that is stored per kilogram of battery. "They are trying to weigh less, but they store the same energy," he adds.
In addition, they also aim to load faster - especially for the vehicle market - and extend their useful life in terms of the number of loading and unloading cycles. "In the field of portable electronics, the devices consume more energy year after year, because they increase their capacities and the power of computation", indicates Factors. "The development of the batteries will ensure that consumers do not experience shorter battery life and their devices do not burn."
Solving these problems is also to combat the use of fossil fuels. "One of the most important reasons for continuing research is climate change. The development of safer, longer-lasting and more energy-efficient batteries will allow electric cars to have the same scope and cost as internal combustion and that renewable energy can provide an increasing amount of clean and reliable energy for These work ", defends the scientist.
Many challenges and important reasons to continue the research in a great obstacle course that, at least for the moment, does not have a clear favorite. If there was, the revolution would have started, our devices would be different and the main material would be on everyone's lips. Since this has not happened, we still have to wait.
Social networks have become a fundamental part of our lives
Social networks have become a fundamental part of our lives. Many users use services such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, among many others, on a regular basis, where they share and enjoy their own experiences and friends in the most healthy way possible. However, the unstoppable growth of this type of service has caused many malicious users to have found anonymity that offer a perfect opportunity to attack and harm , protected by the lack of protocols that regulate the behavioral limits in networks .
Unfortunately, acts of hate on social networks are becoming more commonplace. Who does not remember the insults that the bullfighter Victor Barrio received after his death? Or, more recently, the lack of respect after the death of Bimba Bosé ? And they are not the only actions out of place in the networks, as we also remember the videos of criminal acts like that of the driver who took his car from the passenger seat or that young man who knocked down a young woman with a kick in full Avenida Diagonal of Barcelona. Who is responsible for prosecuting these cases?
Silvia Barrera is one of the people that watches over our security in the networks. Inspector of the National Police , with many years of experience in the Technological Research Unit and five years as head of the group of networks, has dealt with some of the most known cases of recent years in our country. Through his book 'Keys to research in social networks' , Barrera explains how networks affect users' privacy , the measures we can take to protect ourselves, the dangers to which we expose ourselves, and even how the Police investigations.
"The networks offer us many advantages, but there are also dangers," confers Barrera to El Confidencial. The problems come when the user "does not understand that there are limits that he can not cross", believing that he has total impunity to make any kind of comment or action, curiously in the same way that he understands that those same actions can not perform them in the street. The problem is the lack of legislation or a protocol to criminalize: "There are important legal difficulties, legal gaps and lack of attention" by the leaders, which complicate the work of the authorities.
"The prosecutor's office still does not know where to shoot. There should be limits between what is freedom of expression and what is a crime," he confesses, which would allow more legal weapons against those who trespass. And is that the networks are no longer a speaker with a lot of power, that can send a comment or behavior to the other side of the planet. In the opinion of Barrera herself, one of the "successful cases" that managed to get ahead was the Barcelona kick. The important diffusion of the networks is what allowed the crime to be much more serious.
It happened in 2015, when a young man from Talavera was recorded by a friend while beating with a brutal kick to a girl who was next to another on the sidewalk. "This case would have remained anonymous, in one more aggression. However, the fact of recording it and uploading it to social networks becomes 6 years in prison and 45,000 euros penalty," he says. "People should be aware of the consequences that can have a video of these characteristics," adds Barrera who, despite this, understands that the lack of legal basis allows many other cases to go unpunished.
* Video: The brutal kick of Barcelona
The cases of harassment, the hardest
"Worst of all is that there does not seem to be movement to create a protocol in the networks," he says. "There are many cases that have made me feel very bad, especially those that have to do with harassment," says Barrera. "It has even happened that the main suspect has admitted to being the culprit, but the case ends up being closed because the law to be applied at the time of judging him so determined. Other times, some users commit very serious crimes, but erase their Profiles and the problem is canceled, protected by the advantages offered by the law, "visibly annoying.
Increasingly, social networks have become a place where insults , outbursts and attacks are more common, but legislation continues to light years of finding a solution in which any user can protect, beyond The decisions made by each judge, based on their own criteria. "For example, almost all comments against the dead end up on file," he says. There is still a lot to work for in Spain, where Silvia Barrera continues day by day trying to end the injustices in the networks. The case of the young man from Barcelona is undoubtedly his greatest example.
Unfortunately, acts of hate on social networks are becoming more commonplace. Who does not remember the insults that the bullfighter Victor Barrio received after his death? Or, more recently, the lack of respect after the death of Bimba Bosé ? And they are not the only actions out of place in the networks, as we also remember the videos of criminal acts like that of the driver who took his car from the passenger seat or that young man who knocked down a young woman with a kick in full Avenida Diagonal of Barcelona. Who is responsible for prosecuting these cases?
Silvia Barrera is one of the people that watches over our security in the networks. Inspector of the National Police , with many years of experience in the Technological Research Unit and five years as head of the group of networks, has dealt with some of the most known cases of recent years in our country. Through his book 'Keys to research in social networks' , Barrera explains how networks affect users' privacy , the measures we can take to protect ourselves, the dangers to which we expose ourselves, and even how the Police investigations.
"The networks offer us many advantages, but there are also dangers," confers Barrera to El Confidencial. The problems come when the user "does not understand that there are limits that he can not cross", believing that he has total impunity to make any kind of comment or action, curiously in the same way that he understands that those same actions can not perform them in the street. The problem is the lack of legislation or a protocol to criminalize: "There are important legal difficulties, legal gaps and lack of attention" by the leaders, which complicate the work of the authorities.
"The prosecutor's office still does not know where to shoot. There should be limits between what is freedom of expression and what is a crime," he confesses, which would allow more legal weapons against those who trespass. And is that the networks are no longer a speaker with a lot of power, that can send a comment or behavior to the other side of the planet. In the opinion of Barrera herself, one of the "successful cases" that managed to get ahead was the Barcelona kick. The important diffusion of the networks is what allowed the crime to be much more serious.
It happened in 2015, when a young man from Talavera was recorded by a friend while beating with a brutal kick to a girl who was next to another on the sidewalk. "This case would have remained anonymous, in one more aggression. However, the fact of recording it and uploading it to social networks becomes 6 years in prison and 45,000 euros penalty," he says. "People should be aware of the consequences that can have a video of these characteristics," adds Barrera who, despite this, understands that the lack of legal basis allows many other cases to go unpunished.
* Video: The brutal kick of Barcelona
The cases of harassment, the hardest
"Worst of all is that there does not seem to be movement to create a protocol in the networks," he says. "There are many cases that have made me feel very bad, especially those that have to do with harassment," says Barrera. "It has even happened that the main suspect has admitted to being the culprit, but the case ends up being closed because the law to be applied at the time of judging him so determined. Other times, some users commit very serious crimes, but erase their Profiles and the problem is canceled, protected by the advantages offered by the law, "visibly annoying.
Increasingly, social networks have become a place where insults , outbursts and attacks are more common, but legislation continues to light years of finding a solution in which any user can protect, beyond The decisions made by each judge, based on their own criteria. "For example, almost all comments against the dead end up on file," he says. There is still a lot to work for in Spain, where Silvia Barrera continues day by day trying to end the injustices in the networks. The case of the young man from Barcelona is undoubtedly his greatest example.
Whether at work or at home to watch a movie or to play a video game no model is worth
Whether at work or at home to watch a movie or to play a video game no model is worth. We are talking about computer monitors , those screens bigger or smaller and whose size is precisely one of the variables that can not be disdained when buying or replacing it: it is not the same if we just use the computer for leisure that if we work As graphic designers .
It's not a matter of keeping their eyes on them, either. Equally, not all budgets are the same. Therefore, today we will talk about the best monitors and what we should look for when selecting one. Which one fits your needs?
Some concepts
In the same way that when we buy a television, the type of light is very important. There may be LED monitors (whose light source are LEDs) and OLED (pixels are LEDs that generate light), although the most affordable and popular are LED technology. Also 4K, 5K and UHD, but these only get the maximum performance with a computer powerful enough.
Take into account where the monitor will be placed, to adjust the size that we are going to buy. That is to say, if it is going to be very close to our face, it does not compensate for a 28-inch one, but if it is going to be far away (for example, installed on the wall or at a distance to watch movies and videos) higher. Before buying it or starting to look at options, let's also measure the space available to discard an excessive width.
The light of a monitor is important: there may be LED monitors (whose light source are LEDs) and OLED (the pixels are LEDs that generate light)
Also, when you consult the different options of monitors, you will see the concept of resolution in pixels, ie how sharp the image of the screen. For professionals of design and workers or lovers of the cinema will be necessary a greater resolution, but this will not be so important for the computers of an office. Today it is generally considered that at least to operate without forcing the view too much, it must be 1920 x 1080 pixels.
You can also find a concept called panel type, which refers to the image quality. It is considered that the IPS is the best quality, but also the most expensive and with the worst response times. There are also the TN and VA, which looks like the TN: it improves the image quality, but it raises its response time.
The use that you are going to give or the distance to the one that is going to be of your face are some of the considerations that you must take into account when choosing monitor. (Image: Samuel Huckins | Flickr)
The use that you are going to give or the distance to the one that is going to be of your face are some of the considerations that you must take into account when choosing monitor. (Image: Samuel Huckins | Flickr)
Finally is the aspect ratio. In other words: if the monitor is more square or more rectangular (panoramic). This will especially interest film fans, because if we do not buy a widescreen monitor we will probably see the movies with the classic black bands above and below. One of the most popular formats is the 16: 9 widescreen type. Probably this feature only interests you for professional uses or watching movies.
In addition to these concepts, you should look at some physical characteristics. For example, the number of connectors and their nature (HDMI, USB, USB Type-C ...) or a monitor foot that allows you to put it higher or lower and vary its angle. The first thing is especially interesting if you want to connect the monitor to cinematographic equipment, such as a DVD; The second, if several people are going to use that computer and want to adjust it.
For home or office
Sure you want a size as big as possible and at a good price and that can serve to browse Facebook and watch a movie. However, some 18.5 inches is more than fine for a home use or labor intensive. For this, for example, you have a V5 brand model of 1366 x 768 pixels for just 66 euros through Amazon sellers. LED technology with 16.78 million colors, is also ideal for certain moviegoers and creative workers (editors, photographers, musicians ...).
An 18.5-inch monitor is more than fine for home or work intensive use
The LG company also has computer monitors. An affordable 19.5-inch model, which can be used for the office or home, is the TN type 20M38A-B.AEU ( 81 euros on Amazon ). With a screen resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels, it has two USB ports.
If you are looking for a VA (because you are interested in a better response time), something more in size and you can afford to spend something more, an attractive option could be the BenQ GW2270H ( 99 euros on Amazon ), 21.5 inches 1080 pixels) and with 2 HDMI ports.
Designers and photographers: big donkey ...
Those who use the computer for jobs such as photography, graphic design or video editing probably want a large monitor (or two) and something better than the previous options. The alternatives are expensive in these cases, but it is a question of investigating well, while knowing our needs.
The Philips BDM3270QP2 / 00, a monitor for demanding professionals (and with budget). (Image: Philips)
The Philips BDM3270QP2 / 00, a monitor for demanding professionals (and with budget). (Image: Philips)
For example, the Philips BDM3270QP2 / 00 ( 505 euros on Amazon ) will serve the most demanding professionals: 32 inches, 2560 x 1440 pixels and up to 4 USB ports. It is an LCD backlit LED display, included speakers and DVI-D and DisplayPort ports. According to the manufacturer, it has 1074 million colors. In addition, it can be adjusted in numerous positions and even placed vertically
Movie buffs
Some of the monitors we have talked about could pass perfectly the test of the best moviegoers, but there are other models that we could not fail to review. For example, the LG 29UM68-P, 29-inch screen and 2560 x 1080 pixels. Its panoramic aspect (the ratio is 21: 9) is ideal for watching movies as if they were in the cinema. Its price, yes, can pull back: 289 euros on Amazon . Now, it can also serve you to enjoy video games, so consider this option if you have a budget.
It's not the same as your own movie theater, but with a good monitor you can also enjoy the movies in your office.
It's not the same as your own movie theater, but with a good monitor you can also enjoy the movies in your office.
Another model, if you are one of those people who wants to see 3D movies at home, is the ASUS ROG Swift PG248Q ( 477 euros on Amazon ). This Full HD 24-inch 16: 9 ratio is compatible with NVIDIA 3D Vision 2, suitable for playing three-dimensional content, also video games.
And since we talk so much of video games, let's now focus on the 'gamers', that there is also cloth to cut there.
Monitors for players
While an IPS monitor is the most common type, gamers should opt for a VA or their TN brother, since responsiveness and refreshment is greater. Here the inches are very important. For example, you can opt for a BenQ ZOWIE RL2755 , 27 inches and 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution ( 279 euros on Amazon ) and with a frame that reduces the reflexes with the aim, according to the manufacturer, not to distract. BenQ also ensures that the response time is 0, in real time, ideal for players who can not stand a millisecond delay.
27 inches that can be rotated 90 degrees: thus are the AOC G2460PF and the AOC G2770PF (Image: Amazon)
27 inches that can be rotated 90 degrees: thus are the AOC G2460PF and the AOC G2770PF (Image: Amazon)
This model has 2 HDMI ports, but for ports that have AOC G2460PF and G2770PF ( 277.92 euros the first and 387.92 euros the second ), 24 and 27 inches respectively. 2 USB, VGA, DVI, DisplayPort ... The response time is 1 millisecond, the resolution of 1920 x 1080 and the refresh rate of 144 Hz. With built-in speakers, it draws much attention that can be turned up to 90 Degrees and place it in a completely vertical position, a feature that may also interest graphic designers or photographers.
And if your budget is exorbitant and you want to throw the house out the window, you have models with a curved screen, such as the LG 34UC98-W , an IPS bestiality of 34 inches (3440 x 1440 pixels) and ratio 21: 9, 5 millisecond refresh Image or the most diverse ports (two USB 2.0, two HDMI, two Thunderbolt ...). Lovely to work and watch movies. Its price? 816 euros in Amazon . Now, is it what you need or is pure whim? If your answer is the second, you may want to go back to the beginning and stick with one of the economic options that we have proposed.
It's not a matter of keeping their eyes on them, either. Equally, not all budgets are the same. Therefore, today we will talk about the best monitors and what we should look for when selecting one. Which one fits your needs?
Some concepts
In the same way that when we buy a television, the type of light is very important. There may be LED monitors (whose light source are LEDs) and OLED (pixels are LEDs that generate light), although the most affordable and popular are LED technology. Also 4K, 5K and UHD, but these only get the maximum performance with a computer powerful enough.
Take into account where the monitor will be placed, to adjust the size that we are going to buy. That is to say, if it is going to be very close to our face, it does not compensate for a 28-inch one, but if it is going to be far away (for example, installed on the wall or at a distance to watch movies and videos) higher. Before buying it or starting to look at options, let's also measure the space available to discard an excessive width.
The light of a monitor is important: there may be LED monitors (whose light source are LEDs) and OLED (the pixels are LEDs that generate light)
Also, when you consult the different options of monitors, you will see the concept of resolution in pixels, ie how sharp the image of the screen. For professionals of design and workers or lovers of the cinema will be necessary a greater resolution, but this will not be so important for the computers of an office. Today it is generally considered that at least to operate without forcing the view too much, it must be 1920 x 1080 pixels.
You can also find a concept called panel type, which refers to the image quality. It is considered that the IPS is the best quality, but also the most expensive and with the worst response times. There are also the TN and VA, which looks like the TN: it improves the image quality, but it raises its response time.
The use that you are going to give or the distance to the one that is going to be of your face are some of the considerations that you must take into account when choosing monitor. (Image: Samuel Huckins | Flickr)
The use that you are going to give or the distance to the one that is going to be of your face are some of the considerations that you must take into account when choosing monitor. (Image: Samuel Huckins | Flickr)
Finally is the aspect ratio. In other words: if the monitor is more square or more rectangular (panoramic). This will especially interest film fans, because if we do not buy a widescreen monitor we will probably see the movies with the classic black bands above and below. One of the most popular formats is the 16: 9 widescreen type. Probably this feature only interests you for professional uses or watching movies.
In addition to these concepts, you should look at some physical characteristics. For example, the number of connectors and their nature (HDMI, USB, USB Type-C ...) or a monitor foot that allows you to put it higher or lower and vary its angle. The first thing is especially interesting if you want to connect the monitor to cinematographic equipment, such as a DVD; The second, if several people are going to use that computer and want to adjust it.
For home or office
Sure you want a size as big as possible and at a good price and that can serve to browse Facebook and watch a movie. However, some 18.5 inches is more than fine for a home use or labor intensive. For this, for example, you have a V5 brand model of 1366 x 768 pixels for just 66 euros through Amazon sellers. LED technology with 16.78 million colors, is also ideal for certain moviegoers and creative workers (editors, photographers, musicians ...).
An 18.5-inch monitor is more than fine for home or work intensive use
The LG company also has computer monitors. An affordable 19.5-inch model, which can be used for the office or home, is the TN type 20M38A-B.AEU ( 81 euros on Amazon ). With a screen resolution of 1600 x 900 pixels, it has two USB ports.
If you are looking for a VA (because you are interested in a better response time), something more in size and you can afford to spend something more, an attractive option could be the BenQ GW2270H ( 99 euros on Amazon ), 21.5 inches 1080 pixels) and with 2 HDMI ports.
Designers and photographers: big donkey ...
Those who use the computer for jobs such as photography, graphic design or video editing probably want a large monitor (or two) and something better than the previous options. The alternatives are expensive in these cases, but it is a question of investigating well, while knowing our needs.
The Philips BDM3270QP2 / 00, a monitor for demanding professionals (and with budget). (Image: Philips)
The Philips BDM3270QP2 / 00, a monitor for demanding professionals (and with budget). (Image: Philips)
For example, the Philips BDM3270QP2 / 00 ( 505 euros on Amazon ) will serve the most demanding professionals: 32 inches, 2560 x 1440 pixels and up to 4 USB ports. It is an LCD backlit LED display, included speakers and DVI-D and DisplayPort ports. According to the manufacturer, it has 1074 million colors. In addition, it can be adjusted in numerous positions and even placed vertically
Movie buffs
Some of the monitors we have talked about could pass perfectly the test of the best moviegoers, but there are other models that we could not fail to review. For example, the LG 29UM68-P, 29-inch screen and 2560 x 1080 pixels. Its panoramic aspect (the ratio is 21: 9) is ideal for watching movies as if they were in the cinema. Its price, yes, can pull back: 289 euros on Amazon . Now, it can also serve you to enjoy video games, so consider this option if you have a budget.
It's not the same as your own movie theater, but with a good monitor you can also enjoy the movies in your office.
It's not the same as your own movie theater, but with a good monitor you can also enjoy the movies in your office.
Another model, if you are one of those people who wants to see 3D movies at home, is the ASUS ROG Swift PG248Q ( 477 euros on Amazon ). This Full HD 24-inch 16: 9 ratio is compatible with NVIDIA 3D Vision 2, suitable for playing three-dimensional content, also video games.
And since we talk so much of video games, let's now focus on the 'gamers', that there is also cloth to cut there.
Monitors for players
While an IPS monitor is the most common type, gamers should opt for a VA or their TN brother, since responsiveness and refreshment is greater. Here the inches are very important. For example, you can opt for a BenQ ZOWIE RL2755 , 27 inches and 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution ( 279 euros on Amazon ) and with a frame that reduces the reflexes with the aim, according to the manufacturer, not to distract. BenQ also ensures that the response time is 0, in real time, ideal for players who can not stand a millisecond delay.
27 inches that can be rotated 90 degrees: thus are the AOC G2460PF and the AOC G2770PF (Image: Amazon)
27 inches that can be rotated 90 degrees: thus are the AOC G2460PF and the AOC G2770PF (Image: Amazon)
This model has 2 HDMI ports, but for ports that have AOC G2460PF and G2770PF ( 277.92 euros the first and 387.92 euros the second ), 24 and 27 inches respectively. 2 USB, VGA, DVI, DisplayPort ... The response time is 1 millisecond, the resolution of 1920 x 1080 and the refresh rate of 144 Hz. With built-in speakers, it draws much attention that can be turned up to 90 Degrees and place it in a completely vertical position, a feature that may also interest graphic designers or photographers.
And if your budget is exorbitant and you want to throw the house out the window, you have models with a curved screen, such as the LG 34UC98-W , an IPS bestiality of 34 inches (3440 x 1440 pixels) and ratio 21: 9, 5 millisecond refresh Image or the most diverse ports (two USB 2.0, two HDMI, two Thunderbolt ...). Lovely to work and watch movies. Its price? 816 euros in Amazon . Now, is it what you need or is pure whim? If your answer is the second, you may want to go back to the beginning and stick with one of the economic options that we have proposed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)