When watching the Marvel film “Iron Man 2,” I was struck by something interesting. The portrayal of Tony Stark’s father Howard Stark, played by “Man Men” actor John Slatterly, reminded me of someone: Walt Disney. Within the movie Howard Stark is only seen in promotional films he made in the 1960s. He sports a sleek suit and trimmed mustache, and he addresses the audience from his private office. He leans against a large table containing a miniature model display of his latest project, which he describes to the audience. It’s all Walt Disney making his little filmed announcements about pioneering … Continue reading →

As Disney has been experimenting more and more with augmented reality, I’ve tried to imagine scenarios in which the company could put it to use. My focus has always been on the Disney Parks, on how it could allow guests to further interact with exhibits. Apparently, Walt Disney Co. itself has been focusing more on how they can augment our food. Technology website Gizmag details a recently filed patent by the Disney Company, one that covers the use of augmented reality for cakes. That’s right, cakes. Gizmag says that most of what’s on the patent is still theoretical, but it … Continue reading →

We know Disney and its Imagineers are all about innovating. They do everything from researching new technology and its uses to designing new games and rides for the parks. Today I’m checking back in with Disney Research, the division that focuses on the former. A while back I looked at Disney augmenting reality: a fancy word for integrating technology into our life, or in this case, specifically, the park experience. Think of the “Kim Possible” game at Epcot, which reads data on your cell phone to help you move forward through the game. Now Disney Research is pushing its augumented … Continue reading →

Many months ago I posted that Utah-based real estate company had built a house modeled after the one from “Up”. Well that’s been sold now, so unless you’ve got enough money to build a customized house, there goes your opportunity to live in in Carl and Ellie’s home. But it’s not your only chance to check out real-life versions of the most famous flying home since Dorothy’s Kansas abode. Last year National Geographic built a wooden house-sized structure and lifted it into the air using balloons. It was all part of a feature for the National Geographic’s “How Hard Can … Continue reading →