Latest news with #immersive
The Guardian
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Re-met by moonlight: A Midsummer Night's Dream returns to London's Bridge theatre
Hanging around during rehearsals for A Midsummer Night's Dream Photograph: Tristram Kenton/The Guardian Felicity Montagu, centre, plays Quince Emmanuel Akwafo (Bottom), David Moorst (Puck) and Dominic Semwanga (Flute) in rehearsals David Moorst with Susannah Fielding in the production, designed by Bunny Christie A Midsummer Night's Dream is an immersive production with some audience members up close and personal Emmanuel Akwafo, right, with JJ Feild, who doubles as Oberon and Theseus A Midsummer Night's Dream has movement direction by Arlene Phillips David Moorst (Puck), top, Divesh Subaskaran (Lysander) and Paul Adeyefa (Demetrius) There is co-direction and co-movement direction by James Cousins The costumes are designed by Christina Cunningham, with additional outfits by Bunny Christie Susannah Fielding and JJ Feild A Midsummer Night's Dream has lighting by Bruno Poet The composer is Grant Olding, with sound design by Paul Arditti Emmanuel Akwafo (Bottom) and Hilson Agbangbe (Starveling) in the production, with fight direction by Kate Waters The hair and make-up designer is Susanna Peretz A Midsummer Night's Dream is at the Bridge theatre, London, until 20 August
CBS News
15 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
The Radiant Table arrives in San Francisco for immersive dinner experience
At One Market Plaza, just across from the Ferry Building, The Radiant Table just opened for a six-week run, offering a new kind of dining experience. "When a guest comes in, they're sort of transported into this alternate realm where they're meeting their favorite chefs, but they're also experiencing their food in a way that they've never been able to do before," said Minkoff. Sam Minkoff is founder of SE Productions. He and his wife went to work quickly, building tables, setting up projectors, and transforming a co-working space cafe on the first floor, in just one week, into a colorful, immersive culinary experience. "The visuals on the table are meant to really complement the chef's meal, and the chefs design their meals around the visuals and vice versa. So, there's a major storytelling component there that allows those guests to kind of dive even deeper into the story of why that dish was created by that particular chef," said Minkoff. Michael Seiler, the founder of Collective Impact, a strategy firm, isn't leasing prime commercial real estate to just any business. He's looking for visionaries, artists, and entrepreneurs who can offer a different kind of product. "In downtown, you still see a lot of empty retail and so if you can empower those arts, culture and community leaders to activate the empty retail space, you immediately give them what they need to flourish, to grow, to get more people together, to grow opportunities for community and commerce, and that's what building owners want," said Seiler. In exchange for prime retail space that would normally cost tens of thousands a month, Minkoff and his team are showing how empty spaces can be used to attract permanent tenants. Once treasured pieces of downtown property worth hundreds of millions have sold for a fraction of what they were worth pre pandemic. "What they want is community in their space and vibrancy. They want their buildings to be alive. They want people to be enjoying it. They want people to be purchasing and buying. They want people to enjoy being back in person," said Seiler. It's experiences like this, art galleries with wine and clay making classes, and expos during SF Climate Week for example, that Seiler sees as a way to create a hub for community and commerce. "The narrative isn't out yet that San Francisco is back. It's vibrant. There are communities churning out their next version of what San Francisco will be," said Seiler. It's bringing people to the table, connecting them with the community, and hoping others will want to come back to a thriving downtown. Each dinner at The Radiant Table features a new chef including some Michelin Star winners. After its debut in San Francisco ends in June, the Radiant Table will head to Bellevue Washington next.
Gizmodo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
LG 5.1.1-Channel Soundbar Bundle Is Now Way Cheaper Than JBL, and It's Only at Best Buy
Movies and TV are nothing without sound. It makes up 50% of the movie-watching experience. You can have the best picture in the world available, but it won't leave its full impact if the audio is just coming out of the TV. The best way to improve your home audio for watching movies, football games, and big budget TV shows without breaking your own budget is with a soundbar. You'll find a soundbar to be a significant enhancement to what the built-in speakers you TV is working with which usually sound tinny and weak in comparison. You deserve to immerse yourself fully in your media. Take for instance this LG 5.1.1 channel soundbar surround sound system. It's going for 40% off which brings the price down from $500 to just $300. That's one heck of a savings. See at Best Buy The Theater Experience All to Yourself Surround yourself with speakers to bring that cinema experience right to your living room. The LG 5.1.1 sound system will upgrade your audio with crystal-clear dialogue, a booming bass and immersive sound. This is all thanks to the rear speaker kit and a slew of supported features of the sound bar. Bring a new dimension of sound that will make your feel like you're in the movie or game with the rich sound. The soundbar utilizes a series of up-firing channels designed to bounce off your ceiling and fill the room with moving audio that flows around you. The system uses AI room calibration and spatial awareness to better understand the layout and acoustics of the room. It can then balance soundbar audio settings, finetuning it to the environment so it always sounds natural and accurate. Plus is has support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The rear speaker and subwoofer are all wireless so you don't need to worry about hiding cables when setting up your living room home theater. And the soundbar supports HDMI passthrough with support for 120Hz so you don't need to sacrifice visuals for great sound, especially while gaming. The soundbar lets you customize your speakers treble, bass, and midrange through the LG Soundbar App. You can boost the level of that center channel separately from the volume of the rest of your sound system. Why do this? Well dialogue is primarily set to come through that center channel so this can be a game changer when watching a poorly mixed movie or show where the dialogue all feels silent against loud, room-shaking action moments. Even it out to what's best for the room you're viewing in. For a limited time, you can upgrade your home theater sound system for 40% off, getting the LG 5.1.1-channel S70TR home theater soundbar with rear speakers for just $300. See at Best Buy
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Brazil's Rise: Réveillon Carneiros & Quartzo Redefine Festival Culture
RÉVEILLON CARNEIROS 2024 RÉVEILLON CARNEIROS Pedro Alcântara and Henrique Gomes didn't just build a festival—they built a movement. From the white sands of Carneiros to the sacred waterfalls of Chapada dos Veadeiros, their events like Réveillon Carneiros and Sounds of Quartzo (Portuguese for Quartz) are redefining what global celebration looks like. Think less Coachella, more collective consciousness. Carneiros 2025 @fabriziotoniolo But how did two men from opposite ends of Brazil end up creating some of the country's most sought-after immersive experiences? 'About eight or nine years ago, I met Henrique's mother at a dinner,' Alcântara tells me. 'That moment changed everything. She connected us. He was doing events in the northeast, and I was doing something similar in São Paulo. I always wanted to be the connector, the synapse, the one who makes magic happen by linking people who wouldn't otherwise cross paths.' For Gomes, the connection felt spiritual. 'It was like the butterfly effect,' he says. 'We had the same vision. We didn't want just another party. We wanted something immersive. We chose Carneiros because it was this paradise—a place people hadn't fully discovered yet.' What makes Réveillon Carneiros stand out isn't just the beachfront location or the impressive sound systems. It's the fusion of intention, intimacy, and immersion. Attendees don't just party—they reset. 'We always believed people are made of body, mind, and soul,' Alcântara explains. 'You can have a beautiful night of partying, but what about the next day? We wanted people to go home feeling centered, not hungover.' Rafaela Lucena, the wife of co-founder and Head of Production Thiago Sampaio, was instrumental in bringing wellness into the fabric of Réveillon Carneiros. Her early introduction of healing practices shifted the direction of the festival. 'She opened our minds,' Alcântara says. 'From yoga to silent temples, it became about balance. Sounds of Quartzo 2024 @brunocavaalcanti If Carneiros is the dream, Sounds of Quartzo is the awakening. Located in Chapada dos Veadeiros, Quartzo leans even more deeply into Brazil's spiritual and ecological wealth. Sounds of Quartzo is a 3-day spiritual and music festival blending nature, healing and immersive electronic soundscapes — taking place this year from June 19–21, 2025. 'It's not just a festival,' Gomes says. 'It's an immersion into nature, into self. There are over 1,200 cataloged waterfalls. During the day, you're hiking, jumping into cold water. Then you gather on the mountain for the music.' Alcantro adds, 'Quartzo is divided into three equal parts: experiences, healing, and celebration. You wake up, connect to nature, balance your mind, and then celebrate. It's deeper. It's raw. It's real.' FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Inclusivity sits at the core of both Réveillon Carneiros and Sounds of Quartzo, not only in the crowd they attract but in the talent they showcase. The festivals have welcomed artists across every shade, background, and sound—creating a space where diversity isn't just celebrated, it's expected. From global icons like Black Coffee, Carl Cox, &ME, and Pawsa, to beloved Brazilian legends like Marcelo Falcão, Jorge Ben Jor, Curol, and Seu Jorge, the lineup reflects the universal language of music. 'It's never been about trends or borders,' Alcântara says. 'It's about soul, connection, and representation.' This commitment to multiculturalism ensures every guest, no matter where they're from or how they identify, feels seen, heard and fully part of the experience. RÉVEILLON CARNEIROS 2024 RÉVEILLON CARNEIROS Despite a growing international audience, the duo stays rooted in Brazilian culture. 'We always include Brazilian bands,' Alcântara says. 'Yes, we have international DJs, but you will feel Brazil. You will dance to funk. You will eat local food. You will see art from Alessio in your villa.' Gomes adds, 'We think a lot about legacy. Sustainability, social impact, supporting the local economy—those aren't trends for us. They've been part of our DNA from the start.' Their approach to collaboration is what sets their work apart. Taxi drivers, for example, are trained and integrated into the experience. 'They're not working for us,'Alcântara says. 'They're working with us. Without them, we can't do what we do. It's one engine.' International guests walk away with more than just tan lines and playlists. They get a genuine immersion into Brazil's culture and warmth. Locals get employment, exposure, and pride. Sounds of Quartzo 2024 @Brunocavaalcanti When asked what fuels them personally, Gomes doesn't hesitate: 'Union. Everyone—from the team to the guests—working together with love. That's everything.' Alcântara echoes the sentiment. 'Connection is my purpose. Watching someone who came alone leave with friends or a new outlook—that's my reward.' As the festivals grow, so does their responsibility. But they're not focused on getting bigger. 'We want to get better,' Gomes says. 'Every year, in every detail.' And that's what makes their festivals not just unforgettable, but transformative. Interested in experiencing Brazil like never before? These festivals just might just be your next passport to paradise.
TechCrunch
19-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
VUZ gets $12M to scale immersive video experiences across emerging markets and the U.S.
VUZ, a startup known for offering immersive video experiences from red carpets and football stadiums, has raised $12 million as it doubles down on its presence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as accelerates expansion into Africa, Asia, and the United States. The pre-Series C funding round, led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), also drew participation from Al Jazira Capital, CrossWork VC's Success Fund, multiple existing investors, and several high-profile Saudi family offices, the company said. IFC's investment is particularly notable. The World Bank Group member, known more for investing in financial infrastructure and logistics across emerging markets, is making a rare bet on consumer tech and specifically, the so-called 'immersive internet.' 'They are focused on emerging markets and saw us as a company that's focusing on scaling globally and also into those markets. Our work in the creators and the content space got them very excited and based on our progress and growth, there's so much potential to build upon that,' founder and CEO Khaled Zaatarah said in an interview with TechCrunch. VUZ, formerly 360VUZ, isn't just competing locally; it's up against global giants like YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram, platforms that already dominate with massive user bases and strong creator loyalty. But VUZ believes it has a differentiated offering: immersive, 360-degree content that puts users 'inside the experience,' whether that's the Grammys in L.A., a La Liga match in Spain, or a fashion show in Dubai. Users can consume content through mobile apps, the web, VR headsets like Apple Vision Pro and Oculus, as well as smart TVs. The company has signed exclusive immersive streaming deals with La Liga and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and is working with over 100 content creators whose combined audience reach tops 100 million. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you've built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | REGISTER NOW Streaming goes local, but still global VUZ's expansion push comes at a time when global streaming growth is plateauing in mature markets. YouTube and TikTok dominate mobile-first video consumption in the U.S., while Netflix and Disney+ are fighting churn and focusing on profitability. However, in emerging markets like Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Kenya, user growth is still accelerating, particularly among younger, mobile-savvy audiences with an appetite for video and live content. Zaatarah says VUZ is ready to meet that demand. The platform has crossed 15 million users globally, up from 10 million in 2022, and now logs nearly 3 billion screen views, up from 1 billion at the time (when we last covered the startup). Its user base spans the Middle East, the U.S., Asia, and Africa. To accelerate its U.S. push, the company is shifting from organic growth to paid marketing, aiming to convert viewers of events like the Oscars and music premieres into long-term users. Meanwhile, in Africa and Asia, VUZ is investing in local partnerships, particularly with telecom operators, to expand its distribution. It has over 40 such partnerships globally. VUZ's monetization model has evolved since its earlier days, when the platform offered about 70% of its content for free and generated revenue through ads. Now, that ratio has shifted to 60% free and 40% premium content, accessible via an annual subscription or bundled telecom offers. The company says it has doubled revenue over the past two years and posted an 80% increase in gross profit last year. While it declined to share exact numbers, Zaatarah says the company reached profitability in 2023. That's partly thanks to an Uber-like content model: instead of deploying large production crews, VUZ trains and equips freelance reporters and creators, often with proprietary cameras, to shoot and upload content. Creators often have the cost of equipment deducted from their future earnings. 🎥✨ بفخر واعتزاز، قدمنا بالتعاون مع وزارة الرياضة في المملكة العربية السعودية تجربة 360° مميزة لمباراة كأس السوبر الإيطالي بين إيه سي ميلان وإنتر ميلان! 🏆⚽ أقيمت المباراة يوم الاثنين، 6 يناير، وشهدت لحظات لا تُنسى، من بينها لقطة فريدة من أرض الملعب مع اللاعب سيلفانو فوس وهو… — VUZ (@360VUZ) January 7, 2025 In addition, the startup supports creators via its 'VUZ Studio,' an internal team that helps edit and package immersive content quickly. According to Zaatarah, this saves creators hours of editing time. It also offers creators live commerce features, allowing influencers, especially female creators, to sell beauty products or fashion items directly during live streams. To succeed, VUZ must convince users that immersive content isn't just a gimmick and convince creators that monetizing on VUZ is better than TikTok or YouTube. In the Middle East and parts of Africa, where the creator economy is still early and distribution partners matter, that may be achievable. But in the U.S. and other developed markets, competition is tougher. Still, Zaatarah believes VUZ, which is targeting over 5 billion by 2026, can carve a niche by going where others don't. 'YouTube and Netflix are great, but they're not building for creators in Nairobi or Riyadh,' he said. 'We're building a product, network, and monetization model that's hyper-local—with the infrastructure to scale globally.' That scale is coming into focus: the company now has offices in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and the U.S. It's actively building out teams in India and Indonesia. In Africa, VUZ is already live in Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria, and says it will launch in South Africa later this year. 'VUZ's tech edge and global reach align well with our mandate to support scalable platforms that empower creators,' said Farid Fezoua, IFC Global Director for Disruptive Technologies, Services, and Funds.
