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Category: Tech and Business Innovations

  • Disney Imagineer’s HoloTile Floor: The Future of VR?

    Imagine stepping into a virtual world and walking as far as you want, in any direction, without ever tripping over your furniture. That’s the groundbreaking promise of the HoloTile floor, an innovation from Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot, who holds an astonishing 107 U.S. patents – the most at the entire Walt Disney Company! Smoot unveiled this game-changing technology at the AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 in Houston, hinting at a future where virtual reality feels truly limitless.

    The HoloTile Floor: Walking Without Limits

    Smoot explained the core problem he aimed to solve: the physical limitations of VR. “Virtual reality has always allowed people to be in multiple places, all of that sort of thing, but of course, if they walk too far, they trip on the couch,” he said. His solution? A dynamic floor that keeps users on its surface, no matter how much they move.

    The HoloTile floor allows anything on its surface, including people, to walk indefinitely in any direction. The floor intelligently corrects movement, ensuring users remain within the designated virtual space. This could fundamentally change how we experience VR, moving beyond stationary setups to truly immersive, expansive digital adventures.

    Beyond VR: A Look at Imagineering’s Diverse Innovations

    The AFROTECH™ session also featured fellow Imagineer Jonathan Becker, who shared his unconventional path into the world of themed entertainment. Becker’s journey, fueled by passions ranging from music and video games to gardening, highlights the diverse talents that drive innovation at Disney. He spoke about designing musical interactions in Pandora at Walt Disney World and even developing exoskeletons for large character costumes like the Incredible Hulk and Thanos.

    Becker emphasized that his free-spirited approach, never fitting into a single box, was actually a perfect fit for Imagineering. This blend of creativity and engineering is what shapes everything from live shows and resorts to cruise ship experiences. The team is constantly looking five to ten years ahead, exploring how emerging technology can intersect with creativity to craft unforgettable guest experiences.

    The Future of Storytelling at Disney

    The panel underscored Disney’s commitment to pushing boundaries. Whether it’s through revolutionary VR technology like the HoloTile floor or innovative character designs and immersive dining experiences on the Disney Cruise Line (like the upcoming Hercules stage show and Pride Lands Feast on the Disney Destiny), the focus remains on creating next-generation magic.

    What do you think about the HoloTile floor? How do you see VR technology evolving in the next decade? Let us know in the comments!

  • AOL Acquired: What You Need to Know

    Remember the dial-up sound and the iconic “You’ve Got Mail” notification? Well, AOL, one of the original giants of the internet, is under new ownership! Italian tech company Bending Spoons is set to acquire the beloved brand from private-equity firm Apollo Global Management. This move marks a significant chapter for a company that shaped how many of us first experienced the online world.

    Who is Bending Spoons?

    If Bending Spoons doesn’t ring a bell, you might know their work. They’re the minds behind popular apps like Evernote, the go-to for note-taking, and Remini, which sharpens up your photos. This acquisition comes after Bending Spoons secured a hefty $2.8 billion in debt financing, signaling their ambitious growth plans.

    The deal values AOL at an estimated $1.5 billion. Bending Spoons has expressed a clear intention to invest in and grow AOL’s operations for the long haul. They also have a stake in Brightcove, a video platform, and are in the process of acquiring video giant Vimeo for $1.38 billion. It’s clear they’re building a robust digital media empire.

    A Look at AOL’s Current Standing

    Despite its long history, AOL isn’t just a relic of the past. The company still boasts around 8 million daily active users. Their offerings include essential services like internet privacy software, the AOL.com portal, and email accounts. Financially, AOL is performing solidly, generating approximately $400 million in annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, with revenues surpassing $500 million.

    A Rich History in the Digital Age

    AOL’s journey spans over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on internet culture. Who could forget their ubiquitous AIM instant messaging service or the countless AOL CDs that promised free internet access? Their cultural impact was even recognized in the 1998 film “You’ve Got Mail.”

    The company has seen significant transformations, including a massive $100 billion merger with Time Warner in 2001. More recently, Verizon acquired AOL for $4.4 billion in 2015 and Yahoo for $4.8 billion in 2017, though the value of these brands was later written down. Apollo Global Management then purchased both AOL and Yahoo for $5 billion in 2021 before deciding to sell.

    What’s Next for AOL?

    With Bending Spoons at the helm, AOL is poised for its next chapter. The company aims to integrate this historic brand into its expanding portfolio of digital platforms and software. It’s an exciting time for AOL as it looks to blend its legacy with innovative new technologies.

    What are your fondest memories of AOL? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

  • Actively Black Launches App to Connect Commerce & Culture

    In a powerful move to empower Black ownership and foster connection, premium athleisure brand Actively Black has launched a new app. Founded by Lanny Smith in 2020, the brand emerged from a desire to counter what Smith saw as performative corporate DEI commitments following George Floyd’s murder. He recognized the immense economic power of the Black community and decided it was time for Black entrepreneurs to reclaim that value.

    Reclaiming Value in the Athleisure Market

    Smith identified a significant opportunity in the Black apparel and footwear market, projected to reach $70 billion annually. He noted how legacy brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas have long profited from Black culture and consumers. “If it is worth it for multibillion-dollar companies to target Black consumers, then our economic power is great enough to sustain Black-owned companies,” Smith asserted.

    Actively Black embodies this mission, offering an American-made collection crafted through a Black-owned supply chain, utilizing 100% certified Black-grown cotton. The brand has already made a significant impact, appearing on the Olympic stage twice and collaborating with the estates of cultural icons like Bob Marley, Tupac Shakur, and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as major franchises from Marvel and Disney. Even former President Barack Obama has been seen sporting their watch collection.

    Redefining Black Ownership and Identity

    Smith faced skepticism when launching Actively Black, with many doubting the success of a brand so boldly centered on Black identity. “I was told that putting Black in our name and centering our community would limit our reach,” he shared. “There’s a stigma that Black-owned means lesser — that our products, our creativity, or our ideas don’t hold the same value. Actively Black is redefining what Black ownership and identity look like.”

    The brand’s financial success speaks volumes, reportedly generating $30 million in gross sales and doubling its revenue each year since its initial $2.1 million in the first 12 months. Beyond profits, Actively Black reinvests 10% of its revenue into grassroots organizations supporting education, HBCU athletics, mental health, social justice, and diversity advocacy. “Every purchase from Actively Black is an investment in the future and advancement of our culture,” Smith emphasized.

    The New Actively Black App: Commerce, Culture, Community, Wellness

    The latest innovation from Actively Black is its new app, designed to seamlessly integrate “commerce, culture, community, and wellness.” As an athlete-owned brand, health and movement are central to its mission. The app connects with Apple Health and Google Health data, rewarding users (Tribe members) for physical activity with points redeemable for discounts, free gear, and exclusive content and events.

    The app will also feature a retail platform and community spaces. Future plans include expanding with creator content, a Black business directory, educational tools, and a library of Black history and wellness resources curated by Black experts. “This is only the beginning,” Smith stated.

    Announced at AFROTECH™ Conference 2025

    Smith unveiled the app at the AFROTECH™ Conference 2025, a fitting venue that embodies Actively Black’s core values. “AFROTECH™ represents everything Actively Black stands for: ownership, innovation, culture, connection,” he explained. “It’s the coming together of great minds leveraging creativity, innovation, and technology to move our community forward through the power of our own excellence and ingenuity.”

    He sees this launch as more than just a product release; it’s an extension of his mission to inspire and lead by example for the next generation of Black innovators. “We can create space for ourselves in any industry while staying true to our identity and integrity; and we can do it successfully, without limitations. We can build our own table — because there is greatness in our DNA,” Smith concluded.

    The app is set to be available for iPhone and Android users by mid-November. Interested individuals can join the waitlist on activelyblack.com.

    What are your thoughts on Actively Black’s new app and its mission? Share your excitement in the comments below!