CROSSWORDS: Future

Quotes | Summary | References: General | Augmented Reality


Quotes

Summary

  • New puzzle styles?
  • Digital vs. paper?
  • Social: online collaboration and competition
  • New user interfaces / augmented reality, e.g., "Shattered Crosswords"
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) software to solve or construct puzzles.

References

Augmented Reality; Shattered Crosswords

  • NYT crossword in 3-D provided by phone's camera and an Instagram Augmented
    Reality (AR) "effect" -- only one-time Mini for 12/22/2020?
  • A small crossword sits on whatever surface you’ve picked, while a cloud of letter shards hovers above it.
  • As you move your camera around, the change in perspective will reveal the words that solve the puzzle
  • Now You Too Can Look Like a Fool While Trying to Solve the AR New York Times Crossword Puzzle Giz; 12/23/2020
  • The New York Times' crossword can now haunt your living room in augmented reality Verge; 12/22/2020
  • more info & images from game's designer; video
  • To try it (disclaimer: I am not an Instagram expert):
  • Install, open Instagram app (iOS, Android)*
  • Log into (or create) account; visit NYTimes profile page
  • Grant permission (if necessary) for Instagram to access your Camera
  • Access 'Shattered Crosswords' effect
  • Simplest: direct link for mobile devices
  • Usual (sometimes confusing) process:
  • Tap the Your Story or Camera icon on the Instagram home screen.
    You can also swipe left from the home screen.
  • At the bottom of the screen you’ll see a carousel of effects known as the effect tray.
  • Scroll right to the end of the effect tray. Tap Browse Effects.
    Where Effects Appear on Instagram;
    How to Use Instagram Effects on iPhone and Android
  • Select, or search: Shattered crosswords
  • *If message appears: "Unable to use this effect on your device",
    try again later -- or perhaps your older device or OS may be incompatible.
  • You'll need a relatively flat surface (or at least something your phone perceives as flat) and patience.
  • Zoom, rotate, and pan to find words in a sea of yellow pieces.
  • Just slowly move the fragments and the phone until you spot something
    that looks like a letter. Line them up to form a word, then reap the rewards.