NY-Dublin Portal reopens, offering a second chance for real-time connections across the ocean (hopefully no more inappropriate behavior!)

[KeyboardKitty]

 

The NY-Dublin Portal, an interactive real-time video link between the Big Apple and the Emerald Isle, has made a comeback after a temporary shutdown due to some unfortunate incidents of, well, let’s call it not-so-artistic behavior. 

The Portal, a brainchild of Lithuanian artist and entrepreneur Benediktas Gylys, was all about connecting folks across the Atlantic. Imagine a digital window to another city, a chance to wave to someone in real time! Unfortunately, a small group forgot the “respectful interaction” memo. Let’s just say their antics would raise eyebrows even on the most daring reality show. Needless to say, it wasn’t exactly the vibe the artist was going for, and it certainly put a damper on everyone else’s experience. 

 

To address these concerns and create a more positive and respectful environment, the organizers have implemented several changes. A non-permanent fence has been erected around the Portal to discourage direct access. Additionally, guides have been appointed to help folks use the Portal in a way that promotes good vibes.

 

The Portal’s operating hours have also been adjusted to limit potential misuse. It now runs from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. in New York City and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Dublin. This change, although a departure from Gylys’ original vision of 24/7 operation, is deemed necessary to safeguard the project’s integrity. 

 

They’ve even implemented a machine learning system to detect and deter camera obstruction. If the camera view is blocked for a certain amount of time, the local camera feed will be blurred, resulting in a blurred image on the other side. Quite an ingenious solution, don’t you think?

 

So, is the NY-Dublin Portal a good idea? The jury’s still out. It’s a fantastic concept, but a few bad apples can spoil the bunch, as they say. Here’s hoping with these new security measures, people can use the livestream portal for what it was intended—a glimpse into another world and a chance to connect with folks across the miles. 

 

• https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/20/nyc-dublin-real-time-video-portal-reopens-with-some-fixes-to-prevent-inappropriate-behavior/
• https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-dublin-portal-reopens-inappropriate-behavior-tech-issues/5427467/
• https://designtaxi.com/news/426744/New-York-Dublin-Portals-Get-Taken-Away-Due-To-Inappropriate-Behavior/
• https://news.sky.com/story/dublin-new-york-livestream-portal-temporarily-shuts-after-inappropriate-behaviour-13135534
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg66ydel7ero
• https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/17/portal-art-exhibit-new-york-dublin-benediktas-gylys

 

Image via Portals.org