DEV Community: April Speight

Daily News Report with Bing News Search and Twilio SMS

April Speight — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:56:31 +0000

This article is part of #PythonFunBites.

When I decided to shift my career focus to Extended Reality (XR), I had only brushed the surface of what was happening in the industry. I knew that if I wanted to get more comfortable speaking about hot-topics and industry trends, I had to stay up to date on the latest news. I personally don't keep up with tech news sites so I had to find a way that would keep me informed without the need to engage on yet another social media platform. That's when I had the idea to bring the news to me! Rather than seek new articles, I figured I could automate the process instead.

Using Python, Azure Functions, Bing News Search, and Twilio SMS, I created a daily SMS that sends me the latest articles related to XR. Check out how I made it below!

Requirements:

Python 3.7 or newer
An Azure subscription - sign up to create a free account!
Visual Studio Code (also install the Python and Azure Functions extensions)
A smartphone with an active number
A Twilio account (be sure to purchase a phone number and validate your personal number)

Tutorial

1. Create a Project Folder and Open in Visual Studio Code

Create a folder to store all the project files and save to your preferred location. In Visual Studio Code, open the folder by navigating to File > Open (Ctrl+o/Cmd+o).

2. Sign in to Azure in Visual Studio Code

In the left Activity Bar of Visual Studio Code, click on the Azure icon to open the Azure view. Select Sign In to Azure. You will be taken to the browser to sign-in. Enter the credentials to your Azure account. Back in Visual Studio Code, you can confirm whether you're signed in if your username appears in the Status Bar.

3. Create a Bing Resource

In the Azure Portal, navigate to Create a resource. In the search bar, search for Bing Search v7. Select the resource and click Create. On the Create page, enter/select the following:

Name: Name of the resource
Subscription: Your Azure subscription
Pricing Tier: Free (if available, otherwise select your preferred pricing)
Resource Group: Either create a new resource group or select an existing one.
Region: Location where the function is used

4. Install Azure Functions Core Tools

Azure Functions Core Tools enables you to create and test Azure Functions from the command line or terminal prompt. Review the docs to determine the proper installation process according to your OS.

To verify whether Azure Functions Core Tools is instead, run the command func in the Visual Studio Code integrated terminal (Ctrl+~). If Azure Functions Core Tools is successfully installed, the Azure Functions logo appears in the terminal (you may need to scroll up to see).

5. Create a New Project

In the Azure view, click the Create New Project icon. Visual Studio Code takes you through a workflow to create a new project. Enter/select the following for each step:

Folder: Folder created earlier in the tutorial
Language: Python
Python alias or Full Path: Your Python interpreter
Template: Timer Trigger
Function Name: Name the function whatever you'd like
CRON expression: 0*/1**** (this runs the functions every minute)

After Visual Studio Code creates the function, a few files are added to the project folder. The init.py file opens in the editor.

Make sure to activate the virtual environment if Visual Studio Code does not do so for you.

Windows: .venv\Scripts\activate
Mac/Linux: source .venv/bin/activate

6. Install and Import Required Modules

Install the following modules:

Python-dotenv (access environment variables): pip install python-dotenv
Requests (for GET requests to Bing News Search API): pip install requests
Twilio Python Helper library: pip install twilio

At the top of the init.py file, enter the following import statements:

import datetime
import logging
import azure.functions as func
import json
import requests
from twilio.rest import Client
from dotenv import load_dotenv
load_dotenv()
import os

7. Create and Access Environment Variables

In the Explorer view (Shift+Ctrl+e/Shift+Cmd+e), create a new .env file at the root of the folder. In the .env file, enter the following:

TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID=<Replace with Twilio Account SID>
TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN=<Replace with Twilio Auth Token>
MY_TWILIO_NUMBER='<Replace with your Twilio phone number>'
RECEIVER_NUMBER='<Replace with your personal phone number>'
BING_SUBSCRIPTION_KEY=<Replace with your Bing Search v7 resource subscription key>
BING_ENDPOINT=https://api.bing.microsoft.com/v7.0/news/search

Replace the values with your credentials. All Twilio credentials and phone numbers are accessible in the Twilio Console. The Azure credentials are available in the Azure Portal within the Bing Resource.

Note: Be sure to include the country code before the phone number. Ex: +13235555555

In the init.py file, enter the following below the import statements:

account_sid = os.getenv("TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID")
auth_token = os.getenv("TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN")
my_twilio_number = os.getenv("MY_TWILIO_NUMBER")
receiver_number = os.getenv("RECEIVER_NUMBER")
subscription_key = os.getenv("BING_SUBSCRIPTION_KEY")
my_endpoint = os.getenv("BING_ENDPOINT")

8. Create Bing New Search GET Request

In the init.py file within the main function, enter the following:

'''
    This sample makes a call to the Bing News Search API with a text query and returns relevant news webpages.
    Documentation: https: // docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cognitive-services/bing-web-search/
    '''
    query = "<Replace a search term. Ex: Microsoft>"

    # Construct a request
    mkt = 'en-US' # change if necessary
    params = {'q': query, 'mkt': mkt}
    headers = {'Ocp-Apim-Subscription-Key': subscription_key}

    # Call the API

    response = requests.get(my_endpoint, headers=headers, params=params)
    response_json = response.json()

    title = response_json['value'][1]['name']
    description = response_json['value'][1]['description']
    article_url = response_json['value'][1]['url']

9. Create Twilio Message

Below the block of code for the Bing News Search GET request, enter the following:

# Twilio account credentials
    twilio_client = Client(account_sid, auth_token)


    message = twilio_client.messages \
        .create(
            body=f"Title: {title} \n\n {description} \n\n {article_url}",
            from_=my_twilio_number,
            to=receiver_number
        )

    print(message.sid)

Note: Feel free to update the message body!

10. Add Requirements to requirements.txt

Update the requirements.txt file with the following:

azure-functions
requests
twilio
python-dotenv

11. Run in the Debugger

You can now test the function! Before you proceed, make sure that the init.py file reflects the following:

import datetime
import logging
import azure.functions as func
import json
import requests
from twilio.rest import Client
from dotenv import load_dotenv
load_dotenv()
import os

account_sid = os.getenv("TWILIO_ACCOUNT_SID")
auth_token = os.getenv("TWILIO_AUTH_TOKEN")
my_twilio_number = os.getenv("MY_TWILIO_NUMBER")
receiver_number = os.getenv("RECEIVER_NUMBER")
subscription_key = os.getenv("BING_SUBSCRIPTION_KEY")
my_endpoint = os.getenv("BING_ENDPOINT")

def main(mytimer: func.TimerRequest) -> None:

'''
    This sample makes a call to the Bing News Search API with a text query and returns relevant news webpages.
    Documentation: https: // docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cognitive-services/bing-web-search/
    '''
    query = "<Replace with a search term. Ex: Virtual Reality>"

    # Construct a request
    mkt = 'en-US' # change if necessary
    params = {'q': query, 'mkt': mkt}
    headers = {'Ocp-Apim-Subscription-Key': subscription_key}

    # Call the API

    response = requests.get(my_endpoint, headers=headers, params=params)
    response_json = response.json()

    title = response_json['value'][1]['name']
    description = response_json['value'][1]['description']
    article_url = response_json['value'][1]['url']
    # Twilio account credentials
    twilio_client = Client(account_sid, auth_token)


    message = twilio_client.messages \
        .create(
            body=f"Title: {title} \n\n {description} \n\n {article_url}",
            from_=my_twilio_number,
            to=receiver_number
        )

    print(message.sid)

Start the Debugger by navigating to Run > Start Debugging (F5). The first time you run the Debugger, Visual Studio Code prompts you to select an Azure Storage Account. Follow the prompts to create a storage account (or use one that you may already have created).

After the storage account is created/selected for the function, Visual Studio Code starts the debugger. If you receive an error, stop the debugger and enter func host into the terminal.

You should receive a SMS generated every minute to your phone if all is successful. If you do not receive a message, review all of the steps to check what may have been missed.

12. Update the CRON Expression

You're just about ready to deploy the function to Azure! But just before you do that, update the CRON expression in the function.json file. By default, the Azure Function uses the UTC timezone. Therefore, you need to set a time in that timezone that equates to 9AM in your specific timezone. Since I'm in California, I follow Pacific Daylight Time. Therefore, my CRON expression for everyday at 9AM would be: 0 * 17 * * *. For those on the East Coast, the CRON expression would be: 0 * 14 * * *.

If you fall outside either of those timezones, you can use a time zone converter to figure out the equivalent to 9AM for UTC in your time zone.

13. Deploy to Azure

You're now ready to deploy the function to Azure! In the Azure view, select the deploy icon (it's an up arrow). Visual Studio Code provides a workflow to complete deployment. Enter/select the following for each step of the workflow:

Select Function App: Create new Function App in Azure
Globally Unique Name: Provide a unique name for the function
Version of Python: Select the version that was selected earlier when creating the function
Location for New Resources: Select the location selected for the storage account

Azure then begins to deploy the function. After the function is deployed, you can anticipate receiving a SMS at your desired time interval. If you need to modify anything related to the function, you can do so within the project files in Visual Studio Code.

Need to stop the function? You can do so in the Azure portal. Navigate to Resource Groups and select the resource group used for the function. Select Delete resource group and follow the instructions to delete the resource.

And that's it! If you're feeling a little shaky on Azure Functions or would like to learn more about the service, check out the Microsoft Learn module.

Watch for content on all things Python at Microsoft between the 16th and 20th of November. Stay tuned here at dev.to for all kinds of content ranging from IoT, to Machine Learning and much more! 🐍

Development Platforms for XR

April Speight — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:06:57 +0000

Whether you prefer an engine or directly using APIs, there's a solution for you to discover and try when building AR, VR or MR apps! However, before we dive into platforms, let's talk languages.

Which Programming Language(s) Should You Know?

When I started out with XR development, I only knew Python. Having an understanding of another programming language was relatively helpful given that I had to learn a new language. The languages used in XR development are C#, C++, or JavaScript. I personally chose the C# route since I prefer to use Unity for my development. If you're new to C#, I would suggest starting with the Take Your First Steps with C# learning path on Microsoft Learn. If you're more of a visual learner, check out the C# 101 video series available on Channel 9.

Codecademy has a C++ course available for beginners in which I'd recommend giving a try. However, JavaScript isn't a bad choice either! I opted for learning JavaScript on Codecademy as well.

Whether you choose C#, C++, or JavaScript may be a matter of comfort. What do I mean by comfort? Well, which language are you more comfortable with learning? I personally started with C# and then learned JavaScript. Although I still prefer C#, that may very well have been influenced by the fact that I prefer Unity scripting for development. So with that in mind, let's talk about Unity!

What is Unity?

Unity is a real-time development platform that's great for creating 2D, 3D, AR & VR experiences. Like learning any new technology platform, the learning curve can be relatively steep if you've never used the platform for development. Fortunately, Unity provides a Learn platform that's pretty helpful for getting familiar with the interface as well as Unity Scripting. You can also choose to focus on specific areas of Unity development if you're already familiar with the platform. My advice would be to start with learning how to create for 2D first and then transition to 3D. C# knowledge comes in handy here given that you'll use C# for Unity scripting.

Alas, Unity isn't the only engine available. There's also Unreal.

What is Unreal?

Unreal is real-time engine for 3D development. More often, I find that XR developers prefer one platform over the other. Unreal provides a variety of free online learning courses for getting started with the platform. Their written documentation in the Unreal Editor Manual is also pretty extensive as well for getting started. C++ comes in handy here given that you'll use C++ for Unreal scripting.

Although I prefer to stick with Unity, I can honestly say that I've at least given Unreal try. However, I believe I'm biased because it took me a while to get used to Unity and now I couldn't imagine starting over. You may certainly have a different experience so definitely consider an intro course for both engines before settling on one.

But if working with a game engine and getting to know the UI isn't your cup of tea, there's always the web!

What Options are Available for the web?

Love options? Great - because there are plenty! For starters, if JavaScript is your preferred programming language, then web may be just right for you. There are a few JavaScript libraries available to build 3D experiences:
• Babylon.js
• A-Frame
• Three.js
• WebGL

What's great about taking the web approach is that there's no need to get yourself acclimated with an engine UI such as Unity or Unreal. You can code in your preferred editor and view your creations in the browser. I've personally only ever given Babylon.js a try. For a complete JavaScript newbie, I felt that it was approachable.

If you aren't quite sure as to where to get started, Microsoft provides some guidance on choosing a technology path as it relates to Mixed Reality.

Curious to learn more about realities? Follow the #MixedReality tag!

The Realities Explained

April Speight — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:06:41 +0000

Feeling out of touch with reality? No, not that reality. I'm talking about the realities under the umbrella of Extended Reality (XR)! Extended Reality is the umbrella term that covers Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR). Understanding which reality term should be used can be confusing -- especially since the terms are often mistakenly used interchangeably. Here's a short over-view on the difference between Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality.

What is Augmented Reality (AR)?

Pokémon GO and Snapchat Filters -- sound familiar? If not, then congratulations, you've successfully avoided social media in the modern age! However, there's so many more practical uses of Augmented Reality in which you may have experienced but let's first define what AR even is. AR enables us to see the real-world surrounding us while displaying digital objects directly on top of our view. Have you ever tried the 'See it In Your Space' feature on Target? That and similar experiences on other websites use AR technology!

There's a lot of interesting uses for AR and it's not always only used for games or to make it look like we have dog ears. ARVR Tips provides an extensive list of how AR is used across various industries. Explore the list if you have a moment - there's some pretty interesting use cases.

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Ever put on a head mounted device and magically escaped into a new virtual world? If so, you've experienced the magic of Virtual Reality. VR is a simulated experience in which the user is immersed into a virtual world. Once immersed, the user can no longer view their real-world. You may have seen videos of folks playing VR games such as Beat Saber or SUPERHOT VR (a personal fave). VR has come quite a long way given that we can now interact with virtual objects using more than controllers. We can use our hands, voice and amazingly enough even VR haptic bodysuits!

Like AR, VR is used for more than gaming. Live Science explores some fascinating uses for VR beyond gaming. I'm personally a fan of VR story-telling!

What is Mixed Reality (MR)?

So then there's Mixed Reality. Mixed Reality is a blend between the physical and digital world. In fact, when we talk about MR, we think of the reality as a spectrum known as the virtuality continuum -- oo fancy word! On one end of the spectrum is the physical world and the other, the digital world. Between that spectrum lies Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.

One drawback to AR and VR experiences is that they're not instinctually environmentally aware. Let's take the 'See it In Your Space' feature that Target offers. Suppose I'm in the market for flower vases and I happen to come across a vase that looks to be perfect for my home. Using the 'See it In Your Space' feature, I can view the vase in my home, however, the AR feature wouldn't prevent me from placing the vase in the middle of a real-life object. The AR feature wouldn't be aware of the 'real' furniture and/or surfaces in my home.

With MR, you can build experiences that have environmental understanding capabilities. In a MR experience, I could try out the vase in my home and the vase would only snap to flat surfaces. The experience would be aware of the surfaces in my home because of spatial mapping.

Curious to learn more about realities? Follow the #MixedReality tag!

2D vs. 3D

April Speight — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 17:06:07 +0000

As you build Extended Reality (XR) experiences, you'll find yourself working in a 3D space. This can become a challenge for some beginners as there's now a whole new dimension to consider when building scenes and interactions. Before you dust off the ol' keyboard and open your favorite engine for development, take a moment to learn the difference between 2D vs. 3D.

What is a Dimension?

A dimension is a measure of one direction. In our every day lives, we're surrounded by examples of the first three dimensions (some may argue first four). These dimensions are defined by width (x), height (y), and depth (z). Although scientists believe that there are 10 dimensions (hello time and parallel universes!), when working with XR, we focus mostly on the second and third.

What is 1D?

The first dimension is defined by width (x). For example, consider a straight line on a piece of paper. The line only goes in 1 direction.

What is 2D?

The second dimension is defined by width (x) and height (y). Starting to sound like math? This concept may sound familiar if you've ever looked at a chart with plotted points. Taking the straight line from earlier, we can add another direction to reflect width.

We often see 2D in retro video games such as Pac-Man. Objects in a 2D space are flat in the sense that there's no depth to the object. 2D objects only have a width and height.

What is 3D?

The third dimension is defined by width (x), height (y), and depth (z). Depth is the direction of going from front to back. Using the lines from earlier, we can add a third dimension to the line to reflect depth.

Let's look at this in a practical example - Donkey Kong! In the original arcade version of Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong is presented as a 2D gorilla. He has no depth to his design. However, if we look at his character in Donkey Kong Country, well, we can view the gorilla from all sides. He has height, width, and depth.

As this all relates to XR, you can have both 2D and 3D objects in a XR experience. More often, UI elements such as text is displayed in 2D (although you could include 3D text). The holograms in which users interact with are in 3D.

Curious to learn more about realities? Follow the #MixedReality tag!