#Virtual Reality vs Augmented Reality in Entertainment vs Mixed Reality

[simulanissolutions]

In recent years, immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) have gained massive attention, reshaping industries and changing the way we interact with the world around us. From gaming to education, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, these technologies are driving innovation. If you’re looking to explore these technologies, Simulanis stands out as a leader in this space, offering cutting-edge solutions to businesses across various sectors. Let's dive into how Simulanis, a Virtual Reality Development Company in India, Augmented Reality Development Company in India, and Mixed Reality Development Company in India, is at the forefront of this technological revolution.

[deltasaas]

VR Software: Stepping Into New Realities

Imagine exploring distant planets, training for a job in a simulated factory, or unwinding in a virtual beach paradise—all without leaving your room. Virtual reality (VR) software makes this possible, creating fully immersive digital worlds that captivate and empower users. These tools build environments you can step into, offering experiences that entertain, educate, and innovate. What makes VR software a portal to the future, and how can it redefine your reality? Let’s dive in.

What is VR Software?

VR software is a collection of digital tools that design, develop, and power virtual reality experiences. It’s the tech that constructs 3D environments you can explore through VR headsets, controllers, or even gloves, shutting out the physical world for a total dive into the digital. Unlike augmented reality, which overlays content onto reality, VR replaces it entirely with a crafted universe.

Today, these platforms tap into artificial intelligence (AI), high-fidelity graphics, and motion tracking to serve gamers, educators, businesses, and creators, blending realism with limitless possibility.

Why VR Software Matters

VR isn’t just a toy it’s a revolution in how we experience and interact. From entertainment to professional training, it’s rewriting the rules of engagement. VR software matters because it:

Immerses Fully: Engage all senses for unforgettable experiences.

Transform learning: Practice skills in safe, simulated settings.

Boosts Creativity: Build or explore worlds without physical limits.

Connects Globally: Share virtual spaces with others, anywhere.

X posts often buzz about tools like Unreal Engine for VR brilliance, showing its growing footprint across industries.

Key Features of VR Software

The best VR software offers a dynamic toolkit:

3D Environment Design: Craft detailed worlds with textures and physics.

Motion Tracking: Sync headsets and controllers for natural movement.

Audio Integration: Add spatial sound for a 360-degree feel.

Interactivity: Program objects to react to user actions.

Multi-Platform Support: Run on Oculus, Vive, or PSVR seamlessly.

AI Enhancements: Add smart NPCs or adaptive scenarios.

These features turn VR into a living, breathing alternate reality.

Top Benefits for Users

VR software delivers standout perks:

Realism: Feel present in a world that looks and sounds authentic.

Safety: Train for risky tasks—like surgery—without real-world stakes.

Efficiency: Prototype products or rehearse presentations virtually.

Fun Factor: Escape into games or adventures with total immersion.

A student using VRoxy might ace a virtual lab, while a gamer on SteamVR loses hours to epic quests.

Popular VR Software

The VR space shines with top options:

Unreal Engine: High-end tool for stunning VR games and apps.

Unity: Versatile engine with strong VR support for all levels.

Oculus Software: Native platform for Oculus headsets and experiences.

SteamVR: Hub for VR games and tools across hardware.

VRoxy: Open-source pick for accessible VR development.

How to Choose the Right VR Software

Picking your VR tool takes a plan:

Purpose: Gaming (SteamVR) or training (Unity)?

Skill Level: Beginners might pick Oculus; pros go Unreal.

Hardware: Match your headset—Oculus, Vive, or mixed?

Features: Need simple scenes or complex physics?

Cost: Free (VRoxy) vs. paid tiers (Unreal subscriptions at $99/month)?

The Future of VR Software

The future of VR software is mind-blowing. AI will craft dynamic worlds that evolve with you—think NPCs that learn your habits. Lightweight headsets will ditch cords, powered by 5G for instant load times. Social VR will explode, letting friends hang out in virtual spaces, while haptic tech—like gloves or suits—will add touch to the mix. The horizon is about deeper, more connected immersion.

Challenges to Watch For

There are hurdles. High-end tools like Unreal demand serious computing power—your rig better be beefy. Costs vary; premium VR setups aren’t cheap. Motion sickness can hit newbies, so ease in. Development complexity might slow solo creators, and battery life on wireless headsets limits long sessions. Security-wise, encrypt data to keep virtual worlds private.

Real-World Impact

Gamers: A player uses SteamVR to battle in a sci-fi epic.

Professionals: A pilot trains on Unity-made flight sims risk-free.

Socializers: Friends meet in Oculus Horizon for a virtual movie night.

Conclusion

VR software is your ticket to worlds beyond the ordinary. It’s not just about escape—it’s about learning, creating, and connecting in ways the physical world can’t match. Whether you’re gaming, training, or dreaming up the next big thing, the right VR tool can transport you there. Explore the options, strap in, and redefine what’s possible.

Frequently asked questions

What is VR software?

It’s a set of tools that builds fully immersive 3D digital worlds you explore via VR headsets.

Who uses VR software?

Gamers, educators, businesses, and developers crafting virtual experiences for fun or function.

How does it enhance experiences?

It surrounds you in a digital reality, boosting engagement, training, or creativity.

Is it secure?

Most platforms secure data within VR—check for encryption, especially in social apps.

What’s the difference between VR and AR software?

VR immerses you in a new world; AR overlays digital bits onto the real one.

How much does VR software cost?

Ranges from free (SteamVR, VRoxy) to $25-$100/month (Unity Pro, Unreal subscriptions).

Can it integrate with other tools?

Many syncs with game engines, motion trackers, or cloud platforms confirm compatibility.

How long until I see benefits?

Basic immersion hits instantly; mastery or creation takes time with practice.

[rahulssblog]

High-Street Retail vs. Shopping Malls: What’s the Future of Retail in India?

The retail industry in India is undergoing a massive transformation, with high-street retail stores making a strong comeback against the dominance of shopping malls. With shifting consumer behavior, digital integration, and sustainability initiatives, retailers must reassess their strategies for prime locations to ensure higher visibility and footfall.

In 2025, brands must choose between high-street retail and mall-based stores, weighing the advantages of location, consumer experience, and operational costs. This article explores the future of retail in India and why businesses are increasingly preferring high-street commercial spaces over malls.

1. Why High-Street Retail is Making a Comeback

Once the backbone of India's retail market, high-street retail is seeing a revival due to changing consumer preferences and business benefits. Many businesses are choosing high-street locations for their visibility, accessibility, and affordability compared to shopping malls.

Why Retailers Are Moving Back to High-Street Stores:

✔ Higher Foot Traffic – Unlike malls that require specific visits, high-street stores benefit from natural passerby footfall. ✔ Lower Operational Costs – Malls charge high rents and maintenance fees, whereas high-street retail spaces offer competitive leasing options. ✔ Greater Brand Visibility – Retailers in high-traffic areas like Connaught Place, Aerocity, and Gurgaon benefit from instant brand recall. ✔ Better Customization – High-street retail gives brands the freedom to design their own storefronts, attracting customers without mall restrictions. ✔ Faster Growth in Tier-1 and Tier-2 Cities – Cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad are seeing a surge in high-street retail demand.

2. Consumer Behavior: Shift Towards Experience-Driven Retail

The modern shopper is not just looking for products—they are looking for immersive experiences. This is one of the key reasons why high-street retail is regaining popularity.

Consumer Preferences Driving Retail Evolution:

✔ Convenience Over Destination Shopping – Customers prefer easily accessible retail spaces over malls that require long commutes. ✔ Personalized Shopping Experience – High-street stores offer personalized services compared to the standardized experience in malls. ✔ Brand Engagement – Retailers can design unique storefronts and interactive spaces to create memorable experiences. ✔ Quick Access to Local and Global Brands – Consumers can explore a mix of international, premium, and local brands in high-street locations.

Which Retail Categories Are Thriving in High-Street Locations?

Luxury and fashion brands – High visibility attracts premium shoppers.

Electronics and gadget stores – Customers prefer physical experience before purchase.

Cafés, restaurants, and entertainment hubs – Ideal for high-traffic locations.

Grocery and convenience stores – Accessibility is key for essential shopping.

Retailers looking for commercial space for rent should consider prime high-street locations like Aerocity and Connaught Place in Delhi NCR, which offer a high volume of footfall and brand exposure.

3. The Role of Digital Integration in Offline Stores

Even as high-street retail grows, the integration of digital technology is reshaping how businesses interact with customers. Smart retail stores leverage AI, IoT, and personalized marketing to enhance customer experiences.

How Digital is Changing High-Street Retail?

✔ Contactless Payments & Self-Checkout – Reducing wait times and improving efficiency. ✔ Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Try-Ons – Letting customers see how products fit before buying. ✔ AI-Powered Personalized Shopping – Offering targeted discounts and recommendations. ✔ Omnichannel Shopping – Seamless integration between physical stores and e-commerce platforms.

Why Digital-First Retailers Prefer High-Street Stores?

Unlike malls, high-street retail locations allow retailers to test new digital strategies without being restricted by mall regulations. Leading brands like Apple, Nike, and ZARA are choosing high-street locations for their ability to integrate digital and physical experiences effectively.

4. How Location Impacts Retail Success

The Power of Location in Retail Growth

Location is a decisive factor in retail success, determining foot traffic, visibility, and sales. Businesses leasing commercial property for rent in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore must choose locations that match their target audience.

Top Factors That Influence Retail Location Decisions:

✔ Foot Traffic & Visibility – High-street locations naturally attract more customers than malls. ✔ Demographics of the Area – Stores need to align with the income and spending habits of the local population. ✔ Proximity to Business Hubs – Retail stores near corporate offices in Gurgaon or Aerocity benefit from office employees as daily shoppers. ✔ Accessibility & Parking Facilities – High-street stores near metro stations, business hubs, and well-connected roads have a competitive advantage.

Best High-Street Retail Locations in India:

📍 Delhi NCR – Aerocity, Connaught Place, Khan Market 📍 Mumbai – Linking Road, Colaba Causeway 📍 Bangalore – Brigade Road, MG Road 📍 Pune – Koregaon Park, FC Road 📍 Hyderabad – Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills

Businesses looking for retail space in Aerocity or Gurgaon must ensure their location has strong connectivity, premium foot traffic, and high visibility.

5. Sustainability in Retail Spaces: The Green Future

Retailers are prioritizing eco-friendly stores to align with sustainability goals and attract environmentally conscious consumers. Green retail spaces enhance brand reputation and reduce operational costs.

Key Sustainability Trends in High-Street Retail:

✔ Energy-Efficient Smart Lighting & Cooling Systems ✔ Use of Recyclable & Sustainable Materials in Store Design ✔ Green Roofs & Urban Landscaping for Eco-Friendly Ambience ✔ Waste Reduction & Plastic-Free Packaging

Why Sustainable Retail is More Feasible in High-Street Locations?

High-street stores allow brands to control their eco-friendly initiatives, whereas mall-based retailers must adhere to centralized sustainability policies.

FAQs on High-Street Retail vs. Shopping Malls

1. What makes high-street retail more attractive than malls?

High-street retail offers better visibility, lower operational costs, and natural foot traffic, making it more profitable for retailers than malls.

2. How does location influence a retail store's success?

A prime location in high-footfall areas like Aerocity, Connaught Place, and Linking Road can boost brand visibility and increase sales.

3. What are the emerging retail hotspots in India?

Delhi NCR (Aerocity, Gurgaon), Mumbai (Colaba, Bandra), and Bangalore (Brigade Road) are some of the fastest-growing high-street retail destinations.

4. How is digital transformation changing offline retail stores?

Retailers are integrating AI, AR, contactless payments, and personalized marketing to enhance in-store shopping experiences.

5. Why are brands shifting towards sustainable retail spaces?

Sustainability helps brands reduce costs, improve reputation, and align with eco-conscious consumers, making green commercial properties in Aerocity and Gurgaon a preferred choice.

Why High-Street Retail is the Future of Indian Retail

As Indian retail evolves, high-street stores are proving to be more profitable than shopping malls due to greater footfall, better branding opportunities, and flexibility in digital transformation.

For retailers looking for commercial space for rent in Aerocity, Gurgaon, or other prime locations, high-street stores provide better visibility, affordability, and customer engagement. 🔗 Explore premium retail spaces in India's top commercial locations today!

[mycoderesist]

Best VR Headset 2025: Reviews and Comparisons

Virtual reality (VR) has revolutionized gaming, entertainment, and even professional fields like healthcare and education. As we step into 2025, the market is brimming with advanced VR headsets, each offering unique features for various use cases. Whether you're a gamer, a fitness enthusiast, or a professional, this guide provides an in-depth look at the best VR headsets 2025, complete with reviews and comparisons to help you choose the perfect device. Why VR Headsets Are a Must-Have in 2025 The demand for VR headsets is skyrocketing as they continue to enhance experiences in gaming, productivity, and social interactions. Thanks to advancements in display technology, processing power, and wireless capabilities, VR has become more accessible and immersive than ever. Key Benefits of VR in 2025: Fully immersive gaming and entertainment. Enhanced remote work and virtual collaboration tools. Fitness and training applications with real-world impact. Top Features to Look for in the Best VR Headset Before diving into the reviews, it’s essential to understand the features that define a top-tier VR headset: 1. Display Quality High resolution and refresh rates ensure a seamless visual experience. Look for OLED or QLED displays with resolutions of at least 2160 x 2160 per eye. 2. Comfort and Design Lightweight headsets with adjustable straps and ergonomic designs are ideal for extended use. 3. Wireless vs. Wired While wireless VR headsets offer freedom of movement, wired options often deliver higher performance for gaming. 4. Compatibility Ensure compatibility with your devices, whether it’s a PC, console, or standalone functionality. 5. Tracking and Controllers Accurate motion tracking and intuitive controllers enhance gameplay and interaction. Best VR Headsets for 2025: Reviews and Comparisons 1. Meta Quest 3: Best Standalone VR Headset The Meta Quest 3 continues Meta's legacy of delivering high-quality standalone VR experiences. It’s perfect for gamers and casual users alike, with no need for a PC or external sensors. Key Features: 4K+ resolution for stunning visuals. Qualcomm XR2 Gen 2 processor for seamless performance. Mixed reality (MR) capabilities for blending physical and virtual spaces. Why It’s Great: Ideal for users seeking a wireless, all-in-one solution without compromising on quality. 2. PlayStation VR2: Best VR Headset for Console Gaming Sony’s PlayStation VR2 is tailored for PlayStation 5 users, offering unmatched integration with the console’s powerful hardware. Top Features: OLED display with 2000 x 2040 resolution per eye. Eye-tracking for foveated rendering. Haptic feedback in both the headset and controllers. Who It’s For: Console gamers looking for a premium VR experience with exclusive titles like Horizon: Call of the Mountain. 3. Valve Index 2: Best VR Headset for PC Gaming The Valve Index 2 is the ultimate choice for PC gamers, offering cutting-edge technology and a library of high-quality VR titles on SteamVR. Key Specs: Ultra-high resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. Wide field of view (FOV) for immersive gaming. Advanced knuckle controllers for precise hand tracking. Best For: Hardcore gamers with powerful gaming PCs. 4. HTC Vive XR Elite: Best Mixed Reality VR Headset The HTC Vive XR Elite combines VR and augmented reality (AR) capabilities, making it a versatile option for both gaming and productivity. Highlights: Lightweight design for extended wear. Color pass-through for MR experiences. Wireless connectivity and modular features. Perfect For: Professionals and enthusiasts exploring mixed reality applications. 5. Pico 5: Best Budget VR Headset for 2025 The Pico 5 delivers an excellent VR experience at an affordable price. With its standalone capabilities and competitive features, it’s perfect for first-time VR users. Features: 4K resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. Comfortable and compact design. Access to a growing library of VR games and apps.

Who Should Buy: Budget-conscious users and beginners in the VR world. Comparison Table: Best VR Headsets of 2025 VR HeadsetResolutionPlatformBest ForPrice RangeMeta Quest 34K+StandaloneCasual gaming & MR$500-$700PlayStation VR22000 x 2040 per eyePlayStation 5Console gamers$550-$600Valve Index 2Ultra-highPC (SteamVR)Hardcore PC gamers$999+HTC Vive XR Elite4KPC, StandaloneMixed reality & AR$1,000+Pico 54KStandaloneBudget-friendly users$400-$500 How to Choose the Best VR Headset for Your Needs 1. Determine Your Primary Use Gaming: Opt for headsets like the Valve Index 2 or PlayStation VR2. Productivity: Mixed reality devices like the HTC Vive XR Elite are ideal. Casual Use: The Meta Quest 3 is perfect for everyday entertainment. 2. Check Device Compatibility Ensure the VR headset is compatible with your existing hardware, whether it’s a PC, console, or standalone setup. 3. Prioritize Comfort Lightweight designs with adjustable straps and balanced weight distribution are essential for extended sessions. Emerging Trends in VR for 2025 The VR industry continues to evolve, with new technologies shaping the future: AI-Powered Experiences: Adaptive environments and smarter interactions. 8K Resolution Displays: Improved realism and detail. Expanded Mixed Reality Applications: Seamless blending of physical and virtual worlds. Best VR Headset for 2025 The best VR headset in 2025 depends on your individual needs, whether you’re a gamer, creator, or casual user. With options like the Meta Quest 3 for standalone convenience, the Valve Index 2 for PC power, and the HTC Vive XR Elite for mixed reality, there’s a perfect device for everyone. Investing in the right VR headset will unlock a world of possibilities, from immersive gaming to enhanced productivity. Let me know if you’d like help optimizing this content further with visuals or metadata!

[weetechsolution]

Artificial Intelligence vs Mixed Reality: Shaping the Future, But Not in the Same Way

The future of reality is brimming with possibilities, and two transformative technologies stand at the forefront: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Mixed Reality (MR). While both hold immense potential, they paint vastly different pictures of how we might interact with the world around us.

AI

Imagine a world where machines seamlessly understand our needs and anticipate our actions. AI aspires to be the invisible hand, subtly shaping our experiences. It will power intelligent assistants that manage our homes, personalize our newsfeeds, and even optimize our health.

AI's dominance will lie in its ability to crunch vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions. It will automate tedious tasks, freeing us to focus on creativity and innovation. From self-driving cars to medical diagnosis, AI will permeate every facet of our lives, making them smoother and more efficient.

MR

Mixed Reality, on the other hand, promises to blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds. Imagine overlaying digital information onto your surroundings, interacting with virtual objects as if they were real, or even teleporting to distant locations in real-time.

MR's strength lies in its ability to augment our perception, enriching our experiences and opening up new possibilities for learning, entertainment, and collaboration. Imagine surgeons training on virtual patients, architects visualizing 3D models in real-time, or students exploring historical events through interactive simulations.

So, who will be the dominant force in shaping the future reality?

The answer is: both, but in different ways. AI will be the invisible engine driving efficiency and automation, while MR will be the transformative lens through which we experience the world. They are not competitors, but rather complementary forces that will work together to redefine our relationship with reality.

[sandyzakk]

Difference Between Web3 Vs. Metaverse

Some trendy terms endure, while others go. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, Web 3.0 and the Metaverse Development Company are entirely separate technologies.

Continue reading to find out more about web3, metaverse, and the distinctions between the three.

What is Web3?

Gavin Wood introduced the concept of Web3 in 2014 as a means of utilising decentralised technology to maintain liberal democracy. Unfortunately, Web3 lacks a precise definition. Why is it the case? It’s still in its early stages. Yet, using blockchain technology as a substitute to implement the World Wide Web is an option.

The internet has experienced a radical transformation. Experts also take into account the primary distinction between Web2 and Web3. Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the internet, predicted that a semantic web would be the next significant development in the development of the internet.

A chain of decentralised peer networks known as a crypto-economic protocol consists of one or more blockchains. They are known as dApps (decentralized apps).

What is Metaverse?

There is a lot of hype about metaverse. Everyone is talking about the metaverse, whether they are corporate titans or tech tycoons. So what does “metaverse” really mean? A Metaverse Development Services may be thought of as a three-dimensional version of the internet.

The metaverse, according to a venture investor, is a vast network of 3D real-time produced virtual worlds that a nearly limitless number of people may experience concurrently and continuously. Identity, history, rights, things, communications, money, and data continuity are all present.

Metaverse and Web3: how do they connect?

Although the metaverse and Web 3.0 are not the same, there may be crossover in the future — either one, both, or none.

For instance, a digital designer may create a metaverse garment and use an NFT to sell it at auction. They would wear replicas if others imitated it. The outfit cannot be copied if the buyer owns it. Moreover, a Web 3.0 that is accessed via computers and cellphones as opposed to VR headsets is conceivable.

That’s especially likely if technology can’t get above its existing limitations. As Intel recently announced that computers would need to be 1,000 times more efficient to support the metaverse, we have yet to acquire comfortable and affordable VR headsets that are efficient and comfortable for humans to use. VR headsets costing $599 or INR 49k are not affordable for everyone.

Web3 Vs. The Metaverse

To dispel our readers’ perplexity, we must consider the distinctions between their implications and the future.

Web3 Vs. The Metaverse: Definition

Web3, the next version of the internet, is focused on decentralising the internet. The metaverse, in contrast, is described as a place where physical persistence of virtual worlds will mix with virtual augmentations of reality.

Web3 Vs. The Metaverse: Applications

The metaverse may be used in a variety of ways for gaming, entertainment, movies, social media, and education. Web3 is a standard for the next generation, in comparison.

The capabilities of the metaverse are still being developed, thus it is too early to say what they are. Web3 might also be used across the board, not just for one specific application.

Web3 Vs. The Metaverse: Technology

Web3 is based on the following technologies:

NFTs (Non-fungible tokens)

Blockchain & cryptocurrencies.

DAOs (Decentralized autonomous organizations)

DeFi (Decentralized finance)

Metaverse is based on the following technologies:

Decentralization technologies

Creator economy

Human interface

Connectivity technologies

Web3 Vs. The Metaverse: The Future

In contrast to Web3, the metaverse envisions a day where people may access the digital world by using computers.

Web3 vs Metaverse: Web 3.0 India’s Take

Web3 and Metaverse have various functions now and in the future, but they are still related. Both of them make use of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. The Metaverse Development solutions wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the Web 3.0 engine. Due to ongoing developments and a certain degree of interdependence, Web3 and Metaverse will have enormous potential in the future.

Our Web3 Development Company uses the most recent engineering techniques and technology to give organisations scalable, dependable, and distinctive solutions. We want to increase the profitability of businesses by making sure they can benefit the most from their software. Our approach is broken down into multiple steps, starting with planning and ending with maintenance. By doing this, we can facilitate the seamless operation of our team and our customers’ enterprises and realise their vision.

[externlabs13]

AR vs VR vs MR vs XR: Dive Into the World of Virtual Reality

In a world where innumerable technologies are introduced frequently, virtual reality is one name that keeps coming to everyone's mind these days. This virtual world has been extended in all industries, be it gaming, entertainment, real estate, fintech, art, or sports.  

However, as technology advances, it is no longer just about augmented and virtual reality. Now, there is an alphabet jambalaya of metaverse acronyms. Because of these many acronyms, they are often used ambiguously, making things more confusing. 

If you ask a non-techie, from their perspective, whether it's AR, VR, MR, or XR- all these are digital contents presented to users in an immersive way. 

“Virtual Reality” and “Augmented Reality” are definitely not new; these are the torchbearers of the immersive world. However, with all of the buzz surrounding the Metaverse, two new words, "mixed reality" and "extended reality," has entered the world of immersive technology. 

Are you also as confused as I am about the difference between all four terms? 

If yes, this article is surely for you. 

You are not the only one who is all muddled up by these acronyms that are in the air these days. It is this tech industry that has not been precise and often uses overlapping and conflicting language. 

Being a technical writer, I had to understand the differences among these acronyms. After some research, this is my take on AR vs. VR vs. MR vs. XR.

Let’s get over this confusion together!

Dive Into an Immersive World!

One thing common among all these acronyms is the word “Reality” and ironically, this technology isn't real at all. 

One more thing: the term "immersive" is at the top of all these terms. But what do you really understand by the term "immersive"?

Immersive media is digital content that is presented to users from the perspective of one person, creating the illusion that the user is present inside the content rather than observing it from the outside. 

This immersive thing, or “the sense of presence,” is one common attribute among all these terms. 

Let’s understand this with an example- you must have seen people arguing about shapes and colors. One person will think it's a complete circle, while according to the other, the circle is a little compressed from the top. 

One person thinks it's a dark blue color, while the other thinks it's black. This happens because we all perceive the world differently. We all process information in our heads and construct a reality that is unique to all of us. 

This is why we humans confuse "Reality” with the physical world, and that is why virtual reality feels so real even if it's not.  

To experience this immersive reality, you have to wear a VR headset. 

With a VR headset, you can feel present in the digital environment. There are people that literally run out of the VR room, even though they are aware that it's not real. 

So, what really happens is that the digital information overpowers your senses saying “this is not real”. But, for your body, at that moment, it is real. 

There is one word for it, “Virtuality Continuum”, that demonstrates the full spectrum of possibilities between the physical world and the virtual world. 

Surprisingly, this concept of the Virtual Continuum is very old, it traces back to the year 1994 when researchers Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino for the very first time introduced this term.  

At first, it was VR vs. AR

Initially, it was Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. Both the VR and AR terms are flying around for decades now. The word VR (Virtual Reality) found its existence in the year 1980 and AR (Augmented Reality) emerged in the early 1990s. 

The prime difference between AR and VR is where the user feels present. 

In virtual reality, the user feels fully present in a simulated environment, whereas in Augmented reality the user will experience a combined world of real and virtual content. To achieve a VR or AR experience the user has to interact with the virtual content in a natural way. 

But, don't mix up virtual reality with 3D simulations and 3D movies. Also, don't think of AR as a “Heads-up display” (HUDS).

To continue, here is the definition for you:

Virtual Reality (VR) is an immersive and interactive simulated environment that is experienced in the first person and offers a strong sense of presence to the user. 

Augmented Reality (AR) is also an immersive and interactive content that is spatially listed to the real world and experienced in the first person, offering a strong sense of presence within a combined environment. 

VR devices like the Oculus rift and Samsung Gear VR created quite a buzz back in the day. Now, this technology is established with many emerging competitors in the market like HTC Vive, Valve Index, and Oculus Quest. 

In the case of Augmented Reality, Apple is playing big with its AR smart glasses, which are planned to hit the market in early 2026. 

Tango-the Google Project also did a massive contribution to promoting AR technologies. The Tango supporting devices have sensors that process the data of the exact location and object. 

Now Enters XR and MR

For years, VR and AR dominated the field. However, in present times some new acronyms are becoming popular. These are Extended Reality (XR) and Mixed Reality (MR). 

XR is seen getting promoted more by the hardware and software makers as they are producing a system that can support both virtual reality and augmented reality. 

So instead of using “Virtual and augmented reality”, an unwieldy language, the term “Extended Reality” seemed a more convenient and catch-all phrase to the work that targets both.

By definition,

XR is a Real-and-virtual environment created through computer technology and wearables. It is an umbrella term. X in XR is variable and can be changed with any letter. 

About Mixed Reality (MR), well it is popular but it also creates great confusion as it's seen as a synonym for augmented reality. For decades, AR was used foremost in academia and industry, but in the year 2016 when Microsft launched HoloLens- for the first time used Mixed Reality in its marketing and thus the term MR got popularized. People try to differentiate both the terms MR and AR but it's just a matter of preference. 

It gets more confusing as recently several companies have started describing “Smartglasses” as a product of augmented reality or mixed reality when in actuality it’s just a “Heads-up-display” where flat data and images are presented into the user’s line of sight. 

But then, there is a distinction in user experience and some developmental complexities that don't allow these terms (AR and MR) to get interchanged. 

Occipital a startup in the field of computer vision has launched its product Bridge, which is a mixed-reality headset- it gives a user the power to map any given room and set the objects within it. In their marketing video, we can see a robot named Bridget fetching a ball and navigating around physical objects in the room.

This showed that MR has something that AR lacks.

Am I making it confusing? It is indeed a bit confusing. However, there is some feature that differentiates MR from AR.

Let's state it this way,

Augmented reality and Mixed Reality are not interchangeable terms. The prime difference here is- MR is AR but not all AR is MR. 

Augmented Reality is Composite and Mixed Reality is interactive. 

Use of AR, VR, and MR

The video gaming industry benefits a lot from Virtual Reality. Below are examples of where VR is being used in businesses-

Training and Education

Marketing

Engineering and design

AR in business-

Some of the main uses of AR are in-

Interior Designing

Virtual designing rooms

In Tourism

Advertisement and marketing

Data visualization

Use of MR-

In corporate world

MR in business training

In designing

In learning

Technologies used in AR, VR, and MR

The AR and VR industry is booming. Companies like Jelvix are developing AR and VR applications for smartphones and tablets.

The technologies used in AR and VR applications are:

GPS (for locating the real position)

Inertial compass (for determining the direction)

Tracking of hyperlinks, videos, photos, and texts in the database.

Screen information composition in overlays. 

In the case of MR, headset-based technology requires components like cameras to generate an environment that merges the AR and VR worlds. 

This Doesn’t Mean that the real in reality is lost.

The more virtual reality gets closer to the actual world, it seems like real reality is becoming very boring and unnecessary because of the engaging experiences that AR, VR, and MR provide.  

All this AR, VR, MR, and XR contribute to making Real Reality (RR) better and giving people joy in their daily lives.

However, there is still concern about the deterioration of real reality. Like the case with social media, where people connects the most to their online community making a social reality that is drastically different from the actual world. Although social media gives people real-life opportunities like finding new jobs, it also helps them make real-life connections.

Virtual reality and augmented reality are bound to follow the same path. Although there are definitely concerns about digital reality surpassing actual experiences. But we will find a way to seamlessly combine all types of environments. 

Summing Up

It is quite evident that, VR, AR, MR, and XR technologies are pretty complex but still different from each other. 

These technologies allow brands and marketers to attract the attention of users. In the virtual world, users can experience some strong emotions. 

You can give these emotions to your audience, making your brand more recognizable. 

Trying to implement these technologies in your business? You have to pay attention to the software. If you want to get high-quality apps and videos for your business, contact us, and meet our experienced team of developers. 

[primorcoin]

New Post has been published on https://primorcoin.com/centralized-vs-decentralized-metaverses-whats-the-difference/

Centralized vs Decentralized Metaverses: What's the Difference?

In brief

Centralized metaverses don’t use blockchain protocols.

Crypto metaverses utilized blockchain technology to enable in-game currencies, NFTs, and governance token-based voting.

Crypto metaverses can vary in their degree of decentralization.

Crypto metaverses can be found on Ethereum, Polygon, Cardano, and numerous other blockchains.

Bitcoin’s design doesn’t make it a viable blockchain on which to build metaverse projects.

In order to compare the degree of decentralization within metaverses, it’s worth explaining what we mean by metaverse — and what decentralization means as it relates to metaverses and blockchain protocols. A metaverse is an expansive, immersive, and all-encompassing digital version of the analog (real) world. While the terms metaverse and video game often go hand in hand, the metaverse can be used for a variety of both entertainment- and work-focused activities.

People are hanging out with friends, attending metaverse-only concerts, and even using the metaverse to go on dates. These experiences are often enhanced through the use of augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) to give you the visual sensation of being within these metaverse “worlds.” While a screen can suffice, most agree that AR/VR headsets allow you to get the most out of these experiences. Educational and career-related metaverse applications allow you to enhance virtual work meetings and digital classrooms — and can also be used to simulate scenarios for students, scientists, doctors, and pilots.

Decentralization requires a distributed network and a decentralized ownership structure.

While these other applications are worth noting, we’ll be focusing on breaking down metaverses as they relate to video games. Popular metaverse games include titles such as Final Fantasy XIV, Destiny 2, and World of Warcraft. These massive multiplayer online games (MMOGs) are considered metaverses or “proto-metaverses” — but they aren’t decentralized.

Decentralization requires two primary things; it requires a distributed network and a decentralized ownership structure. This means that no single entity can own a company, network, game, or other product if it is to be considered decentralized. And the more “owners” or stakeholders a metaverse has, the more decentralized it is. There is typically not a “yes/no” answer when it comes to classifying decentralization, it typically exists on a spectrum (think a 1-10 decentralization ranking).

As these aforementioned games are generally owned by solitary gaming companies, they lack this defining characteristic of decentralization. Looking at a different example, both Visa and Bitcoin are highly distributed payment networks. Yet, only Bitcoin is decentralized as the ownership or functioning of the network is distributed to over 10,000 full nodes and the associated crypto miners that support the Bitcoin blockchain.

You can remove thousands of these nodes and the Bitcoin network will continue to function. Visa is one company and the network can occasionally experience downtime due to its centralized network structure. In order for metaverses to evolve into decentralized variations they require the same technology that Bitcoin uses — the blockchain.

Crypto Metaverses Use the Blockchain

Crypto metaverses take the MMOGs mentioned above and expand what is possible by incorporating blockchain technology. While many of the first crypto metaverses were built on Ethereum, you can now find crypto metaverse ecosystems on Polygon, Cardano, and a variety of other blockchain protocols. Due to its design and focus as a cryptocurrency, there aren’t any metaverses built on the Bitcoin protocol.

By mixing blockchain with these massive online gaming worlds, these enhanced metaverses are becoming decentralized by enabling in-game currencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and even the ability to control the metaverse itself through governance token-based voting. Decentraland and The Sandbox are examples of popular metaverse games that fit within this category.

Crypto metaverse games decentralize payments by facilitating the use of in-game currencies such as SAND and MANA (from The Sandbox and Decentraland, respectively). This allows you to purchase in-game assets such as upgraded weapons, vehicles, armor, and metaverse locations using the game’s proprietary cryptocurrency — as opposed to having to rely on a credit card or centralized payment app (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay).Further, these in-game assets are often represented as NFTs, which decentralizes ownership of these metaverse assets. In the proto-metaverses mentioned above, metaverse assets are generally controlled by the gaming company that created them. With crypto metaverses, you can buy, sell, and trade these in-game NFTs (and sometimes earn them through gameplay). You can purchase them via an in-game currency or another cryptocurrency (ETH, ADA) through an NFT marketplace. You can also trade both your in-game currencies and your NFTs for other cryptocurrencies as well.

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[wiseguyreport1222]

The Immersive Technologies market report provides a detailed analysis of global market size, regional and country-level market size, segmentation market growth, market share, competitive Landscape, sales analysis, impact of domestic and global market players, value chain optimization, trade regulations, recent developments, opportunities analysis, strategic market growth analysis, product launches, area marketplace expanding, and technological innovations.

GET FREE SAMPLE PDF: https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/7284872-global-immersive-technologies-market-2021-by-company-regions

Market segmentation Immersive Technologies market is split by Type and by Application. For the period 2016-2026, the growth among segments provide accurate calculations and forecasts for revenue by Type and by Application. This analysis can help you expand your business by targeting qualified niche markets.

Market segment by Type, covers Virtual Reality (VR) Augmented Reality (AR) Mixed Reality (MR)

REPORT DETAILS :https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/7284872-global-immersive-technologies-market-2021-by-company-regions#related_reports

Market segment by Application, can be divided into Healthcare Education Retail & eCommerce Gaming Construction Media & Entertainment Manufacturing Aerospace & Defense Others

TABLES OF CONTENTS

1 Market Overview 1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Immersive Technologies 1.2 Classification of Immersive Technologies by Type 1.2.1 Overview: Global Immersive Technologies Market Size by Type: 2020 Versus 2021 Versus 2026 1.2.2 Global Immersive Technologies Revenue Market Share by Type in 2020 1.2.3 Virtual Reality (VR) 1.2.4 Augmented Reality (AR) 1.2.5 Mixed Reality (MR) 1.3 Global Immersive Technologies Market by Application 1.3.1 Overview: Global Immersive Technologies Market Size by Application: 2020 Versus 2021 Versus 2026 1.3.2 Healthcare 1.3.3 Education 1.3.4 Retail & eCommerce 1.3.5 Gaming 1.3.6 Construction 1.3.7 Media & Entertainment 1.3.8 Manufacturing 1.3.9 Aerospace & Defense 1.3.10 Others 1.4 Global Immersive Technologies Market Size & Forecast 1.5 Global Immersive Technologies Market Size and Forecast by Region 1.5.1 Global Immersive Technologies Market Size by Region: 2016 VS 2021 VS 2026 1.5.2 Global Immersive Technologies Market Size by Region, (2016-2021) 1.5.3 North America Immersive Technologies Market Size and Prospect (2016-2026) 1.5.4 Europe Immersive Technologies Market Size and Prospect (2016-2026) 1.5.5 Asia-Pacific Immersive Technologies Market Size and Prospect (2016-2026) 1.5.6 South America Immersive Technologies Market Size and Prospect (2016-2026) 1.5.7 Middle East and Africa Immersive Technologies Market Size and Prospect (2016-2026) 1.6 Market Drivers, Restraints and Trends 1.6.1 Immersive Technologies Market Drivers 1.6.2 Immersive Technologies Market Restraints 1.6.3 Immersive Technologies Trends Analysis 2 Company Profiles 2.1 EON Reality 2.1.1 EON Reality Details 2.1.2 EON Reality Major Business 2.1.3 EON Reality Immersive Technologies Product and Solutions 2.1.4 EON Reality Immersive Technologies Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2019-2021) 2.1.5 EON Reality Recent Developments and Future Plans 2.2 HCL Technologies 2.2.1 HCL Technologies Details 2.2.2 HCL Technologies Major Business 2.2.3 HCL Technologies Immersive Technologies Product and Solutions 2.2.4 HCL Technologies Immersive Technologies Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2019-2021) 2.2.5 HCL Technologies Recent Developments and Future Plans 2.3 The Samsung Group 2.3.1 The Samsung Group Details 2.3.2 The Samsung Group Major Business 2.3.3 The Samsung Group Immersive Technologies Product and Solutions 2.3.4 The Samsung Group Immersive Technologies Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2019-2021) 2.3.5 The Samsung Group Recent Developments and Future Plans 2.4 Zeality 2.4.1 Zeality Details 2.4.2 Zeality Major Business 2.4.3 Zeality Immersive Technologies Product and Solutions 2.4.4 Zeality Immersive Technologies Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2019-2021) 2.4.5 Zeality Recent Developments and Future Plans 2.5 Oculus (Facebook Technologies, LLC.) 2.5.1 Oculus (Facebook Technologies, LLC.) Details 2.5.2 Oculus (Facebook Technologies, LLC.) Major Business 2.5.3 Oculus (Facebook Technologies, LLC.) Immersive Technologies Product and Solutions 2.5.4 Oculus (Facebook Technologies, LLC.) Immersive Technologies Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2019-2021) 2.5.5 Oculus (Facebook Technologies, LLC.) Recent Developments and Future Plans 2.6 Immersive Technologies 2.6.1 Immersive Technologies Details 2.6.2 Immersive Technologies Major Business 2.6.3 Immersive Technologies Immersive Technologies Product and Solutions

Market segment by players, this report covers EON Reality HCL Technologies The Samsung Group Zeality Oculus (Facebook Technologies, LLC.) Immersive Technologies AVEVA Group CM Labs Simulations VI-grade GmbH FAAC Incorporated Unity Software Varjo Technologies Atheer Barc Blippar

Market segment by regions, regional analysis covers North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico) Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy, and Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific) South America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America) Middle East & Africa (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of Middle East & Africa)

The content of the study subjects, includes a total of 12 chapters: Chapter 1, to describe Immersive Technologies product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market driving force and market risks. Chapter 2, to profile the top players of Immersive Technologies, with revenue, gross margin and global market share of Immersive Technologies from 2019 to 2021. Chapter 3, the Immersive Technologies competitive situation, revenue and global market share of top players are analyzed emphatically by landscape contrast. Chapter 4 and 5, to segment the market size by type and application, with revenue and growth rate by type, application, from 2016 to 2026. Chapter 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, to break the market size data at the country level, with revenue and market share for key countries in the world, from 2016 to 2021.and Immersive Technologies market forecast, by regions, type and application, with revenue, from 2021 to 2026. Chapter 11 and 12, to describe Immersive Technologies research findings and conclusion, appendix and data source.

...continued

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[vrheadsets]

VR vs. The Dark Horse

We’re now most of the way, two thirds to be precise, through November and I’m beginning to wonder where all this time is actually going. I blinked earlier and three hours seemed to have elapsed into the ether. What on earth is happening?

I have reappeared back in the office – well, my bedroom office – after most of last week off. A week that has proven to be far busier and more stress filled than I had anticipated. One of these days I’ll be able to take time off without looming disaster or sickness decimating it. Of course, I’ve come back to find all hell has broken loose in my absence. We’ve had all sorts of news and reveals and the landscape has changed yet again. But in fairness that is always the way with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), that, if you’ve read some of the stories I’ve been responsible for in recent weeks, I’ve begun to refer more and more by the umbrella term of ‘immersive technologies’.

Still, I’ve been in a bit of a quandary as I’ve rolled back in straight into VR vs. and that’s not always the easiest thing to do. What exactly do I talk about when I’ve so little time to get back up to speed? I could of course discuss the response to the VRFocus review of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR, which certainly got people talking, but I think that’s more appropriate for those concerned. Or Skyrim VR as a whole and how it changes things for VR, but again there was a couple of great pieces about that already written on the site that you should probably check out.

As such I’m left thinking back to the passage of time and something that I’ve been mulling over for a few weeks. Since the year is coming to an end I’ve already begun to draft up some ideas for my 2018 predictions column. Long-time VR vs. readers will recall at the beginning of 2017 I set out a number of predictions in a three-part column appropriately called VR vs. Nostradamus. I’ve already got a number of things drafted down and, unless someone accidentally deletes the thing, will be writing it up over the next few weeks as we get ready for December and VRFocus‘ annual ‘Christmas Mode’, which’ll see a few less stories during the day and us actually seeing our families. Some of them are pretty convinced we’re some sort of myth at this point. You have been warned – and so have they.

One of my more recent trains of thought has been regarding whosoever is going to be which of the big companies is going to be the real difference maker in 2018.  Is the team at Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) going to continue to find success, releasing even more titles and refining the PlayStation VR ever more? Will the repositioning of its VR business mean HTC accelerate forward in the battle of the PC headset? Will Oculus’ work finally pay off and the Go/Santa Cruz combo surprise everyone? Will Apple play their hand and make it a two-pronged attack in their own little private war with Google who also have new products waiting in the wings. Could it be Microsoft? Who have, despite XBox riding the fence so hard they’ve got splinters in their backsides, sought to redefine their own immersive programme – and the term ‘mixed reality’ whilst they were at it. Or… could it be Nintendo? Who cou-

No. No, it’s not going to be Nintendo. Ha ha! Let’s not be silly(!)

Oddly enough my current opinion is that the one to watch for everyone is actually none of these. Nor is it VR’s own Ol’ Reliable in Gear VR makers Samsung. The company I think we should all be keeping an eye on is actually Intel.

Now, I know that might seem fervently ridiculous considering that it was Intel who cancelled its previously announced standalone VR head mounted display (HMD) known as Project Alloy as well as shuttered their Recon AR glasses division. So how on Earth could it be Intel that changes everything up?  Well, whilst the tech conglomerate isn’t exactly the noisiest company in VR, it certainly isn’t the quietest either. If we go back to 2016 Intel popped up here and there in VR stories. There was their work on retail VR solutions with InContext Solutions, they developed their team and we featured them several times on The VR Job Hub – then in November 2016 they acquired VOKE, a specialist in producing live 360 degree content for sports and other forms of entertainment.

“Together, we can innovate and scale our new immersive sports business faster to bring fans the most personalized, fully immersive VR experience ever imagined and change the way networks, sports leagues and teams engage with their audiences.” Said Intel at the time, and it certainly was the start of their positioning as a broadcaster (or broadcast partner) for VR. This thread has continued to develop throughout 2017 up until, just a couple of weeks ago. Intel have featured in almost five pages worth of stories if you look the Intel tag up on VRFocus.

Intel has this year alone:

Been involved with Framestore in creating a VR reproduction of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Been developing a haptic vest with D&E Tech for the Chinese market.

Discussed its thoughts on both VR and eSports on numerous occasions, the latter being something it is increasingly involved in, especially with the VR Challenger League which is in partnership with ESL and Oculus.

Was revealed to be one of VR’s biggest investors.

Announced to be working with HTC Vive on a WiGig Wireless Solution, something VRFocus got hands on with back in June – before the project was discontinued.

And Surgical Theatre on surgical imaging technology.

Worked with Microsoft on getting MR devices to run on integrated graphics. They also worked with Blueprint Reality on MR.

In entertainment they worked with Linkin Park, demonstrated immersive movie pods with Positron, the Dunkirk VR Experience, took people behind the scenes on Spider-Man: Homecoming VR,

Whilst in sport they provided 360 degree highlights for the NCAA’s March Madness after becoming a corporate partner. They also brought VR broadcasting innovations to the International Cricket Champions Trophy, streamed MLB games, and PGA Golf – a deal which they subsequently extended. Intel also announced they were to provide VR/360 degree technology to the Olympics up until 2024, and revealed that the 2018 Olympic Winter Games would be coming to Windows Mixed Reality.

That’s a pretty busy year in anyone’s book. Intel has its own VR Center for Excellence of course and often utilises its True VR technology.

Its latest announcement again revolved around broadcasting sport; following on from its role in broadcasting the NCAA the NBA signed Intel as a the exclusive provider of VR content for the organisation, and providing Turner Network Television and its broadcast partners with live content and highlights. As I mentioned at the time in that week’s This Week In VR Sport, this would, presumably freeze out the previous partner NextVR.

An ever-increasing sports broadcast portfolio, diverse utilisation of their own technology systems and smart investments combined with partnerships with three of the ‘main’ platform holders. Slowly and diligently Intel have positioned themselves as a go-to partner and one with potentially a lot of power going forward in VR’s development.

I for one will be interested to see where they go next.

    from VRFocus http://ift.tt/2jc5U0M

[premayogan]

22 Examples of Augmented Reality to Inspire Small Business Owners

The year 2016 witnessed the launch of Pokémon GO, a path-breaking innovation in the world of mobile video games, and the game earned tremendous acceptance globally with 100 million downloads on Google Play in one month. It is one of the top augmented reality examples among many more that have emerged in the past two years. Apple CEO Tim Cook said in 2016 that the augmented reality technology will become so essential that it will be as much a part of a user’s day as eating three meals a day. In the FIFA World Cup 2018, football fans got an engaging opportunity to extend their support for their favorite team by adding 3D face masks to photos and videos. This became the first international sporting event to implement Facebook’s augmented reality masks. Over the past couple of years, we have come across numerous augmented reality examples, either in the news or experienced ourselves. The world of augmented reality has finally become as real as peanut butter. Its capabilities which we have seen in sci-fi fictions movies like HER are now a science-backed reality in life. It offers an enriched experience by introducing elements of the virtual world into the real world using technology. From education to entertainment, healthcare to medical science, sports to tourism, product marketing to retail shopping, construction to telecommunication, engineering to manufacturing, environment to energy, AR has marked its presence everywhere. AR is here to stay and all set to become an indispensable part of our daily lives.

Augmented Reality and its types

Augment means ‘to add’ or ‘to enhance something’. Augmented reality is an enhanced version of the real environment by superimposing graphics, sounds, touch and effects for better user experience. The primary objective of AR is to ensure a superior audiovisual experience for the user. The implementation models and applications of AR are wide-ranging and unlimited. It can be applied to simple things like text notifications for better user experience as well as to prepare medical professionals to perform complicated surgeries. AR vs VR Both virtual reality and augmented reality are changing the way we perceive reality and set to have remarkable growth in the coming years. Although they sound similar, they are two different concepts. Augmented reality adds digital elements to an existing natural environment for enhanced user experience, whereas in Virtual Reality an imagined or real-world environment is recreated. AR aficionados classify Augmented Reality majorly into five categories, although the differences between each are not quite obvious. The different types of augmented reality are: Projection-based AR It projects digital images on physical objects in real space. Recognition-based AR You scan an image and it comes to life. Location-based AR It makes use of the location-detecting feature of the smart devices. Outlining AR It is similar to projection-based AR but uses object recognition to work. Superimposition-based AR It provides an ‘alternate’ view of a particular object. Therefore, it is used widely in healthcare and military AR applications.

The current “Reality” of “Augmented Reality”

The augmented reality ecosystem has evolved very quickly over the past few years and continues to grow at a rapid rate. The International Data Corporation (IDC) expects a five-year compound annual growth rate of 98.8% for AR and VR products and services during the period 2017-2021. Major industries have started exploring augmented reality for improving customer experience and interaction, workforce enablement, brand advertising, etc. The home furnishing market has already put AR technology into action to enhance brand experience for their customers. Siemens, the engineering company, has recently used AR to showcase the new range of magnetic valves. Major brands like Coca-Cola, Spotify etc., are using augmented reality applications to advertise their products. How tech giants are defining this new reality? Google and ARCore ARCore is the platform from Google for augmented reality apps. It enables developers to integrate virtual content with the real world and thereby offer numerous AR experiences for the users. The Expeditions AR, which was introduced to provide an augmented learning experience for students, is now free for all. Google Glass, the wearable augmented reality eyeglass launched in 2012, is often reviewed as a product far ahead of its time. Apple and ARKit The ARKit2, with an impressive list of additional features, was unveiled by Apple in 2018 at the Worldwide Developer Conference. It enables developers to build AR apps that ensure a deeper level of immersion for the users. Facebook and AR Studio Facebook introduced AR Studio, the augmented reality tool, for third-party developers in 2017. While Netflix used the AR Studio tools to launch its comic book series, Nike experimented with the Camera Effects Platform to employ AR with Messenger bots for its new line of sneakers. Amazon Sumerian and Amazon AR View Amazon has also stepped into the AR world with Amazon Sumerian and AR View. Amazon Sumerian lets anyone create AR apps quickly and easily using its tools. AR View is another amazing feature from the online retail giant which lets you view the products in your home before you buy it. Microsoft Hololens Microsoft launched Hololens in 2016 to mark its presence in the world of Mixed Reality. The release of the second version of Hololens is a much-awaited event in the tech world. It is expected to be launched this year with a custom AI chip for better performance. Magic Leap This highly funded Florida-based startup has come up with its futuristic pair of augmented reality glasses named as Magic Leap One. It is designed to enhance the real world with digital objects while you can interact with everything real that is going around you. Samsung Samsung Electronics has included augmented reality features in Galaxy 9, its recently launched smartphone model. The company has also used augmented reality tech features in Bixby Vision, the smart assistant in Galaxy Note 8, for better user experience. Well, the list is not complete as there are many other AR startups and tech companies working on AR-based products and services. AR is expected to revolutionize the way businesses operate in the near future. The global spending on AR and virtual reality technology will reach $215 billion in 2021. In the next couple of years, Apple and Google together will have 4.25 billion AR-capable devices. The AR industry is expected to generate revenue of $90 billion by 2020.

Major applications categories of Augmented Reality

Social Marketing and Retail Gaming Utility Education and Training

22 of the most interesting, inspiring and innovative examples of Augmented Reality

The history of augmented reality can be traced back to the beginning of the 21st Century when Lyman Frank Baum published the illustrated novel ‘The Master Key.’ The first augmented reality device, named ‘The Sword of Damocles,’ was invented by Ivan Sutherland. Fast forward to 1990, Tom Caudell coined the term ‘Augmented Reality.’ And in the same decade, AR tech has taken its baby steps as a commercial commodity. Acknowledge it or not, AR is slowly becoming a part of our everyday life now. With numerous applications, AR is all set to transform our lives for the better. Check out below a curated list of the best AR examples put into action. 1. IKEA Mobile App – Put furniture on the streets The Swedish home furnishing company IKEA is a pioneer in taking advantage of augmented reality technology to enhance customer experience. It launched IKEA Place, the AR-based app, in the autumn of 2017. This app enables shoppers to see exactly how furniture items in the product catalog would look and fit in their homes before they buy it. It makes use of Apple’s ARKit augmented reality platform to take shopping experience to the next level. 2. Project Color App From Home Depot – Which shade for your wall?

Will the wall paint make the bedroom look dull? Does the shortlisted bedroom furniture make the space jam-packed? Is the coffee table too small for the living room? These kinds of common shopping queries can become a thing of the past when home furnishing companies put AR into action. Decorating your home becomes a lot easier with the Project Color App from Home Depot. It shows the user how a particular paint looks in the wall before you actually finalize the shade. Similar to IKEA, the company has launched its dedicated AR app for home furnishing products as well. 3. Timberland – Say goodbye to fitting rooms Not many of us want to go to the fitting room repeatedly while we shop for outfits. Hence Timberland launched its virtual fitting room in a shopping center in Warsaw to offer a better retail experience. Launched in 2014, it uses Kinect Motion Sensing Technology to enable shoppers to try on different outfits virtually. You can see your face and similar-sized figure in various outfits before you buy it. 4. Sephora Virtual Artist – Virtual makeup anywhere, anytime Sephora Virtual Artist is an innovative and exciting AR feature available in Sephora’s app. It allows the prospective customers to try on thousands of Sephora’s makeup products to find the best-suited one. 5. MakeupGenius App – Unique virtual makeup experience The MakeupGenius App from L’Oreal Paris, one of the world’s top cosmetics manufacturers, gives you instant makeovers using real products and a real inspiration. By using the camera of your phone, it recognizes your facial features to offer a seamless virtual makeup experience. If you aren’t sure about which shade of lipstick or eyeliner suits you well, this app is what you need. 6. Pepsi Max, AR and the bus shelter in London A prowling tiger, a crashing meteor and an alien tentacle grabbing people in a bus stop! Well, this is not a scene from a sci-fi movie, but an astounding advertisement using augmented reality tech by PepsiCo. The company named the video campaign as “Unbelievable Bus Shelter.” 7. AccuVein for easier and safer IV insertion AccuVein is a leading example of how augmented reality application can be used to solve a real-world problem in healthcare. It uses projection-based AR to take away the guesswork involved in finding a vein. 8. AMC Theatres provides optimal convenience with AR The entertainment industry has already put AR into action in innovative ways. A perfect example is AMC Theatres which incorporates AR technology in their app to deliver the brand message at the right moment. Users can scan a film poster and receive relevant information about the movie using the app. They can go ahead and purchase the movie tickets as well. 9. Weather Channel’s AR entry to warn against winter driving hazards Weather Channel used AR technology to explain the hazards of winter driving innovatively and it garnered much attention in April 2018. The broadcast company used a virtual car through the studio to describe the hazards of driving on snowy roads. It had earlier used augmented reality technology to display a tornado in the studio. 10. AR Poser – Take a selfie with digital avatars Disney Research has recently started to use augmented reality technology to enable users to pose with, or as, a digital avatar for enhanced user experience. The app named as AR Poser takes only 2 seconds to interpret an image and project the digital avatar. The team at Disney Research had earlier developed technology using AR to project colored images from a book into 3D renderings using a smartphone. 11. Pokémon GO – The game that made AR a household name Pokémon GO does not need any explanation. Niantic surprised the whole world with its augmented reality video game Pokémon GO. The game enjoyed overwhelming success leading to the massive popularity of AR technology among consumers. The company will soon launch its next game themed on Harry Potter series and is named as ‘Harry Potter: Wizards Unite’. 12. Google’s Measure – Forget the measuring tapes Don’t have a measuring tape handy? Here’s the virtual measuring app from Google that is available on any device that runs ARCore. It lets you measure smaller dimensions quickly by just using your smartphone camera. 13. Find Your Car With AR – In case you forget Do you often forget where you parked the car and waste time over searching for it? Here’s the right solution. ‘Find Your Car With AR’ lets you see where you have parked the car, the street address, date and time of parking and much more. This AR-based app is most helpful when you park the car in crowded areas like stadiums, malls, convention centers, etc. 14. Taco Bell – Product packaging with an AR twist 

When Taco Bell released its new Doritos Locos Tacos, it placed an AR feature in its app. Users can scan the product box using the app to see product-related content in Twitter and Facebook. This way, the restaurant chain employed AR technology to create a sense of community. 15. Acura – “What a Race” in Augmented Reality Acura, the luxury vehicle marque of Honda, embraced augmented reality last year by hosting the world’s first-of-its-kind live augmented reality driving experience. Named as “What a Race,” it was broadcasted on Facebook Live as part of the marketing campaign of the new 2018 TLX from the Japanese automaker. 16. Volkswagen’s AR system for workforce assistance 

The German automaker, Volkswagen has introduced an AR system to guide its workers in navigating through a factory. This AR system helps the worker move anywhere in their massive factories to find a specific machine and then overlay the information they need for the task, on the spot. The company plans to use AR technology for autonomous indoor driving and guide visitors inside the factory in the near future. 17. StubHub’s AR feature for Super Bowl fans StubHub wanted to help football fans who are uncertain about the location of their seats in the stadium for the Super Bowl matches. They came up with an AR-based feature in their iPhone app to improve the overall Super Bowl experience of ticket-buyers. They can actually visualize the location of their seats, parking garages and pre-game events in the surrounding area. 18. Wikitude – The AR browser app Wikitude app is appreciated by travelers as it provides location-based augmented reality experiences and geographically relevant information. You can also get information regarding accommodation, hotel deals etc. using the app. It includes many amazing features like 3D model rendering, image recognition, tracking, and video rendering to name a few. 19. Tactical Augmented Reality for the military force Augmented Reality has been intelligently put into action by the United States Army. The technology called ‘Tactical Augmented Reality (TAR)’ is majorly used to improve situational awareness of soldiers. TAR uses goggles with night-vision which are wirelessly connected to a tablet that soldiers carry on their waists. The exciting part of TAR is that when a soldier points a weapon, the image of the target along with their details can be seen through the eyepiece. 20. Wiring worries of Boeing solved with AR Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, uses an AR solution to speed up the wire repair process and eliminate wiring errors in the plane. This hands-free device, similar to a Google Glass, lets technicians see the wiring in the plane and gives step-by-step directions using voice commands. Additionally, workers can get expert advice from remote engineers as well, using a special feature in this AR-based solution known as Skylight. 21. Aecomis uses Mixed Reality for complex projects Architects and engineers at Aecomis work in collaboration from its Hong Kong, Denver and London offices using Mixed Reality. The company uses Microsoft Hololens Technology that projects 3D engineering models as holograms at multiple locations. The team members can walk through the visualized models of complex projects from their respective locations and thereby avoid architectural errors in the projects before construction. 22. SAVED – An oxygen mask with smart glasses Inflight smoke, fume or fire is the leading cause of emergency landing and delays. To solve this problem, FedEx Express cargo will soon introduce an oxygen mask that will include smart glass. The pilot will get the display of flight controls quickly in the mask and thus ensure safe landing of the plane immediately. ODG has come up with this AR-based technology and it is named as Smoke Assured Vision Enhanced Display (SAVED).

AR is the reality of our future

Augmented Reality is a technology in its infancy. The biggest benefits of augmented reality technology are yet to come. It has opened up tremendous possibilities. Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to AR technology. The above-mentioned examples will probably inspire you to use this new technology innovatively to grow your business. The power of AR tech is undeniable. If you are reluctant to embrace it now, your brand may be left behind in the race. Brands that acknowledge this and take necessary action will be well-positioned to capitalize on this transformation. Adding AR into your business strategy is slowly becoming a need of the hour. It can be cleverly put into action to improve the business processes, enhance customer experience and boost customer engagement, to name a few. The above-listed examples are just a tip of the iceberg. The imaginative concepts you have seen in science fiction movies can now be transformed into reality with the right AR technology. Read the full article

[manipaldigital]

The Rise of Virtual Interfaces in Business

Introduction

Our real-world and the cyber world have never been closer. With ever-decreasing sizes and increasing sophistication, the computer is truly mobile like never before (smartwatch, anyone?) The future promises to make all kinds of smart computing devices ubiquitous in our daily lives, from smart home automation and appliances to smart clothing and cars. As they’ve become more miniature and powerful, computing devices have seen increasing use to eliminate the line between the real and digital worlds to create a new kind of reality called “Virtual Reality”.

VR vs. AR

In a sense, Virtual Reality (“VR” for short) refers to any simulated computer environment with interactive elements. However, in modern parlance, VR specifically refers to a fully immersive experience in a simulated world, where one is isolated from the real world by using an enclosed simulator or VR goggles. Other technologies allow a sort of “Blended Reality” existence by overlaying simulated objects in the real world and displaying both on a display screen (e.g., a smartphone screen), with varying degrees of permissible interactivity between the real world and virtual elements. Depending on the level of interactivity, the technologies are called Augmented Reality (AR) or Mixed Reality (MR). In general, all AR is MR, but all MR is not AR. However, in common usage, AR seems to be the more widely recognized term for AR as well as MR applications, so we will use that in this article to mean both technologies.

Business Uses

Virtual Reality

VR has been in business use for ages. Beyond military simulators and specialized film & entertainment industry use till the 1990s, VR was increasingly adopted for multiple scientific and medical applications in the first decade of the 2000s. With faster, more powerful VR goggles and smartphones, VR has also seen adoption in engineering, education, art, and gaming applications.

Virtualization without Isolation — The Rise of Augmented Reality

For all its promise however, VR’s major limitation is its requirement for complete isolation from one’s surroundings. Augmented Reality, on the other hand, is all about enriching one’s real-world experience by overlaying digital information on it when viewed through any digital screen- especially smartphones. This has myriad uses, from the useful (e.g., Google Lens’s real-time translation feature or Directions feature can be a welcome relief from confusion in new places with unfamiliar languages) to the entertaining (remember Pokémon Go?). One of the most exciting technologies in this space is AR Glasses, a sort of smart glass panel worn over the eyes which allows users to access digital information while still being aware of the world around them. The idea has been touted as a game-changer in every field, from field surveys in remote areas to adding contextual video and image data in education, city planning, etc. However, affordable, and wide use of AR Glasses is still a thing of the future.

In the near future, AR applications are getting adopted for widespread use on existing platforms. For example, social media platforms are incorporating a technology known as WebAR, which allows AR objects to be displayed directly on websites- no special app or headset required. This could be a gamechanger, as it puts both the creation and consumption of AR content in the hands of the consumers. YouTube has already rolled out a feature that lets viewers try on different lipstick shades in real-time while watching certain make-up tip videos. Facebook released its Spark AR platform for free, allowing users to create their own AR filters for Instagram, among other applications. The same technology holds a lot of promise for a variety of other applications for marketing, beta testing certain products, and eCommerce.

Other, more specialized applications continue to be of immense potential in the Retail and FMCG industries. A hugely promising use-case for virtual try-on stores for make-up, jewelry, clothing, glasses, accessories, footwear, etc., has gained an increase in momentum in the context of Covid-19 related social distancing, which has reduced footfall to physical stores globally. Faster and more widespread internet access through 5G is expected to also hold major impacts in high-density markets around the world. By some accounts, the Virtual Try-on industry is expected to cross USD 6.5 Billion by 2025. The technology is widely expected to be adopted in some form or another by every major physical as well as eCommerce retailer.

Beyond virtual try-on stores, highly sophisticated AR (sometimes called “Mixed Reality” or MR) adds serious muscle to AR’s capabilities. Microsoft Hololens for example, is a serious attempt to put powerful AR capabilities in the hands of architects, engineers, game developers, filmmakers, and medical researchers, among others via a sophisticated headset that is a powerful, self-contained holographic computer. A somewhat less computation-heavy application like the Ikea Place app seeks to incorporate features like spatial recognition and orientation to create a furniture app that not only allows a realistic assessment of a particular piece of furniture by allowing users to “place” it in an empty space but also includes features like orientation, where the app recognizes which direction the object is being viewed from to create a life-life view.

Conclusion In an increasingly digital world, expanding one’s reality using technology is the key to remaining relevant as a business. Virtual interfaces represent a new, exciting way to cross geographical boundaries in retail, expand simulation capabilities, and put the power of tech-driven marketing in the hands of every business.

Opportunities and Challenges In the medium term (1–7 years), AR and MR applications are poised for massive growth. From a retailer’s perspective, digital try-on rooms, including physical booths / AR mirrors and smartphone apps represent an important growth avenue, especially in the context of the post-Covid19 “New Reality” of consumers’ shopping behavior. However, it can be a massive endeavor to digitize the entire inventory. In some cases, photogrammetry is possible, but in many cases with complex visual details (e.g., jewelry), one needs access to talented 3D graphics artists, a good work setup with calibrated monitors and high-end computers, and most of all, a good business understanding.

Even with a digitized asset library, the work is far from finished. The creation of a sophisticated try-on system, whether it is purchased off-the-shelf or created in-house, is key. Finally, the marketing, roll-out, and ROI Impact of the creation has to be measured. One of the best ways to accomplish AR implementation is by working with an execution partner like Manipal Technologies, which regularly handles global projects with end-to-end scope of digitizing/ creating original 3D art, deploying the characters and art into existing or new AR apps, and planning the entire marketing and roll-out campaign.

[sayantandodo]

HelloStar Shout Out Process & Difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality.

Augmented and virtual reality have one big thing in common. They both have the remarkable ability to alter our perception of the world. Where they differ, is the perception of our presence. Virtual reality is able to transpose the user. In other words, bring us someplace else. Through closed visors or goggles, VR blocks out the room and puts our presence elsewhere. Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard, these are names you may have heard about by now. But if you haven’t tried virtual reality since that one arcade in the ’80s, be ready to be blown away by how far it’s come. Virtual reality (VR) immerses people in experiences, often with a lot of expensive technology such as headsets.

Augmented reality, on the other hand, usually starts with a real-life view of something (such as the camera of a mobile phone), and projects or inserts images onto the screen or viewer. Most people’s idea of virtual reality (VR) is heavily coloured by The Matrix, a tremendously popular 1999 movie about a deceptively realistic, virtual-reality future that was so indistinguishable from everyday life that the main characters originally believe that the simulation they’re in is real. Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of an alternate world or reality and is primarily used in 3D movies and in video games. Virtual reality creates simulations—meant to shut out the real world and envelope or “immerse” the viewer—using computers and sensory equipment such as headsets and gloves. Apart from games and entertainment, virtual reality has also long been used in training, education, and science. AR combines the physical world with computer-generated virtual elements. These elements are then projected over physical surfaces in reality within people’s field of vision, with the intent of combining the two to enhance one another.

Augmented reality inserts—or lays over—content into the real world using a device such as a smartphone screen or a headset. Whereas virtual reality replaces what people see and experience, augmented reality actually adds to it. Using devices such as HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Google Cardboard, VR covers and replaces users’ field of vision entirely, while AR projects images in front of them in a fixed area. Putting a VR headset over your eyes will leave you blind to the current world, but will expand your senses with experiences within. You might even find yourself on top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The immersion is quite dramatic, with some users reporting feelings of movement as they ascend a staircase or ride a rollercoaster within the virtual environment.

Mixed Reality (MR) is the use of both Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies to create an environment where physical and virtual objects can exist and interact in real-time. Mixed reality is a blend of physical and virtual worlds that includes both real and computer-generated objects. Mixed reality (MR) combines aspects of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). It sometimes called "enhanced" AR since it is similar to AR technology, but provides more physical interaction. Examples of augmented reality experiences include Snapchat lenses and the game Pokemon Go. There is also HelloStar Media who provides Augmented reality personalized video shout out services. When people require personalized video shout out messages HelloStar helps them. The requester can ask for a personalized message and the celebrity send a shout out message within few days.

Virtual reality (VR) implies a complete immersion experience that shuts out the physical world. In a Mixed Reality (MR) experience, which combines elements of both AR and VR, real-world and digital objects interact. At present, Mixed Reality (MR) systems are still being developed and fine-tuned. This technology is still not as widely available as separate VR and AR devices or software, although there are some real-world examples of mixed reality technologies in use today. Mixed reality devices like the Microsoft HoloLens 2 aren’t found everywhere just yet, although, with a steadily increasing number of applications and growing use in certain industrial and commercial fields, they certainly could be in the not-too-distant future. As we’ll see, most of the current use cases of mixed reality technologies are bespoke to a specific task or objective and have different applications within different fields or sectors.

Mixed reality is closer to augmented reality than virtual reality. Like MR, AR uses a real environment. It "augments" reality by overlaying virtual objects on top of it, such as a Snapchat filter. However, the user cannot interact directly with virtual objects. For example, AR has the capability to display a virtual 3D box on a physical table. With MR, the user might be able to pick up and open the box. VR entertainment has been around for decades and because of this, it’s the most acclimatized and most widely available of the three technologies. Augmented reality games and apps are coming out thick and fast since the success of Pokémon Go and there’s little reason to suspect they’ll disappear out anytime soon. But the mixed reality in entertainment is not only reserved for gaming.

AR and VR technology is improving so much that the film and big screen industry are after the vision of incorporating them into their movies. The idea of interactive storytelling which is a mix between a game and movie will open up lots of new doors for mixed reality. An example is the new Netflix series, You vs. Wild with adventure survivalist Bear Grylls, which lets you make decisions and change endings. Mixed reality entertainment is already here with companies like Magic Leap, Lucasfilm, and Industrial Light And Magic all looking to delve into mixed reality entertainment. For example, Magic Leap’s is embracing mixed reality in cinema by using what they call a Dynamic Digitised Lightfield Signal. Magic Leap’s tech projects images directly into the eye, without the need for it to bounce off an object and then head towards the eyes. This tricks the brain into thinking the object is there when in reality, it is a projection.

HelloStar shout out is another example of augmented reality and mixed reality. People who need personalized video messages from celebrities and influencers can send a request soon. The organization HelloStar is a medium between common people and their dream influencer. Whereas virtual reality replaces what people see and experience, augmented reality actually adds to it. Augmented reality uses existing reality and physical objects to trigger computer-generated enhancements over the top of reality, in real-time. As a person see their favourite celebrity on the screen of Television or internet device it is virtual reality. When the celebrity sends a personalized message or tags the fan somewhere it becomes an augmented reality.

The HelloStar team believes that there is a bigger untapped opportunity in India for the shout-out process, considering the craze around celebrities and influencer in India. The main objective behind starting up HelloStar is to shelter influencers in our business. Consuming the time, we want to spawn multiple revenue streams for them. Each influencer or celebrity who is listed on the HelloStar platform will get a satisfying rate. The user can click on their favourite celebrity and make a payment. he or she receives a shoutout within the next seven days. Any Bollywood celebrity who is used to be very close to his or her fans and care for their fans can join us. HelloStar Invites all. The influencers who stands on the platform made by their fans can easily make another source of money income. There are many content creators in local parts of India. Many of them got the golden play button from Youtube also. They feed on millions of Indian subscribers. The most interesting part is that the teenage and youngster public doesn’t miss any of their videos.

The educated young population loves virtual reality. Most of them wait for their beloved show to come in a different way with different content. Augmented Reality lets the user experience the real world, which has been digitally augmented or enhanced in HelloStar Application. Virtual Reality, on the other hand, removes the user from that real-world experience, replacing it with a completely simulated one. VR devices shut out the physical world completely. In other words, HelloStar AR allows influencers to enhance the current environment or situation by enriching the audience's perception through digitally enhanced stimulus. This is a huge distinction from VR which, although it immerses the viewer in a simulated environment, does not give the perception of the real world shifting. Influencers can reach audiences through HelloStar by sending personalized video messages and getting closer to them.

[digi-contexts-13311]

Man vs Machine, Why we have to Join the Same Team

James Thornton @00518800

 For this post I will be looking at the future of technology and digital media and attempting to create I visual of what this future could be. The main point I will be focusing on in this future is artificial intelligence and its relationship with humans.

The Integration of AI into Human Life

“I think we should be very careful about artificial intelligence. If I were to guess like what our biggest existential threat is, it’s probably that.” - Elon Musk (2014)1

The use of artificial intelligence has been commercially available for quite a while with various voice activated toys and chatbots being developed since the late 20th century. This technology really picked up when Apple introduced the world to Siri in 2011. Apples virtual assistant was not the most optimized piece of AI when it originally launched but it was the first name of many that people could call to get assistance from the machines around them. Coming into 2020 and homes around the globe now function with the help of Amazon created Alexa and Googles home assistants. These three personal assistants have increased the symbiosis between humans and machines having access to homes and cars as well as users giving permission for them to communicate with their friends and peers. This common example of AI into our lives maybe a very simple look into the future of our relationship with media and technology.

“…today, if you don’t bring your phone along, its like you have missing limb syndrome. We are already partly a cyborg” - Elon Musk (2020)2

The convenience of having everything all in one place has conditioned us into placing a huge importance on our phones and computers, such that when we are without them, we can feel lost and unproductive. Instead of having to think for ourselves and go out of our way to do simple tasks such as shopping, we find it so much easier and in some cases more enjoyable to pull out our phones and search the web or load up Amazon and eBay and then wait a few days for the fruits of our machines labour to arrive. This has evolved further with virtual and augmented reality. Originally a novelty allowing people to pretend to ride rollercoasters it can now be used to replace experiences like live events and concerts, as well as help develop medicine and other vital products easier and cheaper than ever before. Augmented reality has evolved from catching Pokémon and creating Snapchat filters to enhancing education and learning across all ages. Museums are looking into mixed reality exhibits to help demonstrate what the past and future can look like in a much more engaging form that static exhibits.

An AR Museum Exhibit ^4

The third reason I feel a merge between human and machine is inevitable in the future is down to countless attempts to enhance and further our abilities with new technologies. The most obvious examples are in the medical field and prosthetics. People have undergone surgery to replace amputations and new mechanical prosthetics have been more able than their biological predecessors. Even further than this robotic prosthetics have been developed that allow full use of limbs without any implants to the brain. Trying to alter the brain is another heavily invested in venture for our future. One of the most high-profile attempts is the highly anticipated Neuralink device. The first implications of this concept is to improve damaged spinal, nerve and brain injuries such as paralysis, dementia and epilepsy.

"The long-term aspiration with Neuralink would be to achieve a symbiosis with artificial intelligence." - Elon Musk (2018)3

The benefits of this according to CEO Elon Musk, would be the ability to make humans hyper smart as well as potentially alter the very basics of human communication. Predictions of implementing such a device to the brain see interaction on almost a telepathic level and the chance to interact through visual images and thoughts instead of spoken word. Whilst this appears on the surface as a pipe dream, Musk appeared on podcast The Joe Rogan Experience in May 2020 and exclaimed that the initial stages of the chip can be implemented ‘within a year’.

Elon Musk discussing his Neuralink Technology on the Joe Rogan Experience ^5

Pairing this attempt to change the way our brains can give and receive information with mixed reality technologies could enhance experiences and industries like education to levels only seen in sci-fi films and dreams. Physical items such as pen and paper may become obsolete, the potential for keyboard and mouse to fade away is there as well depending on how this could allow us to communicate with machines. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and the sudden rise of online conferences, lectures and entertainment experiences could also join this almost scary ensemble of unfathomable potential to give a future that seems more Matrix than everyday reality.

In conclusion I feel the future of digital media and technology involves a union between humans and the devices we use, reshaping the way we live, communicate and consume information. With that said, the extent to which this happens, staying forever a concept and basic prototype or achieving its unthinkable potential, only remains to be seen.

1M. McFarland, 2014, Elon Musk: ‘With artificial intelligence we are summoning the demon.’  The Washington Post, viewed 20/5/20 <https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2014/10/24/elon-musk-with-artificial-intelligence-we-are-summoning-the-demon/>

2E. Arevalo, 2020, Elon Musk discusses Neuralink brain chip plans with Joe Rogan, Tesmanian, viewed 20/5/20 <https://www.tesmanian.com/blogs/tesmanian-blog/neuralink-musk>

3Axios, 2018, 1. Elon Musk: Humans must merge with machines, viewed 20/5/20 <https://www.axios.com/elon-musk-humans-must-merge-with-machines-1543240787-c51eee35-8cb3-4684-8bb3-7c51e1327b38.html>

4  INDE, 2015, Augmented Reality dinosaurs at Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Washington DC by INDE, Viewed 20/5/20 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkLD5XkOlng&feature=emb_title>

5 JRE Clips, 2020, Elon Musk Reveals New Details About Neuralink, His Brain Implant Technology , viewed 20/5/20 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gqdo57uky4o&feature=emb_title>

[bchinmay17-blog]

Things To Know About Virtual Reality And Augmented Reality

The current reality is that there is great confusion all over between augmented reality and virtual reality. Now they are both earning lots of media attention and are of promising growth. In this blog will discuss all the details and the differences between virtual reality and augmented reality.

Virtual Reality or VR

This is actually a computerized creation of a real environment or situation. It makes the user feels like they are experiencing the real situation by stimulating their vision and hearing.

Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality

VR can be attained by wearing a headset like Facebook’s Oculus along with the technology, and is used in 2 ways:

To create and increase an imaginary reality for games, entertainment, and play.

To improve training for real-life environments by creating a real situation, for which people can practice and be prepared beforehand.

VR is done through a coding language called VRML. This is used to design a series of images.

Augmented Reality or AR

This is a technology that puts computer-based enhancements over an existing reality to add more meaning to the ability to interact with it. AR is created in apps and used on mobile devices to mix digital components into the real world.

This technology is rapidly coming into the mainstream. Owing to this you can see score overlays on telecasted sports and pop out 3D emails, images or text messages on mobile devices. In simple words, AR is revolutionary!

Augmented Reality vs. Virtual Reality

They are actually inverse reflections for each other. VR creates an entertainment of real-life situations, whereas, AR gives the virtual elements as an overlay to the real world.

How are they similar?

Technologically, both leverage some of the similar technology types, and they both offer an enhanced or better experience.

In the world of Entertainment, both the technologies provide experiences which are becoming very common. Leading tech experts are researching and developing new adaptations, making improvements, and releasing advanced products and apps which support these technologies for tech-savvy users.

In the world of Science and Medicine, both have great power to change the face of the medical field by introducing things like remote surgeries.

How Do They Differ?

Application

AR improves experiences by adding virtual components like digital images or graphics, as a totally different layer with the real world. Whereas, VR designs its own reality which is computer based and driven.

Delivery Process

VR is mostly delivered through a hand-held controller. This equipment allows people to control and navigate their actions in an environment similar to the real world.

AR is used in mobile devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones to change intersect or interact between \ the real world and digital images or graphics.

How They Work Together?

Often they work independently and if blended to generate, they could provide more inspiring experience. For instance, haptic feedback is considered an augmentation. But it is commonly used in a VR setting to provide more real-life experience.

VR and AR provide good experiences of the real world in virtual. Alone used or blended together, they are definitely a way through the worlds-both real and virtual alike.

[a-breton]

4 Secrets of Great Storytellers

What’s your story? It’s a common question when you’re first getting to know someone. It begs for details about your past, your career, your family, your hobbies. You probably never hear anyone reply: “I studied content marketing as an undergraduate and earned a Ph.D. in creating great customer experiences.”

Those degrees don’t exist, of course. But that’s OK. Great storytellers come from all sorts of places. And they’re telling stories in so many new ways that each day seems to add proof to Daniel Pink’s dramatic 2006 assertion:

The future belongs to a different kind of person with a different kind of mind: artists, inventors, storytellers – creative and holistic ‘right-brain’ thinkers whose abilities mark the fault line between who gets ahead and who doesn’t.

Great storytellers come from all sorts of places, says @EditorStahl. #storytelling Click To Tweet

Captivating examples of this “different kind of mind” at work emerge seemingly one after the other. Let’s take a look at the secrets to their storytelling success.

1. Great storytellers collaborate

In his keynote presentation at Content Marketing World last year, Joseph Gordon-Levitt served as an in-person example of the “different kind of mind.” He’s an actor, a producer, a director, and a writer (phew!).

His talk explored how thinking differently about creativity led him to form a new kind of collaborative production company. Anyone anywhere in the world can contribute to one of the company’s creative challenges by submitting (text, video, music, art) through the HITRECORD website. Ideas get remixed and refined by other contributors, and the best examples make their way into short films, online videos (some sponsored by brands), and other creative works.

2. Great storytellers know who they want to enchant

For many brands, video has become an important form of storytelling, whether it’s educational, entertainment, or a mix of both. “Video presented itself via co-collaboration and creation with others on the same mission: teaching self-reliance,” says Laura Berkobin, director, digital and content at Pull-A-Part, which created a successful miniseries for DIY aficionados. “For brands to figure out video, they need to first ask themselves and answer, ‘Why would [my customer] spend their time [watching, reading, listening to] my content vs. someone else’s? What’s our expertise and edge?’ Determine your ‘why’ and ‘what’ before you tackle the ‘how.’”

Determine your 'why' and 'what' before you tackle the 'how,' says @Berkobin. #video #PullApartChallenge Click To Tweet

Want to see how to convert an undrivable vehicle to a pickup truck worthy of a tailgate in under 11 hours? Pull-A-Part has it covered through education and humor. Now that’s expertise and edge.

.@PullAPartAuto DIY #video: converting broken vehicle into tailgate-worthy truck. @EditorStahl Read more> Click To Tweet

The series, three years in the making, required executive buy-in, influencer relationship building, and content co-creation. But the result was worth the effort.

“The real ROI is that, within a group of top-tier DIY influencers in the automotive repair space, Pull-A-Part (a salvage yard) is now in their world view. And they’re in ours. It’s return on relationship with a side of butterfly effect.”

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3. They match the experience to the medium

In January, virtual reality debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, where Oculus Story Studio showed several VR shorts. These movies both represent and require different ways of thinking about story delivery and experience.

In his new book Storytelling for Virtual Reality, John Bucher interviews Jessica Brillhart, Google’s principal filmmaker for VR, about this storytelling shift. “What’s interesting is shared experience – having something big happen,” she says. “You’re right there next to the hero watching it. That creates camaraderie. That creates shared experience. That creates empathy.”

A few brands took advantage of the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang to experiment with VR to engage a broader audience. NBC and Intel partnered to show 30 events in VR through headsets, smartphone apps, or 360 video. Meanwhile, The New York Times created an augmented reality section for Olympic features.

These examples (and VR experiments emerging in fashion, cosmetics, comics, publishing, and the list goes on) mark the early days of this exciting medium for storytelling.

It’s the perfect time for brands to experiment with the possibilities of #VR, says @johnkbucher. #storytelling Click To Tweet

Although VR hasn’t quite broken out of its video game/classroom niche into the mainstream, John (who also is a multi-hyphenate talent: actor-director-producer-writer), thinks this is the perfect time for brands to experiment with the possibilities. “Today’s VR projects may reach small audiences,” he says, “but they teach brand leaders the medium and how to communicate with this form of storytelling.”

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4. Great storytellers don’t let the medium distract from the story

Despite new options, the fundamental elements of powerful stories remain the same, Denise Roberts McKee, COO, About Face Media Inc., reminds us. Whatever the medium – fireside ballad, printed page, documentary film, or VR experience – the power of the story determines whether an audience will applaud the content or click away too soon. Maybe it’s a relatable hero, a clear goal, the passion and grit to overcome obstacles, or a meaningful resolution; the formula matters.

The power of a story determines if an audience will applaud or click away too soon, says @drmckee.‏ Click To Tweet

Content marketing’s heart in your hands

The heart of content marketing is the ability to tell compelling stories that attract (and retain) an audience. The most successful brands, agencies, and media properties will be those that continue to tell great ones and adapt to new ways of doing it.

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I started this piece with one question: What’s your story? I’ll end it with another: How will you tell it?

Once upon a time, this reader decided to invest in expanding their storytelling skills and learn in person from Laura, John, and Denise, who shared briefly in this post about how to be a great storyteller. So they registered for Content Marketing World and used the code BLOG100 to save $100. And their content marketing success story continued …

Cover image by Joseph Kalinowski/Content Marketing Institute

from http://bit.ly/2LQcBmp