Daily Archives: March 26, 2020

XR is a term which has become more prominent in the last few years. It encapsulates virtual, augmented, and mixed reality topics. The definition of each of these has become saturated in the past decade, with companies using their own definitions for each to describe their products. The new IDTechEx Report, Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality 2020-2030, distils this range of terms and products, compares the technologies used in them, and produces a market forecast for the next decade.

The report discusses 83 different companies and 175 products in VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality) and MR (mixed reality) markets. This article specifically discusses the findings on the virtual reality market.

Virtual reality (VR) involves creating a simulated environment which a user can perceive as real. This is achieved by stimulating the various senses with appropriate signals. This is most commonly visual (via displays and optics) and auditory (via headphones or speakers) signals, but also increasingly involves efforts around haptic (touch) sensations. The generation of realistic virtual environments requires the generation of appropriate stimuli and systems to direct how the stimuli should change, whether automatically or due to user interaction. As such, this relies on a variety of components and systems including displays, optics, sensors, communication and processing, delivered via both hardware and associated software to generate this environment.

There are three main groups of VR headset - PC VR, Standalone VR and Smartphone VR. PC VR has a user interface & display worn on the body, but the computing and power are offloaded to the external computer. This is where most of the commercial hardware revenue is made today. Standalone VR is a dedicated standalone device (no tethering) with all required computing and components on board. Finally, smartphone/mobile VR uses the smartphone processor, display and sensors used to power VR experience, with only a very cheap accessory necessary to convert to VR. The report discusses the revenue split for these three sectors in full, and an example image is shown in the figure below.

Top image: Pixabay

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Virtual Reality: To Be or Not to Be? - IDTechEx.com

Globetrotters quarantined at home can teleport themselves to France and back to the 17th century with a virtual reality-powered visit to the Palace of Versailles.

Your trip to France cancelled because of Covid-19? Or need to keep a child in your home occupied for an hour? There's a virtual reality experience for that.

"Experience Versailles" isn't new. But it's enjoying renewed interest among Francophiles and households on lockdown for offering an alternative way to experience Versailles from thousands of kilometres away.

For kids, the experience is an educational one, teaching players about Louis XIV and French sovereignty. Players also infiltrate a sumptuous masked ball held by Louis XV and can explore the palace grounds, moving through the Royal Courtyard, to the Hall of Mirrors and the King's Apartments.

For parents, it's an hour or two of distraction.

The "Experience Versailles" is free, powered by Steam and works with VR headsets like HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. AFP Relaxnews

Excerpt from:

The Palace of Versailles is open for virtual reality visits - The Star Online

Dublin, March 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Virtual Reality Content Creation Market 2020-2030 by Solution, Content Type, VR Medium, Application, and Region: Trend Outlook and Growth Opportunity" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global virtual reality content creation market is expected to reach $227.9 billion by 2030, representing a 2020-2030 CAGR of 69.5%.

In this report 2019 is the base year for market analysis, with forecast covering 2020-2030.

Highlighted with 77 tables and 72 figures, this 144-page report is based on a comprehensive research of the entire global virtual reality content creation market and all its sub-segments through extensively detailed classifications. Profound analysis and assessment are generated from premium primary and secondary information sources with inputs derived from industry professionals across the value chain.

In-depth qualitative analyses include identification and investigation of the following aspects:

The trend and outlook of global market is forecast in optimistic, balanced, and conservative view. The balanced (most likely) projection is used to quantify global virtual reality content creation market in every aspect of the classification from perspectives of Solution, Content Type, VR Medium, Application, and Region.

Based on Solution, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Software

Based on Content Type, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Based on VR Medium, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Based on Application, the global market is segmented into the following sub-markets with annual revenue ($ mn) for 2019-2030 included in each section.

Geographically, the following regions together with the listed national/local markets are fully investigated:

For each of the aforementioned regions and countries, market analysis and revenue data are available for 2019-2030. The breakdown of all regional markets by country and split of major national markets by Content Type, VR Medium, and Application over the years 2019-2030 are also included.

The report also covers current competitive scenario and the predicted trend; and profiles key vendors including market leaders and important emerging players.

Specifically, potential risks associated with investing in global virtual reality content creation market are assayed quantitatively and qualitatively through a Risk Assessment System. According to the risk analysis and evaluation, Critical Success Factors (CSFs) are generated as a guidance to help investors & stockholders identify emerging opportunities, manage and minimize the risks, develop appropriate business models, and make wise strategies and decisions.

Key Players

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/llxy09

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.comLaura Wood, Senior Press Managerpress@researchandmarkets.comFor E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

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The Virtual Reality (VR) Content Creation Industry to 2030 by Solution, Content Type, VR Medium, Application and Region - Yahoo Finance

It was last Monday when the City of Philadelphia made the call to order all non-essential businesses to close in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Like all other art venues in the city, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, 746 S. 4th St., shut its doors and adhered to the order. But Sara McCorriston, co-founder of Paradigm, isnt giving up.

We really believe that in times like these people really need artwork, she said. Even though it can be sometimes the last thing that people have on their minds, when you put it front and center it can be the first form of comfort for people.

For these reasons, Paradigm has decided to work in collaboration with its artists to create special content across its digital platforms. More specifically, theyll be hosting fun, virtual events for art lovers across the city and the world. These events will include virtual artist Q+As, studio walk through, gallery walk throughs and creative tutorials helpful for those looking for ways to create their own art.

Weve been working really closely with our curators and staff to digitally have more of a presence than ever, McCorriston added. Were so thankful for technology and what it allows us to do in this day and age because I think it makes those personal connections, whether or not theyre in person more tangible and more felt.

Paradigms publicist, Madison Fishman, said the gallery plans to use the coronavirus shutdown as an opportunity to create a more unique and in-depth way for art lovers to interact with artists.

Its super ranging and very special and never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes kind of stuff is what Paradigm will be working on, Fishman said. Its to increase visibility at a time when a collector cant just walk into the gallery, and I think its a little more dynamic than just a virtual exhibition.

McCorriston said itll be a more in-depth look at how we curate, how the gallery works and an opportunity to talk about the artists and why Im so passionate about them in a much more real way.

So far, the only event to date has been a virtual tour of Paradigms current exhibition, TEN, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the studio. It premiered this past Saturday on Instagram Live. However, more virtual events are being scheduled, and will be announced on Paradigms website, paradigmarts.org. McCorriston said more events will be planned for the gallerys next exhibition, Strange Delights, which opens on Friday and lasts until May 16.

This exhibition will be a totally digital-from-afar experience, she said. We really want it to be engaging.

McCorriston said that a big part of the reason for this effort is to keep collectors interested in purchasing art from artists so they can continue to make a living amid the economic downturn. Despite the store being closed, McCorriston is still shipping artwork out to buyers.

Our job is to get artists paid by selling their artwork, she said. Were doing everything we can to make sure were still selling their artwork at the same rate we are now. We want them to be able to have the same expectations for us selling their work and getting them paid.

McCorriston sees the shutdown of her business as an opportunity to have the public connect with the artists in the same way she has.

We work with artists all around the world that for years we have developed close working relationships and friendships with, she said. Sometimes, we forget that weve never even met in person and so I think its kind of time to share that with the local community and the world at large in a time where everyone kind of has to connect that way.

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Virtual Reality: Paradigm art gallery makes the shift to a more digital landscape - South Philly Review

WINCHESTER Virtual reality (VR) is making its way into the classrooms of local public schools allowing students to immerse themselves in lessons that traditionally would have been taught out of a textbook.

For instance, seventh graders at Daniel Morgan Middle School recently learned through VR about the various weapons and techniques used in combat during World War I. All it took was a pair of goggles, a smart phone and a hand controller to get students engaged in the lesson through a computer-generated three-dimensional (3D) world. Daniel Morgan recently created a technology lab to make VR learning possible for its students.

By looking through the goggles, students can feel like they are in a virtual world that shows them what tanks in WWI looked like or the kind of barbed wire that was used on the battlefield. The realistic 3D images were accompanied by audio explanations.

Hudson Fox, 12, said he learned how lethal and damaging to the human body mustard gas can be.

I like it, its pretty cool, he said about using VR in the classroom. I just like how youre able to actually see it instead of reading it in a textbook.

Chuck Crawmer, 13, said he learned through the VR lesson that trench warfare ended because of advancements in mustard gas and tanks.

He added that VR makes learning more fun.

I think its very interesting, Chuck said. Its a different medium than what we usually do instead of pencil and paper or just a Chromebook. Its surrounding us like were in the scenario.

Daniel Morgan Middle School history teacher Jamie Lupton said VR helps students remember the lesson.

We cant jump on an airplane and fly over to the Western front, Lupton said. But they can go into the trenches.

Lupton added that the City Council, the School Board and city taxpayers have been extremely supportive in making immersive learning with technology, such as VR, possible.

Ive had other folks come in and observe and they feel like this is a private-school caliber type of education thats available because of the technology, he said.

After students got their lesson in VR at Daniel Morgan, several Winchester School Board members stopped by the new technology lab and tried out the VR headsets themselves.

I think were speaking the language of the students now, said School Board member Bryan Pearce-Gonzales. This is how they learn, this is the world that they live in, so if we can tailor the curriculum to help them advance using their own language, I think its great.

See more here:

Virtual Reality brings a whole new immersive learning experience to the classroom - The Winchester Star

Porto Montenegro implements innovative solution in light of COVID-19 restrictions

From Zoom meetings to virtual pub sessions, as the world adjusts to conducting professional and social interactions exclusively online, it has been interesting to see how the superyacht market has adapted.

The luxury yacht homeport and marina village, Porto Montenegro, has developed an around-the-clock solution for its clients - a virtual marina reception.

Porto Montenegro marina has applied all security and safety measurements as recommended by the Government of Montenegro, explained Danilo Kalezic, Senior PR & Marketing Manager at Porto Montenegro. We have reduced all direct people-to-people contacts but all our marina services are still on disposal to our clients.

As a company, we are always trying to stay ahead of the curve. And therefore, we are currently implementing a virtual marina reception, which will allow the clients to have a face-to-face communication with our team but from a safe distance. Essentially, we understand these are difficult times for all of us and we are doing all in our power to ensure absolute peace of mind of all marina residents when it comes to their safety and security.

The port states that it is currently monitoring how the situation develops in Montenegro and worldwide, while prioritising the health its employees, customers and community.

Profile links

Porto Montenegro

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Business - Forget your virtual reality - Superyacht News - The Superyacht Report

From left: Megan Gianopulos of Apartment People & Tristen Heimann of Luxury Living Chicago Realty

Broker Megan Gianopulos had a set routine whenever a client would walk into her Apartment Peoples office in Lakeview looking for a rental. The two would discuss size and price of apartment and neighborhood, then hop in her car and over the course of a few hours, tour through several properties and areas. She would repeat that a few times a day, every day.

Times have changed.

As Covid-19 has upended the economy and forced several big cities like Chicago into a near lockdown, Gianopulos is now working from home and leading virtual tours.

Before, social distancing was definitely not a part of this job. Like, not at all, she said.

Though real estate services are deemed essential businesses under Gov. J.B. Pritzkers statewide stay-at-home order, Gianopulos clients dont want to see apartments in person, she said. And tenants who now live in those units on the market dont want strangers walking in and potentially exposing them to the virus. While that business has dried up, Gianopulos is still doing some showings in vacant units, but estimates that leasings have dropped by about 50 percent.

Across Chicago, real estate brokers in what is mostly a high-volume, low-margin rental business are now feeling the pain, sidelined during a time when the local apartment market is usually heating up.

Instead of walk-ins or clients pulled from rental websites, brokers must increasingly look to leads from their brokerages marketing teams, then try to close a deal from an online tour. It hasnt been easy, several of them said in recent interviews with The Real Deal.

Following Pritkzers stay-at-home order last week, Luxury Living Chicago Realty suspended all in-person showings. The brokerage which has 30 agents had about half as many showings and lease signings last week before the order compared to the week before. Those numbers are expected to keep dropping.

Luxury Livings director of residential rentals, Tristen Heimann, expects April will see a third of the tours compared to the same time in 2019. Most if not all of those showings will be done virtually, which isnt as conducive for establishing rapport between the agent and their client, he said.

Fewer leads coming in through the brokerages various marketing channels, he said, but the clients who do seek their services are more determined to find a home. Hes closed on two virtual-tour deals in the last week, including one in less than a 24-hour span from introduction to lease signing.

This is the way people will have to find apartments for the foreseeable future, Luxury Living CEO Aaron Galvin said. Pritzkers order extends through April 7.

Despite the many obstacles, there is still demand from renters looking to move in the next two to three months, Galvin said, though he anticipates the slowdown will have a dramatic impact on Luxury Livings revenue.

We believe that, unfortunately, this will probably get worse before it gets better, so the sooner that somebody can get in, the better right now, Galvin said.

Some tenants whose leases are expiring might be able to convince their landlords to let them extend month-to-month, or give them a short-term lease extension, but others will eventually seek out a new apartment.

Pritzkers stay-at-home order did call for a halt on evictions and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said it would suspend all of its foreclosures and evictions through April in response to the pandemic.

Several brokers said they were optimistic that once the virus subsides, business will return to normal and the citys rental market which had been booming will return, bolstered by the recent Downtown job growth.

Heimann said he believes that later in the summer there will be a pent-up demand from renters looking for a change of scenery after staying inside their apartments for so long.

Gianopulos agreed, saying she hopes renters will feel comfortable moving again in June and July, and even busier than she was last summer.

Were trying to get apartments rented, but we all have to be safe, she said. We want to keep our clients safe and keep the current tenants safe, but we still obviously want to secure tenants for landlords. Theres a lot of hurdles at the moment.

See original here:

Worse before it gets better: Rental agents adapt to new virtual reality - The Real Deal

Last year, HP announced the Reverb Virtual Reality headset with some fantastic features, including incredible clarity, a wide field-of-view, and more. Based around Windows Mixed Reality, the Reverb was HPs best VR headset to-date. However, that all could change with the release of the companys latest tease that we got a taste of earlier today. In partnership with both Valve and Microsoft, HP is making yet another VR headset, this time aiming to deliver an immersive, comfortable, and compact VR experience that the company claims is a new standard in VR.

Theres not much information out about this headset, at least, not yet. What we know is limited to the little info provided by both the Steam website and the HP landing page. Were told that its a next-generation HP Virtual Reality HMD that was developed in collaboration with Valve and Microsoft. This new headset is said to deliver an immersive, comfortable, and compatible VR experience. According to the Steam website, Its the new standard in VR.

Now, those are some pretty lofty claims. Steam, which is run by and owned by Valve, has its own VR headset, which launched in May of last year. The Valve Index was said to offer best-in-class VR experience with off-ear audio, 120+Hz displays, and more. Its a wonder what this Next-Gen HP VR Headset, as the Steam page calls it, will offer. And, whats left for the Valve Index?

We just saw the release of Half-Life: Alyx earlier today and it opened to much fanfare. So its no wonder that Valve is doubling down on teaming up with hardware partners for new virtual reality headsets in 2020. The big question is: what sets HPs latest headset apart from the rest? Will it be the price? Specs? Something entirely new? Only time will tell what HPs latest headset holds. Im hoping for upgraded screens, better headphones, and wireless connectivity personally.

While we dont have a set timeframe or pricing structure, we can assume that HP will be releasing this headset sometime this year. As for how much itll cost? Well, if the past is the future, then we can expect it to launch at around $600 or so. This is generally what similar headsets launch at, so theres no reason to expect HP to be much different unless they come out of the gate with wireless connectivity to your computer or something along those lines.

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HP teases a new virtual reality headset in partnership with Valve + Microsoft - 9to5Toys

TOLEDO, Ohio A Toledo teacher didn't let coronavirus stop her from taking her students to Washington.

Tammy Edinger teaches 8th grade at Elmhurst Elementary School. She's taken her students to the nation's capital for nearly a decade.

Since they can't physically make the trip this year, she created a virtual trip. The Facebook group she created is full of videos of museums and theaters the students were supposed to visit.

Edinger also encouraged them to post pictures of themselves packing their bags and partaking in the fun.

"I've had to kind of think outside the box on things I can do with them. Lessons and making me think across the curriculum that I didn't have before. It brings out their creativity, Edinger said.

Edinger said she's gotten the attention of other teachers across the country who are now joining in, as well as parents of students who are coming along for the ride.

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Toledo teacher makes trip to Washington a virtual reality - WTOL