Daily Archives: July 14, 2021

Global Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Market 2021-2025 The analyst has been monitoring the augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market and it is poised to grow by $ 162.

New York, July 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Market 2021-2025" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06104797/?utm_source=GNW 71 billion during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of almost 46% during the forecast period. Our report on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors.The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current global market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The market is driven by the increasing demand for AR and VR technology and product launches. In addition, increasing demand for AR and VR technology is anticipated to boost the growth of the market as well.The augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market analysis includes the technology segment and geographic landscape.

The augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market is segmented as below:By Technology AR VR

By Geographical Landscape North America APAC Europe MEA South America

This study identifies the increasing number of M&A activities as one of the prime reasons driving the augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market growth during the next few years.

The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters. Our report on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market covers the following areas: Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market sizing Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market forecast Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market industry analysis

This robust vendor analysis is designed to help clients improve their market position, and in line with this, this report provides a detailed analysis of several leading augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market vendors that include Alphabet Inc., Facebook Inc., HP Inc., HTC Corp., Magic Leap Inc., Microsoft Corp., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Snap Inc., Sony Corp., and Toshiba Corp. Also, the augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) market analysis report includes information on upcoming trends and challenges that will influence market growth. This is to help companies strategize and leverage all forthcoming growth opportunities.The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to an analysis of the key vendors.

The analyst presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters such as profit, pricing, competition, and promotions. It presents various market facets by identifying the key industry influencers. The data presented is comprehensive, reliable, and a result of extensive research - both primary and secondary. Technavios market research reports provide a complete competitive landscape and an in-depth vendor selection methodology and analysis using qualitative and quantitative research to forecast the accurate market growth.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06104797/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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The Global Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Market is expected to grow by $ 162.71 billion during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of...

KARLSRUHE, Germany and NEW YORK, July 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Enscape, a leading provider of 3D real-time visualization and virtual reality technology for architects and designers, today announced it will leverage NVIDIA DLSS Deep Learning Super Sampling technology to help AEC firms get access to the latest real-time rendering technology. Integrating NVIDIA's AI technology into Enscape's cutting-edge rendering software means users can get better quality and performance with lower system requirements to create a more realistic experience during walkthroughs and exports for clients.

"Architects and designers globally are looking for ways to quickly and easily visualize their designs and bring them closer to reality. Enscape is partnering with innovative organizations to address this challenge," said Christian Lang, CEO at Enscape. "We're proud to be working with NVIDIA to provide our architecture and design customers around the world access to high-quality real-time rendering and visualization technology."

Users will get access to the NVIDIA DLSS technology in Enscape 3.1 the next version scheduled to be released on July 21. The deep learning-based upscaling technique renders internally at a lower resolution but outputs a clean and sharp high-resolution image for high-quality videos and high-performance virtual reality walkthroughs. With NVIDIA DLSS enabled, video rendering time decreases, quality increases, and visual distortions are removed. Users can enjoy improved real-time performance of walkthroughs and higher frame rates with much lower GPU requirements. This latest technology is available to users with an NVIDIA RTX graphics card.

"NVIDIA DLSS is a great example of artificial intelligence delivering practical benefits to improve industry workflows," said Andrew Rink, head of AEC industry marketing strategy at NVIDIA. "AEC customers using NVIDIA RTX GPUs will be delighted at the innovative way Enscape has integrated our technology to enhance their powerful rendering software."

With Enscape and NVIDIA DLSS, users can also take advantage of the latest generation of high-res VR headsets and enjoy high-performance virtual reality experiences.

Enscape's real-time 3D rendering and virtual reality solution brings visual exploration directly into numerous modeling tools, including Autodesk Revit, SketchUp, Rhinoceros, ArchiCAD, and Vectorworks, providing an integrated visualization and design workflow.

See what Daniel Stine, Director of Design Technology at Lake|Flato Architectshas to say about Enscape's new NVIDIA DLSS capabilities in this blog post.

With Enscape 3.1, users can enjoy many other new features and improvements that will make it even easier for architects and designers worldwide to visualize as they design directly from their modeling software.

Try Enscape for free:To see what Enscape already has to offer, users can get a free 14-day trial here.

For more information:Please visit: enscape3d.com and download the press kit here.

About EnscapeEnscape develops high-quality 3D real-time rendering and visualization software and provides continuous innovation in accessible design technology. Architects and designers worldwide use Enscape software to unleash their creativity and make the built environment tangible before it exists. Enscape gives designers the power to create realistic renderings based on their existing planning data and automatically produce videos, panoramic images, and VR simulations. Enscape software is used by renowned architecture firms in over 150 countries. The company's corporate headquarters is in Karlsruhe (Germany) and has an office in New York (USA). To learn more, visit us online at enscape3d.com and follow us @Enscape3D

SOURCE Enscape

enscape3d.com

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Enscape Leverages NVIDIA DLSS to Offer Better Performance of Virtual Reality Walkthroughs for Architects - PRNewswire

You can now fly with aliens, or fight fire-breathing dragons, from Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos.

America's largest indoor water park now has the country's first and only virtual reality water slide. It partnered with San Francisco-based Ballast VR to develop the project.

"We specifically focus on virtual reality for waterparks and resorts," saidStephen Greenwood, who co-founded Ballast Technologies in 2017.

It took more than a year to develop with the resort.

Housed in a waterproof casing that fits over your head, sensors sync up the slide and the headset.

"Currently we're in 15 countries at about 40 different locations," Greenwood said.

"There are three experiences to choose from. There's a space experience where you're navigating the galaxies and following an alien craft through meteors. There's a safari with cheetahs and rhinos and giraffes. And there's a dragon experience where you go through a medieval castle and battle a fire-breathing dragon."

Of course, I had to give it a try, myself. I chose the Safari.

At first, I was skeptical, but it is very realistic, maybe a little too realistic.

"The whole thing is a lot of fun. It's an unexpected combination,"Greenwood said.

And most likely just the beginning of a new way we'll experience amusement parks.

"We come from a Silicon Valley background and when you apply that sort of mindset to the space of entertainment and a resort atmosphere, I think some really magical stuff can happen,"Greenwood said.

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Kalahari Resorts now home to the country's first virtual reality water slide - 69News WFMZ-TV

"Extended reality" may sound like something out of a science-fiction story, but it's very real: It's a general term for technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality that can help enhance experiences such as games, manufacturing and travel.

It has potential in healthcare too as HIMSS21 attendees will have the chance to learn.

Jennifer C. Reneker, assistant dean of scholarly innovation at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, has been researching virtual reality as a way to enhance sports performance and prevent sports injury since 2018.

She says XR offers healthcare providers the chance to explore solutions beyond two-dimensional technologies.

"Before I started working with XR, I could not grasp the concept of a virtual environment," she said in an interview with Healthcare IT News. "Without some frame of reference, solutions with XR cannot be fathomed by healthcare innovators and problem-solvers.

"For me, this session is all about inspiring each audience member to think about how XR might be a solution for their unique healthcare need," Reneker added.

In addition to her work on sports injuries, Reneker says she recently began the research and development work to design a VR device to quantify an individuals sensorimotor control and enable concussion detection.

"The hope is that this device will be useful in the futurein-person and remotely,at the point-of-care,with telehealth," she says.

In fact, when it comes to remote care, Reneker says XR technology offers immense opportunity. The research being conducted at the University of Mississippi Medical Centers Center of Excellence in Telehealth includes a range of projects focused on prevention, diagnosis and treatment for neurological disorders.

"Although XR has not been used for these purposes yet, there is incredible potential for this medium to enable interaction with a patient in the virtual environment, even if the provider and the patient are hundreds of miles apart," she explained.

"Secondarily, sensor-based measurements are also possible with XR devices, allowing sensitive measurements to be taken, and adding objectivity to patient examination," she added.

"Both of these XR attributes offer the potential for remote patient care, including care from various types of specialists."

Reneker says she hopes her HIMSS21 session will spark inspiration for its attendees.

"While extended realities were created to provide immersive environments for entertainment and gaming, they are very sophisticated and novel devices, offering a set of capabilities not realized with other technologies," she said.

"Harnessing the creativity of people within healthcare to solve healthcare problems with XR is a recipe for incredible innovations."

Reneker will go into more detail in her HIMSS21 session, "Health via Extended Reality: Use Case in Sports Medicine." It's scheduled for Tuesday, August 10, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. in Caesars Alliance 315.

Kat Jercich is senior editor of Healthcare IT News.Twitter: @kjercichEmail: kjercich@himss.orgHealthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication.

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Extended reality holds 'incredible potential' for remote care applications - Healthcare IT News

Syracuse, N.Y. A new immersive dining experience has opened up on Syracuses North Side, promising virtual dinner parties with augmented reality storytelling.

Owners Brian Fitzgibbons and Gregory Nies softly opened The Spot 625 in the space formally known as Second North Deli. They plan a grand opening for the fall, but first, theyre practicing their ambitious twist on dinner and a show for various groups this summer.

The Spot 625 teamed up with Quantum Virtual Entertainment, co-owned by Nies and Ryan Lynch, to provide a virtual dining experience in a private room separated from the rest of the restaurant. (Quantum specializes in visual/audio entertainment and projection mapping.)

Diners enjoy a virtual reality dining experience in the private room at The Spot 625 in Syracuse, N.Y.Provided photo

The show follows a story titled Sognatore (The Dreamer) and eventually connects to an ample dinner served on the spot.

Without giving too much away, the story drops guests in the dream sequence of a main character, whose mind journeys from a pulsing nightclub to a snowy forest to outer space.

We wanted to create something you cant find anywhere else, with all local businesses and partners, said Nies, who co-scripted the story with Lynch. It was so fun to write this.

The main characters are voiced by Syracuse comedians Lou Greco and Carlo Russo of The Uncle Louie Variety Show, along with Ashley Oakes, Maria Theodorakakos, Jackson Oakes and Arianna Fitzgibbons.

The show gives diners plenty to talk about and react to, even if youre seated at the 10-person table with strangers. Multiple overhead projectors create a wraparound view on the rooms three walls and long table, like a planetarium. Theres not a bad seat in the house.

At first, it felt odd to halt dinner conversation for the sake of the show, but it was a relief to have pauses in the story as the appetizers and salads came out.

Some might find the story a bit goofy, with cartoonish broccoli bouncing across the walls of the windowless room. But others will appreciate the touch of Disney whimsy in an unlikely location, with birds, boats and rocket ships zooming across the table and walls.

Kids would dig it. Adults, too, especially after a couple drinks. And the attentive waitstaff kept our glasses full.

The main entrees coincided with a break from the narrative. We ate amid a pleasant countryside backdrop, with birds chirping and music filling the room. Jeff Molesky of Moletrax Studio provided the thundering audio backdrop, which made the dining room feel and sound like a movie theater.

Diners enjoy the virtual reality dining experience in a private room at The Spot 625 in Syracuse, N.Y.Stephanie Herbert

The Spot 625 carried over a few favorites from Second North Deli, like the delis popular London broil sandwich. The in-house menu differs from virtual dining menu, where large platters of steaks, seafood linguine, chicken riggies and vegetables are served, as family-style or plated dinners.

Servings were generous, with everyone in our party taking home heaping to-go containers.

Quantum Virtual Entertainment plans to expand into new markets throughout the country. Future shows will coincide with holidays and local wine tours which take guests into the wine-making process from vineyard to table.

This idea seems especially well-suited for the virtual experience, to bring great local wines and sommelier education to guests who cant make the trip to the Finger Lakes or Napa.

Overall, the experience provides something very different for the area, turning the dinner-and-a-show concept on its head. Its more of a show, punctuated by a dinner, but has potential to showcase a variety of interesting stories thanks to the energy of its creative team.

Diners sit at the bar at The Spot 625 in Syracuse, N.Y., a new restaurant that offers an augmented dining experience.Provided photo

Where: 625 Wolf St., Syracuse. Parking lot available on Second North Street.

When: The bar is open Monday-Saturday at 11 a.m. Closed Sundays. Virtual dinners are by reservation: Fridays at 6 or 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 4, 6 or 8 p.m. Reserve on quantumexperiences.com.

How much: Dinners start at $59. Alcoholic beverages available for additional cost.

Katrina Tulloch writes culture stories for Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact her: Email | Twitter | Facebook

Diners enjoy a virtual reality dining experience in the private room at The Spot 625 in Syracuse, N.Y.Provided photo

Try glamping at this Finger Lakes farm near Ithaca (video)

Explore Adirondack treetops at Wild Center in Tupper Lake (video)

Zip-line through the forest at Greek Peak (video)

Swing like Tarzan through trees at Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures

First Look: Downtown Syracuse gets the authentic Mexican food its been begging for

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Virtual reality dining experience opens at The Spot 625 in Syracuse (photos) - syracuse.com

PITTSBURGH, July 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Cancer treatment can be long, tiring and stressful. At the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Institute, however, cancer patients now have access to innovative virtual reality technology that can help enhance their treatment experience.

Pioneered by Harvard MedTech, the technology resembles a large pair of binoculars that is worn by patients during treatment. Patients can choose from any number of relaxing scenes: sitting by a lake, walking in the woods, watching the sun rise over the ocean. The view transports them into a full, immersive experience where they are surrounded by the comforting sights and sounds of their chosen setting.

Harvard MedTech has donated 29 of the virtual reality headsets to AHN's Cancer Institute for use by patients across the Institute's multiple clinical sites.

"We are so grateful to Harvard MedTech for its generous donation of this amazing technology that will have an immensely positive impact on the care of our cancer patients," said Allie Quick, Chief Philanthropy Officer, AHN.

"Research has shown that when the brain focuses on a pleasurable virtual experience, it perceives stress and discomfort at lower levels," said Pat McCutcheon, Senior Vice President of Market Partnerships, Harvard MedTech. "Over time, the virtual reality experience can induce neural pathway changes in the brain that promote long-term pain relief and reduced anxiety and depression. It's a revolutionary concept that is transforming our understanding of how to manage pain and the psychosocial effects of trauma without drugs or surgery."

Harvard MedTech's donation to AHN came about through Gene Vaskov, the surviving spouse of a Cancer Institute patient, Connie Vaskov. Gene and his family were grateful for the quality of care Connie received from medical oncologist Jane Raymond, MD, and the entire Cancer Institute team, and wanted to make a gift that would help current and future patients undergoing cancer treatments. When Harvard MedTech learned of his desire to make a donation that would further improve the experience of cancer patients, the organization stepped up immediately.

"Cancer treatment can take a mental and physical toll on patients, yet it is critically important that they persevere and finish all prescribed treatments to have their best chance for a good outcome," said Dr. Raymond. "We are really excited about the difference this technology may make in helping many of our patients do just that."

AHN is increasingly using Harvard MedTech's virtual reality technology in an even wider variety of medical and behavioral health applications. The Chill Project at AHN, which teaches meditation and mindfulness practices in local school districts, for example is adding it to the arsenal of tools to help students, teachers and staff cope with stress and anxiety.

AHN Director of Pain Medicine Abraham "Jack" Kabazie, MD also is launching a pilot program using Harvard MedTech Vx Therapy protocol to help patients cope with chronic pain and the behavioral health issues that often accompany it, such as anxiety and depression. As the use of opioid drugs for pain management has contributed to a national epidemic of addiction and overdose deaths, Harvard MedTech's Vx Therapy Program is at the forefront of a national initiative to find effective alternative solutions for patients living with pain and the other effects of trauma.

For more information on Harvard MedTech, visit http://www.harvardmedtech.com.

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About Allegheny Health Network and the AHN Cancer Institute

Allegheny Health Network, a Highmark Health Company, is a western Pennsylvania-based integrated healthcare system that serves patients from across a five-state region that includes western Pennsylvania and the adjacent regions of Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. The Network's Cancer Institute employs more than 200 physicians and 500 oncology professionals who provide a complete spectrum of oncology care at 24 affiliated oncology clinics, including access to state-of-the-art technologies and new therapies being explored in hundreds of clinical cancer trials. The Cancer Institute has the only cancer program in the Pittsburgh region accredited as an Integrated Network Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, and its radiation oncology program is the largest in the country accredited by the American Society for Radiation Oncology. AHN Cancer Institute is a Quality Oncology Practice Initiative certified practice, and is accredited by the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy, National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer. AHN also has a formal affiliation with the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, one of the nation's 41 comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute, for research, medical education and clinical services.

About Harvard MedTech:

Harvard MedTech is a breakthrough digital health company that is tapping the new science of how the brain works, combining specially designed virtual reality experiences psychosocial support, digital engagement and proprietary AI algorithms to retrain neural pathways and alleviate the effects of trauma, including pain, PTSD, anxiety and depression. The company's Vx Therapy model is the first to comprehensively integrate this unique combination of digital technologies with behavioral health interventions, in a virtual application that moves the point of care to the patient's home. This virtual engagement drives higher compliance, patient satisfaction and optimal outcomes. It also allows the solution to be affordable and scalable at a population health level. This non-invasive and non-pharmacological approach also provides data that is trackable for a clear assessment of its value to patients and health care providers. Visit http://www.harvardmedtech.com for more information.

Media Contact

Stephanie Waite, Allegheny Health Network, 412-337-5484, Stephanie.Waite@highmarkhealth.org

SOURCE Allegheny Health Network

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Allegheny Health Network Improves Cancer Patients' Experience and Comfort with Virtual Reality Technology Pioneered by Harvard MedTech - WFMZ...

JUPITER, Fla., July 14, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Scheduled to broadcast 4Q/2021, an upcoming episode of Advancements with Ted Danson will focus on how technology is being used to create a real-time digital immersive experience.

This segment will explore FansXR INC's (FXR) award winning augmented reality, virtual reality, and 360 dome experiences showcasing a unique digital media platform that provides live fan-controlled broadcast views for entertainment, gamification, and sports betting.

Audiences will see how FansXR integrates actual footage and manipulated imagery to create realistic looking environments for context. The show will also explore how FansXR creates real-and-virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions that are generated by computer technology and wearables.

"As fans return to the stadium, the post-COVID boom is driving revenues throughout the entertainment business sector. With use of 5G, we believe the sector will reinvent itself to attract a younger crowd and offer immersive personalized experiences," said Matt Coleman, CEO, FansXR.

Hearing from experts in the field, spectators will see how FansXR is becoming a global leader in fan-controlled entertainment.

"The technology allows anyone to participate in sporting events and entertainment, regardless of their location," said Colin Ferguson, producer for the Advancements series. "We are excited to share this with viewers."

About FansXR:

Fans XR offers teams, leagues, broadcasters, and the entertainment industry the ability to drive new revenues through the use of emerging innovations combining 5G and XR products and services that increase advertising and sponsorship placements, ticketing, merchandise sales and sports betting, while creating new databases offering unique fan engagement gamification.

For more information, visit: http://www.fansxr.com.

About Advancements and DMG Productions:

The Advancements series is an information-based educational show targeting recent advances across a number of industries and economies. Featuring state-of-the-art solutions and important issues facing today's consumers and business professionals, Advancements focuses on cutting-edge developments, and brings this information to the public with the vision to enlighten about how technology and innovation continue to transform our world.

Backed by experts in various fields, DMG Productions is dedicated to education and advancement, and to consistently producing commercial-free, educational programming on which both viewers and networks depend.

For more information, please visit http://www.AdvancementsTV.com or call 866-496-4065.

Media Contact

Sarah McBrayer, DMG Productions, 866-496-4065, info@advancementstv.com

SOURCE Advancements

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Developments in Virtual and Augmented Reality on Upcoming Episode of Advancements - WFMZ Allentown

First year college students have begun to lament online classes for a range of reasons from boredom to lack of interactions, exposure and co-curricular activities

It has been nearly a year since Ghaziabad resident Anshika Singh enrolled at the Delhi University (DU) for under-graduation. However, with online classes continuing to be the norm due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been difficult for her to gauge how college functions or access the facilities on campus.

For several first-year students like Ms. Singh, who are set to appear for their second-semester examinations next month, a lack of interaction with professors and peers, sans the computer screen, has meant that the college life they expected was in dissonance with the reality.

Ms. Singh, a student of Miranda House, said: After boards, we thought well get to go out, explore an independent life which DU offers and meet people coming from different parts of the country. But we lost out on the chance. The exposure that DU offers, including extracurricular activities, is also why you want to join the university. But due to the pandemic, interactions got restricted.

The BA (Programme) student added: At times attending online classes feel like listening to podcasts. Interaction with teachers also gets restricted and you simply do not get the exposure you hoped for. For many, mental health issues are also on a rise. When there is interaction, you get to learn stuff, which is not present online. We do not even have direct interaction with the administration. The experience for which I joined Miranda House is still unclear for me. Even for teachers, this is a whole new scenario.

Attending online classes was not equivalent to the human connect that you would expect on campus, others added.

Prathit Singh, a Political Science student of Ramjas College, said: When you join a DU North Campus college you have expectations. Initially, I adapted to the life of online classes but eventually, the enthusiasm faded away. Online lectures are difficult to focus on at times. Even though I was able to make a few friends and meet them online, the human connect is missing. I am missing out on a very important thing.

It was more stressful during the onslaught of the second wave. During the second wave, it was even more stressful when professors were also unwell. Everything around us was distraught and gradually the pace of classes was also reduced as several students and teachers were infected. The motivation is slightly slipping away but we dont really have an alternative at the moment, said the Kolkata resident.

Stating that the current batch was extremely unfortunate due to curtailed dreams of independence and self-discovery, Dhruv Garg, a student of Kirori Mal College (KMC) said, In order to have bonds one has to step out and college is essentially the first time people travel and live by themselves. That is something we missed out on. I have been able to make friends online but for a lot of people it is difficult.

Last week I met a few of my online friends for the first time and it did not really feel overwhelming. It was quite normal. I think the transition from online to offline will be okay for me, said Garg, a student of Economics.

Professors at the university also said that the current structure of teaching-learning, brought in due to the ongoing pandemic had an adverse impact on the students.

Tanvir Aeijaz, professor at Ramjas College, said: Students have been impacted both academically and socially. Academically a lot of things we do in the classroom like impromptu discussions are missing in online classes. The liveliness and experience of the classroom are not there. This makes a huge difference. A majority of the students often do not have their videos on for several reasons which also make it difficult for the teacher to know if the student is even present.

There are manifold hindrances, he said. Communication gets distorted online. University is a space that once students enter, they are in a different mind space altogether and there is some purpose. The academic charm is missing in online classes. Teaching-learning within a structured environment is not there and if that ecology is missing then the factors that determine learning also changes. Online students are getting impoverished in terms of learning and knowledge and it is a huge loss for them, said Mr. Aeijaz.

Speaking of a dystopic reality that professors and students are currently experiencing, St. Stephens College professor Nandita Narain said: There is no sense of a community, class or college. This is not even a pale shadow of what is actually experienced in a college, mostly from each other and to a large extent from teachers. In this virtual reality, most people do not even switch on their videos so one doesnt even know who they are speaking to. It is to be seen how the current batch copes in the second year as their first year foundation will be shaky, lamented Ms. Narain.

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Virtual reality and crash of expectations - The Hindu

In the grand tradition of combining one awesome thing with another, Pennsylvania soon will be home to the first virtual reality waterslide in the United States.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, a water park chain with a location in Pocono Manor, will debut the new attraction July 28 on National Waterpark Day, which seems to have been a thing for five years now.

The resort is teaming up with San Francisco-based Ballast VR, a company that was founded in 2017 and creates aquatic virtual reality experiences for water park rides and swimming pools.

Ballast VR's VRSlide technology uses a sensor-based, waterproof headset that waterslide riders put on before they take the plunge on their tubes. Riders can choose one of three adventures: an African safari, an alien encounter in outer space or a castle with fire-breathing dragons.

The company introduced its first virtual reality waterslide at Galaxy Ending in Munich, Germany in 2018. Here's a look at the experience.

At Kalahari Resorts, the virtual reality experience will be added to the Anaconda waterslide.

"In the past four years, Ballast VR has introduced several new attractions that heighten the thrill of virtual reality by merging out-of-this-world visuals with incredible physical sensations," the company said.

In addition to waterslides, Kalahari Resorts has a large game room, black light and outdoor mini golf, escape rooms and two virtual reality arenas with zombie, pirate and Transformers games.

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Poconos resort opening America's first virtual reality waterslide - PhillyVoice.com

SAN JOSE, Calif. and OPELOUSAS, La., July 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Because of its fast and widespread implementation of augmented and virtual reality technology (AR/VR) in the past year, zSpace, a Silicon Valley education company, is proud to honor St. Landry School Board in Louisiana as a "District of Distinction."

The St. Landry Parish School Board is the first district in Louisiana to enhance its Career and Technical Education (CTE) instruction with AR/VR including 200 zSpace laptops and teacher stations. zSpace features AR/VR technology built into a Windows 10 laptop and all-in-one PC that creates an immersive and interactive experience where lifelike content seems to "leap out of the screen." This is particularly helpful for CTE instruction because it allows students to do things that would otherwise be too dangerous, impossible or expensive.

"Nothing replaces hands-on learning, but sometimes we need to fill a gap," said Michael Carbenia, senior executive director of workforce at zSpace. "The team at St. Landry has done an amazing job delivering meaningful CTE teaching to students during the pandemic, and I know they'll continue using zSpace even as students return to the classroom."

zSpace can be used for remote, in-person, and/or a blended learning strategy. Dr. Therese Ellender, STEAM Supervisor for St. Landry Parish School Board, credits the technology for keeping the district's CTE program intact and preventing students from losing ground during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"zSpace has been a lifesaver," said Ellender. "Our teachers have been able to teach and our students haven't fallen behind. We are better positioned to fully continue our students' education, better than any other district in the state. I truly feel confident in that statement."

zSpace and CTE at St. LandrySt. Landry Parish Schools has a robust CTE program providing students with the ability to earn certifications in HVAC, carpentry, automotive skills, welding and agriculture. As an example, a construction activity may have a student study the components of a typical wall of a home. Using a stylus and special glasses, the student can virtually pull the wall out of the screen and take it apart to see the insulation and electrical conduit inside.

CTE content is built into the zSpace units and is mapped against recognized industry credentials, allowing students to complete tasks and build upon their knowledge in zSpace or in real life. In addition, teachers have the opportunity to customize content by creating personalized videos, building quizzes and using zSpace either synchronously or asynchronously.

Practical Matters: Getting Technology into the CommunityPurchasing zSpace units, learning the technology and distributing the laptops and PCs to students and teachers was the first major step of the process. The district's technology team handled the deployment, drafting a user agreement and offering insurance in case a unit was lost or stolen. Teachers -- tech-savvy or not -- knew they had to learn how to use the technology for the sake of the program and their students. Luckily, learning to use zSpace is intuitive for both students and teachers.

"We haven't had a problem with any of the units," said Ellender. "I think it's because the students think they're really cool."

About zSpacezSpace is the leading evidence-based augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) platform providing innovative hands-on, experiential learning to improve achievement in science, math and career and technical education credentialing.Over 2,500 school districts, technical centers, community colleges and universities use zSpace to provide equitable access to instruction for millions of learners preparing for success in college and careers. A privately held, venture-backed company located in San Jose, California, it has more than 50 patents. zSpace was named "Cool Vendor" by Gartner, Inc., "Best in Show at ISTE" by Tech & Learning Magazine for three consecutive years and ranked two years in a row on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies. Visitwww.zspace.com, or follow @zSpace on Twitter.

SOURCE zSpace, Inc.

http://www.zspace.com

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Louisiana School District Honored for Use of Augmented and Virtual Reality in CTE During Pandemic - PRNewswire