Monthly Archives: February 2022

Virtual and augmented reality are the future of interacting with technology

By OWEN RUDERMAN opruderman@ucdavis.edu

When many people think of virtual reality (VR), they think of someone with a toaster strapped to their head running into a wall or punching a hole in their television. For augmented reality (AR), its Pokmon GO. At first glance, it seems like VR and AR are just fun gimmicks new ways to play video games that will surely fade away. But that viewpoint couldnt be farther from the truth.

In fact, before VR and AR entered the consciousness of the mainstream, it was already being used as early as the 1970s for things such as flight simulations and military training. Now, with the huge advancements to the technology in recent years, VR and ARs list of potential uses is growing. For example, since 2017, impressive strides have been made in VR-enhanced mental health treatments.

I must admit, however, that the technology is still in its infancy. Despite efforts from Meta with the Oculus, when it comes to affordability and ease of use, VR headsets are still falling flat for the everyday consumer. Additionally, aside from Snapchat and Instagram filters, it seems like AR is a ways away from becoming useful. But once more advancements come, the potential for this technology is scarily limitless.

And more advancements will come, especially as the industry grows. Demand has shot up in recent years, mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic global spending on AR and VR technology rose to $12 billion in 2020, up 50% from 2019.

Some of the potential of VR and AR is easy to imagine. If the price goes down and the quality goes up, its highly possible that these technologies will dominate the gaming market. Ill never forget the first time I booted up my Oculus Quest 2 and hopped into a multiplayer game, where I met a British kid who offered to show me how to use the sniper rifle. Its a magical gaming experience, and everyone should be able to get their hands on it. As the technology improves and becomes more easily available, and as more games are developed, VR will eclipse all other forms of play. You just cant beat the level of immersion that VR provides. But gaming isnt the only entertainment industry that will shift to VR.

Imagine movies in VR: Instead of sitting in a theater watching a screen, you would quite literally be in the middle of the action as it unfolds. The monster in horror films could actually sneak up behind you, or you could skydive out of a plane with Captain America. But lets not stop there. What about VR music videos, VR interviews and more? Imagine attending an art exhibit that consisted entirely of immersive, VR art pieces. At some point in the not-so-distant future, I predict VR will be the method by which we view almost all entertainment.

AR has even more potential. The Google Glass was quite a flop (wearers of Google Glass were branded Glassholes), but as humans and machines start to become more entwined, seeing the world through a veil of technology is going to become more and more common just look at Neuralink, Elon Musks new brain chip company. Its secretive about its research, but one of its goals is to use brain chips to allow paralyzed people to control technological devices. Once AR technology becomes sufficiently advanced, users will be able to instantly translate foreign text or voice, physical advertisements will be tailored to each viewer and text messages will appear in your peripheral view. The list of practical applications for AR is even longer than for VR.

I know a lot of this sounds Black Mirror-esque, but its the way of the future. The line between humans and computers will continue to blur, and I could even see it disappearing entirely. The future of interacting with technology and entertainment is VR and AR. All thats left for us to do is wait.

Written by: Owen Ruderman opruderman@ucdavis.edu

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.

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Column: Virtual reality isn't just for gaming - The Aggie - The Aggie

Its been five long years, but Sony has finally revealed the design of its second virtual reality headset.

Unsurprisingly named the VR2 (come on, what else did you expect from the company that brought you the PlayStation 5?), the hardware has been unveiled at an interesting time.

Not only is there a renewed interest in virtual reality tech (thanks, Meta), but its also arriving into a market that has significantly evolved in recent years. In fact, the VR2 serves as an interesting marker to show how the entire sector has changed.

One point to note before we begin: the current announcement only covers the design of Sonys headset. While there was some technical information revealed (weve included that below), this is really Sony showing off how the headset looks. And thats the base were building this article on.

Now thats out of the way, lets start looking at whats new with the PS VR2.

Fundamentally, the VR2 is similar to its predecessor but includes the sort of improvements youd expect considering the original was launched way back in 2016?

The VR2 is lighter and slimmer, has a lens adjustment dial (so you can get the display the perfect distance from your eyes), and a built-in motor for haptic feedback.

It connects to a PS5 console via USB-C (we dont know if it works with the PS4 yet) and can display in 4K with either 90 or 120Hz frame rates.

Basically, the VR2 is faster, better, and lighter than its predecessor. Quelle surprise.

This is where things get interesting.

Lets get the obvious out of the way first. Theres a substantial difference between the design of the VR and VR2. Itd be utterly bizarre if there wasnt.

As stated in the announcement and something you can plainly see from the image above the VR2 is heavily inspired by the look of the PS5 family of products. Its not as though it wouldve been inspired by the Sega Genesis after all.

But theres a more telling quote a few lines down. There, the company says it wants the headset to become an attractive part of [its users] living room decor.

Of course Sony is gonna say this. Whats the alternative? Stating that its created something so ugly and garish that only the unhinged would want it near them? Thatd be a baller move, for sure, but an unlikely one all the same.

Now weve got that clear, onto my thesis. This design change points to how the world of virtual reality has moved on since the launch of the original PS VR back in 2016.

From those goofy, colorful joysticks to the blue lights on the headset, the old device screams gaming as clearly as those sorta chairs. You know the ones I mean. Dont pretend you dont. You do.

Clearly, this isnt the case with the aesthetics of the PS VR2. It is a far more serious-looking piece of kit.

To quote Biggie, in the time between the PS VR and VR2, things done changed.

Lets take Oculus as an example. The Rift was launched the same year as the PlayStation headset, but since then Oculus has released the Rift S, Go, Quest, and Quest 2.

And its not just the hardware that shifted, its use cases have too.

The technology moved from gaming into something more transformative. To put it another way, tech giants are trying to take VR from a games platform into something more akin to a phone.

Much of this but not all has to do with Meta, and the companys recent pivot to the, well, metaverse. Its pumping billions into its attempt to move virtual reality from niche concern to mainstream player. Effectively, out of the basement, into the office.

And I can see this growing up mentality all over the design of the PS VR2. Its sleek and modern, looking more like a futuristic piece of sci-fi hardware, as opposed than the RGB nightmare often associated with gaming.

Id like to make something clear though: Im not suggesting Sony is giving up gaming or even that the VR2 isnt designed with that as its main purpose.

Its vital for Sonys future that the PS VR2 finds its place as the best headset for gaming. And thats because of what its competitors have been up to.

Over the last five years weve seen a major divergence between console makers.

Nintendo has stepped out of the power war and, with the Switch, has focused more on casual gaming. Microsoft has gone on an acquisition binge and appears to be focusing on making its Game Pass service a must-have.

But Sony? Its seemed out of step with these strategies so far. In fact, its been unclear what the companys goal was with its console but the PS VR2 changes that.

If the hardware is good and theres no reason to expect it wont be the company can carve out a niche as being the console for VR experiences.

The PS5 is much cheaper than a gaming PC capable of running virtual reality titles, and far easier to get acquainted with.

Then, consider the fact that consoles also commonly function as household media centers. With this, Sony has an opportunity to provide an entry-point for non-gamers into the world of virtual reality something the VR2s accessible design will help usher in.

Yes, we still need to find out important details about Sonys headset, like the price and release date, but its already gearing up to be one the most significant VR products of 2022 and beyond.

One things for certain though: virtual reality is growing up. And, with the PS VR2, Sony has the opportunity to be at the forefront of this change.

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Sonys VR2 headset shows virtual reality is growing up - The Next Web

There are only 10 of its kind across the country and one of them will open in Cleveland on March 1.

CLEVELAND We've all seen or played video games at some point in our lives. But this is a totally new experience where you are truly part of the game. Welcome to Boss VR Arena, featuring "Zero Latency" technology.

"VR" stands for virtual reality, of course. But unlike conventional VR games, here you're allowed to free roam in an open space with up to eight people. And as the name suggests, there's zero latency, meaning no delay. Everyone is active in a real-time virtual world.

Boss Pro-Karting co-owner Brad Copley couldn't wait to bring this technology to Cleveland.

"We have strived to bring adrenaline-filled group activities to Northeast Ohio. The go karting and the ax throwing were our first two launches into Cleveland. And now, bringing this VR, its a whole different dynamic," Copley tells 3News.

Each player is essentially wearing a computer on their back. Then, you're outfitted with a VR gun, special goggles with an array of cameras, and a headset with microphones to communicate with other players as you complete missions.

"Its very safe," Copley adds. "It tells you when you get close to somebody else or get close to a wall. It keeps you confined to that game space and leads you thru some unbelievable experiences."

3News' Brandon Simmons tried Zero Latency for himself, attempting to complete a game of "Far Cry" with three others. Copley is right, it's something you have to experience for yourself.

"You tend to forget. Youre trying to step over rock or hide behind walls which in the game are all there. But in reality, its just a clear open space of concrete where you can walk wherever you want," Copley says.

Zero Latency Cleveland is only the 10th of its kind in the U.S. and will be opening to the public at Boss VR Arena on Brookpark Road on March 1. Copley is looking forward to visitors experiencing the thrills.

"When they get here, theyre going to be amazed at not only the graphics, but how accurate everything is," he says.

Boss VR Arena and everything else at Boss Pro Karting is gearing toward an older crowd. So you have to be 12 or older to participate. The VR Arena costs $45 for 45 minutes for each participant. Reservations can be made on BossVRArena.com.

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Immersive virtual reality gaming experience 'Zero Latency' coming to Cleveland - WKYC.com

By Katie Chalk, Arts Editor

An exciting look inside the world of Virtual Reality with Liminas Emma Hughes, and what it means for the future of theatre.

Picture me almost two years ago, fresh out of my first (rather disrupted) year at Bristol, sitting in my parents back garden gaping in awe through a laptop screen. I am partaking, if you can even call it that, in a Zoom call with the brightest minds in immersive theatre and creative technologies, all based in the South West.

How on earth did I end up mixing with these futuristic experts? Im still asking myself how I got so lucky.

Through an internship with a small Bristol-based theatre company, I was involved in the 2020 Bristol and Bath Research and Development Expanded Performance cohort. I spent weeks learning about virtual and augmented reality, binaural sound and immersive performance experiences.

Virtual Reality is a seemingly real, computer-simulated, three-dimensional environment, where a user in a headset can see and often physically interact with the space around them. Add a narrative and passing time element, and it becomes a four dimensional medium akin to gaming and can also be a vessel for an alternative style of theatre. Augmented reality is when computer-simulated objects are layered on top of real spaces, think of Pokmon Go, for example.

It became clear to me that Bristol in particular, really is at the forefront of this industry.

We all know its an exciting place to live and work. In terms of immersive media - Bristol is home to the art and tech hub Pervasive Media studio and the augmented and virtual reality research company Limina. Bristol is also a rich hub of tech start-ups and productions studios which provide the skills and infrastructure to create immersive media. Within the wider South West, there is the South West Creative Technology Network (SWCTN) and educational courses such as UWE's Masters in Virtual and Extended Realities. Also Bristol+Bath Creative R+D, though which I was launched, naive and eager, into this alien world. It is a world which, in light of recent attention on the Metaverse, feels closer to home than ever, and seems like an inevitable, exciting and scary new world for the arts industry.

Or is it so new?

Immersing someone in another world has always been the main goal of any artist, claims Emma Hughes, curator and consultant at Limina. By this logic, prehistoric cave art is a method of drawing viewers into alternative realities. Within the visual arts, therefore, immersion is a practice as old as time.

Emma continues: now technology is enabling us to achieve this in a much more literal and visceral way compared to more traditional mediums. Thats where immersion becomes Virtual Reality.

Long gone are the days of theatre being a one-way experience with the audience being passive consumers. Anyone who took drama at GCSE probably remembers promenade theatre in which the audience are mobile and follow the action through different spaces. Taking the idea even further, audiences have become active participants in game-ified theatre where they either have a hand in choosing the story or partake in the action themselves as characters. Local to Bristol, the Arts and Theatre CIC I have worked with, Brave Bold Drama, produced not one, but two, playable family theatre shows CIA: The Munch Mission and the Midnight Mission in which families choose their own narrative as the show unfolds.

Real-life immersive experiences are also extremely popular among adults. Emma identifies a few notable ones around currently: Monopoly Lifesized, Doctor Who: Time Fracture in London, and Van Gough: The Immersive Experience touring internationally (including to Bristol!) in 2021 and 2022.

She continues, now, virtual reality and other immersive media experiences have entered the mainstream alongside these real world immersive experiences.

So theatre in Virtual Reality is just a natural progression from an already increasingly immersive theatre industry? As to be expected, it is a lot more complicated than that.

Personally, I believe VR and AR should be considered as creative mediums in their own right. Emma asserts. Whilst virtual reality world building requires similar skills to theatre-making, and the technology can be added as an extension to live performance to enhance the experience, she emphasises the Virtual Reality shouldn't be seen as the next version of other art forms and will never fully replace live performance.

As a newer medium in its own right, VR has not benefited from centuries-worth of experimentation and debate like theatre has. This means a few teething-problems are currently being thrashed out by pioneering practitioners in the industry. Catherine Allen, founder of Limina and producer of two of the BBCs first VR experiences, explains the mediums lack of critical distance in the way that Bertolt Brect introduced the idea into theatre a century ago.

Were not looking into a future where all theatre exists in VR, and with post-pandemic audiences itching to experience live-ness and togetherness again, there will always be a place for traditional theatre practice. Virtual reality, as a relatively new medium, can provide an extension to this and a new opportunity for theatre-makers to re-direct their skills, but it is a medium in its own right with an exciting, and challenging future to navigate.

Featured Image: Courtesy of Limina

Have you taken part in any VR/AR experiences? What did you think?

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Virtual Reality: the future of theatre? - Epigram

Virtual reality (VR) isn't new. The idea of immersing oneself in a virtual world has been around much longer than the buzzword "metaverse." However, the investment options are much more plentiful than they used to be. It seems more and more companies are finding ways to become players in VR.

So how does an investor decide where to allocate funds to capitalize on this trend? One way would be to put together a basket of stocks that combine large and established companies looking to capitalize on this trend with some newer businesses that bring some high upside potential but also increased risk. Here are three suggestions for this VR basket.

Image source: Getty Images.

We're starting with a rumor -- one that's been around for a while. Will Apple ( AAPL -2.59% ) announce VR glasses or goggles? No one knows for sure, but there's no shortage of reports that some version of an augmented or VR product will eventually be unveiled. Investors shouldn't invest in a company based solely on a rumor, but Apple is still a compelling choice even in the absence of a product on the market.

Even though there's currently no dedicated VR device in Apple's product line, the company is no stranger to this space. In 2017, Apple's iPhone first included augmented reality (AR) capabilities. Like other iPhone features, the AR function has become more robust with each new phone release. It's not difficult to see how this feature was the first step to a future AR/VR-dedicated device. If history is any guide, this potential device could rapidly become the next big hardware product in the Apple ecosystem, following in the footsteps of the segment-leading Apple Watch.

When Microsoft ( MSFT -2.59% ) recently announced its plan to acquire video-gaming studio Activision Blizzard ( ATVI -0.64% ), it was clear that gaming would play a key part in the future success of the company. Already an industry leader with its Xbox console and Minecraft franchise, Microsoft sees this acquisition as a way to shape what comes next in gaming, particularly as it relates to the metaverse.

With popular titles like Halo and World of Warcraft joining the likes of Minecraft, it's easy to see how fully immersive virtual experiences could be the next step. Microsoft already has VR goggles on sale and several compatible games. A merging of VR technology and these soon-to-be-acquired game franchises would put Microsoft front and center as a leader in VR.

Roblox ( RBLX -5.25% ) is a popular gaming platform with 50 million daily active users, approximately half of which are 13 years of age and younger. Within the platform are games built around a virtual world where users can interact with one another and spend Roblox's digital currency, Robux. These virtual transactions are where Roblox makes most of its revenue and are vital to its success as a business.

To attract older users while keeping current users engaged, Roblox has been coming to agreements with brands and hosting events and experiences within the platform. In 2021, Roblox launched partnerships with 12 brands, hoping they will ultimately be monetized.

Roblox also hosted six music events last year. These efforts are paying off as the number of experiences in which the majority of users are 13 and older are increasing in prominence. These "aged-up" events accounted for 40% of the top 1,000 experiences in fourth-quarter 2021, compared to 28% in the previous quarter.

Each of these companies brings with it both promise and risk.

Apple and Microsoft are well-established, large-cap companies that will be fine no matter how their VR efforts play out. On the flip side, there's also a chance that each could find itself benefiting from the potential growth in the popularity of VR. On the other hand, Roblox is completely built around VR and doesn't have other segments of its business to fall back on. Even though it's new to the public markets, it has been around for 16 years and is no stranger to this space.

All three of these companies are compelling investments for investors who believe in the long-term success of VR.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the official recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium advisory service. Were motley! Questioning an investing thesis even one of our own helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer.

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3 Stocks to Invest in Virtual Reality - Motley Fool

Denver, Colorado, Feb. 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virtual Interactive Technologies Corp., (OTC: VRVR) (VRVR or the Company), a multi-platform video gaming company is pleased to announce it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Future House Studios (FHS) located in Pleasant Grove, UT. The two companies will jointly develop, and finance augmented reality attractions for Adventure Parks, Theme Parks, and other location-based entertainment venues.

The two companies are in early-stage discussions with several third-party customers to develop augmented reality experiences around the customers current attractions within their existing entertainment venues.

We could not be more excited about this partnership with Virtual Interactive Technologies, said Adam Sidwell, Founder and Head of Studio for FHS. He added, we believe that there is large market for the kind of solution we are teaming with VRVR to create.

Future House Studios is a leader in AR and VR content creation stated Jason Garber, CEO of Virtual Interactive Technologies. He continued; our strategy is to team with best-in-class companies to develop exciting, engaging cutting edge content and FHS is a perfect fit.

About Virtual Interactive Technologies Corp.

Virtual Interactives Technologies Corp. (www.vrvrcorp.com) is a Denver, Colorado based video game production, publishing, and technology company. The company currently has a portfolio of five video game titles which include: Carmageddon MaxDamage, Carmageddon Crashers, Interplanetary Enhanced Edition, Worbital, and Catch & Release VR. The Company develops video game projects to be release on various popular gaming platforms with an emphasis on mobile gaming, virtual reality, and other new and emerging gaming technologies. We look to team with existing game developers as well as offering our own expertise in development solutions, publishing, and marketing video game products. We are constantly engaged in finding ways to reinvest our royalty income streams into further growing our royalty contracts and intellectual property in the video gaming industry.

About Future House Studios

Future House Studios (www.futurehousestudios.com) is a metaverse creation company. The studio has assembled a team of incredible artists and technical directors from top film, game, and VR studios that include, but are not limited to, ILM, Weta, Disney, Pixar, Epic Games, Microsoft, Activision-Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Digital Domain, Within, and more. The Future House team members are experts at developing content and have vast experience creating blockbuster movies, AAA games, premiere VR and AR experiences, television series, and commercials. Future House has worked on some of the most renowned franchises in the world including: Star Wars, DC Comics, Marvel, Transformers, Avatar, and more. Partnered with a sibling company, Future House Publishing, the studio develops stories for television and film.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futurehousestudiosllc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehousestudiosllc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-house-studios/

Email: awesome@futurehousestudios.com

For Additional Information:

Bruce Nurse - Investor Relations(303) 919-2913info@vrvrcorp.com

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Virtual Interactive Technologies Corp. Has Entered into an Exciting New Partnership with Award Winning Future House Studios to Develop Augmented...