Month: May 2017

Review – Spire -The Mindfulness and Activity Tracker. #Mindfulness #Spire

The first observation on the packaging, this product is designed for the world marked with a variety of languages on the box. The word Discovery Calm stands out. This was reviewed using an iPhone 6s.  (There is an android version also)

I have used other fitness / activity type units but this one gets big thumbs up for the Wireless charging plate, no messing with USB charger leads fitting into the back of the unit, Battery life states up to seven days. This is possible under ideal conditions; my battery was less than this. (possible as I leave my phone away from me at night, Bluetooth using the battery). Charge time is three hours. Another great positive is the design, as designed to withstand an accidental trip through the washing machine. 

This has not been tested but great to see the basics sorted. Again, the design team have got this right in terms of wearing which can be clipped onto your pants (or ladies to their bra) to track steps, calories and respiratory patterns. After a day or 2 of use, you can forget its attached due to the small size and weight.  Again, if you lose the Spire in the house there is an option via the app to “Vibrate my Spire”. If your Spire is within Bluetooth range, approx. 10 meters, the “Vibrate my Spire” button will rock back and forth when you tap on it.

 

 

Contents:

  • Spire stone
  • Cork-based wireless charging pad with USB passthrough
  • USB cable
  • User manual

 

Science behind the Spire:

Spire is based on psychophysiology—how the brain and body interact. Your state of mind causes a cascade of physiological and hormonal changes throughout your body.

The manufacturers advice based on seven years of research into the science of breath your state of mind affects how you breathe. But how you breathe can also change your state of mind. For example, studies have uncovered how slow, deep and consistent breathing can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and increase the flow of endorphins in your blood stream.

 

 

What does the Spire (with the app) do?

  • Spire measures your breathing and provides feedback for a more focused and calm day
  • When you’re breathing indicates tension, a gentle notification reminds you to stop and take a deep breath.
  • The included iOS app can guide you in short, simple exercises or mini-meditations to increase focus, calm and productivity.
  • Clip the Spire stone unobtrusively onto your pants or bra to track steps, calories and respiratory patterns.

 

The App:

The app is available via the Apple App store for iPhone, Spire Breath + Activity Tracker

This has a Rating: 3 out of 5 from 15 reviews the app is also available for android.  On android, this has 5,000 – 10,000 installs with a rating of 3.3 out of 5 from 172 reviews

Within the app there is Pep talk under Boosts – 7-11 breath, calm, eat, work, these are motivation exercises, teaching you how to e.g. take proper breath. These are calming and interesting to listen too..

 

 

The app advised, it gives Gentle reminders,

The spire can be set to vibrate after a set time if your tense / calm / focused / active. Spire notifies you via the app on your iPhone or iPad when you’re tense, need to take a deep breath, have just experienced an extended streak of calm and more.

Guided boosts

Visualise your breath while listening to guided exercises from recognised experts on breathing, calm and focus. Unlock new boosts as you gain mastery.

Self-discovery.

Understand the rhythms of your day with contextual tools for discovering what makes you calm, focused or tense.

Activity tracking included.

Step and calorie tracking are built in to balance both your body and your mind.

 

 

Compatibility

iPhone Models, iPhone 4s & newer, iPad (3rd generation) and newer, iPod touch 5th Generation and newer

Watch Models 38mm Case, 42mm Case

This would be great to use with the watch models allowing the calmness without always been connected to your phone.

 

 

Dislikes:

The warranty is for One year. This is one my pet hates, one year while many brands give a 3-year warranty on their products.

This device is great when the app is working but on occasions the app stopped working, closing the app and restarting resolved this.

 

Note: This is not a fitness tracker but a mindfulness tracker.

 

It is worth it:

When it comes to your health, cost etc. should not be a factor. The Spire measures breathing patterns and analyses to advise if your Tense, Calm, focused with notifications, reminding you to stop and take a deep breath, it give you options to listen to short and simple mini-meditations designed to increase calm and productivity and tracks activity, steps and calories. The meditations and exercises are quite relaxing. Currently when we are on the go, stress and busy lives can take over, this spire has the Technology to highlight our patterns, hopefully this gives us a warning to highlight when we are tense, being forewarned is forearmed for your health.

 

Available from:

https://www.apple.comm  £99.95

https://spire.io/pages/uk     30-day money back guarantee

Revealed: This app has just revealed the age women will have the best sex of their lives. #SexTech #Apps 

There is an assumption in today’s society that your attractiveness and sex life is at a peak in your twenties, yet for women, when it comes to having the best orgasm, feeling most attractive and having the most enjoyable sex, it gets better with age: 36-years-old and above to be precise, according to a new study by Natural Cycles, the world’s first, and only, app to be certified as a contraception which is used by over 250,000 women in 161 countries.

 

Over 2,618 women were surveyed using the standardised McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ) methodology, which measures female sexuality on a range of categories including Satisfaction (frequency of intercourse, satisfaction of partner), Attraction (self-perceived and in the eyes of the partner) and Orgasm (frequency and enjoyment). The survey unveiled interesting patterns of sexual behaviour among three distinct age groups: younger (below 23), middle (23-36) and older (36 and over) – and the results showed that orgasm, attractiveness and most enjoyable sex gets better with age and peaks at the age of 36-years and above.

 

Top 10 female celebrities, 36-years and older, considered to be in their prime

 

Kate Moss

Victoria Beckham

Kelly Brook

Elizabeth Hurley

Holly Willoughby

Kate Beckinsale

Kate Winslet

Nigella Lawson

Helen Mirren

Carol Vorderman

 

When questioned about sexual attractiveness, the older age group were the most confident in their skin. 8 out of 10 women 36-years and older said they felt attractive whereas only 4 out of 10 women 23-36-years old felt attractive and 7 out of 10 women aged 23-years and under felt attractive.



 

Whilst the younger age group felt sexy and attractive, they scored the lowest when quizzed about how often they orgasm. The majority of women in the older age group (nearly six out of 10 older women) reported having more and better orgasms, compared to 5.4 out of ten in the middle group and 5 out of ten of younger women.

 

Women in the older age group are also having the most enjoyable sex with 86 per cent of them saying they had enjoyable intercourse over the last four weeks compared with 76 per cent in the middle age group and 56 per cent in the youngest women surveyed.

 

When it comes to the ideal length of time sex should last, the reality does not always match expectation. In fact, 31 per cent of women surveyed felt sex should last longer than what they currently have whilst 12 per cent felt that sex should be shorter than they currently have.

 

When questioned about the frequency of sex women have, just under a third had sex twice per week, over one fifth had sex three times per week, and under one-fifth had sex once per week.

 

And the majority of women felt that monogamy was key to a happier sex life. In the survey, 81 per cent of women said they can have a great long lasting sex life with the same person.

 

Amanda Bonnier, Brand Manager at Natural Cycles, said: “The results of the survey send out a really positive message about something us women have known and expected for some time; as you get older and get to know your body better, you can have a more enjoyable sex life and feel confident about yourself, particularly if you’re in a monogamous relationship. It’s encouraging that there doesn’t appear to be a stigma attached to being older and enjoying the best sex of your life.”  

 

Natural Cycles app has over 250,000 users in 161 countries and is available to download on

Natural Cycles, the App Store for iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad, and Google Play Store.

 

Camp/y is the World’s 1st connected security device for camping. #Camping #Security

The idea was launched by the three founders of the young technology company KirMaq.Tech (https://kirmaq.tech/), composed of Jacob Martin, a native of Amos and Nassim Kirouac, a native of Greenfield Park but who grew up in Val-d’Or. The duo is completed by a friend, Vipul Srivastav.

 


Camp/y, the 1st smart & connected prevention device for camping, comes in the form of a small owl. Featuring a location system, it comes in direct connection to your cell phone from anywhere in the world, thanks to a mobile application, and can alert you on a multitude of things, starting with advising you to store your stuff as soon as it starts raining. Using thermal sensors, it warns you of the arrival of intruders, both animals and humans. It also detects the presence of propane, butane or carbon monoxide in the air.

 


Camp/y has an integrated alarm, indicates air quality, can even serve as a flashlight and much more. It is powered by a 5 volt solar cell and measures 4 centimeters in thickness, 8 in height and 4 in width.
The device has already been presented publicly on a few occasions.

“We did interviews with the Journal de Montréal and Salut Bonjour (morning TV show). We also went to the Hunting, Fishing and Camping Salon in Montreal.  Sold at $ 150 per unit on the product web site (www.campy.tech), Camp/y will be offered $ 100 for the first 100 buyers as part of the company’s socio-finance campaign to be held on June 7 on the platform of kickstarter.com and which will at the same time the official launch of the product. “Our goal is to raise $ 10,000,” said Jacob Martin.

Kirmaq.Tech also has its Facebook page and Twitter page  give them a follow there.

Review – Speck Products – Presidio Clear and Glitter case for the Samsung Galaxy S8+

On to the next batch from Speck Products, This is the first of two new cases and its for the ladies, Its the Presidio CLEAR and Glitter case check out the image gallery and Video for the deets….

 

Protection

  • 8-Foot Drop Tested. Our Presidio™ Galaxy Galaxy S8 cases have been dropped from a height of 8 feet multiple times by third-party laboratories to ensure they offer superior protection.
  • IMPACTIUM™ CLEAR. IMPACTIUM CLEAR is a dynamic shock-absorbing material that absorbs and disperses force away from your Galaxy Galaxy S8.
  • Patented raised-bezel screen protection. IMPACTIUM CLEAR raised bezel guards screen from direct drops onto phone face and prevents damage when lying flat.
  • Responsive button protection. IMPACTIUM CLEAR protects volume and power buttons while maintaining true button responsiveness.
  • Perimeter port and camera protection. IMPACTIUM CLEAR protects ports, microphone, and speakers from drops without compromising acoustics or interfering with port accessibility, camera lenses or the camera flash.

 

 

Design

  • Dual-layer design. Presidio CLEAR + GLITTER features a dual-layer construction for robust protection.
  • Slimmest case yet. We’ve created the slimmest dual-layer case Speck has ever made, without sacrificing protection.
  • Precision-engineered fit. Presidio CLEAR + GLITTER is precision-engineered to fit your Samsung Galaxy S8+ case perfectly.
  • Embedded glitter crystals. Shimmering glitter crystals embedded in the case’s hard outer layer won’t scratch or flake off.

Quality

  • Scratch-resistant. Presidio CLEAR resists scratches and offers a modern style with clear glossy and matte black designs.
  • Resists UV Yellowing. Presidio CLEAR’s custom-engineered material, IMPACTIUM CLEAR, resists turning yellow when exposed to UV light from the sun.
  • Lab-tested durability. All Speck cases are independently lab tested for multiple real-life situations to ensure your device is always protected. We test to protect against extreme drops, extreme temperatures, chemicals, antenna interference, cracks and abrasions, device bending, and more.
  • Lifetime warranty. All Presidio cases come with a lifetime limited warranty. For full terms visit: speckproducts.com/warranty

BUY HERE 

Garmin announce the #VIRB360, An immersive 360-degree 5.7K camera experience.#360

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), has announced the versatile VIRB 360, a compact, rugged and fully spherical 360-degree camera. The waterproof VIRB 360 is an easy-to-use camera that captures impressive high-quality video up to 5.7K/30fps, with four built-in microphones to ensure everything sounds as good as it looks in any direction. Whether users are kayaking down river rapids or mountain biking through rough terrain, the VIRB 360’s 4K Spherical Stabilization makes every video smooth and steady.

 

 

With the VIRB 360, users capture video with automatic in-camera stitching up to 4K/30fps. Videos are easily uploaded for editing or sharing instantaneously. Taking advantage of its built-in GPS and numerous other sensors, the VIRB 360 provides owners with customizable G-Metrix™ data overlays in a captivating 360-degree augmented reality  setting.

 

“The VIRB 360 lets you relive personal experiences and share them with your friends – from a different point of view, every single time,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “VIRB 360 owners will no longer need to worry about trying to capture the perfect angle or setting up the perfect shot. The camera’s easy-to-use feature set will make even the most inexperienced users look like experts.”

 

Garmin offers a free downloadable VIRB Mobile app and desktop software to edit, stabilize, share and add data overlays to any VIRB 360 video content – features that make the VIRB 360 easier to use than most other 360 cameras. Boasting conveniently simple one-touch button controls, the VIRB 360 also incorporates helpful voice control options to start and stop recordings, snap photos and more. And to make the most of “in-the-moment” experiences, the VIRB 360 features livestream5 capabilities to post to YouTube™ or Facebook Live with a compatible smartphone or tablet.

 

 

The VIRB 360 offers a rechargeable, one-hour battery life while recording. Beyond video, the VIRB 360 can take stitched-in-camera, 360-degree, 15 megapixel spherical photos. Photo modes include single capture, burst shooting, time lapse and Travelapse™. Additionally, the camera is equipped with a sunlight-readable display for users to identify battery life, storage capacity and video modes. The VIRB 360 supports Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ANT+™, and NFC (one-tap connection with Android™ devices) connectivity.

 

Offering a wealth of flexibility and range, the VIRB 360 is compatible with industry-leading virtual reality headsets and live playback through the free VIRB Mobile app. What’s more, the camera is compatible with Apple® and Android devices, and comes with its own unique tripod/handgrip. The VIRB 360 uses replaceable microSD memory cards of up to 128GB (sold separately).

 

 

The Garmin VIRB 360 has a suggested retail price of £649.99/€820.00 and is expected to be available in June. For more information, visitGarmin.com/VIRB360 or Garmin.ie/VIRB360

 

The Garmin VIRB 360 is the latest from the consumer automotive and camera segment of Garmin, the leading worldwide provider of portable navigation devices for automobiles, motorcycles and trucks. The company’s user-friendly navigation and action camera solutions have innovative features that provide time- and fuel-saving benefits to meet the demands of everyday driving and outdoor living.

 

 

For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation, advancements with camera solutions, wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin.

STM Introduces “The Streets Collection”. #Bags #travel #traveltech #laptopbags

New Streets range combines company’s trademark protection with a simple, classic look.

STM Goods, a leading designer of innovative bags, cases, and accessories for consumer electronic devices, today announced the release of its newest line of products: The Streets Collection. Streets, a four-piece collection of casual, handsome accessories designed for the young entrepreneur, combines STM’s trademark protection and clever, thoughtful design with a uniquely individual, classic look for today’s professional.

 

“The strength of STM is understanding how people use their tech devices, and then designing bags and cases that better protect and organise their digital lives,” said Ethan Nyholm, CEO and co-founder of STM. “The Streets Collection harkens back to the straightforward ingenuity of our original bags, yet stands as a fully updated solution for today’s needs. The result is equal parts timely and timeless.”

 

The name “Streets” pays homage to STM’s heritage, with each of the products in the line named after roadways in the company’s hometown of Sydney. STM created Streets both as a return to the brand’s roots and to showcase all it has learned and encountered since opening for business nearly two decades ago.

 

 

Featuring ample storage for work and life gear, the Streets collection includes SlingTech™ protection and the innovative CableReady™ cable routing system. The ultimate in tech protection, the SlingTech™ system cradles your laptop in dual density foam, suspending it at all times off the floor of the bag. The bottom corners are reinforced to provide maximum protection through impact prevention.

The CableReady™ system keeps your bag tangle free when charging devices – the purpose built pockets, ports between section and integrated cable management keeps charging cables conveniently stowed and out of the way. Finally, the included Stash™ helps to ensure that all smaller items such as batteries, cables and pens, remain organised and safely in place.

 

 

 

 

The Streets Collection consists of the 22L capacity Kings backpack, 18L Banks backpack, the Judge brief, and Ridge sleeve.

With cavernous compartments, the 22L Kings backpack can store your laptop, tablet, phone, documents, gym clothes, cap, lunch and more! Featuring SlingTech™ protection and the CableReady™ routing system, the zippered side pockets offer quick access to frequently used gear and the included Stash™ ensures that all smaller items are kept organised, not lost in the depths of the bag! RRP £99.95
Carry all your daily essentials with the Banks backpack. With plenty of room for work stuff, life stuff and digital essentials, the Banks has the capacity to fill storage and style needs with equal measure. With plenty of pockets, SlingTech™ protection and the CableReady system™ the Banks also includes Stash™ and side pockets for water bottle storage. RRP £84.95

 

 

 

Take the cushy insulation of a padded interior that protects your laptop, encase it in a supremely rugged yet handsome exterior and you have the Ridge. With protective foam, super soft lining and quilted padding you can be sure your laptop is in a happy place when on the move. RRP £39.95

The Street Collection will be available from Amazon.co.uk.

For more information please see www.stmgoods.com   

 

 

 

Father’s Day gift suggestions for the Dad that likes tech. #FathersDay #Tech #Gifts

Fathers Day is around the corner and what would you pick up for that man that likes some tech.. Has he his eye on something already? Here is a few options that will not burst the bank… For Sleepy,Travel ,Sporty or the Healthy Dad,Here is some ideas to check out…

For the “I can’t get out of bed” Dad

The Mixx S3 Bluetooth speaker and Digital Alarm Clock – www.mixx-audio.com for £40

The Mixx S3 Wireless Bluetooth speaker and Digital Alarm Clock is the perfect solution for dads who need a speaker that is small in size, sounds great and is incredibly easy to use. Available in pink and black, with anti-slip base and dual speaker design for bass and detail, the S3 is packed full of extra features. Heavy sleepers need not despair as its two alarm settings will ensure you are up in time and for dads reluctant to emerge from under the duvet, there is also the comfort of a touch to snooze button for those extra few minutes of rest! The S3 also has a built in charging port so you can wake up gently with your phone fully charged.  A microphone allows for hands-free calls so ideal for multi-tasking and calls on the go.

 

 

For the Health Conscious Dad

Foobot – £170 from https://foobot.io/

 

Foobot is the first air quality monitor which gives you a clear and visual understanding of how good the air quality is in your home and the knowledge to take small steps to improve it; benefitting the whole family’s long term health.

Foobot also works alongside other smart home devices taking direct action if pollution levels exceed a set amount. Perfect for allergy or asthma sufferers, the elderly, children or those of you facing the daily smog filled commute to work. The press release with more details can be found

 

 

For the sporty dad who loves his music

1MORE EB100 Bluetooth in-ear sports active earphone – £79.99 from http://uk.1more.com 

 

Available in red or grey, the 1MORE EB100 Bluetooth sports earphones are great for dads who love their running, working out at the gym or long walks with the dog. Different from normal Bluetooth earphones, the active Bluetooth in-ear headphones’ antenna is located in the in-line control and not close to brain which greatly reduces the electromagnetic waves which can harm the brain.

The main body of the EB100 is made of lightweight aluminium and the earphone hook from advanced engineering plastics for durable usage. Being IPX4 rated, the EB100’s can be used when it’s raining or you get extra sweaty.

The AptX Codec Provides CD-like High Quality Sound and the patented driver uses a triple layer diaphragm with aerospace-grade metal inside two outer layers of PET and PU material to give a great bass and midrange response.

 

 

 

 

For the nature loving dads

MMORE – Organika Cases – Skeleton Leaves, Coffee & Alpine Hay – www.mmore.net  with prices starting at £23.23 including free shipping

MMORE, which stands for much more, has developed the totally unique Organika case range which is not only made from handpicked and hand crafted natural materials but smells of nature too. Take your senses on a journey with the world’s first aromatic smartphone cases made from hand-picked actual organic materials. You can feel the texture of the material, and smell its beautiful natural aroma. Each case is handcrafted and unique, just like your style.

The natural material is coated with an organic sugar-based resin, which provides the durability necessary to keep your phone perfectly safe at all times.

 

  • Made from natural hand-picked materials
  • Attractive modern look and style
  • Provides great grip
  • Doesn’t cause allergies
  • The first of its kind in the world

 

 

For the “Always on the Go Dad”

SitPack – the world’s most compact, foldable resting device £45 from www.sitpack.com

 

If your dad loves the great outdoors, is always on the move or spends endless hours watching your rugby, football or netball matches, he can take a much deserved rest with the Sitpack foldable seat! Sitpack is a high-adjustable foldable seat, which, when folded, looks like a small, inconspicuous cylinder the size of a beer can. The real magic of Sitpack happens when you unfold the cylinder revealing a 13 inch wide seat, pull out the 34.25 inch telescopic leg which can be adjusted to your height and your seat awaits, letting you stay relaxed leaning in at eye level with your friends!

 

 

Perfect to pop into his bag and pull out when a much needed break is required. No more unwieldy fold up chairs to haul around, which blow away and are inclined to collapse quite readily! Sitpack is also perfect to take on holiday, for family camping trips and for the more adventurous dads to take the weight off his feet at festivals.

 

 

Tinybop continues growth with international Android launch. #TinyBop #Apps #Education

Tinybop, Inc., makers of award-winning educational apps loved by millions of kids around the world, today announces its international launch on Android as it continues to expand to meet a growing audience. The launch represents a significant step in Tinybop’s growth, as Tinybop iOS apps have had millions of downloads, across 143 countries, since the launch of its flagship app, The Human Body, in 2012.

 

Tinybop apps now available on Google Play include Weather, Homes, The Earth, Simple Machines, and Skyscrapers, from the award-winning Explorer’s Library series. Space will be available later this summer. Tinybop anticipates launching additional Explorer’s Library apps and apps from its second series, Digital Toys on Android at a later date. Tinybop Explorer’s Library apps will be available on Google Play exclusively through a new subscription service. Parents can install any available Tinybop apps for a free 7-day trial. After this period, parents will be billed an annual subscription fee to access all Tinybop Explorer’s Library apps, currently available and forthcoming on Google Play, for £8.99 per year. To subscribe to Tinybop Explorer’s Library apps on Google Play, parents must first download the Tinybop Explorer’s Pass app, which acts as a portal to downloading Tinybop apps on a device.

 

 

 

Tinybop’s founder and CEO Raul Gutierrez, explains, “Over the years we’ve been asked about our plans for Android. We’re now pleased to offer our apps on Google Play with a low-cost subscription. At less than £1/month and with a free 7-day trial, we hope to make our pocket-sized science lab an easy option for parents looking for the best for their kids.”

 

Tinybop’s award-winning constellation of apps currently consists of two growing series available on iOS, The Explorer’s Library and Digital Toys. The Explorer’s Library comprises nine inspirational and interactive sandbox apps for kids, and is designed to teach STEM fundamentals and foster lifelong learning about the world. The Explorer’s Library apps teach science literacy by encouraging a child’s natural tendency to learn by observing, questioning, and experimenting.

It covers a broad range of topics, including: anatomy in The Human Body, botany in Plants, geography in Homes, physics in Simple Machines, geology in The Earth, meteorology in Weather, engineering in Skyscrapers, astronomy in Space, and zoology in Mammals. Digital Toys currently consists of five open-ended building apps that empower kids to create and play with whatever they can imagine. The apps in this series — The Robot Factory, The Monsters, The Everything Machine, The Infinite Arcade, and Me — encourage kids to build their own worlds and stories.

Augmented, virtual, annotated, mixed… A “$37 Billion reality” by 2027 #IDTechEx #VR #AR #MR

Augmented, virtual, annotated, mixed… A “$37 Billion reality” by 2027 By Dr Harry Zervos, Principal Analyst, IDTechEx

Augmented and virtual reality headsets are by now a reality (pun intended), and they bring about a paradigm shift in form factor for portable electronics. Despite a level of uncertainty about the terminology used to describe each device, with some developers introducing terms such as Mixed Reality (shown in the picture below), Annotated Reality, Augmented Virtuality and many others,  the new report on the topic by IDTechEx Research.

“Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality 2017-2027: Technologies, Forecasts, Players”finds that the market for AR, VR, and “everything in between” headsets is already approaching $3.4 Billion in 2017 and is expected to reach over 10 times that by 2027 (for more information, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/glasses).

 

A revealing disagreement in terminology
The disagreement in terminology reveals several interesting points, one of the most important ones being that despite the fact that different companies will take a different approach to categorizing devices, is in essence a difference in how much of the real world is coming through a specific headset. A pure VR headset blocks out reality completely, while an AR one will only superimpose additional information, without obstructing the wearer’s view of the real world at all. What the future is bringing is a spectrum of eye-worn devices with varying amounts of reality and virtuality thrown in; for instance, a VR headset with a front facing camera can instantly become an AR headset, as it allows the wearer a full view of the real world, albeit through a display.

 

 

Virtual, augmented and all other types of headsets are in essence categorized based on how much of the real world is allowed through any specific headset; the amount of reality and virtuality will define where a device sits in the spectrum of virtual (VR), mixed (MR), augmented (AR) and any other sort of reality. Image source: IDTechEx

 

PC VR to propel market forward in the short term

In its newly launched report on the topic, IDTechEx categorizes headsets according to whether devices are tethered to an external computer or not (PC or standalone AR &VR) or whether they make use of the display and/or electronics of a mobile device such as a smartphone (e.g. mobile VR).

 

IDTechEx forecasts the value of the market for AR & VR headsets to 2027 is expected to grow to almost $37 Billion by 2027. The sustained growth of the market will be propelled forward in the short term by the growth of PC VR, as depicted in the forecasts below. As expected, the high volume of mobile VR will not contribute significantly to total revenues due to the low unit value. From 2021 onwards, growth will be transferred to stand alone AR, propelled forward by the launch of high performing headsets and reduced power consumption that will lead to longer battery life and independence from the grid. Standalone VR will also make its mark, although its exact value proposition is not fully clear or even distinctly separate from standalone AR; in standalone VR, the challenge of adequate energy storage that will allow longer times between charging is magnified due to the requirements for running a high endGPU computer along with a high resolution display. In fact, both energy storage and displays for AR & VR applications are both extensively discussed in the report, given how critical these components are for future generations of headsets.

 

 

Source: IDTechEx Report “Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality 2017-2027: Technologies, Forecasts, Players – Headsets, components and enabling technologies for future AR, MR, & VR devices”

 

In addition to batteries and displays, the report additionally includes insight on the research and development efforts on othercomponents that will become part of the next wave of devices and the improvements and benefits that they will bring. They include haptics, optical engines, but also the development of focus tunable displays, foveated rendering and other concepts that aim to improve the user experience in augmented and virtual reality systems.

 

For more information on the report please see www.IDTechEx.com/glasses or contact research@IDTechEx.com.