The advent of technology has seismically shifted the landscape of sports engagement, reshaping the way fans follow, comprehend, and participate in their favorite games. A crucial component of this transformation is the surge in popularity of sports apps, which offer a smorgasbord of features – from live updates to player stats, and even interactive elements.
The Sports App Revolution: Transforming Fan Engagement
Over the past decade, sports apps have witnessed a steady ascent, transforming from simple score-checking platforms to comprehensive digital companions for sports enthusiasts. These apps have fundamentally altered how fans engage with their favorite sports, with popular examples like ESPN leading the charge.
ESPN provides users with a comprehensive platform that includes live updates, in-depth analysis, and access to exclusive content such as documentaries and original series. Of course it also delivers a personalized sports experience with customizable alerts, real-time scores, and player stats across various sports.
In addition, recent research revealed that over 69% of sports fans prefer to experience sports beyond the stadium in 2023, evidencing the widespread acceptance of this technological shift. These apps cater to the modern sports fan’s desire for an immersive and interactive experience, meeting their demand for instant access to information, stats, and analysis at their fingertips.
The Technology Behind the Apps: AI, AR, and Real-time Data Processing
Powering the dynamic functionalities of these sports apps are advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and real-time data processing. Moreover, AR technology is creating immersive experiences, with apps like MLB At Bat offering users a “3D Stadium” feature. This allows fans to explore the baseball stadium in a virtual setting, truly enhancing their engagement.
In addition to AI and AR, innovations such as geolocation tracking and personalized content curation are also becoming crucial in the realm of sports apps. Geolocation capabilities allow fans to receive specific content based on their location, increasing the relevance of information they receive. Similarly, personalization algorithms learn from users’ behavior and preferences to tailor content, thus cultivating a more engaging and meaningful connection between the app and the user. The synthesis of these technologies amplifies the sports fan’s digital experience, creating an environment that extends well beyond the physical confines of the stadium.
A Look to the Future
Looking to the future, we are on the cusp of witnessing more exciting developments in the realm of sports apps. One feature that has been gaining ground recently is sports betting, weaving an extra layer of excitement for fans. Integrating this into a sports app offers users the thrill of participating directly in the game outcomes.
Moreover, virtual reality (VR) technology, blockchain-based fan engagement models, and more personalized content delivery are predicted to be the next frontiers in sports app development. A study conducted by PwC in 2023 projected that the sports technology industry could be valued at around $55 billion by the end of 2030.
The Evolution Continues
In summary, sports apps have significantly reshaped the way fans engage with sports, offering an immersive and interactive experience previously unimaginable. Bolstered by cutting-edge technologies such as AI, AR, and real-time data processing, these apps have become an integral part of the modern sports landscape. As we step into the future, the advent of features like sports betting, VR integration, and personalized content will continue to enhance the sports experience, promising an exhilarating journey for sports enthusiasts worldwide.
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that allows users to enjoy an interactive experience by overlaying digital elements in the real world. AR is more commonly associated with the gaming industry, but you can also find it in many other industries nowadays, such as retail, healthcare, and education. By blending the physical and digital worlds, AR draws more attention and provides more desirable results.
In this article, you can read more about how AR development has brought innovation to multiple sectors.
Innovations in AR Development
For as long as AR has existed, it has been evolving. Through advancements such as real-time object recognition, tracking and localisation, and SLAM technology, AR has provided an increasingly enhanced experience for users, with refined stability and improved interaction.
In addition to the overlay, the hardware has also seen significant enhancements. Many companies have started to invest in the development of optimised AR equipment. Smart glasses and headsets have features that make the AR experience even more unique, such as cameras, a precision current sensor, audio capabilities, motion tracking abilities, and high-resolution displays.
AR can integrate other relevant and emerging technologies, like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. These technologies have contributed to a quality increase of AR experiences by, for example, enabling accurate and seamless object recognition and tracking, understanding the context of the scene, and interpreting gestures and voice commands.
Innovation becomes even clearer when looking at mobile apps. AR and the app development industry have gotten very close, which resulted in an interesting combination of mobile apps and AR features. Social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat are immediate examples of this relationship, as they are known to provide filters to add to photos. The retail industry also benefits from AR technology – for instance, IKEA’s app uses AR technology to allow users to try on furniture in their real-life environment.
Use Cases: AR in Different Sectors
AR in Retail and E-commerce
As mentioned previously, AR plays a relevant role in the retail and e-commerce transformation. As people increasingly turn to online shopping, the more necessary it is to find technologies that allow customers to benefit from the advantages of being in a physical store. AR has thus enabled virtual try-ons, which allow shoppers to virtually try on the products before purchasing, from makeup to furniture.
AR in Education and Training
Thanks to Augmented Reality, education has become more interactive and enjoyable. AR technology can overlay digital elements such as 3D models and animations onto real-life objects, making the experience more interactive, immersive, and memorable, which helps keep students motivated.
Besides providing a more entertaining learning experience, AR also helps learners acquire skills through simulations of the real world, in which the student can learn and practise in a controlled but realistic environment. This is especially helpful for skills related to aviation and healthcare, for example.
AR in Healthcare
Augmented Reality can help medical staff perform tasks more safely. For instance, this technology can help surgeons during medical procedures by overlaying a 3D model of the patient’s anatomy onto their field of view, which helps guide them in the surgery, improving precision. Likewise, the same can be applied to students, who can practise performing medical procedures of different levels of difficulty in a realistic environment without the implications and risks of real-life training.
AR in Manufacturing
AR can also transform the manufacturing industry and make the lives of assembly workers easier by overlaying visual instructions onto their environment, thus guiding them through the most complex assembly processes. Additionally, it can help them detect and reduce errors and display real-time metrics, which increases efficiency and productivity.
Final Thoughts on the Expansive Realm of AR Development
The future of AR development holds promising advancements, as the realm of AR is constantly evolving. Technological progress makes AR more accessible, immersive, and integrated into our reality. And with the advent of emerging technologies that are bound to be part of our daily lives as well, such as 5G and Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality will only continue to grow and provide users with platforms that enhance their learning and skill development processes, their work duties, and their leisure moments.
With cutting-edge technology constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, photographers now have an array of tools and techniques at their disposal to take their craft to new heights. From high-resolution sensors to drone photography, here are four ways in which you can harness the power of cutting-edge technology to transform your photography and capture stunning images that will leave viewers in awe.
Drone Photography
Drones have revolutionized aerial photography, providing photographers with a bird’s-eye view of the world. These unmanned aircraft allow you to capture breathtaking images from angles and perspectives that were once only possible from helicopters or airplanes. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, Horizon Imagings drone photography can capture stunning vistas, sweeping landscapes, and architectural marvels from above. The ability to maneuver these small flying machines with precision gives you unparalleled creative control, enabling you to experiment with composition, lighting, and framing. Whether you’re shooting nature, cityscapes, or events, incorporating drone photography into your repertoire can take your work to new heights, quite literally.
High-Resolution Sensors and Cameras
One of the most significant advancements in photography technology is the development of high-resolution sensors and cameras. These devices allow photographers to capture an astonishing level of detail and clarity in their images. With resolutions reaching 40 or even 50 megapixels, every nuance and texture can be faithfully reproduced. This level of detail opens up new creative possibilities, whether you’re photographing landscapes, portraits, or still life. The sharpness and depth offered by high-resolution sensors enable you to zoom in, crop, and explore your images in ways previously unimaginable, allowing you to uncover hidden gems within your shots.
Advanced Editing Software
Post-processing has always been an essential part of photography, but with the advent of advanced editing software, the possibilities for enhancing your images are endless. Modern editing tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop offer a wide range of features that can transform your photographs. From adjusting exposure and colors to removing unwanted elements and enhancing details, these software programs give you unprecedented control over the final look of your images. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the development of automated editing tools that can intelligently enhance your photos with just a few clicks. With the right skills and a keen eye for aesthetics, these editing software tools can elevate your photography game and help you achieve your creative vision.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
As technology continues to evolve, the lines between the physical and digital worlds become increasingly blurred. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are now being used to enhance the photography experience in ways never before imagined. AR apps allow you to overlay digital elements in the real world, creating captivating and immersive visual experiences. With VR, you can transport viewers into a completely different reality, where they can explore your photographs in a three-dimensional space. By embracing these emerging technologies, photographers can push the boundaries of storytelling and create truly unique and engaging visual narratives that captivate audiences.
In a world where technology is constantly advancing, photographers have an incredible opportunity to elevate their craft and create images that leave a lasting impression. By harnessing the power of high-resolution sensors, drones, advanced editing software, and emerging technologies like AR and VR, the possibilities for capturing breathtaking photographs are limitless. Embrace the cutting-edge tools available to you, experiment with new techniques, and let your creativity soar.
The ways in which we study, communicate, and live have all been profoundly altered by technological advancements. Because of the proliferation of technology tools for education, this field has undergone a phenomenal change. The incorporation of gadgets into educational settings has opened the way for contemporary learning, which is characterized by a greater emphasis on engagement, interaction, and individualization. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, conventional classroom learning has been disrupted, and remote learning has become the standard all over the world. This has hastened the development of EdTech on a worldwide scale. We will investigate the most recent developments in educational technology, including both tools and trends, as well as how these advancements are altering the educational landscape.
Learning Environments Available Online
While online learning environments have been present for some time, their prevalence has increased significantly as a result of the pandemic. Courses covering a wide variety of topics may be found on online learning platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy. These are all technology trends in education that are viral for several years. Learners can access these platforms from any location, at any time, and go through the lessons at their speed. A more immersive learning experience is possible for students when they take part in activities such as interactive quizzes, watch video lectures, and complete assignments. These platforms also provide learners with certificates following the successful completion of courses, which they may include on their resumes to highlight their acquired knowledge and expertise.
Systems For The Management Of Learning
Learning management systems, sometimes known as LMSs, are software programs that assist teachers in the administration and distribution of instructional material to students. It gives instructors a unified platform from which they can manage student enrolment, monitor student progress, generate and grade assignments, and more. As universities and colleges move toward online learning, understanding management systems is becoming more popular within ed tech products. What are some well-known systems of this kind?
Canvas.
Blackboard.
Moodle.
Artificial Intelligence
The method in which humans acquire knowledge is being revolutionized by artificial intelligence (AI), which enables more individualized learning experiences. Adaptive learning systems that are driven by AI, such as DreamBox and Carnegie Learning, provide students with tailored learning routes that are based on the student’s strengths and shortcomings. For example AI Course by Intellipaat is one such completely designed for the ease of learning. The platforms make use of algorithms to determine where students’ knowledge is lacking and then supply them with individualized educational content to assist them to fill those gaps.
IBM’s Watson Assistant.
Duolingo’s chatbots.
Gamification
The use of game mechanics and strategies in learning environments that are not games is referred to as gamification. Since it makes learning more engaging, enjoyable, and interactive, gamification has gained a lot of traction in the field of education. Learning is made more interesting by the introduction of gamification components on platforms such as Classcraft and Kahoot. Classcraft brings the sense of playing a fantasy video game into the classroom by including gameplay components such as points, levels, and avatars. On the other hand, Kahoot makes use of game-based quizzes to engage learners in a manner that is both entertaining and participatory.
Virtual And Augmented Reality
By offering experiences that are both immersive and engaging, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is transforming how we acquire knowledge. To provide a more immersive learning experience for students in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, and history, they are being employed. Learners can experience the world without having to physically leave their classrooms because of the provision of virtual field excursions via platforms like Google Expeditions, Nearpod, and ZSpace. Anatomy AR and Spacecraft AR are two examples of augmented reality applications that allow interactive learning experiences by bringing abstract ideas to life.
Mobile Learning
Mobile learning is an emerging trend in education. As the utilization of devices such as smartphones and tablets increase, students will have more mobility in accessing instructional materials. With this in mind, the services thatcollege essay writers may provide them with are a few clicks away. Additionally, apps like Quizlet, Memrise, and Duolingo provide students with a dynamic and interesting way to study on the move. To facilitate learning on the fly, these applications condense course materials into manageable chunks. The educators working at svhs.co know that students love mobile apps because they can carry their lessons with them wherever they go, making learning more flexible and accessible.
Those who want to learn a new language often turn to mobile devices and applications designed specifically for that purpose.
Social Media
The usage of social media in the classroom has become commonplace as a means to facilitate group projects and discussions. Educational information may be shared, conversations can be had, and projects can be collaborated on via the use of platforms like Edmodo and Schoology, which give social media-type capabilities to students and educators. In addition, pupils might learn through research paper service too as they willingly offer top-notch papers for sale. Teachers are also using social media sites like Twitter and Instagram to disseminate lesson plans and build student support networks. And that’s one more positive detail regarding this.
3D Printing
This is among the technology tools for educators that change education by allowing students to get practical knowledge via direct participation. With the use of 3D printers, students can take their digital ideas and turn them into tangible products, creating a more interactive and immersive learning environment. Science, engineering, and the arts are just some of the fields that have benefited from the use of 3D printing to better illustrate abstract ideas. With its decreasing price and increasing availability, it is quickly becoming a tool that may be used in the classroom.
Customized Learning
Customized education technology tools and their understanding is becoming more common in today’s classrooms. Customized learning is an instructional strategy in which lessons are altered per student to better meet their unique requirements and passions. Knewton and Smart Sparrow are just two examples of personalized learning systems that employ adaptive learning algorithms to provide students with individualized lesson plans. By the use of analytics, these systems monitor each student’s development and provide specific suggestions for improvement.
Robotics
The field of robotics is surely within trends in education technology that is revolutionizing by giving students practical experience with computer science, engineering, and mechanics. Students may have a more hands-on and interesting learning experience using robotics kits like Lego Mindstorms and Vex Robotics. Educators are increasingly turning to robotics as a means of introducing students to the fundamentals of programming and engineering.
Conclusion
Learning has become more accessible, engaging, and personal as a result of the new opportunities that have been opened up by advances in educational technology insights. The most recent developments in teaching methods and educational technology are reshaping the educational landscape and will continue to do so into the foreseeable future. Learning will become even more engaging and immersive if a new edtech industry is developed, which is something we can anticipate happening if technology continues to advance at its current rate of development. EdTech is changing the way we learn, and it will continue to do so in the years to come. Some examples of edtech innovations include online learning platforms, artificial intelligence-powered adaptive learning, and virtual and augmented reality.
The funeral industry is rapidly changing and being revolutionised by technology. As digital culture becomes more pervasive, we see an evolution in how funerals are organised, celebrated and remembered. From using virtual reality to creating memory boxes instead of headstones to even hosting gravestone unveils through live-streamed events, technology is impacting all aspects of the funeral process—from memorial services to carrying on meaningful legacies left behind.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how modern technology has made its way into our often sombre traditions surrounding death while still honouring those who have passed away with dignity and respect.
Live streaming and Recording of the Funeral
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many funerals have been restricted to a limited number of attendees. However, technology has enabled people to participate remotely.
Live streaming allows friends and family to attend the funeral from the comfort of their homes. A camera and an internet connection can broadcast the service on platforms like Facebook, YouTube or Zoom. Recording the service is another option that enables people to watch it later.
Virtual Memorials and Condolence Books
Virtual memorials have become increasingly popular in recent years. They allow mourners to pay their respects online by leaving messages and photos on a digital platform. These virtual memorials can be accessed from anywhere in the world, providing a convenient way for people to share memories and support each other during times of grief.
Similarly, virtual condolence books are also available online, allowing friends and family to express their condolences and share their memories with others.
Digital Headstones and QR codes
Digital headstones and QR codes are a new addition to funeral services. Digital headstones are screens that display photos, videos and other digital content related to the deceased. They can be customised to display a variety of images, including family photos, religious symbols, or even a slideshow of the deceased’s life.
QR codes, on the other hand, can be attached to physical headstones, allowing people to scan them with their smartphones and access the same digital content.
Augmented Reality and 3D Printing
Augmented reality and 3D printing technologies have also been incorporated into funeral services. Augmented reality can create a virtual version of the deceased, allowing mourners to interact with them in a simulated environment. This technology can create a sense of comfort for those grieving and even provide an opportunity for closure. 3D printing, on the other hand, can create personalised urns, keepsakes, and other objects to commemorate the deceased.
Conclusion
Funerals are a traditional way to honour the deceased, and the ritualistic process remains an important cultural practice across the world. However, as technology continues to evolve, it has also found its way into funeral services.
Technology has transformed how we live, work and communicate, and it is now making its way into the world of funerals. Technology has revolutionised how funerals are organised and remembered, from virtual memorials to digital headstones.
The use of technology in funerals has allowed us to honour the deceased in new and innovative ways while also providing comfort and support to the bereaved. As the world continues to change and technology evolves, more advances will likely be made in celebrating and remembering the lives of those we have lost.
Today Google is announcing new updates to Google Maps that will help people explore and navigate in new and more sustainable ways in a more immersive and intuitive map. AI is bringing these changes to life with updates for immersive view and Live View, along with new features for electric vehicle (EV) drivers and people who walk, bike or ride public transit. Some updates will be available from today with some launching in Dublin over the coming months.
Immersive view: rolling out now
Immersive view is an entirely new way to explore a place — letting you feel like you’re right there, even before you visit. Using advances in AI and computer vision, immersive view fuses billions of Street View and aerial images to create a rich, digital model of the world. And it layers helpful information on top like the weather, traffic, and how busy a place is.
Say you’re planning a visit to Trinity College. You can virtually soar over the campus and see where things like the entrances are. With the time slider, you can see what the area looks like at different times of day and what the weather will be like. You can also spot where it tends to be most crowded so you can have all the information you need to decide where and when to go. If you’re hungry, glide down to the street level to explore nearby restaurants — and even take a look inside to quickly understand the vibe of a spot before you book your reservation.
To create these true-to-life scenes, Google uses neural radiance fields (NeRF), an advanced AI technique, transforms ordinary pictures into 3D representations. With NeRF, Google Maps can accurately recreate the full context of a place including its lighting, the texture of materials and what’s in the background. All of this allows you to see if a bar’s moody lighting is the right vibe for a date night or if the views at a cafe make it the ideal spot for lunch with friends.
Immersive view starts rolling out today in London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Tokyo. And in the coming months, it’ll launch in even more cities, including in Amsterdam, Dublin, Florence and Venice.
Explore and navigate with AR
Search with Live View uses AI and augmented reality to help you find things around you — like ATMs, restaurants, parks and transit stations — just by lifting your phone while you’re on the street. Google recently launched search with Live View in London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, San Francisco and Tokyo. In the coming months, the feature will be launched in Barcelona, Dublin and Madrid.
Make driving an EV easy
We’re also seeing more drivers and car companies move toward electric vehicles. As a result, Google Maps is introducing new features for EV drivers with vehicles that have Google Maps built in.
Adding charging stops to shorter trips: On any trip that’ll require a charging stop, Maps will suggest the best stop based on factors like current traffic, your charge level and expected energy consumption. Now you can worry less about remembering to charge, no matter where you’re headed. And if you don’t want to visit that particular station, you can easily swap it with another one with just a few taps.
Very fast charging stations: The ‘very fast’ charging filter will help you easily find stations that have chargers of 150 kilowatts or higher. For many cars, this can give you enough power to fill up and get back on the road in less than 40 minutes.
Charging stations in search results: Google Maps will also show you in search results when places like a supermarket have charging stations on-site. So if you’re on your way to pick up groceries, you can more easily choose a store that also lets you charge your car there.
Get glanceable directions while navigating
No matter what mode of transportation you’re taking — whether you’re walking, biking or taking public transit — Google Maps is making it even easier for you to get around.
With glanceable directions, you can track your journey right from your route overview or lock screen. You’ll see updated ETAs and where to make your next turn — information that was previously only visible by unlocking your phone, opening the app and using comprehensive navigation mode. And if you decide to take another path, Google Maps will update your trip automatically. These glanceable directions start rolling out globally on Android and iOS in the coming months, and will also be compatible with Live Activities on iOS 16.1.
These are just a few ways that AI is helping us reimagine the future of Google Maps — making it more immersive and sustainable for people around the world.
Dublin City Council (DCC) today launched Dublin Discovery Trails – ‘Doors into Docklands’, the first in a series of mobile application (app) based immersive discovery trails with innovative Augmented Reality (AR). The App, which has been co funded by Dublin City Council and Fáilte Ireland through its Destination Town Investment Scheme, will help to further unlock the tourism potential of the Docklands by bringing the area and its story to life for visitors in a new and immersive way.
This App is an innovative way to see the history of the Docklands come to life through Augmented Reality which combines the real-world history with smart technology. This app merges the old and the new, combining history and technology, and will guide the user in their own time on a journey of discovery to some of the Docklands most loved sites and attractions, enabling them to uncover compelling stories of Dublin’s culture, heritage and history via Augmented Reality (AR) technology.
You can experience the Guinness barges sailing down the River Liffey, to the Crimean Banquet held in the CHQ and the story of the famine statues. Along the trail you can see the ‘history come to life’ with a 360-degree view of the Custom House fires blazing in 1921, the Scherzer Bridges in 2d animation and Port workers in the Diving Bell toiling at the bottom of the sea. You will also meet many Augmented Reality characters telling their stories from Captain Bligh who surveyed Dublin Bay in the 1800’s to Maggie Doyle telling her tale as a Docker’s daughter.
Caroline Conroy, Lord Mayor of Dublin, launching this exciting new app, said: “This is amazing technology, bringing a part of Dublin alive that most of us have never seen! It’s really exciting innovation and as Lord Mayor, I’m proud to see Dublin at the forefront of smart tourism technology joining the past and the future together. I’d like to take the opportunity to encourage visitors and Dubliners alike to download the app and try out this immersive new experience.”
Dublin City Council directed the implementation of this exciting first trail on Dublin Discovery Trails App, ‘Doors into Docklands’ developed by Peel X . The development of the Docklands AR trail was in collaboration with representatives from Fáilte Ireland, Dublin Port Company, OPW, EPIC, Smart Dublin and Dublin City Council Culture Company.
The Dublin Discovery Trails app is a platform on which multiple Dublin tourism agencies and local authorities can develop new and exciting immersive experiences. The underlying tender framework facilitated by DCC has structured Dublin Discovery Trails as a centralised App to provide immersive experience development across Dublin. Members of this tender framework include Fáilte Ireland, Dublin Port Company, Waterways Ireland and the four Dublin Local Authorities.
The App is a first-of-its-kind development for Dublin City Council and further promotes the capital’s position as a leading ‘Smart City’. The app is aimed at locals and visitors to the City who want to know more about and experience the history of the Docklands from a new and unique perspective. It will transport the user back in time using 3D graphics, animations, and storytelling immersing them in historical scenes and shocking events from the Docklands’ past.
Karl Mitchell, Director of Service Area Management in Dublin City Council, said: “The App was jointly funded by Dublin City Council and Fáilte Ireland and the innovative technology that was developed offers a new way for visitors and locals to experience the capital city like never before. This App through its immersive AR technology allows users to explore the City’s Docklands in an engaging and exciting way. You can find out more about Dublin’s maritime history, visit famous landmarks and heritage sites, uncover hidden wonders, and experience history and culture in a new fun way.”
Speaking at the launch, Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland said: “Today’s tourists are looking for more unique and compelling ways to immerse themselves in the local culture, heritage and history of a destination, Fáilte Ireland was pleased to the support the development of the innovative Doors into Docklands heritage trail through our Destination Town Investment Scheme. Building on the work being done to date as part of the Docklands Destination Experience Development Plan, this interactive AR heritage trail will also help improve visitor flow to the area and will encourage visitors to stay longer both during the day and into the evening, further spreading the economic benefits of tourism to the local businesses.”
The App uses a Wi-Fi or data connection to download the initial content including the geo-enabled landmarks and map. These landmarks will be a prompt for visitors to point their phones where the images and videos will then appear. There is no need for a live data connection while using the app, as everything is stored on your phone after the initial content download, so users won’t be charged for expensive data roaming during their experience.
The digital trails app is part of a larger Smart Tourism strategy to invest in digital to transform Dublin’s tourism experience for how we tell the story and history of the city. This flagship project will help further position Dublin as a world class tourism destination with this new unforgettable digital experience and create the building blocks to deliver many more unique and tailored experiences.
VR was once a thing then died off over the last few years, I was a huge fan and had a huge collections of headsets from all brands and still today have some here which have not been really used that much in fairness, I remember when VR was a thing and we covered lots of news and headsets then I just seemed to fade away. Here is the thing though it has been still growing in the background for different applications with some companies but as for the consumer end a different story, I have from time to time took a headset out and this one was in a different league a the time which was for education and was really cool from Veative VR and I was lucky to test this here in Ireland and the only one to do so.
Sony has a new VR headset coming out next year which I can’t wait for and it is welcome in my book and hopefully add to the revival of VR AR and of course we await something from Apple pretty soon to which some will say it will kickstart the industry just like their 5G phones didn’t and we all know how 5G is at the moment, depending where you reside of course but as for Ireland it has not been a hit and will not be for some time yet and event though 5G phones at the start where expensive and far and few between that has changed but the uptake in 5G has not and I wonder if the same thing will apply here for Augmented and Virtual reality.. Point being sony made it a bit more affordable for those to access a great VR experience but has so much wires and set-up a pain but was a step up from what Samsung offered and Sony already had hardwear out there for millions to access and cheaper than the other high end offering s back then like HTC VIVE for example.
I still have my note 4 and the Samsung Gear VR headset today, Samsung did it really well with not having to have an expensive system to drive it (if you had a compatible phone that is) and was affordable which is akin to this headset which just requires a Facebook account to login which some sniff at but ask the same some do they use social media at all which is hypocritical all the same but having said that I get it when it comes to data but as it always has been and will be for the foreseeable future YOU are the product like it or not and of course if you choose to use such hardware and we all know how Facebook do things.
So for me I have two Facebook accounts and chose my websites one to use the device and login etc I did have an Oculus account before obviously with Samsung VR and did not care, today though a different matter. Data is a big thing but you are the product and that is a fact end of story..
Anyway moving on this headset I have a while and have been to busy with work the site and personal matter to actually test this out so I had some time to have a quick look and test it out recently and I like what I see apart from paying for lots of content, it has took me back to the Samsung VR times and would rate this headset slightly better considering you do not need any additional expensive hardwear just to run it, will the novelty wear off? Give me a few weeks and let me see and if it is worth the near 500 euro price tag to buy and ask any questions you might have over on the YouTube channel where we give you a hands on approach and not the lazy stock image one with no context as there is many today who still have not even tried the VR experience and even now I have showed some friends and they have been impressed but some felt dizzy.
Ireland is a common sight in entertainment, particularly within the modern rise of fantasy movies and TV series. In gaming, however, there isn’t a large contingent of developers, studios, or even games set in Ireland. There are many within certain genres, but not an overly large count overall.
This is despite the presence of massive companies with strong ties to gaming, with Microsoft Ireland being the prime example of this. Still, there are some working their way up, with WarDucks being one of the more exciting up-and-coming prospects. As specialists in virtual reality games, the studio received a hefty sum in funding to spur their next augmented reality project.
Bringing the battles against Kaiju to the real world
WarDucks rose to prominence through their mostly PlayStation VR creations. Rollercoaster Legends, Rollercoaster Legends II: Thor’s Hammer, and Sneaky Bears all topped charts on the platform, while Sneak Bears Rollercoaster on Samsung Gear VR was a top seller. A few years ago, however, the South Dublin-based studio decided to make their next game with an AR core design.
The 2013-founded company has clearly impressed with its creations to date, with the development of their leap into AR receiving a hefty sum of €3.3 million in funding. The money was raised from EQT Ventures, Suir Valley Ventures, and some other investors. Helping the appeal of WarDucks has been the presence of gaming veterans who have worked on several smash-hit titles.
John Romero (Doom and Quake), Lawrence Schick (The Elder Scrolls Online), and Doug Kaufman (Civilization II) are all playing key roles in the development of the upcoming location-based AR mobile game. The game, which we now know to be Edge of Earth: Epic Monster War, is still in development, but a recent update proves that the first 4X Strategy title on mobile to use the real world is gradually closing in on a full launch.
Gameplay footage has emerged online for the in-development WarDuck game, showcasing the virtual base-building on the real-world map, monster combat, and the familiar time-based base-building mechanics. In mid-August of this year, the team launched live testing for the game in Ireland, the UK, and the Philippines, garnering over 1,000 downloads on the Play Store to help development. It’s currently on version 0.6.2.
More gaming in an Irish setting
Edge of Earth allows anyone in the world to make their surroundings the setting of a futuristic battle against monsters on Earth. Players in Dublin will be able to set up bases and defend the capital against the monsters that seek to destroy the city. So, for some, it can be classed as another game that uses Ireland as its setting or theme, made even better by it coming from WarDucks.
Other popular games that have placed Ireland into their virtual worlds in a more story and theme-driven way include the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla DLC Wrath of the Druids, which takes your Viking adventure from Britain to Ireland, as well as the Aground DLC map for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – a battleground on the Irish coast.
Of course, the most common use of the Irish theme and setting in gaming takes a more mythological approach, with creatures like the fabled leprechaun front and centre. In the online casino world, for example, Irish games with depictions of lucky charms and leprechauns always do well with players. Right now, it’s the progressive jackpot game Charms & Clovers that sits among the most popular of its type.
If the live testing goes well, Ireland can look forward to the full release of WarDucks’ intriguing real-world AR game, which might just raise the prestige of the Dublin developers by yet another tier. Until then, there are some other Irish-associated games to delve into, with Project Cars 2 and Tomb Raider Chronicles worth adding to the list.
