Tag: #VR

The Performance Corporation presents the ground breaking Live and Virtual Reality (VR) experience Emperor 101 at SXSW 11-14 March 2022

Award-winning theatrical innovators The Performance Corporation will present their cutting edge experience Emperor 101 at the world famous tech/arts festival, first presented at Dublin Theatre Festival 2021. The production allows live performers to interact with audiences in Live Virtual Reality (VR) and explore the explosion of online conspiracy theories, and the parallel rise of far-right extremism. For this presentation, the performers will be in 2 separate countries, the server that supports the tech in another, and the audience in headsets in Austin.

This ground-breaking production, is at the cutting edge of an emerging crossover between theatre and Virtual Reality. The Performance Corporation is one of the first theatre companies in the world to design and build a bespoke virtual world in which to stage a Live VR experience. In this VR space, live actors and audience inhabit avatars that allow them to interact and speak to each other in real time.

Speaking about the production, Artistic Director of The Performance Corporation Jo Mangan said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be part of what we believe is a new departure for theatre. I believe that by creating this kind of live and interactive performance in a specially designed virtual space, we can open up a huge array of new possibilities. We’re lucky to have an amazing team working on Emperor 101 to create this completely new experience for theatre audience and thrilled to be taking it to the prestigious SXSW with the support of Culture Ireland.”

The Performance Corporation believes plays like Emperor 101 have huge potential, and plan to further develop this digital genre in the future. The company envisages future live VR productions that would be available to audience members in locations across the world simultaneously, opening up new theatrical frontiers.

In the play, we meet a notorious conspiracy theorist who has built a Virtual Reality space to induct recruits to her organisation. She wants her country to go back to the past, but her own traumatic history is threatening to destroy the movement she has built.

Emperor 101 immerses the audience in an alternate world that reflects the mind and motivations of a conspiracy theorist. In a time when the very notion of truth or facts is called into question, the innovative use of VR reflects the multiple realities or ‘bubbles’ we live in. The piece riffs on influences from ancient mythology to Alice in Wonderland, and asks if rejection of the ‘mainstream’ is a product of fear, or the ultimate act of self-empowerment in a complex world.

Emperor 101 begins with an intimate in person interaction with a live performer. The audience then puts on a Virtual Reality headset and is led through a series of interactive environments. Here they experience live interaction with performer avatars. The story explores the inner life of a high profile conspiracy theorist as she struggles with a personal tragedy that has turned the world upside down.

Company

Cast: Caitríona Ní Mhurchú and Karl Quinn

Directed by Jo Mangan

Script Tom Swift

Design Leon Butler and Peter Power

VR Producer Camille Donegan

Immersive Media Studio RETinIZE

Produced by The Performance Corporation

New AR glasses allow Yara Marine Technologies to provide remote service and training. #Yara #AR

Augmented reality (AR) provides interactive access to vessel environments, like a ship’s engine room. With limited vessel access during COVID-19, Yara Marine Technologies implemented AR technology for virtual vessel access.

“We have been experimenting with AR glasses for some time. When the pandemic stopped our service engineers from boarding vessels, we had the alternative ready. With AR technology we have the visual field of the ship’s crew members on our monitors. While talking to the crew we can make markings, draw, and add text to the various engine parts they are looking at. This is useful when giving instructions and a very efficient way of training. It allows us to offer the best expertise available to every one of our clients across the globe, at any time, thereby increasing the quality and responsiveness of our services, said Aleksander Askeland, CSO at Yara Marine Technologies.

AR creates a wide range of new business opportunities and has the potential to revolutionise many work processes. Yara Marine Technologies is now seizing the potential by using AR glasses to provide remote service and training to customers.

Continuous development

AR glasses are evolving fast with many different providers and functionalities to choose from. While this broadens the scope for how the technology may be employed, testing and development are required in order to identify potential challenges and to continuously optimise usage.

AR glases on monitor

– We recently completed a successful test run with our engineers in Shanghai using AR glasses to provide crew training in Japan. They tested a range of different functionalities with great results, such as the ability to draw instructions in the visual field of the crew being trained. There were some challenges with internet connectivity in the deepest parts of the vessel, especially in the engine room, which acted as a Faraday cage. However, these issues are now resolved as we continuously innovate and improve the system, said Jesper Hellström, Head of Research and Development at Yara Marine Technologies.

Using AR to reduce costs and establish greener business practices

The use of AR glasses comes with several benefits since it removes the reliance on extensive travelling. It also reduces costs, in terms of both time and expenses, and leaves a smaller carbon footprint.

– AR glasses are digital tools that will enable us to provide service and training in a more effective and agile way. Just the other day we did a yard inspection with workers walking around for us with AR glasses while receiving different instructions. For our customers, AR technology results in increased value of services received. In addition, less need for travelling will cut costs for all parties involved, and decrease the emissions associated with our work. That means a lot to a green tech company like ours, concluded Askeland.

How virtual reality will transform online games #VR

It was not so long ago when the possibilities of what virtual reality could do were only seen in science fiction movies. However, technological advancements now mean that it is now part and parcel of our daily lives in one way or another. Virtual reality continues changing the way we experience life, and yet it still holds a lot of potential for future growth. It is being used in several industries ranging from communication, transportation, medical, research, and education, among many others. Virtual reality is also finding its way into the online casino industry, where it promises to be a game-changer. Some of the popular casinos, such as Leovegas, are now using technology to provide an immersive and interactive gaming experience for players, which can almost be compared to playing in a brick and mortar casino establishment. Here are some of the ways virtual reality is transforming casino games.

How virtual reality works in casinos

 

Virtual reality in casinos is simply a 3D computer-generated environment that allows players to interact with their surroundings in a lifelike manner. One way casinos are taking advantage of virtual reality is through adopting Optical Character Recognition technology. This allows legit and popular casinos such as Leovegas to offer live casino games with live dealers. It is now possible to play real-time with dealers in games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker among others, by using a VR headset such as Oculus Rift, which brings the feel and experience of being in a traditional casino establishment.

 

Features available with virtual reality casinos

 

VR headsets allow users to walk through and explore the detailed and immersive gaming rooms. Users are also able to display their body and hand gestures as they enjoy realistic online slots. Players can also be able to pick their seats and enjoy authentic live gaming experience in a casino such as Leovegas, with the only thing missing being the tuxedo or cocktail dress present in brick and mortar establishments. While most gamblers will play at home on their own, virtual reality means they can chat with each other and the dealers, thus enhancing the casino experience. With virtual reality, the experience is further enhanced through the use of sounds as would be in a real casino to make it more lifelike.

 

Why VR is the future of casino gaming

 

Popular casinos understand the value of entertainment when it comes to betting and gambling. This is why you will find many popular casinos such as Leovegas offering attractive bonuses and promotions. Nonetheless, the future will see casinos competing with each on the experience they offer to their customers, with virtual reality expected to be a big driver. Virtual reality will also be an increase in the use of cryptocurrencies as a payment method. It will also see more integration of Artificial Intelligence, which will boost the security of players by monitoring their behaviour and ensuring they are safe. By monitoring their spending behaviour, AI can detect unusual activity and alert the casino and player to ensure they do not fall into the hands of hackers. Since different clients have different needs, integrating VR and AI will help casinos better at providing a higher level of customization for their customers. Casinos will also be able to provide more immersive games, and the growth potential also holds the promise for a better mobile casino gaming experience. As virtual reality continues to improve, so is the software and hardware, which makes it’s future even more attractive.

Zero Latency Dublin ReOpening. #ZeroLatencyDublin #VR #VirtualReality

Zero Latency Dublin is out to prove an old adage: a lot can happen in a year. Between March 2019 and 2020 over 20,000 players have saved the world and slayed millions of zombies and robot invaders behind the doors of their slickly decked out warehouse in Sandyford. They won Best Leisure Business at the Sandyford Business District Awards and were on the verge of starting a series of monthly tournaments. 

And then the lockdown happened. 

Like everyone else, Zero Latency hit the pause button and put zombies on hold until the pandemic passed. But Zero Latency’s owners didn’t let lockdown slow them down. Aside from making their arena Covid ready, they’ve also taken time to create new socially distant policies and, most excitingly, test their newest game ‘Undead Arena’. 

And now they are excited to announce their reopening on July 2 for which bookings are already open. 

“Everyone wants to shoot zombies and test their survival capabilities in a zombie apocalypse,” explains Managing Director Ronan Cunningham, who started the venture with his wife Susanna Murphy last year. “With over 80% of our players trying at least one of our current zombie games, we thought it would be a good time to release Undead Arena, our best zombie game yet.” The new game pits teams of up to 8 players against waves of undead in an ‘80s inspired, post apocalyptic game show setting and promises to be a new favourite of guests. 

Zero Latency sits just off the Stillorgan Luas stop, alongside Sandyford’s high- tech office buildings. Inside players battle zombie hordes, rogue robots, each other, or their own senses in a variety of out of this world virtual reality games. Unlike other virtual reality options, Zero Latency’s unique, free roam VR system allows players to explore game worlds untethered by wires or walls. 

And after three months of being restricted to our own homes, who doesn’t want to explore a spaceship or take out some pent up aggression on stumbling zombie hordes. 

For those less enthused about zombies, their non-shooter game option, Engineerium, is an award winning VR experience that allows players to traverse beautifully crafted, mind-bending pathways in an ethereal puzzle game. With something to offer every player, Zero Latency’s arena has welcomed corporate events, children’s parties, hen and stag dos, and school trips as well as casual gamers. 

“Playing at Zero Latency is the closest thing you will get to being inside a computer game,” explains Cunningham, “The immersion is such that even our most regular players still forget that they are standing on flat ground in a warehouse in Sandyford, and that is the beauty of Virtual Reality. Not only are players untethered by wires, but the games create unique pathways and a sense of distance not possible in other games”. 

As Cunningham reflects on an important successful first year in business, he is keen to thank his customers for playing and “hopes that they will continue to support this exciting business in the years to come as it releases bigger and better titles and upgrades hardware to meet gaming demands. It’s an exciting time to be involved in an emerging tech that is firmly finding its place in the market.” 

As they take bookings for their reopening on July 2, Zero Latency’s future looks as untethered as their players. For more information see http://www.zerolatencyvr.ie

Curiscope & Multiverse launch new AR Poster Series. #AR #Curiscope

Curiscope has announced the launch of their next product, Curiscope Multiverse, in partnership with Future Tech Labs and San Shepherd, one of the creators of Star Chart, the astronomy app downloaded by over 40 million people worldwide.

 

Curiscope Multiverse will retail as packs for £39.99 / $49.95 and as individual posters for £24.99 / $34.95. Each poster covers a different Space topic, touching on the individual planets, the Solar System and the Earth. At launch there are 4 different designs with more to follow in the next couple of months. The posters pair with a free accompanying app that works on recent IOS & Android phones. 

 

When viewed through the app, the wonders of the Solar System come into your classrooms and homes through augmented reality and are brought to life with animations, facts and cross-sections that let you explore them in detail.

With the product, Curiscope are also announcing their initiative to become a net positive company. For every poster sold, they’ll be planting a tree. They have announced this initiative in partnership with Bristol based company, Offset Earth.

 

Curiscope are well known as one of the leaders in Augmented Reality, creating the award-winning Virtuali-Tee that has now been sold in over 100 countries. This series of posters represents their next major product launch and their continued vision to bring learning to life through their AR apps and products.

 

Future Tech Labs has worked across AR and VR, recently partnering with Oculus and National Geographic on new releases. Future Tech Labs was founded by San Shepherd who, as part of Escapist Games, created one of the top immersive apps of all time with over 40m downloads for Star Chart and over 500k installs for their AR/VR specific apps. 

 

Ed Barton, Co-Founder and CEO of Curiscope said “we’ve known San for about 4 years now and have followed his success with Star Chart. We’ve been really keen to create a new product around a new topic and to bring that to life. When we started thinking about Space, San was the natural partner.”

Ed Barton
Sam Shepherd


San Shepherd, Co-Founder and CEO of Future Tech Labs said “The quote, ‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn.’ has never been more true than today. Technology can now be used to make education immersive, fun, and social. Putting people at the heart, involving them, and letting them learn through playful osmosis.

 

As a result, Curiscope is the perfect long-term partner for us. With the success of the brilliant Virtuali-Tee, Ed has cemented Curiscope as a leader in providing innovative solutions for digital learning. We are pleased to have a partner of this calibre bring our vision of immersive education to a global audience and we’ll be working with one another on future posters, products and app updates.”

 

 

 

 

 

 


Dublin’s First VR Center Announces Major Expansion #FutureShock #VR #VirtualReality

Future Shock has today announced their plans to expand and move their virtual reality centre to a much larger location, to tackle growing demand and open up new target markets. Known for being Dublin’s first virtual reality arcade, having opened in October 2017, the expansion will enable the addition of VR escape rooms (via an exclusive license with Ubisoft), an esports gaming centre, educational school tours and large sized corporate group events. 

 

Moving to a brand new facility custom designed from the ground up for their specific needs, the new location will become a world class entertainment centre for the local and wider Dublin community. Being located in The Arena Centre, Tallaght offers ease of access with free parking while also still being accessible from the Luas line. They expansion comes with a description change to ‘tech entertainment centre’ compared to the original ‘VR arcade’ title. This is to reflect the increased product offerings available, such as augmented reality educational courses and non VR entertainment options. The facility size will increase from 1900 sq ft to over 4600 sq ft with expected guest numbers of 25,000 per year. 


Commenting on the expansion, Future Shock founder Conor Gannon said “Our new centre will offer us the ability to hit strong growth targets and go after new markets that were never available to us previously due to size limitations. The educational market is a major untapped market as there is no facility in the country that can offer such cutting edge technology to a large student group.

The ability to tie in our content with the students curriculum can be a major learning aid for the student, as virtual reality has been shown to in some studies to achieve a 125% increase in an exams pass rate  (90% pass rate with VR lessons, 40% pass rate without)


We haven’t forgotten our entertainment roots however, and will be implementing a strong expansion on this side of the business also. As well as expanding our standard VR options, we’ll be introducing a much more sophisticated free roam VR system, a premium VR escape room experience and a more traditional gaming centre with a focus on esports. 

 

Commenting from Ubisoft Dusseldorf, Patrick Fedler, the chief customer officer of Ubisoft Escape Games had this to say; “We are delighted to hear of Future Shock’s expansion, they have shown a consistently excellent customer experience throughout their time running our content and we’re eager to see them bring our team focused escape experiences to a new audience”


Construction has already begun on the new facility, with an opening scheduled for April of this year. More info can be found on their website at http://www.futureshock.ie

 

#MergeVR announces new colours for its headset and the #AR HOLO CUBE. #CES2017

Last year we got our hands on one of the best iterations of the google cardboard viewing HMD Virtual Reality headsets out there that had a funky purple colour and it certainly stood out from the rest and it today still serves us well and is popular with visitors to my home, It is certainly the most comfortable headset out there ensuring users can actually wear it for long periods of time with no issues.The main difference with this headset than what we traditionally see its not made with plastic, it’s like a spongey material if you will and if dropped your device is still safe. 

Today Merge VR have announced new colours for their headset and some of these are actually quite nice even if you did not like the purple edition which I think is pretty cool…. Check out the new available colours below… You can also see our review over HERE   

 

 

One thing for sure here is now there is a choice of colour to match anyone’s taste these colours all look great and again make the headset stand out from the rest.  Merge VR goggles have been tried and tested and kids from the age of 10+ can safely use them…

Today Merge VR also announced a new AR toy called HOLO CUBE which will work with their current headset which is what was already know about their future thoughts on Augmented Reality, A few people asked why was there a cutout on the front of the headset,Well there is your answer and since then others have followed suit in having this option thinking forward… So what is HOLO CUBE ?? Its the world’s first interactive, holographic toy that you can hold in the palm of your hand. Watch the video below for more…

Find out more and check out the headset over at MergeVR   

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy Full #VR & #AR without a PC thanks to @SulonTech By @VicenteA_George

Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality are two of the most wanted features, but so far with products like Oculus   and the HTC Vive that asked for a NASA computer to have at home, it’s time to go on a different path and there’s where the Sulon Q enter

The first all-in-one, tether-free, “wear and play” VR and AR device

 

If you don’t want to pay a fortune your better options are Google and Samsung devices, which comes with a far better price but are useless without a phone.

Oculus, Sony and HTC offers are more attractive but demand a way bigger budget, besides been tied to an external devices al well.

The Sulon Q on the other hand, is totally independent, giving the user freedom of movement and enjoyment anywhere.

Using the latest technology to transform any room into an immersive experience backed by AMD the headset is quite different from what we’ve seen lately.

Some of the internals we have:

AMD FX-8800P processor at up to 35W with Radeon™ R7 Graphics Core Next architecture.

4 compute cores and 8 GPU cores  through a revolutionary Heterogeneous System Architecture (HSA)

A 2,560 x 1,440 OLED Screen resolution

110-degree field of view

DirectX® 12 and Vulkan

A custom spatially optimized Sulon Q™ earbuds

Dual noise-cancelling embedded microphones.

An FX-8800P “Carrizo” APU

A 3.5mm audio jack

It uses spatial mapping in real-time to bring the entire space you are occupying into your experience allowing you to seamlessly transition from the real world to virtual worlds.

1 / 7

With full compatibility with Windows 10 the devices seems to be a truly unique experience.

There’s no word about price or availability beyond the launch date during Spring 2016.

Bu what do you think about this? Been able to play VR or AR games even in the forest with some friends sounds good to you? Let us know in the comment section below.

Source

The Google Store is now offering more VR options By @VicenteA_George #VR #Cardboard

Lately we find that more and more manufacturers trying to make us use their own VR headset like if there is no tomorrow.

But most of those offers are quite expensive, that’s why the Google Cardboard where so popular, they cost just $15 which is a real bargain. But now, the tech giant wants more and is offering two other options to choose from.

The first addition is the Mattel View-Master, which is basically the same toy we used to play when kids, remastered.

And the second one is Goggle Tech C1-Glass which are quite different to what we’re used to

 

These ones are cheaper but you can tell from the image they don’t completely block any light source what makes the experience a little less “immerse”.

The Mattel VR goes for around $30 while the Tech C1 cost as much as the cardboard itself.

This is the perfect way to start playing with VR without having to sell a kidney

IF you want to go and get one yourself head here

Google

 

Do you want to try VR? Are you going for one of these? or want something fancier like the Gear VR?

Let us know in the comment section or tweet us your thoughts