Think You Could Convict A Criminal Using Virtual Reality? You Might Soon.
The Newseum and Immersion (a VR production house) have created an interesting example - although not used in law courts - that shows the potential VR has within the legal system. The first 'experience' surrounds the Unabomber bombings (1975-1999). Users will be able to explore the primitive cabin where the Unabomber was captured, pick up objects and play detective, immersing themselves in scenes and scenarios that actually happened. Terry Turchie, the FBI agent who ran the task force on that case, narrates the story, which presents the user with important questions about the journalistic ethics involved in deciding whether to publish potentially controversial content.
"The law enforcement profession is rapidly embracing virtual reality technology to enhance crime scene investigations, crime scene training, and courtroom presentations. Virtual reality technology will play an ever-evolving role, indoors and out, through the use of 3D imaging, mobile mapping, and precision use of measurements, photos and capabilities to secure and preserve crime scenes and evidence."
VR could have big ramifications if it increases the emotional connection to the crime. Does experiencing it affect the facts?
The Unabomber VR experience is available to visitors at the Newseumthrough the end of the year and is being distributed globally on HTC’s Viveport.
See the full story here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/paularmstrongtech/2018/01/03/think-you-could-convict-a-criminal-using-virtual-reality-you-might-soon/#7f723a041423
This Suit Will Take Virtual Reality To A Whole New Level
The Teslasuit features:
- Full body haptic feedback system
- Motion capture and positioning system
- climate controlled
- multi-player enabled
- washable
...the 46 Haptic feedback points will ensure you feel rain drops as your walking through a storm. If you’re in a game and get hit with bullets, bows or rocks, the Haptic feedback system will make your body feel it, you’ll be even more immersed in the game than with any other virtual reality system on the market.
The motion capture system brings your on screen experience to new heights as well. The Teslasuit motion capture system uses sensors to transfer the precise position of the body into virtual environments. The motion capture system virtually eliminates latency found in other virtual reality experiences.
See this amazing technology at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, January 9-12th in Eureka Park, booth #51916 and online at teslasuit.io
See the full story here: http://www.nibletz.com/eureka-park/teslasuit
Augmented Reality Mirror Patent from Amazon Can Turn Fitting Rooms into Exotic Locales
In its continued pursuit to elevate retail technology, Amazon has been awarded a patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office for a digital mirror that lets customers virtually try on clothes with different backgrounds.
According to US Patent No. 9858719 (as originally discovered by GeekWire), the system combines a display placed behind a mirror, with the display generating dark and light patterns so that images, such as clothing and backgrounds, are viewable through the mirror.
In addition, projectors would shine on objects in front of the mirror, such as a customer's face, so that they appear reflected in the mirror. In the patent, Amazon calls the concept "blended reality."
See the full story here: https://augmented.reality.news/news/augmented-reality-mirror-patent-from-amazon-can-turn-fitting-rooms-into-exotic-locales-0181971/
Local Company Films Simon and Garfunkel Virtual Reality Experience at Eight Bells Alehouse
Around 30 people showed up Saturday at the request of Chris Brickler and Max Hartman, who run a virtual reality company. MyndVR is based in Addison and produces original virtual reality content geared toward adults ages 55 and older. The company filmed a new scene to add to its virtual reality repertoire, a private concert by Chris Holt and Chad Stockslager, who were posing as Simon and Garfunkel.
The footage would later be edited into a virtual reality scene and sent to senior living homes throughout the United States.
Hartman says MyndVR plans to do some country shows in the future — maybe Johnny Cash, Grand Ole Opry or Patsy Cline. He and Brickler hope to keep growing the company so that they can create more elaborate scenes.
“We’re asking seniors who’ve experienced this what they would like to see more of,” Hartman says. “The music content is ranking highest of everything.”
See the full story here: http://www.dallasobserver.com/music/addison-based-company-myndvr-is-filming-concert-virtual-reality-experiences-for-seniors-10217371
Augmented reality on the rise in Silicon Valley
AR is already heading from smartphones to headsets in a natural evolution — and that transition was seen in products this holiday season, Bajarin said, like the $199 “Star Wars” augmented reality headset and lightsaber package, built by Disney and Lenovo, which allows users to battle AR-developed stormtroopers and Sith lords like Darth Vader.
“We see augmented reality as a powerful way to bring Disney stories to life in entirely new ways, and we’re already developing AR experiences on these new platforms when it makes sense, such as Star Wars: Jedi Challenges,” said Kyle Laughlin, Disney’s senior vice president of games and interactive experiences.
Owners of the Disney-Lenovo headset said they were impressed by the believability of the lightsaber battles. ...
Yet in the increasingly crowded race to build the first popular AR headset, Apple is best positioned for two reasons, said Bajarin: Its enormous developer community gives Apple an edge in producing apps and content for its developing headset, and it has a track record of making sophisticated technology — like wearables — commercially attractive.
“We don’t give a rat’s about being first, we want to be the best, and give people a great experience,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said about AR glasses...
See the full story here: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20180101/NEWS/180109989
Vuzix Partners with Powershelf to Deliver “Powershelf Stock to Sight and Pick-to-Sight, powered by Vuzix” to Retail Stores
Powershelf Stock to Sight and Pick-to-Sight, powered by Vuzix (PRNewsfoto/Vuzix Corporation)
The "Powershelf Stock-to-Sight and Pick-to-Sight, powered by Vuzix" solution uses AR technology and artificial intelligence to provide a hands-free option for store personnel to scan and overlay product-specific images directly into Powershelf through Vuzix smart glasses to reduce errors, save money and improve employee efficiency.
...it allows us to leverage the existing Powershelf network, exposing new and valuable use cases for this comprehensive solution set combining Machine Learning, IoT and the use of our award winning Augmented Reality technology.
The Best Augmented Reality of 2017
One of the most interesting things I saw this year was the reveal of the Zapbox by Zappar at AWE in June, during one of the most entertaining sessions I went to. This affordable, cardboard-inspired mixed reality system works with their ZapWorks content creation platform, which lets you build experiences called Zaps in minutes. It lets you have mixed reality experiences through a $30 headset, instead of spending $3,000 on a HoloLens.
See the full story here; https://next.reality.news/news/best-augmented-reality-2017-0181868/
Boundaries of Virtual Reality Redefined
An exhibition of interactive virtual reality installation art is organized by Pejman Foundation, a Tehran-based cultural institute.
Titled ‘Elsewhere,’ the exhibit opened on Friday and will run through February 9. The event is a showcase of installation art created by South Korean filmmaker, documentarian and animator Hayoun Kwon, 36, and French film director Balthazar Auxietre, 32, according to the website of Pejman Foundation (Pejman.foundation).
The two artists are cofounders of Innerspace, a VR company with studios in Paris and Los Angeles, established to redefine the boundaries of virtual reality.
Virtual Reality advancements ease eye strain (Gree)
However, game company Gree has developed a helmet-type virtual reality terminal, which it says reduces eye strain.
The company says mirrors are used in order not to sacrifice the feeling of being real.
Gree says children aged 3 and above can use it safely by limiting usage to about 5 minutes.
The consoles will be installed at major retail chain Aeon Group's 200 outlets across the country, starting next summer.
See the full story here: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20171230_26/