Will CEEK be taking VR to the next step
CEEK, a VR company with an already successful VR headset, has partnered with major artists like U2, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and the recently announced World of Dance, to give fans immersive virtual concert experiences. Not content to maintain the status quo, the CEEK team is also working on some trailblazing blockchain developments that will revolutionize the way celebrities and fans interact.
The core aspect of CEEK’s blockchain upgrade revolves around the tokenization of the virtual world. This allows the platform to not only run more efficiently but also operate more cost-effectively. A key feature is the ChainLink, a secure Blockchain middleware that lets Ethereum smart contracts on the CEEK platform connect to external resources through outside data feeds. As a result, CEEK can offer services such as “on-chain” subscriptions for direct purchase through the use of smart contracts.
Fundamentally, CEEK is the monetary unit with which users can purchase access to the platform’s VR features. It also has a voting function, allowing users to stake or vote on which content they want the platform to provide.
The CEEK Virtual Mint is a token conversion protocol that allows celebrities to create custom tokens or coins for their fans. These tokens serve as “in-game” currencies and can be used for an array of purposes, including the creation of custom virtual goods and items. This includes concert tickets to a VR concert with special backstage passes; virtual skins, ....
What’s more, celebrities will be able to create unique, custom VR experiences for their fans, only accessible through the CEEK platform.
See the full story here: http://bitcoinist.com/will-ceek-taking-virtual-reality-next-step/
AR Sunglasses – Cycling racing
We got a preview of Solos Wearables’ new augmented-reality sunglasses back in January at the Consumer Electronics Show, and the company has now formally announced its retail availability. The fancy shades incorporate a tiny see-through heads-up display that sits right in front of your eye for an always-there view of key data, such as speed, distance, power output, heart rate, and even turn-by-turn directions.
Other features have been added in the past few months, too, such as integrated music control, the ability to quickly communicate with other Solos-equipped riders, interchangeable lenses, and adjustable nosepieces to help fine-tune the fit.
More information can be found at soloswearables.com, and retail price is US$499. We’re expecting a sample shortly, so stay tuned for a full review in the near future.
See the full story here: https://cyclingtips.com/2018/05/froomes-legal-defense-what-scares-sagan-augmented-reality-sunglasses-daily-news-digest/
Microsoft’s AR thrust is exactly what the market needs
Despite its boring name, Microsoft Remote Assist is admittedly fancier. It mashes up group video chat, screen sharing, and real-time collaboration in one hi-tech scenario. Almost all of these have existed before, separately and in different forms. The innovation here is in fusion of hardware and software into one, seamless, augmented reality.
Augmented reality and mixed reality needs time to grow, especially in terms of “serious” applications. That market also needs an influx of investment and profits to keep it from sinking.
See the full story here: https://www.slashgear.com/microsofts-ar-thrust-is-exactly-what-the-market-needs-08530003/
Facebook changes an Oculus division’s name, invents term “Facebook Reality”
"Oculus Research has a new name—starting today, we will be known as Facebook Reality Labs (FRL)," he wrote (using Facebook, no less).
He then described a future in which mixed-reality technologies will usher in "the second great wave of human-oriented computing." Abrash did not lean into his division's new name and describe any upcoming products as "FR" or "Facebook Reality" experiences.
Today's name change is likely the first step in blurring the lines between the social-media network and its virtual-interface arm as Facebook comes up with more ways to deliver both products at the same time.
see the full story here: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/05/facebook-changes-an-oculus-divisions-name-invents-term-facebook-reality/
Facebook Partners With RED To Develop High-End VR Camera
In an attempt to bring ultra high-end VR filmmaking into the mainstream, the social media giant has teamed up with one of the leading providers of digital cinematography technology to develop a VR camera capable of capturing volumetric scenes in both 360-degrees, as well as 3D, in stunning 8K resolution. According to Facebook the camera will also support a six-degree field of view, allowing users to move about their scenes freely. This is made possible thanks to the company’s Surround 360 platform, which processes captured video into a 360-degree volumetric light field.
There’s no word yet on a release date or pricing, but seeing as RED cameras aren’t exactly known for their entry-level prices, you should probably expect a sizable price tag on this volumetric, 6DoF beast-of-a-device.
See the full story here: https://vrscout.com/news/facebook-red-vr-camera/
Early impressions of Oculus Go from a bunch of us at GeekWire
Here are the biggest pros of the Oculus Go, based on our collective observations.
- No need to connect the headset to computer.
- No requirement to use your smartphone as a screen.
- Relatively affordable, at $199 for 32GB and $249 for 64GB.
- The controller is accurate, responsive, and easy to use.
- The headphone-free spatial audio is more than adequate. (There’s also a headphone jack.)
- The user interface inside the headset is relatively easy to figure out.
- The social experiences, such as Oculus Rooms, were surprisingly fun.
- The headset fits well, even when wearing glasses, and adjusts easily. (There’s a spacer for people who wear glasses, as well as the option to buy and insert prescription lenses directly into the headset.)
And here are the biggest downsides that emerged from our experience.
- Games can be slow to install initially and launch on an ongoing basis, requiring some patience.
- Depending on the game or experience, and the speed of wireless connectivity, graphics can still appear pixelated.
- The battery drains relatively quickly, lasting only about 2 hours for gaming and a bit longer for watching videos.
- The Oculus Go default privacy settings require users to opt-out to avoid sharing basically everything they do with their Facebook friends.
- The extra costs: Yes, there are plenty of good free games and experiences, but with some top games going for as much as $10, it can add up.
- Even with the relatively light weight, 1 pound, the headset leaves red marks under the eyes after even a short period of use.
Even with those downsides, what stood out to me was the immediate enthusiasm from everyone I handed one of the headsets.
With the launch this week of the Oculus Go and the competing $399 Lenovo Mirage Solo, this really does feel like the moment when virtual reality becomes mainstream.
See the full story here: https://www.geekwire.com/2018/virtual-reality-unleashed-early-impressions-oculus-go-bunch-us-geekwire/
Dubai Sports Council supports UAE’s first-ever sports-centred virtual reality arcade
VR Sports, the first all-sports virtual reality arcade in the country, located in the state-of-the-art Virtual Reality Theme Park in Dubai Mall, was launched by the international innovative digital agency, ARkub Interactive, in the presence of Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council.
VR Sports is a one-stop-shop for sports fans and active families, where enthusiasts of all ages can play over 20 VR games, including basketball, football, skiing, golf and cricket. Competitions and activities designed for everyone will start next month, in time for the World Cup.
The 75,000 sq. ft. VR Park complex is yet another in a long line of imaginative and interactive developments from Emaar Entertainment. It was the ideal location to set up the first VR Sports arcade in the region.
"The fit was just natural. The VR Park is geared towards the newest and most innovative ideas in virtual reality today. We plan to enhance the experience on a regular basis by integrating new content as users’ expectations are growing exponentially towards VR and the sports industry is transforming," said Hind Sergieh, Managing Director of ARkub in Dubai.
"The unique capabilities of our high-definition projectors create an immersive gaming experience with crisp images projected in exquisite detail, which is what ARkub required to integrate the real and virtual world. The solution is not only limited to projection but also includes a web interface, which can involve online communities to the gaming experience, seamlessly bridging the gap between physical and digital.
See the full story here: https://www.emirates247.com/sports/dubai-sports-council-supports-uae-s-first-ever-sports-centred-virtual-reality-arcade-2018-05-07-1.668969
PKG Token ICO: Pokemon GO Blockchain Virtual Reality Game?
What Is PKG?
PKG is proclaimed as a decentralized gaming platform that has been created to run on blockchain. Incorporating blockchain technology is believed to help regulate the number of gamers present and their privacy, while potentially eliminating fraud. Most importantly, PKG wants to create a gaming experience in which users can immerse into the game, as opposed to simply experiencing small physical changes. In order to create a connection that is far from that of a virtual experience, PKG relies heavily on the use of VR (Virtual Reality) and ART (Augmented Reality Technology).
What Can One Expect From The PKG Token?
PKG will also introduce a token of its own, which is referred to as the PKG Token. It is supposedly an ERC20-based token. Unlike most tokens where users are not sure of its real-life uses, the PKG token can be used to buy, sell and rent digital gaming goods through blockchain. The token is said to be convenient, as users no longer need to rely on cash or credit card payments nor worry over time consuming transactions.
The token sales have commenced April 27th, 2018, ...
PKG Token Conclusion
The overall idea of improving one’s gaming experience is unique, especially using blockchain, as it can increase security. However, using virtual technology does not distinguish PKG from standard games. Another problem that arises is the fact that transparency on behalf of PKG is lacking.
First, there appears to be no word on the team involved. Second, their roadmap does not provide enough information as to how they plan to achieve their goals. Lastly, the use of machine learning tools has been mentioned, however what they are and how its uses can contribute towards a real-life gaming experience is yet to be disclosed. For more information, check out the PKG white paper at: http://pokemongopkg.com/
See the full story here: https://bitcoinexchangeguide.com/pokemon-pkg-token-ico/