Apple is a company that is unrivaled in its strength of branding. The aesthetic vision and continuity that Steve Jobs had are recognizable in every detail of each product. One might hate or love Apple, but there is little debate about the notion that their products are marvels of design. 

Aesthetics, simplicity of use, and power are all synonymous with the gadgets the company comes up with. That is why the news about releasing of the Apple VR headset is so thrilling. One knows it isn’t just going to be mediocre as excellence is the adhered standard of quality. 

Apple has been working on virtual reality, as well as augmented reality tech for over a decade. That is known based on their filed patents. Experts predict that by the end of next year, all of that work is going to culminate in a tangible device. 

We haven’t been so excited since the book of ra came out, and we will tell you why you should be hyped for the Apple VR headset too.

Apple’s Headset – What We Know Up to Now

Officially Apple has not said much about its release plans. However, the renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has put out some pretty detailed predictions. According to him, we will see a head-mounted display in the second quarter of 2022.

The tech components for the device will be supplied by Genius Electronic Optical. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also weighed in with some exciting predictions, saying that we could hear Apple announcing its VR device in the coming months.

That was in March of this year. While we did not hear anything official in the WWDC keynote event, it is not unreasonable to think that these high-level sources have some truth to them. Reports have also indicated that Apple’s VR set won’t be cheap.

It will be a high-end tool that will primarily be aimed at developers rather than the broad public. Surely, premium pricing is not something that is unexpected from the company.

Estimate prices of $1000-3000 dollars have been mentioned around the web, but it is still too early to tell whether that is in the ballpark. All in all, it looks like it is going to be a steep amount.   

Rumored Features – More Than Just Apple VR

Ming-Chi Kuo also stated that the device will not solely be based on VR technology. It is going to have a see-through lens that will allow for augmented reality application purposes.

That would render the Apple headset a mixed-reality tech device, which will also have two extremely high resolution (8K) displays, eye-detection cameras, and capabilities of mapping one’s surrounding objects.

Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that the headset should have a total of 15 optical cameras to combine innovative biometrics, provide see-through capabilities, and map out environments. 

The device should come in at less than 150 grams to allow for a comfortable wearing experience. That means that it won’t be able to house incredibly powerful chipsets.

People who wear glasses will have the option to insert prescribed lenses into the device, rather than mounting it over their pair.

The mixed reality headset will have a CPU and a GPU built-in for allowing limited standalone capabilities. The headset will have to be tethered wirelessly to an Apple device such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to be used to its full extent.

A special SoC will optimize the wireless communication between the devices by compressing and then decompressing the needed video data for maximum efficiency. It is said that the final AR/VR headset development stage has been completed.

Now Apple will likely start to go into the trial production phase. According to the reports, a lighter pair of augmented reality glasses will be released as a follow-up, somewhere around 2023-2025. Those will be intended for the general public.

What Does Apple’s Headset Mean for VR in General?

Apple VR and AR headset is said to be mainly aimed at developers. The idea here is to make sure that app developers have a comprehensive, powerful device for creating AR and VR apps before Apple comes up with consumer devices.

In general, a superb developer device could work to lift the potential of VR apps across the board. One could say that Apple’s mixed reality headset will be a work tool, more than an entertainment device.

Improved VR tools naturally mean that developers will have the means necessary to bring their visions to fruition, thereby creating better and better VR content. 

That is incredible news for pushing virtual reality, as well as augmented reality forward. In the end, it is the consumer who wins as the quality of VR content will most likely increase in quality, quantity, and the multitude of real-world applications.

On another note, if the predictions are going to turn out true, then it is a very strategic move by Apple. The mixed reality headset will allow developers to create a wealth of apps before the consumer-centered AR glasses launch, but what about a consumer VR device? That is up for speculation. Perhaps Apple’s AR headset for consumers will get followed up with a VR one too.

One can sure hope. If not, then the only choice might be getting the highly-priced developer mixed reality headset, or going with devices by other companies. Only time will tell, but we assume that Apple has some tricks up its sleeve for not disappointing its fans.

All in all, the leaked information about the Apple VR are AR headset sounds very promising. Michi Chi Kuo is 76.6% accurate in his predictions, so he very well might be right with the leaked specs. 

Conclusion

The headset will most surely give app developers a vast boost, which will eventually trickle down to more entertainment and functionality for the consumer. One thing is sure – we can’t wait to see what next year will bring for VR tech once the big players like Apple jump onboard. 

How about you? What do you think about Apple’s mixed reality headset and AR glasses? What would you consider a reasonable price for the devices? Please share your comments in the section below, we would love to know what you think!

Author Bio

Thomas Glare is a former game developer, but recently he moved from coding to writing. This gives him a chance to fully express his creativity and spend even more time with his favorite characters. His reviews and hacks get so much attention because Thomas is one of those people who really know what they’re talking about. 

The post Apple VR : What Apple’s 2022 Headset Means For VR-AR appeared first on Tech Research Online.

The new feature will also allow players to keep an eye on anything from Discord, to Netflix, to a Twitch chat during a lower-intensity game.   

Road to VR suggests will even suggest you watch YouTube videos during longer your flights in Elite Dangerous.  

Recently Valve has been making the system more flexible but the ability to interact with the desktop is not a new feature from within SteamVR’s dashboard.   

Earlier this year, the company added the option to view individual application windows to be virtually attached. This will control VR users and made apps viewable at a glance in the dashboard in the game. But, till now it could not float windows persistently in the game.  

You will be able to still opt to have a window attached to your controller with the latest release or opt to pull it off to have to float it in virtual space.   

While you’re playing a game, the windows are view-only but you can interact with it by opening up the SteamVR menu them using a VR controller as a mouse pointer. The new floating windows are available on SteamVR as of version 1.19.6.   

Currently, this software version is available in beta, but you can opt-in via SteamVR’s properties window.   

Despite all the new features, there’s still no sign of version 2.0 being added to the VR platform that was teased early last year of SteamVR that Valve.  

Also Read: Microsoft Will Integrate Spotify In Windows 11

The post Beta Version of SteamVR Will Allow You to Arrange Windows Inside Virtual World appeared first on Tech Research Online.

A company blog post reads, “For now, this is a test with a few apps — once we see how this test goes and incorporate feedback from developers and the community, we’ll provide more details on when ads may become more broadly available across the Oculus Platform and in the Oculus mobile app.”  

To make these advertisements less invasive, users will be able to mute, hide, or see information on why they are being served that particular ad. 

Also Read: Facebook Will Enable Users to Turn-off Algorithmic Ranking 

Nevertheless, this social media giant realizes that there are going to be plenty of privacy questions in the future. So, they have addressed plenty of them head-on.   

For instance, Facebook cleared the biggest admission that is they will not be using any data stored locally on the Oculus headset to target ads. They also said that they don’t have any plans to use movement data to target ads.  

Facebook is realizing that they should have probably clarified that they are indeed not using smartphone microphones to monitor conversations and target ads a blog post years ago before those narratives took off. So, the advertisement giant has specifically noted that they don’t use audio conversations for ad targeting.  

Virtual reality is a child of futuristic minds at Facebook. The company has spent billions of dollars bankrolling the ecosystem since the beginning. This move seems to signal that they are nearing the time to start monetizing it more aggressively.  

The post Facebook Will Begin Testing Advertisements into Virtual Reality on Their Oculus platform   appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Times are changing, and so is how things are run. Businesses have been affected by the change, and they are left with no other choice but to look for ways to fit in lest they won’s survive.

Resulting in interactive 360° virtual tour is one of the ways that businesses are adapting. It has seen many owners stand out, which is always an advantage, especially when targeting online customers.

After all, who doesn’t want only to visit a site if they already serve their needs? It saves them unnecessary trips, queues, effort, money, and time. 

A 360° virtual tour simulates an existing location which means your customers experience being inside a particular business without setting foot there. All they need to do is find a device, and you are in regardless of the time or place.

Have you ever experienced the virtual reality headset experience? If so, then the 360°virtual tour will not be unfamiliar territory. One common thing about the two scenarios is the experience, immersive and true-to-life. 

However, applying a strategy is as important as doing it right. Do you plan to start an interactive 360° virtual tour? Are you already doing it and aren’t sure whether you are doing it accordingly? If nodding in response, this piece is a must-read.

It discusses 5 Useful Interactive 360° Virtual Tour Tips for Businesses. After all, not doing something the right way may render it useless hence not serve its purpose.

In other cases, it may end up doing more harm than good. So, let’s discuss the 5 Useful Interactive 360° Virtual Tour Tips for Businesses without further ado. 

1. Getting the Correct Equipment and Software 

Ensure that the camera you settle for, 360-degree or panoramic, is of high quality. It should be easy to use, or else it will be of no use to you.

The price should also be pocket-friendly, but that should not be the only thing you should consider. Otherwise, you may end up compromising the quality as you chase cheap photography gear. 

Identify a great virtual tour software provider, preferably those with discounts or the ones who offer you their cameras. If your budget allows, go for the one with fantastic features.

Keep in mind that the higher the resolution, the better the camera. No one wants blurry pictures, which is why going for stabilizer options is a wise decision.

The remote operation could be an added advantage. If you can’t afford to buy a high-quality 360-degree camera, renting one is better than buying a cheap one only to get mediocre results. 

2. Choosing the Right Location and Time  

First and foremost, identify the areas you want to capture in your 360° Virtual Tour. If avoidable, don’t go for rooms with bad lighting. Identify their center and ensure that your camera will capture every part of your room you want to be caught.

If it is not ideal, look for another spot that will serve the purpose better. If it means removing some unnecessary things to achieve it, go for it. 

It doesn’t end there when it comes to location. You don’t want to distract your customers with a messy room which is why you need to tidy it up.

If something can be done, ensure that the light is enough for someone watching to see the essential things. Clean it to get rid of any dirt because that’s something a great camera will not miss. 

Above all, choose the time ideally. It plays a massive role in determining the lighting, which you can’t afford to take for granted.

Especially when creating an interactive 360° virtual tour for your business, lighting is vital. The best recommendation is sunset which is warm and gentle since the light isn’t too much at that time.  

3. Things to Add or Remove 

Great software will give you the liberty to add some extra features. They include hotspots often referred to as interactive links, audio descriptions, text, and music. Hotspots give you a chance to have your website link, social platforms buttons, photo galleries, and videos.

Take advantage of that to the maximum. Be careful when using the hotspots, especially the text you select, since it could make all the difference.

Go ahead and personalize it further with custom colors, logos, or fonts. Look for a nice frame, flower vases, and classic furniture to make the location visually impressive. 

However, don’t do an interactive 360° virtual tour in a place with mirrors. Mirrors and any other types of reflections, not forgetting shadows, never auger well with photography leave alone virtual tours. 

4. Outsource Someone to do the Job 

Sometimes being a DIY is not an option, especially if you lack the necessary skills. That’s where getting an experienced person to do the job becomes the better option.

You will be surprised how great professionals are to the extent that they can take images and combine them to form a great virtual tour.

They may also have professional-grade 360-degree cameras that will produce excellent results, and the fact that they know how to use them makes it even better. 

5. Sharing Widely 

Once you have a masterpiece, the next tip is to get out of your way and share them with the world. An excellent sharing option is going for social media due to the high number of users.

If it is good, you can rest assured that those who see it will end up sharing it. As it makes rounds in social media, it increasing the chances of reaching potential customers.

Consequently, chances of increasing your sales also increase. Isn’t that what your business is hoping to achieve with the 360° virtual tour? 

Conclusion:

The above 5 useful interactive 360° virtual tour tips have the power to make your business stand out. When almost every industry is overcrowded, that’s something every company is thriving to achieve.

So, take advantage of 360° virtual tours, and above all, consider the above tips so that you can get to do it right. Your business will thank you once you apply them, and you will be happy, no doubt. 

Author’s Bio 

Justin Wong, at TrueXR, offers customized Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Solutions for your business. We use the best technology to maintain immersive content that solves your business problems perfectly in Selangor, Malaysia.  

The post 5 Useful Interactive 360° Virtual Tour Tips for Businesses appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Reality tech has created quite a buzz in recent years. Whether you’re enjoying video games with your buddies, shopping for clothes, taking some training, augmented and virtual reality has penetrated human lives and making their presence felt in every sector. 

Tech world is embracing the reality segment rapidly, and alongside, investing in augmented and mixed reality businesses is rising substantially.  

The funding in AR and MR companies has surpassed that of VR endeavors today, a sharp contrast to just 5 years ago, where companies highly understated both AR and VR. 

Unlike AR and VR, Mixed Reality hasn’t enjoyed a similar kind of recognition across the globe. Mixed reality mainly takes the best AR and VR technology and combines both the digital and physical worlds, facilitating users to easily interpret and interrogate online information. They can physically navigate and communicate with multiple wraps of information by simply glancing, gesturing, or speaking. 

The Role Of Mixed Reality 

Mixed reality draws on many of the critical aspects of AR. It might seem that AR and MR are similar in rendering both the real world and virtual environments; there are major differences to be found in the tech that propels both realities. For instance, MR is hugely headset-based, whereas AR is generally viewed via a screen, such as a mobile device or a tablet. MR tech also works with an in-depth understanding of the geometry of the environment in which it works- means that it’s able to act as a canvas for users to create immersive content, remaining defined by the room in which it’s being used.  

The launch of Magic Leap has led to a major increase in mixed reality, but the tech has existed long before this. For instance, Microsoft’s 2016 Hololens launch was able to promote MR solutions. Today, Microsoft focuses on solving business requirements, whereas Magic Leap is acting as an entertainment tool.  

The Difference between VR & MR 

Virtual reality offers an experience that’s totally digitally rendered. A user can enter a virtual zone by putting on a VR headset that includes unnatural audio or video. The users can look around a 3D space as they move their heads. VR headsets can also come with handheld sticks or gloves; they can be used to communicate with virtual environments.  

Unlike VR, MR begins with a real-life, physical space and puts virtual objects inside it. Users can communicate with these objects without putting on special gloves or utilizing special objects to enable interactivity. VR headsets turn entirely black when switched off, while MR headsets turn transparent, like glasses. 

The Difference between AR & MR 

Mixed reality acts more like AR, unlike VR. AR and MR both depend on real-life environments, and AR increases reality by overlaying virtual objects above it like Snapchat filters. But users can’t communicate directly with covered objects. For example, AR has the power to showcase virtual 3D boxes onto physical tables, while MR has the potential to facilitate users to pick up and open said box.  

AR tech is capable of being operated through the use of a screen and a camera, but MR’s more immersive nature means that users must communicate directly with the 3D environments through the use of a head-mounted display.  

There are several apps for mixed reality already entering sectors, and the tech has already been applied to police training methods, virtual testing for engineers, and distant guidance for construction workers.  

The Structure of Mixed Reality in Tech World 

Mixed reality combines physical and digital worlds jointly so that other existing reality techs cannot recreate. This helps to create links between computer, human, and environmental interactions. The reality is highly based on computer vision advancements, display tech, input systems, and graphical processing power.  

The mixed reality was introduced in 1994 through a paper “A Taxonomy of Mixed Reality Visual Displays” by Fumio Kishino and Paul Milgram. In the years to come, the use of mixed reality has risen substantially beyond the limits of displays and today includes factors such as spatial sound, environmental input, and locations & positioning in real and virtual spaces. 

MR Tech Used In Real-World 

As mixed reality is still shaping itself, businesses are waiting to discover its utmost potential.  

• Mixed Reality in Manufacturing:  

MR is transforming to become highly useful in constructive scenarios inside manufacturing, like the machinery’s positioning in a factory. Users can hold mobile phones or tablet screens towards a factory area and view digital renderings of equipment & move it around space.  

The tech is also handy when it comes to technical training and instructions. For example, workers can use a headset to get communicative instructions from a superior about using machinery inside a factory environment.  

MR also offers a chance to reduce repair cycle times and provide more training solutions for companies seeking to develop workers’ skills without the staff presence or intricate machinery.  

• Mixed Reality in Healthcare: 

Mixed reality helps students practice surgeries and gain better visuals of operating room data during the process as a means to keep surgeons focused on their task, without averting from the screen.  

MR has been recognized as a critical tool in rendering enterprise solutions – Chiefly, in the increasingly well-known field of distant collaboration. For instance, Microsoft disclosed their Holoportation development – enabling users with mixed reality devices to view and communicate distantly with team members as fully-rendered 3D holograms. 

The Bright Future of MR 

Mixed reality is a breakthrough development, adding convenience to a tech that already exists by making access small, but by totally altering how we communicate with the real-life environments around us.  

By blending both the digital and physical world, it is possible to create new levels of interactivity & immersiveness in all of our processes. In the context of only entertainment, the potential of MR innovation is virtually limitless.  

Moreover, due to the Covid-19 scenario, more employees have been forced to work remotely. The opportunity to conduct meetings with potential clients and train staff in a more hands-on way despite worldwide lockdowns has shown that MR can play an active role in transforming conventional business models into a new normal world. 

Author Bio: 

Harnil Oza is CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem, a top app development company in New York and India, having a team of the best app developers who deliver the best mobile solutions mainly on Android and iOS platforms. He regularly contributes his knowledge on leading blogging sites like app development companies.

The post Understanding The Role Of Mixed Reality And It’s Usage In Real-World appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Back in 2010, Palmer Luckey created the first prototype of the virtual reality (VR) headset, the Oculus Rift. The creation seemed poised and raised $2.4 million on Kickstarter. Afterward, the company was sold to Facebook for a whopping $3 billion in 2014. Today, it is clear to everyone that VR has become much more than a gimmick. It can be a potential alternative to a portal into a digital world, making anything and everything possible.

In 2016, Michael Gallagher, the CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, predicted net market worth of $150 billion by 2020. However, in September 2019, a study of Fortune Business Insights suggested that the global market value of virtual reality has not even reached a tenth of that figure. Furthermore, the venture capital injected directly into VR tech startups has declined after peaking at $857 million in 2016 to fell at $280 million by 2018. Meanwhile, blockchain suffered an investment drop of 40% in China from 2018 to 2019.

The story of blockchain and virtual reality fails to live up to inflated expectations. As companies start to see the benefits of blockchain when combined with other technologies, VR has become one of the most beloved of all. The combination of two technologies into a single cryptocurrency-based economy yet seems to be one of the most compelling of the next decade. At first glance, the combination of blockchain and virtual reality might look like a bad attempt to force together buzzwords. However, to reach their full potential the two may need one another. Author of The Blockchain: Mapping the Decentralised Future, Simon de la Rouviere, believes that, ‘The more I think about it, the more I’m sure that once VR hits the mainstream, the blockchain will almost suddenly thrive much more in VR than in real life.’

Why Blockchain and Virtual Reality Need Each Other

Tech companies are tempted to use virtual reality as a way to help people escape the harsh realities of day-to-day lives, however, its’s real potential lies in expanding human experience. VR holds the power to enables humans to experience an infinite number of imaginary worlds while never leaving the comfort of their homes. They can meet their long-distance friends and interact in ways that were not possible previously.

Today, developers can alter a VR as per their desire. In case they decide to shut down along with them the whole VR world gets shut down. It is also important that the developer controls a huge amount of personal information provided by players. Besides, some of the major tech companies including Facebook is taking control. This is giving them the control of yet another area in our digital lives, the monopoly on our virtual existence.

The combination of two technologies can decentralize virtual reality. It changes this dynamic by giving control of the online world back to the user. Let’s take an example of Decentraland, a startup making waves in the sector of Blockchain-based virtual reality universe. In Decentraland, users can purchase the plot of virtual land with the platform’s cryptocurrency called ‘MANA’. They can then build anything as per their liking such as a house or a virtual neighborhood and then populate it with unique virtual objects. They can host social events and even turn it into a profitable business. The virtual landowners in Decentraland can even monetize their worlds by selling or renting ad space in exchange for MANA.

The parcels in Decentraland are limited to ensure that they are not justify abandoned. This increases the value of the land if the platform gains traction. Transactions don’t require central authority or brokers because it is done using cryptocurrency. This also means that the users receive 100% of the compensation for their creation.

Last year, in the initial coin offering (ICO), Decentraland raised $25 million from 4,000 investors in less than 35 seconds for its MANA. ‘We believe virtual reality will flourish once users have a more prominent role in controlling their creations. Currently, the companies that create the virtual worlds own all of the content built by the users. They are the ones who profit, reap the benefits from the network effects, and have the power to undo, change, or censor what happens within the world itself. The true potential of VR might be realized, and certainly surpass what already exists, if this power were put into the hands of the users instead’ explained Ariel Meilich, founder of Decentraland. But, VR is not the only one who stands to gain from the blockchain. In a virtual world, if cryptocurrency is an accepted fact, it will normalize its use.

This might help people understand how it can function in the real world as well. In the virtual world, bitcoin is governed by incorruptible smart contracts is where you want to live in. In the coming years, many are suspecting a surge of people demanding the exact reality in the real world. People do not want corrupt governments and archaic governance anymore. Coronavirus can further boost this concept because of its social distancing and less contacting measures.

By creating a virtual world that entirely runs on the blockchain, can help provide a template for ways blockchain functions in the real world. Blockchain and VR’s boundaries are still nascent technologies. Nevertheless, when combined the possibilities for the two are endless.

Platforms Combining VR and Blockchain

Blockchain and VR are both young inventions and are finding new applications with every passing day. As these technologies slowly drifting closer together, the market has already soughed several examples of unique and useful solutions combining them as the trend catches on.

1. Decentraland

As we saw earlier, Decentraland is a platform that claims its purpose in the fields of science, engineering, and more. The virtual world offered by the platform is accessible through any normal VR headset. It is hosted on the blockchain.

Players register themselves to participate and can use their cryptocurrency to record their irrefutable ownership. Players can develop virtual land with houses, businesses, or other services and monetize accordingly.

2. Ceek

It transports the viewer through VR to places that they cannot get to physically. The place doesn’t have to be a virtual world. It enlists the combination of VR production and blockchain smart contracts. This allows anyone with a headset to attend live VR concerts and other events. They have even created a token and a token holder can vote for the acts they would like to see. The unique model of Ceek encourages users to get together in Ceek City to hang out, watch the show, or simply chat.

3. GazeCoin

It is a unique blockchain-based solution, seeking to solve advertisement issues in the VR medium. It tracks a VR viewer’s eye movements through a custom engine. This helps them to determine the number of attention users is paying on sponsored content. On the basis of this understanding, they reward users and advertisers proportionately. Brands can create derivative tokens by developing their own VR experiences on the Gaze Coin platform.

4. Blockchain 3D Explorer

This platform is for those people that are curious about the inner workings of the complicated blockchain. This platform enables the view experience of the working of blockchain in a virtual reality environment in real-time. The 3D rendering of the decentralized ledger helps put in perspective the organized network. Views are able to pinpoint exact transactions on the network as they move. It is an excellent tool for teaching blockchain and it’s free on the various platforms including Windows and Linux, which makes it made even better.

The Bottom Line

Today, despite several failures faced by both VR and blockchain technologies, possibilities are still being tested. Innovators are not just waiting around for the next best thing but are actively working to build it. Several large players in the field of science and research, are stepping to look for novel ways to leverage VR in their efforts to discover effective business solutions. The assistance of blockchain is enabling them to share information and data in a collaborative manner. This is due to the blockchain’s interoperability and security aid in interacting remotely. Using VR will both individuals and businesses with the enable it to transform experiences forever.

In the examples given above, each contributor is taking a different approach to incorporating these technologies. The possibilities for the future are endless and as VR evolves it will help blockchain offer new immersive experiences and development opportunities.

The post Blockchain And Virtual Reality Becoming Reality appeared first on Tech Research Online.