First Responders to Use ThirdEye’s X2 MR Glasses During COVID-19 Outbreak
ThirdEye is offering military-grade technology to first responders in the hopes of saving more lives during this pandemic.
With the X2 MR Glasses, emergency medical teams and first responders will have access to critical life-saving data and communicate with emergency rooms and command centers in real-time. Its Remote Help Platform allows on-the-scene medical professionals to stream what they’re seeing directly to a remote expert and receive live feedback all while remaining hands-free – protecting both patient and first responder at the same time. The X2 MR Glasses can also generate thermal heat maps using its thermal scanner to detect if the patient has a fever.
The glasses’ thermal sensors detect elevated body temperatures and the MR Workspace telehealth app communicates with offsite healthcare professionals instantaneously
PRINCETON, NJ – April 28, 2020 – ThirdEye, a leader in augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) enterprise solutions, today announces its X2 MR Glasses are the first wearable computing solution that will be used by first responder EMS teams in the United States. The X2 MR Glasses will help these professionals detect fevers – a key symptom of COVID-19 – with an attached thermal sensor and consult medics remotely via telehealth through the glasses’ built-in Wi-Fi. The glasses enhance protection of those on the front lines of the pandemic and increase efficiency for COVID-19 response teams.
Under the pilot program, the firefighters at Marcus Hook Fire Department – which protects the borough of Marcus Hook near Philadelphia – will use the X2 MR Glasses equipped with an attachable FLIR (forward-looking infrared) thermal sensor to help stay safe, remain hands-free and keep focused during their mission-critical tasks.
“Our first responders are working 24/7 to help slow the spread of COVID-19, putting themselves and their families at risk as they’re exposed on the job,” said former Congressman Curt Weldon, who spearheaded the pilot program. “By equipping the Marcus Hook Fire Department fire fighters with X2 MR Glasses, we’re helping them stay safe on the job.”
“We’re extremely happy to be on the forefront of technology and to begin implementing internally," said Fire Chief Ken Smith of Marcus Hook Fire Department.
The X2 MR Glasses will also allow the front-line personnel to communicate with medical professionals anywhere in the world in real-time, allowing critical feedback to be received instantaneously. At just 300 grams, these are the lightest MR glasses on the market and are suited for extensive wear in all conditions.
“Firefighters and first response EMS teams are risking their lives every day during this pandemic to ensure the safety and health of our communities,” said Nick Cherukuri, Founder and CEO of ThirdEye. “We’re excited to be working with Marcus Hook Fire Department and are looking forward to helping other first responders be better equipped.”
The Marcus Hook Fire Department will be the first to deploy the pilot program, which ThirdEye is also offering to other firefighter and first responder associations nationwide.
For more information on ThirdEye, visit www.thirdeyegen.com.
About ThirdEye Gen
ThirdEye is a leader in smart glasses and AR/MR software development. While many companies today use just smart glasses or only software, ThirdEye provides a full end-to-end package for its customers and employees. It has hundreds of software developers creating apps ranging from games to entertainment to enterprise applications and its products retail around the world. From everyday consumers to Fortune 500 companies, ThirdEye is bringing the power of mixed reality globally. Mixed reality has the potential to change the way the world operates, and ThirdEye's vision is to help generate the future.
Media Contact
Elsa Anschuetz
Uproar PR for ThirdEye Gen
eanschuetz@uproarpr.com
321.236.0102 x233
AVATAR Partners, Inc. partners with AVERtek to develop AR apps in experiential 4th dimension storytelling
Huntington Beach, CA – April 27, 2020 – AVATAR Partners, Inc. (API) is pleased to announce its strategic alliance partnership with AVERtek of Garden Grove, CA, bringing Extended Reality and Mixed Reality to experiential story telling. AVERtek is a mixed reality agency that takes any print media into the 4th dimension. Founder Michael Renzi heads up a team who collectively have nearly 20 years of experience in Mixed Reality. The power to convert print into a digital medium allows companies and brands to develop a personal connection with their prospects/customers by superimposing computer-generated images over reality.
Extended Reality (XR) technology has proven its value for industrial use and as a powerful training tool. AVERtek’s mission is to bring this powerful communication and engagement tool to all types and sizes of business. It’s this mission statement that propelled AVERtek to develop an agnostic Universal XR-ASAP app, using Enhanced Hybrid Application technology, allowing multiple brands to provide Augmented Reality (AR) experiences for both their prospects and customers. The XR-ASAP App is free to both companies and users, representing a one-time download into a portal of multiple brand experiences. AVERtek’s approach has allowed any size company to venture into the realm of AR possibilities easily, quickly and at a low entry cost -- paving the way for AVERtek to develop additional XR programs that lay the foundation for companies to utilize the vast power of this technology that directly engages people inside and outside their business.
At AVATAR Partners, we thrive on pioneering innovative solutions. Our teaming up with AVERtek is a continued step forward into the next dimension in mixed reality,” stated Marlo Brooke, CEO of AVATAR Partners.
About AVATAR Partners, Inc.
AVATAR Partners, Inc.’s (API) offers best-in-class Extended, Augmented and Mixed Reality software and solutions for the real world. Founded in 2003 API’s mission is to strengthen American commercial industry and warfighter readiness with innovative solutions, Simplifying Complex Systems® - increasing the efficiency, safety and effectiveness of equipment, systems and processes - at the point of need, cost effectively.
For the past 15 years, API has developed and sustained innovative training systems, job performance aids, and software products for hundreds of military and commercial equipment and aircraft.
AVATAR Partners is a woman-owned small business based in Huntington Beach, CA with offices in Arlington, VA and Virginia Beach, VA.
CONTACT
Name: Bart Young
Email Address: byoung@youngcompany.com
Website URL: http://www.avatarpartners.com
VRARA Germany Announces Advisory Board
With the relaunch of a German-wide Chapter (see here)…
…advisors have been chosen to help the ecosystem connect with various industry verticals. The Board will continue to grow in the coming months and our first group are veterans out of Advertising, Automotive, Energy, Shipbuilding & Technology sectors. So without further ado let us introduce you!
Jan Pflüger – AdvisXR
Jan was an early adopter of digital technologies for the creative area. The potential of VR was obvious for him, so he started exploring new interaction techniques and developed interaction devices for spatial environments in the field of research. This long-time passion has led him to establish the Center of Competence as a network hub for VR & AR, the place to inspire and influence the XR activities within Audi AG.
With his private label, advisXR, Jan advises startups and fosters network activities to drive and deliver the future in the field of XR. In his mission for an open XR ecosystem he establishes strategic partnerships and supports aspiring as well as established companies on their journey through the digital transformation.
David Thomson – Aveva
David graduated from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow as a Naval Architect, moving directly into the computer aided design industry where he implemented 3D design software in over 20 shipyards. He moved onto a consulting role in IBM Germany where he implemented and consulted leading engineering companies on Product Lifecycle Management systems. He most recently lead a small team at AVEVA dedicated to developing the next generation of VR and AR apps to realize the vision of the digital asset on the world’s largest engineering projects.
Sabine Georg – Miami Ad School Europe
Sabine Georg has worked in the field of Digital Marketing and Communication since the late 90s. With a background in Fine Arts she actually ended going “digital” and started working for Google in various roles from 2005 up until her leaving in 2019.
Whilst working at Google, Sabine pioneered the Creative Agency Manager role, establishing relations to Germany’s leading creatives and consulting top agencies on “all things Google” with a focus on Digital Marketing and Creative Effectiveness.
Next to her Google Manager role, she worked as teacher and mentor at Miami Ad School Hamburg before she took over as Managing Director in June 2019. Being responsible for both Miami Ad School Europe locations in Hamburg and Berlin, pushing digital transformation and fostering the growth of international creative talent.
Sabine also is a certified Coach and a trained LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator – both qualifications she is now putting at use in her Managing Director role.
Rene Schulte – Valorem Reply
René Schulte is Director of Global Innovation at Valorem Reply working with teams across the globe on emerging technologies like the revolutionary 3D volumetric video telepresence solution HoloBeam and the AR Cloud enabling large, cross-platform user experiences with persistence.
He is a creative thought leader with a passion for UX and deep technical knowledge from more than 10 years in VR/AR/MR/XR technology and 3D programming, developing for the Microsoft HoloLens since 2015, and is listed as VR/AR/MR dev influencer. He also coded AI deep learning neural networks before it was cool and is leveraging modern AI to empower humans.
He also created popular open source libraries like WriteableBitmapEx and the AR library SLARToolKit. He was honored several times for his dev community work with the Microsoft MVP award and recognized as Microsoft Regional Director.
HIs work as part of the Global Advisory Board ties in with the work that we are doing in the German Ecosystem as he lives and works here…with his wife and their 5 children).
Lockheed Martin's Prepar3D adds support for Varjo's mixed reality: "VR and XR are going to be critical for our next generation of trainers"
Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company who develops Prepar3D, a visual simulation platform that allows users to create training scenarios across aviation, maritime, and ground domains. Varjo is proud to announce that they are working with Lockheed Martin and the Prepar3D team to enable the most demanding training and simulation scenarios that require the highest-fidelity immersive displays.
The newly-released Prepar3D v5, out this week, brings essential new capabilities and features to solve today’s emerging virtual and mixed reality training needs. What’s most exciting about it? The new Prepar3D brings support for Varjo’s mixed reality headset, XR-1 Developer Edition. This opens up an incredible range of new training applications where the real and synthetically generated worlds blend seamlessly to create compelling training solutions. Prepar3D is also compatible with the VR-2 and VR-2 Pro.
“With the advent of the virtual reality technologies, we are always trying to find ways to integrate with the latest and greatest tech into our software. Virtual reality and mixed reality are going to be critical for our next generation of trainers,” said Kyle Myers from Prepar3D.
“If the visual acuity of the virtual environment is not good enough, that impacts the training and ultimately is a negative experience. When we use headsets such as Varjo, where the resolution of the headset is much sharper and much closer to human-eye resolution, the experience is much more natural. Using technologies such as Varjo allows us to create a training experience with a wide field of view, without having the overhead of a large dome or multiple LCD screens.”
CONTACT
Name: Annaleena Kuronen
Email Address: annaleena@varjo.com
Website link
Looking Glass Holographic Displays Integrate with Unreal Engine
Brooklyn, NY - April 9, 2020 - The holographic display company, Looking Glass Factory, announced today that they have released a plugin for Epic Games’ Unreal® Engine. Now content creators working in Unreal Engine 4 can instantly view and share their 3D content holographically in any one of Looking Glass Factory’s line of holographic displays. The UE4 plugin can be downloaded for free at https://lookingglassfactory.com/unreal.
In the past, content creators have been limited to visualizing their 3D content on a flat 2D screen. With the Unreal plugin, now content creators can see what their models, worlds, and experiences will look like in 3D in real-time. This is especially crucial for industries such as automotive, architecture, mapping/GIS, medical imaging, and entertainment, who use Unreal Engine to view complex 3D environments.
“Every day since we launched the Looking Glass in 2018, more and more engineers and designers would reach out and ask when we would support Unreal Engine,” said Shawn Frayne, CEO & co-founder of Looking Glass Factory. “That's why we're so excited to announce the UE4 plugin for the Looking Glass today. Now studios around the world can make holographic experiences that go beyond anything ever seen before.”
“Having access to a glasses-free holographic display is a massive breakthrough, and presents an exciting prospect for teams working in immersive computer graphics, visualization and content creation,” explained Kim Libreri, CTO, Epic Games. “The Looking Glass holographic display provides a stunning level of realism, and we look forward to seeing the innovations that emerge with the support of Unreal Engine generated content.”
Powered by Looking Glass Factory’s proprietary light field technology, Looking Glass holographic displays are true holographic windows into another world that can be experienced by groups of up to a dozen people. The company created the Looking Glass to meet the needs of enterprises that were looking for a deeply visceral, genuinely three-dimensional experience. Now the thousands of developers around the world already using the Looking Glass developer kits and industries using the new large-format Looking Glass 8K can create and deploy a new class of holographic experiences powered by Unreal Engine.
Unreal Engine Plugin Feature List:
Real-time 3D view of content in Unreal’s Game View
Holographic 3D visuals in the editor and in builds
Support for buttons on Looking Glass displays
One-build deployment for 8.9", 15.6", and 8K units
Adjustable camera for clipping planes and FoV
Support for default image effects from Unreal, or customizable effects
Windows only (Linux/Ubuntu coming soon)
Leap Motion Controller support
Learn more about the Looking Glass holographic displays and arrange to see one for yourself at https://lookingglassfactory.com/unreal.
About Looking Glass Factory
Looking Glass Factory Inc, with headquarters in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and additional operations in Hong Kong, is the global leader in the field of group-viewable holographic interfaces with the launch of their flagship product line, The Looking Glass. This unique combination of advanced hardware and software is based on the company’s patented light field technology and in 2019 became the most widely-adopted holographic display in history. Today, the company serves the holographic needs of both developers and enterprises and is committed to building the headset-free hologram-powered future we were all promised in science fiction growing up. For more information, visit www.lookingglassfactory.com or contact:
For press inquiries: press@lookingglassfactory.com
For all business development inquiries: future@lookingglassfactory.com
About Unreal Engine
Epic Games’ Unreal Engine is the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D tool. Creators across games, film, television, architecture, automotive and transportation, advertising, live events, and training and simulation choose Unreal to deliver cutting-edge content, interactive experiences, and immersive virtual worlds. Follow @UnrealEngine and download Unreal for free at unrealengine.com
CONTACT
Eric Schumacher
Neology Marketing Communications
erics@neologyconcepts.com | 310.403.8456
Live Online Workshop: Immersive Interaction Design Principles on 25th of April
Get 10% off your registration here.
More information on this first one of kind online workshop, click here.
Some of the key takeaways from the workshop will be…
Kinematic vs Physics
Understand the main differences between kinematic (“passive”) versus physics-based (“dynamic”) interaction.
Physics in VR
Improving Interaction Experiences using Inverse kinematics to simulate physical presence.
Bring your own project (BYOP)
You can also apply to get feedback on your VR/AR project’s interaction design.
Watch the latest in hand-tracking capabilities.
On 25th of April, you will learn to design a fully functional responsive interface with physics-based interactions and hand tracking input.
XR Bootcamp is the first academy offering on-site and online full stack VR/AR programs for designers and developers with career opportunities.
Together with it’s advisory board from Accenture, Volkswagen, HTC, ExxonMobil, BNP Paribas, Bosch, Deutsche Telekom, KLM, Verizon and others, XR Bootcamp co-developed a VR/AR curriculum to focus on high in-demand skills that are most needed in today’s biggest companies.
Trainers are successful VR/AR professionals, that teach the latest and most relevant skills most needed in a rapidly changing environment of tools.
Online workshops are project focused and teach students to create their own portfolio projects, while the on-site bootcamp teaches a full stack of VR/AR development and design tools needed to grab that next great VR/AR industry job.
The Federal “CARES” Act Stimulus Legislation Benefits For Media/Tech Companies. $2 trillion COVID-19 package
Learn more at our VR/AR Global Summit ONLINE Conference + Expo on June 1-3
As of April 6, 2020
Subject to Change as Program is Developed and Implemented
The $2 trillion COVID-19 package includes federally-guaranteed loans and grants for qualifying medium-size and small companies.
For Medium-Size Companies (generally 500 to 10,000 employees), the CARES Act provides loans at a two-percent interest rate, with no payments due for the first six months.
Companies receiving the benefit cannot “outsource or offshore” jobs for two years after the loan has been repaid.
Small Companies (generally less than 500 employees, though some larger companies may also qualify)[1], may take advantage of the “Paycheck Protection Program” (PPP) and the “Economic Injury Disaster Loan” (EIDL). Small Companies can apply for both loans but not to cover the same expenses.
Paycheck Protection Program. Under the PPP, a Small Company can get a loan of up to $10 million, which is automatically forgiven (doesn’t need to be repaid) if the Small Company can show that the amount was spent on business expenses such as payroll, rent or utilities during a specified eight-week period between February 15 and June 30, 2020. The interest rate is 1%. The amount of the loan depends on how many employees the Small Company has (with compensation no more than $100,000).
For full eligibility of forgiveness, the Small Company must show that it has not recently laid off employees.
Any forgiven amount would be reduced if employees are laid off during the eight-week period after the loan is originated.
Forgiveness for payroll amounts will not apply to compensation of over $100,000.
Limitation for Venture-Backed Companies. Currently the PPP does not apply to Small Companies that have VC investment, if the VC investor is an “affiliate” of the Small Company under IRS rules. However, there is an effort underway to remove or revise this restriction.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Under the EIDL, a Small Company can borrow up to $2 million for working capital, such as fixed debt and payroll. A Small Company applicant may be able to obtain an $10,000 grant paid up front as part of the loan arrangement. The interest rate is 3.75% and the term can be up to thirty years. No payment will be due for a year, although interest will accrue during this period.
Employee Retention Tax Credit. The CARES Act provides for a one-year employee retention tax credit, allowing companies to take a tax credit against employment taxes equal to 50 percent of qualified wages for each employee, up to $10,000 total per employee, if the company can show that it was adversely affected by COVID-19. “Qualified wages” means wages for employees who are unable to work due to “shelter in place” or similar restrictions, or for whom the employer has furloughed due to decline in revenue because of COVID-19. For companies that have less than 100 employees, all wages are eligible for the tax credit, not just “qualified” wages – even if the employees continue to work.
Other Programs. Other programs for small and medium-size companies may be available at the state and city level.
As examples, in San Francisco, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) will issue emergency grants of up to $10,000 for affected small businesses. In New York City, zero-interest loans are offered with the funding limit of $75,000.
Facebook announced a $100 million grant program for small businesses. Google announced a program of over $800 million, some of which is supposed to go to support small and medium-size businesses.
Local Chambers of Commerce are a good place to learn what local programs are being implemented and connect with other business owners in the area.
Gamma Law is a San Francisco-based firm supporting select clients in cutting-edge business sectors. We provide our clients with the support required to succeed in complex and dynamic business environments, push the boundaries of innovation, and achieve their business objectives, both in the U.S. and internationally. Contact us today to discuss your business needs.
[1] – Small Companies includes select types of companies with fewer than 1,500 employees if they meet a “small business size” standard. SBA offers a calculating tool whether a business is small, thereby qualifying for loans. See https://www.sba.gov/size-standards/.
So Real Partners with AnotherWorld VR to Expedite Full Automation of World-First Digital Twin Production
Berlin based studio collaborates with bleeding edge Swiss tech firm to fast track full automation of SO REAL’s game/XR ready 3D asset production
Bern, Switzerland April 6th 2020 – SO REAL Digital Twins AG today announce their collaboration with anotherworld VR GmbH. Berlin based anotherworld will operate as an extension of the Swiss firm’s development team, aiding delivery of their aggressive plan to fully automate CT2VR digital twin production by 2021.
SO REAL’s world first, patented CT scanning and conversion tech delivers fully engine ready 3D objects, complete with fully functioning physics and cool features like “Superman X-Ray vision mode”. anotherworld - leading German VR studio led by Max Sacker and Ioulia Isserlis – will lend their expertise to core aspects of the process including physics and VR capability, pushing the bleeding edge of XR.
Ian Ravenshaw Bland, SO REAL co-founder and CEO, commented,
“We have quite a challenge ahead of us to automate the production of cinematic-quality digital twins. To get this done, we must partner with the technology leaders in various fields; those whose DNA compels them to push further into the frontier. This describes AWVR perfectly. We have been collaborating with AWVR on a project basis since before SO REAL was even founded and always discussed working more closely together as a team. Now that we are funded and set up, we’re doing it. Stay tuned for more world’s firsts over the course of 2020.”
Max Sacker, Creative Director, anotherworld Gmbh, commented,
“One of the key aspects of virtual reality production is conveying a sense of realism. Virtual reality is about deep immersion and transporting the user into a believable simulated reality. The VR headset is the ultimate magnifying glass through which the user scrutinises the illusion they are being asked to believe. So creating 3D assets to the highest standards of realism is of paramount importance to VR studios as well as visual effects and animation studios creating AAA quality visuals. We are very excited to team up with SO REAL to push
the boundaries of visual realism using cutting edge CT scan technology and building on the years of experience gained from optimising 3D visualisation and asset creation."
PRESS CONTACTS
Jackie Knivett
Jackie@virtualcomms.co.uk
T: 07739 170663
Lu Digweed
Lu@virtualcomms.co.uk
T: 07949 485588
Sam Brace
Sam.Brace@virtualcomms.co.uk
T: 07813 988908
About SO REAL DIGITAL TWINS AG
This isn’t real, this is SO REAL.
SO REAL DIGITAL TWINS AG have created the fastest 3D model tech tool in the business. Using patented scanning and conversion technology, we’ve automated the production of digital twin 3D objects from real objects. This unique twinning technology allows the mass-production of cinematic-quality, game/VR-ready 3D assets for use in games, films, and VR/AR/MR.
SO REAL deliver one of the fastest, most technically polished and complete solutions for game tech, art and exact requirement design. From physical objects to playable assets, SO REAL’s precision focus brings the real world closer to virtuality.
About anotherworld VR
Well-known in the industry as the gold standard of photorealism, anotherworld VR lives at the convergence of art and technology. They are constantly experimenting with the latest developments, blending narrative storytelling, cinematic aesthetics, and immersive gaming interactivity making them an ideal partner.
AWVR balance and push the boundaries of innovative technology by competition selections at film festivals (Venice VR at VIFF) and working with high-profile clients including Deutsche Bahn and Microsoft.
www.anotherworldvr.com
Pico Interactive added to the Sponsor lineup for the VR/AR Global Summit ONLINE Conference+Expo!
Pico Interactive Sponsors the VR/AR Global Summit ONLINE Conference+Expo
The online virtual event is taking place June 1-3
April 2, 2020. San Francisco
With operations across the globe, Pico Interactive develops innovative VR and AR hardware solutions which enable business clients to provide the best virtual reality experience in Medical, Education, Marketing, and Location-Based Entertainment industries. More info at www.pico-interactive.com
The VR/AR Global Summit Online is an online conference, brought to you by the VR/AR Association, connecting the best virtual reality and augmented reality solution providers with enterprise and media entertainment companies.
“From the Fortune 500 to startups” might sound like a really general pitch - but at the Global Summit, we really do see it all -- and we love it. Our goal is to help the industry grow and cross-pollinate.
We’ve invited people from aerospace, enterprise, health, science, real estate, advertising, manufacturing, telecom, 5G, etc.
More info at www.vrarglobalsummit.com
CONTACT
Kris Kolo
VR/AR Association
TG0 announces etee SteamVR: the button-free VR controller
etee - the first full finger control and proximity, touch, gesture and pressure sensing VR controller - is available now on Kickstarter
LONDON – Tactile control specialist TG0 has unveiled etee, a groundbreaking new VR controller delivering more mesmerising VR experiences through patented finger sensing technology.
With etee, VR gamers can immerse themselves in new worlds using all of their fingers simultaneously. Unlike other controllers, etee allows gamers to control their VR experiences via a full spectrum of movements such as proximity, touch, gesture and pressure.
etee controllers are wireless, lightweight, durable and designed to be worn on the hand for long periods. An ergonomic form, patented technology and long lasting battery make it the ideal controller for scenarios including VR and AR and conventional gaming, drone flying, home device activation and multiple Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
TG0 will be selling etee controllers for the first time during a one-month Kickstarter campaign launching on April 2 nd . The page is now live at:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tg0/etee-complete-control-in-3d
“VR games need a controller that moves beyond the stale, TV remote-like devices that are prevalent today,” said etee designer Mick Lin.
“etee takes us away from binary button commands into a new world of gesture, grip and touch-based controls. It delivers richer, more mesmerising interactions: the experience gamers deserve.”
While VR and AR gaming and training has advanced massively in a short period of
time, existing controllers have retained an old-fashioned button-led design that has
barely evolved from the games controllers of yesteryear.
Unlike legacy controllers, etee delivers on:
● Full finger sensing and gestural control
● Lightweight - 120g for the SteamVR version makes it the lightest VR
controller
● Easy to put on and take off
● Sweat, dust and water-proof for improved hygiene and reliability
● Long battery life (16 hours standby, up to 6h active)
● Thumb trackpad to simulate joystick
● Ergonomic, intuitive design
● Proximity, touch, gesture and pressure sensing
● No buttons for a more natural experience
● Simplified product user interface
Designed to be as cosy and comfortable as a cardigan, etee hugs the hands and allows users to forget they’re even wearing a controller. etee is easy to slip on and off in seconds and a simple cylindrical shape couples freeform design with robust sensing. The end result for users is a controller they can wear rather than hold, and a more engaging, fully-realised experience no matter what the end application.
Jakub Kamecki, etee’s Head of Business Development, said: “I’ve never seen someone pick up an etee controller and fail to be wowed.
“We want to share this technology and to build a community, not only of gamers but of developers, innovators and inventors.” etee controllers are equipped with:
● Thumb trackpad
● Free hand design
● Open palm gesture sensing for all fingers
● RGB colour LED
● State-of-the-art haptic feedback
● USB Type C ports
● Bluetooth and WiFi communication
Full technical specifications are available on request. Interested parties can stay updated by following the etee Kickstarter campaign at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tg0/etee-complete-control-in-3d
Jakub said: “We’ve felt for a long time that etee is the future of VR control. Now we’re going to make it so.”
About etee
etee controllers simplify and enhance VR and AR experiences by bringing human intuition to the fore. etee's buttonless, built-in sensor surface captures finger proximity, touch, pressure and combined gestures. This allows users to immerse themselves in the digital world and forget about controllers altogether. With a lightweight and sweat-proof body, etee is durable and comfortable, and can be slipped on and off in seconds. etee is the controller of choice for those seeking mesmerising, seamless, and simple experiences.
About TG0
TG0 is the team behind etee. TG0 is an IP-focused start-up commercialising a platform technology to create novel tactile control products. TG0 works with partners and clients, including leading brands and manufacturers in the consumer and automotive sectors. TG0 is a diverse team passionate about creating products that people have never seen before, with effortless and elegant manufacturing. To find out more, visit tg0.co.uk.
Message from Ming Kong, CEO and TG0 Co-founder
TG0 was founded based on a shared vision that we will one day create our own branded product powered by the technology we developed throughout the years. For more than 2 years time, our team worked tirelessly on identifying a problem, developing a new solution and designing and communicating a product, which took us where we are at today with etee. Due to COVID-19, we considered delaying or even cancelling the campaign. However, our team have again shown incredible passion and perseverance powering through the difficulties of working in isolation and have delivered a full and appealing campaign. At this time, we believe it is the best that we do our job without concerns and fears, and hopefully bring our customers a sense of normalcy.
CONTACT:
Website URL: http://tg0.eu/pledge
Name: Jakub Kamecki
Email Address: kuba@tg0.co.uk
#StayAtHome license: VRdirect supports companies during the Corona crisis in presenting their products with Virtual Reality
Learn more at our VR/AR Global Summit ONLINE Conference + Expo on June 1-3
In response to the current corona crisis, the Munich-based start-up VRdirect is offering small and medium-sized companies the opportunity to use its software for creating their own virtual reality content completely free of charge for six months.
The offer is valid until 30 September and is aimed primarily at sectors in which the opportunity to present products on their own sales floors or at trade fairs and events is lacking because of current security regulations. Virtual Reality represents a great opportunity to present one’s own products or services in a visually appealing way and to integrate possibilities for direct purchase within a self-designed application. In addition, VRdirect offers companies of all sizes support in the implementation of virtual reality projects by providing the necessary hardware (e.g. 360° cameras) and consultation regarding the development of a virtual reality strategy.
Interested parties can find the registration link and further information on the #stayathome license at https://lp.vrdirect.com/corona/stay-at-home
CONTACT
Dominik Möcklin
Managing Director
dominik.moecklin@vrdirect.com
To celebrate their 50th anniversary Superstar shoe, Adidas and WSS teamed up with Genius Ventures Inc to create an in-store AR activation
To celebrate their 50th anniversary Superstar shoe, Adidas and WSS teamed up with Genius Ventures Inc to create an in-store Augmented Reality Snapchat activation.
This in-store activation with Snapchat code was highly successful, so successful, that they moved on to a second phase to include a coupon-code for a free hat upon making their purchase in-store.
Benefits of Augmented Reality marketing include:
- Valuable data using AI technology
- Increased brand awareness
- Unique way to engage with your consumers
- Limitless possibilities
- And so much more!
Sounds cool, right?
Try it out now at https://lnkd.in/gQZu4y2
How to use:
Open the Snapchat filter (link in bio).
Tap on floor or any surface to activate.
You can use your fingers to make it bigger or smaller.
Tap on floor again to relaunch.
Have you considered Augmented Reality as part of your marketing strategy?
To get in touch, please contact Genius Ventures Inc at www.geniusventuresinc.com
CONTACT
Name: Marah Berezowsky
Email Address: marah@geniusventuresinc.com
Your Website URL: https://geniusventuresinc.com
The Benefits of Eye Tracking in VR for Research
By Ville Leppälä, vertical lead for Varjo’s research and healthcare business
Virtual reality and eye tracking have been used in research for decades but until recently, the research community hasn’t been able to fully benefit from merging the two technologies.
Read this post to learn why and how researchers can benefit from eye tracking in VR.
What is eye tracking and what is it used for?
Ville is the vertical lead for Varjo’s research and healthcare business, working closely with customers and partners.
Eye tracking makes it possible to record eye positions and movements and analyze gaze positions in both 2D and 3D environments. Researchers use eye tracking to understand the human processing of visual information and to gather insights into the human mind.
Eye movements reveal more than people can imagine. They can help us understand how respondents feel, act and think about certain subjects. The quantitative data from eye tracking can also complement studies based on questionnaires and interviews. Researchers can play back events, analyse them in detail and talk about the experience with subjects.
Traditionally, eye movements have been captured with either remote or mobile eye trackers. Remote eye trackers are mounted close to a computer screen and require respondents to sit in front of a monitor and interact with screen-based content. Mobile devices, on the other hand, are fitted near the eyes (usually mounted onto eyeglass frames) to track their eye movements.
Limitations of remote eye trackers
Running a study with remote eye trackers means that you’re tied to a single laboratory, as changing the surrounding environment would cause bias. Remote eye trackers track the eyes only within certain limits, meaning that considerable head movements during a study will break the eye tracker calibration and the measurement will fail. For example, studying children can be challenging or nearly impossible with this kind of equipment.
Typically this isn’t a problem if the measurement time is short, but respondents tend to have a harder time concentrating for longer periods. One good thing is that gaze interactions can be directly mapped onto the screen content because the gaze vector and content position on the screen is known at every moment. However, the restrictions above make the usefulness of this setup very limited.
Why mobile eye trackers aren’t the solution either
Mobile eye trackers allow respondents to move freely. This is an advantage since you can plan your study in a natural environment. The surrounding scene is videoed, and eye movements are mirrored into the recording.
Analyzing this, however, is challenging, as the scene video captures is basically just an array of 2D photos, each from a slightly different angle. Identifying stimuli from each photo requires either a vast amount of manual work or advanced computer vision algorithms that attempt to map gaze interactions from all angles into a single picture.
For instance, when a respondent looks at a statue in a museum scene from one side, it is relatively easy for a computer vision algorithm to track the gaze interaction with the statue. But when the respondent moves to the other side of the statue, it’s not easy to identify it as the same statue, as it might look quite different from the back.
VR eye trackers enable full control of the study environment
A VR-based eye tracker combines features of both mobile and remote setups. The eye tracker is mounted on the user’s head, allowing the him or her to move freely without the risk of losing calibration. This helps increase data quality and improve the success rate of measurements.
In addition, VR headsets immerse respondents in a virtual environment that’s completely isolated from the surrounding real one. This means that studies can be performed in various locations without the environment change causing a bias. The conditions are always repeatable, and researchers can easily try out different scenarios. The whole research setup is portable and fits into an aircraft cabin-sized bag, which can save huge amounts of time and money.
Plus, having full control of the environment enables new ways to gamify studies, making them more appealing and immersive to respondents.
Get started with Varjo’s integrated 20/20 Eye Tracker
Varjo’s integrated eye tracking allows you to gain deep, reliable, and immediate insight into what your subjects see and experience. Using Varjo’s human-eye resolution VR/XR headsets, you can track what’s behind users’ reactions and behaviors as they interact with photorealistic objects, environments and virtually any stimuli – all with the full control and flexibility of virtual and mixed reality.
Varjo’s integrated 20/20 Eye Tracker lets you gain real insights into human behavior and understand cognitive engagement – all in real time.
All of our headsets VR-2, VR-2 Pro and XR-1 Developer Edition come with built-in eye tracking.
ThirdEye and TROIA Bring Remote Assistance via MR Glasses to Energy, Utilities, Oil & Gas Sectors
ThirdEye, a leader in augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) enterprise solutions, has partnered with TROIA, an innovative IT company focused on quality asset management solutions and development of AR solutions. With the new partnership, ThirdEye’s X2 MR Glasses will now allow technicians, field workers and remote experts the ability to repair and maintain assets with greater safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
By combining ThirdEye’s X2 MR Glasses and TROIA AR, enterprise organizations within energy, utilities, oil and gas sectors will have access to a suite of applications that prioritize safety and more efficient workflows. Technicians working in the field can expect to see dramatic improvements to the way work orders, job plans and other real-time mission-critical information are delivered, along with improvements in productivity, effectiveness, accuracy and safety. Customers can also display real-time measurement data visualization on ThirdEye's X2 MR Glasses through TROIA's TAGMANAGER application, and place asset information tables and digital meters into scene environments on demand.
Here’s a link to the press release.
MEDIA CONTACT
Elsa Anschuetz | Uproar PR
P 321.236.0102 x233 | M 321.960.4062
E eanschuetz@uproarpr.com
Rail Cargo Carrier powered by SPACE1 AR+AI product, which was supplied by OverIT
Augmented Reality combined with Artificial Intelligence to reshape and optimize Field processes in logistics, for the resources to continue empowering their skills and enhance their productivity, while streamlining the debriefing process and the sharing of know-how.
Business challenge
Rail Cargo Carrier has been into cross-border rail transportation since 2006, giving a major contribution to the entire international logistics chain, by cooperating with the production units belonging to this group and based in Bulgaria, Germany, Croatia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czechia and Hungary. Interaction among all involved parties is essential to ensure safety standards on cargo trains.
The goal for Rail Cargo Carrier is to enable its field operators, in charge of logistic tasks, to safely eliminate risks when carrying out routine inspections on cargo trains. This translates into collecting and processing multimedia information in the form of dynamic reports, as to cut down possible costs due to gaps in cargo quality standards.
Solution
To this purpose, Rail Cargo chose SPACE1, which combines Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence to implement reshaped and optimized Field processes. In this specific case, the product supplied by OverIT allows technicians to perform their inspections hands-free, ensuring the highest safety and production standards regardless of the working conditions, while supporting skill-development and simplifying the process for managing and sharing the know-how.
Benefits
Standardized inspection procedures based on preset checklists and digital workflow, for step-by-step support to inspectors in data collection.
Working under the highest safety standards and in any weather conditions thanks to Augmented Reality and a voice interaction device, for performing tasks in hands-free mode.
Real-time compilation of digital reports on field
Automated data acquisition through OCR readers
Background video recording of the inspection and automated saving with metadata tagging on cloud, to handle possible complaints and train new resources
Real-time remote support by experts
Contact:
Name: Francesco Benvenuto
Email Address: francesco.benvenuto@overit.it
Website URL: http://www.overit.it/en
AVATOUR Launches Commercially: Remote Presence is Now a Reality
AVATOUR Remote Presence lets you visit a real place in real time, providing a new substitute for travel -- especially useful in these challenging times. AVATOUR has been in development for two years, and in beta since Fall 2019; today marks the first commercial release of the platform. Avatour use cases include remote inspections, sales, recruiting and training - just to name a few. Any industry that needs to share a place or property can reduce or eliminate travel by getting onsite fast with AVATOUR.
“As more companies and countries limit or halt travel, businesses worldwide are being forced to find remote working solutions. Videoconferencing platforms like Zoom and Skype can replace a conference room, but until now, there was no substitute for location-dependent meetings like facility walkthroughs, site inspections, and site-specific training,” said Imeve CEO Devon Copley. “Using AVATOUR to visit a location alongside someone thousands of miles away feels more like an in-person visit than a videoconference.”
The AVATOUR platform is now generally available to qualified companies in the United States, EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and China. They are currently offering a FREE 360 Camera & Starter Kit for the hardware/software package starting at US$1190 (€1090, £990, ¥150,000, CNY8,800) for 60 days of service. Interested company representatives can visit http://avatour.co/get-started to apply.
Contact
Name: Jenna Clark
Email Address: jenna@imeve.com
Website URL: http://avatour.co
How Aggreko is reinventing global workforce training with AR
By David Nedohin, co-founder and Chief Customer Officer at Scope AR
We are all facing unprecedented challenges in our lives and at work due to the impact of Covid-19. With much of the world being asked to shelter in place, we’re all looking for ways to reinvent how we get the work done to serve our customers, our companies, and all the people who work for them. It’s becoming clear that we will all be increasingly reliant on the tools and technology that keeps businesses connected to its customers and stakeholders. Now more than ever, we’re all in this together, and communication is vital.
As we find new ways to stay connected, I am very optimistic enterprises will find ways to speed innovation and rethink business-as-usual. At Scope AR, we’re committed to helping our customers leverage AR where possible as a tool for keeping essential operations moving forward. Over the past six weeks, we’ve seen that take on many forms such as virtual workforce training, remote expert assistance being used to guide factory equipment repairs and maintenance procedures, as well as the use of intuitive AR work instructions to help manufacturers stick to production timelines as best as possible.
We will continue to spotlight successful AR deployments and share lessons learned and best practices so that other enterprises have real-world examples of how augmented reality can be used to solve complex business challenges. I recently had a great discussion with Walter Davis at Aggreko. Walter was kind enough to share three takeaways from an AR remote employee training project now underway.
Aggreko brings power, energy storage, heating & cooling to sites around the world. Their generators help power emergency services, hospitals, and other major events. Aggreko’s products ensure that manufacturers and construction sites can keep production on track and maintain efficiency. They also work with the utility industry to ensure power keeps flowing to their customers.
With more than 200 locations of its own worldwide, Aggreko can deploy its equipment to any part of the globe. In their over 50 years in business, they’ve powered everything from massive hurricane recovery sites to global mega-events like the 2012 Olympics in London and FIFA World Cup events.
As the Head of Talent and Learning Technology at Aggreko, Walter is always looking for new ways to build expertise across the company’s workforce deploying Aggreko products — wherever and whenever their customers need them. Given the current limitations to travel, the need for delivering digital training knowledge has gone from a “nice to have” to ‘mission critical’ from an operational standpoint. He’s been a champion at the company for the use of AR to train employees on its 1600 CFM diesel compressor – a massive piece of equipment that weighs 12 tons and is 20 feet long.
Aggreko built an AR training program using the Scope AR WorkLink platform to create a virtual, full-sized model of the compressor. “They can do a full walk-around,” Walter said, noting the experience is an “immersive training on a life-sized, full-scale model of our product.” Employees can get familiar with controls, key features, and components.
The AR experience also shows how to turn on or decommission the equipment, as well as how to conduct essential maintenance procedures like changing out fuel and oil filters. To deliver the AR experience, they’re using devices their workforce already carries – like smart phones and tablets – so no additional hardware investment is needed. This means training is now available wherever their workers are. As an added bonus, physical equipment doesn’t have to be taken away from a job site, which is a huge cost savings for Aggreko.
Here are three takeaways Walter said he learned from this initial AR deployment that might resonate with other businesses considering AR as a reliable and scalable way to train and share expert knowledge amongst their workforce:
1. AR reinvents and optimizes an essential process. To train its workers on the 1600 compressor, Aggreko used to fly them to training centers all over the globe to get face-to-face and hands-on training with the equipment. This model is costly and inefficient. AR can bring distance learning to the workforce, not the other way around.
2. AR helps unlock tangible ROI. To train in-person, Aggreko has to ship its massive compressors to training centers. In addition to considerable shipping costs, they can’t use that equipment out on a customer site. Walter estimates that they would be saving $500K if AR was used in place of physical products for all current technical programs.
3. Companies can help speed innovation across their business. Walter notes that while the plan was always to scale from the 1600 compressor experience to create training experiences for other pieces of Aggreko equipment, the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic have definitely accelerated this process. As the company has currently banned all non business-critical in person training and business travel, they are quickly building processes and creating content to distribute worldwide so that employees can continue to receive the training and knowledge they need to deliver an optimal experience to their customers.
Uncertain times like these spur innovation in using new technologies and how we do our work to keep things moving forward. Just as Aggreko is transforming its workforce training, we undoubtedly will see other businesses figuring out new ways to leverage technology to help navigate these volatile times. Learn more about Aggreko and the work they’re doing to power business across the globe.
CONTACT
Brittany Edwards
brittany@carvecom.com
210-382-2165
Sama Makes VR Lessons Free Extending a Helping Hand to General Chemistry Students and Instructors Affected by the Covid-19 Crisis
March 16, 2020 San Francisco, CA
In an effort to help reduce the impact of college closures and the shift to online classes for community college and university students, Sama Learning announced today that its VR-based General Chemistry course will be made available for free through May 2020. The Chemistry Course includes the following lessons: Periodic Trends, Balancing Chemical Equations, Atomic Orbital Theory, VSEPR and Hybridization. Sama’s General Chemistry lessons were designed to be used alongside existing classwork and can provide valuable educational support for student learning otherwise limited by the Covid-19 crisis.
“Sama is a company working to improve access to effective education and this is our way of providing some assistance during this worldwide crisis.“ said Barbara DeHart, CEO and Co-founder of Sama Learning. “We understand the importance of the interactive learning that takes place in classrooms, labs, and study groups. And although many are being eliminated now in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus, Sama’s interactive courses can help to fill that gap.”
Sama VR can be used in two ways to assist in online learning. Students who have access to a supported VR headset can download the course and use all lessons immediately. Instructors who have access to a headset, can record their lessons in VR and share them with students via their learning management system or social media channels. There is no registration or email required to access the lessons. Sama has also published complete video-based versions on their website that can be accessed on a mobile phone or a web browser.
Visit https://www.samalearning.net/free for information on how to download, install and use the Sama VR course and video versions of all Sama lessons.
Contact:
Website: http://www.samalearning.net/free
Name: Barbara DeHart
Email Address: barb@samalearning.net