There are 1.2 billion people, roughly one out of every seven humans on the planet, without electricity. No computer, no refrigerator and of course no light once the sun goes down. Nonprofit organization Unite to Light has announced that it is teaming up with virtual reality (VR) company WorldViz in a move to help build awareness of the lack of electricity for so many people.
Unite to Light is a nonprofit organization that aims to bring lights to those who don’t have electricity. By providing safe, affordable and reliable lights, those in areas without lights would be able to take advantage of the extra light and replace their kerosene lamps and candles which cause financial and health issues. Their low cost, solar powered lamps ensure that not just children get a source of light to read at night but also health clinics, business and families all get the same benefit.
“It seems ironic that we’re using technology to cast a light on this major global problem of life without electricity, but that is the power of virtual reality,” says WorldViz CEO Andrew Beall. “Virtual reality allows the user to immerse themselves in places or environments they had never dreamed – all by simply putting on a VR headset.”
“It has always been a challenge to explain to our supporters and funders what it’s really like to live without electricity,” stated Megan Birney, President of Unite to Light. “Using virtual reality, and specifically WorldViz’s Vizible VR remote communication software, we were able to build a scenario where the users can experience what it’s like to pick up a book and try to read using a candle and then switch to our solar light and compare the quality of light and overall reading experience.”
Vizible is WorldViz’s new SaaS solution for business that are looking for cost-effective and immersive methods for communicating complex ideas. Vizible is easy to use, making it accessible for anyone with an understanding of how to create PowerPoint presentations. Once a user has created their immersive Vizible presentation, they can invite anyone around the world to experience it as conveniently as if they were settling up a conference call.
“As a nonprofit with limited resources, finding a communication solution that was easy to use and incredibly impactful is a game changer,” said Birney. “The fact that we get to do it in virtual reality sets our organization apart.”
Unite to Light and WorldViz will be showcase this technology at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on this weekend at the University of Southern California Campus as well. VRFocus will be sure to bring you all he latest on this collaboration in the future as it develops.