Dave Aubrey – Page 28 – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

June 10, 2017

VR Theme Park Rides Now Available for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

If you want to experience all the adrenaline and potential nausea of a theme park but don’t want to make the journey for it, VR Theme Park Rides could be exactly what you’re looking for. Now available on Steam for your HTC Vive and Oculus Rift head-mounted displays (HMDs).

VR Theme Park Rides offers exactly what it says on the tin – 12 virtual reality (VR) rides for you to experience, including a creepy castle to get your adrenaline pumping, and a Ferris wheel to kick your vertigo in.

This isn’t the first time EnsenaSoft has launched a bundle of experiences for your VR HMDs, as they released VR Chair Games not long ago.

The full list of 12 rides you’ll find in VR Theme Park Rides is as follows;

Castle Of Terror: A scary ride in the creepy castle
Wind Seeker: A vertical climb
Bumper Cars: The classic ride seen at any theme park
Trumble Bug: A relaxing ground-based ride
Troika Trove: A real spinner with rapid turns
Roller Coaster: No theme park is complete without it
Angry Octopus: The angry octopus invites you on a thrilling whirl
Super Flyer: Hang on tight for a breath-taking aerial experience
Awesome Airplane: Fly in the sky as you rotate 360 degrees
Cliff Hanger: Your need for speed
Little Teacup: A gentler ride for those with a fear of heights
Ferris Wheel: Up, up and up you go!

The full package is available on Steam for only £3.99 RRP – which isn’t bad at all, if you’re looking for another VR theme park.

For everything VR, stay on VRFocus.

June 10, 2017

Pokémon GO Drags Us Back Outside with In-Game and Real-World Events

Pokémon GO proves that it is the titan that keeps on going, as it announces the new Pokémon GO Fest Chicago, and keeps players worldwide invested with the Solstice in-game event. It wasn’t long ago we heard about Adventure Week, and now we have even more events. Trainers will have to keep visiting those PokéStops…

To celebrate the first anniversary of Pokémon GO and more than 750 million downloads, The Pokémon Company are introducing Pokémon GO Fest, which will take place in Chicago at Grant Park on July 22nd. Pokémon GO Fest will be the first event trainers will be able to visit in real life, and will host a range of activities. Tickets for the event go on sale June 19^th.

John Hanke, Niantic’s CEO expressed his joy at Pokémon GO’s popularity; “It’s been an incredible first year for Pokémon GO thanks to the passion and dedication from the global Trainer community.”

Hanke continues; “As part of the first anniversary, we’ll be giving players around the world the chance to enjoy fun in-game events, engage with friends and other Trainers at real-world events, and much more.”

But those not local to Chicago need not miss out – European players can find Pokémon GO events at Unibail-Rodamco shopping centres from June until September, and Americans who can’t make the journey to Pokémon GO Fest will find Pokémon GO related events at cities across the country.

Japanese players won’t be missed either, of course, Yokohama will host the “Pikachu Outbreak” in August – players can probably expect the familiar Pikachu army we’ve all seen gifs and videos of.

And finally, the Solstice Event will run from June 13^th until June 20^th, and players will see far more Fire and Ice-type Pokémon, including familiar favourites such as Charmander, Cyndaquil, Swinub, and their evolutions. Players will also receive extra XP for those skilful throws, and will find Lucky Eggs at 50% off in the shop.

For more on Pokémon GO and everything augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) stay on VRFocus.

June 9, 2017

VR Experience “The Field Trip To Mars” Wins AICP’s Best In Show

Field Trip To Mars, a VR Experience by Lockheed Martin, has won The AICP Next Awards’ Best in Show distinction, and the Most Next Award. Lockheed Martin’s experience was produced by Framestore for McCann New York. As the winner of the Most Next honor, Lockheed Martin chose which educational institution receives a $5,000 USD grant from the AICP Foundation. They chose the Washington D.C faction of Girls Inc.

This isn’t the first time Field Trip To Mars has garnered attention – at Cannes 2016 it was the single most awarded campaign.

The Unreal Engine 4 powered demo features a VR schoolbus which literally takes its guests on a field trip of a lifetime through alien worlds.

The unique experience has guests climb aboard the bus, which is fitted with 3D surround sound speakers and special monitors for windows. The bus drives around in real life, but displays a unique alien landscape through the windows. It does this with a mix of GPS and laser sensor technology, making for a truly unique experience.

The windows are no ordinary monitors either – they can become either opaque or transparent, transforming the bus from a Martian mission to something a bit more terrestrial almost instantly.

Claude Dareau, Senior Developer of The Field Trip to Mars, has said; “We get the kids on the bus, the screens go dark, Mars pops up and they go crazy. Just seeing their reaction was incredible.” Dareau continued; “I definitely felt emotional when I saw that.”

For more on new and unique experiences like The Field Trip To Mars, keep an eye on VRFocus.

June 9, 2017

centertec Aim to be First Retail VR Franchise

centertec are launching the world’s first virtual reality (VR) franchise store, opening the door to VR appearing in shopping centres near you very soon. centertec are promising customers will be playing the best VR games and experiences. The company believe that the concept is fresh and viable, stating “centertec was designed to be an incredibly powerful business, one that is ripe for immediate expansion.” The stores are described as “clean, modern, and inviting”, with sufficient space to allow customers to play the biggest, and most immersive VR titles.

The concept is promising – most people don’t have the space available for full room-scale VR games and experiences, that’s if they do have the head-mounted display (HMD) and necessary hardware, though how willing people will be to pay cash for limited play sessions remains to be seen.

Bill Tustin, centertec’s CEO, is enthusiastic about the franchise: “We will provide business support that is out of this world. From site selection and layout, to state-of-the-art tech, training and support, centertec is a virtually perfect way to make your mark.”

Daniel Taylor, centertec’s co-founder adds; “With more than 43 million users worldwide, VR is a dynamic and rapidly evolving market, projected to be worth $30 billion by 2020. A significant driver of this consumer appetite is gaming, where experts agree: the future of the industry lies in VR.”

The company will be exhibiting at the International Franchise Expo in New York City, June 15^th to 17^th, to give franchise owners a taste of the support and business plan they have outlined. To find out more about centertec and opening a franchise, take a look at their site here.

For everything on the business of VR, stay on VRFocus.

June 9, 2017

Disposable Hygiene Cover Launching for HTC Vive

If you’ve ever used a virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD) at an event or expo, then you just might’ve had an unpleasant experience. VR is great, but strapping a heavy plastic display to your head can get heavy – and a bit sweaty. Multiply that sweat by the number of people using the HMD on any given day and, well, that’s a recipe for disaster.

Luckily though, at least one company, VR Cover, is determined to wipe away the sweaty brow of VR enthusiasts everywhere, with new hygienic covers for HTC Vive HMDs.

Hopefully we’ll see these quickly become a mainstay of stands showcasing VR games and experiences at events, but you can buy some yourself too for your HTC Vive at home.

The HTC Vive Disposable Hygiene Covers absorb sweat, are comfortable and can be attached and removed easily thanks a special adhesive.

They are designed with HTC Vive Base Foam, another product offered by VR Cover, which is included in the starter kit, and extra disposable hygiene covers are also available for purchase.

The product page suggests its good if you’re passing your HMD around your friends often – or if any are particularly sweaty, we suppose. Extra hygiene covers can be bought for between $5.00 USD for 10, or $29.00 USD for 100. If you’re interested, take a look at the HTC Vive Disposable Hygiene Covers on the VR Cover website.

For more on peripherals and the best way to keep your HMDs sweat-free, stay on VRFocus.

June 9, 2017

Canadian Film Centre Partners with Bell Media for VR Initiative

The Canadian Film Centre and Bell Media have announced a new initiative hoping to spark new creative ventures in the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) spaces. Named the CFC/Bell Media Vision Project, the project will offer assistance to companies experimenting with VR and AR experiences. The Canadian Film Centre’s CFC Media Lab already works with many companies on a variety of media, and hopes that the CFC/Bell Media Vision Project will expand their horizons into VR and AR.

Randy Lennox, President of Bell Media, understands the potential the new technologies have to impact the mainstream; “VR and AR technology continues to grow, and we recognize its potential to fundamentally change the way Canadians consume screen-based content, like we are doing this summer with THE AMAZING RACE CANADA.”

Lennox continues; “As a proud leader of Canadian content development and delivery, this latest strategic investment positions Bell Media at the forefront of a new and exciting space.”

The CFC/Bell Media Vision Project will work with the CFC’s IDEABOOST project, which helps small businesses get professional mentoring and advice from industry experts. With the CFC’s already established network and history, the Vision Project looks to be a promising way for new companies in Canada to get started in VR and AR.

With The CFC Media Lab, IDEABOOST and now the CFC/Bell Media Vision Project, the future is looking incredibly bright for Canada’s entrepreneurs and start-ups. Take a look at CFC Creates website here for more.

For everything on VR, AR and the industry, stay on VRFocus.

June 9, 2017

Launch Announced Of VRNISH, The ‘World’s First Worldwide VR Directory’

Ever wanted to try virtual reality (VR) and wondered where to go to get your first taste? Well you’re in luck, because VRNISH might be able to point you to a location near you. VRNISH wants to help consumers find places to try VR, and find out where they can find the best local VR experiences.

The new site wants VR to become mass market, and believes that helping consumers try and experience VR for themselves is the best way to achieve that.

Emilie Gobin Mignot, founder of VRLINES has stated; “As VR content creators, and VR lovers, we spend a lot of time ‘evangelizing’; people always ask us ‘where can I try VR?’ There is a missing link between VR locations and consumers, that’s why we have decided to create VRNISH.”

VRNISH will host the addresses of the nearest places you’ll be able to try VR, along with details such as opening times, prices, customer reviews, and what kinds of experiences will be available, with future plans to make online reservations through VRNISH itself.

The kinds of establishments you’ll find on VRNISH include arcades, movie theatres, escape rooms, as well as temporary pop-up locations. Those wishing the advertise their game, experience or VR venture through the site can do so for free, hopefully giving more attention to up-and-coming developers and those experimenting with the technology.

VRNISH is already listing more than 200 places you can go and try VR for yourself, along with more than 300 total experiences, in places such as Los Angeles, Berlin, Barcelona and more. VR content creators and fans alike can take a look at the VRNISH website here.

For more on places to try VR and the latest games and experiences, stay on VRFocus.

June 9, 2017

Double Fine Get Physical With Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin Release

Those of you with a PlayStation VR headset might want to pick it up again – Double Fine just released Psychonauts in The Rhombus of Ruin. The game is available to purchase right now, physically, from GameStop and of course digitally via PlayStation Store. The game is also available on Amazon for pre-order, with them shipping the game on June 13^th2017. Psychonauts: Rhombus of Ruin

Psychonauts is a beloved cult franchise, with fans of the series eager to get back into Raz’s unique world. VRFocus said of the sequel “A great deal of attention has been paid to the strengths and weaknesses of VR in order to make the best of the technology, and Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin’s preview build teases a memorable experience lying ahead. Despite all the action and adrenaline-pumping videogames on the horizon for PlayStation VR, Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin’s more sedate adventure is one of the most promising yet seen for the format.”

Physical copies of the game can be bought from GameStop and Amazon for $29.99 USD, while on the PlayStation Store it can be found for $19.99. As a bonus, the physical editions come with a voucher for the original Psychonauts on PlayStation 4. If you’re interested in The Rhombus of Ruin, take a look at the trailer below.

For more on Psychonauts in The Rhombus of Ruin and PlayStation VR stay on VRFocus.

June 9, 2017

Interactive VR Film ‘Reaping Rewards’ Free on Steam Today

Reaping Rewards, an interactive virtual reality (VR) short film, is launching today on Steam for free, and soon the Oculus Store. Taking the role of a young Grim Reaper, you’re tasked with some tough choices on life and death.

Created by Limitless, who previously released their VR film Gary the Gull for free, the experience will make the player face heavy, emotional choices as their young Grim Reaper faces.

Directed by Matthew Ward, formerly of Bungie and Lucasfilm, with music by Glen Phillips, Reaping Rewards looks to be a fascinating and worthwhile experience – especially at the low price of free.

Tom Sanocki, founder and CEO of Limitless, truly believes in the power of VR to enhance the emotional connection we have with stories told in the medium; “For this showcase experience we wanted to push the boundaries of emotional connection in VR, and [Ward]’s story was a perfect fit.”

Sanocki continued; “Reaping Rewards is so different from anything we’ve seen yet in VR, and it’s been a great example of how our platform creates exceptional gains in efficiency and ease of use.”

Ward’s experience with Limitless seems incredibly positive, as he praises their creative environment; “Every filmmaker is looking for fresh new ways to present their story, and VR has so much potential. It was clear that Limitless wasn’t just focusing their VR platform on engaging character technology – they were looking for compelling stories to be told through those characters, with the audience taking an active participation in the story.”

“The Limitless VR Creative Environment enabled Reaping Rewards to not only engage the audience, but test them. Through VR, this short became an exercise of the morality of humanity and a truly unique VR experience I hadn’t seen ever presented anywhere else.”

Hopefully this is just the start of Limitless VR Creative Environment growing and appearing in more VR experiences.

For more on VR experiences and short films, keep checking back with VRFocus.

June 9, 2017

Lessons in VR Locomotion from Google

Virtual reality (VR) still has some teething problems, especially when it comes to moving around in a 3D space. 1-to-1 room tracking, is a good solution, but also makes it near impossible to simulate a large, virtual world accurately.

Attempting to solve the difficult case of motion and moving – or locomotion – in VR, Google Software Engineer, Rob Jagnow, has shared four things he and his team at Google have learned about locomotion in VR.

Constant Velocity

Having your position or viewpoint rapidly shift in VR independently of your body is a known way to make the experience uncomfortable for almost any user, and Jagnow proposes constant velocity – a continually moving perspective – is a good solution. While acceleration in locomotion will feel unusual to a user who is sitting or standing still, a constant sense of motion is much more comfortable.

Tunneling

Tunneling is common in VR games and experiences already – a technique where, when in motion, the user’s peripheral vision is obscured, cropping the camera to the centre of the screen. Jagnow compares this to watching locomotion on a television.

This is because, while televisions often display rapid motion, they do not interfere with your larger field of view, ensuring your brain knows you are actually stationary, and not in motion.

Teleportation

Teleportation is another common technique in VR games, where the user can teleport to designated spots in the game world. This helps transform a small space into one that convincingly feels much larger, but Jagnow highlights that it can make it difficult for people to “maintain special context” – essentially losing their sense of place in the digital world.

Rotation

Jagnow quickly highlights that simply Rotating a user’s view in VR is tempting to developers, but continuous, animated rotations can induce motion sickness. Instead, he suggests instant rotations of 10-20 degrees that feel comfortable, and do not confuse users.

Jagnow’s full article on the subject goes into much more detail and can be read here. For all the latest on VR technology and techniques, stay on VRFocus.