Tag Archives: virtual reality

2Pi Optics’ cutting-edge lenses bring the future into focus @ CES 2024

February 1, 2024AI, Auto, CES 2024, IoTaugmented reality, cameras, ces2024, gadgets, lens, sensors, virtual realityPLUGHITZ Live

2Pi Optics sensor lenses Innovative optics technology is a cutting-edge field that aims to revolutionize the way we capture and perceive images. The technology developed by 2Pi Incorporated, an MIT spin-off startup, focuses on creating lenses for sensors, cameras, and consumer electronic devices like AR/VR headsets. The optics technology has been under development for the last decade, with 2Pi Optics working on this specific lens technology for the last three years.

How 2Pi Optics’ lenses work

The company’s focus is on achieving high-resolution and crisp images in sensor arrays used by various manufacturers. 2Pi Optics does this by leveraging wafer-scale semiconductor manufacturing capabilities for high-volume, low-cost, and scalable flat optics production and integration.

The 2Pi Optics lens replaces the conventional stack of lenses with a single, thin piece of glass known as metasurface flat optics to overcome the fundamental limitations of traditional optical systems. This transformative technology preserves and can even improve optical performance, while achieving smaller form factors, lighter weights, better accuracy, and lower costs in the process.

The design prioritizes discrete wavelengths, which means that the lenses are optimized for specific colors or wavelengths. For instance, they can isolate infrared wavelengths, while disregarding other colors, which is particularly useful in AR/VR products where color accuracy may not be critical.

Traditional lenses sometimes sacrifice stability and clarity for specific features or functions. However, the technology developed by 2Pi Incorporated aims to overcome these limitations by providing precise sensor images without compromising either. 2Pi Incorporated has rolled out prototypes and samples, and partnered with sensor module integrators who will integrate their lenses into their sensors and sell them to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Apple, Matter, and Microsoft.

Advantages of single glass lenses

One of the key advantages of this innovative optics lens technology is its cost-effectiveness. By utilizing a single piece of glass and employing low-cost manufacturing techniques typically used for computer chips, the production cost is significantly reduced. Assembly and packaging costs are also minimized, making the technology not only performance-enhancing but also economically viable.

While the lenses are made from thin glass, they are designed to be tough and durable. They provide a wider field of view and are unaffected by variations in temperature. They can be directly bonded onto image sensors, creating a monolithic piece that improves the overall ruggedness of the device. 2Pi Optics lenses can be used in a variety of consumer electronics devices, in industry automation, and automotive technologies.

Conclusion: 2Pi Optics brings improved performance and reduced costs into clear view

In conclusion, the innovative lens technology developed by 2Pi Incorporated is disrupting optics in the best way possible. By replacing conventional stack lenses with a single, thin piece of glass, this technology delivers high performance and reduced size, weight, power and cost, enhancing the overall consumer experience. With partnerships in place and a product launch on the horizon, it is an exciting time for the future of optics lens technology. While currently in prototype phase, a full product launch is expected in 2024.

For more information on the technology, you can email info@2pioptics.com or visit 2Pi Optics’ website for more information.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Canon MREAL makes mixed reality a more natural place @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Metaverse, Virtual Realityaugmented reality, canon, ces2023, gadgets, mixed reality, virtual realityPLUGHITZ Live

Canon MREAL MR hardware Virtual reality has become a big business. Brands from several companies, including Apple and Facebook, have gotten into the virtual reality space in recent years. However, an up-and-coming aspect of the virtual space is augmented and mixed reality – a slightly different take on the concept. Canon, a company known for its cameras and optics, has entered the space with the Canon MREAL Platform.

What is Mixed Reality and how is it different from Virtual Reality?

Mixed Reality (MR), sometimes referred to as ‘Hybrid Reality’, combines elements of both augmented and virtual reality. While virtual reality immerses you in an entirely digital world, mixed reality adds real-world elements like textures, sounds, and light into the mix. This means that with mixed reality, users can interact with digital objects as if they were real, in a more realistic way. For example, a virtual table could be used to virtually hold a physical object, allowing the user to interact with the digital environment in an intuitive and natural way.

MR also has implications for remote collaboration, allowing multiple users from different locations to connect and interact with each other without being physically present in the same space. This technology has been successfully used in training, education, and entertainment settings, allowing users to explore three-dimensional objects with their hands as if they were actually there. Mixed reality also has advantages when it comes to reducing travel costs, time, and energy associated with collaborating across distances.

Using mixed reality is a powerful way to enhance the user experience in any setting. The technology provides an immersive, tactile approach to interacting with digital content, allowing users to explore objects and environments through a combination of physical movements and computer-generated visuals. It is also a great tool for communicating ideas and collaborating on projects, as its ability to bridge physical and virtual spaces makes it ideal for remote meetings, training, and demonstrations. Mixed reality also allows users to visualize complex 3D models in real-time, providing a more efficient way to evaluate designs or make edits on the fly. Finally, it has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with products, machines, and data in industrial settings by providing an intuitive, hands-on approach to understanding complex systems. Mixed reality offers an exciting and powerful way to explore virtual worlds and bridge the gap between physical and digital realms.

Mixed reality is also finding its way into more everyday applications outside of gaming, including education, healthcare, and retail. For example, teachers can use mixed reality to create immersive learning experiences, allowing students to virtually explore difficult concepts such as anatomy or the solar system. In healthcare, mixed reality can help doctors diagnose and treat patients more effectively by providing 3D visualizations of patient data. Finally, retailers are using this technology to create engaging shopping experiences through virtual try-ons and product demos.

Canon MREAL

Canon has placed a strong emphasis on the interaction between the real and virtual worlds. In particular, the focus of the platform is to make the way the physical world touches the virtual world in a natural way. With other hardware platforms, your real hands tend to mix too much with the virtual objects. In particular, they tend to lose their depth and vanish into virtual items or remain on top of them.

Canon has worked hard to ensure that your hands are tracked accurately and that only the parts that should be behind an object are. For example, if you are grabbing the handle of a microwave, your fingers will go behind the handle while your hand will remain in front. Obviously, this focus helps to make the Canon MREAL experience more natural so that new uses can be found for the technology. It makes it more accessible, so more people can find usefulness in the technology.

The Canon MREAL hardware has been available in Japan and the company is looking to bring it to the United States. To learn more about the technology and follow the product’s release plans, check out the product website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Kokomo is the VR communication tool you’ve been waiting for @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Gadgets, Metaverse, Virtual Realitycanon, ces2023, communications, gadgets, virtual reality, VRPLUGHITZ Live

Canon Kokomo VP communication Ever since Facebook changed its corporate name to Meta, the word of the industry has been Metaverse. And, while many people don’t know exactly what that means, every company wants to be part of it. There have been a number of half-hearted attempts, including from Meta and Microsoft, but Canon has a different take on the concept that seems to show a lot of promise.

What is the Metaverse?

The metaverse is an ever-evolving digital universe that blends physical and virtual worlds. It is a place where diverse communities of people, companies, and governments interact with each other in a never seen way. In the metaverse, users are able to collaborate, create and explore new possibilities in a virtual world that feels alive. The boundary between the digital world and the real world continues to blur as technology advances, allowing people to engage with content on an unprecedented level.

By connecting people on an emotional level through interactive experiences, the metaverse helps build strong relationships and bonds that can be carried into our everyday lives. From virtual shops to virtual education centers with AI tutors, the opportunities for growth provided by the metaverse are limitless – providing us with infinite possibilities for exploration and creativity.

How is Kokomo different?

Kokomo, which is a project of Canon (yes, the camera company), is intended to be a communication platform first and foremost. The company decided that, rather than trying to be everything to everyone, they would focus on what people need and want the most – a solid way to communicate with their friends, families, and colleagues even when they are not together.

The company decided that Kokomo should be a video calling and conferencing platform that brings people together in an engaging way. The fully immersive environment allows you to see the people you are talking to in a virtual world, but in a way that looks and feels more real than other platforms.

This is accomplished by not just relying on the hardware of the virtual reality system, but by augmenting it using other equipment. This is where Canon’s camera background really comes into play. Using an external camera, the system is able to track full range of motion and replicate it within the environment.

If you’ve guessed that Kokomo uses full body avatars, then you’d be right. unlike so many of the other platforms, Kokomo shows a full person as the avatar, because motion tracking allows for greater control over a full body. You don’t have to worry about thinking about moving your avatar – you can just talk and enjoy your time with your friends while letting Canon makes the experience more real.

Summary

Kokomo is available soon from the Meta Quest App Lab as a free download in early access. The company intends to keep the platform free for users with in-app premium content available for those who want to expand their experience. To learn more about Kokomo and to get an alert when the platform goes live, you can head to the project’s website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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MetaVRse: Bringing the future of mixed reality to you @ CES 2022

March 3, 2022CES 2022, Mobileces2022, gadgets, metaverse, mobile, virtual office, virtual realityPLUGHITZ Live

MetaVRse Thanks to Meta (formerly Facebook), the term metaverse became the hot new buzzword. But, what is the metaverse and how does it work? For most, it is believed to require special hardware to create an immersive experience. However, that is not always the case. In fact, MetaVRse has a concept that will allow you to join in right from your tablet or computer.

What is MetaVRse?

MetaVRse is the future of mixed reality. It’s a code-optional platform that makes it easy to create and share interactive 3D experiences instantly on the web. With the platform, anyone can be a creator. You don’t need any coding experience – just make your experience in MetaVRse Studio, and it will deploy across multiple operating systems, browsers, and devices. The company is bringing the future of XR to you.

MetaVRse is based on web technology, so it runs in your browser without any special hardware required. You can access the platform from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. MetaVRse uses WebXR – a standard for how browsers should work with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) devices. MetaVRse is also built on the Metaverse SDK, which makes it easy to create & share interactive experiences without any coding experience.

MetaVRse works with any VR, AR, or MR device. It is currently available on the web and mobile devices (iOS and Android) but will be coming to other platforms soon.

What is the Metaverse?

The metaverse is a virtual world that you can explore, interact with, and create. It’s a shared space where people can come together to socialize, play games, and work on projects. Think of it as a cross between the internet and reality – a place where you can be anyone you want to be and do anything you want to do.

While many speak of it as a single experience, there are multiple approaches to the concept. Each one has its own ecosystem, as well as system requirements. Meta’s metaverse runs natively on the company’s Oculus hardware. Microsoft’s metaverse implementation lives mostly within Teams for now but will expand into Xbox and more. MetaVRse brings the concept outside of a locked ecosystem and into the wild, through browser-based interaction.

What Can I Do in MetaVRse?

In MetaVRse, you can socialize with friends, play games, work on projects, and explore the Metaverse. You can also create your own experiences to share with others. It is a great way to connect with people from all over the world and explore new things together.

MetaVRse is also a great place to shop. You can find items that are not available in the real world, or you can buy items from the Metaverse to use in the real world. The ecosystem has a wide variety of shops and products to choose from.

Summary

MetaVRse is changing the way we interact with the world. With its easy-to-use platform and code-optional design, anyone can be a creator. To learn more about the platform and how you can get involved, head to the company’s website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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iStaging is bringing the conference feel into the virtual @ CES 2021

March 4, 2021CES 2021, Gadgetsces2021, gadgets, internet, virtual office, virtual realityPLUGHITZ Live

iStaging virtual conference platform Virtual reality, and its flat-screen equivalent, have seen an increase in popularity in recent years. One of the places that we have seen this technology take a strong position has been in real estate. The ability to virtually explore a new house, apartment, or condo ahead of a visit can help prevent spending time seeing a place that doesn’t fit your needs. iStaging started in that space, but has recognized a new need and is applying its technology to this new market.

The new market in need of virtual space technology is trade shows, like CES itself. Some shows have taken a simplistic approach, where it’s more like browsing a standard website. Some shows, though, have looked to keep the feeling of an in-person event while still being virtual. That is where iStaging’s new offering is really standing out. The app creates virtual meeting venues and experiences by putting control in the hands of the owner.

The system is designed to give full control to the conference owners. There are no hard and fast pre-existing layouts that you are forced to conform to, making it different from in-person events. You can create DaVinci-era open-air amphitheaters for presentations. You can create custom presentation spaces for each exhibitor. You can even create a virtual meet-and-greet area, where people can walk around and meet other attendees. In fact, you could even create a “chill zone” featuring music, artwork, and more.

Obviously, nothing is going to replicate the feeling and energy of a traditional conference in every way. However, with technology like iStaging’s virtual expo venues, we can get as close as possible. If you are planning a virtual event and are looking for a VR-style experience, you can learn more about features, processes, and pricing by heading to the iStaging website.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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BioflightVR makes world-class medical training accessible @ CES 2021

February 18, 2021CES 2021, Gadgets, Healthces2021, gadgets, Health, Medical, virtual reality, VRPLUGHITZ Live

BioflightVR medical training Pauly Suchy is the Business Director at BioflightVR, a health care education company that uses Virtual Reality (VR) to train doctors, nurses and students. He joined us at CES 2021 to talk about the company’s training platform and their vision for the future.

VR training and simulation environments can save money and time, reducing training time for medical professionals by 40% from traditional training methods. When they employ high definition immersive environments like BioflightVR’s , they can also impart a heightened sense of excitement and urgency, just as a real world experience would, providing for more realistic training.

Launched by a grant from Facebook five years ago, BioflightVR’s first project was a pediatric resuscitation program developed in partnership with Oculus, Facebook and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Another program involved the creation of hybrid surgical training procedure with Duke University, utilizing a high definition 360 view of a recorded surgery. Bioflight VRs process is unique both for the gamification aspects of their training programs and the realistic immediacy created through real world recorded scenarios, developed in partnership with medical experts.

BioflightVR works with the medical community in three basic ways: enhancing existing training curriculum and helping develop new training procedures, creating immersive labs across a variety of VR platforms that include Oculus, HTC Vive, Oculus Go, and WebVR among others; and providing full VR and 360° video production services.

The end goal, said Suchy, is a cloud based platform where a user can take an Oculus , download an application and get access to a world class education from doctors around the world , in real time, from their operating rooms. Ultimately, BioflightVR believes the tool can decentralize and democratize access to what can often be unattainable training and resources for remote or underserved facilities and the medical professionals who serve them, bringing better health care to all.

Visit the company’s website to learn more.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Rendever is allowing seniors to get back into the world @ CES 2021

February 3, 2021CES 2021, Entertainmentaging, ces2021, gadgets, virtual reality, VRPLUGHITZ Live

Rendever senior virtual reality Social isolation has been a growing problem in modern life and has grown worse in the past year. It’s a particular problem for the older population, many of whom have had major life changes, moving out of their homes and into various versions of eldercare. While in younger days, they may have been used to going out for a day of fun or traveling the world, in older life, these abilities may have been lost. This is the problem that Rendever is looking to solve.

Rendever merges two surprising things into one – seniors and virtual reality equipment. Now, we have all seen prank videos where kids introduce their grandparents to virtual reality through shocking environments, but this is certainly not that. In fact, the company is using virtual reality equipment to create environments to reduce the social isolation that seniors feel. These seniors can explore the world, whether it be new places that they always wanted to see, or even revisit locations that hold special meaning.

The best part of this technology is the ability to go on these experiences together. Other residents of a facility or family members can come by, wear their own headsets, and virtually travel together. Imagine being able to have another family vacation or a recreation of a honeymoon, all without having to leave your facility or bringing staff with you.

The technology is already being used in some high-profile senior living facilities, through healthcare systems like UCHealth and Cleveland Clinic, and has commercial partnerships with AARP and Verizon. While the system was designed to be used in facilities, the oddity of 2020 has led the company to explore the future possibility of remote group experiences, as well.

To learn more about Rendever and its VR technology, check out the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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360fly Makes Immersive Video Available to Consumers

February 21, 2016CES 2016, Gadgets360fly, augmented reality, camera, ces, CES2016, f5 live, gadgets, tech, virtual realityPLUGHITZ Live

The proliferation of virtual reality and augmented reality devices is great, but there is not nearly enough content available to make it worth considering for most. The reason standard Internet video on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo has become so popular is because there is a lot of content, and it can be created by anyone.

360fly has created a camera that allows people to record fully-immersive video as easily as you currently record standard video. Slightly larger than a GoPro, this camera can record full 360 degrees horizontally and 240 degrees vertically. This means that your skateboarding, snowboarding or other videos can be seen with a VR headset as if you were there.

Adding even more to the platform, the company has announced a partnership that will bring the camera, in a slightly different body, to helmets to prevent the added bump that can get caught. The normal camera is available now exclusively at Best Buy for $399.

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Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology

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Immersis Brings Gaming out of the Screen and Into the Room at CES

February 13, 2015CES 2015, Entertainment, TVs, Video3D, CES, ces 2015, Immersis, virtual realitygeek news

Video games have come a long way since the days of blocky bits bouncing ’round on a cathode ray tube.

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The unrealized potential of gaming has always been to transport players to worlds otherwise unreachable in everyday life. And while game sound and graphics have improved a lot, those improvements are still stuck on a flat, two-dimensional screen. French developers Immersis are working on a new projector system that brings game environments out of that two-dimensional state and into an entire room.

Scott had a rendezvous with Daniel from Immersis. Daniel showed off a miniature mockup of the full-sized Immersis projector and he explained how the Immersis system will consist of the full-sized version of their special HD protector that’ll work with either a console game system or computer to project the gaming environment onto all of the walls surrounding a player, putting that player right in the center of the action.

Immersis is launching the product thru Kickstarter and the company has already reached its goal of raising $100,000 thru the crowdfunding site. Daniel believes that Immersis will be able to bring the projector to market by November of this year and that the retail price will be $2500.00.