Samsung, Microsoft, and Hot Wheels unveil new projects centered around VR and AR. An idea of what Monitorless is supposed to look like (Photo via Samsung)
Since virtual reality (VR) is accessible thanks to systems like the HTC Vibe or the Oculus Rift, I sometimes take for granted just how awesome it is. Take a step back for second and think, VR is actually here! And it doesn’t just stop at video games. More companies are finding ways to integrate the technology into cool and unique projects.
Samsung is getting ready to exhibit four new augmented and VR projects from its C-Lab Program. C-Lab or Creative Lab, lets employees take time off to work on innovative ideas. One of the projects is dubbed Relumino, an app for the Gear VR which helps visually impaired people watch TV and read books. What the app does is enhance visuals, move around images to eliminate blind spots, and even fix images that appear distorted for people with metamorphosia. Samsung hopes this will be a less expensive option than current visual aids.
The next project is a pair of glasses that can replace PC and smartphone monitors named Monitorless. The idea behind this project is letting you view content from other devices, like work applications, without the need of sitting in front of a monitor. You have the option of using the glasses in VR mode or the augmented mode which superimposes your app or game onto your environment.
The next project, VuildUs is almost like an Ikea simulator. It’s a furnishing solution equipped with an app and a 360-degree camera. All you have to do is scan your home with the camera to create a VR version of it. From there, you can decorate the virtual home with different digital furniture from the app. This is meant to take the pain out of furniture shopping. Instead of measuring your space or bringing home something that doesn’t fit, the app gives you an idea of what the piece will look like. You can even buy certain pieces from the app itself.
The last project Samsung with show off is traVRer, a 360-degree video platform. This lets you visit tourist spots and famous landmarks in the comfort of your own home. It’s similar to Google Street View and Matterport but in VR.
Not wanting to be left behind in the VR race, Microsoft is working on a new project integrating the tech. The company is looking a patent a more advance and efficient RFID tag system using a Hololens like AR device. The idea is to have it scan your home and keep track of items, like keys, wallets, or anything else you easily lose. The system helps you find it by guiding you to the last place it saw the item. To make sure it doesn’t scan everything in the room, you need to scan certain objects by holding them up to the display. Overtime, the system may learn which items to track on its own by determining their importance. While it is a novel solution to this first world problem, it does make you think is this necessary?
Finally, more toy companies are looking for new ways to integrate VR into their designs, and Hot Wheels is no different. At this year’s Toy Fair, the company unveiled its latest video game, Track Builder. The title may not sound exciting, but since it uses Tango AR, it takes track building to a whole different level. Rather than having the game display on your surroundings, it creates a playroom to explore and build in. You can even walk around taking in all the furniture and decoration in the room. But the focus of the game, of course, is building death-defying tracks. Bright orange ramps, roads, and obstacles are all at your disposal. Once you’re done, take it for a test drive with one of many classic Hot Wheels models. Not only does the game promote kids to use their imagination, but there's also no mess to clean up afterward.
These are some exciting VR projects to look forward to in the future. It’s great that companies are finding ways to use the technology to not only enhance games but to actually aid in everyday life. Though that Microsoft one for helping you find items is a bit much. Still, it’ll be interesting to see what other projects come out of this VR boom.
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