Microsoft HoloLens is For Work, Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE for Entertainment - http://clapway.com/2015/12/17/microsoft-hololens-is-for-work-oculus-rift-isnt-123/

Microsoft is taking the business world by storm to market the Microsoft HoloLens. Microsoft flagship store in NYC was host to an event that took attendees on a journey. The product showcase was split into three parts: HoloLens for gaming, for storytelling and for creating.

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Windows HoloLens Will Join Hands with Windows 10 For Developers

Google and Microsoft have a similar approach when it comes to their VR headsets. They want to put their device in the hands of developers and see what happens. So far, developers have revealed that even though the Microsoft HoloLens was released 11 months ago, it still needs a lot of work.

 

Microsoft Collaborated with NASA, Volvo, Dassault Aviation and Cleveland Clinic

Despite the many collaboration programs the HoloLens is a part of, there are some things that the device needs to enhance to be able to work with businesses. First of all, according to developer testers, Microsoft needs to tune out the gestures that the device picks up.

The HoloLens also needs work with voice commands and an upgrade to its learned vocabulary. After wearing for more than 40 minutes, some developers felt the headset was too heavy, though better than the first generation of the HoloLens. Hopefully, the headset will be more compact and light before its release to the general public.

The Concept of Microsoft HoloLens Augmented Reality PowerPoint is Compelling

The HoloLens storytelling experience caught a lot of attention. The idea of walking through a product while it is being presented should interest many companies. There’s also a feature in this experience that allows users to see what people view in a presentation. This would make life easy for any sales executive. A heat map would identify where the selling point is, and the sales person can adjust accordingly.

Another super plus for the Microsoft HoloLens is that it doesn’t cause headaches. There is the chance of hurting the eyes. However, the Microsoft HoloLens was manageable for the most sensitive developers. This has been a very common complaint of many headsets, as well as dizziness. Developers didn’t share a significant amount of complaints about this.

What About the Playstation VR, Oculus Rift, and HTC Vive?

Sony PlayStation VR will work to its own advantage. Sony would benefit most from creating a headset that is best for gaming. As for the HTC Vive, which was delayed again this year, it will also revolve around gaming and entertainment functionalities. The Oculus Rift might be a surprising take, though. Facebook has revealed intentions to make the Oculus Rift as something that will make you present anywhere. Be it at a business meeting or at a meeting with friends, the Oculus Rift will cover more bases.

Mark Zuckerberg has a lot of ambition when it comes to virtual reality. He may bring the strongest competitor to the Google Glass and Microsoft HoloLens. Facebook’s headset is set to release sometime in 2016, like the HTC Vive.

All Work And No Play or Some Work and Some Play

The new headsets will have many different uses. Microsoft is aiming for business because it is what it knows best. Facebook will target the masses and make their headset social. HTC might work best for the smart device world. All of these businesses will be working to hit their target demographic and basic user profile.

It’s too early to compare these devices in terms of quality. 2016 will be filled with a lot of competition. All of these devices will go head to head. It’s going to be an exciting year for technology, and there will be many upgrades to come. We could even expect the next Avatar movie to come in VR!

Read: AuraVisor Brings the First Wire-Free VR Computer

Read: FLYBi Drone Uses VR to Make You Superman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DilzwF90vec

Microsoft HoloLens is For Work, Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE for Entertainment 

SnailVR Headset: An Affordable Version Of Samsung Gear VR? - http://clapway.com/2015/07/21/snailvr-headset-an-affordable-version-of-samsung-gear-vr123/

Virtual reality has been receiving a lot of attention lately, as tech companies look for ways to continuously improve the immersive experience for gamers everywhere. The technology, which tracks your head movements in a 3D world, will certainly revolutionize the way we use and consume media, but it doesn’t always have to create a dent in your pocket. Yes, if you have the cash to blow, Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR are popular choices when it comes to VR headsets. SnailVR, however, is offering users an immersive experience for a fraction of the price.

I recently tried out the SnailVR and was very surprised at how well it performed, given its price. For under $60.00 dollars, the SnailVR supports a 96-degree viewing angle, just like the Gear VR, and is compatible with a wider range of devices. In fact, the SnailVR will work with most phones with a 4.7-inch to 6-inch screen. Users simply have to download the SVR app and slide their phones into the headset to begin using the product.

I attempted to use the headset with a random application I found and later downloaded. Because I was testing the headset with a Samsung Galaxy S2, the application itself was not the best quality. I took that into consideration as I was reviewing the SnailVR because the overall VR experience will depend a lot on what phone you are using. As you can imagine, a phone with a high-definition display will probably look 10 times better than one without.

In any case, the SnailVR somehow managed to bring the game to life and I was genuinely impressed with the visual quality of the headset. As the SnailVR is rather lightweight and mostly made out of plastic, I was initially skeptical, but was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the overall immersive experience. The headset is also very comfortable in general. The frame is surrounded with plush PU leather and a cushion on the elastic band protects the back of your head; it also features an adjustable lens for those who are near-sighted.

In regards to its design, the headset is very aesthetically pleasing, although it does visually look more expensive than it feels. Yet, considering all these factors together, I would still highly recommend this headset. All in all, the SnailVR performs as promised, offering users a really great gaming/visual experience, especially if you aren’t so keen on shelling out hundreds of dollars. This cheaper alternative is definitely something to consider.

SnailVR Headset: An Affordable Version Of Samsung Gear VR?

Virtual Reality Systems Used to Treat PTSD and Other Illnesses - http://clapway.com/2015/06/11/virtual-reality-systems-used-to-treat-ptsd-and-other-illnesses-876/

In order to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder in soldiers, an engineering student from the University of Pittsburgh has used an Oculus virtual reality headset to simulate environments. The researcher, Jennifer Patterson, hopes that therapists and doctors will learn more about how virtual reality can help people recover from PTSD.

 

How can virtual reality systems be used to treat PTSD?

 

Patterson’s research involves using software that creates virtual environments. For example, if a soldier is afraid of certain settings like a road in the desert or a city with Middle Eastern architecture, the headset can simulate those places. Hopefully, after some virtual time in synthetic environments, the soldier will stop avoiding similar ones in real life.

 

What other medical uses have been found for virtual reality headsets?

 

This is not the first use of virtual reality in medical treatment. In the past, researchers have used the Oculus headset in treatments and studies ranging from the treatment of glaucoma to easing pain in burn victims. One of the main advantages to the Oculus system is its affordability. Unlike medical headsets and simulators ranging from $30,000 to $300,000 in price, the Oculus headset is available for developers from $350 to $400. The medical headsets are still needed in certain studies due to their ability to accurately detect sensitive movements and be mounted on other places than a patient’s head. Yet, the Oculus Rift and other cheaper virtual reality headsets are still quickly taking the place of the more expensive medical units.

 

What does the future hold for virtual reality headsets?

 

Facebook has purchased Oculus for $2 billion last year in anticipation of the rise of virtual reality. Mark Zuckerberg thinks virtual reality is the next major computing platform, and he’s taking steps to ensure that. His company plans to make the headsets available in 2016, but developers have had access to prototypes since 2013 in order to stimulate app creation. In fact over, 100,000 headsets have already been distributed to developers. Other tech companies, such as Sony, Samsung Electronics, Microsoft, Google, and HTC are seeking to get in on the market. Some, like Sony’s system, will be solely for video games. Others, like the Oculus Rift, allow scientists and developers to make their own software. Future studies will pit headsets from different companies against each other and see how well they can aid research and recovery.

 

 

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Virtual Reality Systems Used to Treat PTSD and Other Illnesses