26 Aug How Virtual and Augmented Reality Are Being Used in 2020
As the world around us continues to change and evolve, so does our need for technology and its ability to keep us moving forward. Virtual reality (VR) headsets are in high demand for at-home use and are now more widely being used to give virtual tours of schools, offices, and other establishments that are not currently open to the public. Augmented reality (AR) has assisted people in finding new appliances and furniture without having to leave home. Now more than ever, people are leveraging the functionalities of VR/AR technology and broadening their horizons.
AltspaceVR has been an incredible way to meet people virtually and doing so in a fun and creative way. Whether you’re hosting a company meeting, chatting with friends, or joining one of the events listed on AltspaceVR, you’re provided with a virtual space for a great time with your peers. Plus, the recent update allows you to customize your avatar in unique ways giving you more options to help your avatar look more like yourself.
XR Atlanta, an open group for XR enthusiasts, has hosted several monthly meetups using virtual platforms. They will be hosting an online meetup Wednesday, August 26th, to discuss “The New Normal in XR.” Several industry experts will be discussing the changes in the development and delivery of XR and how it has changed over the past six months. The event is free to attend, and you can register here! If you are curious about XR, this group is a great place to start. You can educate yourself on the technology, terminology, and get to know the XR community.
Photos: Futurus team meeting in AltspaceVR
I’m sure many of us have tried our hand in the various ways AR can be incorporated into our daily lives. We have face filters galore, make-up swatches, try on frames for glasses, and even filters that you can apply on your pet’s face. With many of us working remotely and spending more time at home, the AR capabilities are getting their moment to shine. Several retail stores offer features that allow you to place digital models of furniture, appliances, and other items in your room before purchasing. Need to know what a toaster, table, chair, or crockpot would look like in your room? No problem. But let’s take it just one step further.
There is an app called AR Copy Paste, and it promises to do precisely that. The app uses machine learning technology to scan an item in real-world time while removing the background. 1 Using a compatible computer program such as Photoshop, you can paste the copied image into the program on your computer screen.
Photo: Review Geek
An excellent option for those who are shopping for new specs should look at Warby Parker’s virtual try-on feature. They’ve made it simple and accessible to try on the variety of frames their website offers. Just download the Warby Parker app, select your lenses, and voila! You can see how the glasses look on your face in real-time.
Photo: CNET
Retail provider Shopify has created Size.link, a free tool that allows you to enter the dimensions of a product you would like to view in a space. No app download is required. The online tool is easy to explore if you have a camera on your phone and internet access. One of our developers recently used the platform to help size up the space to purchase a new couch.
Photo: Shopify
With limited interaction these days, things are challenging. But this has not stopped technology to reach new heights and inspire others to do the same. We would love to see what you have been working on, whether it be a filter you have created, artistic outlets using AR/VR or other ways XR technology has been inspiring to you.
