Technologies

1

FIRST CAME VIRTUAL REALITY

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Virtual Reality V/R as ‘an artificial environment which is experienced through sensory stimuli (such as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which one’s actions partially determine what happens in the environment.

The simplest form of virtual reality is a 3-D image that can be explored interactively using a personal computer, usually by manipulating keys or the mouse so that the content of the image moves in some direction or zooms in or out. More normal now are the sophisticated efforts involving approaches such as wrap-around display screens, actual rooms augmented with wearable computers, and now even haptics devices that let you feel the display images.Virtual reality can be divided into:

The simulation of a real environment for training and education.

The development of an imagined environment for a game or interactive story.

Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) allows the creator to specify images and the rules for their display and interaction using textual language statements.

2

THEN REALITY BECAME AUGMENTED

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Augmented Reality as ‘an enhanced version of reality created by the use of technology to overlay digital information on an image of something being viewed through a device such as a smartphone camera.’ The term Augmented Reality was coined by Boeing researcher Thomas Caudell in 1990, to describe how the head-mounted displays that electricians used when assembling complicated wiring harnesses. One of the first commercial applications of AR technology was the yellow “first down” line that began appearing in televised football games sometime in 1998.

Today, Google glass and heads-up displays in car windshields are perhaps the most well-known consumer AR products, but the technology is used in many industries including healthcare, public safety, gas and oil, tourism and marketing. AR apps are written in special 3D programs that allow the developer to tie animation or contextual digital information in the computer program to an augmented reality “marker” in the real world. When a computing device’s AR app or browser plug-in receives digital information from a known marker, it begins to execute the marker’s code and layer the correct image or images.

The most exceptional AR experiences are custom made. Corporate marketers, agencies and event marketers are typically looking for branded AR experiences that will adhere to their brand guidelines while setting them apart from the crowd. This is where custom AR app development comes in. Custom AR apps and experiences, developed by U-ARE, are one-of-a-kind experiences. Pricing for these AR apps is typically based on the custom features defined by the client.

At U-ARE, custom experiences typically start in the neighbourhood of $25 – $30K. U-ARE staffs each custom project with a team of experienced developers, 3D artists, graphic designers and a project manager. Throughout a custom app project, clients work closely with the development team so that the final product reflects the client’s brand and creative vision.

3

NEXT, REALITY WILL BE MIXED

U-ARE is determined to always be on the cutting edge of this fast moving reality sector. With that in mind, we have already started to build the foundation for the next disruptive reality technology as it emerges: Mixed Reality.

The U-are Mixed Reality technology is designed to support direct publication to the Microsoft Hololens and other Mixed Reality glasses. Our custom Mixed Reality solutions already utilise the latest smart glasses technology and are able to place interactive digital objects directly into your environment. Mixed Reality is the next progression of this exciting sector, it will enhance any company’s sales efforts by digitalising showrooms, empower technicians with hands free maintenance information anywhere or increase information retention with state-of-the-art training.

4

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The world is in the foothills of technological revolution. Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds the potential to be as transformative as the ever-evolving global economy. Previously, it was just a distant dream, but today it is everywhere. We carry it in our cars, pockets and in ample web services we use throughout the day. With digitization, most of the organizations are applying AI technologies to reinvent their learning environment. AI comprises of different technologies including intelligent agents, automated cars, chatbots, machine learning and voice recognition. When these embed with e-learning, the workplace efficiency is improved.

Advancements in technology including data analytics and other cloud-based services have enabled AI to flourish across different organizations. In future, the implementation of AI based technologies will change the face of corporate learning, simplify user interface and unleash new levels of organizational growth.

At U-ARE we believe that there is great synergy between AR and AI: Business growth will hinge on the ability of sectors who adopt AI based technologies to deliver e-learning. AI tools enhance workplace productivity by aligning to the customized needs of learners. Collaboration with AR and VR will assist educators in delivering optimized training classes.