Microsoft launches HoloLens 2 at MWC 2019

Source: Microsoft website. Lady wearing the HoloLens 2.

At Mobile World Congress (MWC), Microsoft announced the HoloLens 2 intelligent edge device in addition to making several other launches.

HoloLens 2 is more immersive and comfortable than the previous model, and is built to accelerate time-to-value.

The new visual display system still runs on low power while doubling the field of view; there is a more balanced centre of gravity, with light carbon-fibre material incorporated. A new dial-in fit system makes it comfortable to wear for hours, and those who wear glasses can keep them on because the HoloLens 2 will slide over them. Thermal management has also been improved.

Dynamics 365 Guides is a new mixed-reality app that empowers employees to learn by doing. Guides provides step-by-step instructions that direct employees to the tools and parts they need and how to use them in real work situations. A Guides PC app makes it easy to create interactive content, attach photos and videos, import 3D models and customise training.

"This is a tremendously exciting time for Microsoft, our partners, our customers, the computing industry and indeed the world. The virtually limitless computing power and capability of the cloud combined with increasingly intelligent and perceptive edge devices embedded throughout the physical world create experiences we could only imagine a few short years ago," said Julia White, Corporate VP, Microsoft Azure in a blog post.

Details:

HoloLens 2 will be available this year at a price of US$3,500. Bundles including Dynamics 365 Remote Assist start at US$125/month.

In Asia Pacific, HoloLens 2 will be initially available in Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand. Customers can preorder HoloLens 2 now

Hashtag: #MWC19

Explore Emirates planes in 3D

Source: Emirates. Emirates pioneers VR experience on its

website.

Emirates has introduced 3D seat models on emirates.com, becoming the first airline to introduce web virtual reality (VR) technology on its digital platform.

The 3D seat model is a visualisation engine that displays a 3D 360-degree view of the interior of the Emirates A380 and the Emirates Boeing 777, giving customers a chance to explore their seats, the  cabin and the Emirates onboard product across the Economy, Business and First Class cabins, as well as the onboard lounge and shower spa on the Emirates A380.

Alex Knigge, Emirates’ Senior VP, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand (Digital), said: “As we continually invest to provide our customers with an unmatched travel experience onboard and on the ground, we also work very hard to give our customers a world-class digital experience. We are pleased to be the world’s first airline to introduce this cutting-edge web VR technology, which offers our customers an immersive opportunity to learn more about the fantastic Emirates experience before they step on board. In our usability tests with customers, we found that they particularly appreciated the 3D seat and cabin models when selecting their seats.”

The 3D-generated graphics offer a look and feel that is close to reality, Emirates said. The immersive experience is now available for the three-class Emirates A380 but will soon include renderings of Emirates’ entire fleet including all configurations of the A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

The 3D 360 degree views of the cabins also feature a virtual reality element for a more immersive experience. Users can enjoy hands-free cabin navigation and seat selection by using any VR headset like Google Cardboard. The 3D seat models were created in partnership with Renacen.

Customers accessing emirates.com via their mobile devices or the Emirates app for iOS and Android will also be able to explore their seats before checking in online with the 3D seat map. The tool allows customers to navigate from one seat to another, and even allows would-be customers to book their preferred seats from within the 3D environment.

Emirates will continue to conduct frequent usability studies with customers and frequent flyers in different geographies to identify further opportunities to enhance its digital user experience.

Explore:

Try out the 3D experience

Browse new product videos that show the end-to-end travel experience across all cabins.

AR, VR show promise in APeJ

Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APeJ) spending on augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) is forecast to reach US$11.1 billion in 2018, an increase of more than 100% from US$4.6 billion the previous year, says research firm IDC.

The latest update of IDC's Worldwide Semiannual Augmented and Virtual Reality Spending Guide shows investments on AR/VR products and services have gained "exceptional market momentum" in 2018 and are expected to achieve a five-year CAGR of 68.5% through the forecast period of 2017 to 2022.

“The availability of new standalone VR headsets such as Oculus Go from Facebook and Mirage Solo from Lenovo is expected to drive adoption as well as content spending in 2018 and beyond, as these headsets eradicate the need for pairing with PCs or consoles that used to drive costs higher for AR/VR experiences," said Avinav Trigunait, Associate Research Director at IDC Asia Pacific.

The consumer sector will continue to drive growth for AR/VR products and services, and accounts for 51.3% of overall spending in 2018. The growth will be primarily driven by the availability of new headsets for VR which will lead to VR consumer spending. 

AR spending will be dominated by the purchase of services – the launch of AR software development kit (SDK) platforms from both Google and Apple are also expected to drive spending on application development and games for mobile platforms. AR games in the consumer sector look  promising and are projected to hit a five-year CAGR of 90.9%, whilst VR games will register a growth of 54.7% in five-year CAGR over the forecast period. 

Source: IDC. Top use cases for AR/VR based on 2018 market share.

Enterprise spending, which represents more than 48% of AR/VR spending in 2018, is expected to overtake the consumer sector in the next five years with 58% share by the end of the forecast period. Each of the five commercial sectors is forecast to register solid growth in spending throughout the forecast period, led by the distribution and services, and public sector. Distribution and services, worth US$2 billion, will be the largest amongst the five commercial sectors in 2018, led by the personal and consumer services, retail, and professional services industries. The second-largest sector will be manufacturing and resources (US$1.7 billion) with balanced spending across the process manufacturing, construction, and discrete manufacturing industries.

The VR games use case has the highest share among all the sectors, garnering a 39.4% share of overall spending in 2018. In the distribution and services sector, training and retail showcases will be the two largest AR use cases with a combined spending of more than US$329 million in 2018. Training, industrial maintenance and project management will be the largest use cases in the manufacturing and resource sector. In the public sector, infrastructure maintenance and government training will be the two largest use cases in 2018.

"The use cases for both AR and VR are proliferating in the enterprise segment as companies across sectors are developing new IT and business applications. Many enterprises in the region have already developed solutions utilising AR and VR such as for design and visualisation, corporate training, field maintenance and customer experience, and marketing applications," added Trigunait.

"AR/VR technologies are quickly crossing the chasm with several real-world applications emerging every day in both enterprise and consumer segments. Although, the Asia Pacific excluding China and Japan adoption is slower when compared with the US or even China markets, the growth trajectory is very promising with enterprises which are utilising AR/VR technologies to accelerate their digital transformation strategies. In terms of spending, the education industry is expected to top the charts from 2019 till the end of the forecast period out of the 19 industries covered in this spending guide. Other key industries driving growth for AR/VR include retail, manufacturing and healthcare," said Swati Chaturvedi, Senior Market Analyst, IDC IT Spending Team.

On a geographic basis, China will be the region with the largest AR/VR spending with 91.3% share of the overall spending (US$10.2 billion) in APeJ in 2018 and this trend is likely to rise over the forecast period with a five-year CAGR of 70.5%. While, AR/VR technology in other countries of APeJ are slowly emerging and experimenting around how AR/VR can improve the retail and other industry experiences.

Order the Microsoft HoloLens in Singapore from today

Microsoft announced today that Microsoft HoloLens, the first fully self-contained holographic computer running Windows 10, will be available in Singapore starting 12 April 2018.

With this expansion, HoloLens is now available in 41 countries. “At Microsoft, we are on a mission to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more,” said Veronica Chiu, Windows and Devices Business Group Lead, Microsoft Singapore. 

Source: Microsoft. What mixed reality looks like through the Microsoft HoloLens.

“Mixed reality has the potential to help customers and businesses across the globe and in Singapore do things that, until now, have never been possible. Mixed reality experiences will help businesses and their employees to complete crucial tasks faster, safer, more efficiently, and create new ways to connect to customers and partners.”

Mixed reality, as defined by Microsoft, refers to experiences that blend the physical world with the digital world.

Microsoft first announced HoloLens in January 2015 and shipped to developers and commercial partners in the US and Canada on March 31, 2016. The company continues to invest in technologies that are enabling the broader ecosystem to create for mixed reality worldwide. Over the last year, Microsoft has seen several innovative HoloLens implementations from partners and customers:

Trimble, known for its wide range of positioning technologies, introduced Trimble Connect for HoloLens and a new hard hat solution for HoloLens that improves the utility of mixed reality for practical field applications. Trimble has paid close attention to how to support HoloLens as a high-value tool for firstline workers and are continuing to increase their impact on the market.

Thyssenkrupp, one of the world’s major elevator companies and a global urban mobility firm, has found ways to dramatically decrease operational costs with remote assist and training. With HoloLens, thyssenkrupp has digitalised sales and manufacturing processes of its home mobility solutions by as much as four times. 

In addition, using Microsoft HoloLens, 24,000 elevator service technicians can now visualise and identify problems ahead of a job, and have remote, hands-free access to technical and expert information when onsite, improving the way people and cities move.

JRCS, a major Japanese maritime services company, deployed mixed reality, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) to change how shipping crews are trained, how ships are maintained, and how navigational safety and standards are promoted and enforced. With HoloLens, JCRS will deploy their INFINITY Training system which uses both mixed reality and AI to train both seafarers and land-based supervisors, enabling seafarers throughout the world to participate in equipment and systems courses at any time, wherever they are.

Microsoft New Zealand and local partner Datacom are using the technology of HoloLens to capture and preserve the beautiful tribal stories of one of New Zealand’s largest Iwi (Maori tribe). The Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei community is using Microsoft HoloLens and gamification to preserve and promote beliefs that date back almost a millennium, so that the past can be enjoyed by future generations, through an immersive and interactive medium.

In Singapore, the Infocomm Media Development Authority's (IMDA's) Lab on Wheels programme launched an immersive media themed bus in March to bring immersive media experiences to schools and the community. Immersive media is one of four frontier technologies that Singapore is investing in, according to the IMDA Infocomm Media Industry Transformation Map.

The Lab on Wheels immersive media themed bus aims to showcase and educate students and the community about how immersive media technologies can impact the way they learn, work, live and play. Microsoft and their education partner, Serl.io, are partners in this effort to bring mixed reality experiences to students and the public through Microsoft’s HoloLens.

Details:

Microsoft HoloLens will be available in two configurations - Microsoft HoloLens Developer Edition and Commercial Suite – and is now available to order on the Microsoft Store.

The recommended retail price for the devices are as follows:

Product	Suggested retail price (inclusive of GST)
HoloLens Configurations
Development Edition	S$4,388
Commercial Suite	S$7,288

In Asia, HoloLens is now available in Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore, as well as in Turkey and the UAE. Check out more about HoloLens availability in each market

The future analysed at the GREAT Festival of Innovation in Hong Kong

Over 50 thought leaders and decision makers across industry and sector were at day 2 of the GREAT Festival of Innovation to talk about how we will live in the future. The event, running till 24 March in Hong Kong, involves industry leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, educationalists, futurologists to an audience from the UK, Hong Kong, mainland China, Japan, South Korea and wider region.

With predictions that 70% of the world’s projected populations will live in cities by 2050, the festival discussed implications for the way we experience life, eat, travel and coexist with nature through panel discussions and demonstrations. Highlights included:

Source/credit: GREAT Festival of Innovation. Dame Hall kicked off Day 2 with a keynote speech titled Social And Sustainable: The Future Of Impact Investing.

Internet pioneer and Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton Dame Wendy Hall urging the audience at her keynote to help realise a socially-ambitious future for technology, driven by a diverse workforce with equal gender representation and the input of professionals across industry sector.

“Artificial intelligence (AI) is too important to be left to the experts,” Dame Hall said.

Source/credit: GREAT Festival of
Innovation. A live fashion showcase
displayed the latest wearable technology.

The festival also hosted the unveiling of previously-unseen footage of Dragonfly, a concept by UK transportation designer PriestmanGoode. A 90-second trailer revealed the full extent of the much-talked-of initiative which, combining old and new technology, uses existing waterways and autonomous drones to deliver goods to customers.

The reveal was made by the company’s Chairman, Paul Priestman, during a discussion with Hong Kong’s Professor Frederick Ma Si-Hang, Chairman of MTR Corporation and Alex Cruz, Chairman & CEO of British Airways. Acknowledging the importance of protecting our environment for future generations, the three speakers agreed that a critical issue facing transport in the future is the elimination of congestion in cities, from airport to road.

Priestman said, “We’ve imagined cities in the future being adapted to accommodate drone technology leading to a big step change in city development and does not require the use of the already congested road network. Buildings, for example, could be designed to enable access from different levels, not just by the front door. The banks of rivers, where all cities first emerged, are used again as major transport corridors supporting the delivery of the drone network.”

Delegates also saw the results of a pioneering partnership between McLaren Automotive and UK startup Vector Suite, with a live demonstration of how designers are using virtual reality (VR) to develop its new cars.

Mark Roberts, Head of Design Operations at McLaren Automotive said, “McLaren is the first automotive company to utilise VR from the very beginning of the design process to fast track the way in which we design new models. We’re able to speed up the process and maximise the creativity with greater accuracy and, in turn, help our business ultimately build beautiful cars that meet our customers’ expectations."

Source/credit: GREAT Festival of Innovation. Kerridge (left) watches as Gong presents XAIRCRAFT during a panel on the Future of Food and Farming.

Drones were also a theme for a chat between Richard Deverell, Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, British culinary maestros Tom Kerridge and Tom Aikens and Justin Gong, Co-Founder of XAIRCRAFT Company on the future of food. Gong shared that XAIRCRAFT used AI to create drones that can tell whether plants on farms have been treated with pesticides, so these can be skipped during pest management activities.

Asked about the future of food production, Deverell commented on improving the diversity of plants used as food to cope with the twin pressures of growing population and unpredictable climate change. He said, "We need champions who are going to experiment and help opinion formers and the public understand the incredible things that can be done with food diversity.”

The event is part of the GREAT Britain campaign, which showcases the best of what the nation has to offer to inspire the world and encourage people to visit, do business, invest and study in the UK.

Explore:

Watch the live stream

Hashtag: #GREATInnovation

Your Windows device is going to help you get more creative really soon

Source: Microsoft. The possibilities of Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, sketched on a Microsoft Surface by Michael Mindflyer.

Microsoft has announced that the free Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will start rolling out to Windows 10 users worldwide, starting today. The fourth major update to Windows 10 is all about creativity, and is engineered to bring mixed reality and 3D to Windows users, enhancing gaming, audiovisual content and mixed reality.

Some highlights include:

Windows Ink gets better

With the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, users can now ink directly onto PDFs. Smart Ink also allows users to make squares more easily, or automatically turn doodled boxes into a proper table.

Create in 3D

"3D will offer the next major boost to human productivity, enabling a next generation of computing that moves far beyond the 2D world we’ve been confined to. This is so powerful because 3D is truly representative of the world you live in – improving the way you comprehend, retain, and learn," said Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate VP, Windows and Devices Group, Microsoft in a blog post.

Microsoft Paint users can now migrate to Paint 3D, where they can create and share 3D objects. 3D objects are supported by Microsoft Office - rotate and animate objects within documents and presentations.

Source: Microsoft blog. This is what Windows Mixed Reality can do.

See 3D creations in the real world

With Mixed Reality Viewer, users can view 3D objects in the real world and snap pictures of the virtual 3D objects using the world-facing camera on the PC. This is part of Microsoft's push to introduce the world of Windows Mixed Reality.

For accurate immersion in a virtual world, virtual reality technology often needs to track where a user is looking, for example by mounting cameras around a room. Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are launching the first Windows Mixed Reality headsets, which come bundled with advanced motion controllers. "Windows Mixed Reality headsets are the only headsets that don’t require you to drill holes into your walls and you can take them on the go," said Mehdi.

Acer and HP will offer Windows Mixed Reality Headsets with motion controllers; the Lenovo Explorer headset is ergonomically designed; and the Dell Visor features 1,440 x 1,440 LCD panels for a sharp and smooth 360° panoramic experience. Samsung’s just-launched US$499 mixed reality headset, the Samsung HMD Odyssey, will be available November 6. The Samsung HMD Odyssey has dual AMOLED high-resolution displays, a 110-degree field of view, built-in premium AKG headphones, and integrated six degrees of freedom (DOF) inside-out position tracking.

The headsets will be supported by Windows Mixed Reality PCs and Windows Mixed Reality Ultra PCs. Windows Mixed Reality PCs refer to desktops and laptops with integrated graphics. When plugged into these devices, the new immersive headsets will run at 60 frames per second. 

Windows Mixed Reality Ultra PCs are desktops and laptops with discrete graphics. Discrete graphics is typically more powerful than integrated graphics. When plugged into these devices, the headsets will run at 90 frames per second, which would deliver a smoother experience.

Save disk space

All files in OneDrive can now be accessed On-Demand, whether they have been synched to the PC or not. In essence, the files will appear in the File Explorer window without taking up any storage space on the PC hard disk.

Explore:

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update can be experienced on a wide variety of Windows 10 PCs and on the new Windows Mixed Reality headsets. The headsets begin at US$399. 

A calendar created in partnership with Singapore-based illustrator Michael Mindflyer provides a painless way to adopt a creative mindset over 21 days while getting to know the Fall Creators Update better. Day 1: start a creative checklist in Microsoft OneNote, and start doodling with Windows Ink's SketchPad on day 2. Download a high-resolution version of the calendar (PDF).

Get a state-of-the-art VR gaming fix at Bugis Junction and Bugis+, Singapore

Source: Bugis Junction and Bugis+. Screenshot of the Time Zombies game.

This Halloween, the Bugis Junction and Bugis+ malls in Singapore are daring shoppers to face their fears with a larger-than-life virtual reality (VR) gaming experience. This is the first time that malls in Singapore are hosting a VR experience of this scale.

For the Time Zombies competition shoppers are invited to step into the shoes of detectives travelling through time hot on the heels of Dr Virago, a time-travelling mad scientist, and stop him in his bid to spark off a zombie apocalypse. This competition uses the latest Arctic Fox wireless technology, in which players don a wireless headset that features a high definition screen and gaming headphones for an immersive surround sound experience, without the burden of cables or backpack computers.

Prizes for the top 10 players include:

• First place – S$1,000 in CapitaVouchers, a Samsung S7 edge smartphone and a Logitech speaker 

• Second place – S$800 in CapitaVouchers, a Samsung S7 edge smartphone and a Logitech speaker

• Third place – S$500 in CapitaVouchers, a Samsung S7 edge smartphone and a Logitech speaker

• Fourth to 10th place – S$100 in CapitaVouchers each. 

In addition to the top 10 prizes, daily rewards await shoppers when they participate in the Time Zombies VR Competition. They stand to receive STAR$* when they achieve a minimum game score of 1,000 points, which will be awarded daily after tabulating the day’s game scores. 

Two other non-competitive VR games are also available. Till 15 October, shoppers can challenge their fear of heights with a plank walk set 50 storeys above ground while dodging creepy crawlies flying at them with a game of Walk the Plank. The Arizona Sunshine zombie game, available from 13 to 29 October, will challenge players to scour the Arizona desert for fellow survivors of the zombie apocalypse. 

Interested?

The Time Zombies VR Competition will take place at Bugis+ Atrium, Level 2, from 13 to 29 October. To take part in the Time Zombies VR Competition, shoppers can either present a receipt with a minimum spend of S$20 in a single receipt at either Bugis Junction or Bugis+, or redeem one game play with 100 STAR$ via the CapitaStar app.

Qualifying rounds will take place between 13 to 26 October from 11am to 9pm daily. Thereafter, scores will be tabulated and the top 10 individual players will be selected on 26 October at 9pm. The competition will culminate in a final showdown among the top 10 players on 29 October from 2pm to 6pm.

To take part in the non-competitive games, head to the VR booth at Bugis Junction in front of Hotel Intercontinental with a minimum spend of S$20 in a single receipt at either Bugis Junction or Bugis+.  Alternatively, shoppers can redeem one game play with 100 STAR$ via the CapitaStar app. 

View a Time Zombies game play trailer

*Every 5,000 STAR$ accumulated can be used to redeem S$5 in CapitaVouchers. 

Plantronics launches VR gaming headset

Source: Plantronics.  Plantronics launches the RIG 4VR gaming headset designed for Playstation VR and DualShock 4 wireless controllers.

Sound is a key element of the virtual reality experience.  and Plantronics, a pioneer in audio and
wearable technology, has launched the RIG 4VR gaming headset in Singapore. As the creators of consumer and tournament headsets,Plantronics knows the value immersive audio brings to gaming. RIG 4VR is a complete audio solution developed for PlayStation VR, with interchangeable cables for use with PlayStation VR and DualShock 4 wireless controllers.

"At Plantronics, we've been working with a variety of VR accessories and game developers to create audio solutions that can be worn comfortably while delivering the positional audio queues critical for VR," said Jack Reynolds, Director of Gaming Products with Plantronics.

RIG 4VR features 40mm drivers paired with low-frequency resonators for enhanced bass while maintaining accuracy of sounds. The removable flip-to-mute boom with noise-cancelling mic can be attached when using the headset with a controller, offering immersive stereo audio and exceptionally clear chat.

Part of the Plantronics RIG 500 series, the RIG 4VR is constructed with an ultra-light, super-flexible frame and modular components for comfort. An oval earcup design means it fits comfortably while in use with wearable displays like the PlayStationVR headset. As the earcups allow in some ambient sound, it helps players maintain natural balance during VR sessions. A vented design also makes it possible for in-room conversations during social VR gaming experiences and provides greater heat dissipation so players stay comfortable when marathon gaming.

Additional features include:

Personalisation: The RIG 4VR can be customised with any RIG 500 series accessories available at Plantronics, such as additional headband designs and finishes, interchangeable earcups, and more.

Flexibility: The 3.5mm audio connector included with the RIG 4VR for PlayStation VR also works with other console controllers (including Xbox One), PC/Mac, portable and mobile gaming devices .

Interested?

The RIG 4VR for use with PlayStation VR and DualShock 4 controllers retails at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of S$119. The headset is available at all Plantronics authorised retailers.

posted from Bloggeroid

New Parfums Christian Dior Paris Pavilion at Hamad International Airport

Source: QDF. QDF unveils the Maison de Parfum  pavilion at HIA’s
main passenger terminal.

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has brought the south of France to Hamad International Airport (HIA) with the new Maison de Parfum Pavilion by Dior, featuring the private perfume collection.

Passengers departing, arriving or transiting through HIA will be transported to the Dior perfume laboratory in Grasse, France, where they will discover the origins of Parfum Christian Dior’s craftsmanship. The brand’s full fragrance catalogue will be on display, with specific focus on male and female fragrance bestsellers, including Sauvage, Dior Homme, Miss Dior and J’adore.

Senior VP, QDF Luis Gasset said: “QDF provides passengers with the latest premium services and a variety of products available across all QDF’s outlets in HIA’s main departure terminal. The exclusive Dior Pavilion will enhance passengers’ experience while shopping, giving them the opportunity to try technology by being transferred to Grasse gardens in France through virtual reality (VR) and enjoying the customisation or the personalisation of their purchases with special engraving and wrapping services.”

This is the third consecutive year that QDF has collaborated with Parfums Christian Dior to create a unique and luxurious experience for passengers travelling through HIA. In 2015, the pavilion featured a 'Bed of Roses' installation displaying six thousand hand-planted flowers; last year it featured a 180-sq m animated Dior Les Parfums installation inspired by the Rose de Mai.

QDF is a leading duty free operator in the Middle East, offering its customers an extensive range of leading international luxury brands including Moncler, Bally, Burberry, Coach, Hermès, Hugo Boss, Rolex, Bulgari, and Harrods.

The LG 360 CAM now supports Spatial Audio

Source: LG. The LG 360 CAM now supports Spatial Audio.

The LG 360 CAM, the world’s first compact 360-degree camera, can now provide Spatial Audio through a software update. According to LG, the LG 360 CAM is the world’s first compact 360-degree camera to support both YouTube Spatial Audio and 360-degree video in a single camera solution.

Equipped with three microphones, the LG 360 CAM is one of very few 360-degree cameras providing a horizontal surround sound experience. With the addition of our software update, the sound experience goes even one step further to immersive 3D for 360-degree and virtual reality (VR) videos. 

With Spatial Audio, the sound changes depending upon which direction the viewer of the video turns, just as if he or she were standing in the centre of the video. The sounds will seem to be coming from real physical objects in the viewer’s surroundings.

Interested?

Watch a 360-degree video taken with Spatial Audio by the LG 360 CAM. Videos can be viewed on YouTube (Immersive Videos with Spatial Audio) and Facebook 360 as well as posted without the need for any special editing tools. For best results, use a good pair of headphones rather than stereo speakers.

LG G5 owners using 360 VR must upgrade to Android 7.0 Nougat to experience 360-degree videos with Spatial Audio. For V20 owners, an upcoming software update will provide Spatial Audio functionality.

Find out how to get the software update for the LG 360 CAM

Keppel Land adds virtual show suites to marketing arsenal

Keppel Land is the first developer in Singapore to create 360-degree immersive virtual reality (VR) show suites leveraging Oculus Rift technology for its Highline Residences property. Two off-plan* virtual suites have joined the three physical suites at the Highline Residences showroom in Singapore.

Developed jointly by Keppel Land and visualisation firm VMW Group, the new VR platform features both the Highline Residences show suites showcasing newly-released units as well as a virtual exploration of key landmarks in the trendy Tiong Bahru neighbourhood where Highline Residences is located.

Visitors can experience 360-degree virtual immersion where cutting edge displays and optics, high refresh rates and a low-persistence display work hand-in-hand to provide a new level of visual fidelity and a wide field of view.

Foo lists the advantages of creating a virtual reality experience.

Albert Foo, GM of Marketing at Keppel Land, noted that going the VR route is more economical than building a new physical show suite, and has the added advantage of being portable, easily edited, and quicker to create.

He said, “In line with our brand philosophy of Thinking Unboxed, Keppel Land is constantly exploring new ways to provide our customers with an enhanced experience. Harnessing Oculus Rift VR technology, we are now able to showcase different configurations and apartment types without having to create the physical show suite, which is a more efficient solution especially in land-scarce cities such as Singapore. This ‘portable’ technology also enables us to reach out to customers overseas more effectively.”

Lee lists the advantage of the Oculus Rift.

According to Foo, building a physical suite would have required permits to be processed and physically constructing the building, a process which would have taken six months or more. The virtual versions took two months to complete.

Lee Hon Kit, MD, VMW, said, “Each VR show suite was created in great detail, aligning strictly to the actual size of the unbuilt units and integrated with the unit plan overlay for orientation and navigation. Users will be able to experience a comprehensive view of everything including the high-end interior finishes and fittings, with future iterations of the technology allowing users to change materials and fittings they would like to explore for their future homes.”
 
"It is not about being the first in the market to do something," Foo added. "The whole purpose of doing show suites is for our customers have the experience of the development, to give them a very good idea of how the apartment will turn out."

While Keppel Land has supported augmented and virtual reality, the company had not felt that the experience would be immersive enough until seeing work made for the Oculus Rift VR headsets about four months ago. "We couldn't tell if (the content) was real or a computer rendered image," he said. "After testing we are convinced that the experience is indeed immersive and that you really can't tell what is real and what is not real any more."

No detail too small.

Foo added that authenticity had been a focus for the project, with four iterations required just to ensure that the toilet paper looked exactly like the real thing.

"In future we expect to have both physical and virtual show suites," he said, noting that requests to change the decor or the layout of a unit can be accommodated more easily virtually.

Highline Residences comprises a total of 500 homes ranging from one- to four-bedroom units, dual key apartments as well as penthouses, spread across three residential towers and four low-rise blocks. Approximately 88% of the 320 launched units have been sold as at end-September 2016.

Keppel Land has two virtual reality walkthrough stations with swivel chairs for ease of exploration. Prospective customers can wear the Oculus Rift headset and navigate with the help of a handheld one-button cursor control. The images delivered to the left and right eyes can be viewed on dual screens. Lee stands behind a volunteer to explain how the walkthroughs work.

Keppel Land is recognised for its portfolio of residential developments and investment-grade commercial properties with Singapore and China as its core markets, as well as Indonesia and Vietnam as its growth markets. The Asian property developer has a pipeline of about 70,000 homes in Singapore and overseas. It is behind prime office space such as the Marina Bay Financial Centre, Ocean Financial Centre and One Raffles Quay.

The showroom also boasts an interactive video board with a three-panel display that allows visitors to explore landmarks, shopping, dining and transport options in the neighbourhood where Highline Residences is located. Landmarks can be tapped on for deep-dives.

The showroom also boasts an interactive video board with a three-panel display that allows visitors to explore landmarks, shopping, dining and transport options in the neighbourhood where Highline Residences is located.

Interested?

The virtual show suites can be experienced at the Highline Residence Sales Gallery at Kim Tian Road (entrance roughly opposite Block 123) from 15 October between 10am to 6pm daily.

A bedroom in one of the physical show suites. There are a lot of textures to digitise.

Hashtags: #HighlineResidences, #ThinkingUnboxed

*Off-plan properties are those which do not yet have a physical representation, and are only available as plans.

Syfy's HALCYON VR murder mystery to be available on the Samsung Gear VR

Source: Syfy. HALCYON investigates a VR murder.

Syfy, the destination for imagine-based entertainment, will premiere its original hybrid virtual reality (VR) series, HALCYON, on 22 September at 10pm. The series is produced by Secret Location, a multi-Emmy and Cannes Lion Award-winning content studio specialising in emerging platforms.

HALCYON is set in 2040 and follows Julie Dover, a detective in the Virtual Reality Crimes Unit, as she investigates the first real-life murder to take place within virtual reality – a crime that shouldn’t even be possible – and the conspiracy she discovers behind it. Directed by BAFTA-nominated Benjamin Arfmann (Random Stop), HALCYON provides cliff-hangers across TV, online and VR platforms that will move viewers to find out what will happen next.

To give viewers the ultimate experience, Syfy Asia has teamed up with Samsung for the series to be available on the Samsung Gear VR. Sporting an ergonomic design and ultra-high resolution display, the Samsung Gear VR allows users to enjoy HALCYON episodes in a truly immersive and cinematic manner. Episodes will alternate between short-form and VR to showcase a next-level entertainment experience that combines the immersive nature of VR with the narrative arc of a linear TV series.

While HALCYON’s story can be understood from its linear episodes alone, watching both linear and VR episodes will allow viewers a more enriched experience. For viewers who only watch the linear episodes, a short recap of the previous VR episode will be played before each linear episode begins, to ensure that they will be able to follow the complete storyline.

Interested?

The 15-episode series consists of 10 x 5-minute linear episodes available to binge-watch on TV (Syfy – StarHub Channel 517), online and on VR (Samsung Gear VR).

TV viewers can catch the first episode of HALCYON on the Syfy channel (StarHub channel 517) on 22 September, Thursday at 10pm

Episodes will be available online anytime from 22 September

In addition to the 10 episodes, viewers will also be able to enjoy five special episodes that will be available exclusively via the HALCYON VR app, which can be downloaded from the Oculus store for US$4.99 from 22 to 25 September and for US$9.99 from 25 September on the Samsung Gear VR.

CyberLink PowerDVD now supports 360 degree video

Source: CyberLink. Couple exploring part of a 360 degree-compatible video.

CyberLink, the consumer multimedia software company, has updated its flagship media playback software PowerDVD with features that enable users to watch 360 degree video.

When playing a 360 video using PowerDVD, users can pan and rotate the perspective to watch content from different angles, immersing themselves into the environment. “Three hundred and sixty-degree video is an ideal medium to introduce people to the immersive world of virtual reality,” said Dr Jau Huang, Chairman and CEO of CyberLink. “However, consumption is just one side of the equation, and CyberLink will be making some very exciting announcements in the coming weeks regarding immersive content creation.”

Interested?

Owners of PowerDVD 16 Ultra can download and install a free update providing 360-degree video support. Subscriptions, perpetual licenses and upgrades are available at the following prices:

• PowerDVD Live: US$44.99 per month for 12 months or US$14.99 per month for three months PowerDVD 16 Ultra: US$99.95
• PowerDVD 16 Pro: US$79.95
• PowerDVD 16 Standard: US$59.95
• Upgrades start from US$44.95.

Etihad releases VR film starring Nicole Kidman

Source: Etihad website. Kidman in the video.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has released a 360^o virtual reality (VR) film starring Academy Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman. This marks the first time that a Hollywood actor has ever starred in a fully immersive virtual reality movie.

The five-minute feature, titled Reimagine, immerses viewers in an experiential journey following Kidman through one of its new Airbus A380s flying between New York and Abu Dhabi. The airline has used cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary mediums in the feature to bring to life its acclaimed guest experience and hospitality story by engaging the consumer in various sensory interactions onboard the virtual flight. Each scene in the film takes on a theme intended to stimulate the senses of light, sound, motion, and conversation.

Kidman, who is also Etihad Airways’ brand ambassador, said: “The film is a culmination of Etihad’s vision to tell the airline’s story in an extremely innovative way and a commitment to engaging with the public as has never been attempted by an airline before. It was a great challenge but one which has definitely paid off and it was great to be part of such an exciting project.”

Throughout the experience, the viewer meets and engages with a number of characters including the actress herself, her film director, an opera singer and even an Emirati guest with a falcon in First Class. The journey also provides personal interactions with the Savoy-trained Butler in The Residence, the airline’s luxurious private three room cabin, the in-flight Chef in First Class, the Food and Beverage Manager in Business Class, and the Flying Nanny, trained by the Norland College in the UK.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “We want to share Etihad’s story in a completely new way, using technology to make our consumers a part of the narrative and to experience an Etihad Airways A380 flight first-hand, from anywhere.

“The film demonstrates how, as an innovative brand, we continue to break down the barriers of convention and lead the way in intelligent communication and best practice not just within the aviation industry, but across the fields of marketing, communication and technology.”

The adventure takes the viewer through the twin-decked aircraft and covers its luxurious interiors including Economy Class, Business Class, and First Class, before concluding with a focus on Kidman enjoying The Residence.

Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Marketing, said: “In December 2014 we completely reimagined the travel experience with the launch of our new A380 fleet, setting a new standard in innovative design, service and technology. This was followed in 2015 by a tremendously successful adverting campaign starring Nicole Kidman.

“This immersive VR film is a massive step-change in the way we present the Etihad Airways brand and product to the consumer using highly innovative new mediums. Based on the success of our recent campaign with Nicole, the decision to take this partnership to the next level was an obvious one.”

The film, which took more than six months to produce, was filmed exclusively in Abu Dhabi. An Etihad Airways A380 was used for three days and fully customised prior to filming; overhead lockers, seats and other sections of the aircraft’s interior were removed to allow for the installation of Red Dragon cameras, which were used to perfectly capture the actress’ movement through the aircraft. Hundreds of individual lights were required to ensure smooth and uninterrupted shots.

Etihad Airways collaborated with the Barbarian Group, a subsidiary of Cheil Worldwide, and the creative digital production company MediaMonks to produce the film. The feature was directed by husband-and-wife directing duo Anthony Atanasio and Valerie Martinez. The film used pioneering filming techniques to ensure a seamless production with no warping or stitches, achieving unrivalled VR results.

Ola Björling, MediaMonks’ Global Director of VR, said: “As the most multidisciplinary medium there is, virtual reality relies more heavily on craft and execution than anything that has gone before it. We believe the display of artistry in every facet of this production is setting a new benchmark for live-action VR.”

Interested?

Watch Reimagine. An updated version in stereoscopic sound will be released on 17 June. To guarantee the full experience, download the Oculus VR app and view the film using a VR headset, such as Oculus Rift or Google Cardboard.

Tags: Etihad, aviation,marketing, VR, virtual, reality, interactive, video, celebrity, A380,Airbus,travel