[From MIT’s Technology Review Editors blog; watch the 2:44 minute video demonstration here]

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Using Google’s Phone to Make Virtual Reality Goggles

Tired of waiting for mass market VR goggles? Here’s an easy way to make your own.

By Kristina Grifantini

Both virtual reality and augmented reality have been gaining attention with the growing popularity of powerful smart phones. And, as the technology inside these devices becomes better and smaller, it seems only a matter of time before someone invents cool-enough looking VR/AR glasses or goggles.

In the meantime however, the folks over at Recombu.com have demonstrated how to make your own goggles using an HTC Magic smart phone, Google Street View, and pair of plastic safety goggles.

By cutting out a tight-fitting cardboard box, attaching it snugly to the goggles on one end and to the smart phone at the other, the user can be immersed in a scene of, say Paris.… read more. “Using Google’s Phone to Make Virtual Reality Goggles”

[From Newlaunches.com; the project is on display at the Digital Contents Expo in Tokyo]

Media Vehicle simulates a cocoon

by gary, posted October 26, 2009 – 9:07 AM

This cool Media Vehicle is capable of nesting you safely into its safe confines that make it look like a cocoon. Once you´re sealed inside it, you can monitor everything that´s happening outside with the help of a large spherical screen. This screen displays grabs from a camera that is located outside it. The four wheels provide stability and fluidity of motion.

The Media Vehicle is described as a `personal virtual reality cocoon´. It was developed at the Iwata- Yano Laboratory at Tsukuba University.… read more. “Media vehicle simulates cocoon”

[From Reuters]

America beats Guadalajara in first game shown in 3D

Mon Oct 26, 2009 12:15pm EDT

CO CITY (Reuters) – Excited Mexicans clutching buckets of popcorn and soft drinks in cinemas ducked whenever the ball was kicked toward them as they watched Sunday’s big game between America and Guadalajara in 3D.

At the packed Azteca, thousands more had a more traditional view of the match between the country’s two most popular teams which finished with a 1-0 victory to America after an early goal by Colombian Aquivaldo Mosquera.

“It was incredible,” said 25-year-old Claudia Fernandez. “I’d already seen films in this format, but watch a football match, never, and I don’t regret it because it’s much more exciting.”

The big-screen view was more electrifying than the stadium for some fans in Guadalajara and Monterrey, who were able to see the match in cinemas in 3D, a world first according to broadcasters Televisa, who plan a repeat for the Apertura championship final.… read more. “America beats Guadalajara in first game shown in 3D”

[From The Chronicle of Higher Education; a 1 minute video is available in the web version of this story]

October 18, 2009

Videoconferencing proves useful on campusesBy Jeffrey R. Young

The days of face-to-face faculty meetings might soon come to an end. Colleges with several campuses are embracing videoconferencing systems for a range of faculty and staff meetings, to save money and fuel by reducing trips. And more academic meetings now offer the option of attending virtually, using video streams.

Anyone who has tried a videoconference or watched a lecture on a screen in an overflow room knows that the experience is not the same as being there-there’s a loss of social cues the camera doesn’t capture, and it can be a little harder to pay attention because of the sense of distance created.… read more. “Beam me to the Faculty Senate”

[I’ve often enjoyed listening to church bells marking the current time and spreading music through a neighborhood but I didn’t realize they probably weren’t ‘real’ chimes – at least according to the company BRG Precision Products; there’s more information at this site); a related item about a ‘simulated’ grand piano follows below. –Matthew Lombard]

BRG Electronic Carillon Church Bells and Chimes.

Did you know that most church bells installed today are digital electronic chime systems? It’s true! Advanced electronic carillon (kare’ uh-lawn) bell systems include digital recordings of real cast bells, chimes and carillons. Even more important, digital electronic bells are more affordable and versatile than cast bells, but still maintain high quality sound.

Probably the most advanced carillon available anywhere is a digital compact disk based bell and chime system that includes nearly 2,000 bells, hymns and tolls. It also includes advanced timing with atomic clock accuracy, powerful scheduling functions, and a radio remote control.… read more. “BRG Electronic Carillon Church Bells and Chimes.”