[From AFP via France 24; for more information see the museum’s Facebook page here]

Pamplona museum offers virtual bull runs

(AFP) – July 14, 2011

PAMPLONA, Spain — Revellers at Spain’s San Fermin festival lacking the nerve to run through the streets chased by a herd of thunderous bulls can now opt for a virtual bull-run.

Visitors to Pamplona’s Museo del Encierro run on a treadmill while wearing virtual reality goggles that let them see computer-generated images of what it is like to race ahead of pounding hooves.

“This is the only simulator in the world of a San Fermin bull run,” said one of the founders of the museum, Paula Diaz.

“There are many people who want to take part in a run but out of fear or other reasons they don’t do it. We wanted to give them the opportunity to experience what it is like.”… read more. “Pamplona museum offers virtual bull runs”

[From The Australian]

Thrills, spills and smells of 4-D films promise a white-knuckle ride

John Harlow
From: The Australian
July 11, 2011

Just as audiences go sour on 3-D movies, fed up with high ticket prices, murky images and uncomfortable glasses, Hollywood blockbusters are being converted into 4-D.

The fourth dimension is often said to be time, which drags during a poor 3-D movie. But in South Korea 4-D refers to a new chain of cinemas that synchronise blockbuster movies with the physical effects usually found in theme park rides.

A Korean company called CJ 4D Plex has built cinemas where the seats rock and viewers are assailed by wind and fog, strobe lights and scents to accompany 3-D images on the screen.

The company has opened its first office in Los Angeles and plans to build America’s first 4-D multiplex in New York to show Hollywood movies.… read more. “Thrills, spills and smells of 4-D films promise a white-knuckle ride”

[From Mediaite]

Production Company Caught Faking Fourth of July Firework Footage In Boston For CBS Special

by Jon Bershad | July 8th, 2011

This holiday weekend, anyone who was watching CBS in Boston got to see some amazing shots of fireworks. In fact, the footage was way more impressive than those on other networks as it featured incredible glimpses of the fireworks going off right behind such landmarks as Fenway stadium and the state house. However, some eagle-eyed, geography-knowledgable viewers began to notice something was amiss. The fireworks were shot off from a barge and for CBS to have gotten some of the shots it got, the barge would had to have planted its anchor right in the middle of the street.

The producer of the show has since admitted faking the footage. Not only has he admitted it, he’s standing by the choice.… read more. “Boston TV coverage of July 4th fireworks presents altered reality”

[From Chain Store Age; more information follows below]

‘Virtual Assistant’ technology makes retail debut at Duane Reade

July 5, 2011 | By Marianne Wilson

New York City — Next-generation digital signage that uses the latest in holographic imaging and audio-visual technology to create the illusion of a real person is making its U.S. debut at Duane Reade’s new flagship in downtown Manhattan.

The technology, the Tensator Virtual Assistant, is provided by Lawrence, a Tensator Group Co. Completely customized for Duane Reade, it takes the form of a female greeter who welcomes entering customers and provides information on everything store-related. Currently, the greeter has seven different scripts, each of which speaks to a different store element.

“All seven run on a continuous loop,” explained Keith Carpentier, senior business development manager-retail, Lawrence, a Tenstaor Group Company, Bay Shore, N.Y.

Carpentier added that an updated, version of the Virtual Assistant is in the works, with more interactive and dynamic capabilities.… read more. “‘Virtual Assistant’ technology makes retail debut at Duane Reade”

[From DigInfo TV, where the story features a 4:21 minute video and a collection of images]

Ultra Realistic Dental Training Robot – Showa Hanako 2

30 June 2011

Showa University has announced Showa Hanako 2, a robot dental patient fabricated by robot maker Tmsuk. Compared with its predecessor Showa Hanako 1, this robot is designed to be more realistic, functional, and easier to use. Showa Hanako 2 will actually be sold by the dental supply company The Yoshida Dental Manufacturing.

The main features of the new robot are a silicone skin and mouth lining by Orient Industry, a maker of love dolls. The tongue and arms each have two degrees of freedom, and the robot overall has ten, enabling it to make natural movements, like shaking its head and choking.

“We’ve been in contact with Orient Industry for over a decade, since before we produced Hanako 1.… read more. “Ultra realistic dental training robot – Showa Hanako 2”