[A team at the National University of Singapore has developed a virtual reality game that incorporates heat, smell and touch in a novel way likely to evoke more intense and engaging presence experiences. The story below is from NUS News, where it features a different picture and a 1:54 minute video; more information including images and a second video is available at the CUTE Center website. –Matthew] NUS team creates interactive, multisensory VR game 14 October 2019 A team of researchers and developers from the Keio-NUS CUTE (Connective Ubiquitous Technology for Embodiments) Center at NUS has developed a novel mixed…

[A new app created at the University of Southern California augments 2D printed graphics with interactive 3D images to provide users a presence experience that more effectively communicates scientific data. This story from USC News is followed by an excerpt from subsequent coverage in USC’s Annenberg Media. A 1:33 minute demonstration video is available via YouTube and you can download the app (and soon the companion app for creators) here. –Matthew] [Image: Credit: Courtesy of Tyler Ard and Arthur Toga] Augmented reality app adds interactive enhancements to scientific posters, presentations A new smartphone app created by USC scientists uses augmented…

[This story from Aeon describes new research that demonstrates changes in the brain when actors and others play a role. It’s not hard to read this from the conclusion and extend the logic to vivid, presence-evoking, mediated experiences: “By roleplaying or acting out the kind of person we would like to become, or merely by thinking about and spending time with people who embody the kind of attributes we would like to see in ourselves, we can find that our sense of self changes in desirable ways. ‘As each of us chooses who to befriend, who to model, and who…

[With echoes of The Lonesome Gal, here’s a fascinating modern example of parasocial interaction (social-actor-within-medium presence) from The New York Times. See the original story for 3 more pictures and 3 videos, and for more information listen to a 10 minute KCRW interview with the story’s author. –Matthew] What Does Having a Boyfriend Have to Do With Sleep? On YouTube, young men role-play as kindly romantic partners — all in service of a better night’s rest. By Kaitlyn Wylde October 2, 2019 Owen Dennis Riley, 17, has never had a girlfriend. But he plays a boyfriend to at least half…

[A new virtual gun range in Medina, Ohio offers valuable training for law enforcement and the public, as well as entertainment and friendly competition – all without the danger of real firearms. This story from Cleveland.com provides the details. –Matthew] [Image: Credit: Mary Jane Brewer] Engage Virtual Range provides serious gun training or adrenaline rushing entertainment — you choose By Mary Jane Brewer, special to cleveland.com Posted October 24, 2019 MEDINA, Ohio — Engage Virtual Range — a virtual gun range for building skills, accuracy and confidence — opened in August at 5035 Beach Road in Medina. The three simulators…

[The New York Times reports on a new way to experience the Mona Lisa (and other art). See the original version of the story for 6 different pictures as well as coverage in ArtNet and a 4:49 minute video from HTC Vive via YouTube. –Matthew] [Image: Source: RFI] Meeting the ‘Mona Lisa’ for an Intimate (Virtual) Rendezvous Visitors to the Louvre will experience Leonardo da Vinci’s world through a virtual-reality tour that brings them closer to the masterpiece than ever before. By Doreen Carvajal October 15, 2019 PARIS — Mona Lisa’s lingering smile remains the same, but she is getting…