[This local story from Technical.ly Philly describes a new program that uses presence to bring the virtual and in –person experience of art to more members of the community. See the original story for a second photo and the version in Generocity Philly for more images. –Matthew] [Image: Inside the Barnes Foundation. Credit: R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia] Virtual reality is bringing the Barnes’ art to Philly seniors — and vice versa “It’s a way to go into communities, meet them where they are, invite them into the museum, and then encourage them to come back,” said Ana Gamboa, the museum’s…

[They don’t use the term, but the authors of this story from Quartz predict that 5G networks will enable more compelling and effective presence illusions that will transform the workplace in 7 mostly positive ways. A story in Inc. adds 5 more predictions. –Matthew] –Matthew] How 5G will reinvent “working from home” By Omar Abbosh & Paul Nunes September 16, 2019 It’s 10:00 am. Do you know where your employee is? No doubt they are working—somewhere. Thanks to greatly improved internet connectivity and workforce applications, employees in an increasing number of professions can work just about anywhere they want—in their…

[Tom’s Guide has this short report on a new artificial skin technology that could significantly enhance presence experiences in the future. The original story includes a 0:32 minute video, and coverage in Digital Trends adds this: “The artificial skin is stretchable as well as flexible and can be stretched up to four times its original length. That means it should be able to withstand the rigors of daily movements, so it could be developed into a tool for patients who have lost their sense of touch. It could also be used to create highly immersive VR experiences.” –Matthew] [Image: Credit:…

[Although disturbing, this story from Futurism is about an interesting application of presence. –Matthew] Meet the Doctor Who’s Livestreaming Human Autopsies This doctor had an oddball idea: Start broadcasting human autopsies on facebook live. By Dan Robitzski September 25 2019 A bloody online video shows a doctor slicing into a human cadaver’s scalp, peeling back the skin, cutting open the skull with a brutally whining saw, and removing its brain. He holds the brain up for the camera to see, all the while explaining the process to a live online audience. The cadaver’s face was covered by a towel, so…