[This IEEE Spectrum story features an interview with one of the creators of a new social robot designed specifically to evoke medium-as-social-actor presence by being emotionally engaging rather than performing tasks. See the original for 3 more pictures and a 1:46 minute video. –Matthew]

This “Useless” Social Robot Wants to Succeed Where Others Failed

The creators of Kiki believe they can build an emotionally engaging social home robot that is also “completely useless”

By Evan Ackerman
September 19, 2019

The recent high-profile failures of some home social robots (and the companies behind them) have made it even more challenging than it was before to develop robots in that space. And it was challenging enough to begin with: Making a robot that can autonomously interact with random humans in their homes over a long period of time for a price that people can afford is extraordinarily difficult.… read more. “This “useless” social robot wants to succeed where others failed”

[This short story from Tom’s Hardware describes how a potential new Microsoft product could create greater immersion and presence for virtual reality users. Follow the link to the patent application for more information. –Matthew]

Microsoft Patents Virtual Reality Floor Mat

by Nathaniel Mott
October 7, 2019

VR is currently limited to what people can see, hear and interact with using oddly shaped controllers. Variety reported on Friday that Microsoft wants to change that, however, with a VR mat that could better incorporate our feet into virtual experiences. The company mostly focused on safety issues–it can be hard not to bump into things in the real world as you explore a virtual one–but it did mention several features meant to offer greater immersion.

Microsoft said in the patent application that it expects its high-tech floor mat to help define the play space in VR experiences.… read more. “Microsoft patents virtual reality floor mat”

[GQ reports on the origins and expansion of virtual models on Instagram to video blogging influencers soon to be powered by artificial intelligence; among the interesting observations is this:

“’I would argue you can establish the same connection with a VTuber that you would with a ‘normal’ YouTuber,’ says João Lopes, an 18-year-old fan. ‘Even the most authentic influencers craft their personality to be more likeable.’ Indeed, the unblinking artificiality of this new wave of virtual celebrities is, it might be argued, more honest than flesh-and-blood celebrities who take care only to present part of their personality on camera. Brud’s website answers the question ‘Is [CGI model] [Lil] Miquela real?’ thus: ‘As real as Rihanna.’”

–Matthew]

Inside the world’s first modelling agency for virtual celebrities

Virtual celebrities are taking over your feeds but does it matter that they are not real?… read more. “Virtual celebrities: CGI models get agency, expand to new media”

[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 special project coordinator.

By Hannah Chinn / Contributor
October 2, 2019

It’s no secret that Philly has some of the best art museums in the United States: Travelers from all corners of the globe come to visit the Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and more every year.… read more. “Virtual reality is bringing the Barnes’ art to Philly seniors – and vice versa”

[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 home, at a coffee shop, on a plane. And chances are they’re more productive and more engaged than they would be if they were in the office. They may even be planning to stay in their job longer because of their flexible work location.… read more. “How 5G and presence will reinvent “working from home””