[News of the latest enhancements to the Boston Dynamics robot dog Spot seems perfectly timed for Halloween: As this story from The Verge notes, the 8:27 minute demonstration video (in the original story and on YouTube) is “somewhat unsettling.” That seems like an understatement, but in any case the addition of AI and a rich human voice to a robot dog raises questions about the roles of rich social cues in evoking medium-as-social-actor presence. –Matthew]

Boston Dynamics turned its robot dog into a talking tour guide with ChatGPT

The company used ChatGPT to train its four-legged bot to answer questions and generate responses about its facilities.

By Emma Roth, a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO
October 26, 2023

We saw Spot run, jump, and even dance… but now we can see Spot talk.… read more. “Boston Dynamics turned its robot dog into a talking tour guide with ChatGPT”

[It’s apparently too late (and too expensive), but Madame Tussauds is offering a unique presence experience for Halloween, as described in this story from DesignTAXI; see the original for more images, and the Madame Tussauds press release for more information. For much more on presence-evoking Halloween experiences this year, and a new Las Vegas attraction that will be open all year, see a recent story in Blooloop. –Matthew]

Madame Tussauds Opens ‘Subway Station’ Where You Sleep With Nightmarish Figures

By Mikelle Leo
October 17, 2023

It’s time to go to bed with one eye open, and maybe keep a bulb of garlic under your pillow. Madame Tussauds New York and InterContinental New York Times Square have conjured up a chilling overnight stay right at the doorstep of Warner Bros Icons of Horror, where demonic wax figures will watch you sleep.… read more. “Halloween presence: Madame Tussauds’ ‘Subway Station’ where you sleep with nightmarish figures”

[This CNN story describes the rapid evolution of virtual K-pop stars. Among other interesting details (e.g., the ironic title of the virtual band Eternity’s first track, “I’m Real”), note the description of parasocial relationships in the last section about the “future of K-pop.” See the original story for three more pictures and a 3:21 minute video news report.  –Matthew]

[Image: Members of the AI-generated K-pop group Eternity.]

‘The only thing we can’t do is sign autographs’: The rise of virtual K-pop bands

By Jake Kwon and Ivan Watson, CNN
October 4, 2023

In the music video for their latest single “DTDTGMGN,” members of South Korean band Eternity dance in perfect time to a bubblegum pop beat in a neon pink room decorated with school uniforms and celebrity posters. The dizzying camera movements and quick-paced scene changes are typical of the K-pop genre that has become a global phenomenon in recent years.… read more. “‘The only thing we can’t do is sign autographs’: The rise of virtual K-pop bands”

[NPR’s WUWM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin reports on a new simulation tool designed to help anyone learn to identify and treat a potential concussion. Visit the original version of this story to listen to a 12:11 minute interview with Dr. Cindy Fenske of the Center for Simulation and Innovation at Concordia University and to watch a one-minute video (also available on YouTube). –Matthew]

[Image: Credit: Center For Simulation & Innovation / Concordia University]

Field Assessment Simulator uses virtual & augmented reality to help identify, treat concussions

By Audrey Nowakowski and Robert Larry
October 24, 2023

No matter how you interact with athletes — be it a coach, parent, spectator, or trainer — being able to identify and treat a potential concussion is an important skill to have.

The Center for Simulation and Innovation out of Concordia University aims to change both the learning and training landscape through the use of a new technology.… read more. “Field Assessment Simulator uses VR and AR to help identify, treat concussions”

[A new decision by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to expand the opportunities for a wide variety of presence experiences, as reported in this story from CNBC. The press release is on the FCC website. –Matthew]

[Image: Man wearing Meta Quest 3 VR headset. Credit: Todd Haselton / CNBC]

Meta, Apple and Google cheer FCC ruling that could pave the way for new AR and VR applications

By Lauren Feiner
October 19, 2023

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday agreed to open a band of spectrum for some devices in a move that could help pave the way for new applications of augmented and virtual reality wearables.

The agency unanimously voted to open the 6 GHz band to what it calls “a new class of very low power devices,” such as wearable technology.

The FCC expects it will “spur an eco-system of cutting-edge applications, including wearable technologies and augmented and virtual reality, that will help businesses, enhance learning opportunities, advance healthcare opportunities, and bring new entertainment experiences,” according to a press release.… read more. “Expanding presence: FCC ruling could pave the way for new AR and VR applications”