[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…

[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…

[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…

[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…