[The Coronavirus pandemic is leading to innovative uses of technology to increase social connection, including the one described in this story from Mashable (the original version includes other pictures). See stories in The New Yorker and The Guardian for more information about QuarantineChat. –Matthew] QuarantineChat is here to help us survive social distancing By Anna Iovine March 24, 2020 “Are there stoops outside your window?” A stranger in Los Angeles asked me this over the phone as I peered out of my bedroom window in Brooklyn. We connected through QuarantineChat, which facilitates calls for people who are currently self-isolating. Now…

[VR is providing a new way to see what the Coronavirus does to a patient’s lungs, which in addition to helping the medical community could help the public understand the seriousness of the pandemic. See the original version of this story from WJLA in Washington, D.C. for four more images, a 1:47 minute news report and another 0:34 minute video. Surgical Theater has a 1:40 minute video showing the VR rendering on YouTube, which is taken from a 13:02 minute video and podcast available from George Washington University Hospital. –Matthew] A new perspective: Virtual reality shows exactly how COVID-19 can…

[This post in Medium provides an industry veteran’s thoughtful perspective on the requirements for successful telepresence experiences that replace attendance at in-person conferences and in other contexts. See the original version for a different image and follow the links for more information. –Matthew] [Image: Source: Liv Erickson blog] Coronavirus Exposes Our Need For True Telepresence Let’s meet nowhere Avi Bar-Zeev, Design and Technology Leader (fmr. HoloLens, Apple, Google Earth, Second Life, Disney VR) March 2, 2020 I’ve been convinced for 30 years that telepresence is the “killer app” for extended reality (XR). Now more than ever, it seems like it…

[Below are two stories about efforts to use presence-evoking technology to replace the experience of in-person graduation ceremonies (and other aspects of campus life) that have been displaced by the Coronavirus. The first story, about elementary students using Minecraft, is from Parentology; SoraNews24 adds these reactions from “Japanese netizens”: “The kids are all right.” “Parents are doing ‘telework’ and kids are doing ‘telegraduation.’” “I’m so jealous of what awesome things kids have these day.” “Those who say video games are bad, look at this!” “This will probably be an even better memory than a regular graduation for them.” NBC’s Today…

[Here are two stories about how singers are creatively using technology to evoke a sense of being together when they have to be physically separated. More about virtual choirs can be found in stories in Kent Online and CNN and a 2:48 minute radio segment from ABC News in Australia. –Matthew] [Image: The Sofa Singers. Credit: twitter.com/@swissmiss] [From Positive News] Online choir spreads joy and togetherness during coronavirus outbreak When it became impossible to run his real-life choirs as normal this week, vocal leader James Sills launched The Sofa Singers. The virtual group invites people from all over the world…

[As this story from Wired notes, a device that lets people collect diagnostic data and video conference with a doctor from home is of great value in general and especially in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic. See the original story for two more pictures. I hope you’re all staying safe and healthy in this strange and scary time. –Matthew] Review: TytoCare TytoHome Medical Kit Soon, this easy, in-home diagnostic device will be standard home equipment for every family. Rating:8/10 WIRED: Small and easily storable. Simple to operate. Accurate. Eliminates the need for doctor’s visits. Lets care providers monitor patients…