Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality WOW!!!!

Wow it has indeed been a season since I have posted. I DO apologise, really I have no excuse. How could I. :(

This week,(I don't really know which week it is already, so messed up) its all about the FUTURE!!! We've really come a long way since the analog era, because right now, on the cusp of the 21st century, augmented reality(AR) and virtual reality(VR) are becoming REALITY(RR). ok that last one was a joke. I kid. Today, we will be exploring two different kinds of tech: Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, both which have made strides in improving our society and way of life. 

First on the list! For all you car lovers out there: This is one new technology you guys will appreciate.   Jaguar, the huge British car manufacturing brand, has recently come up with a nifty new tech that will forever change the game and the way we drive our cars from now on. Jaguar's Land Rover's new Virtual Windscreen concept wants to provide drivers with an interactive virtual display on the car's windshield, delivering a kind of augmented-reality experience. Here is a video for your viewing consideration. Take a look and you will know why I'm saying this is a total game-changer.

In the video, (IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT) the concept system's features include virtual racing lines that change colour from green to red to indicate a change in direction requiring the driver to apply the brakes. This feature is especially useful for drivers operating in treacherous or poorly-light roads, where the in-car GPS can navigate the driver through these meandering roads. 

Another neat feature of this Virtual Windscreen concept is the ability to place "virtual cones" on the road in real-time. Beginners, pay heed. Perhaps in the near future there will be no need for a grumpy old man scolding you whilst sitting next to you during your driving lessons! In his place could be a classy middle-aged lady whose dulcet tones would guide you along the road, how about that. 

DMV Eat your heart out

If you think that there could be nothing more that could convince you to otherwise scrap your dull-looking Toyota and go balls-out for a Jag, hold on to your (not so expensive) car keys yet. Now of the most exciting and perhaps groundbreaking innovations this new tech has come up with is the introduction of a "ghost mode", something synonymous with many arcade racers. A "ghost" car visualisation will allow users to actually race virtual drivers on a real road, competing against said drivers in lap times that will be recorded and uploaded. So the premise of this would be that you essentially COULD race your friend on the same race course, while your friend stays at home with the missus awaiting your lap time. Make sure you guys do it on a legal track though. No street-racing in Singapore, kids. 

Carl! I'm winning!

Often since the day I first picked up my very first gaming console(It was an Xbox, and I have no regrets) I often wondered when would come the day where I could actually interact with my games. WELL Microsoft recently released Kinect, and with the new Xbox One now in stores, gaming has become much more personal than ever before. I mean have you ever thought of working out to a gaming console? Neither did I!

But that's not the point of this rant. Since the dawn of technology Man has always dreamed up grandiose imageries of using augmented reality to enter worlds beyond our realm. The guys at Oculus  have done just that in the 21st century. Introducing the next step in gaming, the Oculus Rift VR headset. 

The Oculus Rift is a brand new concept virtual reality(VR) headset designed for gaming. It is by far the MOST interactive way to play a video game. With an immensely wide field-of-view, enabling you to use your peripheral sights to play the game, high-resolution display and ultra-low latency head tracking, the Rift provides any gaming enthusiast with a truly immersive experience that allows one to literally 'step inside' your favourite game and explore new worlds like never before.

more on the Rift here: http://www.oculus.com/