Virtual reality News

Worldwide sales of augmented and virtual reality products are expected to at least double each year until 2021. Analysts predict the market will be worth over $215 billion within four years as the sector moves past consumers to business transformation.

Google VR headset removal tech gets facial expressions support

Google has detailed an experimental method of bringing facial expressions into virtual reality. It creates a more social experience by letting spectators see the facial expressions and gestures of people wearing a virtual reality headset.

Increasing use of virtual reality in education

Education is undergoing a digital transformation and one area being utilized to boost scholastic achievements is the application of virtual reality.

HP's new $3,299 backpack computer could be the future of working

HP has announced a new virtual reality backpack that's aimed at commercial customers. The company believes businesses could benefit from the portability and power offered by VR backpacks, giving them performance for on-the-job training.

Virtual reality therapy continues to show success

Virtual reality is continuing to show success as a therapeutic method, something which is attracting health organizations and digital health start-ups. It can also be used to address gaming addition.

Human-centric design advanced through virtual reality

Many medical devices are not perfect for people to use, emphasizing the complexity of designing devices on a desktop. The use of virtual reality offers a more ergonomically appropriate solution for med tech firms.

Gym managers can make use of virtual reality

A great deal of digital health innovation has been aimed directly at the consumer, but what about the companies that operate fitness centers and gyms? Here technologies like virtual reality can make a difference.

Facebook reportedly planning a much cheaper VR headset for 2018

Facebook-owned Oculus VR plans to release a much cheaper virtual-reality headset priced at roughly $200 in 2018, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

Facebook adds livestreaming to its Spaces virtual reality app

Facebook has announced it's rolling out livestreaming video support to its Spaces VR app. The app lets you meet with friends in a virtual space, opening the door to collaborative VR. You can now share live video from VR to your Facebook friends.

‘Digital prophet’ predicts the internet of emotions (not things) Special

By Les Horvitz

Brooklyn - Forget the Internet of Things, the idea that soon everyday objects will be connected to the Internet. ‘Digital prophet’ David Shing believes that the future belongs to the Internet of Emotions.

Dentists are turning to virtual reality to help patients

Portsmouth - Dentists have been exploring the effectiveness of virtual reality for helping distract patients and to ease the feelings of pain when procedures are undertaken. Significant benefits have been reported.

Apple's macOS 'High Sierra' update focuses on the future

Apple has officially announced macOS High Sierra, the next version of its desktop operating system that'll be available on Mac PCs later this year. The company has refined existing apps and introduced new forward-looking technologies.

PlayStation VR passes the one million sales mark

Sony's PlayStation VR console virtual reality headset has now sold over one million units worldwide, the company has revealed. It puts the system ahead of competing products including desktop-based solutions like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

How virtual reality is helping medicine

Virtual reality is beginning to make progress in the field of medicine. Two recent examples are helping visually impaired users navigate and with easing phantom limb pain.

Google unveils standalone VR headsets – no smartphone needed

Google has announced a new range of "standalone" virtual reality headsets that operate independently of a smartphone. The company said the devices will help to create a new category of VR experience with a simplified setup procedure.

Elon Musk's $1 billion AI startup trains robots in VR

OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research company set up by Elon Musk, has come up with a new method for teaching robots — giving them a demo in virtual reality.

FaceDisplay VR headset adds a social touch to virtual worlds

A team of researchers at the Ulm University in Germany have created a virtual reality headset that could remove one of the biggest issues with rival VR systems. FaceDisplay includes exterior displays so spectators can get involved with the virtual world.

Palmer Luckey was restrained at Facebook: 'I could not cosplay'

In his first interview since leaving Facebook in late March, Oculus cofounder Palmer Luckey said he felt restrained while working for the social network, which acquired his virtual reality startup for $3 billion in 2014.

Facebook looks to augmented reality as its future focus

Facebook has announced a new focus on augmented reality, unveiling a set of features for developers and users that will enable you to communicate online in VR and AR. It includes an app for hanging out in a virtual environment and new camera effects.

Google unveils the all-new Google Earth

Google has launched a brand-new version of Google Earth, its rapidly aging mapping software designed to let you explore the planet. After a lengthy development period, today's rethinking brings new features to help you discover the world around you.

Google to launch all-new Google Earth next week

Google has unexpectedly announced it's building a "brand new" version of Google Earth that will give users "new experiences." After neglecting Earth for several years, Google seems to be substantially reviving it, possibly by emphasising virtual reality.

Amazon is looking into virtual and augmented reality store spaces

By Jack Derricourt

Amazon is looking to use cutting edge AR and VR technology to revitalize the physical retail environment. With all sorts of physical store space projects on the go, the ecommerce company thinks virtual and augmented reality could help out in a big way.

Facebook to unveil 'mind-reading device' next month

Facebook is reportedly working on a "mind-reading device" as one of a number of experimental hardware projects ongoing in secrecy at the social network. The company could be planning to unveil a prototype next month, creating a new form of social media.

Seeing preserved mummies clearer thanks to virtual imaging

London - Advanced imaging has interfaced with antiquities thanks to a new initiative from the British Museum in London. This makes use of imaging software designed to enhance the visitor experience.

Here's a first look into how well virtual reality is selling

For all of the hype surrounding virtual reality, we still don't know if the technology is a breakout hit or fading fad.

Google's headset removal tech lets you see faces in mixed reality

Google has developed a system that lets you see the faces of people participating in mixed reality environments. The headsets used in current mixed reality setups completely mask the face of the wearer, hiding the visual cues which indicate emotion.

Essential Science: Virtual reality game detects schizophrenia

Exeter - A low-cost, but effective, means of detecting schizophrenia has been developed by means of a virtual reality "game." The computer program requires users to replicate the movement of a computer avatar.

Valve boss Gabe Newell 'comfortable' with idea VR could fade away

Gabe Newell, boss of gaming company Valve, has opened up about his views on VR in a rare press interview. He said Valve remains "optimistic" about VR's future but is also "comfortable" with the possibility of the technology failing to gain mass appeal.

Oculus VR pop-ups closing in Best Buys due to lack of interest