Augmented Reality (AR) And Virtual Reality (VR) Short Takes

#1 - Coming Soon: Firefighter's Masks With Built-In Thermal Imaging (+Video)

Where there's smoke, there's fire. And soon, where there's fire, there's augmented reality.

David Grossman | May 31, 2016

<See original article at: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gear/a21105/firefighters-masks-are-getting-disrupted-with-thermal-imaging/>



Are firefighter's masks about to get disrupted? Thermal imaging may be about to go mainstream in future masks. There have already been masks with these capabilities revealed, and now, straight out of Switzerland (or, more specifically, the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, better known as EPFL) comes the VIZIR, which will allow firefighters to see thermal imaging with an attached camera.

Source: http://phys.org/news/2016-05-augmented-reality-firefighters.html

#2 - Solve a Rubik's Cube with Augmented Reality (+Video)

Puzzle no more.

Kelsey D. Atherton | May 31, 2016

<See original article at: http://www.popsci.com/solve-rubiks-cube-with-augmented-reality>



Physical puzzles don’t come with cheat codes. The Rubik’s cube has vexed amateurs since its invention in 1974. There’s a method to the puzzle, but to solve it, people need a grasp of the cube's mechanics and a good memory of its ever-changing faces. Or at least, they did, until Martin Španěl’s master cubes augmented reality thesis did all the work.

"Augmented Reality Android Rubik Cube Wizard." Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yRuhoLrG7s

#3 - Microsoft Wants VR Headsets to Run Its Windows Holographic OS (+Video)

Tom Warren | June 1, 2016

<See the original article at: http://www.theverge.com/2016/6/1/11827180/microsoft-windows-holographic-vr-headsets>



Microsoft is opening up its Windows Holographic operating system to virtual reality headset makers. At Computex today, Microsoft released a demo video of its vision of "mixed reality" where VR headsets can interact with the company's HoloLens, and more. Microsoft demonstrated a concept of its vision for a mixed world of HoloLens and VR headsets, which included a HTC Vive headset. While HTC is working with Microsoft on VR experiences with Windows 10, it's not clear if the company is planning to shift its software over to Windows Holographic.

"Beyond HoloLens: Microsoft Will Offer Windows Holographic To Other Hardware Makers. The company's ambitions for augmented and virtual reality go way beyond one gizmo—which makes Windows Holographic a lot more Windows-esque." Source: http://www.fastcompany.com/3060405/beyond-hololens-microsoft-will-offer-windows-holographic-to-other-hardware-makers