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Virtual Reality
In Virtual Reality, we create a virtual world that users can interact with. In this world, the user cannot
easily distinguish between what is real and what is virtual.
In both VR/AR, people must wear HMD (Head Mounted Displays) or
a VR Headset like Oculus Rift or the Google Cardboard. The headset
has two small video display screens one for each eye. This creates the
sense of three-dimension. You can also wear headphones and gloves
to experience VR and AR. The headphones play stereophonic sound
or even 3-D sound so that feel that you are hearing sounds not only Head Mounted Display
near the ears but also in various places all around you. The gloves have sensors to collect data about your
hand movements. This equipment and the software give you interactive sensory feelings similar to real-
world experiences.
We must remember that the journey of VR started in the 90’s with the Nintendo Boy but it really did not
catch on. Now the case seems different as the means of experiencing AR/VR has become less expensive.
Also, there is a lot more on offer and we are all connected all the time at least via our smartphones.
VR Simulator devices represent the behaviour of physical or abstract systems. VR Simulation technology
is used a lot in training. They are used to train bus drivers and pilots. Surgeons can develop their surgical
skills through simulation on digital patients. Architects can create a walk-through model of their projects.
VR therapy is used to treat autistic children and phobias.
INTERNET OF THINGS
Internet of Things (IoT) has become a buzzword nowadays throughout the world. It is a system of
connected computing devices, mechanical and digital machines for creating a virtual network where
a monitoring center ensures that everything is working smoothly. Each connected device has a unique
identifier and can transfer data over the network without any human intervention. The connected devices
gather and share data about their usage and their operative environment. The devices can be your
smartphones, refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, etc. You must have heard about smart cities.
They can be developed with optimized waste management system, traffic system and efficient energy
use by IoT. A lightbulb that can be switched on using a smartphone app, a motion sensor or a smart
thermostat in your office or a connected streetlight are examples of IoT devices.
Neil Gross famously said in 1999—“In the next century, planet earth will don an electronic skin. It will use
the Internet as a scaffold to support and transmit its sensations”
The concept of IoT has unbelievable potential in many businesses and
industries. To check on SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), the Mimo
monitor is a new kind of infant monitor that provides parents with real-time
information about their baby’s respiration, skin temperature, body position
and activity level on their smartphones.
Mimo monitor You can monitor an aging family member by using a wearable alarm button
and other wireless sensors placed around the home. The BeClose system can
track your loved one’s daily routine and give you peace of mind for their safety by alerting you to any
serious disruptions detected in their normal schedule.
Explore More (Tech Update) 137

