Author: Bobby Carlton
In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has transformed from a niche technology to a powerful medium for social interaction, fitness, gaming, and education. While VR is often associated with younger tech enthusiasts or industry professionals, a vibrant and growing community of users over 50 has emerged, proving that VR is not just a young person’s game. One Facebook group, “Virtual Reality Users Over 50,” with over 7,000 members globally, has become a central hub for these mature VR enthusiasts. Through daily posts, members share experiences, organize virtual events, and inspire each other to explore new worlds. XR Update recently interviewed…
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the U.S. political landscape is experiencing a digital transformation, with technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and virtual production reshaping both election coverage and voter engagement. Following the United Kingdom’s recent use of mixed reality in its general election broadcasts, these innovations promise to bring new levels of immersion and interactivity to American elections, drawing in viewers and voters in unprecedented ways. Enhancing Election Coverage For broadcasters, AR and virtual production offer powerful tools for visualizing complex electoral data in real time, providing audiences with a heightened sense of immediacy as results…
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been a cornerstone for individuals seeking recovery from alcohol addiction since its founding in 1935. With millions of members worldwide, AA meetings provide a structured environment for people to share their experiences, struggles, and progress. The core principles of AA, such as anonymity, support, and accountability, help foster a safe space for those in recovery. Over the decades, AA has adapted to changing times, from phone meetings to Zoom, but a new frontier is emerging: virtual reality (VR) meetings. These days, thanks to VR technology, people have redefined how we interact through the use of headsets…
The traditional confines of a 9-to-5 office job are being redefined by a new generation of workers who are turning to various technologies, such as VR (virtual reality) headsets, collaborative online tools, and apps, to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. This shift is particularly pronounced among creatives who, fueled by wanderlust and the desire for fresh perspectives, are discovering that their work can thrive in any corner of the globe—whether it be a coffee shop, coworking space, train, or anywhere you can connect to the internet. The once rigid boundaries between work and travel have dissolved, and for young professionals, the…
The work of XR Women is not just about highlighting achievements but about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where women can lead, innovate, and inspire. This year’s AWE (Augmented World Expo) was a huge milestone for the organization that is focused on how the world will consume information on training, marketing, entertainment, social, and more through an augmented digital lens. Not only was it AWE’s first time hosting the conference in Long Beach, CA, but it was also the organization’s 15th anniversary! To embrace the past 15 years of immersive technology, AWE had an amazing schedule of speakers, sessions,…
“We don’t believe in podcasts anymore. Everyone has one. It’s time to shake things up again and set new standards!” Back in 2020, during the height of the global pandemic, I was seeing tweets and Facebook posts about a comedy club that existed in the social VR platform Altspace. At the time, I was a regular in that space, bouncing around the different rooms with my goofy purple avatar and big bushy mustache and glasses. A look that I proudly called my own and, to this day, one which I wish I could bring into other VR platforms. The club…
The Tribeca Festival’s immersive exhibition will run from June 5-16 and will feature works by some of the world’s most innovative talented digital artists. When the Tribeca Film Festival launched in 2001, it was a response to the 9/11 attacks, putting a spotlight back on NYC’s art and culture scene by embracing the art of storytelling through the eyes of filmmakers. The goal was not to create blockbuster films or appeal to the masses but to instead showcase genuine storytelling from real creators without the constraints of Hollywood ticket sales. The Tribeca Film Festival put art before money and still…
Anthony Vella’s paramotoring adventure turned into an incredibly scary and life-threatening situation when his power glider suddenly collapsed mid-air, causing him to plummet nearly 100 feet—an incident that quickly spread across multiple social media platforms. Yet, amidst the chaos of his life-threatening injuries, there emerged an unexpected savior: the Apple Vision Pro. Vella’s subsequent hospitalization and grueling recovery journey shed light on the transformative power of innovative technology in healthcare. After enduring four major surgeries and being confined to a hospital bed, Vella found solace and strength in the Apple Vision Pro. This remarkable device provided essential accessibility features that…