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Fusion Signage Introduces New ‘Tagging’ Feature

Fusion Signage Introduces New ‘Tagging’ Feature

Fusion Signage recently announced the launch of their new ‘Tagging’ feature, designed to streamline content delivery to your digital signage network while saving you valuable time.

Simplify Your Content Delivery
The new Tagging System is designed to streamline content delivery across your digital signage network. By assigning tags to each of your screens and setting rules for media items within a playlist, the Fusion Signage Tagging System ensures that the right content plays on the right screen, following the rules you establish.

Why You’ll Love It
Managing multiple screens with different content can be a daunting task. Currently, you might need separate playlists for each screen, which is manageable for a handful but becomes overwhelming with 200 or 2000 screens. With the new Tagging System, you can manage thousands of screens from a single playlist, all based on your customised media rules.

A Use-Case Example
Imagine you have three screens: one in Brisbane, one in Sydney and one in Melbourne. With our the tagging system, you can assign a tag to each screen—QLD for Brisbane, NSW for Sydney and VIC for Melbourne.

Next, you create a single playlist and add three pieces of content, each specific to a location. You then set a tag rule for the Brisbane content by specifying “only play if the screen has the QLD tag.” As a result, this content will only play on the Brisbane screen and not on the others.

You can also combine tags using AND/OR rules and exclude content as needed. For example, you might set a rule like “QLD OR NSW AND PORTRAIT” to ensure content plays on any portrait-oriented screens in QLD or NSW.

Flexible Tagging Options
You have complete control over the tags you add to your screens, with the ability to include any number and type of tags. This flexibility guarantees that your content reaches its intended destination efficiently.

Pro Tip
The rule builder will only reference tags assigned to screens, making content management even more seamless and intuitive.

Key Features of the New Tagging System:
  • Huge Time Saver: Manage your entire digital signage network from a single playlist with tagging. Say goodbye to building and re-building playlists for every screen!
  • Fully Customisable: Create your own rules with the custom tag builder. You can design as many inclusive or exclusive conditions as needed to suit your requirements.
  • Effortlessly Efficient: Consolidate content for different screens into one convenient playlist. General, seasonal or sales playlists no longer need to be separated by location.

Experience the convenience and efficiency of the new Tagging System in Fusion Signage, available now for all Pro Licence holders. Simplify your digital signage management and ensure precise content delivery with this powerful new feature!

Check out the tagging feature in action here!

 

Join James Sismanes at Integrate Expo & AVIXA #TechTalks

Join James Sismanes at Integrate Expo & AVIXA #TechTalks

Part of this post has been sourced from Integrate Expo.

In 2024, the AVIXA and Integrate are combining to offer an exceptional learning experience that should not be missed. This program has a heightened emphasis on sustainability, real-time video analysis, and AI. The program provides essential training, the latest trends and insights in AV, and practical solutions to help bring innovation to life, to fully leverage the power of AV.

Vision One Technologies sales and marketing wizard James will be joining the panel alongside Neat’s Graham Walsh and CommBox’s Sarah Drysdale on Wednesday 21st August in Sydney to discuss ‘AI and the Transformation of AV/IT Solutions Education: Challenges, Directions and Opportunites’. Immerse yourself in the future of AV/IT education as we unravel the impact of AI on the evolving landscape.

Explore the challenges faced in adapting to this transformative technology, discover its exciting directions, and uncover the vast opportunities it presents. Our panelists bring a wealth of experience, insights, and diverse perspectives, promising a rich dialogue that will leave you well-informed and inspired. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to comprehensively understand AI and its role in shaping the future of AV/IT education.

“I’m super-thrilled to announce that I’ll be speaking at this year’s Integrate Expo & AVIXA #TechTalks.

Join us for engaging discourse on how artificial intelligence is set to revolutionise education, enhancing the learning experience and preparing students for a rapidly evolving future. Whether you’re an AV/IT professional, educator, or just curious about how AI is shaping our world (and, no, contrary to popular belief, AI is *not* out to eat you!), you won’t want to miss this.

Swing by, get inspired, and let’s explore the future of education technology together. See you there!”

James Sismanes, Vision One Technologies

Barco Unleashes Premium All-in-One Video Bar

Barco Unleashes Premium All-in-One Video Bar

In the fast-paced world of hybrid work environments, efficient and engaging communication is crucial. Barco ClickShare All-in-One Video Bars stand out as the ultimate all-in-one solution for wireless conferencing in hybrid conference rooms. With an emphasis on simplicity, quality and sustainability, these video bars are designed to elevate your meeting experience to new heights.

Seamless Collaboration in a Single Click

ClickShare Video Bars redefine the way meetings are conducted, eliminating the hassle of cables and complex setups. With just one click, you can open your laptop and effortlessly connect team members in the office with remote participants. Experience sharp views, crystal-clear audio and natural communication, fostering meaningful hybrid collaboration and increasing productivity.

Crystal-Clear Communication and Interactive Capabilities

One of the standout features of ClickShare Video Bars is their commitment to ensuring crystal-clear communication between meeting participants in various locations. The bars create an inclusive meeting environment by displaying people and content side by side, making everyone truly heard and seen, whether onsite or remote. Enhance engagement with interactive features such as touchback, blackboarding or annotation.

Built Around Your Needs

The simplicity of installation sets ClickShare apart, offering a single, easy-to-install device that consolidates all collaboration, audio and video functionalities in your meeting rooms. The video bars seamlessly integrate with all major video conferencing platforms, providing unparalleled flexibility and ease of use. Transform any space into a flexible meeting room with the wireless conferencing capabilities built into the all-in-one video bar.

Effortless Connectivity and User-Friendly Design

Connect wirelessly in just 7 seconds, allowing your meeting to start promptly. The ClickShare Video Bar range boasts a zero learning curve—it’s self-explanatory and intuitive. No training sessions or manuals are required. Smart Meeting Flows guide you through every step of the meeting, from checking room availability to advanced sharing options, making your life easier and more efficient.

Comprehensive Coverage and Sustainability Goals

Barco understands the importance of comprehensive coverage and sustainability. The ClickShare Video Bars are designed for deployment at scale, ensuring easy installation and reduced Total Cost of Ownership. Enjoy free firmware updates, no license costs and a SmartCare service package with 5 years of coverage and no replacement costs upon device registration.

The commitment to sustainability is evident in the carbon-neutral video bar range. By choosing ClickShare, you contribute to your organisation’s sustainability goals. The enterprise-grade product is highly secure, easily integrated into your network and allows remote management and configuration through XMS Cloud, providing extensive user insights.

Guaranteed Compatibility

ClickShare Video Bars seamlessly integrate with a wide range of conferencing room technologies, ensuring guaranteed compatibility with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype and more. Guests can effortlessly share content using the ClickShare Button, adding an extra layer of convenience to your meetings.

Barco ClickShare Video Bars offer a game-changing solution for wireless conferencing in hybrid environments. Elevate your meetings, reduce complexity and contribute to your organisation’s sustainability goals with this state-of-the-art, all-in-one video bar.


 

About Barco

Barco was established by its founder Lucien de Puydt in 1934 in the town of Poperinge, in the Flemish-speaking region of Belgium. Initially focusing on assembling radios using parts imported from the United States, de Puydt named his company the Belgium American Radio Corporation, which later became known simply as “Barco.”

 

INOGENI Unveils Toggle Rooms at ISE 2024: Revolutionising BYOM/BYOD Meetings

INOGENI Unveils Toggle Rooms at ISE 2024: Revolutionising BYOM/BYOD Meetings

Seamless Collaboration with INOGENI’s Innovative Video Conferencing Host Switcher

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional audio-visual solutions, INOGENI introduces a game-changer at ISE 2024 — Toggle Rooms. This advanced video conferencing host switcher is designed to redefine Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) experiences, delivering a pro-AV unified communication system with unparalleled 4Kp60 resolution.

One Cable, Endless Possibilities

Toggle Rooms is engineered to connect three USB 3.0 devices and one HDMI display across two PC hosts, offering a seamless and efficient meeting experience. With the ability to effortlessly switch between a Room PC and a laptop host, users enjoy the flexibility of managing video conferencing without any hassles. One cable is all it takes to own the room and elevate your collaboration game.

BYOM/BYOD Support Redefined

The magic lies in the ability to switch four peripherals (3x USB + 1 display) between two hosts. Whether it’s a push-button or a control pad, Toggle Rooms empowers users to redefine collaboration scenarios with BYOM and BYOD support. The switcher supports three application scenarios, adapting to various meeting requirements:

  1. Room PC Hosts the Meeting: USB and HDMI devices are routed exclusively to the Room PC, providing a seamless meeting experience.
  2. Laptop Sharing & Room PC BYOD: with the HDMI Share output connection, users can send HDMI content from the laptop’s USB-C or HDMI connection to the Room PC.
  3. Laptop Hosts the Meeting: in BYOM mode, the laptop becomes the main hub for USB and HDMI peripherals, completely disconnecting the Room PC.
Versatile Integration for Any Setting

Toggle Rooms seamlessly integrates into Room PC environments, allowing users to connect peripherals and charge their laptops via versatile options, including USB-C or USB-B and HDMI for older laptop models. This flexibility makes it an ideal solution for a range of settings, from huddle rooms to large boardrooms, classrooms and auditoriums, ensuring a unified video conferencing experience.

Compatible with Leading Video Conferencing Systems

Toggle Rooms is compatible with popular video conferencing systems, including Crestron, Logitech, Poly, Lenovo, Maxhub and Jabra. This ensures seamless integration with Room PC setups, enabling users to switch peripherals to guest laptops effortlessly.

Ultimate Versatility with INOGENI’S Toggle Rooms

Unlock the ultimate versatility with Toggle Rooms, which is fully compatible with all USB cameras, video bars and pro-AV audio devices. From Vaddio and Huddly to AVer, Jabra, Logitech and more, Toggle Rooms supports an extensive range of peripherals, enhancing its appeal as a reliable and robust technology solution.

INOGENI’S Toggle Rooms is set to revolutionise video conferencing management, offering a powerful and flexible solution for BYOM and BYOD scenarios. Elevate your meetings with the cutting-edge technology of Inogeni and experience the future of collaborative communication.

 


 

About INOGENI

INOGENI, a Canadian-based leader in advanced video conferencing solutions, caters to corporate, educational, and healthcare markets globally, with products available in over 50 countries through an extensive network of distributors and integrators. Leveraging over 15 years of AV electronic expertise, INOGENI’s engineering team crafts a robust product portfolio and streamlined technology solutions, aiming to create highly stable, seamless, and premium AV conferencing experiences. The company’s commitment to excellence and innovation transforms the way organisations connect and collaborate, positioning INOGENI as a pioneer in the ever-evolving landscape of video conferencing.

2024’s Spectrum of AV: Tune-Up of Commercial and Education Technology

2024’s Spectrum of AV: Tune-Up of Commercial and Education Technology

Welcome to the ever-evolving world of audio visual (AV) technology, where classrooms hum with innovation and shop windows entice with interactive wonder. As 2024 kicks off, Australia’s education and commerce sectors are poised to witness exciting trends that will reshape the way we learn, do business and shop.

Education Ascends: Imagine classrooms where AR dinosaurs roam hallways and the periodic table explodes into an interactive ballet. This year, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are no longer futuristic fantasies, but powerful tools poised to ignite student engagement. Picture personalized AI tutors adapting to individual learning styles, offering wisdom like seasoned academic guides. Collaboration soars with upgraded video conferencing platforms, boasting crystal-clear connections and immersive breakout rooms that bridge physical and virtual spaces.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) 2.0: It’s no longer just about bringing your own device; it’s about bringing your own ecosystem. Seamless integration of personal devices with AV systems is the new norm. Whether you’re in a bustling classroom or a dynamic commercial space, new-world AV setups will sync effortlessly with your preferred tech companions.

Sustainable AV Solutions: Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement, and the AV industry is proudly stepping up. Sustainability in AV (SAVe) is the first industrywide organisation to bring stakeholders in the audio visual (AV) field together to take concerted action to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Energy-efficient displays, eco-friendly materials, and a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint – because being cutting-edge doesn’t mean leaving a hefty one.

AI-Powered Analytics for Smarter Spaces: In 2024, it’s not just about seeing; it’s about understanding. AI is the magician behind the scenes, turning raw data from AV systems into actionable insights. From optimising classroom layouts based on student engagement to fine-tuning commercial spaces for productivity, the AV landscape is getting smarter.

The Rise of Hybrid Everything: Work, learn, collaborate – the hybrid model is here to stay. AV solutions are evolving to seamlessly accommodate both physical and virtual participants. Whether you’re in the boardroom, lecture hall, or home office, the experience remains consistently top-notch.

The Vision One Perspective: At Vision One Technologies, we’re not just spectators, we’re architects of this audio visual evolution. We understand the transformative power of these trends and are committed to helping our education and commercial partners leverage them to achieve remarkable results. Whether it’s designing immersive learning experiences or crafting captivating commercial or retail environments, we’re your trusted partner in navigating this exciting technological landscape.

So, buckle up and join us on the AV-Train. We’re here to equip you with the tools and expertise to turn the potential of AV technology into tangible advantages for your classroom or boardroom. And, as the saying goes, “no worries,” we’ve got your back – and your screen, and your virtual reality headset.

P.S. We’re always looking for AV innovators to join our team. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of education and commerce through technology, reach out – we’d love to chat and explore the possibilities together.

Virtual Meetings: NVIDIA’s Breakthrough in AI-Enhanced 3D Video Conferencing

Virtual Meetings: NVIDIA’s Breakthrough in AI-Enhanced 3D Video Conferencing

In a leap towards the future of communication, NVIDIA has unveiled an extraordinary breakthrough in the realm of 3D video conferencing. This innovative technology promises to reshape the way we connect in virtual spaces, offering a remarkable blend of AI and 3D wizardry that’s set to redefine the virtual meeting landscape.

A New Dimension of Conferencing

Imagine being able to participate in a video conference where it feels as though you’re sharing the same room with your colleagues, with eye contact and expressions seamlessly replicated. NVIDIA’s AI-mediated 3D video conferencing system achieves precisely that. Through a creative fusion of cutting-edge AI and minimal capture equipment, this revolutionary system captures and, using autostereoscopic methods, displays lifelike 3D talking heads, bringing participants closer than ever before.

Avatars Reimagined

One of the most captivating aspects of this innovation is its flexibility. NVIDIA’s AI-driven system accommodates both photorealistic and stylised avatars, giving users the freedom to personalise their virtual presence. What’s more, the technology enables mutual eye contact even in multi-directional video conferencing scenarios, fostering a deeper sense of connection.

Diving into the Future

NVIDIA’s system offers a glimpse of what’s to come with three exciting applications:

        1. AI 3D Selfie

Harnessing the power of a single unposed image, participants are transformed into photorealistic 3D representations, viewable in a stunning 45-view light field. This captivating experience unfolds on the recently emerging Looking Glass Portrait Display, creating a truly personalised journey.

        2. Live 3D Portrait

With a single webcam, users witness their 2D captures transform into dynamic 3D views in real-time. This feature even allows users to swap appearances with animated avatars, mirroring their expressions. The cloud-based AI inference on the NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation GPU brings this magic to life, enhanced further by the head-tracked stereo rendering on Acer SpatialLabs 3D laptops.

        3. 3D Video Conferencing

The pinnacle of this advancement is the ability to host lifelike 3D video conferences involving multiple participants. This system captures monocular RGB input from standard webcams and transforms it into a captivating 3D experience through NeRFs and NVIDIA RTX 6000 GPUs. The Looking Glass 3D display, powered by NVIDIA RTX 4090, showcases the lifelike renderings. What’s more, the technology even enables eye contact through pose redirection, with spatial audio effects provided by the NVIDIA Maxine Audio Effects SDKs.

Embracing the Future Today

This innovative 3D video conferencing system is underpinned by a sophisticated pipeline that transforms 2D captures into rich 3D displays. The cloud-enabled 3D lifting technology ensures efficient processing, demonstrating NVIDIA’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology.

A Glimpse into Tomorrow

As we delve deeper into the potential of AI and 3D technology, NVIDIA’s revolutionary system offers a tantalising glimpse into the future of communication. With real-time transformations, immersive experiences and lifelike avatars, this innovation is a testament to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

Get ready to step into a new dimension of connectivity with NVIDIA’s AI-enhanced 3D video conferencing. Experience meetings like never before – where distance dissolves and interaction thrives.

The Sphere: Inspiring Innovation for Small Businesses and Schools

The Sphere: Inspiring Innovation for Small Businesses and Schools

In today’s rapidly changing technological landscape, businesses and schools, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises, find themselves at a crossroads of challenges and opportunities. Embracing innovation is a paramount strategy for sustaining competitiveness and an exceptional example of groundbreaking innovation is evident in the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. This remarkable project not only redefines the concept of live entertainment but also offers valuable insights for smaller businesses keen on harnessing the potential of AV/T advancements to transform their working environments.

The Marvel of Sphere Entertainment Co.

Sphere Entertainment Co. stands at the forefront of cutting-edge entertainment experiences. Their flagship project, the MSG Sphere, is poised to set new standards in live entertainment. This massive 580,000 square-foot structure boasts the largest LED screen on Earth, designed to captivate and transport audiences into a realm of wonder. The exterior LED skin, composed of 1.2 million LED pucks, each capable of displaying 256 million colors, turns the Sphere into a mesmerising canvas that redefines the Las Vegas skyline.

Inside the Sphere, innovation continues to flourish. A high-resolution immersive display surrounds the audience, enhancing performances with visually stunning videos and images. The integration of haptic technology elevates the experience, allowing attendees to literally “feel” the show. The intricate sound system employs 3D audio beamforming and wave field synthesis, accompanied by thousands of loudspeaker drivers, delivering an auditory experience like no other.

While the MSG Sphere is an impressive example of technological marvel on a grand scale, its impact resonates even with smaller businesses and schools striving to innovate. The lessons from this avant-garde entertainment hub can guide small to medium-sized enterprises in embracing advanced AV/T solutions for their environments.

Thinking Big, Starting Small.

The Sphere’s success story teaches us that ambitious ideas can yield remarkable outcomes. Small businesses and schools can take inspiration from this approach by dreaming big and scaling down innovative concepts to fit their scope. By integrating advanced AV technology, even on a smaller scale, businesses can cultivate elevated customer experiences and improved business operations.

Amplified Marketing Strategies.

The Sphere’s impressive LED exterior acts as a monumental billboard, capturing attention from miles away. Businesses and schools can adapt this concept by incorporating technologies such as digital signage, interactive displays and high-quality audio systems, enhancing engagement and leaving a lasting impression.

Elevated Customer Experiences.

AV/T solutions transcend products; they represent advanced solutions for crafting memorable customer interactions. Implementing interactive displays, virtual reality technology and unique experiences, can engage customers on a deeper level, fostering brand loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

Driving Innovation Culture.

By fostering a culture that embraces experimentation, welcomes new ideas and supports continuous learning, businesses and schools not only improve their technology repertoire but also elevate their overall operational scope in modern society. This atmosphere empowers employees to contribute creatively to technological adoption and overall business growth.

Lessons from The Sphere.

The MSG Sphere in Las Vegas serves as an emblem of innovation stretching beyond mere entertainment. Its impressive use of AV technology showcases the possibilities of transforming experiences and small to medium businesses and schools can glean valuable lessons from this endeavor. By adapting the concepts of immersive experiences, personalisation, customisation, efficiency and collaboration, these businesses can harness the latent potential of advanced technology to shape their environments and carve a competitive niche in a dynamically evolving business landscape.

As The Sphere reshapes the realm of live entertainment, small businesses and educational institutes have the chance to redefine their industries by strategically incorporating the ever-advancing technology of our modern world.

Crestron’s One-Touch Wireless Collaboration

Crestron’s One-Touch Wireless Collaboration

Collaboration at Your Fingertips.

Picture this: you’re a business using Microsoft Teams® software and you’ve been on the hunt for a seamless wireless conferencing solution. You want to be able to share content effortlessly from almost any device with just the push of a button. No more downloading that laundry list of new apps or configuring additional software (because cntrl + alt + delete is complicated enough). Sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it?

Well, get ready to meet your new collaboration superhero—the Crestron AirMedia® Connect Adaptor.

With the AirMedia® Connect Adaptor, wireless collaboration becomes a breeze and it works with almost any device. This nifty dongle that resembles an oversized hockey puck, comes with a sturdy USB-C cable and an indicator light lining the perimeter. But don’t let its simplicity fool you; there’s some serious magic packed into this little device.

The AirMedia® Adaptor (AM-TX3-100) enables wireless presentation and conferencing when paired with a Wi-Fi® network capable AirMedia Series 3 Receiver. Deploy the AM-TX3-100 alongside an AirMedia Series 3 Receiver in conference rooms, huddle rooms, lounges, lobbies, or almost any space to make collaboration seamless and hassle-free.

Microsoft Teams® Rooms was tailor-made for moments like these, offering an ultimate level of power and intuitiveness. According to Lauren Simmen, a director of product marketing at Crestron, “Why would you need anything else?” Well, the answer lies in the growing demand for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) flexibility in organisations and the AirMedia® Adaptor couldn’t have come at a better time.

In the age of hybrid work, traditional meeting rooms are no longer the only spaces where collaboration occurs. People are seeking alternative meeting points, such as lounges or casual sitting areas, which aren’t always equipped with dedicated conferencing options. This is where solutions like AirMedia® technology come to the rescue, enabling organisations to quickly retrofit their offices for the modern hybrid workforce and effortlessly bring Microsoft Teams® functionality to any space.

Of course, security is always a top concern. Luckily, Crestron has a smart answer to that—its solutions operate on their own secure network, ensuring your data is protected.

The goal is to provide as many options as possible while maintaining a consistent experience throughout your organisation. And that’s precisely what the AirMedia® Adaptor offers to businesses already standardised on the Microsoft Teams® platform.

Learn how the AirMedia® Connect Adaptor works with third-party devices (in this case, the Jabra® PanaCast® 50 video bar).

So, if you’re ready to take your wireless collaboration to the next level, it’s time to say “goodbye” to complex technology and “hello” to hockey puck sized innovation. Prepare to make every meeting a seamless, button-pushing, content-sharing event!

Visit www.visionone.com.au to learn more and elevate your collaboration game today.

eBook: The Future of Audio Visual Technologies in the Education and Commercial World

eBook: The Future of Audio Visual Technologies in the Education and Commercial World

Step into the captivating world of audio-visual technologies with our brand-new digital eBook, “The Future of Audio-Visual Technologies in Education and Communication.” This innovative publication takes you on a journey to tomorrow, exploring the transformative role of AV tech, and its part in shaping the future of learning and communication.

Our digital eBook dives headfirst into the dynamic landscape of audio-visual technologies and its profound impact on education and communication.

From interactive displays and immersive virtual reality to cutting-edge projection systems and intelligent voice recognition, the eBook presents a comprehensive overview of the latest AV tech trends. Delve into the fusion of innovation and imagination, discovering how these technologies enhance engagement, foster collaboration, and unlock boundless creativity.

 

Key Takeaways:
  1. The Evolution of Learning: Explore how AV technologies are reshaping traditional classrooms, creating immersive and interactive learning environments that captivate students’ attention and nurture their curiosity.
  2. Engaging Communication: Discover the power of AV tech in revolutionizing communication channels, from video conferencing and virtual meetings to captivating digital signage and interactive presentations.
  3. Innovations on the Horizon: Get a glimpse of the future as we unveil emerging trends such as augmented reality, holographic displays, and AI-powered assistants that will continue to redefine the way we learn and communicate.
  4. The AI Whisper: Marvel at the subtle influence of artificial intelligence throughout the eBook, as it blends seamlessly with human creativity to provide a unique and engaging reading experience.
How Virtual Reality is Revolutionising the Classroom and Corporate Tech Industry

How Virtual Reality is Revolutionising the Classroom and Corporate Tech Industry

The future of VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) in a continually dynamic industry is exciting and, as technology further evolves, is becoming increasingly evident for its enormous potential in the improvement of a learning and working environment. While VR and AR were initially seen as entertainment or an out-of-reach technology solution, it has now found itself to be an enthusiastic companion for innovative learning in classrooms and the corporate domain.

But, what actually is AR and VR and is it really becoming the new textbook?

AR refers to the integration of digital information in the form of text, graphics, audio or other virtual enhancements onto the real world, adding value to the user’s interaction with their physical environment. This works by super-imposing computer-generated images onto your surroundings with a camera-equipped device, such as a smartphone or tablet, while VR is a technology that allows users to experience a simulated three-dimensional environment that mimics a real one. VR utilises an electronic headset and controllers and transports users to a virtual world, allowing them to interact in an immersive online experience.

Integration with the modern classroom

When incorporating this technology into a modern classroom, AR and VR can transform the typical learning experience for students into an engaging and captivating academic domain. Students are given the opportunity to explore simulated historic sites, take virtual field trips out of the country or explore scientific phenomena, creating an endless list of educational content that is otherwise difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom. AR and VR technology can also be used for advanced employee training and development, product design or even remote collaboration. It becomes a pivotal instrument in improving efficiency and freedom in the workplace, with upgraded practicality for employees such as architects and designers alike, allowing them to create 3D models of buildings or products. Remote teams can also use VR to visualise data and prototypes in a virtual meeting space.

Benefits of AR/VR

There is a laundry list of benefits when it comes to VR and AR, notably providing a memorable and fascinating learning experience in the classroom. For students that were born into an online world, the use of this kind of technology allows teachers and schools to keep up with content that stays engaging and meets the prerequisite of intriguing education. It can allow students to effectively retain information that is often demanding to learn in a conventional, passive classroom and enables users to practice real-world skills in a safe and controlled setting.

The future of AR/VR

As AR and VR technology continues to evolve, we can expect sensational developments across the board. Though, despite the many benefits, some educators and businesses stay hesitant in embracing these technologies and are citing concerns about cost, accessibility and the potential for distraction. While an obvious entertainment tool for some, VR and AR is slowly becoming a valuable investment for education and can improve engagement, retention and knowledge transfer. In addition, with the increasing availability of affordable VR and AR hardware and software, it becomes an accessible product within reach of utilising.

The future of VR and AR as an every day digital partner is advantageous and bright, with endless opportunities for elevating and revamping a typical learning and working climate. So, whether you’re a student, educator or business leader, it’s time to embrace the potential of VR and AR and take a deep dive into its pool of possibilities.

And remember, if you’re still feeling a little unsure about the world of VR and AR, just think of it as the modern-day equivalent of the Magic School Bus. Only this time, you don’t need to worry about getting eaten by a T-Rex or shrunk down to the size of a pea.

View our new 2024 product & solutions catalogue!