Using XR for Climatic Change feat. Juliano Calil, Ph.D.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. It's a problem that affects everyone on the planet, regardless of where you live or what you do. While there's a lot that we can do to help combat climate change, there's also a lot that we can do to raise awareness about the issue and inspire action.

One way that we can do this is through the use of VR / AR/ MR and even nowadays, AI! as they allow us to tell stories in new and exciting ways, and they can be particularly effective when it comes to climate change.

Imagine stepping into a VR world where you're transported to a beach that's littered with plastic waste. As you explore the environment, you see the impact that this waste is having on the wildlife that lives there. You might see sea turtles struggling to swim through plastic bags …? It's a visceral experience that can help people understand the impact that their actions have on the environment.

AR can be equally effective in a scenario for example walking down a busy street and seeing a digital overlay that shows you what the street would look like if the sea levels rose by just a few feet. You might see buildings partially submerged in water, or people walking through knee-deep water on their way to work. It's a stark reminder of what could happen if we don't take action to address climate change.

This is exactly what our episode will be discussing today with Juliano Calil, a Ph.D. who has brought to life a staggering project on climatic change called Virtual Planet!

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

1. What inspired Juliano to start Virtual Planet, and how did their background in environmental science and management contribute to the company's mission?
2. How did Virtual Planet utilize virtual reality technology to convey intricate environmental issues to a broader audience, and what has been its influence to date?
3. In what ways will virtual reality technology continue to develop in the future, and what novel opportunities may arise for its utilization in the realm of climate change and coastal adaptation?
4. What are some of the biggest challenges faced by startups in the climate tech industry, and how do they overcome them?
5. What goals does Virtual Planet have and how do they aim to aid in the battle against climate change and environmental degradation?
6. Why is it important to focus on the story-telling aspect when creating VR experiences related to the environment?

Please let me know if you have any questions about this episode or what guests you would like me to bring next! ??

Notes. We’re excited to share with you the recent news of the exclusive XR Magazine digital publication as well as our new exclusive newsletter for members! Besides getting access to curated guidance and insights from our select guest interviews, you’ll also get discounts on every one of our XR, Web 3, and AI workshops!!! You can subscribe now here!

*If you’ve already heard about the podcast and prefer video, you can also head over to the D.O.! YT Channel to enjoy the interviews.

XR Weekly News

How Are Firms Leveraging ARHT’s Holopresence Platform?

Canadian holopresence firm ARHT has been pioneering such technologies since 2014. The company’s solutions allow people to communicate across the world while saving time and resources.

It also eliminates the need to travel to remote locations while interacting with live crowds using its remote viewing technologies.

Using holopresence technologies, executives, film stars, and advertisers can use low-latency 5G connections to capture and send their holographic avatars to distant audiences.

ARHT leverages its proprietary solutions to facilitate immersive experiences for all users, including firms, organisations, celebrities, retailers, and government officials.

Their portable, versatile Capsule solution allows live or pre-recorded virtual productions with 4K resolutions and interactive touchscreens.

Businesses can quickly integrate their platform content with plug-and-play infrastructure and motion sensors to interact with audiences. Capsules also incorporate QR codes for sharing information and websites for promotions.

Ostloong Innovations to Ship LYRA Smart Glasses in September

This year, Ostloong Innovations will start shipping its LYRA smart glasses, an AR wearable the firm purpose-built to support outdoor use.

Ostloong Innovations is shipping the LYRA product in September 2023, bringing a new solution to the busy smart glasses market.

While many smart glasses are available to consumers via firms such as Meta, Nreal, and VITURE, Ostloong Innovations’ product is a rare expectation that advertises stable outdoor AR visualizations.

The product aims to use AR visuals and integrated features to assist consumers in their everyday life. Amber Gao, the CEO of Ostloong Innovations, added that the LYRA product “is a real turning point that offers a new way of living daily life.”

Previously, Ostloong Innovations debuted immersive products for personalized use. The firm designed its first commercially available product, SIRUS, as a pair of smart ski goggles for sports enthusiasts and professionals.

Now, with the LYRA product Ostloong Innovations looks to continue its outdoor AR success with a pair of smart glasses, which impacts a broader market.

About the Author?

Diana Olynick is a Canadian engineer, XR Designer and award winner, speaker and the host of the XR Magazine podcast.? Diana has more than 10 years of experience in engineering and she is a current mentor of two Canadian organizations, North Forge and Futurpreneur Canada where she guides early-stage entrepreneurs in the areas of engineering applications and technology adoption. She also serves as a committee member and writer for the Keystone Professional Canadian publication. Diana has been a guest in various podcasts and events, delivering and sharing her knowledge and experience in the areas of XR in the fields of Ethics in XR as well as XR design.?

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