How Virtual Reality Is Affecting Corporate Video Advertising

When it comes to the future of corporate video advertising, virtual reality is a real possibility.

While to some, virtual reality is still considered niche, many believe that it is the new face of digital advertising.

Photo credit: Leo Laporte via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

Nevertheless, a report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau concluded that virtual reality is a real possibility when looking at the future of advertising.

Apparently, the subject of VR has become increasingly popular amongst media brands such as VICE, NYT, and Fox Sports, as they’ve pioneered through and created sponsorship opportunities, product placement, and immersive ads.

Even non-media brands such as real estate or travel can benefit off of alternate realities by building more interactive experiences for users and customers. Something as simple as store-front set-ups or interactive booths at trade shows can help a brand immensely by showing how up-to-speed they really are.

It leaves one to question: is this where our culture is going?

According to Mashable, the potential of VR and augmented reality (AR) in everyday brands can further blur the line between traditional advertising and consumer media. With VR, it becomes less about speaking to an audience, bu rather reaching them on a level they can understand. By creating VR setups, brands are taking the time and money to create a world curated specifically for their user’s experience.

Though VR comes with its own set of trials (it being expensive, for one). Not every company (especially start-ups) can afford to invest in alternate reality programming. Then there’s also the issue of demographic; how old is your audience? Will a VR experience immerse them, or turn them off? How much is too much? While newer companies might be able to get away with a more tech-savvy audience, older companies might not.

Here at Key West Video, we specialize in staying on top of current trends and new technology. For more information on the services we provide, visit our website today!

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A Look At MIT’s Interactive Dynamic Video Technology

It seems like the future of augmented and virtual reality is forever growing – this time with MIT’s newest interactive dynamic video technology.

MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)’s interactive dynamic video technology (or IDV) might just be the cherry on top to AR and VR.

In reverse AR/VR, IDV places real life subjects in virtual worlds and digital interfaces.

By simulating the real world, IDV puts users into another world with easy interactions. Much like Snapchat and Pokemon GO, users are able to interact with ‘non-real’ elements through cameras and motion-tracking algorithms. Business Insider explains,

“The camera records a video of the vibrating object, and then algorithms translate this clip into a dynamic image (or simulation) that users can interact with on their screens. The new simulation looks identical to the original video, except that you can now push and pull the virtualized object represented in the image by using a mouse or other input device.”

One interesting thing that BI (and many other publications) point out is the expenses involved with augmented or virtual reality. Unlike VR headgear (which can cost a pretty penny), IDV can be created by virtually any videographer with a clip of real-world footage and a bit of basic CGI, and editing, masking, matting and shading tools.

IDV also allows its users to interact with the physical world itself. Unlike other AR operating systems or games where users cannot alter real-world objects on their screen, IV gives users the options to make adjustments to both their virtual and non-virtual reality.

IDV also blurs the lines between live-action and AR. In it, the elements interact with and are affected by each other. For example, in Pokemon GO, characters are superimposed on top of reality but do not affect it. If a Psyduck is rustling through leaves to avoid being caught by your Pokeball, its presence has no actual effect on the very real leaves around it. In IDV, however, users can play with and adjust their reality through their screen. Check out this awesome video:

 

Here at Key West Video, we’re fans of the latest trends technologies in video, AR, and VR, and pride ourselves on being loyal Pokemon Go fans. For more information on our services, visit our website today!

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Is Nintendo’s Pokémon Go Changing Alternate Reality?

With the recent release of the nostalgic game, Pokémon Go is revolutionizing the way we experience AR.

Pokémon GO has made it quite clear that it’s not only back – it just might be here to stay.the once popular hit game (and cartoon, video game, card game, and action movie) never really left our radar. In fact, it might even be more well-received now as a free downloadable app for Android and iOS users.

The once popular hit game (and cartoon, video game, card game, and action movie) never really left our radar. In fact, it might even be more well-received now as a free downloadable app for Android and iOS users.

Users from far and wide quickly downloaded the Nintendo AR game app and quickly got to catching. From

But does Pokémon GO do anything new for AR? Well, first let’s discuss its interface. When the app is opened, users find a simple playing field in which their character can roam. There are little to no immersive visuals. Only when a creature is spotted does the world switch to reality. The graphics themselves are comparable to something that can be created with GameSalad Creator.

The main incentive?

Interactive, social gamers. By nature, the game encourages interaction between players in order to understand what’s going on in the world and to battle in the gym.

Over the years, there has been a steady increase of interest in AR. Even if you weren’t completely familiar with it, you’ve more than likely have heard of AR in relation to virtual reality. Digital Media professor Richard Lachmann of Ryerson University compared Pokemon GO’s use of AR to Snapchat’s use of filters. When you really think about it, both operate similarly. All they really do is add an extra overlay of simple graphics onto your reality.

Who knows? It may even surpass alternate reality (AR) with its combined use of reality and graphics. It’s also a lot cheaper than having to purchase expensive VR headsets.

Part of its appeal is that little is actually explained in the app. There’s virtually no instruction as to what happens at a Pokéstop, or even how to catch Pokémon in the first place is left ambiguous. The game’s developers have left almost everything unexplained and up to the user.

Here at Key West Video, we consider ourselves fans of avant-garde video experiences. For more information on the services we provide, visit our website today.

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Why You Should Consider VR Stock Footage

‘Stock footage’ is a term that is thrown around loosely in the corporate video world. But not many realize how much stock footage is involved when developing virtual reality.

Creating virtual reality (VR) can be tricky. Virtual reality is unsurprisingly based on an interpretation of how we view our world. It is built on our pre-existing notions of how things are set up and how we navigate through them.

Over the years, Key West Video has shot a massive amount of video for our clients. This has inevitably resulted in a multitude of stock footage that we’ve kept in our vault.

We understand that a lot of virtual reality companies, creators, and investors are on the hunt for footage that can be inserted into alternate reality video platforms.

Sometimes, this even means having a roster of 2D and 3D (or 360 degree) video.

Now, in the midst of our ever-evolving market, the option now exists to actually buy VR stock footage.

What a time to be alive.

Companies like VideoBlock offer time-lapse stock footage for companies looking to purchase the virtual experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What really pushed the demand for VR stock footage was online media outlets like YouTube and Reddit who introduced higher definition camera quality to their content. This called for better overall HQ video from anyone serious about getting their content across multiple platforms.

It’s important to recognize, however, that there are levels to virtual reality. Not everything that calls for a headset is necessarily VR.

One obvious benefit is the immersion into another reality. VR stock footage is an invitation for “otherworldliness” with the convenience of a smartphone. But it does not compare to full immersive experience with products from companies like Oculus Rift that are quickly infiltrating social media networks like Facebook, Huawei, and HTC.

Here at Key West Video, we aim to create progressive video content to our clients. Check out our website and contact us for a quote today!

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Skype and the Future Of Video Bots

When Skype first rolled out in 2003, it changed the way we communicated with others. Now with the introduction of video bots, Skype has set the bar for yet another phenomenon.

“Skype bots” allow their users to interact with characters in live video chat. These bots are created by a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D rendering, making for a more interactive experience in which users can speak directly to “bot” characters.

Much like Siri, the bot uses AI to comprehend the requests from its video callers. Skype announced that bots eventually will be created and customized to a user’s choosing.

Microsoft, who owns Skype, also recently announced its decision to roll out bots to different areas of its software.

So how do Skype bots differ from other AI systems like Siri, you say?

Well, one obvious difference is that Skype bots are visual and audible, unlike Siri who is restricted to a voice operating system. The bots operate responsively and are able to make changes based on users’ requests. Siri tends to operate as a “search” function to answer questions, whereas Skype bots can fulfill demands and hold conversations.

Since its inception, Skype users have spread to hundreds of millions of users worldwide. The video sensation has taken the Skype world by storm. Bots will be able to virtually do anything once in live chat from building online worlds to acting out commands to doing your online shopping.

For Skype business, this is especially helpful. It gives users options on how they might be able to try out a service or product. Moving vice versa, Skype bots can also be used practically by companies. The new feature makes it easier to get day-to-day regular activities completed, such as making online orders, booking vacation times or scheduling meetings, for example.

Here at Key West Video, we like to stay on top of companies looking for the newest and most technological advanced products or services. While we can’t say if we’ll ever be recreating bots for live video chat, we do offer services aligned with forward-thinking corporate companies. For more, check us out and contact us for a quote today!

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The Need for Virtual Reality in the Corporate World

From virtual reality training videos to entertainment games, virtual reality (VR) has taken mainstream culture by storm.

Once viewed as just an underground gaming experience, the virtual reality experience has managed to crawl its way to the top as one of the most innovative ways to train and expand companies and businesses.

Quickly permeating corporate industries, it became a great training device for new employees. For example, in healthcare, medical professionals used virtual reality in their operating systems to master test medical procedures. By showing 3D human organs, practicing professionals were able to hone their skills with little to no risk. VR offered a safe alternative for companies looking to train employees without them having to conduct the actual physical task.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise with our current online social climate either. In a $2 billion-dollar deal, Facebook recently acquired the virtual reality technology company, Oculus. The goal? To make its users’ social experience as immersive as possible. By drawing in current Facebook users, Zuckerberg and his new development teams set the tone for other social media outlets to create the ultimate online experience.

VR has not only changed the tech industry – it has evolved it. With Facebook teaming up with Oculus, they’ve set a strong precedent in the virtual experience world. Users will one day be able to access virtual reality in-app through future Facebook settings.

But one does not shake the cage without awakening a few beasts. Oculus undoubtedly shook out a few contenders from the VR tree when it made its announcement last week.

When it comes to marketing, the mentality behind virtual reality is that the virtual experience will prompt customers to want the ‘real thing’. VR offers customers a new way to experience company products and/or services. With this new technology, it also gives older companies the chance to ‘catch up’ on their competition, without necessarily having to replace or alter their actual product.

And yet there are still very few companies really taking advantage of the VR experience. You’d think that with the ability to create holograms, virtual tours, and insider access, every company would want to take advantage of it, right?

Wrong.

Most Oculus VR sets start at $599 – and that’s before tax.

Nevertheless, certain companies like Gatorade and Lowe’s consider it an investment and have begun the process of using virtual experiences to capture young audiences.

What better way to do it?

When it comes to creating virtual reality and video, it’s important to note how to shoot video. A lot of amateur game makers have turned to GoPros. When it comes to shooting video for VR, you will inevitably end up losing half of your resolution anyway (which may be one of the reasons why a lot of VR games have that dreamy, out-of-focus look).

Here at Key West Video, we specialize in creating all sorts of video content. For more information on our services, visit our website today.

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Virtual Reality Hardware

Sale of Oculus VR’s Virtual Reality Hardware to Facebook:

A Sell-out or The Right Move?

You might remember hearing back in March that Facebook purchased a company called Oculus VR for 2 billion dollars. This is interesting because Oculus VR was supported via crowd funding, and has yet to release a single consumer product.

Oculus VR released a development kit for a virtual reality headset back in 2012, and reignited an interest in virtual reality gaming. The Rift provided a 3D experience with a wide field of view, emulating human vision in a virtual world. It also featured head motion tracking, which proved to be a truly inspiring experience, getting them high praise from almost anyone who tried it.

A video of a 90 year old grandmother experiencing a virtual representation of Tuscany on the Rift went viral in 2013, she seemed to believe the virtual environment was so realistic, it must have been composed of real photos.

Some individuals that contributed to Oculus VR’s original Kickstarter campaign had strong objections to the Facebook sale, claiming that Oculus VR was “selling out”, and fearing that the company, which had been so focused on video games up to this point, would suddenly become more social media oriented in its vision for the future.

This might be a little bit short sighted. The added capital and support from Facebook should allow a consumer model to be released sooner, and be more powerful when it arrives.

A second developer kit has recently been announced, it has higher resolution internal displays and reduced latency in its motion detection (among many other improvements).

So what does this mean for consumers? Aside from providing more realistic gameplay than has ever been experienced before, the Oculus Rift is essentially a 3D display, so in the end it may be used like any other content streaming device, so you can play a game in a 3D virtual world and then simply flip over to Netflix. Oculus VR is bringing us one step closer to the Holodeck, and they aren’t alone. You can check out Sony’s upcoming VR headset for the PS3.

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Virtual Reality Hardware