Bob Iger aims for AR over VR at Disney Parks - Weekly Mash-Up 176

Bob Iger says no to virtual reality headsets at Disney parks, aims for augmented reality instead
Los Angeles Times

Virtual Reality enhancement in theme park rides might be a cost-effective and engaging option used by SeaWorld, Six Flags, and others. But you won’t be seeing anything like that at Disney theme parks. Instead, Disney CEO Bob Iger is ditching VR’s ‘reality-destroying headsets’ and betting on augmented reality. Although it is unclear exactly how this will look, these high-tech augmented reality attractions will blend the physical and digital worlds to create a truly realistic and creatively enhanced experience for their visitors. Read more

Augmented Reality is about to change art forever
Co. Design

France’s gallery, Scène Nationale Albi, is blending physical and virtual reality in ‘Mirages & Miracles’, an exhibition running there until April 8th. Sculptures and drawings throughout the exhibit are brought to life with an ‘animated layer of media’ using augmented reality. Demonstrating the creative possibilities of this technology, this exhibit creates a compelling and engaging experience for visitors, that could lay the foundations for a change in the future of art and design. Read more

6 ways to invest in Augmented Reality
Venture Beat

Augmented Reality is generating even more excitement - with the combined market for AR and VR tipped to reach $108 billion by 2021. However, the AR ecosystem is complex and in order to break it down, Super Ventures has divided the space into 6 areas of AR that require development. Among these, for example, is ‘3D-ifying the real world’ - mapping out the real world to enable machines to track and recognise objects within it, just as Blippar’s visual discovery engine does. Read more

Why virtual reality could be a mental health gamechanger
The Guardian (blog)

Investment in Virtual Reality technology has risen dramatically over the past two years. But the implications of this are unclear, and how the technology will be incorporated in everyday life is still being explored. One use could be transforming the way we tackle mental health problems. For example, the powerful simulations could used to help a person convincingly tackle their fear of flying, with a flight simulation, or heights, by transporting them to the top of a tall building. Read more