4 must read tech stories -- smart farms, AR & VR in universities & more!

Digital marketing stats: consumers expect to find AR in store
Econsultancy

According to a recent Mindshare report, one third of UK consumers believe AR would help them narrow down choices when shopping. This reflects how an increasing number of consumers expect products and stores to contain additional layers of information to enhance their shopping experience. Discover more digital marketing stats, including the type of email that receives the most unsubscribes and the fastest growing ad format. Read more

AR and VR can bring research and teaching closer together
Times Higher Education

The use of augmented reality and virtual reality to enhance learning is becoming more and more widespread -- but universities are yet to harness the benefits. Times Higher Education explores how this is a missed opportunity. Not only can immersive tech significantly boost student engagement and learning outcomes, it can help researchers better showcase their work to help people gain a deeper understanding beyond having to interpret words, charts and diagrams. Read more

The future of agriculture -- enhanced by AI
Axios

As global populations and demand for food increases, agriculture is put under increasing pressure -- particularly as its labour force is in decline. Farmers are turning to artificial intelligence for crucial solutions. For instance, computer vision can identify weeds from plants, which enables machinery to spray herbicides specifically on the weeds rather than the entire field. And machine learning can analyse data to inform decisions about planting, fertilizing and to spot disease, which helps optimise crop yield and boost food production. Read more

Augmented reality can imitate memory & nostalgia
Engadget

Old objects and possessions can act as gateways to past memories. An art installation at the Tribeca Film Festival last week explored how augmented reality can imitate this nostalgic effect. Visitors could explore the set to unlock hidden AR experiences from objects -- such as a 360º tour of a Hawaiian beach from a photograph. This is a great example of how augmented reality can engage people with the meaning behind art. Read more