As technology evolves, so does the advancement of gaming technology.  The two industries go hand in hand.  They both use and interact with the same infrastructures; computers, networking, the internet, and the cloud.

Black and White, 2 Tone Gaming

In early years like the 70’s, gaming and computers shared black and white, two-tone, graphical interfaces.  Pong was a popular game and found even built-in television consoles.

Find the original Atari here: https://ebay.to/2ItGdEh

Gaming in Color

As technology progressed, so did the advancement in the look and feel of games and gaming devices in the 80’s and 90’s.

Find the original NES here: https://ebay.to/2IpVeLe

Find the original Super Nintendo here: https://ebay.to/2L8kpQg

Vintage to Modern Gaming Consoles

Find these original gaming systems here: 

Telstar
Atari 2600
Color TV-Game
Magnavox Odyssey²
Intellivision
ColecoVision
Atari 5200
Nintendo Entertainment System
Master System
TurboGrafx-16
Sega Genesis
Atari Lynx
Game Boy
Game Boy Color
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Sega Game Gear
Philips CD-i
Sega Pico
PlayStation
Sega Saturn
Nintendo 64
Dreamcast
WonderSwan
PlayStation 2
Game Boy Advance
Xbox
GameCube
N-Gage
Nintendo DS
PlayStation Portable
Xbox 360
Wii
PlayStation 3
Nintendo 3DS 
PlayStation Vita 
Wii U
PlayStation 4 
Xbox One 
Nintendo Switch
Game Consoles for Kids

3D Effects and the Evolution of Gaming Equipment

We started seeing more color, 3D effects, and first person shooter games.  Gaming companies invented more and more gaming devices that immersed the user in the gaming experience.  While futuristic gaming is now in our midst, 80’s and 90’s classics will always be popular amongst many old school gamers.  20 years from now, videogame titles newest ps4 games will also be sought after by nostalgic gamers. PS4 arcade sticks, for example, are technologies still in use today that bring back 80s-90s gaming nostalgia.

Lifelike, Realistic Graphics

In 2000 and recent years, graphics have made remarkable advancements that have progressed as technology, cgi, and the movie industry have, making some gaming graphics hard to differentiate from actual reality.  With the advancement of graphics, ability to upgrade video cards, and availability of gaming devices and some of the best gaming keyboards, computer gaming aside from console gaming, has become very popular.

So where does gaming go now?  Here are some advancements we can continue to see and expect.

Virtual Reality and Immersive Gaming

3D has always been a popular technology; in fact, it existed 100 years ago, but couldn’t progress as much as it has today due to high costs and lack of technology and equipment.  With improved hardware capabilities, 3D technologies and virtual reality is becoming more and more popular in gaming.  Virtual reality devices like the Oculus Rift, a VR head-mounted display, features a massive field view of 107 degrees, quick-response head-tracking system, and incorporates immersive stereoscopic 3D rendering capabilities.

Virtual reality headsets can now also incorporate your mobile phone as a viewing screen and can be used for many applications.

The creation of the famous Oculus Rift has created a market of new virtual reality gadgets that are coming out for a much lower cost. The VR BOX 2.0 reality headset is extremely affordable and very powerful. It costs less than $15!  Yes, $15, we didn’t miss a zero. It even comes with a Bluetooth 3.0 Remote Controller. It provides a great virtual reality experience for those who already own a smartphone and don’t want to spend $500 to $600 on their virtual reality headset.

Made up from 43 precision parts, the reason its so cheap is because it is now being made in China. There are some even cheaper models but their quality wasn’t good enough. This particular model though is really nice and adaptable. You can use any smartphone from 3.5 inches to 6 inches [covers almost all the smartphone market], adjust the lenses and its a comfortable, snug fit.

For more, check out these other popular trends in Virtual Reality technology.

Boom in Gaming Devices

As the LCD market boomed, so did the devices that use them.  This has enabled gaming to span across mobile devices, phones, tablets, and more.  Gaming platforms have incorporated touchscreen LCDs in their gaming devices to enhance the user experience.

Nintendo Wii U
The Wii U, for instance, features a built-in touchscreen that can serve as a supplement to games.  The second screen allows access to other elements in the game, like inventory, extended gaming information, and more.

Microsoft Xbox Smart Glass
Microsoft Xbox has it’s Smart Glass app which can be downloaded onto smartphones and tablets as a supplemental screen to enhance the gaming experience.

Sony Cross Play
Sony has integrated it’s PS Vita with their “Cross-Play” feature, enabling gamers to stop playing on one device and resuming on another.  Recently, Microsoft has becoming open to working with Sony on implementing this technology.

Open Source Gaming and Game Development

The open source market has been around in gaming for a while now, though new devices and technologies have opened doors for more home brew gaming.  The popularity in mobile apps has also made game development popular, with the enticement for developers to make some money in the iTunes and Google play marketplace.

Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality gaming brings you all the bells and whistles on top of everything.  Smartphones and other gaming devices enable interactive features that allow gamers to interact in real-time.  Eventually, augmented reality gaming sessions may enable gamers to be independent of gaming consoles and devices, making the game as real as being on the gaming grounds and in the gaming realm.

Cloud Gaming

As mobile devices continue to spread, and as Internet connections continue to advance and improve, so will the availability of gaming on the cloud.  As software companies are now migrating and offering their software and services on the cloud, so are gaming companies with their games.  The aim for gaming industries is to make games as easy to access as music and streaming movies.  Many smart TVs now offer this technology as part of their smart TV software.

Conclusion

The future of gaming is exciting and offers many bells and whistles.  It’s an exciting time to watch history and the future of gaming unfold. Who knows where humanity will push it’s limit.

Originally posted 2019-05-16 21:58:44. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The post From Vintage Video Games to Virtual Reality – Gaming Trends of the Past, 2020 and Beyond first appeared on Information Technology Blog.

The world is getting more linked, and there is a greater desire for faster response rates. You must provide visitors with a high customer experience to reduce waiting times and increase support.

If you operate a small business, you may use a chatbot to provide rapid service, seamless interaction, and much more. In reality, you may not only enhance your company’s communication strategy and engage consumers right away, but you can also convert more customers.

So,it’s high time to hire developers to build one for your website with top-notch personalizations or use free online chatbots. With so many available alternatives and features, it might take time to pick the best one. Below is a list of the top 10 free online chatbots to install on your website:

 Tidio

The first on the list is Tidio, which provides a live chat solution with chatbots to assist you in improving customer service. It also has a live view function that allows you to see who is presently visiting your website, allowing you to conduct proactive customer care.

To assist you with customer experience, this chatbot platform includes a conversational AI chatbot and NLP (Natural Language Processing). When creating your bot, you can utilize a visual builder interface and Tidio chatbot templates to observe it expand with each input you provide.

ChatGpt

You’ve undoubtedly heard of this one; it’s the market leader, and, in version 3, it’s fully free to use, even for commercial purposes. Version 4 will be available soon, with a revised methodology and even greater results, but it will be a subscription service.

It was released at the end of 2022, and its easy interface and exceptional production made it worldwide news within days. ChatGPT, the template for practically every product that came after it, may be used to produce textual content of almost any form.

IntelliTicks

IntelliTicks is a fast-growing AI conversational platform with over 2000 chatbots in education, e-commerce, real estate, and automobiles. It provides a free Chatbot for organizations interested in deploying Chatbots.

These AI-powered chatbots provide a human backup option, guaranteeing that every consumer is engaged. It will answer repetitive and basic client questions without the assistance of a person.

If the Chatbot cannot interpret the customer’s inquiry, it will hand over management of the chat to a human agent. It contains Facebook Messenger bots that you may need coding experience to construct.

ManyChat

ManyChat is a chatbot creator for Facebook Messenger. With over 1.3 billion individuals using Facebook Messenger, you may have a broader reach and more effective remarketing possibilities on the Facebook platform.

Simply said, using Facebook Messenger helps you earn sales, reduce cart abandonment, gather leads, and perform other things. It has a simple drag-and-drop interface that makes creating a chatbot for your Facebook page a breeze. You may automatically greet new users, direct them to items, schedule messages, reply to certain keywords, and more.

QuickReply.ai

QuickReply.ai is the latest chatbot by the owner of the Shopify store. It includes a pre-built and pre-trained chatbot that is tightly linked with Shopify. It can answer most typical customer questions about purchase status, refund policy, cancellation, shipping charge, etc.

Another excellent feature is that the complicated chatbot is ready in 5 minutes. You must add it to your shop and include information about your cancellation/refund policy.

Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI is a free AI chatbot that connects to the internet, gives sources, and has a highly appealing user interface. Using the chatbot is quick and uncomplicated as soon as you enter the site. To get started, just write your question into the Ask Anything box.

This is an excellent chatbot for experimenting with and flushing out ideas because of the many instructions it provides users to attempt. For example, behind the textbox is a “Popular Now” area with the most popular prompts and news. All you have to do is click on them to learn more about the subject and start a conversation about it.

Google Bard

As one would expect from one of the world’s largest tech corporations, Google Bard is sleek, simple to use, and performs well. It uses current Google technology, such as its search engine, to produce more accurate material.

Bard may also include visuals in the work. Bard offers three draughts for the topic, letting you modify the output to your specifications. It takes a more conversational approach than ChatGPT, and engaging with it seems more natural.

Flow XO

Flow XO is a free widget chatbot that enables you to create chatbot widgets for websites or link them with appropriate third-party platforms, and users can easily share your bot with others. Flow XO is an excellent solution for anyone seeking a free online option with much engagement. They also appeal to folks with programming skills who wish to use their chatbot as an API.

Pandorabots

Next on the list is Pandorabots, which is a free online widget chatbot. The Sandbox plan, which is free, provides access to the development sandbox as well as limitless sandbox messages. The free version does not have the chatbot widget. Pandorabots with higher levels include bot training, API access, and the chat widget.

Pandorabots is most suited for E-Commerce and business-to-consumer operations. While the free edition of Pandorabots is more restricted than the others on the list, it is still a viable alternative.

SalesIQ Zoho

It is a website visitor monitoring and live chat software for E-Commerce that helps to boost client interaction while finding new sales possibilities. Handle visitors 24/7 at the first step with custom-built chatbots, ensuring that an E-Commerce website does not lose a prospect. Reach out to the different prospects strategically with personalized communications.

It delivers precise visitor information such as location, site behavior, and new or recurring visitors to find hot prospects and engage them in the discussion proactively.

The Bottom Line

Before choosing the chatbot software in which you want to spend time and money, you need to understand how you want to use it and what functions are necessary. Analyze and study your goals and then match the features of the chatbots you want to install.

Another great option is to hire chatbot developers to build one of your own. Chatbots improve customer experience, so now is a great time to integrate these free tools to boost your website response rates.

Originally posted 2023-09-09 23:25:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The post 10 Free Online Chatbots to Install on Your Website first appeared on Information Technology Blog.

Improving quality of service provided to the customers is a top priority for any company these days- regardless of aspects like segment and size of the business. With customers becoming more demanding and choosier than the past, the businesses have no other choice than enhancing their service quality.

The competition is quite intense as well. Just using helpdesk software is not going to cut much ice. With time, the concept of deploying automation in customer service operation is gaining momentum! While automation in customer service sector is yet to go mainstream, the signs indicate at wider adoption rate in near future. Industry experts also feel deployment of automation and AI technologies will boost businesses in big ways.

Understanding nuances of automation in customer support sector

Of late, the words ‘automation’ and AI tech are being used a lot in customer service sector but the implications are not clear to all. The truth is some forms of automation are already being used in this sector but they are not done in intelligent, cohesive manner. The instances of people dealing with automated voice recording after calling helpline of various companies (mobile service providers for example) are quite common. Receiving automated emails after lodging grievances at a support portal of a company are also common. These automation methods are used mostly to get more time by the companies.

The new approach to deploying automation in customer service

The reality is automation techniques have been used in customer service sector for a long time- in a boring, mechanical manner, most of the times. With notable progress in internet and related technologies, and arrival of Artificial intelligence- it is time to redefine the ways to deploy automation in customer service.

Finding the balance

Despite the brouhaha and buzz around automation and its benefits in customer service, the reality is it is not a magic bullet solution! It is not possible and feasible to replace all types of human support with automation-yet. The target for organizations should be finding the right balance between human and software based support. Human support is a requirement and AI based support can be used to complement it. When the agents get fatigued, ill, remain absent or cope with excess number of customers- chat bots can be engaged to give them relief- for example.  The chat bots do not sleep or get affected by human limitations. Conversations started with chat bots in a session can be picked up by human agents later. A number of companies are already deploying programmed chat bots as a complementary form of support.

Automating simple yet repetitive tasks

It is important to figure out the tasks in customer support operations that can be automated without hassles. There are several processes involved in customer support operations in any organization. The automation should be deployed in such a way that overall workflow is not disrupted. It makes sense to automate simple yet repetitive tasks. Responding to most common customer queries can be done by the ticketing software while the agents deal with really complex cases. In fact, present generation helpdesk tools have provisions for automating a large chunk of ticket creation and assigning procedures. This also helps in saving significant amount of time.

Learning from experiences/errors

AI technology is at blossoming stage and automation is yet to gain worldwide acceptance- in customer support. So, the organizations deploying automation need to be cautious and they need to learn from mistakes too.

Examples of how AI and automation are being used by companies successfully

There are some companies, including some technology giants and well known MNCs that have tasted success in deploying AI technologies in customer service. Experts think it is a matter of time before more contenders follow the same path.

Messaging with AI augmentation

It is true that pre-programmed chat bots cannot replace human agents. They cannot analyze like human agents and come up with apt response in all situations-yet. However, companies like LivePerson are using chat bots in alliance with human agents. This way- there is a balance and the bots can pick up interaction skills over time. The simpler queries are channeled to the bots while agents pick up clients with complex queries. This is where advanced algorithms of help desk tools come into picture. The agents can also cope with multiple chats at the same time-which boosts productivity eventually.

AI driven email inquiries

Some companies are using sophisticated helpdesk tool that let the agents cope with inflow of emails better. A company called DigitalGenius is using specialized software that scans and tag emails to the apt agents automatically. Besides, many helpdesk tools have options for automated conversion of emails into tickets. This comes in handy when a majority of your company customers use email for queries and lodging grievances. Needless to say, no customer likes to wait after sending an email. AI driven email management system reduces communication and interaction time drastically-which benefits both parties.

AI managed phone call management

Not only live chat and email, but telephonic support can also be enhanced by deployment of AI technologies. However, it may prove to be more difficult to implement compared to other support channels. On a technical note, software solutions deal less effectively with voice analysis than chat. There can be factors like speech patterns, Background noise, poor pronunciation that can complicate the analysis process.Besides, a section of customers call up helpline of a company as the last resort-when other measures fail. In such times, relying solely on AI and software based procedures may be tough. However, a few companies are actually deploying AI tech in voice based support- alongside human support. A startup named Cogito has come up with a conversation-analysis tool that works real time and relies on behavioral science. The AI tech used in it can detect change in volume, pitch etc. The system actually turned out to be quite effective when it was tried by insurance venture Humana. Salesforce is another company that is keen on deploying AI technology in call monitoring.

What the future looks like?

It is not without reasons that the businesses are getting interested in deploying AI and automation in customer service. Doing so can fetch them multiple benefits. The major benefits include cost reduction, evading glitches and complications, speeding up workflow and enhanced customer satisfaction.

AI is not just limited to replying to customer queries and turning mails into tickets, as it is. Several big companies are using AI in other ways. For example, food brands like Dominos and Subway are already using AI to let the customers place orders online. The digital voice assistants like Alexa are also being used for placing voice guided orders. Moreover, a number of banks are also migrating to AI incorporation in their procedures.  These will help the customers perform basic tasks like paying bills and checking balance minus human assistance. Bank of America is about to introduce Erica, its AI banking assistant.

The worry of mass deployment of AI in customer service sector leading to jobs is somewhat exaggerated, say the experts. For quite a long time, AI enabled customer support procedures will co- exist with traditional procedures managed by human agents. It is also important to focus on the security aspect before deploying AI and automation technologies in the sector on large scale.

Originally posted 2019-10-04 20:40:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The post Using AI to Automate Customer Service first appeared on Information Technology Blog.

The industrial sector is constantly evolving, and new technologies are emerging that are transforming the way businesses operate.

These technologies range from artificial intelligence and machine learning to robotics and 3D printing. In this article, you will find seven emerging technologies that are transforming the industrial sector. Check out the following list of the top 7 emerging technologies transforming the industrial sector:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being used to automate various tasks and improve industrial efficiencies, such as predictive maintenance, quality control, and supply chain management.

For example, AI and machine learning algorithms can analyze data from sensors and other sources to predict when equipment is likely to fail, allowing companies to perform maintenance before a breakdown occurs. This can help reduce downtime and increase productivity.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the interconnected network of physical devices, sensors, and other equipment that can collect and exchange data using the internet. In the industrial sector, IoT has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of processes and operations, from manufacturing and supply chain management to maintenance and asset tracking.

One of the main benefits of IoT in the industrial sector is the ability to gather real-time data from devices and equipment, which can be used to improve efficiency and optimize processes. For example, sensors on a production line can track the performance of individual machines and identify issues even before they occur!

Robotics

Robotics plays a vital role in the industrial sector – particularly in manufacturing and assembly operations. Major areas where robotics is used in the industrial sector include automating repetitive tasks, enhancing safety, improving quality, and reducing labor costs.

Industrial robots are used to automate a wide range of tasks, including assembly, welding, painting, and material handling. They can work 24/7, with minimal downtime and maintenance requirements, making them an attractive option for companies looking to increase productivity and efficiency.

3D Printing

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has revolutionized the industrial sector in recent years by offering a range of benefits, including increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved product customization. 3D printing offers intricate geometries or features that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. This can significantly reduce production time and costs.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR can be used to train employees in a safe and controlled environment. This allows them to practice tasks and procedures without the risk of injury or equipment damage.

Industrial sectors can also use Augmented reality and virtual reality to communicate and collaborate with remote teams, as well as visualize complex systems and processes in a more interactive and intuitive way. This can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of training, as well as reduce the time and cost required for employees to learn new skills or procedures.

Blockchain

Blockchain can be used to manage and track contracts, payments, and other business-to-business (B2B) interactions. This will reduce the risk of fraud and errors while streamlining the process of doing business with other companies.

One major application of blockchain in the industrial sector is supply chain management. Blockchain can be used to create an immutable record of all the steps in a supply chain, including the origin of raw materials, the transportation of goods, and the distribution of finished products.

Energy Storage

Energy storage is an important aspect of the industrial sector, as it allows companies to store excess energy for use at a later time. This can be especially useful for businesses that rely on renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, which can be intermittent and unpredictable.

Industrial solar integration is the perfect example of this emerging technology. This off-grid system harvests power from the sun and stores it within lithium batteries, offering power in areas where grid connectivity is not available!

Conclusion

The industrial sector is undergoing significant transformation due to the adoption of the abovementioned 7 emerging technologies. These technologies are helping businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase competitiveness, and they will likely continue to shape the future of the industrial sector for years to come.

Originally posted 2023-01-05 22:06:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The post 7 Emerging Technologies Transforming the Industrial Sector first appeared on Information Technology Blog.

Technology is one of the most integral parts of human civilization and life. Human beings owe their success in becoming the most dominant species on Earth to technology. Technology is a term that refers to all the machinery and inventions that humans have always used.

This can include the first tools that early humans used to the machines that all humans currently use. It is an obvious fact that without technology, human beings are nothing. And without the advancement of technology, human beings are surely the first ones to go extinct.

Therefore, humans must find ways to upgrade their technology to prevent such a fate. This is currently happening at a faster rate than one can ever imagine. Currently, humans have reached the zenith of technological development. And they will reach a level far beyond this as well.

Therefore, everyone needs to know about the latest trends in technology. One should also know about the predictions experts are making about technological development. This can help one know about the upcoming advancements and opportunities technology can provide.

Possible Technological Trends That Might Happen Soon

There are several trends regarding the future of technology. The main aim of these trends is to make technologies better, more productive, and more useful. These trends are as follows:-

Increasing Number Of Devices With Computing Applications

Several devices will be present shortly that will have immense computing capability. These devices can be mobile phones, tablets, and many more. Currently, such devices do not offer all the features one can find in a computer. But this might not be the case shortly.

More phones with computing applications will be available soon. These will be faster in terms of service speed and more efficient. This will make such devices a good replacement for computers.

Introduction Of 5G And 6G

The latest versions of networks that will soon dominate the information and communication technology market are 5G and 6G. These are newer and more efficient forms of mobile communication technologies. These can provide greater mobile internet speeds and more network coverage as well.

These will soon replace 4G as the most useful network system. This will enable mobile phone users to have a better experience using such devices. These will also solve all the current issues that most people face while communicating on phones or using mobile internet.

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning

One of the most important technologies in the current times is Artificial Intelligence or A.I. This is an intelligent system that can think and solve problems. Such systems can make most processes automatic as well.

Soon, this technology will also undergo several advancements. The current versions of Artificial Intelligence also have machine learning as an important part. This allows such technology to learn from events and make decisions.

Both of these technologies will soon receive massive upgrades. The result is that these technologies will soon act and think like human beings. Most software engineers will program such technologies to assist humans in different operations.

These technologies will also form an important part of cyber security. This is because, with the help of machine learning, Artificial Intelligence systems will be able to point out cyber-attacks and neutralize them. These systems can also assist human beings n making better decisions in different areas.

Advancements in Extended Reality Technologies

The extended reality technologies include A.R. and V.R. mostly. These technologies form a major part of games and are useful in training programs. Soon, these technologies will also receive several advancements.

There will be several gadgets that will provide V.R. services to people. The virtual reality simulations will be so realistic that one might feel it hard to differentiate it from the real world. However, this is not something that one should worry about.

This will make such technologies more suitable for training programs in different fields. These will also make gaming a better experience as well.

The Introduction Of 3D Printing

One of the best forms of technology that will soon become available is 3D printing. This will involve special printers that will be able to produce 3-dimensional models. In simple words, this is a technology that will create models of literally any object.

This technology will revolutionize sectors such as the medical and teaching industries. These sectors can often require models for different purposes. For this, innovative versions of 3D printers will soon be available.

These might also revolutionize the engineering sector as well. The machines can do this by building small machines or at least models. Therefore, these will be some of the best pieces of technology one can use shortly.

Possible Predictions About Technological Advancements

The facts mentioned above only talk about the technological trends that will happen in the future for sure. However, many experts also predict that certain advancements will soon happen. These advancements can seem straight from science fiction books and movies.

However, this is not the case anymore, as these technologies will soon become a reality. These are as follows:-

The Increase in The Number Of Robotic Citizens

One of the fascinating technological predictions involves robots. This prediction states that robots will soon become as intelligent as humans. These robots will look and resemble humans or even animals. These will have highly advanced A.I. systems running them.

Such robots will dominate the workforce and take away most jobs. However, many say they will only greatly decrease the workload for people. They will do this by becoming assistants or even bosses.

Advancement in Genetic Engineering snd The Rise of Superhumans

Currently, one of the most innovative gene editing tools is CRISPR. This tool uses advanced A.I. and other systems for editing the genes of microbes. However, these systems might become innovative enough to edit the genes of other living creatures. And that includes us as well.

Many scientists might use more advanced forms of such technologies to create superhumans. These will be babies who will have modified genes since birth. Scientists might also do this to plants and animals as well. This will prevent species extinction in a world that might soon fall victim to nuclear wars.

Flying Cars Driven By A.I.

Flying self-driven cars will soon be a reality. These will use A.I. systems that will work as per the voice command of a car’s owner. Companies like Tesla are developing such cars currently.

These might also not run on fossil fuels too. Instead, these will run purely on electricity.

Conclusion

The futures of technological advancements seem to be very bright for the human race. This will lead to the lives of people becoming more comfortable and stress-free. Innovative technologies will also lead to the creation of more jobs as well.

All this signifies that technological advancements will lead to a new golden age for humankind. This can lead to humans becoming smarter and more sophisticated. This might also end all the causes of suffering that human beings are currently facing.

Originally posted 2023-04-12 15:56:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The post The Future of Technology: Emerging Trends and Predictions first appeared on Information Technology Blog.

It’s been a long time since vintage video games.  The first promise of virtual reality was born, lived, and died in long-gone days of the 90s. This time, things are different. 2020 is the year when VR continues to takes the world by storm. And the world wouldn‘t be complete without one thing: gaming. Yes, videogames are one of the biggest beneficiaries of our VR-revolution. Here‘s why.

For one, this is the year when all the great headsets will hit the market. Oculus Rift is already taking in orders despite its hefty price and system requirements. It will come packaged with several games, and more PC games are adapted for it every day.  Buy it here: https://ebay.to/2IKehiF

HTC Vive, a collaboration between HTC and Valve, is an even pricier platform, but one that comes with controllers and sensors that have to be stationed around the room. However, its price didn‘t deter pre-orders, which soared through the roof on the launch of sales.  Buy it here: https://ebay.to/2wWmHiz

There‘s also PlayStation VR, which utilizes the humble PlayStation that you have at home and Move controllers, and it will be a little cheaper than the other two. Of course, those aren‘t the only offerings: Razr, Zeiss and others are gunning for their own headsets, too.  Buy it here: https://ebay.to/2KwnWqw

And that‘s just for PC and console gaming. Mobile VR gaming has already taken off, probably because everyone has a smartphone or two. Samsung Gear VR is one of the market leaders, despite being a headset that‘s only compatible with a limited amount of top-of-the-line Samsung smartphones.  Buy it here: https://ebay.to/2Gq9EVY

Google Cardboard is its more platform-agnostic rival, however, to be that cheap it sacrifices any inbuilt controllers and even some comfort. Some would say that it‘s more of a VR preview than a platform!  Get it here: https://ebay.to/2KuO3hj

Regardless of that, Cardboard, Gear VR, and others already have a healthy library of games to choose from.

That‘s right, you have talent from all over the world making video games for mobile VR. And how can it not be so? While the big headsets have yet to reach the hands of consumers, mobile sets grow sales every day, and there are predictions that mobile headsets will outnumber big headsets 4 to 1. So that‘s why there‘s an abundance of games made and in development. You have AAA mobile VR titles such as EVE: Gunjack, the best turret shooter of all time, and accomplished on Unreal Engine 4. You have Schell Games‘ I Expect You To Die, a wonderful James Bond-like adventure puzzle. You can also enjoy more low-key games, like Temple Run VR and Proton Pulse. All in all, there‘s no dearth of mobile VR games.

There‘s no dearth of upcoming PC (and console) virtual reality games either. Wikipedia page for games that support Oculus VR lists more than a hundred titles both old and new. We are expecting such grand games as space fighter simulators Eve: Valkyrie and Star Citizen to knock us off our feet once we get to play them. Hover Junkers, Unearthing Mars, Dead Secret – from shooters to puzzlers, the list of games and genres is growing every day. Give them time, and the developers will come up with VR-specific game genres –

And how can it not? The future is in our hands, as the tools of game making have never been more democratic. Unity, Unreal Engine 4, Cryengine – all of them support VR games, visual programming (programming by connecting pre-made blocks instead of writing code) and are completely, 100% free. You don’t even need to have a modeler to jump into game creation – low-poly models, perfect for games, are a growing area of stock 3D model market and online marketplaces like CGTrader are ready to help. Just buy models (or even download free ones), and you’re already on the road to success. Low-poly is extremely important since it helps mobile VR games keep phones from exploding and all VR games to achieve that important 90 FPS mark.

And there you have it. – a veritable VR explosion, with a cornucopia of games and apps present for the ever-growing numbers of powerful VR hardware. And with game development tools that have never been this democratic, they will only continue to grow and expand. We’re on the threshold of a new age of gaming and the future is so high definition, you need VR glasses.

Originally posted 2018-04-20 17:35:26. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The post 2020 and Beyond: The Years Of VR Gaming first appeared on Information Technology Blog.

Today’s video games are on another level, graphics and sound so intense, they make the gamer feel they are in between a game and Hollywood blockbuster. Experiences immerse players with realistic sound and graphics and connect players on a social interactive level. Classic gaming did not have these advantages. Today, you can experience gaming with no limits, be in virtual reality, or on a now more affordable, high definitely big screen.

With what used to be technology only reserved for the more privileged, high intensity, luxury big screen gaming is now affordable for the consumer market. Advancements in technology have not been limited to only gaming consoles, and over the last few years, home theater projectors have become truly viable choices. Why go with a 60″ flat screen when, for just a few dollars more, you could immerse yourself in the action with a 200″ home theater projector?  The bigger the screen, the more immersive the game becomes.

Video Gaming Projector Buyer’s Guide

Whether you’re looking for a projector for watching movies or strictly for hardcore gaming, there are a few things to consider when making your purchase.

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Gaming Projector Specifications to Watch for

Here are some tips on finding the right setup.

1080P Total High Definition

VGA, SVGA and XGA projectors may be ok for showing a Power Point presentation when you’re at the office, but for true home entertainment, 1080P total high definition HD is the only one way to go, which will let you play Blueray and other high definition content correctly.  720p and 1080p are equally 16:9 widescreen resolutions, whereas 1024×768 is 4:3, which is that square screen that you see on old TVs.

Contrast and Brightness

Contrast and brightness are important considerations.  Sometimes you might want to play games with the light on.  That’s when brightness may be important.  Look for how many lumens to gauge how bright the actual projector is.

The current best projector technologies include DLP or LCD projectors which use smooth digital image chips which have brighter light output than CRT systems. Today, there is no need to see your picture completely in blackness.  A lightly lit room is sufficient, but the higher the lumens, the brighter your images.

ANSI Contrast

ANSI contrast is another great measuring specification, which runs a check routine and measures the difference between the dark and light squares. It is a great feature to have for gaming purposes to put less strain on your eyes due to rapidly changing blacks/whites.

Focus Range

Check to see if the projector uses a “dynamic iris” to help sharpen its focus range. These perform by confining the light output in dark scenes, allowing the projector to generate “blacker blacks”. The other projector types will just have an “on/off” distinction, which is the difference between a completely black and full white screen.

Throw Distance

How far will your projector be from the screen?  With projectors, you can have them several feet  away from the screen, out of sight and projecting a massive image.  “Short Throw Projectors” are designed to be set closer to the screen and put out a huge picture, whereas “long throw” projectors are the reverse.

Lens Shift

Will you be moving your projector around a lot?  With lens-shift, it helps you do that faster and more effectively. Not the best feature for a gaming projector but is also something to think about.

Input Lag

Input lag is amount of time it takes for a projector (or TV, monitor) to create an image. Long input lag can make a movie have bad lip-sync issues and can turn a competitive multi player match into a frustrating experience.  You want lag times to be as low as possible, considering you may also run into lag times with the server.  Your equipment should operate without any issue.  Look for a projector today that offerd sub 20ms lag times.

Refresh Rates

Refresh rate is a projector’s ability to process video. A faster (higher) refresh rate means crisper, more seamless looking images. Anything over 120hz is recommended.  Higher refresh rates also produce a 3D image that is easier on the eyes.

Other Tips

Make sure your input resolution always matches the display resolution. Any scaling done on the projector will introduce a bit of lag.

Check to see if your projector has a ‘gaming’ or ‘fast’ mode. This typically reduces image quality by a small amount, but can also shave dozens of ms of lag time.

Connect to the projector directly  from your game console. In a lot of home theater setups, the console/pc may run through a home theater receiver first, which introduces one more thing the signal has to travel through before reaching the final display. The best and fastest route is also the shortest.

We hope these tips and tricks may provide some good advice on taking your game play to the next immersive level.  

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Related: Your Complete Guide to Choosing a Projector in 2018

Originally posted 2018-01-31 00:28:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The post Take Gaming to Another Level with a Projector first appeared on Information Technology Blog.