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Up and Coming Technologies
So far in this course, we have explored the most current and most
important trends in the field of Information Technology. While we
tried our best to cover as many topics as we can, we finally ran out of
time. So now, as the final lesson of this course, we will discuss some
of the other IT trends that are worth knowing about.
12_Obj01: Define Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Sharing
Economy, 3D Printing
12_Obj02: Identify Virtual Reality Devices
12_Obj03: Identify the most popular sharing economy companies
12_Obj04: Create a report about up and coming technologies
Virtual Reality
Image from [Link] CC0 Creative Commons Free for
commercial use No attribution required
The Virtual Reality Society ([Link] defines virtual
reality or VR as “a three-dimensional, computer generated
environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person”
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We are used to interacting with computers through screens which
have two dimensions; length and height. Virtual reality adds a third
dimension which we can call width or depth, simulating an
environment where the user look around in different directions
instead of just staring at a screen.
VR Devices
This is made possible through VR devices, the most popular of which is the
virtual reality headset. As the name implies, the VR headset is a head-
mounted device that displays virtual reality to the user.
The VR headsets available in the market today connect to computers or
other devices. For example, The HTC Vive and Oculus Rift work with PC’s
and the PlayStation VR works with the PlayStation 4. Other VR headsets
such as the Samsung Gear and Google Cardboard which is literally made of
cardboard attach to smart phones.
Other VR devices available today include handheld and wearable controllers
which can be used to interact with VR environments while wearing a VR
headset and omnidirectional treadmills which allow VR users to walk in all
directions.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality or AR is a technology that superimposes digital
information on the user’s view of the real world. In simpler terms, AR
adds computer generated information to what we see and hear.
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Smartglasses
A Google Glass [Link], Author: Loïc Le Meur, Source:
[Link]
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Today, the most promising application of AR is the smartglass which is
a wearable device that adds information to what the wearer sees.
Popular examples include Microsoft’s HoloLens and Google Glass.
Smartphones
Augmented reality does not necessary require dedicated devices such
as wearables and headsets. AR applications are already being widely
used today in mobile devices such as smartphones. For example,
Snapchat allows users to add “filters” such as dog ears and flower
crowns to real time images captured by the phone’s camera.
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Screenshot from Pokemon Go Mobile App
Perhaps the most popular example of AR is Pokemon Go which
became extremely popular in 2016. Players had to walk in the real
world and catch Pokemon which can be seen through their phones’
cameras.
Augmented Reality Vs. Virtual Reality
The terms augmented reality and virtual reality are often used
interchangeably but there is a distinct difference between the two.
VR blocks external sensory input. For example, a VR headset covers
the user’s eyes so he can’t see anything other than the image
projected to him. On the other hand, AR does not block the real
world; it merely adds to it. The user will be able to see the world
around him plus the digital image projected images.
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3d Printing
Image from [Link] CC0 Creative Commons Free for
commercial use No attribution required
Three-dimensional printing or additive manufacturing is a computer-
controlled process of creating three-dimensional objects.
How does it work?
Just like printing on paper, 3d printing starts with a computer. 3d
modelling software are software application used to design digital
representation of the objects to be printed. The most popular 3D
modelling software include Blender, SketchUp, Fusion 360, and
SolidWorks. 3d models are saved as files just like the text
documents that we print on paper. Examples of these file types are
OBJ, STL, AMF, and VRML.
The models can then be printed by a 3d printer. Popular brands
include MakerBot, Ultimaker, Flashforge and Zortrax. 3d printers are
still relatively expensive, with top-of-the-line brands costing more
than 100 thousand pesos and low-end brands at around 30 thousand.
However, just like any other consumer electronics, 3d printers are
expected to become more affordable in the years to come.
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Different types of materials can be used to print 3d objects.
Commercial 3d printers commonly use the Fused Filament Fabrication
process or FFF. This method works by printing thin layers of
thermoplastic which is a plastic material that becomes moldable
when hot and hardens when it cools down. Layers are printed on top
of each other to form 3d objects. The most commonly used include
Polylactic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS),
PolyAmide (PA), and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS).
The Sharing Economy
The on-demand economy or sharing economy refers to economic and
social activities where consumers gain immediate access to goods and
services through online transactions.
The sharing economy is already changing the way people manage and
consume resources. The traditional way of thinking is if we want to
use or consume a resource, we need to purchase it. If we want to
listen to music, we need to buy a record. If we want to conveniently
travel, we need to buy a car. With the sharing economy, we can pay a
relatively small amount to use other people’s resources.
Information Technology is a vital part of the sharing economy.
Virtually all transactions are conducted over the Internet. Mobile
connectivity in the form of smart phones and wireless Internet is
necessary in the fast paced on-demand flow of goods and services.
Here are some of the most popular sharing economy companies:
Uber
The American company Uber is a sharing economy pioneer. Uber
provides on-demand transportation service by connecting commuters
with private car drivers who are willing to give rides for a fee.
According to Uber’s official website:
“For the women and men who drive with Uber, our app represents a
flexible new way to earn money. For cities, we help strengthen local
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economies, improve access to transportation, and make streets safer.
When you make transportation as reliable as running water, everyone
benefits.”
Airbnb
Another pioneer in the sharing economy is Airbnb. It allows people to
rent short-term lodging in hotels, apartments, private homes, etc.
According to their official website:
“Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list,
discover, and book unique accommodations around the world —
online or from a mobile phone or tablet.”
Taskrabbit
Taskrabbit is an online labour marketplace that connects customers
with freelance workers who do for everyday tasks such as plumbing,
delivery, cleaning, yard work, etc.
Angkas
Angkas is one of the sharing economy companies that are gaining
popularity in the Philippines. It works a lot like Uber but instead of
cars, commuters ride motorcycles. The Angkas official website
describes their service as “a professional on-demand motorcycle taxi
service that allows commuters to safely and conveniently beat the
traffic.”
Glossary of Terms
VIRTUAL REALITY - a three-dimensional, computer generated
environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person
AUGMENTED REALITY - a technology that superimposes digital
information on the user’s view of the real world
SHARING ECONOMY - refers to economic and social activities where
consumers gain immediate access to goods and services through
online transactions
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3D PRINTING - Three-dimensional printing or additive manufacturing
Sources:
DeMers, J. (2016, November 16). 7 Technology Trends That Will
Dominate 2017. Retrieved October 10, 2017, from
[Link]
technology-trends-that-will-dominate-2017/#56c8773f4a51
[Link]. (n.d.). What is Virtual Reality? Retrieved October 10, 2017,
from [Link]
[Link]
Lamkin, P. (2017, September 26). Best VR headsets 2017: HTC Vive,
Oculus, PlayStation VR compared. Retrieved October 10, 2017, from
[Link]
Microsoft. (n.d.). Detail of light relfecting on lens of HoloLens.
Retrieved October 10, 2017, from [Link]
us/hololens
Strikwerda, P., Dehue, R., Inventimark, K., & Ahmed, R. (2017, August
28). What is 3D printing? How does 3D printing work? Learn How to
3D Print. Retrieved October 10, 2017, from
[Link]
[Link]. (n.d.). Puzzlebox 3D. Retrieved October 10, 2017,
from [Link]
David. (2017, August 31). 5 Most Popular 3D Printing Thermoplastics.
Retrieved October 10, 2017, from [Link]
popular-3d-printing-thermoplastics/
[Link]. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved October 10, 2017, from
[Link]
TaskRabbit, I. (n.d.). Revolutionizing Everyday Work. Retrieved
October 10, 2017, from [Link]
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Uber. (n.d.). Finding the way Creating possibilities for riders, drivers,
and cities. Retrieved October 10, 2017, from
[Link]
[Link]. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved October
10, 2017, from [Link]
