virtual tours

virtual reality, Virtual ToursMay 6, 2019

What to Expect from VR Headsets in the Second Half of 2019

There are several innovations in technology such as wireless technology, ultra-high resolutions, and eye tracking features that can greatly influence the performance of VR headsets. Think when Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon make use of these in an integrated system. It can certainly bring in millions of users and consumers when all these are integrated with a reduced cost. This can make your company virtual tour more powerful. This is the greatest thing to happen to VR users in the years to come, particularly this year.

Detailed Eye Tracking

The frontal sight can catch the most detail which is the contrast of the peripheral vision. This can be remedied with the help of VR’s eye tracking capability. It renders what is known as “foveate rendering” enabling more details to be sent before your eyes and less on the periphery. This is only made possible once the headset knows where your eyes are directed. That’s how eye tracking makes it a major factor for a VR headset. It is also eye tracking that makes the whole VR experience more socially interactive.

Low Cost

Reduced cost is not exactly a VR feature, but it is the most looked forward advancement in this particular technology. With VR technology, people value the freedom of their hands and to be able to have a fully interactive experience. These features are all part of the Oculus Santa Cruz prototype. The camera placement of the camera on the headset made it possible to reach for an object behind you. Facebook may be able to come up with a consumer version of this VR technology with reduced cost. The ultimate innovation is that of a standalone VR headset complete with battery, graphics, display, tracking, and full freedom controllers but at a reduced cost.

Photographer: Laurens Derks | Source: Unsplash

Wireless

There are different ways to enhance the wireless capacity of a VR headset. The first one involves the use of a high-powered processing box just like a PC. It also includes a radio that broadcasts and also receives a huge volume of data to and from a BR headset nearby. Another approach is through a standalone system. This comes with a battery and the processing box which can be found in the headset itself or a wired pack which can be attached to your clothing. The advancements in mobile technology may also bring in a new approach to wireless VR technology that enables higher resolutions and great hand controllers.

Higher Resolution

Most people complain about the “screen door effect” of present-day VR headsets which enables you to see the individual pixels. When it comes to high-resolution manufacturers have become reliant on Samsung which earns the best performance in terms of OLED displays. Other companies are working hard to contribute to this area of VR headset technology. Samsung Odyssey or the upcoming Vive Pro. It has a 1440 x 1600 per eye display that reduces that sense of being in a virtual world as seen from the squares of a screen door. This feature has to be developed alongside the eye tracking feature.

Inside-Out Tracking Feature

The leading company in this feature is Microsoft. Inside-out tracking is a feature that enhances the appeal of the VR headset technology due to convenience. With Santa Cruz, Facebook is showing the speed of its inside-out tracking version. Google is giving the Lenovo headset more power while Qualcomm is now offering core tracking technology that it can share with other manufacturers such as HTC.

All these features are seen as a possible direction this 2019 in terms of technological innovations involving VR headsets. For you to learn more about the different VR headsets that are available in the market today, you can use this guide here.

BlogApril 22, 2019

Planning to Apply Virtual Tour to Your Business? Read These Tips First!

It doesn’t matter whether you are in real estate or in the hotel industry, a virtual tour will give your customers the best experience of your business even before they pay for your services or products. Here are 9 tips for shooting 360-photos for Virtual Tours:

1.· Make sure that your camera is set based on your preferred conditions.

It is important for your camera’s settings to be correct particularly the white balance aspect. When you travel from one area to another, it means that the lighting changes and you have to make sure that the white balance can be adjusted.

2.· Go to the site with the client first.

You can walk through with the client or by yourself to the site first. Identify all the important areas that need to be highlighted.

3.· Make use of three or four movements with your camera.

You need to shoot from the floor towards the ceiling and vice versa. You can also go from left to right and vice versa. You may also do some slow zooms and zoom outs.

4.· Start at the beginning of the property or the specific location.

You have to shoot in the same way for your actual virtual tour. This will save you much time in editing the virtual tour. And this will make sure that everything will be in order.

5.· You have to erase 360 photos that are clearly not fit for use.

Doing this can help you save you time in choosing the 360 photos that are good to go for your actual virtual tour once you begin editing. Just be careful not to erase the good clips.

6.· Make use of the tripod.

A blurry and jerky 360-photo will always end up looking amateurish. That’s why make sure that the photo will always be steady.

7.· Ask for details to highlight.

When you are making a virtual tour for a client, make sure that you ask them the bulleted points or messages that they want you to highlight. These could be the call to action, service area copies, and so forth. There should only be 3 to 5 of such details. You have to include the following information: logo, phone, website, and address.

8.· Always include shots of the storefront of your property.

It is also good to include a shot of the door opening and someone walking from outside getting in. Make sure that your camera’s settings are ready for the lighting adjustments from the outside to inside.

9.· Choose Virtual Tour Easy for your virtual tour.

Choose the video and the right music to blend with your virtual tour. This will enhance the overall look and feel of your virtual tour. A virtual tour that is highly interactive and immersive will go a long way to promoting your business. You can create one easily through Virtual Tour Easy.

restaurant, virtual realityApril 15, 2019

Japan Offers A Virtual Reality Restaurant Serving Real Food

It won’t be surprising for you to hear that when the term virtual reality restaurant is mentioned, it evokes the image of a highly immersive dining experience. Japan is the first place you would think of having this. This is because Japan has always been ahead in terms of technology from gadgets, robots, to futuristic research. If you want to dine with a mixed Cirque De Soleil, Michelin, Avatar, and Marvel inspirations, Tokyo is the best place to go.

Tree by Naked

The restaurant is called Tree by Naked. The restaurant is located the Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. A fusion of Japanese cuisine is offered in the restaurant. These dishes are from Ryotaro Muramatsu, the creator of Naked Inc. Naked Inc. is a company whose specialization is on sophisticated visual installations, experiences, and designs around the globe.

This is like having a famous building with crazy projection displays on its façade adorned with 3D elements. The restaurant still features clothed people despite being named as such. As part of showcasing its expertise in transformational experiences, the company launched Tree by Naked which is exceptionally a cut above the rest.

Dining at the Tree by Naked

Dining at the virtual restaurant will challenge and stimulate all your senses: smell, sound, touch, taste, and vision. These are brought about by the sounds, objects, and visuals that are presented. 3D projections go with the plate presentations creating stories and intrigues which make each one a conversation piece. It could mean that a plant is growing on your plate while you are dining. Projections are also highly interactive that they respond to actual customer behavior in real time. Making the whole experience theatre-like, smoke, lighting, and 360 degree sound effects vary according to themes in every dining room.

Specific Details to Expect

There are eight courses served during the dining experience. A drink comes with every course. It costs 23,000 yen inclusive of tax and service charge. It is necessary to make a reservation and it has to be done in pairs of 2,4, 6, or 8 individuals. Don’t waste the chance by turning up late for the dining schedule. Take time to get fully immersed in artistic display. The installations won’t do anything to ruin your outfit for the occasion.

For a once in a lifetime dining experience with your loved ones, try the Tree By Naked restaurant. For a start, try the virtual tour restaurant today.

virtual reality, Virtual ToursMarch 14, 2019

Want to Perfect Your Site’s Virtual Tour? Here Are 10 Tips!

If you have a top of the line 360 degree camera, you will know how easy it is to come up with your own virtual tour. Today’s technology makes it possible for you to produce your own professional virtual tour with the help of a state of the art camera and a virtual tour software. The following tips will help you in producing high-quality virtual tours easily.

1. You have to check the equipment

Always check all your equipment before the shoot. The battery of the camera has to be fully charged and the SD card has to have full memory. It is also a must for your smartphone to have sufficient power in taking photos and videos.

2. Choose the right time to take photos

During lunchtime, there is to much light and this can make your photos blown out. The best time to take photos is during sundown. This time the light is warm and at its best quality.

3. It is necessary to control the shutter speed when taking photos

When you don’t have a choice but shoot during lunchtime, just make sure that the shutter speed is low. This would mean that light is lessened and there will be more dark images in the photo. When you are shooting in a dark room, it’s better to have a higher shutter speed to make the images brighter.

4. Clean up the shooting area

It is important for you to clean the area and make sure that there is no mess around. You can do this well when you stand right where you plan to set up your camera and try to notice all the things around you. If you see something that is out of place pick it up or rearrange it.

5. You need to reorganize the place

Make sure that you remove all the decorations, furnishings, and furniture that you won’t need or that make the area messed up. Get rid or hide the ugly bin in the kitchen or the loose cables that may appear in the virtual tour.

6. You have to maximize any source of light available

When your camera has no built-in flash, it is important for you to make use of all sources of light. Open the curtains for natural light to set in. Turn on the ceiling light, night lamp, bedside light, desktop light, etc. This will give your picture a warmer and homey feel.

7. Make sure that you won’t be seen on the 360 images or any of your companions

Make sure that all your guests and companions are in another room. Also make sure that mirrors won’t show your image as you take the 360 images or that your shadow is showing up anywhere during the shoot.

8. Show the entire property

It’s important that you include the exterior of the property. Stand away from the property to have a full-size shot of the entire thing. If you stand too close to the door, you will be showing only the door.

9. Close-ups are prohibited

Don’t create images that are too close to other objects. When inside the room, put the camera in the middle for the viewer to have a better perspective of the entire area. If you are in a small room, put the camera on top of an item found in the middle of the room. The door has to be closed all the time to avoid it from taking up space in the small room.

10. Beware of mirrors and reflections all over

Be wary of the mirrors found inside the room. It’s not only your reflection that can be seen on the mirror but that of the camera. Even windows might reflect your image and the camera, so you have to be careful of what can be seen.

Keep these ten tips in mind and you can end up with a professional quality virtual tour. You can make use of Virtual Tour Easy to make things easier on your first virtual tour!

virtual reality, Virtual ToursFebruary 28, 2019

Virtual Tours and Background Music: Do They Go Together?

Virtual tours need background music to give viewers an exciting multimedia experience. It should be one with interactive features and controls to create that feeling of being on the actual space or location. This is simply one feature that you can use for you to enhance the 360 degree virtual tour or the still image virtual tour that is commonly used.

There is no absolute answer to whether background music must be included in your virtual tour. However, these may be some of the things you can consider before deciding to include background music or not in your virtual. This will also give you an idea of the best types of music to use in your virtual tour.

Client’s Preference

This is the most important factor to consider when deciding on putting background music or not in your virtual tour. You need to ask your client about this. It doesn’t matter if your client is a businessman or a real estate agent or a dentist. Ask them how they feel about having music in their virtual tour.

Clients may have preferences for the music to be used. They might not like using music at all. At times, they may not have a preference. This means that you have to rely on your best judgment.

Viewers’ Preference

There are people who like to hear music when they watch a virtual tour. Others think that it is distracting and annoying. It may be that they don’t like the music used or they just don’t want it. It is not possible for you to please all people. However, in many cases, a carefully selected music track will help you to elevate the level of experience without people objecting to it.

The Best Music to Use for a Virtual Tour

It is best to use instrumental music when creating virtual tours. Vocals can be distracting for many listeners. It’s better to choose cheerful and upbeat music instead of the dark and gloomy one. Don’t go for cheesy music either since it can be irritating for some people as well. If it is music that you will likely hear in an elevator, don’t use it for a virtual tour. It is better to pair up background music with a good narration when creating a virtual tour. Music has the ability to enhance the narrative and also to fill in the many overwhelming transitions. There are many sites where you can access free-royalty instrumental music for your virtual tours. There are also tools that make it easy for you to put music for every scene in your virtual tour. Here is a guide for you to do this using the tool Virtual Tour Easy.

If you want to make the most of your virtual tour, try Virtual Tour Easy today.

virtual realityJanuary 14, 2019

The History of Augmented and Virtual Reality (A Walkthrough from 1838 to the Present)

Augmented reality and virtual reality changed the world and how people see and make use of technology. It might surprise you to know however that it all started in 1838 when Charles Wheatstone created the stethoscope which allowed users to view different images for every eye. This makes you see a larger 3D image which is much farther. In 1891, Thomas Edison and William Dickson invented the kinetoscope. This allows users to see images at 46 FPS. Next to it, the link trainer flight stimulator was developed in the 1929. It was developed by Edwin Link of the Link Piano and Organ Company. This is a fuselage that simulate plane movement, cockpit enclosure, and also the actual experiences of riding a plane.

In 1935, Pygmalion’s Spectacles, a sci-fi written by Stanley Weinbaum, a special pair of goggles was first described. The goggles can enable people to experience the five senses virtually. This was followed by the View-Master which was developed by William Gruber and Harold Graves in 1938. It was a stereoscopic 3D photo viewer which served as an update to the traditional postcard.

During the Early to the Late 20th Century

Another milestone in the development of AR and VR was the telesphere mask which was developed by Morton Heilig, a cinematographer and VR pioneer. This was the first ever created head-mounted display (HMD). Headsight followed this in 1961 which was developed by Philco Corporation. This was the first HMD that could track motion and take pictures. In 1962, Morton Heilig again developed the sensorama and motorcycle simulator. This was a 3D-equipped booth that produced sensations that simulate real phenomena.

The Sword of Damocles was also developed in 1968 by Ivan Sutherland. This was a primitive headset that was suspended from the ceiling. In 1977, the Sayre Glove was created by scientists at the Electronic Visualization Laboratory located at the University of Illinois. In 1982, the Power Glove and DataGlove were created by Thomas G. Zimmerman and Jaron Lanier. This was an optical flex sensor and an ultrasonic and magnetic hand positioning tracking device. This development was followed in 1986 by the air force super cockpit program which was designed and directed by Thomas Furness. This was an HMD that could project computer-generated radar imagery, 3D maps, infrared, and avionics.

In 1988, the VIEW or virtual interface environment workstation was developed by NASA along with VPL Research Inc. This was an HMD that showed a CGI environment. Then Virtuality Group Arcade Machines was developed by Dr. Jonathan D. Waldern and W Industries in 1991. This made use of telescopic visors, joysticks, and networked units for multiplayer gaming. In 1992, the CAVE or Cave Automatic Virtual Environment came into life. This was created by the Chicago Electronic Visualization Laboratory. The CAVE was a room wherein realistic visuals could be projected. In 1995, the Virtual Boy was developed by the designer of Nintendo, Gunpei Yokoi. This was a failed portable video game console that could simulate red and black 3D images.

21st Century and the Future

All these aforementioned developments led to the following: Samsung gear, Magic Leap One, Oculus Rift, Microsoft Hololens for Developers, Google Cardboard, Sony’s Playstation VR, and the HTC Vive.

AR and VR are seen to make contributions in the fields of education, public safety, business, healthcare, navigation, and even in the way we do selfies.

It only takes a few clicks to create a virtual tour for your real estate business. You can start by creating a free account on the Virtual Tour Easy site. Check it now.

BlogJanuary 11, 2019

The True Power of Virtual Tour and Its Impact in the Real Estate Industry

New technology is introduced all the time in the real estate industry. The most recent changes in technology in the field of real estate are virtual reality or VR and virtual tours. Virtual reality at this time is made from plans that are made from 3D. This virtual world can be accessed through the use of a helmet and a remote. It is not possible to have a real estate site today without the use of a virtual tour since this technology helps the clients to see what they want for themselves. It also enables them to decide wisely on the property to buy. The VR allows you to see the property without you having to go anywhere. There are many ways for you to take full advantage of virtual tours for your business.

The following are some of the benefits of using VR for real estate agents:

· Time-saving

VR can definitely help real estate agents save a lot of time especially when the property is located in a remote area. This technology enables buyers to see properties that are abroad, remote, or located in rural communities. It also enables the buyers to click away on the bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas, providing a 3D view of each room. Real estate agents can save a lot of time and other resources by simply having a virtual open house through the use of a VR.

· Enhanced communication

VR also enables better communication between the real estate agents and clients. Clients or potential buyers can comment on the property’s virtual tour. The client can ask questions from the roofing to the flooring and the insulation properties. This is helpful to the real estate agent since feedback can be provided in real-time.

· Enhances site traffic

VR can entice people to stay longer on the site compared to static text or still images. This means an increase on the site traffic. VR also helps prospective buyers to visualize living in the actual property.

· Global Reach

VR allows buyers to see properties that are in different regions of the world. Real estate agents can deal with different customers regardless of where they are located. Inquiries on the property can also be handled without having to stay in the office desk the entire day.

· Cost saving

You may need to spend much on buying 3D virtual tour equipment. This makes it a highly valuable investment. Through virtual tours, the agent can stage the property through the use of high-quality images. What is needed is a reliable panoramic camera and basic editing skills.

The VR figures say it all. About 95 percent of home buyers make use of the net when they look for properties. Fifty-one percent of people purchase their homes from the net. About 71 percent of millennials have a more positive response towards virtual tours. Around 77 percent of clients or buyers want to engage in a virtual tour before the actual visit. Sixty-two percent of Americans now opt to use the services of a real estate agency that uses a 3D virtual tour.

Leverage your real estate business and embed a Virtual Tour to your listing today! Sign up to Virtual Tour Easy now for free!

BlogJanuary 9, 2019

Hail the New King of Photography, the 360 Degree Photos!

It used to be that photos are the king in print media. The photographer has the task to freeze-frame any interesting scene. Commercial photography is considered superior over the rest. But today consumers are looking for the real inside story and no longer wish to see the commercial aspect of this art. They aim for transparency, honesty, and authenticity in all the photos shown. Consumers abhor the airbrushed marketing methods of most brands.

Why Static Images Don’t Work Anymore

Static images are easily ignored online. They often don’t meet the requirements of network connectivity and the use of mobile devices. The consumers’ desire and expectations on brand content and the need for interaction between the company and the consumers also increased due to the prevalence of social media in everyday life. The business world has become more interactive, layered, three-dimensional, and immersive.

The Use of the 360 Degree Photo in Business

A 360-degree photo shoot welcomes consumers to look into the business more from every angle. A lot of businesses around the world make use of 360-degree photography. This type of photograph has already become popular in the physical space such as in the hotel and real estate industries. Retailers have also followed suit as they use this type of photography for promoting their brick and mortar shops. This can also turn online visitors into offline visitors.

The Future of 360 Degree Photo

The use of the 360-degree photography is more than just a trend. It is rich in content and in providing benefits in communication and SEO benefits. According to statistics, 90 percent of consumers begin their search for products, services, and information using Google as the search engine. In many US cities, the 360-degree virtual tour is considered a necessity for any business which is much like having a website for your business. The UK is also starting to follow the US on this. Immersive and highly interactive 360 virtual tours are in.

The Positive Figures of 360 Degree Photo

There are important facts and figures that entrepreneurs have to be aware when it comes to the use of 360-degree photos and virtual tours. Real estate listings get to be viewed 87 percent more than just viewing still photos. According to Property Week, useless property viewings are cut back by 40 percent which means a lot of time saved for both the agents and buyers. The Carlson Hotel group, on the other hand, revealed that virtual tours increased the bookings by 46 percent more compared to just using websites with static images.

Find out more about how to leverage 360 virtual tour for business. Sign up to Virtual Tour Easy Today for FREE!

BlogJanuary 2, 2019

7 Reasons Why You Need a Virtual Tour Instead of a Brochure

The brochure has been a mainstay in business promotion, but recently a more interactive and convenient method came into the picture. This is the virtual tour. The 360 virtual tour is same as the brochure, but it does not get thrown out or refiled and reordered. The truth is that even people who have brochures still view the virtual tour. It is crucial for you to know the 7 main reasons to invest in a 360-degree virtual tour for your business:

1. Highly accessible 24/7 and on every portable device

It’s the best tool to show your hotel or venue. Hotels, for instance, can dress up their hotel rooms and provide their potential guests a preview of how the room feels in actuality. Such potential guests can visit and explore the hotel by themselves.

2. Lasts long

The brochure can easily be thrown out while a custom virtual tour can last for life unless you take the video down. This means that you only spend for initial investment, yet you can benefit from it for years.

3. Serves as a great marketing tool in trades shows and events

There are many trade shows that have interactive 360-degree virtual tours that can be accessed through a tablet. This also enables sending a follow-up email with the company’s URL after the show. Nothing catches the attention of attendees better than the VR goggle on your company stand.

4. Saves a lot of money

You will spend less when you invest in a virtual tour instead of a brochure. It gets rid of the exhibition expenses since the virtual tour is available and accessible anytime and anywhere.

5. Helps in the company’s online presence and search engine performance

A virtual tour can easily send your site on top of the search engines. The stats revealed that sites that have virtual tours are more likely to elicit bookings. A virtual tour can also do wonders on the SEO performance of any business site.

6. Helps save space and filing concerns

If you are going to check on offices, many of them have libraries filled with brochures. There are even those who hire people to take care of the filing. In the advent of internet technology, more offices have reduced their office sizes which makes brochures difficult to store. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops also resorted to investing in online marketing initiatives.

7. Helps save paper and consequently the environment

With a virtual tour, you can help save more trees from being felled for paper production. Your establishment will not have trash bins filled with discarded brochures.

Create your first virtual tour with Virtual Tour Easy today by visiting virtualtoureasy.com

BlogDecember 18, 2018

Virtual Tour Photography: The Best Promotion for Every Business

The entrepreneur has to connect with the audience. Most customers are visual. That’s why it is important to come up with a business promotional material which is visually oriented. It doesn’t matter if you own a restaurant, hotel, or a department store. Virtual photography will always be in the core of it.

Virtual tour photography is highly interactive, and it is of high resolution. This is the kind of photography that enables customers and site visitors to click around while checking the whole property. There are endless possibilities when it comes to the use of virtual photography. Here are more benefits to embracing the use of virtual photography for business:

It saves times since all the details laid down.

It is easier to know and see what the business offers. For instance, in the real estate, the prospective buyers need not go to the actual location themselves. Through virtual photography they can see all the details of the property. With multiple virtual photographs included, the buyers will be able to see the specific details of the property.

It is a great way to increase lead generation.

You are completely behind of your competitors when your site remains to be static and sloppy. When you use virtual photos on your site, visitors will think that you put in more effort into the creation of your site. Your effort and sacrifice will certainly pay off since this will increase your SEO rank and will enhance your site’s visibility. This strategy is intended for a company or any specific area of interest.

It will render a more professional look for your site and will make it more useful.

A listing with a static photo on the property list will leave a doubt on users that the property may have some embellishments or may not be accurate depicting the property. Through virtual photos, the potential buyers will know what to expect from the property as they can see the specific details of it. Having virtual photos of the property is like having an eternal virtual open house for people to participate without having to leave their homes.

It will boost the engagement with users.

Users love virtual photos. This has been backed by data stating that users stay 10 times longer on a site that has virtual photos. It is also known to increase the profits by 135 percent. Having multiple virtual photos can be used to produce a highly interactive and informative virtual tour. Virtual photos will showcase the artistic flair of the entrepreneur and the people working in the company.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of a virtual tour, contact us now.