Augmented / Virtual Reality and eReading
For audiences of similar ages, https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/istory-world-s-first-3d-ebook-platform--3#/ you can find augmented reality eBooks. The iStory reader app is a really fun way for youngsters to engage with eBooks on your iPad / iPhone. Augmented Reality 3D viewers, like Augment, super-impose 3D models in your environment. For those of you who have read Tammy’s blog (https://augmentedrealityinlearning.blogspot.com) it is very similar to JigSpace.
Also, Chimera Reader is an application that is built for reading eBooks in virtual reality. You can check it out Here or check out a short video demonstration Here. The main assertion is that the virtual world blocks out the distraction of the real world allowing the reader to focus.
Does anyone out there have any experiences they can share with the team using any of these services? I look forward to hearing back from you all and to our continued engagement here on the eReader blog.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteThese types of applications can definitely make a non-reader, like me, become very interested in reading. Sadly, the only experience I've had with AR is the amazon placement of products into your area using your smartphone. I do believe that the gap between a book and its live adaptation on-screen is closing due to advancements in AR and VR. I mostly prefer to watch the movie versus reading the book, but most people tell me that the movie is almost never the exact version of the book. So, maybe making a book come alive using the technologies you mentioned can be a better way to make someone like me more interested.
Pitt,
DeleteI like to use Game of Thrones, before HBO turned the ending into a nightmare, as a great example. The books contain so many more details available. So if you only watched the HBO series you may have tons of questions about the story that were left out because of time constraints. I have the Game of Thrones books in the Kindle and Audible versions so I can read along with the narrator. The down side is, my wife knew I read the books so I found myself having to answer her, and all her friends, questions about what was going on. Definitely worth the price!
Mike W.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I don't have any experience with any of these services but your blog has sparked my interest in learning more. I already told my wife what she can get me for our anniversary an e-reader. I am even more interested in getting an e-reader for the reasons you mention above. Reading can get boring but keeping it interactive through AR/VR technology is certainly worth exploring. I also have a four year old and I can see the benefits of having the pop up book experience on a portable device. I also can see how it can be beneficial to have the virtual applications help block out the distractions. While I don't currently have any experience that you speak of in this blog, I look forward to gaining some in the future. Great post! I appreciate your insight.
Anthony
Anthony,
DeleteBefore you buy an eReader, I recommend just using an eReader app. I prefer the Kindle app which you can download to your smartphone or tablet. I find that Amazon has the most content available and competitive prices.
Mike W.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteThis is really cool. My kids are all in college now but, I use to read a small book or part of a book every night before they went to bed. It was one of their favorite things to do. Then loved the books with bright colored pictures. I couldn't imagine having something like this. I probably wouldn't have been able to get them to sleep. To honest that would have been fine. Anything that draws people into reading and continues the learning journey then I am all for it. I don't have one of these devices so I wonder how they look on the different devices that you have discussed? Are they worse of better at night?
Mike T.,
DeleteI recommend just using the eReader app on your phone or tablet, some eReaders don’t have cameras and cameras are a requirement to make the AR work. My daughter has a Kindle Fire. I chose it because it works a lot like a tablet, provides me easy access to Amazon and Audible, and it is indestructible. Like all parents who have, or have had, little ones know if it isn’t tough, it won’t last. Plus, the Kindle Fire is not expensive. I got her a fancy one for $99 on Cyber Monday a couple years ago.
Mike W.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the information provided in your blog of eReading within the virtual environment. You continue to provide examples of ways to make those who do not enjoy reading a little bit more enjoyable. I am intrigued with the chimera reader program and the different ways you can experience reading a book. The only downside that I saw with it was the limited platforms that were available. I do see where chimera plans on adding additional platforms and hopefully it will be friendly for mac users in the future. The interface and menus make it easy to use for the reader and this is great technology as we move into the future. I do wonder how many books in total the program will let you download and keep in the library. I have a feeling it will be dependent upon the device you use. Thanks for the great blog! Have a great day!
Kevin
Mike,
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating. I guess I am pretty ignorant to what technology is actually out there, because this was a surprise to me. I am excited to go find these apps and go learn about Reptiles and Amphibians with my kid and watch them pop up on the iPad! now, like after reading Mandy's Blog, I will be spending hours looking at this new technology you have just gifted me with...
Andy D.
Andy D.,
DeleteThank you for your positive feedback. If it were not for having to create this blog I might not have found some of this stuff either. Prior to blogging, the eReader (and associated apps) were just something I used for college at first. Then when my wife started her degree and used my experience as a model to enrich her learning experience. Then I began using it for leisure reading. Since I started blogging I have added leisure reading on the device to activities for my daughter, whereas we used to just use physical books. I was inspired by both Mandy’s and Tammy’s blog and that is when I found these other reading tools. I has been quite the experience and I am glad Team DeUnger is finding some value in it.
Mike W.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteThis seems very interesting and amazing to try. I like the concept of being able to read the books in virtual reality. Technology continues to get better and better in providing platforms that are engaging and entertaining while one learns. This definitely keeps things interesting for anyone who uses it and provides a great alternative to learn. Thanks for sharing
Alex
Mike,
ReplyDeleteThese types of engaging tools are what is currently helping during these times of pandemic. Many parents are trying to figure out how to better help their children since they have all of a sudden shifted to becoming more of a teacher. This technology, helps bridge the gap that has been caused on many depending only on the teachers to provide 100% of the training.
Walt