Augmented reality – how the technology behind Pokemon Go could find its way to the courtroom
Independent

Moving away from the entertainment industry, augmented reality technology has proved to be useful in a number of other sectors. For instance, AR could be especially useful for victims testifying in the courtroom. Studies have found that secondary victimisation – such as victim-blaming and insensitive behaviour from police, judges and social workers – can make victims feel violated and traumatised. AR and holographic projections have been suggested as a solution for this. Read more

What If Transit Announcements Appealed to Your Emotions?
City Lab

Many commuters have faced the same predicament of getting irrationally frustrated at public transport on a daily basis, however a company using AI to “optimize” marketing messages could help decrease these negative feelings. By rewording announcements, passengers could be inspired to feel a dash more patient. For instance, by replacing “a train” with “your train” – the direct appeal adds a little sense of personal ownership, which is good for inspiring action. Read more

Google’s new tech turns VR headsets invisible
The Next Web

Google has identified an issue with virtual reality headsets: the lack of personalisation on the headsets. By rendering the person’s face onto the headset, not only does it make it easier on the eyes, but it also lets other identify who is hidden behind the clunky technology. By making these headsets “invisible”, the hope is to “enhance communication and social interaction in VR itself with diverse applications like VR video conference meetings, multiplayer VR gaming, and exploration with friends and family.” Read more

Stupid Hackathon celebrates terrible tech with eyeball pong, a robot porn addict, and more
The Verge

Technology doesn’t always have to be serious and world-changing, in fact Stupid Hackathon (short for Stupid Shit No One Needs & Terrible Ideas Hackathon) celebrates and embraces all things silly and fun. Introduced in 2013, it is a parody of the endless tide of gadgets and innovations that are sold to us as a balm to all our woes. For instance, many, many people have used Google to look up illnesses and symptoms. This is parodied in a web app, “Hypochondriapp”, that diagnoses you with the most exotic and life-threatening diseases based on symptoms you input. Read more