Virtual Worlds is now Virtual Environments
So you may have noticed a name change for this blog has taken place. Wondering why? Well the main driver is that virtual worlds does not really cover all of the topics being discussed in this blog. This blog started out mainly focusing on virtual world activity but has grown in scope since its launch in 2007. We have posts on virtual web based environments (mostly as relates to events), augmented reality, gaming, and of course virtual worlds so it seemed only fitting to change the name to more accurately reflect the content being shared.
The growth of the topics covered via this blog became very clear when I went to create this round up of articles on all things virtual. The articles included cover:
- augmented reality systems to make driving safer (including a video demonstration)
- the potential impact on carbon emmisions via the use of virtual meetings and events
- online gaming to reward kids for practicing positive social behaviours
- the trend towards virtual hyrbid event as an extension of a physical event
Posted by Dannette Veale at 02:42PM PST



The concept is not new; Hollywood has depicted versions of augmented reality in many films, including our own Governator, in 1984’s The Terminator. The technology exists as an overlay, injecting relevant data and elements into the real world around us, in real time. If you have watched a football or hockey game in the past few years, chances are you have see elements of augmented reality. The floating yellow first down and the trailing puck are both examples of real-time visual elements displayed over real world images. Augmented Reality Today While the reality of owning a pair of digital glasses or contact lenses might be a few years away, some industries are taking hold of the technology today. Smartphone developers are building applications that will allow an augmented view of the surrounding environment using the built-in camera. These applications, while still in early phases, are showing the possibilities of viewing live data streams in new ways. There is a definite “wow-factor” involved when playing with the technology and it’s no surprise that the advertising industry has taken augmented reality under its wing. Check out this demo for the new movie District 9, in which you print a postcard and place it in front of your computer’s webcam. The action figure springs to life, and you are able to control this hologram-like image using your keyboard and mouse.
A couple of post back I mentioned that the team was currently working post event debriefs and metric analysis for the
When looking at a virtual event platform to serve more than one country or culture’s needs what should one consider? Language, imagery, interaction, time zone, content, and more oh my! 

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