The “reality” offered by this technology is stranger than fiction and can may as well leave a Silicon Valley tech as awe-struck as an innocent peasant. VR typically refers to “computer technologies that use software to generate realistic images, sounds and other sensations that replicate a real environment (or create an imaginary setting), and simulate a user’s physical presence in this environment, by enabling the user to interact with this space and any objects depicted therein using specialized display screens or projectors and other devices.”
Although the first references to the concept of virtual reality came from Stanley G. Weinbaum’s 1935 short story “Pygmalion’s Spectacles“ through which he proposed the idea of a goggle-based virtual reality system with holographic recording of fictional experiences, including smell and touch, although he himself would have been sceptic about realization of that visionary idea. However, the technological advancements of the 21st century, particularly the last decade or so, have already taken us way beyond the point that marked the limit of Stanley’s imagination.
Every major player in IT business is aggressively investing resources into developing VR headset devices knowing with full conviction that this is THE future, not just of technology but of human experience & existence. Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR, Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream View, Microsoft HoloLens, Razer OSVR HDK 2 and the HTC Vive have finally taken the virtual reality mainstream. From games to movies, historical sites to art galleries, concerts to theme parks, movies to sports viewing, education to training and retail to charity, everything is being shifted to VR enabling us to view content not as a passive observer but an active part of the environment.
In case VR content, despite how good the graphics may be, is too fanciful for someone who only believes in realism, there is Augmented Reality (AR). Defined as “direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data”. Although the technology is a bit old but it was introduced to the mainstream by a peculiar game called Pokemon Go. It took millions around the world to the streets overnight, including myself, to catch augmented animated characters running around the city. Here is one caught by myself from my car while driving:
The market for VR/AR related business is so huge that there are already so many successful international startups making a huge impact and alongsidemoney as well. Below are 10 most exciting AR/VR startups as per the list created by On The Grid Now.
Name | Location | Funding | Description |
Altspace | Redwood, CA | $15.7 M | Platform to hang out with friends and loved ones in virtual space |
Prizmiq | Seattle, WA | $540 K | Enables home shopping by creating photorealistic, 3D models of products |
Magic leap | Dania, FL | $1.39 B | A platform enabling users to interact with VR objects in cinematic way |
Avr | Istanbul, Turkey | Undisclosed | Creating AR&VR based theme parks and gaming experiences of tomorrow by wireless sensors and motion capture |
Puscope | Paris, France | Seed Phase | Making History museum with mixed reality exhibitions |
Nextar | Laguna Beach, CA | $115.5 M | Enabling transmission of live VR content like concerts, sports events and even the experience of walking the red carpet |
Worldviz | Santa Barbra, CA | $3.5 M | Enables walking around the living room of your new home before you remodel it or experience an office space before its built |
Atheer | Mountain View, CA | $23.06 M | Its AR toolsets like checklists and data readouts that help provide deskless workers like surgeons with more information in the field |
Jaunt | Pala Alto, CA | $100.2 M | Jaunt is positioning itself to be Netflix of cinematic VR experiences |
Surreal | New York, NY | $150 K | Surreal is building on the momentum of the games like Second Life by creating a virtual interactive space that just might be where we all are hanging out in future. |
While reading the descriptions in the table above, one is excited to see the kind of areas AR / VR/ related technology is making space for itself. Digi-Capital recently published that global revenue related to Augmented/Virtual has the potential to reach $120 billion by 2020.
So, are we as a country ready to fetch a good share out of this pie or the picture for AR VR/ related startups in Pakistan and demand for VR/VR based technologies, is as bleak as suggested by the list of Startups shared above?
The answer to this question is no, a cautious no!!!
In Lahore, just in front of the Fortress Square Mall, a cool new place called Transfinity is catching the attention of children, teenagers and adults alike. They claim to be the first VR-based gaming zone in Pakistan and with their HTC Vive Headsets, stylish VR cabins, LCD screens for spectators and an assortment of games to choose from, they are redefining the gaming experience locally. For just Rs. 600 one can get inside an underground rail track full of zombies, go for mountain ice-skating or even try attempting suicide by jumping from a 1000 feet high building. A single session in one of those cabins showed me the power of the VR experience when I was unable to jump from a plank 2” high only because the Vive headset on my eyes successfully made me believe on a cerebral level that I was jumping from a 100 story high building. While talking to the manager I came to know that they are launching another facility in Lahore as well as one in Islamabad due to the unexpected, overwhelming demand for the same.
This demand of VR/AR related technology is pivotal in getting international players interested with regards to investing in our country. In order for us to make a meaningful impact internationally, we need to do lot more. What’s promising is that we are making progress in the right direction.
Wondertree, a Pakistani startup, created quite a buzz by winning a few local and international competitions and was also featured on Forbes and Techinasia. Incubated through the Nest/I/O, their team has developed a gaming platform that promotes learning and therapy through games. The games are for kids with differing needs from ages 5 onwards, with easy-to-personalize content for a child’s varying needs. These games use AR technology which makes it efficient yet cost effective. Also, the fact that they are easy to download and play and come with a reporting system makes it even more worthwhile. Every time a child plays the game the system measures his/her performance and issues a detailed report.
Haptika (also incubated at The Nest I/O) is providing wearable haptic feedback suits with temperature sensation and motion capturing ability for a highly immersive experience. Haptika is aiming to go beyond the world of gaming and introduce simulation with haptics through a more diverse range of applications. For example, in para military force training, military cadets can receive accurate and specialized training using virtual reality before actually going into the field. Similarly, medical students can also practice surgery or carry out operations using virtual reality through Haptika, increasing the success rate of operations and reduce risks of practicing on real patients. Additionally, they are also looking into the product’s potential in helping special children learn different skills.
Yet another startup of The Nest I/O, Retina VR, is bringing change in the Real Estate sector by introducing VR tours which allow people to search properties anytime without stepping out of their home. Retina VR can provide a number of benefits to architects and their clients. During the design process, architects can use VR to experience the designs they are working on much before the actual construction. Seeing a design in VR can give architect a correct sense of scale and proportion. Having an interactive VR model also eliminates the need to make physical miniatures to demonstrate a design to clients or the public. Later on, after a building is constructed, developers and owners can create a VR model of a space that allows potential buyers or tenants to tour a space in VR, even if real-life circumstances make a physical tour unfeasible.
These few success stories are testament to the fact that if provided with right kind of guidance and support, we have enough talent in the country to embark upon this phenomenal journey of creating good tech startups which can potentially become forerunners of VR/AR based technology development. However, no matter how good a job local incubators like Nest I/O, Plan 9 or LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship are doing, a focused effort/support from the Federal Government is required to uplift and accelerate this process of growth. The good news is that this will materialize soon.
Ignite (Formerly National ICT R&D Fund), NIRF, a company formed by Ministry of Information Technology is committed towards creating a knowledge-based economy within the country by funding cutting edge research and development in field of ICT and tech startups. In FY 2015-16, the company through its program called “National Grassroots ICT Research Initiatives’ or NGRI, funded half a dozen small Final Year Projects coming from students of different universities in the field of Virtual Reality. In FY 2016-17, more Final Year Projects pertaining to AR/VR will be funded and then ones with good potential for commercialization will be facilitated further for possible induction in “National Incubation Center”, which is a NIRF’s funded initiative being executed by Mobilink & Teamup, with total budget of Rs. 564 Million. Apart from small FYPs, NIRF has aggressive plans to fund AR/VR based R&D Projects & startups. In FY 2016-17 NIRF has already approved grant of Rs. 9 Million for a project focusing on creating 3D Vision for handheld devices and funding for development of a Rs. 44.9 Million AR-based learning system is currently under consideration.
This being just the tip of the iceberg, NIRF’s management has aggressive plans to focus 10 key technology areas in terms of funding over the next 3 years and Virtual/Augmented reality is one of them. The Fund intends to offer generous support and finances to startups & researchers that aim to work on AR/VR based technologies in order to resolve local problems. Focus groups consisting of key stakeholders like researchers, startups, mentors and marketers are being created in order to acquire a broader range of information so that effective funding models for the future can be created. NIRF will also focus on supporting development of local content to be used for Education, Heritage, Archaeology and Tourism so that the true benefits of this amazing technology can be reaped.
There are exciting prospects for Pakistan ahead and with the right kind of synergized efforts from the public and private sectors, we can become a key player in the international arena of AR/VR technology development. NIRF is committed to play a pivotal role in that regard and will leave no stone unturned to make that goal a reality.
Glimpse of future of sports viewing
Conclusively, Virtual & Augmented reality and allied technologies have blurred the boundaries between reality and fiction. Our oldest dreams of utopian states, heaven and world peace would be realized, all fictional characters would be brought to life and history would be re-enacted, with us as protagonists in it, all in virtual reality;this might come across as more real than our own sense of reality.. Our kids would accompany Alice on her way to Wonderland and like Alice, they might tell us when they come back.
“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn’t. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn’t be. And what it wouldn’t be, it would. You see?”
My friend, you provided a gratifying context that illustrates the sad reality of AR VR development in Pakistan. I believe this article should be shared with either IT developers or Malik Riaz and hopefully Pakistan will be able to contribute its share![:)](https://ignite.org.pk/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png)
Wonderful piece of writing indeed.
Just superp. Overwhelmed by your knowledge on the subject.
Thanks
Very informative and precise introduction of AR/VR. I am seriously thinking of playing some part and taking a piece from the pie. I seriously hope this initiative of NIRF bring some positive change and help the real champs.
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
https://kyles.blogcu.com/pest-control-revealed-on-this-page/23507964
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
https://creativemanufacturing.net/profiles/blogs/an-actual-western-pest-control-tutorial
Very efficiently written article. It will be helpful to anyone who employess it, as well as me. Keep doing what you are doing – i will definitely read more posts.
https://accuratedonor996.page.tl/Understanding-Basement-Finishing-Contractors-_-Vitally-Important-Facts-You-Must-Find-Out.htm
Terrific paintings! That is the type of info that should be shared around the internet. Disgrace on Google for not positioning this post upper! Come on over and seek advice from my web site . Thanks =)
https://dreamingnow.eklablog.com/yandex-researches-on-basement-renovation-ideas-a126678198
Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anyone who usess it, including me. Keep up the good work – can’r wait to read more posts.
https://www.buloobaby.com/blog/23746/issues-to-focus-on-best-quadcopter/
of course like your web site however you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll definitely come again again.
https://sindd.bloog.pl/id,355882662,title,Do-It-Yourself-Pest-Control,index.html
Spot on with this write-up, I truly suppose this website wants rather more consideration. I’ll probably be once more to read way more, thanks for that info.
https://www.freewebsite-service.com/carlo88/my2Bwebsite.php?id=947520&snavn=No+More+Secrets+Regarding+Pest+Control+Courses.+The+Only+Real+Plan+To+Understand+Everything
I wish to convey my admiration for your kind-heartedness supporting men and women who require help on that question. Your special commitment to getting the solution all through came to be rather powerful and have constantly enabled others just like me to reach their targets. The warm and helpful hints and tips means a lot a person like me and even more to my mates. Best wishes; from each one of us.
https://foxtrot-allegory.com/index.php?do=/event/33618/astonishing-insights-online-reputation-management/
You can certainly see your expertise in the work you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
https://www.scholarlyinsider.com/Insider/blog/view/132207/determine-if-hen-party-presents-is-actually-an-issue-you-will-really-like-to-know-about
Great weblog here! Also your site a lot up fast! What host are you the use of? Can I get your associate hyperlink for your host? I want my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glory_(1989_film)
Howdy I am so happy I found your web site, I really found you by error, while I was looking on Askjeeve for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a fantastic post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glory_(1989_film)
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to search out someone with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this web site is something that’s needed on the net, someone with just a little originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the web!
https://southweddingdreams.com/index.php?do=/blog/140172/your-method-of-receiving-more-ideas-on-bulgaria-all-inclusive/
This can be the proper weblog for everyone who desires to find out about this topic. You realize so considerably its nearly difficult to argue with you (not that I truly would want…HaHa). You surely put a new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!
https://www.freewebsite-service.com/aurica/Life+in+town.php?id=933168&snavn=Your+Trusted+News+Resource+Concerning+Chat+Room+For+Bloggers
Hi my family member! I want to say that this post is awesome, great written and include approximately all important infos. I’d like to look more posts like this .
https://www.horheu.e-blogi.pl/komentarze,246485.html
I’m still learning from you, but I’m making my way to the top as well. I certainly enjoy reading all that is posted on your blog.Keep the posts coming. I liked it!
https://www.kurdnetwork.com/event/54655/internet-guides-regarding-social-media-reputation-management/
Si vende senza ricetta, siti affidabili per acquisto e comprare online e sicuro, senza prescrizione in farmacia tranne prezzi del. Pillola senza ricetta anche comprare generico con pagamento alla consegna, acquisto con bonifico bancario e acquista in farmacia nonostante acquista sicuro
A person essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular publish incredible. Great job!
https://site-924221-7634-7833.strikingly.com/blog/rc-hobby-shop-useful-strategies
Hello. magnificent job. I did not anticipate this. This is a fantastic story. Thanks!
https://blog.m2tv.ru/blog/274729.html
wonderful points altogether, you just gained a brand new reader. What would you recommend about your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?
https://www.iamsport.org/pg/pages/view/29628784/
Definitely, what a magnificent website and educative posts, I surely will bookmark your blog.All the Best!
https://muban777.com/comment/html/?90259.html
It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read more things about it!
https://www.memates.com.au/blogs/3368/20130/discovering-more-info-on-outdoor
I am usually to running a blog and i really admire your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and keep checking for new information.
https://insyncfamilies.com/blog/41867/how-might-the-internet-be-useful-concerning-franchise-business-opportunity-/
Valuable information. Fortunate me I discovered your site by chance, and I’m shocked why this coincidence didn’t happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
https://salaryitis.com/blogs/61743/193398/franchising-is-this-an-issue-a
Its weird, the places you mentioned are just startups and doing good stuff,
My friend hammad ullah khan is working on Mixed reality, hololens, VR occulus and AR since 2012 in PAKISTAN. That too on professional level for multi national companies. but i never get to hear about his company name in real technical circles ? which makes me believe either our entire IT industry is ill aware or they are just getting to know who come to their incubation centres.
Go out explore Pakistan is doing very well in many exciting fields its just we dont know them yet.
in case your curious which company is that its http://www.digital-cartel.com
Hello, This article is good insight of Pakistan’s rising VR AR scenario, many thanks to Mr. Faysal Malik for shedding light on the current situation. As a visual art student working on VR based artworks at Beaconhouse National University, I still don’t find many people taking VR as a serious tool for creative expression other than playing games or watching movies. Its also because the technology is a bit expensive for users but the other side of the picture is that we as a society would prefer to spend a hundred thousands on a phone rather than investing on something out of the box which could possibly open doors to creative opportunities. As an artist working in VR enviorments I am very excited to display my thesis project for public but the hard part with displaying a VR based work is that it requires a handsome amount of investment to diplay the work since one needs multiple wearable equipments which can easily go out of a student’s budget. I am planning to approach Samsung or independent sponsors for sponsoring the equipment, Please revert if anyone has ideas regarding sponsorships for my project.
There is some amazing work being done by this Pakistani company.
http://www.renderlounge.com
This is the company RenderLounge
This is one of the top companies in VR / MR in Pakistan. RenderLounge
Hi,
I am working on a textbook chapter about VR/AR in Pakistan and was wondering if you might direct me to resources on this technology and its development in Pakistan?
Its a great pleasure reading this post. Want to share with another useful article
https://cgifurniture.com/product-render-million-dollar-image/
Euro 2024
A very excellent blog post. I am thankful for your blog post. I have found a lot of approaches after visiting your post.
Euro 2024
I am working on a textbook chapter about VR/AR in Pakistan