Transform the ways you communicate, create, collaborate, and explore using Microsoft HoloLens About This Book * Create immersive augmented reality apps for Microsoft HoloLens from scratch * Leverage the powerful HoloLens sensors to interact with real-world motions and gestures and make your app life-like * Explore the powerful Unity 5 SDK along with the Windows Unified platform to get the most out of your HoloLens app Who This Book Is For If you are a developer who wants to create augmented reality apps for the Microsoft HoloLens platform, then this is the book for you. Coding experience with C# is assumed. What You Will Learn * Design an app for HoloLens that is feasible and attractive to use * Add gestures and interact with them * Create sounds in the app and place them in a 3D space * Use voice generation and voice recognition to make your apps more lifelike * Interact with the physical environment to place holograms on top of physical objects * Compare HoloLens with the other products and know how to use its strengths * Use assets from third parties to enrich our app In Detail HoloLens, Microsoft's innovative augmented reality headset, overlaps holograms into a user's vision of their environment. Your ideas are closer to becoming real when you can create and work with holograms in relation to the world around you. If you are dreaming beyond virtual worlds, beyond screens, beyond pixels, and want to take a big leap in the world of augmented reality, then this is the book you want. Starting off with brainstorming and the design process, you will take your first steps in creating your application for HoloLens. You will learn to add gestures and write an app that responds to verbal commands before gradually moving on creating sounds in the app and placing them in a 3D space. You will then communicate between devices in the boundaries of the UWP model. Style and approach This book takes a step-by-step, practical, tutorial-style approach where you will dive deep into HoloLens app development. You will work with the API and write your own complex scripts that would interact with the powerful HoloLens sensors and with realistic examples, you will be able to create immersive 3D apps for HoloLens.

Get close and comfortable with Unity and build applications that run on HoloLens, Daydream, and Oculus Rift Key Features Build fun augmented reality applications using ARKit, ARCore, and Vuforia Explore virtual reality by developing more than 10 engaging projects Learn how to integrate AR and VR concepts together in a single application Book DescriptionUnity is the leading platform to develop mixed reality experiences because it provides a great pipeline for working with 3D assets. Using a practical and project-based approach, this Learning Path educates you about the specifics of AR and VR development using Unity 2018 and Unity 3D. You'll learn to integrate, animate, and overlay 3D objects on your camera feed, before moving on to implement sensor-based AR applications. You'll explore various concepts by creating an AR application using Vuforia for both macOS and Windows for Android and iOS devices. Next, you'll learn how to develop VR applications that can be experienced with devices, such as Oculus and Vive. You'll also explore various tools for VR development: gaze-based versus hand controller input, world space UI canvases, locomotion and teleportation, timeline animation, and multiplayer networking. You'll learn the Unity 3D game engine via the interactive Unity Editor and C# programming. By the end of this Learning Path, you'll be fully equipped to develop rich, interactive mixed reality experiences using Unity. This Learning Path includes content from the following Packt products: Unity Virtual Reality Projects - Second Edition by Jonathan Linowes Unity 2018 Augmented Reality Projects by Jesse Glover What you will learn Create 3D scenes to learn about world space and scale Move around your scenes using locomotion and teleportation Create filters or overlays that work with facial recognition software Interact with virtual objects using eye gaze, hand controllers, and user input events Design and build a VR storytelling animation with a soundtrack and timelines Create social VR experiences with Unity networking Who this book is forIf you are a game developer familiar with 3D computer graphics and interested in building your own AR and VR games or applications, then this Learning Path is for you. Any prior experience in Unity and C# will be an advantage. In all, this course teaches you the tools and techniques to develop engaging mixed reality applications.

The last century has seen enormous leaps in the development of digital technologies, and most aspects of modern life have changed significantly with their widespread availability and use. Technology at various scales - supercomputers, corporate networks, desktop and laptop computers, the internet, tablets, mobile phones, and processors that are hidden in everyday devices and are so small you can barely see them with the naked eye - all pervade our world in a major way. Computers and Society: Modern Perspectives is a wide-ranging and comprehensive textbook that critically assesses the global technical achievements in digital technologies and how are they are applied in media; education and learning; medicine and health; free speech, democracy, and government; and war and peace. Ronald M. Baecker reviews critical ethical issues raised by computers, such as digital inclusion, security, safety, privacy,automation, and work, and discusses social, political, and ethical controversies and choices now faced by society. Particular attention is paid to new and exciting developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the issues that have arisen from our complex relationship with AI.

Write efficient, reusable scripts to build custom characters, game environments, and control enemy AI Key Features Build captivating multiplayer games using Unreal Engine and C++ Incorporate existing C++ libraries into your game to add extra functionality such as hardware integration Practical solutions for memory management, error handling, inputs, and collision for your game codebase Book DescriptionUnreal Engine 4 (UE4) is a popular and award-winning game engine that powers some of the most popular games. A truly powerful tool for game development, there has never been a better time to use it for both commercial and independent projects. With more than 100 recipes, this book shows how to unleash the power of C++ while developing games with Unreal Engine. This book takes you on a journey to jumpstart your C++ and UE4 development skills. You will start off by setting up UE4 for C++ development and learn how to work with Visual Studio, a popular code editor. You will learn how to create C++ classes and structs the Unreal way. This will be followed by exploring memory management, smart pointers, and debugging your code. You will then learn how to make your own Actors and Components through code and how to handle input and collision events. You will also get exposure to many elements of game development including creating user interfaces, artificial intelligence, and writing code with networked play in mind. You will also learn how to add on to the Unreal Editor itself. With a range of task-oriented recipes, this book provides actionable information about writing code for games with UE4 using C++. By the end of the book, you will be empowered to become a top-notch developer with UE4 using C++ as your scripting language! What you will learn Create C++ classes and structs that integrate well with UE4 and the Blueprints editor Discover how to work with various APIs that Unreal Engine already contains Utilize advanced concepts such as events, delegates, and interfaces in your UE4 projects Build user interfaces using Canvas and UMG through C++ Extend the Unreal Editor by creating custom windows and editors Implement AI tasks and services using C++, Blackboard, and Behavior Trees Write C++ code with networking in mind and replicate properties and functions Who this book is forIf you are really passionate game developer looking for solutions to common scripting problems, then this is the book for you. Understanding of the fundamentals of game design and C++ is expected to get the most from this book.

Unreal Engine 4 for virtual reality game design, development, User Experience design techniques and Blueprint programming to create virtual reality gameplay for HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, PSVR, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets. Key Features Build VR games from scratch with the power of Unreal Engine 4 Learn User Experience design practices to take your VR game to the next level Understand the best practices to creating art for games on HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and PSVR Book DescriptionWith the ability to put players directly in the game, virtual reality gives users the chance to experience digital worlds directly. Nevertheless, many designers are unsure where to start when working with this amazing technology. With this book, you will learn user experience design processes and create immersive gameplay experiences designed for entertainment and player comfort. Using the power of Unreal Engine 4's Blueprint visual scripting language, you will build player interaction and locomotion systems from scratch and use these flexible systems to create a sample game, as well as develop functional 2D and 3D user interfaces for players to interact with. And also learn the best practices for creating game art for virtual reality. Finally, you will learn how to test your application with your target audience and finalize your game for distribution. By the end of this book, you will have the knowledge to be able to make the leap from traditional game development to creating immersive virtual reality experiences using Unreal Engine 4. What you will learn Understand how to get started with VR development in Unreal Engine 4 Design and create interaction and locomotion systems from scratch Plan and program a sample game for VR Understand how VR affects user experience and user interfaces Discuss what is needed to create optimized art for VR Test your game with users and prepare for distribution Who this book is forThe audience for this book is intermediate or advanced users of Unreal Engine 4 but who have not begun working with VR technology. These users are familiar with the game engine and have an interest in VR technology. They are just beginning to explore the VR features that the game engine has to offer.

Online communication has exploded in the past decade with the development of social networking sites like Facebook, as well as social media applications. As more people turn to the online world to connect with others, they must learn how to develop and maintain personal relationships with very little or no in-person interaction. Intimacy and Developing Personal Relationships in the Virtual World sheds light on the various issues that accompany online interactions. The book examines activities that have gone from occurring in reality to taking place in the online world such as cyberbullying, online social networking, and online dating. The publication also highlights the negative effects of spending a lot of time online such as mental health issues, internet addiction, and body image control. This book is a vital resource for psychiatrists, psychologists, clinicians, social workers, medical administrators, academicians, educators, and graduate-level students.

As virtual reality approaches mainstream consumer use, new research and innovations in the field have impacted how we view and can use this technology across a wide range of industries. Advancements in this technology have led to recent breakthroughs in sound, perception, and visual processing that take virtual reality to new dimensions. As such, research is needed to support the adoption of these new methods and applications. Cases on Immersive Virtual Reality Techniques is an essential reference source that discusses new applications of virtual reality and how they can be integrated with immersive techniques and computer resources. Featuring research on topics such as 3D modeling, cognitive load, and motion cueing, this book is ideally designed for educators, academicians, researchers, and students seeking coverage on the applications of collaborative virtual environments.

The concept of immersive multimedia, which is closely related to concepts of augmented reality, brings opportunities in art, education, entertainment, and technology. As such, it is vital to explore the connections between consumers of media content and information parts that come from multimedia platforms. Trends, Experiences, and Perspectives in Immersive Multimedia and Augmented Reality is a critical scholarly resource that offers solutions to the problems that appear in both theoretical and practical dimensions of immersive multimedia experiences on an interdisciplinary platform. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as cyber behavior, human-computer interaction, and transmedia, this book is geared towards digital artists, media professionals, developers, academicians, researchers, and upper-level graduate students seeking current research on the exploration of immersive multimedia through the perspectives of technology, communications, and art.

Fantasy sports have the opportunity to provide a sporting community in which gendered physical presence plays no role-a space where men and women can compete and interact on a level playing field. Whose Game? shows, however, that while many turn to this space to socialize with friends or participate in a uniquely active and competitive fandom, men who play also depend on fantasy sports to perform a boyhood vision of masculinity otherwise inaccessible to them. Authors Rebecca Kissane and Sarah Winslow draw on a rich array of survey, interview, and observational data to examine how gender, race, and class frame the experiences of everyday fantasy sports players. This pioneering book examines gendered structures and processes, such as jock statsculinity-a nerdish form of masculine one-upmanship-and how women are often rendered as outsiders. Ultimately, Whose Game? demonstrates that fantasy sports are more than just an inconsequential leisure activity. This online world bleeds into participants' social lives in gendered ways-forging and strengthening relationships but also taking participants' time and attention to generate negative emotions, stress, discord, and unproductivity.

Learn how to use Unity 2018 by creating your very own 3D game while developing your essential skills Key Features Learn to create immersive 3D games and Virtual Reality experiences with Unity 2018 Build custom scripts to make your game characters interactive Explore and implement AritificiaI Intelligence techniques to bring your game to life Book Description The Unity game engine has revolutionized the gaming industry with its complete set of intuitive tools and rapid workflows, which can be used to create interactive 3D content. With Unity, you can scaffold your way from the basics and make make stunning interactive games. This book will guide you through the entire process of creating a 3D game, from downloading the Unity game engine to publishing your game. It not only gives you a strong foundation, but puts you on the path to game development. Beginning with an overview of the Unity engine and its interface, you will walk through the process of creating a game environment and learn how to use built-in assets, as well as assets created with third-party 3D modeling tools such as Blender. Moving on, you will create custom scripts to control non-player character behaviors and gameplay. You will master exciting concepts such as Heads-Up-Displays, mini-maps, game navigation, sound effects, and lighting effects. Next, you'll learn how to create your first VR experience, right from setting up the project to image effects. You'll be familiarized with all the tools that Unity has to offer to create your own immersive VR experiences. Each section is a stepping stone toward the completion of the final game. By the end of the book, you'll have learned advanced topics such as cross-platform considerations which enable your games to run on multiple platforms. What you will learn Set up your Unity development environment and navigate its tools Import and use custom assets and asset packages to add characters to your game Build a 3D game world with a custom terrain, water, sky, mountains, and trees Animate game characters, using animation controllers, and scripting Apply audio and particle effects to the game Create intuitive game menus and interface elements Customize your game with sound effects, shadows, lighting effects, and rendering options Debug code and provide smooth error handling Who this book is forIf you are an aspiring game developer interested in learning Unity 2018 and becoming familiar with its core features, then this book is for you. No prior knowledge of Unity is required.

Get to grips with HoloLens development as you create mixed reality apps from scratch About This Book * Create awesome Augmented Reality (AR) apps for the Microsoft HoloLens platform * Unleash the power of Unity SDK for HoloLens to create next generation AR apps * Explore the exciting world of gesture control, visual mapping, voice command for apps, and many more cutting edge possibilities with HoloLens Who This Book Is For This book is for developers who have some experience with programming in any of the major languages such as C#, C++, and so on. You do need any knowledge of Augmented Reality development. What You Will Learn * Extend the computing experience beyond the flat glass screen by placing and embedding virtual objects holograms) into the physical world * Interact with the holograms using gaze, gestures, and voice * Enhance the experience with spatial sound * Allow multiple users to naturally collaborate with each other * Integrate voice commands into your own HoloLens projects * Experiment with techniques to better understand the real world * Implement a user interface in Mixed Reality * Blend the virtual and physical world by making the holograms interact and react to the physical environment In Detail Are you a developer who is fascinated with Microsoft HoloLens and its capabilities? Do you want to learn the intricacies of working with the HoloLens SDK and create your own apps? If so, this is the book for you. This book introduces and demystifies the HoloLens platform and introduces new ways you can interact with computers (Mixed Reality). It will teach you the important concepts, get you excited about the possibilities, and give you the tools to continue exploring and experimenting. You will go through the journey of creating four independent examples throughout the book, two using DirectX and two using Unity. You will learn to implement spatial mapping and gesture control, incorporate spatial sound, and work with different types of input and gaze. You will also learn to use the Unity 5 SDK for HoloLens and create apps with it. Collectively, the apps explore the major concepts of HoloLens, but each app is independent, giving you the flexibility to choose where to start (and end). Style and approach This book takes an example-based approach where you'll build AR apps with increasing difficulty. You will learn more about HoloLens platform as well as AR app development in general.

Build exciting AR applications on mobile and wearable devices with Unity 3D, Vuforia, ARToolKit, Microsoft Mixed Reality HoloLens, Apple ARKit, and Google ARCore About This Book * Create unique AR applications from scratch, from beginning to end, with step-by-step tutorials * Use Unity 3D to efficiently create AR apps for Android, iOS, and Windows platforms * Use Vuforia, ARTookKit, Windows Mixed Reality, and Apple ARKit to build AR projects for a variety of markets * Learn best practices in AR user experience, software design patterns, and 3D graphics Who This Book Is For The ideal target audience for this book is developers who have some experience in mobile development, either Android or iOS. Some broad web development experience would also be beneficial. What You Will Learn * Build Augmented Reality applications through a step-by-step, tutorial-style project approach * Use the Unity 3D game engine with the Vuforia AR platform, open source ARToolKit, Microsoft's Mixed Reality Toolkit, Apple ARKit, and Google ARCore, via the C# programming language * Implement practical demo applications of AR including education, games, business marketing, and industrial training * Employ a variety of AR recognition modes, including target images, markers, objects, and spatial mapping * Target a variety of AR devices including phones, tablets, and wearable smartglasses, for Android, iOS, and Windows HoloLens * Develop expertise with Unity 3D graphics, UIs, physics, and event systems * Explore and utilize AR best practices and software design patterns In Detail Augmented Reality brings with it a set of challenges that are unseen and unheard of for traditional web and mobile developers. This book is your gateway to Augmented Reality development-not a theoretical showpiece for your bookshelf, but a handbook you will keep by your desk while coding and architecting your first AR app and for years to come. The book opens with an introduction to Augmented Reality, including markets, technologies, and development tools. You will begin by setting up your development machine for Android, iOS, and Windows development, learning the basics of using Unity and the Vuforia AR platform as well as the open source ARToolKit and Microsoft Mixed Reality Toolkit. You will also receive an introduction to Apple's ARKit and Google's ARCore! You will then focus on building AR applications, exploring a variety of recognition targeting methods. You will go through multiple complete projects illustrating key market sectors including business marketing, education, industrial training, and gaming. By the end of the book, you will have gained the necessary knowledge to make quality content appropriate for a range of AR devices, platforms, and intended uses. Style and approach This book adopts a practical, step-by-step, tutorial-style approach. The design principles and methodology will be explained by creating different modules of the AR app.

Explore the world of Virtual Reality by building immersive and fun VR projects using Unity 3D About This Book * Learn the basic principles of virtual reality applications and get to know how they differ from games and desktop apps * Build various types of VR experiences, including diorama, first-person characters, riding on rails, 360 degree projections, and social VR * A project-based guide that teaches you to use Unity to develop VR applications, which can be experienced with devices such as the Oculus Rift or Google Cardboard Who This Book Is For If you're a non-programmer unfamiliar with 3D computer graphics, or experienced in both but new to virtual reality, and are interested in building your own VR games or applications then this book is for you. Any experience in Unity is an advantage. What You Will Learn * Create 3D scenes with Unity and Blender while learning about world space and scale * Build and run VR applications for consumer headsets including Oculus Rift and Google Cardboard * Build interactive environments with physics, gravity, animations, and lighting using the Unity engine * Experiment with various user interface (UI) techniques that you can use in your VR applications * Implement the first-person and third-person experiences that use only head motion gestures for input * Create animated walkthroughs, use 360-degree media, and build multi-user social VR experiences * Learn about the technology and psychology of VR including rendering, performance and VR motion sickness * Gain introductory and advanced experience in Unity programming with the C# language In Detail What is consumer "virtual reality"? Wearing a head-mounted display you view stereoscopic 3D scenes. You can look around by moving your head, and walk around using hand controls or motion sensors. You are engaged in a fully immersive experience. On the other hand, Unity is a powerful game development engine that provides a rich set of features such as visual lighting, materials, physics, audio, special effects, and animation for creating 2D and 3D games. Unity 5 has become the leading platform for building virtual reality games, applications and experiences for this new generation of consumer VR devices. Using a practical and project-based approach, this book will educate you about the specifics of virtual reality development in Unity. You will learn how to use Unity to develop VR applications which can be experienced with devices such as the Oculus Rift or Google Cardboard. We will then learn how to engage with virtual worlds from a third person and first person character point of view. Furthermore, you will explore the technical considerations especially important and possibly unique to VR. The projects in the book will demonstrate how to build a variety of VR experiences. You will be diving into the Unity 3D game engine via the interactive Unity Editor as well as C-Sharp programming. By the end of the book, you will be equipped to develop rich, interactive virtual reality experiences using Unity. So, let's get to it! Style and approach This book takes a practical, project-based approach to teach specifics of virtual reality development in Unity. Using a reader-friendly approach, this book will not only provide detailed step-by-step instructions but also discuss the broader context and applications covered within.

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