The Virtual Future

Author : William Sims Bainbridge
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 202 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 2011-09-06
Category : Computers
ISBN : 0857299042

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The Virtual Future by William Sims Bainbridge Pdf

The newest communication technologies are profoundly changing the world's politics, economies, and cultures, but the specific implications of online game worlds remain mysterious. The Virtual Future employs theories and methods from social science to explore nine very different virtual futures: The Matrix Online, Tabula Rasa, Anarchy Online, Entropia Universe, Star Trek Online, EVE Online, Star Wars Galaxies, World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade, and The Chronicles of Riddick. Each presents a different picture of how technology and society could evolve in coming centuries, but one theme runs through all of them, the attempt to escape the Earth and seek new destinies among the stars. Four decades after the last trip to the moon, a new conception of spaceflight is emerging. Rather than rockets shooting humans across vast physical distances to sterile rocks that lack the resources to sustain life, perhaps robot space probes and orbiting telescopes will glean information about the universe, that humans can then experience inside computer-generated environments much closer to home. All nine of these fantastically rich multiplayer masterpieces have shown myriads of people that really radical alternatives to contemporary society could exist, and has served as a laboratory for examining the consequences. Each is a prototype of new social forms, a utopian subculture, and a simulation of technologies that have yet to be invented. They draw upon several different traditions of science fiction and academic philosophy, and they were created in several nations. By comparing these nine role-playing fantasies, we can better consider what kind of world we want to inhabit in the real future.

Author : Joan Broadhurst Dixon,Eric Cassidy
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 144 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2005-07-20
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781134784592

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Virtual Futures by Joan Broadhurst Dixon,Eric Cassidy Pdf

Virtual Futures explores the ideas that the future lies in its ability to articulate the consequences of an increasingly synthetic and virtual world. New technologies like cyberspace, the internet, and Chaos theory are often discussed in the context of technology and its potential to liberate or in terms of technophobia. This collection examines both these ideas while also charting a new and controversial route through contemporary discourses on technology; a path that discusses the material evolution and the erotic relation between humans and machines. Virtual Futures brings together diverse fields such as cyberfeminism, materialist philosophy, postmodern fiction, computing culture and performance art, with essays by Sadie Plant, Stelarc and Manuel de Landa (to name a few). The collection heralds the death of humanism and the ride of posthuman pragmatism. The contested zone of debate throughout these essays is the notion of the posthuman, or the possibility of the cyborg as the free human. Viewed by some writers as a threat to human life and humanism itself, others in the collection describe the posthuman as a critical perspective that anticipates the next step in evolution: the integration or synthesis of humans and machines, organic life and technology. This view of technology and information is heavily influenced by Anglo American literature, especially cyberpunk, Pynchon and Ballard, as well as the materialist philosophies of Freud, Deleuze, and Haraway, Virtual Futures provides analyses by both established theorists and the most innovative new voices working in conjunction between the arts and contemporary technology.

Author : Ali Soofastaei
Publisher : BoD – Books on Demand
Page : 154 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2024-04-10
Category : Computers
ISBN : 9781837697120

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Advanced Virtual Assistants - A Window to the Virtual Future by Ali Soofastaei Pdf

Advanced Virtual Assistants (AVAs) are computer programs that use artificial intelligence (AI) to perform various tasks for human users. These AI-powered assistants can help with multiple activities, including scheduling appointments, answering questions, managing email and social media, and even performing complex calculations. They can be accessed through various platforms, including smartphones, smart speakers, and other digital devices. AVAs utilize natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to understand human language and improve their responses over time. As these technologies advance, virtual assistants are becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable of handling more complex tasks. As a result, they are transforming how we interact with technology and providing users with more efficient and personalized experiences. This book is a helpful reference for scientists and industrial experts interested in AVAs' current and future capabilities.

Author : Jaron Lanier
Publisher : Henry Holt and Company
Page : 352 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2017-11-21
Category : Computers
ISBN : 9781627794107

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Dawn of the New Everything by Jaron Lanier Pdf

Named one of the best books of 2017 by The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, & Vox The father of virtual reality explains its dazzling possibilities by reflecting on his own lifelong relationship with technology Bridging the gap between tech mania and the experience of being inside the human body, Dawn of the New Everything is a look at what it means to be human at a moment of unprecedented technological possibility. Through a fascinating look back over his life in technology, Jaron Lanier, an interdisciplinary scientist and father of the term “virtual reality,” exposes VR’s ability to illuminate and amplify our understanding of our species, and gives readers a new perspective on how the brain and body connect to the world. An inventive blend of autobiography, science writing, philosophy and advice, this book tells the wild story of his personal and professional life as a scientist, from his childhood in the UFO territory of New Mexico, to the loss of his mother, the founding of the first start-up, and finally becoming a world-renowned technological guru. Understanding virtual reality as being both a scientific and cultural adventure, Lanier demonstrates it to be a humanistic setting for technology. While his previous books offered a more critical view of social media and other manifestations of technology, in this book he argues that virtual reality can actually make our lives richer and fuller.

Author : Robert J. Seidel,Paul R. Chatelier
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 216 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 2013-06-29
Category : Computers
ISBN : 9781489900388

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Virtual Reality, Training’s Future? by Robert J. Seidel,Paul R. Chatelier Pdf

In 1988, the NATO panel governing human sciences (Panel 8 on Defence Applica of Human and Bio-Medical Sciences) established a Research Study Group to synthe tions size information relevant to Advanced Technologies Applied to Training Design. During its first phase, the RSG established an active exchange of information on advanced tech nologies applied to training design and stimulated much military application of these tech nologies. With the increased emphasis on training throughout the alliance, Panel 8, during its April 1991 meeting decided to continue with Phase II of this RSG focusing in the area of advanced training technologies that were emerging within the alliance. In order to ac complish its mission, the RSG held a series of workshops. Leaders in technology and training were brought together and exchanged information on the latest developments in technologies applicable to training and education. This volume represents the last in a se ries based on the NATO workshops. In Part One, it details findings from the last work shop, Virtual Reality for Training; and in Part Two, we provide a summary perspective on Virtual Reality and the other emerging technologies previously studied. These include computer-based training, expert systems, authoring systems, cost-effectiveness, and dis tance learning. It is a natural extension to proceed from learning without boundaries to virtual envi ronments. From the extended classroom to the individual or team immersion in a distrib uted, virtual, and collaborative environment is an easy conceptual step.

Author : Adam Greenfield
Publisher : Verso Books
Page : 368 pages
File Size : 42,8 Mb
Release : 2017-06-13
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781784780470

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Radical Technologies by Adam Greenfield Pdf

A field manual to the technologies that are transforming our lives Everywhere we turn, a startling new device promises to transfigure our lives. But at what cost? In this urgent and revelatory excavation of our Information Age, leading technology thinker Adam Greenfield forces us to reconsider our relationship with the networked objects, services and spaces that define us. It is time to re-evaluate the Silicon Valley consensus determining the future. We already depend on the smartphone to navigate every aspect of our existence. We’re told that innovations—from augmented-reality interfaces and virtual assistants to autonomous delivery drones and self-driving cars—will make life easier, more convenient and more productive. 3D printing promises unprecedented control over the form and distribution of matter, while the blockchain stands to revolutionize everything from the recording and exchange of value to the way we organize the mundane realities of the day to day. And, all the while, fiendishly complex algorithms are operating quietly in the background, reshaping the economy, transforming the fundamental terms of our politics and even redefining what it means to be human. Having successfully colonized everyday life, these radical technologies are now conditioning the choices available to us in the years to come. How do they work? What challenges do they present to us, as individuals and societies? Who benefits from their adoption? In answering these questions, Greenfield’s timely guide clarifies the scale and nature of the crisis we now confront —and offers ways to reclaim our stake in the future.

Author : David J. Chalmers
Publisher : W. W. Norton & Company
Page : 544 pages
File Size : 54,5 Mb
Release : 2022-01-25
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9780393635812

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Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy by David J. Chalmers Pdf

A leading philosopher takes a mind-bending journey through virtual worlds, illuminating the nature of reality and our place within it. Virtual reality is genuine reality; that’s the central thesis of Reality+. In a highly original work of “technophilosophy,” David J. Chalmers gives a compelling analysis of our technological future. He argues that virtual worlds are not second-class worlds, and that we can live a meaningful life in virtual reality. We may even be in a virtual world already. Along the way, Chalmers conducts a grand tour of big ideas in philosophy and science. He uses virtual reality technology to offer a new perspective on long-established philosophical questions. How do we know that there’s an external world? Is there a god? What is the nature of reality? What’s the relation between mind and body? How can we lead a good life? All of these questions are illuminated or transformed by Chalmers’ mind-bending analysis. Studded with illustrations that bring philosophical issues to life, Reality+ is a major statement that will shape discussion of philosophy, science, and technology for years to come.

Author : Liz Falconer,Mari Carmen Gil Ortega
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2018
Category : Virtual reality in education
ISBN : 1536130990

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Virtual Worlds by Liz Falconer,Mari Carmen Gil Ortega Pdf

This book explores the rich and fascinating topic of virtual worlds by bringing together research findings and discussion pieces from an international group of leading practitioners in the field. There are many different definitions of virtual worlds, but they all share the characteristic of enabling real-time interaction between users who are present in these worlds in the form of avatars, i.e., digital projections of ourselves into virtual environments. A particular theme of the book is how our activities in virtual worlds continue to develop our understanding of the nature of virtual experience, and particularly what it means to be digitally human. These ideas are explored from a diverse and engaging range of perspectives that include archaeology, languages, teacher training, computing, meditation and well-being, forensic science, performance art and artificial intelligence. Each chapter provides an in-depth discussion and analysis, and practical examples of successful implementations of virtual world technologies are also included. The book will be invaluable to researchers and practitioners in the fields of virtual worlds, virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence. It presents evidence, discussion and advice on some of the underpinning concepts relating to virtuality, on the application of virtual technologies to our daily lives, and encourages us to ponder the possible futures of these types of technology.

Author : Christine Elizabeth Eboch
Publisher : Capstone Press
Page : 49 pages
File Size : 50,5 Mb
Release : 2020
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 9781543592214

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The Future of Entertainment by Christine Elizabeth Eboch Pdf

From stage productions to television to movies, humans have always been entertained by a good story. But how might entertainment change in the future? From immersive virtual reality games to social media with 3-D holograms, readers can find out what cool new technologies might change the way they are entertained.

Author : Denzil Rankine,Marco Giberti
Publisher : Anthem Press
Page : 176 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2020-12-18
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9781785276934

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Reinventing Live by Denzil Rankine,Marco Giberti Pdf

Forget the traditional one-off, in-person event. Welcome to a new world, where event organizers no longer see themselves as pure organizers; rather their role is to facilitate - business, connections, education and advocacy. Events are fast-becoming catalysts for building communities and nurturing customer relationships ‘all year round’ – with the use of event technology at its core. The authors Denzil Rankine and Marco Giberti have seen it all in their 30 years of consulting, operating and investing across the global exhibitions and events industry. Based on dozens of their interviews with senior executives, entrepreneurs and investors this book is packed full of practical case studies that will equip readers with new strategies, tools and insights they can apply back into their day-to-day roles. This book is a must-read for C-Level management, marketing and event professionals, or anyone looking to participate in the events industry.

Author : DAN. WARD O'HARA (TOM. ORAM, STEPHEN.),Tom Ward,Stephen Oram
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 126 pages
File Size : 55,7 Mb
Release : 2019-03-05
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 0995788200

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Virtual Futures by DAN. WARD O'HARA (TOM. ORAM, STEPHEN.),Tom Ward,Stephen Oram Pdf

When tomorrow has become a question mark, can science fiction be a means of exploring the answer? Eighteen bursts of speculative fiction that explore the landscape of the near future: short stories that depict a world populated by killer voice-controlled speakers, AIs with mental health disorders, narcotic nanobots, and more.

Author : Blake J. Harris
Publisher : HarperCollins
Page : 466 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2019-02-19
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9780062455987

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The History of the Future by Blake J. Harris Pdf

The dramatic, larger-than-life true story behind the founding of Oculus and its quest for virtual reality, by the bestselling author of Console Wars. Drawing on over a hundred interviews with the key players driving this revolution, The History of the Future weaves together a rich, cinematic narrative that captures the breakthroughs, breakdowns and human drama of trying to change the world. The result is a super accessible and supremely entertaining look at the birth of a game-changing new industry. From iconic books like Neuromancer to blockbuster films like The Matrix, virtual reality has long been hailed as the ultimate technology. But outside of a few research labs and military training facilities, this tantalizing vision of the future was nothing but science fiction. Until 2012, when Oculus founder Palmer Luckey—then just a rebellious teenage dreamer living alone in a camper trailer—invents a device that has the potential to change everything. With the help of a videogame legend, a serial entrepreneur and many other colorful characters, Luckey’s scrappy startup kickstarts a revolution and sets out to bring VR to the masses. As with most underdog stories, things don’t quite go according to plan. But what happens next turns out to be the ultimate entrepreneurial journey: a tale of battles won and lost, lessons learned and neverending twists and turns—including an unlikely multi-billion-dollar acquisition by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, which shakes up the landscape in Silicon Valley and gives Oculus the chance to forever change our reality. Drawing on over a hundred interviews with the key players driving this revolution, The History of the Future weaves together a rich, cinematic narrative that captures the breakthroughs, breakdowns and human drama of trying to change the world. The result is a super accessible and supremely entertaining look at the birth of a game-changing new industry.

Author : Mychilo Stephenson Cline
Publisher : Mychilo Cline
Page : 288 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2005
Category : Computers and civilization
ISBN : 8210379456XXX

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Power, Madness, and Immortality by Mychilo Stephenson Cline Pdf

Author : Rahul Kumar
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 290 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2018-10-18
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781351401449

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Ethics and Future Generations by Rahul Kumar Pdf

Existing human beings stand in a unique relationship of asymmetrical influence over future generations. Our choices now can settle whether there are any human beings in the further future; how many will exist; what capacities and abilities they might have; and what the character of the natural world they inhabit is like. This volume, with contributions from both new voices and prominent, established figures in moral and political philosophy, examines three generally underexplored themes concerning morality and our relationship to future generations. First, would it be morally wrong to allow humanity to go extinct? Or do we have moral reasons to try and ensure that humanity continues into the indefinite future? Second, if humanity is to continue into the future, how many people should there be? And is it morally important whether they have lives that are of high quality or are just barely worth living? And third, how can we best make sense of the intuitive idea that by not taking action on climate change and preserving natural resources, we are in some way wronging future generations? This book was originally published as a special issue of the Canadian Journal of Philosophy.

Author : D’Agustino, Steven
Publisher : IGI Global
Page : 370 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2012-12-31
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781466627017

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Immersive Environments, Augmented Realities, and Virtual Worlds: Assessing Future Trends in Education by D’Agustino, Steven Pdf

Technology has had direct impact on education in increasing the way that society continues to learn. Applications of immersive environments, virtual worlds, and augmented reality have significant implications for how teaching and learning are achieved in contemporary education. Immersive Environments, Augmented Realities and Virtual Worlds: Assessing Future Trends in Education brings together current research and performance in trends in education. While examining cyber behavior and the use of virtual worlds, immersive technologies and augmented realities aim to improve teaching and enhancing learning.