What is immersive multimedia?These terms refer to computer-generated simulation of reality with physical, spatial and visual dimensions. This

interactive technology is used by architects, science and engineering researchers, and the arts, entertainment and

video games industry.

Virtual reality systems can simulate everything from a walk-through of a building prior to construction to

simulations of aircraft flight and three dimensional computer games.

Immersive technologies and virtual reality are powerful and compelling computer applications by which humans can

interface and interact with computer generated environments in a way that mimics real life sense engagement.

Although mostly known for its application in the entertainment industry the real promise lies in such fields as

medicine, science, engineering, oil exploration, data visualization and the military to name just a few.

As 3D and immersive technology becomes more integrated and available for a wide range of applications. It l

requires well-designed user interfaces and innovative content for the next generation of computer games and

integrated technology like mobile devices, distributed web systems and desktop applications

IMMERSIVE MULTIMEDIA IN ENTERTAINMENT:

1. AVATAR MOVIE

Have you seen the movie Avatar? It has a lot of significance on the topics of technology and spirituality – and it’s a really entertaining film, although a little long. Check it out if you haven’t already!

It clearly portrays the idea of a ‘second self’. Jake, a paralysed Marine, takes part in a technological experiment. He is physically laying in a laboratory, plugged into wires. But he’s able to wake up inside the body of his avatar, where he can run, fly, and live an entirely new life.

“An avatar is the graphical representation of the user or the user’s alter ego or character. It may take either a three-dimensional form, as in games or virtual worlds, or a two-dimensional form as an icon in Internet forums and other online communities”

So like Jake in the movie, when we’re online we find ourself in a different setting, with different scenery, protocols, challenges and opportunities. We have a kind of ‘second life’ there and need to be aware that it could become divorced from our true identity.

Jake couldn’t walk in real life. When living through his avatar he could. He had no girlfriend in real life, but fell in love with someone through his avatar who reciprocated his feelings. He began to prefer his avatar life and only went back to his physical body when he had to. In the end he chose his avatar body and left his physical body permanently.

2. HOLOGRAM RAINDROP YOU CAN FEEL IN YOUR HAND

“Virtual reality (VR) is a term that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds”

VR for the most part is visual, but some progessive approaches to it are sensory too. These are known as “haptic” technology:

“Haptic technology, or haptics, is a tactile feedback technology that takes advantage of a user’s sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, and/or motions to the user”

Right now we can Skype with people when they’re not physically present. Imagine if we could combine VR with haptic technology, in that context. We could ‘meet’ in a VR environment, then reach out and hug each other. We’d ‘feel’ like we were really touching. And touch is one of the main things we miss in cyber communications, isn’t it?

“Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed 3D holograms that can be “touched” through haptic feedback using “acoustic radiation” to create a pressure sensation on a user’s hands.

REFERENCES:

1. http://www.cyber-soul.com/2011/08/06/theological-reflections-on-the-movie-avatar/#more-630