Intel unveils ‘merged reality’ with Project Alloy device

Signalling Intel’s goal of taking centre stage in the fields of virtual reality, machine learning and connected devices, CEO Brian Krzanich unveiled a host of technologies and products that he said would make the impossible possible.

Addressing a huge gathering of coders and other delegates at the opening of the Intel Developer Forum, Mr. Krzanich spoke of ‘merged reality’, a new way of experiencing virtual reality and real world together, using cutting-edge technology.

The merged reality is more dynamic and natural, and allows people to do things that are now impossible. It goes beyond virtual reality, in that it digitises the real world and allows people to experience the virtual world without coming into conflict with the real world, he said.

One example is playing two musical instruments at the same time: a virtual piano with one hand and a cello with the other. Or one could go right into the centre of a basketball court and watch the match. In fact, the day’s event began with a ‘merged reality musical performance’, wherein an artist merely moved his fingers in air producing musical notes.

Mr. Krzanich unveiled Project Alloy, a device that creates merged reality. It is a headset that uses the RealSense technology enabling people to use their hands to interact with elements of the virtual world. There is no need for cables to connect to the computer.

While virtual reality has gone mainstream, merged reality needs the right software and hardware; and Intel is collaborating with technology companies to make that possible. One of the companies Intel is working with is Microsoft, which will release an update to Windows 10 next year that will bring Holographic shell to PCs. It brings 2D and 3D together and makes multi-tasking with merged reality possible, said Terry Myerson, Microsoft Executive Vice President at the event.

Another company Intel is partnering with is BMW. The head of its autonomous driving segment Elmar Frickenstein arrived on stage sitting in the passenger seat of an autonomous BMW i3.

Intel, BMW Group and Mobileye are jointly working on a fully autonomous vehicle that they expect to bring to market by 2020.

(This correspondent is in San Francisco at the invitation of Intel)

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Source:The hindu