Pandemic spikes popularity of virtual reality travel

Virtual reality travel - person using VR headset

As lockdowns slammed borders and tourism hot spots shut, people continue to want to see the world. Virtual reality travel hasn’t come anywhere close to replacing in-person tourism, but it has rapidly spiked in popularity since the pandemic started. VR technology has made it possible for people to experience sites from around the world, without having to leave a living room. As countries closed borders in response to pandemic waves, people remained curious about the world. That said, just because it wasn’t possible or safe to see the various sites…

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Disney pilots Magic Kingdom facial recognition technology

Magic Kingdom Facial Recognition - Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's Castle

The Florida theme park is testing out a new type of digital admission system for a limited time. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is starting a limited time pilot program testing a Magic Kingdom facial recognition admission system. The system is in place at the usual entry points to the park but re-entries are encouraged at the same lanes. “If you return to Magic Kingdom park during our limited-time test, consider entering using the same designated entry points. Re-entering through the same lanes helps us better understand how the…

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Tour guide app uses David Attenborough hologram to guide guests in UK greenspaces

David Attenborough Hologram - David Attenborough Interview YouTube

The application uses augmented reality to guide people with an “Attenborough in your pocket.” A Sir David Attenborough hologram has become the star of a new app that lets smartphone users enjoy the directions and information provided when they visit a spectrum of sites across the United Kingdom. The celebrated nature documentary host will guide app uses through a number of UK greenspaces. The 94-year-old will be in the spotlight throughout the augmented reality app, which will launch at the same time that the BBC brings out its next big…

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Massachusetts town of Orange launches festive QR code tour

QR code Tour - Christmas Tree in City

The town’s merchants group organized the experience in lieu of its traditional “Santa Comes to Town”. Orange Merchants Group members in the town of Orange, Massachusetts are using a holiday QR code tour to keep residents safe but festive at the same time. The goal was to keep up the Yuletide cheer while keeping up COVID-19 spread-prevention safety protocols by altering the traditional annual “Santa Comes to Orange” event. Residents are invited to wear their masks and drive a 12-stop barcoded route throughout the town. Along the QR code tour,…

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Historic North Loop neighborhood offers QR code tour

QR code tour - image of historic street

The experience offers a virtual trip through the Minneapolis community with former WCCOer Mike Binkley. A new QR code tour has been deployed in the historic North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. The experience provides historical information along a virtual walk with local news station WCCO retiree. Retired anchor Mike Binkley took part to discover the rich history of this neighborhood. “In all my years of Finding Minnesota for WCCO now I’m just finding the North Loop and there are so many great stories right here in this neighborhood,” said Binkley.…

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