New Tech Improves Human Wellbeing and Capabilities

Emerging Tech Roundup — May 13

The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.

This week in tech: 365 Marketplace makes its premier in the metaverse, seniors use VR to provoke nostalgia, Canadian police use new tech to help uncover missing persons, AR is used to lighten anger, Apple discontinues the iPod touch and Google rolls out new features across two of its programs.

Nextech AR Solutions announces launch of 365 Marketplace with Restaurants Canada

(Proactive, May 5)

Nextech AR is bringing the Canadian Food and Beverage industry into the metaverse, connecting retailers worldwide. Come the premier in mid-May, members of the metaverse-based 365 Marketplace can purchase goods from about 5,000 vendors.

V.R. ‘Reminiscence Therapy’ lets seniors relive the past

(The New York Times, May 6)

In an effort to add well-being to the lives of seniors, the Central Parke nursing home is bringing VR to its patients. Studies have suggested the practice can improve morale, reduce anxiety and stimulate mental activity. The staff has started to use immersive experiences to bring a sense of nostalgia to elders, using the old concept of reminiscence therapy and bringing them back to some of their most comforting times.

How police are using advanced technology to search for missing persons in Canada

(CTV News, May 9)

Canadian police are using electromagnetics, a technology previously used to study minerals, soil and subsurface data, to study human remains in an attempt to uncover missing persons. The ‘hyperspectral imaging technologies’ can be attached to planes and helicopters for increased search coverage, without compromising any evidence.

Yonsei University uses virtual reality for anger control

(Medical Xpress, May 9)

Researchers at Yonsei University used two different types of VR training to experiment with the technology’s potential for treating anger management. The Anger Exposure Training subjects users to anger-provoking environments and guides them in their control mechanisms, whereas the Mindfulness Training involves decompression and meditation guidance. Afterwards, participants reported that they felt the training helped.

Apple officially discontinues the iPod Touch, the last iPod in production

(ZDNet, May 10)

While Apple is still selling its iPod Touch while supplies last, it has officially discontinued production for the product. The final iPod touch was released in 2019, and has older hardware. For the current retail price, consumers would get more bang for their buck by purchasing the iPhone SE with updated hardware and camera capabilities.

Google Chrome will let you easily create virtual cards for safer online shopping

(9to5Google, May 11)

Google Chrome is working with a handful of well-known banks to add security for its users when online shopping. Beginning with Visa, American Express, Capital One and Mastercard cardholders, shoppers will be prompted with the option of using a “virtual card” when using Chrome, which will mask the card number, yet still route the payment to one’s credit card. Users can expect the feature to rollout in the summer for most institutions, and later this year for Mastercard.

Google Maps “Immersive View” is the ultimate graphics mode for Google Maps

(Ars Technica, May 11)

Google has enhanced its Maps capabilities, adding dimension with Immersive View. The new version includes weather representation, traffic gauging, and even clouds, birds and their shadows. Immersive View is expected to work on most devices and will begin rolling out later this year in select cities.