Varjo Unveils New, Powerful Business-Level Virtual Reality Headsets

Finland-based head-mounted display (HMD) developer Varjo today announced its new virtual reality (VR) headsets, the VR-2 and VR-2 Pro. For those unfamiliar with the company, Varjo operates primarily in the enterprise-level VR hardware market, providing solutions for many companies in the automotive and aviation industries. Prior to this announcement, its primary piece of hardware was the VR-1, a VR headset released last April.

Source: Varjo

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New Artificial Skin Expands Possibilities for Virtual Reality Control

Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne have created a new silicone-based material that, when worn over the human body, simulates a sort of “second skin,” according to a recent article published in the Soft Robotics science journal. According to the preliminary findings this material, when used as a feedback device, marks a vast improvement over haptic feedback technology – which is a leading form of virtual reality (VR) control.

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HP’s VR Headset Reverb Brings Stronger Enterprise Potential at a Consumer Price Point

HP has just released its second virtual reality (VR) headset, known as the HP Reverb. Like its predecessor, the HP Reverb has been designed to work with Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality platform. That said, the Reverb is not simply an updated version of the 1000-100 (the first HP VR headset). It has been designed with a focus toward enterprise clients, while retaining a price point that will make it a viable option for the consumer market as well.

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HP Introduces Next-Generation LaserJet Printers

Today, HP announced the global launch of a “re-engineered, sleek” new series of A4 color LaserJet printers intended to make businesses more efficient. The devices—which consist of one MFP and three single function printers—are a significant departure from previous LaserJet products. Comprising new “JetIntelligence” technology, they take up 40% less space; use up to 53% less energy; and wake up, print, and duplex “in a fraction of the time.”

The “enterprise” M552 and M553 single function printers, for instance, offer 100% duplex productivity—meaning that in addition to printing 40 one-sided pages per minute they can achieve 40 images per minute spread across two sides of the page. HP says the announcement represents its most significant laser printing re-engineering since the launch of the first LaserJet in 1984.

Footprint of New HP LaserJet Devices

Source: HP press event in New York City

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Happy Valentine’s Day, Mr. Hamilton

While it’s nice to see my name written in rose petals (or in clouds or candies or footprints in the sand), by itself this form of personalization, though eye-catching, is not enough. Using variable data requires more than just a person’s name.

With a very small amount of information (for example, name, address, and account status) it is possible to create a much more effective document. Read more »

London design firm introduces the ‘Little Printer’: Will it take off?

The Little Printer

I recently learned about a London-based design firm that’s got some big plans to integrate cloud-connected technology and creative design. BERG has named its new effort “BERG Cloud”; its first project is a little printer called — well, the Little Printer. It’s expected to launch this year in beta form. Read more »

Adobe Releases Creative Suite 5.5

Only a year after the release of Creative Suite 5, Adobe has announced a mid-cycle update dubbed Creative Suite 5.5, and there are a few key highlights worth noting.

Addressing the rapid adoption of tablet devices and smartphones, support has been added across a number of Creative Suite applications for designers incorporating these mediums in their design repertoire. Read more »