Understanding Technological Evolution

Virtual reality is not just a tool for entertainment but a game-changer in product design, allowing teams to experiment, refine, and collaborate remotely in ways that were once impossible, leading to faster innovation, cost reductions, and more precise manufacturing outcomes. Immersive 3D environments are transforming product design by eliminating physical constraints and allowing real-time iteration. Virtual prototyping enables companies to test designs without manufacturing costly models, reducing waste and accelerating development. Interactive visualization helps engineers refine products before production, leading to better ergonomics and functionality. Remote collaboration means teams across continents can work seamlessly, breaking traditional logistical barriers. Realistic product previews enhance customer trust and decision-making, particularly in industries like architecture, automotive, and consumer electronics, where accurate representations are crucial for investments and sales. #VirtualReality #3DDesign #ProductDevelopment #RemoteCollaboration #DigitalTransformation

The past two months have brought a wave of new spatial devices, from Valve’s latest VR hardware to Samsung’s Galaxy XR and a range of AI glasses from Meta, Even Realities, and others. With all this activity, it’s easy to focus only on what’s ahead. But Snap’s latest numbers on AR usage are a reminder of something simple. Augmented reality is already part of daily life. It has been here for years and has become so common that we barely talk about it. Snapchat deserves real credit for that. Back in 2015, they made AR mainstream by turning Lenses into a core part of social media. Fast forward to today, and Snap says more than 350 million people use AR on Snapchat every day, triggering about 8 billion Lens interactions per day. Once we all spewed rainbows from our mouths, filters and lenses became routine rather than emerging technology. More importantly, they shaped how people mix digital content with the physical world, which will play a key role in how we adopt post-smartphone devices like smartglasses and handle the growing volume of AI content. Decorating ourselves with AR on social media also paved the way for uses that now feel commonplace, such as virtual try-on for shopping or AR wayfinding to navigate a city. Mobile AR changed how people explore and buy products. It made what many still think of as a technology of tomorrow, a mundane tool of today. I like to think that AR filters are playing a role in preparing us for the wave of AI-generated content now filling our feeds. We’ve spent years navigating visuals that weren’t entirely real. That experience might help build the awareness needed to interpret what is genuine reality and what is not, at a time when generative images and video are everywhere. Mobile AR has become the unsung hero of XR. It’s so baked into how we communicate, create, and shop that we barely notice it anymore. That familiarity is also why the flood of generative AI content doesn’t feel as jarring as it could have. We’ve spent years blending digital elements into the real world through a phone screen. That normalcy is what will help AR glasses fit in when they arrive. They won’t feel like a leap. They’ll feel like the next step in habits we already practice every day, carried forward by the quiet success of mobile AR. #spatialcomputing #augmentedreality #smartglasses #AI

#Georgia is in the heart of the Caucasus & in the historial birthzone of winemaking & viticulture (8,000 years ago). The country was isolated during the cold war, & it has emerged back on the international #wine scenes with forgotten wine techniques & exotic indigenous grape varieties which have served as its point of difference in the international market. Georgia is on the eastern shores of the Black Sea and is nestled south of the tall Caucasus mountains (mount Elbrus is 18,510 ft tall). The Caucasus is a natural barrier from Russian's cold weather allowing the warm influences of the Black Sea to funnel into the country. The coastal regions can be humid and most vineyards flourish on the eastern side of the country. The altitude gain as one goes east, especially in Kartli around Tbilisi (the capital), combined with a progressive stronger level of continentality, makes eastern Georgia very propitious to grape growing. There are 12 unique wine regions across Georgia totaling 50K ha which produce 1.9 million Hl of wine. This level of production places Georgia in the top 20 wine producers by volume near Greece. The quasi totality of the wines made are from 20 indigenous varieties (out of more than 500 registered) and 75% of the wines are white. Rkatsiteli (White: floral, stone fruit, quince), Tsolikouri (W: pear, slightly flabby) Saperavi (R: inky dark, high level of tannins, high ageability), and Mtsvane Kakhuri (W: citrus, fresh acidity) are the main planted varieties. Kakheti produces 80% of the country’s wines and regroup most of the 24 Georgian PDOs. Georgian's PDOs tend to have strong stylistic distinctions based on specific varieties, and styles. Besides unique indigenous varieties, Georgia is proud of its traditional winemaking methods using clay jars called “Qvevri”. Qvevri are buried in the ground which allows gentle & natural wine temperature changes during fermentation and storage. Qvevri associated winemaking processes are relatively “natural” with no added yeast, and the full bunches are put in the jars both for red and white grapes. The skin, juice, and stem maceration in Qvevri lasts for an unusually long 3 to 6 months period This results in very distinctive phenolic extractions, which render the white wines orange (we prefer to use amber to avoid consumers thinking that the wine is made with oranges) and the red wines become rich in tannins and age worthy. Only 5% of the wines are made in this ancestral way but they represent Georgia's most distinctive wines and its commercial calling card. They are also many excellent still Georgian white wines that are made with modern winemaking techniques. Excellent sweet red wines (still and fortified) are worth trying to get a full understanding of the country’s stylistic offering such as Akhasheni or Kindzmarauli (both made from Saperavi). Georgia’s future is in sharing its past with wine lovers as it offers a unique and truthful back to the future wine discoveries.

Innovative tools like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are becoming essential in fields like engineering and design. These immersive technologies are not just enhancing the way we interact with digital environments; they're a step in the right direction to uplift traditional processes from simulation to prototyping. 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐑 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐑 - Mechanical Engineering: VR allows engineers to virtually assemble parts, identify potential issues, and test functionalities before physical models are built. This capability to 'walk through' and interact with 3D designs is drastically reducing time and costs associated with prototyping. - Civil Engineering: With AR, civil engineers can visualize projects in their actual environments, plan logistics, and enhance accuracy in safety protocols before construction begins. This virtual foresight can prevent costly errors and streamline project timelines. - Automotive Engineering: Automotive professionals use immersive tech to simulate real-world driving experiences, test vehicle dynamics, and iterate design elements efficiently. This not only speeds up the development process but also significantly cuts down on manufacturing costs. - Electrical and Software Engineering: Immersive tech provides electrical and software engineers with tools to debug circuits in a virtual space, simulate software interactions, and facilitate remote collaboration, enhancing productivity across global teams. Tech use cases aside, VR and AR are bridging communication gaps within and across teams. These tools enable a shared visual context, making it easier for multidisciplinary teams to collaborate, align on project goals, and accelerate decision-making processes. 🤔 How do you see VR and AR continuing to influence your industry? Could immersive tech be the key to the next big leap in engineering and design? #innovation #technology #future #management #startups Video by MACE Virtual Labs

| Armenian Civilization. Ancient Armenian Viticulture. • The world’s oldest known winery was discovered in Armenia, dating back over 6,100 years to the Copper Age. This incredible find, unearthed in the Areni-1 Cave, near the Areni village in southern Armenia, along the Arpa River, revealed a fully equipped wine production site, complete with a "stone grape press", fermentation vats, and ancient clay jarsmused for storage. • Archaeologists also uncovered dried grape seeds and grapevines, proving that viticulture and winemaking were already well-developed practices in prehistoric times. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into early human ingenuity and the cultural significance of wine in ancient societies. Remarkably, the grape variety found is closely related to modern grapes still used in winemaking today. This discovery highlights the long-standing relationship between humans and wine, cementing it as a timeless cultural and social staple.

Vincent Boqueho’s article presents a rich historical account of wine, particularly emphasizing the growth and impact of French vineyards across time. Wine’s journey begins around 9,000 BC in the Fertile Crescent, where early societies first cultivated grape varieties not only for their nutritional value and intoxicating effects but also for their ability to purify water, giving wine both practical and spiritual dimensions. Boqueho details the roles played by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, who spread viticulture across the Mediterranean. Greek settlers introduced the vine to French soil around 600 BC in Marseille, establishing France’s enduring wine legacy. Roman conquest in 120 BC then expanded vineyards across Gaul, linking vineyards through trade routes from Provence to the Rhône Valley, where wine became a luxury among Celtic elites. Christianity later added spiritual significance to wine, symbolized in the Eucharist. Monasteries, particularly in regions like Neustria, preserved viticultural knowledge, allowing wine culture to persist through the Middle Ages. The 12th century brought a surge in Bordeaux’s wine trade after England acquired Aquitaine, establishing Bordeaux as a central hub for English exports. Burgundy also set new quality standards with Clos vineyards, while Bordeaux’s merchants restricted foreign wines to boost local reputation. In the 17th century, demand from Northern Europe spurred innovation, as Charente producers distilled wines into cognac for better preservation. The invention of glass bottles and corks further revolutionized wine storage, enabling the production of Champagne. Dom Pérignon’s influence at Hautvillers Abbey elevated sparkling wine as a symbol of luxury by the 18th century. Boqueho concludes with the establishment of the Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the 20th century, formalizing protections for French wines and enhancing their global prestige amid competition. His narrative illustrates how French viticulture adapted to climate, political shifts, and evolving tastes, reinforcing France’s status as a global leader. This evolution not only cemented France’s reputation but also highlighted its cultural heritage and commitment to quality. Boqueho’s analysis reflects how wine has mirrored societal transformations, evolving from ancient sustenance to an emblem of luxury. French wine’s adaptability through conquests, economic shifts, and religious change reveals a legacy of resilience. This journey from Greek settlers in Marseille to AOC protections underscores a continuous connection between land, people, and craft, with French wine symbolizing an enduring heritage and global influence. #sundaysofhistory #historyofwine #wine #france Herodote.net @Vincent Boqueho

#HLTHForward podcast I am in conversation with Walter Greenleaf, PhD " Neuroscientist and "Godfather of VR" about unleashing the power of imagination for real and better healthcare. Full Episode Link: https://lnkd.in/gESYy6CH He shares his insights on the rapidly evolving roles of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the healthcare sphere. Greenleaf, whose work explores the intersections of technology and human experience, discusses how immersive technologies like VR are being leveraged for medical training, therapy, and even surgical planning. The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies within the healthcare ecosystem is no longer merely a novelty, but a clinically validated practice area. Among the many promising applications is the use of immersive solutions for mental health support and meditation enablement. For the veteran community grappling with the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), AR/VR is increasingly being explored as an adjunctive treatment option. By virtualizing different healthcare perspectives and realities," Greenleaf posited, we can develop a more holistic, empathetic appreciation for the full spectrum of experiences in the healthcare journey. #VR #Healthcare #AR #innovation #patientexperience #VA #empathy #AI

In 2013, I had my first encounter with Google Glass. My brother-in-law handed me a pair, and my excitement lasted about five seconds. The hardware was clunky, the frames were bulky, the voice commands did not work in a dependable way.  And while I felt that the concept had potential, it needed to evolve further to be truly useful. I had been working on AR/VR with my team since 2011 - we were using more industrial grade devices like Vuzix.. We had a bold vision with our enterprise grade projects. Overlaying digital instructions on complex repair jobs as an example. Or using the technology to train service technicians. But the reality at the time was sobering. The hardware was weak, the interaction clumsy, and the market wasn’t ready. As with many innovations, the idea was right, but the timing was too early. Fast forward to last week in 2025:  Meta unveils their latest Ray-Ban glasses, and suddenly the story feels different. ✓ These don’t scream “early adopter experiment.” - rather we are here to stay ✓ The hardware is powerful enough to handle real-time overlays smoothly.  ✓ The battery lasts long enough to make them useful.  ✓ And most importantly, the interaction feels natural and voice commands work seamlessly I’ve seen this pattern before. In the early 2000s, mobile apps were clunky. Devices were limited. Data was expensive. Adoption was low. By 2010, better smartphones, cheaper connectivity, and cultural readiness created the perfect storm. Mobile went from novelty to necessity. AR is at the same inflection point. Google Glass wasn’t “wrong”—it was just “too soon.” Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses? Same vision, but the world seems ready. If Mark Zuckerberg’s vision is to play out, we may look back on this moment the way we look back on the early smartphone era: the beginning of a transition we didn’t fully grasp at the time. The future of computing may no longer be in our hands—it may sit right on our faces. #technology #innovation #ai #digitaltransformation #AR #work

AR has always been inevitable. A heads-up future, filled with the connectivity of phones but without the separation from the real world is hardly a new concept. Big tech has been forecasting glasses and investing in this technology for over a decade. But recently, it’s been moving from inevitable ➡️ imminent. Three things driving this shift: 1. Major Players Bet Big on Hardware–And Consumers Are Starting to Adopt Meta has poured billions into R&D for devices like their Ray-Ban smart glasses, with Zuck predicting wearable AR will replace smartphones by 2030. He has reason to believe so. Reports suggest that in their first year, Ray-Ban Stories sold over 1 million units (comparable to the iPhone’s initial sales in 2007). 2. Gen AI Fuel 🔥 Advances in AI provide a new interface and drive more value for AR hardware. The AI assistant is the primary modality by which we engage with smart glasses and future XR hardware – becoming a passive companion in our day-to-day lives. That creates a compelling base case for AR glasses, driving that adoption curve. The camera input into AI is making AR even more practical and compelling, enabling real-time object recognition, translation– and eventually relevant personalized content. 3. Consumer Readiness Today’s youngest generations are digital natives, raised on smartphones and on-demand experiences. Gen Z alone makes up 22% of the global population and will account for 27% of the workforce by 2025. They expect seamless transitions between online and offline experiences, fueling hardware innovation and creating a flywheel effect that accelerates mass adoption. As AR moves from inevitable to imminent, Illumix is building the foundational infrastructure to power this reality. Our “interaction engine” is designed to bridge physical spaces and digital content, regardless of which device or platform ultimately wins. Think of us as the pipes beneath AR’s ecosystem, ensuring that when this moment arrives, the experiences are truly seamless.