FutureFive New Zealand - Consumer technology news & reviews from the future

Kiwi Stories

Meet Morpheus, the app training Otago Uni's health students
AR, VR & Metaverse

Meet Morpheus, the app training Otago Uni's health students

New augmented reality app 'Morpheus' developed by University of Otago enables students to visualise drug structures.

By Sam Worthington • 2 min read • Tue, 9th Aug 2016
Noel Leeming to help bring the HTC Vive VR headset to New Zealand
Gaming

Noel Leeming to help bring the HTC Vive VR headset to New Zealand

Noel Leeming is embracing the virtual reality (VR) realm as the retailer will bring the HTC Vive to its New Zealand stores later this year.

By Damian Seeto • 3 min read • Fri, 24th Jun 2016
Holidays are now a virtual reality
AR, VR & Metaverse

Holidays are now a virtual reality

Experience global adventures without leaving the store as Flight Centre introduces virtual reality holidays, powered by Samsung Gear VR headsets.

By Sam Worthington • 2 min read • Tue, 21st Jun 2016
Hands-on Review: HTC Vive
Gaming

Hands-on Review: HTC Vive

HTC's Vive raises the bar in our hands-on review, delivering a mesmerising VR experience that justifies its hefty price tag.

By Darren Price • 6 min read • Sat, 4th Jun 2016
University of Canterbury becomes VR hub for New Zealand's next generation
AR, VR & Metaverse

University of Canterbury becomes VR hub for New Zealand's next generation

The University of Canterbury has been named a founding site for the Crytek VR First initiative, bringing virtual reality technology to its students.

By Catherine Knowles • 3 min read • Mon, 16th May 2016
Ziptrek Ecotours brings Queenstown to tourists through virtual reality
AR, VR & Metaverse

Ziptrek Ecotours brings Queenstown to tourists through virtual reality

Virtual Queenstown in VR leap - Ziptrek Ecotours at TRENZ, showcasing aerial zipline tours to global visitors.

By Sara Barker • 2 min read • Thu, 12th May 2016

Global Stories

Is virtual reality ruining our society?
AR, VR & Metaverse

Is virtual reality ruining our society?

Virtual Reality: Innovative or isolative? Debating if technological convenience may erode societal value in face-to-face interactions.

By Sean Mitchell • 2 min read • Wed, 17th Aug 2016
IDC predicts huge $162 billion growth in VR & AR markets by 2020
Health Technologies

IDC predicts huge $162 billion growth in VR & AR markets by 2020

IDC forecasts virtual and augmented reality markets could reach $162 billion by 2020, representing 181.3% CAGR as the market explodes.

By Sara Barker • 2 min read • Tue, 16th Aug 2016
ANZ channel businesses on the road to change
Internet of Things

ANZ channel businesses on the road to change

Understanding the elements of change is key for IT businesses to thrive, says Jim Hamilton of CompTIA ANZ Channel Community.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Thu, 11th Aug 2016
PC users can now enjoy free virtual reality 3D conversion
AR, VR & Metaverse

PC users can now enjoy free virtual reality 3D conversion

Users can convert for free any 2D video file into VR-3D video that can be played in every single VR device available.

By Ashton Young • 2 min read • Thu, 4th Aug 2016
All aboard the Hogwarts Express - petition asks for Harry Potter version of Pokémon Go
Gaming

All aboard the Hogwarts Express - petition asks for Harry Potter version of Pokémon Go

Fans clamour for a spellbinding twist on augmented reality – a Harry Potter themed game akin to Pokémon Go is petitioned.

By Sam Worthington • 2 min read • Wed, 20th Jul 2016
Early lessons from Pokemon Go
Gaming

Early lessons from Pokemon Go

Pokemon Go has brought augmented reality to the masses, revealing the potential for brands to take advantage of the craze.

By David Yockelson • 3 min read • Thu, 14th Jul 2016
Pokemon Go is giving to society what other technology had taken away
Gaming

Pokemon Go is giving to society what other technology had taken away

Pokemon Go has rekindled human interaction and outdoor activity, reversing the isolation fostered by other technologies and reigniting community spirit.

By Jenny Sussin • 2 min read • Wed, 13th Jul 2016
Is the gap between education technology suppliers and end users increasing?
EduTech

Is the gap between education technology suppliers and end users increasing?

EdTech innovation surges, yet end users struggle to keep pace in an ever-evolving, crowded digital learning landscape.

By Phil Maddocks • 3 min read • Mon, 11th Jul 2016
Five technologies ready to disrupt your business
Internet of Things

Five technologies ready to disrupt your business

Personal technologies are set to have a major impact on every business across the globe, according to Gartner.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Tue, 21st Jun 2016
AR touches down in the enterprise, driven by key developments
Unified Communications

AR touches down in the enterprise, driven by key developments

The smart glasses segment of the augmented reality market is predicted to grow by 140% by 2020, according to Technavio research.

By Catherine Knowles • 4 min read • Mon, 30th May 2016
Wider benefits from 'sky rocketing' VR market
Gaming

Wider benefits from 'sky rocketing' VR market

Global VR hardware shipments could spike by 2400% in 2016, IDC predicts, invigorating consumer IT and business markets with extensive ecosystem benefits.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Thu, 26th May 2016
Google's Daydream VR initiative will drive mobile VR headset dominance
AR, VR & Metaverse

Google's Daydream VR initiative will drive mobile VR headset dominance

While initially disappointing, the announcement of Daydream VR sets the stage for mobile VR to shine in the numerous ways.

By Paul Jackson • 2 min read • Tue, 24th May 2016