WELCOME TO THIS WEEK’S EDITION OF SALIENCE
This week we cover the latest attempt to make virtual reality go mainstream, the technology that helps when somebody dies, and the ways to maximise profitability in city-based portfolios. Plus, the AI-equipped healthcare services active in the USA, and the prospect of the property sector going to the moon.
You can let us know your thoughts on these stories and any other topics that you would like covered by emailing [email protected].
VR’s not-so-simple path to being the next big thing
What do Facebook and David Attenborough have in common? They are both involved in the latest push to make virtual reality more accessible for the casual consumer. Ahead of the release of the Quest 2, its most affordable headset yet, VR hardware company Oculus is hoping that the removal of prohibitive pricing will finally push VR into the mainstream of home entertainment. But aiming for an audience beyond diehard gamers means producing a much wider range of content, and fast.
The rise of “deathtech”
Despite being somewhat morbidly named, this tech sub-sector is not nearly as dangerous as it sounds. In fact, Glasgow-based start-up Exizent has set itself the goal of making the bereavement process easier with its new platform, which connects all the relevant people and information together in one place. As one of several death tech firms to raise funds recently, Exizent is hoping to make life easier when dealing with death.
Maximising the profitability of city-based portfolios
On 22nd October, leading proptech company (and Sapience client) technologywithin will be hosting a webinar on how landlords can maximise the profitability of their vacant city-based portfolios, in 2020 and beyond. Featuring an expert panel, the webinar will touch on a range of factors landlords need to consider, from tenants’ needs to market trends, commercial models, and marketing strategies. You can find out more information and register here:
The AI helping American hospitals
Tapping into real-time patient dataflows, predicting operational bottlenecks, and recommending remedies – these are just some of the processes that have become more efficient in hospitals around Minnesota thanks to California-based start-up Qventus. Coming to their aid on the eve of the pandemic, Qventus’ products are designed not to replace the decision-making of doctors and nurses, but to make these decisions better informed by providing a clearer picture of patient needs. In the biggest health crisis of modern times, this support has been invaluable.
And finally…The first step towards lunar real estate?
Who would have thought the key to sustainable development on this planet could actually be found off it? But with its focus on eight of the 17 UN sustainability goals related to our built environment, the research and development of a lunar construction system is driving material, technological, and environmental innovation. This venture, titled ‘Project Olympus’, is the first human foray into extra-terrestrial construction, and its broad collective of experts are hopeful of enhancing the future of humanity.
