NBC News draws upon UOIT expertise for story about virtual reality

In its coverage of lightning-quick developments this week in the world of virtual reality, NBC News has connected with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).

NBC’s story Why Facebook is Betting on Virtual Reality as the Next Big Thing prominently features input from Neil Schneider, Manager of Immersive Technology Services for UOIT’s Faculty of Business and Information Technology (FBIT).

“Those who are close to all of the innovation in virtual reality (VR) and in game development have seen the potential for an explosion of immersive-technology applications,” said Schneider. “This week’s $2 billion purchase of Oculus VR by Facebook is a game-changer. It validates our belief that VR will soon be immersed as a component of our daily routines.”

Schneider is also the Executive Director of the Immersive Technology Alliance (ITA), and was Founder of the ITA’s forerunner the Stereoscopic 3D Gaming Alliance which made UOIT its home base.

"The Immersive Technology Alliance is the official voice and standards body for technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, stereoscopic 3D, and everything in-between,” said Dr. Pamela Ritchie, Dean, FBIT. “Much of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s early success can be attributed to being influential in the right markets at the right time and having top-notch faculty members, facilities and labs. Our dynamic programs in Game Development and Entrepreneurship give our students an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of change in the industry. The ITA is a natural fit for UOIT."

• Other article where UOIT is mentioned: Tech Radar's: The ITA is a virtual reality non-profit group you should know about