Voice Interaction, Recognition and Participation (VIRP)

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In a world where in-person interaction has been cut off, the opportunities afforded by immersive media to connect, entertain, educate and train people are even more important. Voice interaction takes immersive media to a whole new level, allowing users to speak to, and hear from, virtual characters. In the real world, we remember and are emotionally impacted more by the information we receive from a person. This innovation allows this same experience, giving users the perfect environment in which to connect in a separated world. Currently, however, the technology needed to integrate voice interaction into immersive media is only available to the few project teams working with large budgets, plenty of manpower and generous timescales. It is not available to those building immersive tech as an individual or small developer team, and therefore the immersive media industry's growth is stemmed. This project would see the creation of a game engine plug-in; a piece of 'middleware' called VIRP (Voice Interaction, Recognition and Participation) which would be a bridge to pre-existing AI voice hardware functionality for all developers. This would democratise the use of voice interaction in immersive tech, allowing for its use cross-industry for education, entertainment, training and connection.Beyond the three month original project period, the Extension for Impact funding allows a crucial element of VIRP's route to market to be completed - a presentation of the functional Unity Plug In. Delivered within the scope of the original project period, the VIRP proof of concept demonstrates how unique voice interaction leads to greater audience participation. The Extension for Impact period in Q1 will result in a clear insight into the product that will empower future developers to incorporate VIRP into innovative future endeavours.