Covalent Partners with the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications

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GAINESVILLE, Florida – May 2, 2018- Covalent partners with the Media Effects & Technology Lab at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications.

The Media Effects & Technology Lab (METL) at UF has joined forces with Covalent for their Virtual Reality application VirtuePet. The application allows users to have a pet and care for it, giving them a real-world feel of an actual experience of pet ownership. The application includes all aspects of having a pet, from taking care of it to playing with it. VirtuePet also adapts to a user’s surroundings, making the experience extremely realistic.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”12581″ img_size=”420px”][vc_column_text]The METL  has partnered with a number of institutions and has worked on initiatives that deal with media, technology, and psychology. The goal of the lab is to study the effects of immersive, interactive, and impactful experiences. For the research aspect of the METL, the lab has a specific interest in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. On the partnership with Covalent, Dr. Sri Kalyanaraman. Director of METL, said “We are delighted at the prospect of collaborating with Covalent and to showcase the effectiveness of VirtuePet through scientific studies.” “Thomas and his team have built an intriguing product and we are excited at demonstrating its value to society,” added Kalyanaraman. Danny Pimentel, PhD student and Coordinator of METL concurred and said that “this partnership fits the lab’s mission of creating and testing immersive technologies for the social good.”[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”12548″ img_size=”420px” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”12582″ img_size=”420px”][vc_column_text]The METL will be testing out different aspects of the app in order to help Covalent craft the perfect Virtual Reality experience based on research of what will best cater to the needs and desires of the target demographic.

Covalent’s partnership with the METL will open the door for research relating to how Virtual Reality can have an impact that goes further than just recreation. Covalent hopes to make VirtuePet an app that can be used for rehabilitation, and that can be an aid in reducing anxiety.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”12580″ img_size=”420px”][vc_column_text]Covalent hopes to have an ongoing partnership with the METL, continuously expanding research for Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. On the partnership with the METL, Covalent founder Thomas Jackson states, “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring our communities together and do something great in the VR research space.  The data from this research will help us further our goal to understand the true potential of Virtual Reality.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Covalent is a multidisciplinary consulting firm specializing in Virtual Reality, Design and 3D printing. The company has provided services to major businesses in Tallahassee and throughout the State of Florida. Covalent has also worked on projects in partnership with Google and has been accepted into the Oculus Start program, an exclusive program for VR developers. 

Covalent Reality: https://covalentreality.co/

Covalent www.gocovalent.com

Center for Innovation at TCC: http://www.tcc.fl.edu/workforce-development/about-wd/center-for-innovation/

Oculus Start: https://developer.oculus.com/blog/introducing-oculus-start/

Produced by : Sahej Singh[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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