The Sharjah Book Authority launches the world’s first virtual reality book.
The 8th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) is all set to happen from April 20th-April 30th, 2016 at Expo Center Sharjah. In an aim to promote reading among young minds, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) launched the world’s first virtual reality book.
Baba Zayed, a book published by Kalimat Publishing House was chosen for this special occasion. The book is about Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is the founder of the Union apart from being a great political leader and a visionary. This book was chosen to enhance national identity among children.
“At Sharjah Book Authority, we strive to make the best use of technology to enhance culture and knowledge, especially in its application to children’s literature. With the launch of the digital publication Baba Zayed, we are seeking to utilise the latest development in expanding knowledge. This technology has been available in world markets for some time, but its uses until now have been limited to digital games and films. This book will be the first of its kind in the world that uses 3D VR Glasses to enable children to read and at the same time enjoy 360-degree interaction with the story.” – Ahmad Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA
By using 3D VR glasses to create the world’s first virtual reality book, the SBA hopes to get more kids involved with reading using digital technology than just use it to play games. It serves as both an educational and entertainment tool so that kids can adapt to it faster.
“The use of digital virtual technology in books is one of the creative ideas that exemplifies the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, on the importance of nurturing children’s minds with knowledge and intellect. We want children to discover the pleasure of reading and aspire to make use of all means that help achieve this target. In doing so, we hope to contribute to creating an educated generation capable of building itself and serving the nation.”
With technology taking center stage and reading taking a hit because of it, innovative concepts like the world’s first virtual reality book will encourage reading habits among youngsters and broaden their minds.
*Quotes and image courtesy: Gulf News.
