The NIE Library is using the Merge EDU Apps and Merge Cube for AR experiences.
Hence, to get started you will need the following:
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If you don’t already have a Merge Cube, you’ll need to get one to experience holding and interacting with digital objects.
You can either borrow one or the Merge Cubes from the NIE Library or print a Merge Paper Cube for free.
Compatible Devices
The Merge Cube works with most iOS and Android phones or tablets, as well as some Chromebook and Windows devices. View the compatibility guide here. If your device is not listed on the compatibility guide, the best way to see if it works is to download the Merge EDU apps and test them out.
Merge EDU apps are specifically designed to give you a whole new way to learn science and STEM concepts using the Merge Cube. All Merge apps have amazing content available for free so you can jump right in and experience it for yourself. You can also get a free 14-day trial subscription to Merge EDU. However, most content is only available under a paid Merge EDU subscription. Find out more about Free vs. Paid Content in Merge EDU here.
You can check if your device is compatible here.
"Learn science with hands-on, interactive simulations! Students can learn science effectively with over 100 science simulations they can touch, hold and interact with! Merge Explorer (along with a Merge Cube) allows students to investigate a smoking volcano in the palm of their hand, examine a great white shark up close, hold and explore the solar system, dissect a frog (humanely!), and so much more. With easy-to-follow activities and built-in quizzes, students gain key knowledge while immersed in learning, both in the classroom or while remote learning at home."
"Teach and learn science effectively with true-to-life digital teaching aids you can touch, hold and interact with, and upload your own 3D objects to share! Object Viewer puts hundreds of digital teaching aids in the palm of your hand! Students can learn about rocks and minerals, mammals, reptiles, lifecycles, cells, and so much more using different collections of hands-on 3D models. Students can also upload, view, and share their own 3D objects on the Merge Cube."
Download MERGE Object Viewer
"Explore NASA and NOAA visualizations of the Earth in the palm of your hand! Merge HoloGlobe brings real-time NOAA and NASA satellite data and simulations to the Merge Cube, providing stunning views of the Earth and its many processes and systems into the palm of your hand! HoloGlobe is a hands-on resource for K-12 students, educators, and citizen scientists who want to learn more about Earth using real scientific data, including rainfall, cloud coverage, ocean and land temperature, wildfires, snowfall, and more all over the world."
Download MERGE HoloGlobe
The NIE Library has a paid subcription to Merge.edu. Please approach any library staff located at the Digital LIbrary Services Office on Level 3 to borrow an iPAD.
With the library's subscription you would have
With the 14-day free trial, you will be able to add students and classes, get access to all the content in Merge EDU apps for yourself and students, and get access to resources like STEM projects and activity plans for the trial period.
Merge EDU apps are completely free to download and use with limited content. All you need is a Merge EDU account, then you can see what is unlocked for free.
Testing the free account is a great way to get a sample of what Merge EDU apps have, but does not represent all the hands-on simulations and digital teaching aids the platform has to offer.
Read this help article to learn how to create a Merge EDU account and unlock a free trial.
Here is what you get access to for free in Merge Explorer:
Here is what you get access to for free in Merge Object Viewer:
Here is what you get access to for free in Merge HoloGlobe:
As a free account holder, you can also upload up to five 3D objects to visualize on the Merge Cube. Learn more about uploading your own 3D creations here.
You can now bring immersive mixed reality experiences to life on a smartphone using Merge EDU apps and a Merge Headset. The smartphone's camera allows full-color passthrough XR and captures the real-world environment, seamlessly blending it with virtual content. This enables users to perceive and interact with both the physical and virtual elements simultaneously.
The Merge AR/VR Headset is compatible with all 3 Merge EDU apps - Merge HoloGlobe, Merge Object Viewer, and Merge Explorer.
Follow these steps to use "Headset Mode" in any the apps:
The Merge Headset has lenses that adjust for the distance between your eyes, known as IPD (inter-pupillary distance). To adjust the lenses, use your thumb and forefinger to grasp the top and bottom of the lens adjusters and move them in an in/out motion until you can see clearly and comfortably.
The input buttons are found at the top of the Merge Headset, on top of the lens adjusters. With the input buttons, you can interact with VR apps and experiences, without the need for a separate controller. Depending on the app or experience, tapping one or both of the input buttons will pause the experience, or select an item.
The Merge AR/VR headset works with a number of iOS and Android devices. Tap the link to this help article to learn more about the size and technology requirements.
Size Requirements: The Merge Headset supports smartphone sizes between 123mm and 158mm in length.
Software Requirements: Make sure your phone is running the latest software:
Recommended devices (fit best and offer the best resolutions): iPhone 8 and newer, Galaxy S8 and newer, HTC M9 and newer, LG G4 and newer, and Google Pixel.
If you do still need to wear your glasses, you can usually do so comfortably. The Merge Headset is made from a high-end foam that flexes to accommodate your face shape, including glasses.