https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnavnghosh/

The adoption and usage of extended reality (XR) technologies, which encompass virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), is influenced by different consumer cohorts. Understanding the characteristics, preferences, and behaviors of these cohorts is crucial for businesses and developers to effectively design, market, and distribute XR experiences. This document provides an overview of the key consumer cohorts in the XR ecosystem, their unique traits, and the implications for the industry.

The factors driving growth

As the extended reality (XR) market continues to mature and evolve, the dynamics of consumer segmentation are also undergoing a transformative shift. What was once a relatively niche and tech-savvy early adopter landscape is now witnessing the emergence of diverse consumer cohorts, each with their unique preferences, behaviors, and expectations. This evolution of consumer segments is crucial for businesses and developers to understand, as it shapes the strategic direction, product design, and go-to-market strategies for XR technologies. There are three critical drivers of change.

Key evolving Personas

As the XR industry continues to evolve, the personas and user profiles that define key consumer cohorts are also undergoing a dynamic transformation. The traditional early adopter, mainstream consumer, and enterprise user archetypes are becoming increasingly nuanced, with emerging sub-segments and blurred boundaries. This evolution is driven by factors listed above such as advancements in hardware, the growing emphasis on social and collaborative experiences, and the increasing diversity and accessibility of XR technologies.

For example, the early adopter persona is no longer solely defined by their technical prowess and thirst for novelty. As XR devices become more user-friendly and affordable, a new generation of "tech-savvy enthusiasts" is emerging - individuals who are drawn to the immersive and experiential aspects of XR, rather than just the underlying technology. These consumers may be less inclined to tinker with complex setups, but they are eager to explore the creative and social possibilities of XR in their daily lives.

The evolution of these personas underscores the need for businesses and developers to continuously refine their understanding of XR consumers, their motivations, and their evolving needs. By staying attuned to these shifts, organizations can tailor their XR offerings, marketing strategies, and user experiences to better resonate with the diverse and dynamic landscape of XR users. This dynamic approach will be crucial in driving widespread adoption and ensuring the long-term success of the XR industry.

Early Adopters: Tech-Savvy Enthusiasts

The early adopter cohort in the XR space is typically composed of tech-savvy individuals who are eager to embrace the latest advancements in immersive technologies. These consumers are often tech enthusiasts, gadget lovers, and early adopters of new consumer electronics. They are driven by a desire to explore the cutting-edge capabilities of VR, AR, and MR, and they are willing to invest time and resources to understand and integrate these technologies into their daily lives.

Early adopters are highly influential within their social circles and online communities, and their feedback and recommendations can significantly impact the broader market adoption of XR technologies. Businesses targeting this cohort should focus on highlighting the innovative features, cutting-edge capabilities, and the sense of novelty and exclusivity associated with their XR offerings.

Curiosity

Early adopters are driven by a strong curiosity to explore and understand new technologies, often seeking out the latest XR hardware and software.

Early Adoption

They are willing to be among the first to try and adopt XR technologies, even when the

experiences and devices may not be fully polished or

mainstream-ready.

Influencing Adoption

Early adopters often serve as evangelists, sharing their experiences and recommendations within their social networks, which can significantly impact the broader adoption of XR technologies.

Mainstream Consumers: Entertainment and Social Experiences

As XR technologies mature and become more accessible, the mainstream consumer cohort is expected to play a pivotal role in driving mass-market adoption. This cohort is primarily interested in using XR for entertainment and social experiences, such as gaming, virtual concerts, and social networking platforms.

Mainstream consumers are typically less tech-savvy than early adopters and are more focused on the practical applications and user-friendly experiences of XR. They want to be able to seamlessly integrate XR into their daily lives, whether it's for gaming, socializing, or consuming media. Businesses targeting this cohort should prioritize developing intuitive and polished XR experiences that are accessible, affordable, and offer compelling content and social features.

Gaming

Mainstream consumers are drawn to immersive gaming experiences that offer a sense of escapism and social interaction. VR and AR- enabled games that provide high-quality graphics, intuitive controls, and opportunities for multiplayer engagement are likely to resonate with this cohort.

Social Experiences

Mainstream consumers are interested in using XR for virtual social gatherings, such as virtual concerts, meetups, and collaborative workspaces. Platforms that enable seamless social interaction and communication in immersive environments will be particularly appealing.

Media Consumption

Mainstream consumers are also interested in using XR for consuming media, such as watching movies, TV shows, and live events in a more immersive and engaging way. XR- enabled content platforms that provide high-quality, user- friendly experiences will be well-received by this cohort.

Enterprise Users: Productivity& Collaboration

The enterprise user cohort represents a significant and growing segment of the XR market, as businesses recognize the potential of these technologies to enhance productivity, collaboration, and training within their organizations. Enterprise users are primarily interested in using XR for practical applications, such as remote collaboration, 3D visualization, and hands-on training and simulation.

Businesses targeting the enterprise user cohort should focus on developing XR solutions that address specific industry challenges, integrate seamlessly with existing workflows and enterprise software, and provide measurable improvements in efficiency, productivity, and cost savings. Robust security, scalability, and enterprise-grade support are also crucial considerations for this cohort.

Remote Collaboration

XR technologies enable enterprise users to collaborate in virtual workspaces, allowing for more effective communication, data sharing, and task coordination across distributed teams.

Visualization and Simulation

XR-based visualizations and simulations can greatly enhance decision-making, product development, and training processes by providing immersive, 3D representations of complex data and scenarios

Hands-on Training

XR-enabled training programs can offer a safe, cost-effective, and scalable way for enterprise users to acquire new skills and practice critical tasks in a realistic, virtual environment.

Demographic Shifts: Age |Gender | Income

The adoption and usage of XR technologies are influenced by demographic factors, such as age, gender, and income level. As the XR market continues to evolve, businesses must consider these shifting demographic trends to effectively target and engage the various consumer cohorts.

For example, younger consumers, particularly those in the Gen Z and Millennial age groups, have shown a higher propensity for adopting and engaging with XR technologies, often driven by their familiarity with digital media and a desire for immersive experiences. On the other hand, older consumers may require more accessible and user- friendly XR solutions to overcome potential barriers, such as technological literacy and physical limitations.

Gender also plays a role in XR adoption, with research indicating that men are more likely to be early adopters of XR technologies compared to women. However, as the market matures and XR experiences become more diverse and inclusive, the gender gap is expected to narrow. Income level is another factor, as higher-income consumers are more likely to have the resources to invest in premium XR hardware and content.

Regional Variations: Global XR Adoption Patterns

The adoption and usage of XR technologies vary significantly across different regions and countries worldwide. Understanding these regional variations is crucial for businesses and developers looking to expand their XR offerings globally.

For instance, certain regions, such as North America and East Asia, have historically been more receptive to and invested in the development of XR technologies, leading to higher adoption rates and a more mature ecosystem. On the other hand, other regions, such as parts of Africa and South America, have experienced slower XR adoption due to factors such as limited infrastructure, economic constraints, and lower technological literacy.

Factors like cultural preferences, regulatory environments, and the availability of supporting technologies (e.g., high-speed internet, compatible devices) can also influence the pace and patterns of XR adoption in different regions. Businesses seeking to expand their XR offerings globally must carefully analyze these regional dynamics and tailor their strategies accordingly to ensure successful market penetration and long-term growth.

North America and East Asia

These regions have been at the forefront of XR adoption, with a more mature ecosystem, higher consumer demand, and significant investment in XR technologies.

Emerging Markets

Regions like Africa, South America, and parts of Asia are experiencing slower XR adoption due to factors such as limited infrastructure, economic constraints, and lower technological literacy

Regional Factors

Cultural preferences, regulatory environments, and the availability of supporting technologies can all influence the pace and patterns of XR adoption in different regions around the world.

Barriers to Mass Market Adoption

Despite the growing popularity and potential of XR technologies, several barriers and challenges remain that hinder the achievement of mass-market adoption. These barriers must be addressed by businesses, developers, and policymakers to unlock the full potential of XR and drive widespread consumer engagement.

One of the primary barriers is the high cost of XR hardware, which can limit accessibility and affordability, particularly for mainstream consumers. Additionally, the complexity and technical know-how required to set up and use XR systems can be intimidating for some users, creating a barrier to entry. Concerns about privacy, data security, and potential health and safety risks associated with prolonged XR use are also factors that can deter consumer adoption.

Addressing these barriers will require a multi-faceted approach, including technological advancements to improve affordability and ease of use, as well as educational initiatives and policy measures to address regulatory and safety concerns. By overcoming these challenges, businesses can pave the way for XR technologies to become truly mainstream and accessible to a wide range of consumers.

Summing up the key factors which will help define consumer segments | broaden narratives and create more focused consumption opportunities

Astheextendedreality(XR)marketcontinuestoevolve,severalemergingtrendsanddevelopments are poised to shape the future of this rapidly changing landscape. These trends hold the potential to drive increased consumer adoption, enhance user experiences, and unlock new applications and use cases for XR technologies. One prominent trend is the ongoing advancements in XR hardware. Manufacturers are developing more lightweight, comfortable, and affordable XR devices, such as virtual reality (VR) headsets and augmented reality (AR) glasses. These improvements in hardware design and affordability can make XR technologies more accessible to mainstream consumers, driving greater adoption and engagement. Additionally, the integration of 5G and other high-speed connectivity solutions can enable more seamless and immersive XR experiences, reducing latency and enhancing the overall user experience.

Ø Another key trend is the growing emphasis on social and collaborative XR experiences. As consumers seek more engaging and interconnected ways to interact with each other in virtual environments, the development of social XR platforms and the integration of features like multi-user experiences, virtual avatars, and shared virtual spaces can foster a sense of community and social connection among XR users. These advancements can transform the way people work, learn, and socialize in the digital realm.

In the midst of an awe-inspiring era dominated by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, a new technological frontier is emerging on the horizon. Welcome to the captivating realm of eXperiential Technologies (XT), also known as Spatial Technologies, where Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) reign supreme. These groundbreaking technologies are not only transforming entertainment with immersive gaming experiences but also revolutionizing learning through simulators and interactive applications. Moreover, XT is paving the way for remarkable advancements in sectors such as healthcare, travel, and tourism, offering experiential solutions that redefine our interaction with the digital world.

While these technologies have found significant use in the gaming and entertainment industries, it is essential to distinguish between their "lighter" and more "serious" applications. These two sectors, with their distinct DNAs, require vastly diverse skill sets. Thus, advocating for strategic policies that bridge these disparities becomes crucial.

In this context, the IoE Research Center for Virtual Reality and Haptics at IIT Madras has released a groundbreaking whitepaper on AR/VR/MR and eXtended Reality (XR) in India. This comprehensive report not only serves as a foundation for policy and framework recommendations but also predicts remarkable advancements in XR by 2030. These advancements include powerful and compact devices, advanced sensor technologies, 6G connectivity, and convergence with other technologies. Looking even further ahead, the report envisions XR undergoing transformative changes by 2047, featuring holographic displays, light-field displays, neural interfaces, quantum computing, decentralization, and enhanced global collaboration. Guiding efforts and investments into these technologies becomes imperative to ensure India's significant presence in this space.

Embarking on a journey through experiential technologies promises a captivating blend of tradition and futuristic innovation.

A Glimpse Into the Past: Tracing the Roots of XT

The fascinating story of XT can be traced back to the mid-20th century when pioneers like Morton Heilig and Ivan Sutherland laid the foundation for immersive technologies. Heilig's Sensorama in the 1950s and Sutherland's groundbreaking work on head-mounted displays in the 1960s marked the early experiments in creating immersive experiences.

The concept of Virtual Reality gained momentum in the 1980s and '90s with the development of advanced computer graphics and simulations. Companies like VPL Research played a significant role in popularizing VR applications for diverse industries, including gaming, training, and simulation.

Augmented Reality, with its ability to overlay digital information onto the real world, started gaining prominence in the early 2000s with the advent of smartphones and wearable devices. Applications like AR gaming, navigation, and marketing showcased the immense potential of blending digital content with the physical environment.

Mixed Reality, a powerful fusion of VR and AR, emerged as a tool for creating interactive and immersive experiences. Companies like Magic Leap and Microsoft HoloLens pushed the boundaries of MR technology, enabling users to interact with digital objects in real-world settings.

Extended Reality, the comprehensive term encompassing VR, AR, and MR technologies, offers a spectrum of captivating and immersive experiences.

Unleashing the Power of XR/XT: Benefits and Challenges

The rise of XR/XT brings forth immense benefits by enabling immersive experiences and enhanced interactivity. These technologies play a vital role in training and skill development in sectors prone to risks, such as healthcare and exploration. Moreover, XR/XT facilitate remote collaboration, transcending geographical boundaries, and promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities and special needs. However, they also face challenges, primarily related to hardware capabilities and the availability of affordable devices capable of delivering optimal experiences.

The realm of XR applications raises concerns about data privacy, security vulnerabilities, and the potential misuse of personal information. Addressing these concerns necessitates robust safeguards and regulations.

Embracing Open Source and Shaping India's Technological Leadership

Recognizing the advantages of open source technologies, the authors of the whitepaper stress the importance of fostering collaboration, standardization, and inclusivity in the development of eXperiential Technologies. They emphasize that India must establish technological leadership by investing in education, research, development, and innovation. It is time to move beyond being solely a services player in the domain, aligning with the idea of unlocking the full potential of XR innovations.

As we embark on this exhilarating journey into the world of eXperiential Technologies, the future beckons us to unlock new dimensions of possibility and shape a reality where imagination knows no bounds.

White Paper link- /https://xtic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/whitepaperXR.pdf

Get ready for a VR revolution! Meta just made a game-changing move, throwing open the doors to its once-closed ecosystem. Here's why it's a win for everyone:

From Walled Garden to Open Playground:

Imagine a world where VR headsets aren't locked into one platform. That's the future Meta is building! They're letting other companies use their Meta Horizon OS, the brains behind the Quest headsets. This means more VR headsets, with different strengths, all running the same software and store. Think of it as the Android of VR – open and adaptable!

Why This is a Big Deal:

This move is a genius way for Meta to stay ahead. Google and Apple were gearing up to enter the VR market with their own closed systems. Meta said "checkmate" by opening theirs up first. Now, developers can create amazing VR experiences for a wider audience, fostering innovation and faster growth for the entire VR industry.

What's in it for You?

More choices! You'll have a wider range of VR headsets to choose from, each catering to specific needs. Maybe a super lightweight one for work, or a high-resolution beast for watching movies. Plus, you'll get access to Meta's massive library of games and apps, no matter which headset you pick.

The Google Gambit:

This throws a wrench in Google's VR plans. They were about to announce their own VR operating system, but Meta stole their thunder. Google's system will likely have fewer features and content at launch, making it a tough sell for VR headset makers. Meta even offered to let Google port their Play Store to Meta Horizon OS – talk about a power move!

The Future of VR:

Meta's move paves the way for a more open and vibrant VR future. Imagine carrying your VR identity – your friends, avatars, and accomplishments – across all kinds of VR experiences. This "metaverse" is becoming a reality, and it's going to be incredible!

Will it Work?

Only time will tell if VR headset makers are happy relying on Meta's store. But one thing's for sure – Meta's bold move is a win for VR users and developers.

Get ready to explore a more open and exciting virtual world.....exciting times ahead.

Click for the full Official post

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/blog/quest/meta-horizon-os-open-hardware-ecosystem-asus-republic-gamers-lenovo-xbox/

The latest release of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, a result of the successful partnership between Ray-Ban and EssilorLuxottica, has taken the market by storm. With unprecedented demand, these cutting-edge glasses are selling out faster than they can be produced. Just in time for the summer sunglasses season, Ray-Ban is expanding the Meta smart glasses collection, introducing new styles that cater to a wider range of face shapes, ensuring every consumer can find their perfect fit. Not stopping there, the latest update also boasts enhanced features, including advancements to Meta AI, making these glasses even more indispensable.

One Size Does Not Fit AllRay-Ban understands that personal style is as unique as the individuals who wear their glasses. The new Skyler frames, inspired by the iconic jet-set fashion of yesteryears, offer a vintage vibe with a cat-eye design tailored to suit smaller faces. Additionally, the Headliner frames now come with a low bridge option, specially designed to address the common complaints of glasses sliding down the nose or causing discomfort on the cheeks. To further personalize the experience, the Ray-Ban Remix platform offers hundreds of frame and lens combinations, allowing users to mix and match to create their own signature style. It's worth noting that the new styles are prescription lens compatible, adding convenience for those with specific vision needs. Pre-orders for Skyler and the new Headliner low bridge fit are now available on meta.com and ray-ban.com. These new styles will be accessible in 15 countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and various European nations. In a special collaboration, Ray-Ban is also introducing the limited-edition Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in an exclusive Scuderia Ferrari colorway, set to debut in Miami in April 2024.

Capturing and Sharing Life's MomentsSome moments in life are too precious not to share. Ray-Ban recognizes this and has responded by introducing the ability to share your view on a video call through popular platforms such as WhatsApp and Messenger, all while keeping your hands free. Now, you can seek advice from loved ones and friends in real-time, whether you're unsure which brand of kombucha to pick at the grocery store or need help judging the ripeness of a pineapple. The rollout of video calling on Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses is happening gradually, so users are encouraged to be patient if the update isn't immediately available.

Meta AI: Elevating Intelligence and ConnectivityWith integrated audio and an ultra-wide 12 MP camera, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are already packed with advanced technology. Taking it a step further, the glasses now come equipped with Meta AI, an intelligent assistant that empowers users to accomplish tasks, create content, and connect with what matters most. By simply saying, "Hey Meta," users can control their glasses using voice commands and access real-time information, thanks to the power of Meta AI.

The recent addition of multimodal AI testing allows wearers to ask their glasses about what they see, receiving smart and helpful answers or suggestions in return. This groundbreaking capability enables users to tap into the glasses' built-in camera and Meta AI to translate foreign text, assisting with tasks like reading menus in different languages, all without the need to reach for a phone or stare at a screen. The multimodal AI update is now being rolled out in beta to all Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in the US and Canada.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses: Where Fashion Meets TechnologyThe second-generation Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have captured the imagination of consumers worldwide. Seamlessly blending fashion-forward design with state-of-the-art technology, these glasses are revolutionizing the way we interact with the world. As the demand continues to soar, Ray-Ban remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, ensuring that users can experience the perfect fusion of style, connectivity, and intelligence.

Virtual reality (VR) has taken a giant leap forward with the introduction of the Somnium VR1 headset. Designed to offer the ultimate immersive experience, this cutting-edge device combines advanced technologies and remarkable specifications to redefine the possibilities of virtual reality. Let's explore the most important features and takeaways that make the Somnium VR1 a game-changer in the VR industry.

Unparalleled Visual Brilliance:At the heart of the Somnium VR1 lies its QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD display, boasting an impressive resolution of 2880 x 2880 pixels per eye. This ensures vivid clarity and sharpness, enabling users to dive into a world of breathtaking visuals. With a base refresh rate of 90Hz, upgradeable to 120Hz and 144Hz, the Somnium VR1 guarantees smooth and fluid graphics, delivering an unrivaled visual experience.

Eye-Tracking Advancements:The incorporation of advanced eye-tracking technology in the Somnium VR1 brings a new level of interactivity and performance optimization. Operating at an impressive 120Hz refresh rate, the eye-tracking system allows for single-point calibration, ensuring precise tracking of the user's gaze. Foveated rendering takes center stage, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing visual quality where attention is focused.

Expansive Field of View:Immerse yourself in a truly expansive VR environment with the Somnium VR1's exceptional field of view. With a horizontal FOV of 125° and a vertical FOV of 100°, users can enjoy a broad and undistorted perspective. This wide field of view, complemented by crystal-clear clarity and an impressive sweet spot, creates a truly immersive experience, whether exploring virtual worlds or working with virtual monitors.

Seamless Hand Tracking:The Somnium VR1 employs Ultraleap® top-tier hand tracking technology, providing users with seamless interactions within the virtual domain. With a wide field of view spanning 170×170° and a swift 120Hz refresh rate, the hand tracking system ensures accurate and intuitive control of virtual objects. This enables natural and immersive interactions, opening up new possibilities for gaming, design, and productivity applications.

Enhanced Connectivity:The Somnium VR1 offers seamless connectivity through an all-in-one USB Type-C cable, providing a hassle-free experience while ensuring lossless performance. With native wired PC mode and compatibility with Steam VR and OpenXR, users can effortlessly harness the power of their PCs and explore a vast library of virtual experiences. Additionally, three USB-C (3.2 Gen2) ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack offer expanded connectivity options and audio versatility.

Mixed Reality Integration:The integration of two high-resolution 12 Mpx path-through cameras in the Somnium VR1 enables mixed reality experiences. With a resolution of 4056x3040 pixels, users can seamlessly transition between the virtual and real worlds, bringing digital content into their physical surroundings. The wide FOV of 125° horizontally and 100° vertically ensures an immersive blend of virtual and real environments.

Modularity and Personalization:The Somnium VR1 embraces modularity with four customizable anchor points, allowing users to attach personalized accessories. These 3D printable anchor points ensure stability and versatility, enabling users to tailor the VR experience to their specific needs and preferences.

Head mounted decices built for virtual and augmented reality are pushing the boundaries of consumer electronics, offering immersive experiences that transport us to other worlds. These devices are packed with cutting-edge technology, including high-resolution displays, spatial audio, powerful processors, advanced sensors, and innovative thermal management solutions. But to truly understand and appreciate these headsets, we need an imaging technology as advanced as they are. That's where industrial X-ray CT comes in.

Lumafield, with the help of their Neptune industrial CT scanner and Voyager analysis software, conducted non-destructive teardowns of three popular headsets: the #Apple #VisionPro, #Meta Quest Pro, and Meta #Quest3. Rather than a simple product review or head-to-head comparison, their goal was to delve into the hardware engineering of these devices and uncover the divergent design philosophies and market strategies of Apple and Meta.

Let's start with the design. The CT scans of the #AppleVisionPro revealed a product that prioritizes design. The internal components are meticulously arranged to optimize the available space without compromising the sleek exterior. The main circuit board is built around a flexible PCB ribbon, and the electronics are cleverly packed in at various angles. On the other hand, both the Quest Pro and Quest 3 follow a more traditional approach, with components stacked on a single plane. This tried-and-true design is effective, especially when using off-the-shelf components.

The internal layout already provides insight into the design and engineering ethos behind these products. Apple's designers challenge their engineering counterparts to deliver ambitious hardware and software performance goals without sacrificing the overall aesthetics. The designers set the requirements, and the engineers make it happen.

The Meta headsets, however, suggest a different priority and target market. While not reversing the emphasis, Meta focuses on ease of use and aims to democratize virtual reality by offering more affordable headsets. The Quest 3, priced at $500, is a fraction of the Vision Pro's cost, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Display quality is crucial in these headsets, as they serve as screens strapped to your face. The Vision Pro boasts dual micro-OLED Sony displays, each with more pixels than a 4K TV. The Quest Pro features dual LCD panels, while the Quest 3 offers a slightly lower resolution. Each device provides its own visual experience.

Sensors play a vital role in enhancing the user experience. Meta's Quest devices incorporate handheld controllers with SLAM cameras, thumbstick sensors, and haptic feedback mechanisms. Hand tracking, driven by inside-out cameras, has been part of Meta's OS since 2023. In contrast, the Vision Pro heavily relies on eye and hand tracking for UI navigation. It incorporates a sophisticated sensor array, including eye-tracking IR cameras, a LiDAR scanner, the TrueDepth camera system, and more.

The processors inside these headsets are the engines behind their virtual experiences. The Vision Pro utilizes Apple's custom silicon, while the Meta Quest headsets rely on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 platform.

Batteries and thermal management are critical considerations for wearable devices. The Vision Pro features an external battery pack, prioritizing performance over onboard power storage. The Quest Pro strikes a balance between ergonomic design and user convenience with its integrated curved battery. The Quest 3 takes a simpler approach, placing its battery front and center on the headset. To manage heat, VR headsets employ various cooling strategies. The Quest Pro utilizes active and passive cooling, while the Quest 3 simplifies with just one fan. The Vision Pro utilizes compact micro-blowers and a metal chassis for efficient cooling and user comfort.

Immersive audio is essential for creating realistic virtual experiences. The Vision Pro incorporates dual-driver "AudioPods" that provide a surround sound experience tailored to the user's head and ear geometry. The Quest headsets also deliver sound directly to the wearer's ears, ensuring an immersive audio experience.

Meta's headsets demonstrate an impressive economy of means, delivering remarkable value with minimalist construction. On the other hand, Apple's Vision Pro showcases an elegant design philosophy. The comparison between these devices reflects the difference between a "mixed reality VR headset" and a "spatial computer." The future will reveal which path ultimately prevails and shapes the reality of our virtual and augmented experiences.

Vrgineers was selected by Lockheed Martin to participate in a pilot training industrial cooperation project for the F-35 as part of the initiative to supply the Czech Republic with two squadrons of 5th Generation jet fighters.

“We are honored to be part of F-35 Industrial Cooperation Programme in Czech Republic and committed to support pilot training with all the technologies and capabilities our Vrgineers team can offer,” says Marek Polcak, co-founder and CEO of Vrgineers.

In this strategic partnership, Vrgineers will be responsible for the development and delivery of unclassified next generation training simulators, specifically tailored to support Czech pilots. While these simulators may not replicate the precise behavior of the training aircraft with 100% accuracy, they are designed to meet certain training procedures and familiarization requirements. This development marks a significant milestone in ensuring the readiness and competence of the Czech Republic's pilot training programs.

A notable feature of these training simulators is their non-confidential mode, allowing for operation in non-secure environments. This key attribute enhances accessibility by eliminating the need for specialized secured rooms, making the simulators readily available for pilot training.

"The Czech Air Force has many years of experience in the operational deployment of tactical aircraft. The introduction and use of tactical simulators that can be easily packed, transported and assembled to train tactical scenarios and the broad spectrum of missions outside of the main operational base will enable the currency of our pilots even during long-term deployments. New trends of VR and MR enable this requirement, and thanks to the agreed industrial cooperation between LM and Vrgineers as part of the F-35 contract, CzAF will have an opportunity to use such a system," adds BG Jaroslav Mika, Deputy Director of the Force Development Division of the Ministry of Defence.

Moreover, the simulators are engineered for quick and easy setup and operation. This user-friendly approach ensures that pilots have continuous access to these invaluable training tools, thereby enhancing their preparation for the challenges and missions they will face. This accessibility not only optimizes the training process but also contributes to overall readiness and effectiveness.

About Vrgineers:

Vrgineers is a leader in developing immersive technologies and provides high-quality, effective training for military pilots using the advanced XTAL VR and MR headsets, along with aviation simulators that serve as the foundation for a modern synthetic training platform. The XTAL headset, designed with input from aviation professionals worldwide, meets demanding requirements for realistic simulation. The interconnected trainers facilitate comprehensive scenarios, including individual and cooperative exercises involving pilots, co-pilots, gunners, JTAC instructors, and squadron coordination. Vrgineers' simulators support diverse aviation platforms, from propeller-driven to supersonic aircraft and helicopters.

In a significant move towards nurturing the thriving Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector, the Karnataka cabinet has given the green light to the revised AVGC-XR Policy 3.0 for the period 2024-2029. The announcement, reported by The New Indian Express on Thursday, February 22, underscores the government's dedication to fostering innovation, job creation, and economic growth through strategic policy interventions.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the allocation of Rs 150 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25 demonstrates the administration's prioritization of the AVGC-XR industry as a key driver of Karnataka's digital economy. The revised policy aims to leverage the state's existing strengths in Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Management (BPM) to establish Karnataka as a global hub for AVGC-XR innovation and talent development.

The objectives of the revised AVGC-XR Policy 3.0 are as follows:

1. Job Creation: The policy sets an ambitious target of generating 30,000 new jobs in the AVGC-XR sector by 2028, addressing unemployment challenges and bolstering economic prosperity.

2. Export Promotion: With a focus on enhancing Karnataka's competitiveness in the global AVGC-XR market, the policy aims for exports to constitute at least 80% of the sector's total revenue, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

3. Skill Development: To meet the industry's demands, the policy emphasizes fostering the development of a skilled workforce equipped with cutting-edge AVGC-XR capabilities through targeted training programs and capacity-building initiatives.

4. Innovation Ecosystem: Creating a conducive ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship, and research and development within the AVGC-XR sector, the policy seeks to stimulate technological advancements and breakthroughs.

5. Inclusivity and Sustainability: Promoting inclusivity and sustainability within the AVGC-XR industry, the policy places a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and social equity.

Strategic areas of focus identified by the revised policy include:

1. Infrastructure Development: The policy aims to build sustainable infrastructure to support the growth and development of the AVGC-XR ecosystem, including state-of-the-art studios and production facilities.

2. Startup and MSME Support: To empower startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the AVGC-XR sector, the policy provides financial incentives, concessions, and support mechanisms.

3. Global Market Access: Facilitating market access and international business development opportunities for AVGC-XR companies is a key objective, enhancing their reach and visibility in global markets.

4. Mobile-First Approach: Recognizing the evolving needs and preferences of consumers in an increasingly digital world, the policy prioritizes the development of AVGC-XR products optimized for mobile platforms.

In addition to the approval of the AVGC-XR Policy 3.0, the Karnataka cabinet has made several other significant decisions aimed at driving socio-economic development across the state. These include the review of key legislative bills, appointments to civil service positions, establishment of technology and science centers, and infrastructure upgrades in the judicial sector.

The approval of the revised AVGC-XR policy underscores Karnataka's commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in emerging sectors, positioning the state as a frontrunner in India's digital economy landscape. With its strategic vision and dedicated efforts, Karnataka is poised to become a global leader in AVGC-XR innovation and drive economic growth in the region.

In a groundbreaking announcement at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, Samsung, in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, revealed their highly anticipated XR headset set to release in 2025. Aptly named "XR" for now, the device promises to revolutionize the world of augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (AR/VR/MR) experiences.

Although details are currently scarce, early reports suggest that the Samsung XR headset will feature cutting-edge technology, including a microOLED display, eight tracking cameras, a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, voice commands, eye tracking, and hand tracking. These features, alongside Qualcomm's recently launched XR2+ Gen 2 Platform, developed in partnership with Samsung and Google, are expected to deliver an unparalleled XR experience.

Qualcomm's XR2+ Gen 2 Platform, known for its ability to unlock 4.3K resolution, offers crystal-clear visuals for immersive experiences, such as room-scale screens, life-size overlays, and virtual desktops. The chipset also boasts significant improvements in GPU performance, enabling AR/MR devices with advanced camera tracking capabilities and enhanced AI features for smart glasses and headsets.

The collaboration between Samsung, Qualcomm, and Google holds great promise for the Android ecosystem, enabling developers to leverage the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 capabilities and create groundbreaking immersive and spatial XR experiences. With Samsung's expertise in mobile technology and the joint commitment of the partners, the upcoming Samsung XR headset aims to deliver a best-in-class XR experience for Galaxy users.

While further details about the Samsung XR headset are yet to be revealed, the features of the XR2+ Gen 2 Platform provide valuable insights into the device's usability and performance. As anticipation builds, users can expect a more comprehensive reveal later in the year, offering a closer look at what promises to be a game-changing XR device.

AutoVRse, a leading virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) startup, has recently announced the successful closure of a $2 million seed funding round led by Lumikai.

The company has gained recognition for its cutting-edge VR solutions and has worked with renowned Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders. This investment will fuel the expansion of AutoVRse's enterprise product, VRseBuilder, and support its growth in the United States market.

The primary focus of the funding will be to enhance AutoVRse's foundational enterprise product, VRseBuilder. VRseBuilder is an end-to-end modular technology stack and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that integrates VR into various industries' workflows. It provides a comprehensive solution for manufacturing, construction, engineering, oil and gas, and automotive sectors, replacing manual instructions and expensive simulation techniques. The platform enables organizations to create, deploy, and manage VR training solutions and applications at scale, addressing critical needs such as safety training and collaborative remote work.

With the investment, AutoVRse plans to double down on its expansion efforts in the United States. The company aims to expand its product suite and team size to accommodate growing demands. By augmenting their team with top-tier talent, AutoVRse intends to further enhance their capabilities and maintain their position as a leader in the VR/AR industry. Additionally, the establishment of a dedicated B2B sales team in the US will facilitate market expansion and drive qualified lead generation.

The company is currently developing District M, the Multiverse Dance Festival—a social, multiplayer, rhythm VR game. District M aligns with AutoVRse's enterprise division, enabling the company to leverage gaming innovations for enterprise product development. The game's demo was launched on the Oculus AppLab two years ago and will soon be available on Meta and PlayStation platforms.

AutoVRse's recent $2 million investment marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to revolutionize the VR/AR industry. With the expansion of VRseBuilder and the company's presence in the United States market, AutoVRse is poised to deliver innovative VR solutions to a broader range of industries. By combining cutting-edge technology with their in-house gaming division, AutoVRse is well-positioned to shape the future of enterprise VR/AR applications and drive advancements in immersive experiences.

Brilliant Labs, the developer of AI glasses, has introduced Frame, a groundbreaking product that combines open-source technology with augmented reality (AR) capabilities. Frame features an integrated multimodal AI assistant, making it a significant leap forward in wearable technology. The project has gained support from AR pioneer and Niantic CEO, John Hanke, as well as notable advisors and investors from the tech industry.

Brilliant Labs' collaboration with perplexity.ai has resulted in the development of Frame, the world's first glasses with an integrated multimodal AI assistant. The partnership aims to revolutionize daily living by redefining how individuals perceive the world and interact with their physical environment.

Brilliant Labs has raised $6 million to date, with support from various investors and advisors. Notable figures include Coho VC, Brendan Iribe (cofounder of Oculus), Adam Cheyer (cofounder of Siri), Eric Migicovsky (founder of Pebble), Steve Sarowitz (founder of Paylocity and chairman of Wayfarer Studios), Nirav Patel (former core team member at Oculus and founder of Framework), Francisco Tolmasky (member of the original iPhone team), Plug and Play Ventures, and Moveon Technologies. Their contributions highlight the potential of AI glasses and their impact on society.

Under the leadership of ex-Apple executive and Brilliant Labs CEO, Bobak Tavangar, Frame introduces a paradigm shift in daily living. It features an always-on AI assistant named Noa, which empowers users to engage more with the world around them. Noa, similar to Iron Man's Jarvis, performs real-world visual processing, novel image generation, and real-time speech recognition and translation. The multimodality of Frame allows multiple AI systems to collaborate, opening up limitless applications for this technology.

Frame not only boasts advanced technology but is also designed to be a fashion statement. The glasses pay homage to iconic figures like John Lennon, Steve Jobs, and Gandhi, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology into a lightweight and stylish package.

While Frame does not include augmented reality features, it serves as AI-embedded glasses. Users can prompt the AI assistant, Noa, through real-world inputs, such as what they see, hear, and their location at any given moment. This integration of multimodal AI and real-world inputs enhances the user experience and expands the possibilities for interaction with AI systems.

Frame's AI assistant, Noa, evolves and adopts a unique personality by analyzing the interactions between the user and the AI assistant through a privacy-preserving knowledge graph. Noa's capabilities extend from summarizing book pages and translating foreign text to structuring whiteboard sessions and measuring emotional sentiment and facial cues. This personalized AI assistant enhances human interactions and experiences.

Frame is manufactured using engineering-grade nylon plastic, ensuring comfort and durability while weighing only 39 grams. The vintage-style glasses are available in various colors, including Smokey Black, Matte Cool Gray, and a transparent variant named H2O. With a high-resolution vivid display, a front-facing spatial camera, an integrated microphone, and advanced functionality, Frame seamlessly integrates into any wardrobe.

Following the success of their previous product, Monocle, Brilliant Labs remains committed to open-source devices. Frame follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, allowing developers to explore and modify both hardware and software. The company provides comprehensive resources, including living documentation, open-source codebase, hardware schematics, and adjustable parameters for Noa's supported AI models.

Brilliant Labs' Frame represents a significant milestone in wearable technology, combining open-source AI glasses with multimodal capabilities. The integration of AI assistant Noa, personalized interactions, and the potential for limitless applications promises to transform the way individuals interact with the digital world and each other. With its sleek design and lightweight construction, Frame is poised to become a game-changer in the AI wearables industry.

Meta's Reality Labs hit $1 billion in revenue

Mark Zuckerberg is on a mission to bring the metaverse to life, and Meta (formerly Facebook) has been working diligently to lay the groundwork for this ambitious vision. In the last three months of the year, Meta's Reality Labs division achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $1 billion in revenue for the first time. However, the company also reported losses of $4.65 billion during the same period. It's worth noting that virtual reality (VR) headsets still represent a small portion of Meta's overall revenue, which continues to be driven by its advertising business.

During a conference call with analysts and investors, Zuckerberg expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating, "It was a good quarter. We've made a lot of progress on our vision for advancing AI and the metaverse." As a result, Meta's stock experienced a 14.92% increase in after-hours trading. The company anticipates a significant year-over-year increase in operating losses for the Reality Labs division due to investments in augmented reality and virtual reality product development. Research and development expenditures rose by 8% in the fourth quarter, primarily driven by costs associated with expanding the workforce. Notably, the Quest app, which enables VR headset owners to purchase games, became the most downloaded app in Apple's App Store on Christmas Day.

In its fourth-quarter earnings report, Meta announced revenue of $40.1 billion, a 25% increase compared to the same period the previous year, surpassing Wall Street expectations. Additionally, the tech giant declared its inaugural dividend payment, set at 50 cents per share.

Generative AI and Meta's Approach

While Microsoft focused on its cloud services and AI products for customers, Meta highlighted its plans to incorporate generative AI into its various offerings when pitching to investors.

Meta revealed its intention to launch multi-model AI features this year. Zuckerberg expressed his belief that consumers will increasingly desire new device categories that leverage AI capabilities without relying on their smartphones. He also disclosed Meta's plan to purchase 150,000 H100 GPUs by the end of the year, indicating the development of more advanced AI products.

Zuckerberg boasted that every creator will have an AI for their community to engage with, businesses will have AI systems for customer interactions and purchases, and developers will have open-source models for building. Moreover, Meta has joined the race with OpenAI to advance artificial general intelligence (AGI), which refers to AI models capable of human-level reasoning. The company is positioning its open-source AI model called Llama to compete with OpenAI's closed-source GPT model.

Meta's Focus on Efficiency

In the past year, Meta initiated its "year of efficiency" strategy, which involved reducing its workforce by over 10,000 employees and realigning its business around AI and the metaverse.

During the conference call, Zuckerberg outlined his vision for the year ahead, aiming to strengthen Meta as a technology company, streamline its operations, and realign its businesses for the future. He emphasized that Meta's initiatives should not be viewed as short-term endeavors, asserting, "That's not really how we operate."

Meta's relentless pursuit of the metaverse and investment in AI technologies underscore its commitment to shaping the future of digital experiences. As Meta continues to refine its strategies, the stage is set for an exciting journey toward realizing the full potential of the metaverse.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have taken a significant step towards revolutionizing pilot training in India. The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Wings India 2024 expo, solidifying their collaboration on developing a virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) training module for the Hindustan-228 aircraft.

This innovative partnership aims to leverage cutting-edge immersive technology to enhance pilot training and improve overall preparedness.

The signing of the MoU, witnessed by Mr. Sajal Prakash, CEO (Aircraft Complex) for HAL, marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to create a comprehensive VR/AR training module specifically tailored for the Hindustan-228 aircraft. HAL, renowned for its expertise in aircraft development and pilot training, will offer technical guidance and provide access to the Hindustan-228 aircraft for simulation data. On the other hand, IIT Madras, a leading institute in VR/AR research, will take on the responsibility of developing the immersive training module and software.

The VR/AR training module will provide pilots with a realistic and immersive environment, simulating various flight scenarios and emergency situations. By training in a safe and controlled setting, pilots can enhance their efficiency and effectiveness, reduce training costs, and be better prepared for real-world challenges. This collaboration not only benefits Indian pilots but also has the potential to export this technology to other countries operating the Hindustan-228 aircraft.

This partnership between HAL and IIT Madras exemplifies the importance of industry-academia collaborations in driving innovation and growth within the XR ecosystem. By combining the strengths of both organizations, this groundbreaking training solution is expected to set new standards in pilot training and contribute to the advancement of aviation technology in India.

However, this collaboration serves as a reminder of the need for more such partnerships between industry and academia in India. As the XR ecosystem continues to evolve and expand, it is crucial to foster synergies between technological expertise and academic research. Such collaborations can accelerate the development of innovative solutions, create new avenues for growth, and position India as a global leader in XR technology.

To realize the full potential of XR technology, industry players and academic institutions must come together to exchange knowledge, share resources, and collaborate on research and development. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we can cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures talent, drives technological advancements, and fosters entrepreneurship.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 3: The Department of Tourism, the Government of Maharashtra, and the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai (TEAM) signed an MoU in June 2023 for the groundbreaking 'Mumbai Megapolis Metaverse', to showcase ongoing infrastructure developments and envision the transformation of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) by 2025 through a digital twin project. The project is now all set to be officially launched at the Mumbai Tech Week on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis.

Led by Devendra Fadnavis as he constructs his Maharashtra@75 vision, the Mumbai Megapolis Metaverse is an ambitious endeavour that utilizes cutting-edge technology to create a virtual representation of Mumbai in the metaverse and is a first-of-its-kind initiative revolutionising urban governance and citizen engagement in the country. This immersive experience will provide citizens with a glimpse into the future of the city, showcasing ongoing infrastructure developments and envisioning the transformation of MMR by 2025; for which, 12 infra projects have been identified. The project also envisages providing important information to citizens on the tech, cost, environmental, and other factors, thus educating them largely on the efforts done to build long-term sustainable infrastructure.

The MMR is currently undergoing its biggest transformation, including the Mumbai Coastal Road that connects Marine Lines in south Mumbai to Kandivali in northern Mumbai; the first and only fully underground metro system in Mumbai - Mumbai Metro Line 3, running between Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ; the just launched Mumbai Trans Harbour Link that has made Mumbai closer to the satellite city of Navi Mumbai; and the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The Mumbai Megapolis Metaverse offers the citizens an opportunity to experience all of these developments through an immersive virtual representation. These infra projects will go live during the Mumbai Tech Week and will be accessible to the citizens through virtual reality (VR) devices across locations, a dedicated mobile app, and website, and the official Maharashtra tourism website.

Mumbai Tech Week (MTW) is a not-for-profit initiative and will be held between Feb 18-23, 2024, to recognise and celebrate the city's thriving tech ecosystem through various formats. Organised by the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai (TEAM), MTW will see 46 tech companies join forces to host a first-of-its-kind collaboration of Mumbai's tech community. The Mumbai Megapolis Metaverse will be unveiled at the MTW launch event on Sunday, Feb 18 at the Jio World Convention Center, BKC, Mumbai.

MTW will see some of the most prominent personalities across policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, corporates, investors, and media, across its two main event days - Sun, Feb 18 and Mon, Feb 19, including Smriti Irani, Hon'ble Minister of Women & Child Development and Minority Affairs, Government of India; Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Hon'ble Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India; Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Government of India; Ashish Chauhan, NSE; Mohit Joshi, Tech Mahindra; Sandhya Devanathan, Meta India; Puneet Chandok, Microsoft India & South Asia; Sanjay Gupta, Google India; Jay Kotak, Kotak811, and 46 Mumbai Tech unicorn and soonicorn founders.

Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai (TEAM) is a non-profit, independent industry association formed with the mission of advancing the tech ecosystem of Mumbai. Formed by some of the city's most successful tech founders, TEAM is on a mission to promote Mumbai as the hub for tech entrepreneurship. Its 46 members include founders from Mumbai-based tech companies BillDesk, BookMyShow, CitiusTech, Dream11, Eruditus, Fino, Games 24x7, GOQii, Gupshup, Haptik, Hungama, LEAD Group, Nazara Tech, Pepperfry, PharmEasy, Pine Labs, Purplle, Route Mobile, Shaadi.com, The Good Glamm Group, upGrad, Upstox, Zepto, Zeta, among others.

TEAM provides resources, networking opportunities, and support to tech startups in the city. It is the voice for advocating policies and engaging with the government to help Mumbai's tech ecosystem thrive. With the aim to drive innovation and unleash its full potential, TEAM helps Mumbai's tech enterprises synergize, collaborate, and support to break barriers and achieve greater things.

The team behind the Arc browser has recently introduced Arc Search, an iPhone app that aims to revolutionize the browsing experience by combining the functionalities of a browser, search engine, and website. With a focus on blurring the lines between these elements, The Browser Company is striving to make the internet more useful and efficient for end users. Let's explore the potential of this browser that "browses for you" and discuss the evolution of the internet.

Evolution of the Internet:Over the years, the internet has transformed from a simple information-sharing platform to a vast ecosystem connecting billions of users worldwide. Initially, browsing involved searching with keywords and sifting through search results manually. However, as the internet expanded, this approach became time-consuming and inefficient.

The Need for a New Browsing Experience:With the proliferation of websites, search engines, and information sources, users have been seeking a more streamlined and personalized browsing experience. The Arc browser aims to address these needs by integrating AI-powered features that automatically gather information from various sources and present it in a customized webpage.

Arc Search: The Browser That Browses for You:Arc Search represents the first step in the Arc browser's Act 2. By leveraging AI, this app can collect information from across the internet to create a tailored webpage in response to user queries. For example, it can generate folders with multiple tabs containing soup recipes or provide detailed weather forecasts for different cities.

Instant Links: Enhancing Browsing Efficiency:One of the features introduced alongside Arc Search is Instant Links. By pressing shift + enter after a search, users can automatically open the top result. Although it may not be foolproof, this feature eliminates the need for manually opening search results, saving time and effort.

Live Folders: Staying Updated with Ease:Arc's upcoming Live Folders feature aims to gather updates from selected websites, acting as a personalized RSS feed. Whenever new content becomes available, a corresponding tab is added to the folder. While it may require developer cooperation, Live Folders could provide users with a centralized hub for their preferred website updates.

Arc Explore: The Singular Browsing Experience:The most ambitious feature in development is Arc Explore, which aims to collapse the browser, search engine, and site into a unified experience. Using language models, Arc Explore can provide comprehensive details and direct links based on user queries. From making restaurant reservations to exploring specific topics like soup recipes, Arc Explore seeks to deliver a serene browsing experience with relevant results.

The Potential of Arc's Approach:While adapting to a new browsing experience can be challenging, the potential of Arc's features is compelling. By leveraging AI and streamlining the browsing process, Arc aims to enhance efficiency, reduce distractions, and provide users with more relevant information. Through continuous evolution and user feedback, these tools have the potential to reshape how we interact with the internet.

The Arc browser's Act 2 introduces innovative features that blur the boundaries between browsing, search engines, and websites. By leveraging AI to create a browsing experience that "browses for you," Arc aims to revolutionize the way we access and interact with information on the internet. While user adoption and the effectiveness of these features remain to be seen, the potential for a more efficient and personalized browsing experience is undoubtedly intriguing.

With this newfound support, Magic Leap is gearing up to take on tech giants like Apple and Meta. The XR headset market is on the verge of a major shakeup as Apple prepares to unveil its highly anticipated Vision Pro headset next month.

Spatial computing has already become the buzzword in the XR industry, attracting numerous new players into the mix.

Magic Leap, having undergone significant leadership changes, is now poised to enter 2024 with a fresh burst of momentum. Last October, Ross Rosenberg took the reins as the company's new CEO, succeeding Peggy Johnson. Rosenberg's appointment signifies a strategic shift towards the enterprise market and a transformation of Magic Leap's business model to better support the adoption of its AR platform technologies. With a remarkable background in operations, strategy, and marketing, Rosenberg brings a wealth of experience to lead this transformation, having worked with notable companies such as Bain Capital, First Solar, Danaher, and Belden.

In a recent statement, Rosenberg expressed his excitement about the future of Magic Leap, saying, "As companies begin to see true ROI from deploying AR technologies, there is now a clear need state that Magic Leap is capable of solving for. I am incredibly excited to begin working with the world-class team at Magic Leap and want to thank Peggy for her leadership in guiding the company through a critical phase of its development."

Under Johnson's leadership, Magic Leap successfully repositioned itself to cater to the enterprise market, targeting industries such as healthcare, design, manufacturing, and collaboration. Her tenure saw the launch of the highly acclaimed Magic Leap 2, which garnered praise within the XR community.

Reflecting on her departure, Johnson shared, "Having accomplished so much of what I set out to do at Magic Leap, I felt the time had come to transition leadership to a new CEO who can guide the company through its next period of growth. I'm incredibly proud of the leadership team we've built at Magic Leap and want to sincerely thank all of the employees for their work in helping to successfully reorient the company to the enterprise market."

Meanwhile, Apple's imminent release of the Vision Pro headset has set the industry abuzz. The tech giant has confirmed that the MR headset will hit the shelves on February 2, with pre-orders starting on January 19. Initially, the device will be available in US stores and for US online customers, followed by availability in other regions.

The Vision Pro, priced at $3,499 for the 256GB model, promises a spectacular experience. Boasting a high-resolution, 23 million-pixel display spread across two micro-OLED lenses, the headset offers a 2-hour battery life, an immersive camera for capturing spatial audio, photos, and videos for seamless sharing, synchronization with iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices, a light seal for enhanced immersion, a LiDAR scanner, and a TrueDepth camera. Adding to its allure, the Vision Pro runs on a custom operating system, VisionOS, specifically designed by Apple for MR applications.

Get ready for a thrilling battle in the AR arena as Magic Leap and Apple vie for dominance. With Magic Leap's significant funding boost and a new visionary at the helm, the stage is set for an exciting year ahead. Stay tuned for the latest updates on the clash of the titans in the XR industry!

While the Air 2 Ultra may not boast the same virtual reality immersion as the Vision Pro, it presents an intriguing alternative in a sleek and compact form factor that resembles smart glasses. Priced at just $699, it's a fraction of the cost of Apple's offering, set to hit the market in March.

So, what exactly do you get for a fraction of the price? The Air 2 Ultra provides each eye with a "full HD" resolution display, offering a 52-degree field of view, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits of peak brightness. While it may not match the dual 4K-resolution screens of the Vision Pro, Xreal promises users a virtual display equivalent to a 154-inch screen viewed from 13 feet away, accompanied by impressive cinematic-grade audio and directional sound technology.

The Air 2 Ultra also incorporates "dual 3D environment sensors with computer vision capabilities," delivering the familiar six degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking that VR and mixed reality enthusiasts have come to expect. Like the Vision Pro, this device can be controlled using hand gestures, eye movements, and voice commands. However, the real test lies in how well these controls perform compared to Apple's offering. After all, not all input methods are created equal, even if they seem promising on paper.

Those who have had the chance to experience Xreal's smart glasses are impressed. Laptop Mag's managing editor, Sean Riley, raves about the Air 2 Ultra, stating, "The 1080p image is crisp and sharp, even with 3D content. It creates a display wall you can reach out and interact with." Another exciting feature is the ability to playback 3D spatial videos captured with an iPhone 15 Pro. So, if you're considering the Vision Pro but aren't keen on visionOS, the Air 2 Ultra might be the perfect affordable option to relive your memories in stunning 3D.

While the Air 2 Ultra doesn't match the Vision Pro's specifications head-on, it doesn't necessarily have to. Its primary goal, like other smart glasses, is to provide a similar virtual screen experience, which can be more than enough for most consumers.

In conclusion, Xreal's Air 2 Ultra presents an enticing and cost-effective alternative to the Apple Vision Pro. With its sleek design, comfortable fit, and impressive virtual screen experience, it's poised to capture the attention of tech enthusiasts looking for an immersive yet affordable solution.

The system will be available later in 2024. Sony and its partners will announce further details including specs, launch date and regions, pricing, sales channels, and software compatibility.

This spatial content creation system, equipped with an XR head-mounted display with 4K OLED Microdisplays and Sony's proprietary rendering technology, enables real-time, high-definition and realistic rendering of textures of 3D objects and facial expressions of human characters. In addition to video see-through functionality and spatial recognition with six cameras and sensors in total, the system features a ring controller that allows users to intuitively manipulate objects in virtual space, as well as a pointing controller that enables precise pointing, allowing creators to craft in virtual space with controllers and keyboards, all while wearing the head-mounted display. Creators will not only be able to see real-scale 3D models in an Extended Reality (XR) environment with the high-definition display, but also create and modify 3D models in it. Through integration with third-party 3D creation applications, it also supports remote, real-time review between locations, making this an intuitive and immersive tool for the entire process of spatial content creation.

The device features Snapdragon® XR2+ Gen 2 Platform, the latest XR processor by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The processor unlocks the power ofthe 4K OLED Microdisplays to deliver stunning image quality, as well as provides user and space tracking for seamless XR experiences, offering creatorsa high-performance platform for their creative workflow

Sony has released technologies that support workflow and quality of spatial content creation and facilitate use of 3D CG in various creative fields. Mobile motion capture system "mocopi™," with small and lightweight sensors and a dedicated smartphone app, enables full-body motion tracking, using Sony's proprietary technologies. Spatial Reality Displays provide highly realistic, three-dimensional content without the use of special glasses or Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, for spatial content creation and review process. By introducing this system and collaborating with 3D creation software developers, Sony aims to further empower spatial content creators to transcend boundaries between the physical and virtual realms for more immersive creative experiences.

"Siemens is partnering with Sony to enable immersive engineering, a critical building block for the industrial metaverse. Together, we are creating an environment where it will be possible to experience the realities of physics, without the bounds of time to profoundly improve how our customers work and collaborate," said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries.

"We designed our Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 to deliver 4K display resolution, cutting-edge graphics, and unparalleled performance to enable creators tobuild innovative spatial content that will transform all industries for the better," said Said Bakadir, Senior Director, Product Management of QualcommTechnologies, Inc. "It's exciting to see Sony enter the enterprise space with their spatial content creation system and utilize Snapdragon XR technologiesto unleash more realistic, detailed, and precise Mixed Reality (MR)/VR experiences that will help developers and creators push forward an even moreimmersive future."

Main Features

High-Quality XR Experience for Creative Uses

The head-mounted display is equipped with large-size, high-definition 1.3-type OLED Microdisplays with 4K resolution and a wide color gamut that covers up to 96% of DCI-P3*3*4. Detailed and realistic rendering of textures of 3D objects and facial expressions of human characters allows creators to go through the whole process of modeling to review, all while wearing the head-mounted display.

By supporting split rendering*5, which distributes the rendering load between computers and the head-mounted display, the system is capable of stable and high-definition rendering of large-size 3D models.

Through our collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Sony is among the first to adopt their latest Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 platform. The processor unlocks the power of the 4K OLED Microdisplays to deliver stunning image quality, while on-chip AI enables enhanced user and space tracking for seamless XR experiences, merging physical and digital spaces for easy navigation and intuitive interaction within the XR creative spaces.

Controllers that Provide Intuitive Spatial Content Creation Experiences

The system includes a ring controller that allows users to intuitively manipulate objects in virtual space. It also comes with a pointing controller that enables stable and accurate pointing in virtual spaces, with optimized shape and button layouts for efficient and precise operation. By holding the pointing controller in the dominant hand and attaching the ring controller to the fingers of the other hand, creators can model 3D objects using both controllers and a keyboard, while wearing the head-mounted display.

Designed with Comfort, for Seamless XR Creative Experiences

The head-mounted display provides comfort and stability required for extended creative use, by fine-tuning the balance of the device's center of gravity, and the design and material for pads that come into direct contact with the user's head. Additionally, the flip-up mechanism of the display part allows creators to easily and seamlessly move between physical and virtual spaces, without having to recalibrate the device when removing and wearing the entire device.

Immersive Creative Experience Through Integration with 3D Creation Software

Sony seeks to collaborate with various 3D production software developers, in both entertainment and industrial design fields. At launch, Sony willexclusively partner with Siemens to bring innovative immersive engineering capabilities to the manufacturing industry, through integration with the newNX™ Immersive Designer software, a product engineering solution from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software. The integration ofpowerful hardware and software will empower creators in industrial design and product engineering field, by providing a more immersive design,review, and collaboration tools. The video showing immersive spatial content creation experience, enabled through thise partnership, is are available on the following webpage. The link will be moved to official YouTube channel of Siemens Digital Industries Software.

• Siemens | Sony partnership accelerates digital transformation through immersive engineering - YouTube

• *1:The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the final product.

• *2:As capability of the device. Actual resolution varies depending on application and type of usage.

• *3:DCI-P3: An RGB color space standard established by Digital Cinema Initiatives, an American consortium that works on standardizing digital cinema systems.

• *4:Actual color space usable depends on application and type of usage.

• *5:Only works with compatible applications, when used in tethered mode. (wired and wireless) Resolution, refresh rate and color space may differ depending on application.

NOLO, a prominent Chinese company specializing in motion tracking technology, is set to make a splash at CES 2024. The company will be showcasing its latest innovations, including an upgraded version of its wearable interactive ring, the NOLO RING.

NOLO aims to redefine the user experience in the world of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

NOLO RING: Revolutionizing AR/VR Control

NOLO will be exhibiting at CES 2024, this wearable interactive ring offers users precise 3DoF (3 Degrees of Freedom) control over AR/VR devices. The NOLO RING boasts enhanced functionality, including support for recognizing designated gestures such as kneading, clicking, and sliding through advanced posture algorithms. This capability opens up new avenues for intuitive interaction within virtual environments.

Equipped with algorithmic anti-shake technology, the NOLO RING ensures accurate tracking and seamless control, enhancing the overall AR/VR experience. The device can be easily paired with a variety of on-board XR (Extended Reality) devices, adding a new dimension of flexibility and convenience to users' interactions.

Standalone VR Headset with MR Capabilities

NOLO had launched its standalone VR headset at CES 2023. Though compact, this new system sets a new bar for mobile content consumption and gameplay, and provides boundless visuals comparable to being in front of a 1,000-inch 4K+ Ultra HD display with a high refresh rate. With a pixel density of 1,512 PPI and a 92-degree field of view, visuals are incredibly natural, with absolutely zero screen door effect and seemingly endless peripheral vision for a variety of content. Audio is excellent too, with speakers integrated into the temples, sound-phase elimination for privacy, and excellent binaural sound performance. Another game-changing feature of the NOLO VR GLASS is its intuitive touch control on the headset's temples and its 3-degree-of-freedom (3DoF) finger-ring controllers. Designed to keep users' hands-free, these minimally invasive controllers provide a seamless way of interacting with VR content and support hands tracking and interaction."

"Another uniquely thin and lightweight addition to NOLO's line of VR headsets is the new NOLO SONIC 2 – a self-developed product with self-relied intellectual property by NOLO. It allows a full range of customization services from positioning algorithm, system, UI to appearance. At first glance, this headset follows the design queues of traditional VR systems, with a few very distinct differences – an extremely streamlined profile, an ultra-comfortable headband, and an industry-exclusive sub-screen on the back of the headband that can be used to show charge level, time remaining, game highlights and more. While thinner and lighter than other all-in-one VR headsets, the NOLO SONIC 2 packs everything users need for a solid VR experience. It features high-density LCD screens capable of a max resolution of 3664 x 1920 and max frame rate of 120Hz, and a wide 92-degree field of view. With an integrated spatial audio system and triple-mic setup with noise reduction rounding out the user experience, NOLO SONIC 2 VR headsets provide an unparalleled level of immersion

Looking Ahead to a VR-Enabled Future

As NOLO continues to innovate and refine its products, the company's presence at CES 2024 heralds a promising future for AR/VR technology. NOLO is poised to make a lasting impact on the AR/VR industry. By providing users with powerful tools for control and interaction, NOLO aims to shape the way we experience and engage with virtual worlds.

As CES 2024 unfolds, the world eagerly awaits the unveiling of NOLO's groundbreaking technologies, paving the way for a new era of virtual reality and augmented reality.

In a captivating speech titled "Rokid, Opening the Era of Global Spatial Computing" at MEET 2024, Rokid's founder and CEO, Misa, shared an ambitious vision for the company's future. Rokid, primarily a software company, is focused on AI+AR (Artificial Intelligence + Augmented Reality) rather than just AR alone.

Misa expressed his hope that within the next three to five years, Rokid will revolutionize the way we perceive eyewear by replacing traditional glasses with cutting-edge smart glasses, comparable to the ubiquitous presence of smartphones in today's world.

According to Misa, XR (Extended Reality) and AI are intertwined, with XR poised to take the spotlight in the coming year, overshadowing AI advancements.

The Rokid CEO's forward-thinking insights and aspirations highlight the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and its potential impact on our daily lives. Stay tuned as Rokid continues its journey towards transforming the eyewear industry with its innovative smart glasses.

Article Courtesy -www.vrarworld.cn