With the expanded smart glasses production, the company will be able to produce up to 10 million units per year. The smart glasses maker will also be seeking to strengthen its partnership with Meta.

Growing Sales

Smart glasses come with an inbuilt computer and microphones that enable users to connect with devices such as smartphones through voice commands. Meta’s Ray-Bans smart glasses come with a mic, camera, audio, and AI assistant all wrapped into the frame. According to EssilorLuxottica’s Chief Executive Officer Francesco Milleri, the eyewear company has already sold in excess of 2 million pairs of smart glasses.

These Ray-Ban Meta sales date back to September 2023 when the two companies unveiled the glasses.

“The rate of activation and the time of utilization have been constantly increasing since the launch, showing that this product is becoming part of our daily life,” Milleri said during a post-results call with analysts.

EssilorLuxottica Meta partnership dates back to 2019. The collaboration led to the creation of two versions of Ray-Ban smart glasses. In 2024, the two companies entered a new long-term deal that is aimed at taking them to the next decade.

Late last year, Meta’s successful collaboration with EssilorLuxottica triggered a wave of smart glasses fear of missing out among big techs. Ray-Ban smart glasses were bestsellers in the majority of Ray-Ban stores across the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

New Brands and Features

As EssilorLuxottica boosts production of smart glasses, it will continue to innovate. New innovations will be driven by growth in usage rates and activations. The company plans to increase production in Southeast Asia and China to meet its annual targets. The company CEO said the eyewear maker is working on releasing new smart glass brands and features as it seeks to extend its subscription service.

“Consistently with our open model, we look at this product like a shared platform ready to embark on third-party brands and new functions, also in the form of subscription services”, Milleri added.

According to the CEO, the company’s expanded capacity for production of Ray-Ban Meta glasses will enable it to achieve its annual target of 10 million units by the end of 2026. The company hopes to use the expanded capacity to produce Nuance Audio glasses and other types of smart glasses that integrate open-aar hearing options.

Future of Wearable Tech

EssilorLuxottica’s initiative to extend production of smart glasses to other brands will involve exploring new collaborations. This expansion means that the future of wearable tech remains bright. The company’s ambitious growth plan is a clear reflection of a growing trend to extend tech beyond conventional uses.

EssilorLuxottica is doing this by integrating technology into items that people use everyday. It points into a future where services and devices will be more interconnected. The enhanced interconnectivity will affect many industries, from healthcare to consumer electronics. Essentially, the eyewear maker is effectively positioning smart glasses as versatile hubs. It’s doing this by highlighting the shift toward a more immersive and digitally connected lifestyle. This presents huge opportunities as well as challenges across the globe.

The company’s ramped up production will also enhance the prevalence of augmented reality eyewear and potentially reshape tech markets. Analysts expect EssilorLuxottica’s partnership with Meta to nudge global competitors into enhancing their research and development and invigorate traditional sectors like content creation, entertainment, and business landscapes. Investors will be monitoring how these tech advancements influence demand for related technologies in the coming years.

The post EssilorLuxottica to Launch New Smart Glass Features as it Expands Production Capacity appeared first on Tech Research Online.

A Less Bulky Design

Meta’s Ray-Bans smart glasses come with a mic, camera, audio, and AI assistant all wrapped into the frame. A pair of the augmented reality glasses retails at $300. The smart glasses have a normal look. Unlike the bulky AR/VR headsets that have failed to appeal to the masses, the glasses are lightweight, weighing below 50 grams.

Their in-built processing power and memory offer users helpful features such as handsfree video or photo capture and real-time translation. The smart glasses use the latest chipsets, batteries, and software. This makes it easy for users to connect them to their smartphones flawlessly.

The process is very similar to that of connecting smartphones to wireless earbuds. Meta’s smart glasses boast of a four-hour battery life. This is about four times that of its rival product, Snap which lasts for less than an hour.

Big Tech Interest

Several big techs are already eyeing the smart glasses market, which explains why the industry will come into sharp focus in 2025. Baidu unveiled smart glasses that are powered by AI bot, Ernie, last month. In the days that followed, reports emerged that Amazon is designing AI-powered glasses for its delivery drivers. Amazon’s smart driver eyeglasses are part of the company’s wider strategy to ensure smooth and efficient delivery of customer orders.

Sources close to the e-commerce giant said that once done, Amazon’s smart eyeglasses will provide drivers with turn-by-turn navigation along delivery routes and at every stop. The company will build the glasses on Amazon’s echo frames smart glasses, which enable users to use voice commands from Alexa and listen to audio. They will leverage a small display located on one of the lenses and will be able to take images of delivered products.

Reports indicate that Samsung, Apple, Alphabet, and Xiaomi are also working on new smart glass products. Suppliers are also boosting their production capacity. Vuzix, a company that specializes in lens production estimates that it will be able to make up to 50 million units per year by 2028. This is a huge increase from the 1 million units it produced this year.

Profitability Challenge

Even with the growing big tech interest, the profitability of smart glasses remains a mirage. Analysts estimate the cost of making a pair of Ray-Bans smart glasses is about $135. This implies a 45% gross margin. This is slightly higher than Apple’s smartwatch, which is about 30%. Reducing the cost of battery and processor chips without affecting the features in the smart glasses and their functionality will be an uphill task for Meta.

Meta is currently hosting the Ray-Bans smart glasses in its Reality Labs. The division also hosts Orion, Meta’s augmented reality glasses prototype. Although forecasts show that this unit will grow fast in the coming years, it is expected to suffer operating losses of about $60 billion in the coming three years. But despite these losses, Meta plans to continue investing significant amounts in Reality labs.
“As we think about the 2025 budgeting process for Reality Labs, we want to make sure that we are investing appropriately behind the consumer momentum that we see,” Meta CFO Susan Li said during the Q3 earnings call.

Meta has already asked the unit to reduce its spending by about 20% between 2024 and 2026. Meta unveiled the Ray-Bans smart glasses and a prototype of its Orion AR glasses on September 25, 2024 during its annual Connect Event.

The post Why Meta’s Ray-Bans Smart Glasses Have Sparked a Wave of FOMO in Big Techs appeared first on Tech Research Online.

The Meta release of the new AI model has created a buzz as it can control the movement of human-like digital agents. Meta has been investing heavily in AI after showcasing AR glasses at the Connect 2024 event in September this year.

Meta has been releasing a lot of AI models to be tested by developers. The company said in a statement, “We believe this research could pave the way for fully embodied agents in the Metaverse, leading to more lifelike NPCs, democratization of character animation, and new types of immersive experiences.”

Recently the tech giant also invested $1 billion in Donald Trump’s inaugural fund to mend its relationship with the government, as its upcoming term is forecasted to benefit AI and Big Tech companies.

A New Era

The Meta Motivo AI model also features new specific AI options designed to optimize user engagement and customization. The model incorporates application of modern techniques such as NLP, generative AI as well as real-time analytics for provision of smooth and easy to utilize experiences in the Metaverse.

Meta’s new AI model can make virtual interactions more personal. For example, if a user navigates within a working or entertainment area, he/she can obtain suggestions directly tied with the user’s actions and/or decisions made previously. This innovation thus establishes Meta firm and truly on the cutting edge of Metaverse technology, protected by fiction, promising a stimulating digital world.

Bridging the Gap

The Meta Motivo AI model is about to revolutionize virtual collaboration. Some of its key features include real-time translation, emotion-driven avatar expressions, and enhanced communication tools for virtual meetings. Such tools will make interactions smoother, making the Metaverse more accessible to users across the globe.

The model also brings the virtual spaces closer to reality, with dynamic changes to textures, lighting, and effects in the environment. These new features will improve the experience of Metaverse AI model by producing hyper-realistic environments that connect the world of reality with the world of virtuality.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Meta’s diverse approach is evident in the launch of the Meta Motivo AI model. This AI integration enables voice commands for blind users, instant captions for the deaf, and easy-to-use navigation for the low vision users making it easy for everyone to explore Metaverse.

Moreover, Meta Motivo AI can be implemented in fancy VR headsets, as well as in primary smartphones, and this makes it quite popular among people with different incomes and living in different countries.

Gamechanger for the Industry

The Meta Motivo launch is seen by industry specialists as a turning point in the battle for Metaverse domination. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, “The Meta Motivo AI model is a step forward towards achieving the company’s goal of connecting people, redesigning work, entertainment and socializing in the Metaverse.”

This innovation places Meta at the forefront of the building of AI-incorporated virtual platforms. The Meta Motivo AI model improves upon today’s Metaverse experiences and facilitates developmental progress for next-generation immersive technologies.

The post Meta Introduces AI Model to Enhance Immersive Metaverse Experiences appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Our exclusive magazine, “Alerting Digital Consciousness,” gives you a behind-the-scenes look into how the Metaverse is being leveraged to solve real-world challenges, reshape business strategies, and create immersive human experiences like never before. Technology is at its core, but this is about redefining experiences, tapping into fresh opportunities, and staying ahead of a fast-moving digital world.

If you’re ready to see how these changes will affect your reality, this magazine will be your backstage pass.

In this magazine you will come across: 

The financial impact of the Metaverse and how it’s generating real-world revenue.

Maneuvering through the Darkverse (potential pitfalls and security concerns of the Metaverse) 

The full user journey, from initial exploration to brand loyalty, within the Metaverse.

The digital evolution of humans as we transition into the Metaverse age. 

Leveling up resource planning to win at the Metaverse game.

Case studies of standout campaigns that achieved success in virtual worlds. 

A special focus on how UX design is evolving in virtual environments. 

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Glimpse into the Future

During the Connect Event, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg pitched the AR Orion glasses as a glimpse of the future. Endowed with a thick frame and black in color, Meta’s Orion AR glasses are fitted with a wireless puck that allows them to run apps, more like a holographic pingpong game or digital chess.

The prototype glasses are part of Meta’s multibillion dollar plan to shape the next generation of computing for the metaverse. Although Orion may not immerse users fully in the virtual world, in the real world, the glasses can overlay graphics. Meta’s Orion glasses are also less cumbersome to wear for prolonged periods.

“The form factor didn’t feel meaningfully different from wearing a pair of heavy, ordinary glasses, and they were not uncomfortable to wear. “This is the first generation — four years from now, how much smaller will they be?,” a CNBC reporter who tried the Orion AR Glasses said.

Face Computers

At the very basic level, Orion is a fancy computer that one wears on the face. It addresses face-computer challenges that have persisted for a long time. These include weight, heat, tiny field of view, and low resolution.

Meta’s AR glasses technology allows users to see digital holograms that display visual icons of apps like Facebook and Instagram. Digital icons are overlaid atop the real-world, a big improvement from the passthrough technique applied in virtual reality devices. To create overpasses, cameras outside the headset give users a digital representation of the real world. This representation is blended with computer graphics via device screens.

Custom-designed by Meta, Orion augmented reality glasses apply an expansive method to overlay digital images from the real world. It uses special lenses made from a refractive material known as silicon carbide to achieve this goal. Orion glasses are fitted with miniature projectors in-built into the arms. These projectors direct light into the silicon carbide lenses, allowing users to see holograms in their field.

Orion comes with a wristband that allows users to open, close, or scroll through applications. The lightweight band moves digital icons by sensing hand and finger movements, as well as gestures accurately.

Imaging the Future

Meta imagines a future where people will use the first true augmented reality glasses to interact with AI and communicate through digital information that’s overlaid in the real world.

“I had thought that the hologram part of this was going to be possible before AI. It’s an interesting twist of fate that the AI part is actually possible before the holograms are really able to be mass-produced at an affordable price,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.

Orion leverages generative AI capabilities present in Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and integrates a visual element into the field view of a user. From the current prototype, Meta’s journey to full-fledged AR glasses will be gradual. On one end, the social media giant will produce AI-powered smart glasses. On the other end, it will produce glasses with small displays that offer lighter-touch interactions. Orion represents full-fledged AR glasses with sufficient computing power.

The AR glasses space will also get competitive as other players launch their versions of augmented reality glasses. Snap is already working on next generation AR spectacles. Currently, Apple is competing in headsets with the Vision Pro as it develops its own AR glasses. It will be interesting to see how augmented reality shapes personal computing moving forward.

The post Meta’s Orion AR Glasses Prototype is the Future of Personal Computing appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Reuters reported that the AR glasses launch happened as Meta laid out its vision for developing products that will bridge the gap between the real world and the virtual one.

“This is the physical world with holograms overlaid on,” Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg said during the event.

The Dev Kit

Meta’s Orion glasses are made from magnesium alloy. The company designed custom silicon to power the glasses. Zuckerberg referred to Orion as a dev kit, adding that Meta will be working to make the glasses smaller, affordable, and sleeker. Users can interact with AR glasses through voice, hand-tracking, and a neural interface on the wrist.

Zuckerberg showed how Meta’s first true AR glasses can display several windows with Messenger and WhatsApp video-calls, texts, and Instagram reels. However, his presentation only displayed a few details about Orion’s capabilities. The video highlighted positive reactions by testers who included Nvidia CEO, Jensen Huang.

Users can interact with the AR glasses through voice, hand-tracking, and a neural interface on the wrist. Other big tech companies have attempted to develop AR devices before with little success, Google’s Glass glasses is one of the most notable failures.

A Challenging Process

Meta’s reveal of AR glasses has been a long process. When he first pivoted the company towards creating metaverse systems in 2021, CEO Zuckerberg positioned AR technology as great work and even changed the company name to Meta.

The company has experienced technical challenges with the project as acknowledged by its head of Metaverse Reality Labs, Andrew Bosworth. In November last year, Bosworth indicated that Meta was facing challenges developing a market-ready AR product.

Since 2021 Meta has made heavy investments to build its metaverse system. This includes financing AI, AR, and other kinds of metaverse technologies. These investments have pushed its 2024 capital expense projections to a high of $37 billion to $40 billion. In quarter one of this year, the company’s metaverse unit, Reality Labs recorded a loss amounting to $8.3 billion and a total of $16 billion last year.

Commercialization Pathway

Meta plans to distribute the first generation of AR glasses internally and to selected developers this year. Each device cost the company thousands of dollars to produce. The initial shipment of commercial Meta AR glasses will be made in 2027.

The social media giant anticipates that by this time, technical improvements to the product will reduce production costs. PP Foresight Analyst, Paolo Pescatore said Meta’s vision to commercialize VR and AR products is possible. He however noted that most people are still wary of AI and need to be convinced.

Meta’s AI World

Meta’s Connect Event kicked off with a showcase of its expanded bet on AI. The social media presented multiple product offerings powered by its ChatGPT-like chatbot. It also announced plans to include personalized images generated by the bot on Instagram and Facebook feeds.

Meta also unveiled various AI software enhancements during the event. These include audio upgrades of the company’s digital assistant, Meta AI. The tech giant said that Meta AI will now respond to voice commands. Users will have the option of making the AI assistant sound like celebrities as it features voices of Judi Dench, John Cena, Kristen Bell, and others.

“I think that voice is going to be a way more natural way of interacting with AI than text,” Zuckerberg said.

Meta will be adding video and real-time language translation capabilities to its AI assistants later this year saying over 400 million people use Meta AI each month.

Meta also highlighted AI Assistants in its Ray-Ban smart glasses that enable users to stream music from Spotify and scan QR codes through voice prompts. The company unveiled Quest 3S, a product line of mixed-reality headsets. The company discontinued Quest 2 and Quest Pro devices at the event.

New AI Models

In line with its AI model sharing strategy, Meta released three latest versions of Llama 3 models at the 2024 Connect event. Two of these models understand both text and images. The third one is a basic text-only model that can run entirely on user devices. Meta first revealed the open source model in July this year. Llama allows companies to train it on custom data and modify it to suit their needs.

The Meta Connect event highlighted a future where AR, VR, and AI converge to create an immersive, highly interactive world. From the next generation AR glasses to the AI-powered chatbots unveiled at the event, Meta is paving the way for a digital ecosystem that blurs the line between the virtual and real world.

The post Meta Showcases AR Glasses at 2024 Connect Event appeared first on Tech Research Online.

The Metaverse presents new possibilities for businesses of all sizes. From changing the way people work to creating valuable virtual economies, this emerging technology is quickly redefining the way people interact with the world around them and reshaping the way businesses operate. Current statistics show the future of the metaverse is bright with rising demand projected in the coming years. Bloomberg estimates the metaverse economy will generate $800 billion by 2025 and a whopping $2.5 million by the year 2030.

The Metaverse combines Extended Reality (EX) technologies to create an immersive, interconnected 3D virtual environment where augmented reality, blockchain, virtual reality, and cryptocurrencies define the way people work, live, and socialize. In this article, we discuss what the future of the metaverse holds for businesses and explore the impact this technology will have on work.

What Is Metaverse?

The Metaverse refers to a blockchain-based network that connects numerous virtual spaces to give participants a digital experience that has never been seen before. It uses tech-infused elements to mirror the real world in virtual environments. Metaverse blockchain leverages augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence to provide unmatched experiences in simulated virtual spaces. This ecosystem allows users to exchange, interact, trade, and work through digital avatars. Since blockchain underlies the core setup of metaverse systems, they are independent of device reliance and central control.

Why Is Metaverse Technology Important for Businesses?

Metaverse platforms have the potential to redefine the way people connect, work, and live, making it extremely important for businesses. The ability to eliminate geographical barriers allows this technology to facilitate unprecedented levels of connectivity and collaboration for businesses across the globe. Companies can leverage global talent and remote socialization to spur economic growth. Below are four ways companies can utilize the metaverse to achieve their goals:

1. Collaboration

The metaverse provides businesses with greater collaboration capabilities to support remote work. Employees who work from different geographic locations can leverage engagement features and communication tools to collaborate seamlessly in real time. Most platforms that offer immersive technologies provide interoperability for tools that companies use daily to facilitate seamless remote team collaboration.

2. Cost Reduction

Facebook metaverse lowers costs for businesses by eliminating the need to invest in multiple physical assets required for in-person working spaces. The technology offers limitless customization abilities, allowing companies to create the space they need without incurring additional costs. For instance, employees can create shared spaces and virtual offices at no extra cost.

3. Product Prototyping

Another critical role that metaverse technology plays in business is making prototyping easier and faster. Designing and producing physical prototypes can be costly for businesses, posing a challenge for small and medium-sized companies. AR and VR technologies allow designers to collaborate in creating and manipulating virtual prototypes based on specifications from any location.

4. Flexible Workplaces

Businesses can utilize the metaverse to inject flexibility into their workplaces. Working in metaverse environments can give companies an edge over competitors that are not embracing the change in today’s evolving digital landscape. Businesses of all sizes can use AI metaverse to transcend barriers of employee interaction to expand their reach and awareness through virtual events.

How Will Metaverse Change the Future of Work?

The future of metaverse technology will impact the way people work in the coming years. Below are five ways the technology will change the way people work:

1. Fewer Accidents in Workplaces

For people who perform dangerous tasks like electricians and machine operators, metaverse glasses will help to reduce accidents. Through virtual reality platforms, employees can practice using virtual tools or machines as many times as they need to without experiencing physical injury. Trainers will be able to assess their performance and provide the guidance employees need virtually.

2. Employee Onboarding

The future of the metaverse will enable businesses to reimagine employee onboarding experiences. Instead of requiring new employees to read documents or watch videos about company history, new employees will be able to visit job sites or meet corporate founders virtually. Metaverse headsets will also enable newly hired employees to connect socially with new teams.

3. Employee Learning/Training

The metaverse will be used to improve employee training and learning. By facilitating simulations and interactive gameplays, this virtual technology will make it possible for companies to provide ‘hands-on’ training to employees, enabling them to operate machines or practice sales presentations for big clients virtually.

4. Operational Assessments

Another way the future of metaverse will change the future of work is by making it easier for managers and executives to assess operations, solve problems for employees in different locations, and simulate changes. They will use the technology to make virtual visits to distribution centers, factories, and construction sites in different cities or countries without leaving their desks.

5. Employee Interactions

Increasingly, employees are working from different locations. The physical separation makes it challenging for teams to feel like they’re in the same room. This causes them to miss out on communication, morale, engagement, and cultural benefits that come with physical interactions at the workplace. The metaverse makes it possible for companies to provide socially satisfying experiences to their staff by bringing individuals in different locations into one virtual room.

Conclusion:

Metaverse presents new possibilities for businesses to thrive. As the digital landscape evolves, companies can leverage the metaverse technology to engage remote employees, manage daily communication, enhance collaboration, and boost productivity. Virtual environments promise to deliver the most immersive experiences for employees. As the number of companies that adopt this technology increases, the future of the metaverse can only get brighter.

The post The Future of Metaverse: What Does it Hold? appeared first on Tech Research Online.

According to EinNews, Kivisense impressed conference attendees with its detailed digital marketing services and AR try-on technology. Through the AI-AR solution, Kivisense MarTech innovations are giving businesses a sneak peek into the future of brand engagement.

Kivisense leverages AI & AR Martech innovations Vivatech to create innovative solutions like WebAR for digital marketing and e-commerce. The solutions are powered by proprietary AI-core and cover different aspects of retail selling including e-commerce optimization, content creation, data analysis, and social media integration.

Virtual Try-Ons

Kivisense captivated VivaTech 2024 MarTech Innovations conference attendees with its AR try-on solutions and 3D rendering technology. With this technology, the company addresses a major pain point that buyers experience during online shopping – visualizing styles accurately.

Kivisense’s AR increases user engagement and boosts purchase intent by enabling buyers to try the items they wish to buy virtually. During the conference participants who visited Kivisense booth had real experience with head-to-toe AR across different product categories. These include jewelry, sports, and footwear.

AI in Digital Marketing

Another solution that Kivisense showcased during the Vivatech 2024 Martech Innovations conference is its detailed digital marketing capabilities. Conference attendees had a chance to view the integrated digital marketing campaigns approach used by Kivisense on Apple Vision Pro.

Kivisense utilizes AI algorithms and big data analytics to provide a comprehensive marketing solution to brands. The solution features every aspect of a marketing campaign, including creativity, production, dissemination, and monetization.

Our goal is to empower brands to navigate the digital landscape and connect with every target user. We believe the true personalized marketing starts with a deep understanding of each consumer, and innovation for lives, not just for a living,” Steven Zhang, Kivisense Founder said.

Commitment

During the VivaTech MarTech Innovations Conference, Kivisense committed to environmental sustainability. Through the use of MarTech innovations like AR try-on solutions, the company reduces the need for printed samples and storage logistics. This significantly reduces the carbon footprint in e-commerce. Its digital marketing innovation also optimizes resources for brands.

VivaTech 2024 gave Kivisense a chance to share its vision for retail marketing and demonstrate leadership in AI-backed MarTech. As technology evolves, the company stands a high chance of partnering with global brands. Such partnerships will pave the way for widespread adoption of greener and smarter marketing solutions.

The post Kivisense AR Try-On Shines at Vivatech Martech Innovations Conference appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Apple is a company that is unrivaled in its strength of branding. The aesthetic vision and continuity that Steve Jobs had are recognizable in every detail of each product. One might hate or love Apple, but there is little debate about the notion that their products are marvels of design.

Aesthetics, simplicity of use, and power are all synonymous with the gadgets the company comes up with. That is why the news about releasing of the Apple VR headset is so thrilling. One knows it isn’t just going to be mediocre as excellence is the adhered standard of quality.

Apple has been working on virtual reality, as well as augmented reality tech for over a decade. That is known based on their filed patents. Experts predict that by the end of next year, all of that work is going to culminate in a tangible device.

We haven’t been so excited since the book of ra came out, and we will tell you why you should be hyped for the Apple VR headset too.

Apple’s Headset – What We Know Up to Now

Officially Apple has not said much about its release plans. However, the renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has put out some pretty detailed predictions. According to him, we will see a head-mounted display in the second quarter of 2022.

The tech components for the device will be supplied by Genius Electronic Optical. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also weighed in with some exciting predictions, saying that we could hear Apple announcing its VR device in the coming months.

That was in March of this year. While we did not hear anything official in the WWDC keynote event, it is not unreasonable to think that these high-level sources have some truth to them. Reports have also indicated that Apple’s VR set won’t be cheap.

It will be a high-end tool that will primarily be aimed at developers rather than the broad public. Surely, premium pricing is not something that is unexpected from the company.

Estimate prices of $1000-3000 dollars have been mentioned around the web, but it is still too early to tell whether that is in the ballpark. All in all, it looks like it is going to be a steep amount.

Rumored Features – More Than Just Apple VR

Ming-Chi Kuo also stated that the device will not solely be based on VR technology. It is going to have a see-through lens that will allow for augmented reality application purposes.

That would render the Apple headset a mixed-reality tech device, which will also have two extremely high resolution (8K) displays, eye-detection cameras, and capabilities of mapping one’s surrounding objects.

Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that the headset should have a total of 15 optical cameras to combine innovative biometrics, provide see-through capabilities, and map out environments.

The device should come in at less than 150 grams to allow for a comfortable wearing experience. That means that it won’t be able to house incredibly powerful chipsets.

People who wear glasses will have the option to insert prescribed lenses into the device, rather than mounting it over their pair.

The mixed reality headset will have a CPU and a GPU built-in for allowing limited standalone capabilities. The headset will have to be tethered wirelessly to an Apple device such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to be used to its full extent.

A special SoC will optimize the wireless communication between the devices by compressing and then decompressing the needed video data for maximum efficiency. It is said that the final AR/VR headset development stage has been completed.

Now Apple will likely start to go into the trial production phase. According to the reports, a lighter pair of augmented reality glasses will be released as a follow-up, somewhere around 2023-2025. Those will be intended for the general public.

What Does Apple’s Headset Mean for VR in General?

Apple VR and AR headset is said to be mainly aimed at developers. The idea here is to make sure that app developers have a comprehensive, powerful device for creating AR and VR apps before Apple comes up with consumer devices.

In general, a superb developer device could work to lift the potential of VR apps across the board. One could say that Apple’s mixed reality headset will be a work tool, more than an entertainment device.

Improved VR tools naturally mean that developers will have the means necessary to bring their visions to fruition, thereby creating better and better VR content.

That is incredible news for pushing virtual reality, as well as augmented reality forward. In the end, it is the consumer who wins as the quality of VR content will most likely increase in quality, quantity, and the multitude of real-world applications.

On another note, if the predictions are going to turn out true, then it is a very strategic move by Apple. The mixed reality headset will allow developers to create a wealth of apps before the consumer-centered AR glasses launch, but what about a consumer VR device? That is up for speculation. Perhaps Apple’s AR headset for consumers will get followed up with a VR one too.

One can sure hope. If not, then the only choice might be getting the highly-priced developer mixed reality headset, or going with devices by other companies. Only time will tell, but we assume that Apple has some tricks up its sleeve for not disappointing its fans.

All in all, the leaked information about the Apple VR are AR headset sounds very promising. Michi Chi Kuo is 76.6% accurate in his predictions, so he very well might be right with the leaked specs.

Conclusion

The headset will most surely give app developers a vast boost, which will eventually trickle down to more entertainment and functionality for the consumer. One thing is sure – we can’t wait to see what next year will bring for VR tech once the big players like Apple jump onboard.

How about you? What do you think about Apple’s mixed reality headset and AR glasses? What would you consider a reasonable price for the devices? Please share your comments in the section below, we would love to know what you think!

The post Apple VR : What Apple’s 2022 Headset Means For VR-AR appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Just a few years ago, Augmented reality (AR) was considered a nascent technology or a futuristic concept. But in fact, it has been around for more than 50 years now.   

Before the pandemic, any normal person would have said that it will take years for this technology to become widespread.  

We are still unsure if we are already in the future or the baby grew up to fast, but AR is here. And it’s changing the entire landscape of the gaming industry.    

But, hold on! Before we jump into that, let’s first get an overview of AR or you can skip directly to the gaming world.   

What is Augmented reality?  

Augmented Reality is a digital version of the real world. It is achieved via the use of digital elements that stimulate the five senses.   

In simple terms, Augmented Reality is a technology that places virtual objects in the real world to bring the digital environment to reality.  

The ongoing pandemic has boosted the digital transformation and with that, AR has become a trend among all tech companies.  

Today, the gaming industry has leveraged this highly interactive technology to make it accessible to everyone. The games are some of the best Augmented reality games. They not only engage users with fabulous graphics but redefines AR.  

From Android augmented reality games to iPhone augmented reality games, AR is dominating the gaming industry.  

In this blog, we will cover the highly innovative Augmented reality games in 2022 that are rocking the AR market. Let’s dive right in and learn about the best augmented reality games.  

Innovative AR Games 

1. Knightfall AR

Knightfall AR is a battle strategy game that places you in the world of The Knights Templar. In the game, Knights and Warriors seek to defend the city of Acre from an invading army and protect the Holy Grail, Christianity’s most prized relic.  

With this augmented reality game, you can dive into the world of Knights and Warriors. Your viewpoint will act as a targeting system that will allow you to fire at the enemy.  

You can kill enemies, earn gold, and reinforce your defenses. You will win battles and succeed as you unlock more and more features and challenges.   

These augmented reality games provide you with a live and action-packed experience. Moreover, the game enables you to choose a character, in the form of Photo mode, from the game and use them for your amusement.  

Downloads: 5k  

User-Ratings: 3.8  

Developer Details: AeNetworks 

2. Zombie, Run!

Once you start using this augmented reality gaming app, your morning jog will never be the same. The app offers a thrilling adventure to users and is specially designed for those who love a morning jog.  

The game throws you into the zombie-filled world. Here, you have to run and collect items simultaneously to survive the zombie attack.  

The game has a motivational narration and plays music to boost your willpower and morning exercise experience.  

Downloads: 40k  

User-Ratings: 5  

App Revenue: $30k  

Developer Details: ZombiesRunGame  

3. Temple Treasure Hunt

Temple Treasure Hunt uses geolocation to support the augmented reality mode. It is a perfect example of an amazing augmented reality gaming app with tons of legends, mysteries, and adventures within the game. 

While the scope of the game is quite simple, you can be a treasure protector. You can be a hunter as well as the treasure protector in the game but you have to follow the map.  

As a treasure protector, you have to create treasure trials to make it difficult for the hunters to find the treasure. Similarly, you have to find the treasure when playing as the hunter.  

Downloads: 5k  

User-Ratings: 3.1  

Developer Details: Mobi-tech  

4. Jurassic World Alive

Are you bemused by the gigantic creature that walked the Earth in prehistoric times?  

Then dive right in!  

The Jurassic world will take you into a world of wild prehistoric creatures running free in modern civilizations.  

This game will give you the freedom to explore different aspects of the Jurassic world. You will come across dinosaurs, mammoths, and Pteranodons and collect their DNA samples. The best part is you can even create your very own raptor.  

Moreover, you will be able to share your creation and compete with other creatures in real-time.  

With well-crafted graphics, this extraordinary augmented reality game is tailored to excite us.  

Downloads: 200k  

User-Ratings: 4.3  

App Revenue: $700,000  

Developer Details: Ludia  

5. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite

Are you a Potter’s head?  

Harry Potter: Wizards Unite games is based on the world of Magic from the book Harry Potter. In the game, a catastrophe has struck the magical world of Harry Potter and all the Wizards must unite to solve this issue.   

In the game, you can be a Wizard and must fight his way through enemies. This game is specially designed for potter heads, and fantasy adventure lovers.  

Downloads: 70k  

User-Ratings:3.7 

Developer Details: Niantic  

6. AR Sports Basketball

Unlike other games, this game is based on a simpler AR integration level.   

AR Sports Basketball is a top-notch AR game where you shoot the ball in real-time at any location.   

With different gaming modes, you can enjoy playing basketball in person.  

Downloads: 5k  

User-Ratings: 3.3  

Developer Details: ThunderGame  

7. Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go is the most well-known augmented reality gaming app. The game is extremely engaging, when it was released back in July 2016, it took the world by storm.  

This AR game is known for its user experience and stunning performance. This game has become an inspiration for several AR-based mobile applications since its inception, which marks the turning point of the gaming industry.  

The game brings virtual objects to life by offering a virtual battlefield in real-time. Here, you can see and capture Pokémon in your surroundings.  

Downloads: 3m  

User-Ratings: 4.1  

Developer Details: Niantic  

8. Shark in the Park  

Shark in the Park is maybe one of the most fun AR games. The game will take you on an adventure to the depth of the ocean to explore incredible animals and interact with them in real-time along the way.  

The game utilizes the phone’s GPS to enable you to walk while you explore the underwater life and gigantic creatures.  

Also, this AR game uses smartphone sensors to sense your real-life movements. This means that if you move quickly in the real world, you do the same in the digital.  

9. Beer Pong AR

Beer Pong AR is the future of board games. The digital game reflects AR’s evolution for entertainment and experience.  

This AR game enables you to choose the surroundings to install the beer. After the installation, you can throw ping pong balls by selecting the best angle.   

The best part about the game, you ask?   

Well, the AR game provides a real-time experience and you are not left with any mess after the game. This is one of the best-augmented reality android games.  

Downloads: 5k  

User-Ratings: 2.6  

Developer Details: Androidezone  

10. Dark: Subject One

Dark: Subject one is one of the most intuitive augmented reality games which is filled with mystery and adventure.   

This game is a horror story where you are the protagonist who is investigating the disappearance of a friend.   

The game will give you a breathtaking experience by taking you beyond the portal into a parallel universe where you’ll find clues and try to solve the case.  

The overall experience of the game is astonishing, and the augmented reality within the app is commendable.  

Downloads: 5k  

User-Ratings: 4.0 

Developer Details: Fabrik  

11. Army of Robots

Army of Robots delivers a spectacular first-person shooting experience with its breath-taking AR integration.  

The game is also integrated with an immersive interface which gives exceptional performance. It ensures that you can enjoy destroying hoards of robotic enemies.  

The game replicates the experience incorporating into the game by sensing how you move in the real world.  

Downloads: 5k  

User-Ratings: 4.0  

Developer Details: Singergia  

12. Zombie Gunship Revenant AR  

Zombie Gunship Revenant offers various types of weapons, including missiles, guns, and even rockets to shoot down zombies, while in a helicopter. This game provides a real-time experience for Android or iOS users.  

Downloads: 9k  

User-Ratings: 3.6  

Developer Details: Limbic  

13. GEO-Caching

GEO-Caching enables you to get to choose whatever type of game you want to play. It can be a horror game, treasure hunting game, or a shooting game. You can self-pick the game that suits you the best and then enjoys an amazing experience.  

Geo-caching stands out with its treasure hunting persona that is a work of art in the AG industry. You can explore their surroundings and search for Geocaches.  

This AR game is highly interactive and enables you to find geocaches and hide them again to locate them.  

Downloads: 200k  

User-Ratings: 4.4  

Developer Details: GeoCaching  

14. NightenFell: Shared AR

NightenFell: Shared AR is a multiplayer shooter game that offers mysteries. You have to solve spells to advance to the next level. Also, the spells in this AR game enable you to freeze time and defend the world from the comets.  

Downloads: 5k  

User-Ratings: 4.7 

Developer Details: Hookbang 

15. Jenga AR   

We all have played Jenga in reality and now with social distancing on our tow, we can play the AR version of the game.   

The game is similar to the original one and so are the challenges that come when the tower topples. And, if you trigger the tower you will lose.  

Jenga AR is have everything from stunning visuals to access controls, you even get a multiplayer option.  

Downloads: 5k  

User-Ratings: 3.2 

Developer Details: FreeRange  

16. King Of Pools

King of pools offers you the look and feel of being physically present at the pool table. The game has stunning visuals, a unique premise, and a multiplayer option.  

Additionally, the game leverages AR technology to offer real-time experience and interactive pool experience.  

Downloads: 10k  

User-Ratings: 4.2  

Developer Details: Uken  

17. Invaders Attack AR  

If you are tired of zombies and Pokémon, then this game is for you. So, now it’s time to defend the planet against an interstellar invasion  

Invaders Attack AR is an augmented reality shooting app that takes you on a mission to destroy alien forces. This game is available for iOS users.   

In this game, you will be the only hope to save humanity and your goal is to destroy the enemies before they land.  

Downloads: 5k  

Developer Details: Apolet Studios 

18. Neyon Clash  

Neyon Clash is a strategy game where your real-life movements are synced with the character’s actions movements in real-time.  

This AR game offers various modes such as Capture the flag mode, last man standing mode, and many more. The game is integrated with six different languages and supports the multiplayer function.   

Downloads: 5k  

User-Ratings: 4.0  

Developer Details: Reaktor  

19. The Walking Dead: Our World

The Walking Dead: Our World is an augmented reality game where you can go around killing zombies. But what makes this game different is that you will be walking in the real world instead of a virtual one.   

The game uses geolocation which means that the zombies and the social elements will change based on your location. The AR technology in the game seems realistic and hence provides an immersive experience.  

Downloads: 20k  

User-Ratings: 4.2  

Developer Details: NextGames  

20. Arrrrgh AR  

Arrrrgh is a hide-n-seek game and you play the role of a pirate. The character is powered by augmented reality and has to hide the treasure within the virtual surroundings for other players to try to find.  

Downloads: 5k  

User-Ratings: 3.5  

Developer Details: Warpin Media  

Conclusion:  

Covid Pandemic has boosted the growth rate of augmented reality which is coming to life with every passing day.  

The gaming industry has successfully leveraged this technology by adapting at a rapid pace. Today, you can enjoy the AR gaming experience from the comfort of your home.  

The experience that real-time gaming is providing is more interactive than ever. So, take advantage of this wonderful technology and get into the world of gaming.   

The post Top 20 Augmented Reality Games for Android appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Times are changing, and so is how things are run. Businesses have been affected by the change, and they are left with no other choice but to look for ways to fit in lest they won’s survive.

Resulting in interactive 360° virtual tour is one of the ways that businesses are adapting. It has seen many owners stand out, which is always an advantage, especially when targeting online customers.

After all, who doesn’t want only to visit a site if they already serve their needs? It saves them unnecessary trips, queues, effort, money, and time.

A 360° virtual tour simulates an existing location which means your customers experience being inside a particular business without setting foot there. All they need to do is find a device, and you are in regardless of the time or place.

Have you ever experienced the virtual reality headset experience? If so, then the 360°virtual tour will not be unfamiliar territory. One common thing about the two scenarios is the experience, immersive and true-to-life.

However, applying a strategy is as important as doing it right. Do you plan to start an interactive 360° virtual tour? Are you already doing it and aren’t sure whether you are doing it accordingly? If nodding in response, this piece is a must-read.

It discusses 5 Useful Interactive 360° Virtual Tour Tips for Businesses. After all, not doing something the right way may render it useless hence not serve its purpose.

In other cases, it may end up doing more harm than good. So, let’s discuss the 5 Useful Interactive 360° Virtual Tour Tips for Businesses without further ado.

1. Getting the Correct Equipment and Software

Ensure that the camera you settle for, 360-degree or panoramic, is of high quality. It should be easy to use, or else it will be of no use to you.

The price should also be pocket-friendly, but that should not be the only thing you should consider. Otherwise, you may end up compromising the quality as you chase cheap photography gear.

Identify a great virtual tour software provider, preferably those with discounts or the ones who offer you their cameras. If your budget allows, go for the one with fantastic features.

Keep in mind that the higher the resolution, the better the camera. No one wants blurry pictures, which is why going for stabilizer options is a wise decision.

The remote operation could be an added advantage. If you can’t afford to buy a high-quality 360-degree camera, renting one is better than buying a cheap one only to get mediocre results.

2. Choosing the Right Location and Time

First and foremost, identify the areas you want to capture in your 360° Virtual Tour. If avoidable, don’t go for rooms with bad lighting. Identify their center and ensure that your camera will capture every part of your room you want to be caught.

If it is not ideal, look for another spot that will serve the purpose better. If it means removing some unnecessary things to achieve it, go for it.

It doesn’t end there when it comes to location. You don’t want to distract your customers with a messy room which is why you need to tidy it up.

If something can be done, ensure that the light is enough for someone watching to see the essential things. Clean it to get rid of any dirt because that’s something a great camera will not miss.

Above all, choose the time ideally. It plays a massive role in determining the lighting, which you can’t afford to take for granted.

Especially when creating an interactive 360° virtual tour for your business, lighting is vital. The best recommendation is sunset which is warm and gentle since the light isn’t too much at that time.

3. Things to Add or Remove

Great software will give you the liberty to add some extra features. They include hotspots often referred to as interactive links, audio descriptions, text, and music. Hotspots give you a chance to have your website link, social platforms buttons, photo galleries, and videos.

Take advantage of that to the maximum. Be careful when using the hotspots, especially the text you select, since it could make all the difference.

Go ahead and personalize it further with custom colors, logos, or fonts. Look for a nice frame, flower vases, and classic furniture to make the location visually impressive.

However, don’t do an interactive 360° virtual tour in a place with mirrors. Mirrors and any other types of reflections, not forgetting shadows, never auger well with photography leave alone virtual tours.

4. Outsource Someone to Do the Job

Sometimes being a DIY is not an option, especially if you lack the necessary skills. That’s where getting an experienced person to do the job becomes the better option.

You will be surprised how great professionals are to the extent that they can take images and combine them to form a great virtual tour.

They may also have professional-grade 360-degree cameras that will produce excellent results, and the fact that they know how to use them makes it even better.

5. Sharing Widely

Once you have a masterpiece, the next tip is to get out of your way and share them with the world. An excellent sharing option is going for social media due to the high number of users.

If it is good, you can rest assured that those who see it will end up sharing it. As it makes rounds in social media, it increasing the chances of reaching potential customers.

Consequently, chances of increasing your sales also increase. Isn’t that what your business is hoping to achieve with the 360° virtual tour?

Also Read – 20 Best Embedded Analytics Tools and BI Software

Conclusion

The above 5 useful interactive 360° virtual tour tips have the power to make your business stand out. When almost every industry is overcrowded, that’s something every company is thriving to achieve.

So, take advantage of 360° virtual tours, and above all, consider the above tips so that you can get to do it right. Your business will thank you once you apply them, and you will be happy, no doubt.

The post 5 Useful Interactive 360° Virtual Tour Tips for Businesses appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Reality tech has created quite a buzz in recent years. Whether you’re enjoying video games with your buddies, shopping for clothes, taking some training, augmented and virtual reality has penetrated human lives and making their presence felt in every sector.

Tech world is embracing the reality segment rapidly, and alongside, investing in augmented and mixed reality businesses is rising substantially.

The funding in AR and MR companies has surpassed that of VR endeavors today, a sharp contrast to just 5 years ago, where companies highly understated both AR and VR.

Unlike AR and VR, Mixed Reality hasn’t enjoyed a similar kind of recognition across the globe. Mixed reality mainly takes the best AR and VR technology and combines both the digital and physical worlds, facilitating users to easily interpret and interrogate online information. They can physically navigate and communicate with multiple wraps of information by simply glancing, gesturing, or speaking.

The Role Of Mixed Reality

Mixed reality draws on many of the critical aspects of AR. It might seem that AR and MR are similar in rendering both the real world and virtual environments; there are major differences to be found in the tech that propels both realities. For instance, MR is hugely headset-based, whereas AR is generally viewed via a screen, such as a mobile device or a tablet. MR tech also works with an in-depth understanding of the geometry of the environment in which it works- means that it’s able to act as a canvas for users to create immersive content, remaining defined by the room in which it’s being used.

The launch of Magic Leap has led to a major increase in mixed reality, but the tech has existed long before this. For instance, Microsoft’s 2016 Hololens launch was able to promote MR solutions. Today, Microsoft focuses on solving business requirements, whereas Magic Leap is acting as an entertainment tool.

The Difference Between VR & MR

Virtual reality offers an experience that’s totally digitally rendered. A user can enter a virtual zone by putting on a VR headset that includes unnatural audio or video. The users can look around a 3D space as they move their heads. VR headsets can also come with handheld sticks or gloves; they can be used to communicate with virtual environments.

Unlike VR, MR begins with a real-life, physical space and puts virtual objects inside it. Users can communicate with these objects without putting on special gloves or utilizing special objects to enable interactivity. VR headsets turn entirely black when switched off, while MR headsets turn transparent, like glasses.

The Difference Between AR & MR

Mixed reality acts more like AR, unlike VR. AR and MR both depend on real-life environments, and AR increases reality by overlaying virtual objects above it like Snapchat filters. But users can’t communicate directly with covered objects. For example, AR has the power to showcase virtual 3D boxes onto physical tables, while MR has the potential to facilitate users to pick up and open said box.

AR tech is capable of being operated through the use of a screen and a camera, but MR’s more immersive nature means that users must communicate directly with the 3D environments through the use of a head-mounted display.

There are several apps for mixed reality already entering sectors, and the tech has already been applied to police training methods, virtual testing for engineers, and distant guidance for construction workers.

The Structure of Mixed Reality in Tech World

Mixed reality combines physical and digital worlds jointly so that other existing reality techs cannot recreate. This helps to create links between computer, human, and environmental interactions. The reality is highly based on computer vision advancements, display tech, input systems, and graphical processing power.

The mixed reality was introduced in 1994 through a paper “A Taxonomy of Mixed Reality Visual Displays” by Fumio Kishino and Paul Milgram. In the years to come, the use of mixed reality has risen substantially beyond the limits of displays and today includes factors such as spatial sound, environmental input, and locations & positioning in real and virtual spaces.

MR Tech Used In Real-World

As mixed reality is still shaping itself, businesses are waiting to discover its utmost potential.

• Mixed Reality in Manufacturing:

MR is transforming to become highly useful in constructive scenarios inside manufacturing, like the machinery’s positioning in a factory. Users can hold mobile phones or tablet screens towards a factory area and view digital renderings of equipment & move it around space.

The tech is also handy when it comes to technical training and instructions. For example, workers can use a headset to get communicative instructions from a superior about using machinery inside a factory environment.

MR also offers a chance to reduce repair cycle times and provide more training solutions for companies seeking to develop workers’ skills without the staff presence or intricate machinery.

• Mixed Reality in Healthcare:

Mixed reality helps students practice surgeries and gain better visuals of operating room data during the process as a means to keep surgeons focused on their task, without averting from the screen.

MR has been recognized as a critical tool in rendering enterprise solutions – Chiefly, in the increasingly well-known field of distant collaboration. For instance, Microsoft disclosed their Holoportation development – enabling users with mixed reality devices to view and communicate distantly with team members as fully-rendered 3D holograms.

The Bright Future of MR

Mixed reality is a breakthrough development, adding convenience to a tech that already exists by making access small, but by totally altering how we communicate with the real-life environments around us.

By blending both the digital and physical world, it is possible to create new levels of interactivity & immersiveness in all of our processes. In the context of only entertainment, the potential of MR innovation is virtually limitless.

Moreover, due to the Covid-19 scenario, more employees have been forced to work remotely. The opportunity to conduct meetings with potential clients and train staff in a more hands-on way despite worldwide lockdowns has shown that MR can play an active role in transforming conventional business models into a new normal world.

The post Understanding The Role Of Mixed Reality And It’s Usage In Real-World appeared first on Tech Research Online.