This week’s XR big news, AR aspect, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed that XR headsets will become the highlight of WWDC and will be compatible with iPad applications; Inprentus will release blazed grating technology for AR optical waveguide solutions; Fucai will show 0.12-inch blue light Micro LED; Ruisi Huachuang announced the multi-layer optical waveguide PGU; it is rumored that Sony has become the sole supplier of Apple's XR Micro OLED;
In terms of VR, PICO 4 Pro with eye tracking and face tracking is officially launched; Meta's second round of layoffs affects VR studios; Quest v53 firmware starts testing; Valve designers confirm next-generation VR projects; Huawei releases vehicle-mounted light field Screen: xScene; PICO developed the VR audio game "Shining Rhyme" and launched it.
In terms of acquisitions, AR medical device developer Ocutrx Technologies acquired electronics manufacturing and assembly company Spectrum AMT; American VR medical platform XRHealth merged with Spanish VR psychotherapy solution provider Amelia Virtual Care.
In terms of financing, Dutch VR glove and force feedback solution provider SenseGlove received 3.25 million euros in Series A financing; VR basketball game "Blacktop Hoops" developer Vinci Games received 5.1 million US dollars in seed round financing; fighting martial arts league Karate Combat completed a round of 18 million New financing in US dollars; Gravity completed Pre A+ financing; Spanish VR software solution provider Virtualware listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, with a market value of about 27 million euros.
AR｜XR headset may become the highlight of WWDC 23
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman said that WWDC in June will be the biggest product launch event in Apple's history. Not only will it announce the XR headset, it will also launch a new MacBook, and the Apple Watch software will also usher in a major update. The Apple Reality headset will be at the center of the event, and to entice developers, Apple will clearly demonstrate the device's purpose, path, app store, and companion tools.
AR｜Apple MR re-exposure, support iPad application
Mark Gurman, a well-known Bloomberg reporter, once again revealed more details about Apple’s AR/VR headset, such as: the headset will be equipped with a 3D UI and can access millions of iOS applications, including calendar, contacts, files, mail, maps, etc. Official apps, these apps are optimized for AR/VR headsets. In order to show consumers the use of AR/VR headsets, Apple will equip them with various types of applications, such as games, fitness, meditation, collaboration, watching movies, live sports games, etc. Related reading: " Bloomberg: Apple MR focuses on fitness/meditation/games, etc., compatible with millions of iPad apps "
AR｜Apple MR early testers broke the news
Evan Blass, a well-known technology whistleblower, said on Twitter that some people have already experienced the Apple AR/VR headset and gave positive comments. Blass pointed out that when testing at the end of last year, the experiencers thought that the functions of the Apple AR/VR headset were mediocre, but after several months of optimization and improvement, the experience of the device was enough to make them feel "shocked" and even willing to spend money to buy it.
AR｜Inprentus blazed grating process
Diffraction grating manufacturer Inprentus announced that it will release a blazed grating process suitable for AR optical waveguide solutions at SPIE 2023 AR|VR|MR. It is reported that the process is based on mechanical scribing technology, which can add complex groove structures on the optical waveguide.
AR｜Fucai 0.12-inch blue light Micro LED
Fucai recently exhibited for the first time a 0.12-inch blue-ray Micro LED microdisplay jointly developed with Hon Hai for AR applications, with a pitch of 4 microns.
AR｜Receive Multilayer Optical Waveguide PGU
Ruisi Huachuang released the first vehicle-mounted AR HUD solution based on LBS light source at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, as well as a multi-layer optical waveguide module 3D PGU. The feature of the PGU is that it supports naked-eye 3D display and can present a floating 3D effect.
AR｜Sony is rumored to be the sole supplier of Apple's XR μOLED
Citing supply chain sources, The Elec said that due to delays (or a few years) in the production line of LG Display, Apple's first XR headset will use a Micro OLED screen supplied by Sony, and Sony will be the Micro OLED screen for Apple's XR headset in the next few years. Sole supplier of screens.
AR｜Samsung Accelerates Micro OLED R&D
Korean media quoted sources as saying that Samsung Display is accelerating the development of RGB Micro OLED technology and plans to supply it to North American XR equipment manufacturers. Apple’s XR headset is also very likely to be equipped with Samsung’s Micro OLED screen.
AR｜Qualcomm Accelerates the Ecological Development of XR Content in China
This week, Qualcomm announced its cooperation with Shenmu Technology, which will provide localized services and technical support for the Snapdragon Spaces XR developer platform, a cross-terminal platform and an open partner ecosystem, in the Chinese market, and join hands with industry partners and developers Accelerate the innovation of XR applications using Snapdragon Spaces, thereby supporting the expansion of Snapdragon Spaces in China's developer ecosystem, and helping the prosperity and development of China's XR content ecosystem.
AR｜Thunderbird Innovative Developer Program Launched
Thunderbird innovatively released the global AR application developer program "Morpheus Plan", inviting global AR application developers to build and prosper the AR ecosystem together. The plan uses the consumer-grade real AR glasses Thunderbird X2 as the hardware carrier.
AR｜HoloLens 2 will upgrade Win 11 system
Microsoft recently confirmed that it will push Windows 11 upgrades for HoloLens 2 before the end of June, adding local application performance and some key developer features. The upgrade is free and optional to stay in Windows 10.
AR｜Audi uses Magic Leap 2 to design a new car
Audi has previously combined AR glasses in the sphere series Activesphere models. Recently, Audi revealed that it used the Magic Leap 2 AR head-mounted display when designing the appearance and internal operation interface of the Activesphere.
AR | Synthesis AI virtual avatar solution
Synthesis AI released a new generative AI Avatar solution: 3D Generative AI, which is expected to start beta testing in the second quarter. It is characterized by a simple user interface, no need for coding experience, and can generate high-resolution and realistic-looking 3D Avatar through text, which can be used in Scenes such as games, VR, movies and simulations.
AR｜Google search introduces IKEA 3D model
Google search officially introduced IKEA's 3D furniture model this week, supporting the AR mode experience, which means that after you search for a specific IKEA furniture, you can preview it in the form of AR.
AR｜Snap launches generative AR filters
Snap has launched a generative AR filter: Cosmic Lens. Unlike previous AR filters, the generative AR filter can randomly generate the background of the AR filter.
AR｜Snap launches AR mirror for offline
Snap this week announced the launch of the AR mirror product, which is based on smart screen hardware, can capture customer images through the camera, and superimpose AR try-on filters, suitable for in-store AR clothing try-on, AR interactive marketing and other scenarios.
AR｜Snap AR concert filter
Snap announced a partnership with Live Nation to enrich live concerts/music festivals through custom AR filters and AR navigation. It is also working with Disguise to create interactive AR filters for concert venues and touring performances, allowing fans to use AR to interact with stage visual content. Snap will also work with DJ Kygo to integrate AR with Kyogo's concert performances.
AR｜Da Vinci Eye pushes mural mode
The AR painting application "Da Vinci Eye" recently launched the Mural Maker function, which can be used to assist in the creation of giant artworks such as murals.
AR｜Niantic Monster Hunter Now game
Niantic and CAPCOM jointly launched the AR game "Monster Hunter Now", which is a Monster Hunter IP game. It is expected to be officially launched in September this year, landing on Android and iOS, and the closed beta of the game will start on April 25.
VR｜PICO 4 Pro is officially on sale
This week PICO 4 Pro is officially on sale. It is characterized by the addition of eye tracking and face tracking functions, as well as larger storage space and larger battery capacity. It is recommended for hardcore gamers and heavy VR social players. Related reading: PICO 4 Pro: Adding Eye and Face Tracking, Doubles the Fun of VR Experiences
VR｜Meta's Second Round of Layoffs
News this week exposed Meta's changes in the "Year of Efficiency" in 2023. Among them, the second batch of first-round layoffs of about 4,000 people involved its VR studios, Ready at Dawn, and Downpour Interactive.
VR｜Quest v53 firmware test
Meta began public beta testing of Quest v53 firmware, bringing a new "flat mode" (a major advantage of Quest 2's flexible straps), and compatibility with Oculus Go applications.
VR｜Valve designer confirms next-gen VR project
Valve product designer Greg Coomer said in an interview (December 22): I can say with certainty that Valve has been developing VR headsets recently. Since we have rich professional support in VR equipment, we are very interested in VR headsets and VR headsets. VR gaming with confidence.
VR｜Beat Saber hits $255 million in revenue
The Wall Street Journal learned from an internal document that as of October last year, the monthly active users of the Quest headset had reached 6.37 million, and the sales of the popular VR audio game "Beat Saber" had reached 255 million US dollars, with 1.47 million monthly active users.
VR｜VIVE XR Elite New Firmware
HTC released the Vive XR Elite software update 1.0.999.296, focusing on improving the MR display effect, such as allowing room scanning through the depth sensor, generating grids, etc. (currently in beta), and also supporting more mobile phone mirroring to VR displays.
VR｜Wearable VR somatosensory solution on the back of the hand
Researchers at the University of Chicago proposed a solution to bring somatosensory feedback to VR space gesture recognition, which is characterized by the use of electric current to stimulate the back of the hand to trigger palm tactile sensation without the need for VR gloves. The principle is to use electric current to pass through the internal tissue of the finger, pass through the nerves of the palm and the back of the hand, and create 11 force feedback contacts on the palm, which can be used to simulate buttons, perceive the shape of objects, and so on.
VR｜Fitness VR headset concept map
Designers Marko Filipic and Mati Papalini announced a set of concept designs for VR headsets for fitness scenes: Portalverse, which is characterized by optimization for comfort, stylish and lightweight appearance, and internal eye tracking function, aiming to present natural Avatar gameplay. In addition, Portalverse supports MR mode, which can be used in combination with smart fitness mirrors and smart watches, such as displaying the user's dynamic Avatar in the fitness mirror, guiding users to exercise, and so on.
VR｜Consumer VR software revenue exceeds $3 billion
Tipata Chennavasin, general partner at The VR Fund, predicts that consumers have spent $3 billion on VR apps to date. Compared with 3A-level large-scale productions, game mechanics and interaction are more important for VR games. The factor that really promotes the VR market lies in innovative game design.
VR｜Apple 360° Video Patent
USPTO published Apple's VR video patent, pointing out an optimization scheme for streaming 360° immersive video in the head-mounted display, which can dynamically extract images according to changes in viewing angles, and preset buffers, thereby reducing 360° video streaming delays and lag pause.
VR｜Huawei Releases Vehicle Light Field Screen: xScene
On the eve of the Shanghai Auto Show, Huawei released a new category of in-vehicle entertainment screens: HUAWEI xScene light field screen. Integrating liquid crystal display technology and spatial optical technology, it is characterized by 3-meter imaging of about 40 inches, self-developed optical engine, and 90PPD super-retinal resolution
VR｜Planar Partners with OptiTrack
Visualization and display solution provider Planar announced its cooperation with motion capture solution provider OptiTrack to showcase a series of motion capture, virtual production, Micro LED video wall, extended reality and other technologies suitable for the broadcast field at the NAB 2023 event.
VR｜Shuhei Yoshida posted photos of PICO 4
Shuhei Yoshida, former president of Sony Interactive Entertainment Global Studios, posted a post of "received PICO 4 photo".
VR｜PICO "Sparkling Spiritual Realm" is online
"Sparkling Spirit Realm" was officially launched this week. As the first work of PICO Yifang Studio, many players have high hopes for it. Currently, this content requires a leg tracker to experience.
VR｜PS VR2 new works
Recently, three VR games have been confirmed to be coming to PS VR2, including "HUMANITY", "VR Skater" and "Red Matter 2". Among them, "HUMANITY" is expected to be launched on May 16, while "VR Skater" is scheduled for this summer, and "Red Matter 2" has not yet confirmed the launch date.
VR｜Firmament will be launched in May
Game studio Cyan announced that the VR narrative adventure game "Firmament" will be launched on PC VR, PC and Mac platforms (with VR and non-VR versions) on May 18, and PS4/PS5 and PS VR2 versions will be launched later. It is reported that the crowdfunding of the work began in 2019, and it was originally scheduled to be launched in 2020, but it was postponed for nearly 4 years.
VR|Educational application Immerse launches web version
Immerse, a VR language learning platform, cooperates with NVIDIA to launch a web version, which is characterized by entering the Immerse application on a computer browser and interacting with VR content without downloading and installing. It is reported that the web version of Immerse combines NVIDIA's VR-to-Desktop streaming service, which can run VR content in a virtual server and stream it to non-VR devices.
VR｜ Vertigo 2 will launch a free level editor
The popular VR shooting game "Veritog 2" announced a new level editor function, which allows players to create and test levels in VR, and also publish them to the Steam creative workshop for others to download and use. The specific push time is undecided.
VR｜ Horizon Worlds opens to children
Meta announced the opening of the Horizon Worlds social application to teenagers aged 13-17. Previously, registration was limited to users over the age of 18, but it is currently limited to users in the United States and Canada, and it also provides parental control modes.
Acquisition｜Ocutrx acquires Spectrum
Ocutrx Technologies, a developer of AR medical devices, acquired electronics manufacturing and assembly company Spectrum AMT to promote the application of AR in non-medical fields. Spectrum has previously provided hardware and product support for defense, aerospace, military and more.
Mergers and acquisitions | XRHealth merges with Amelia
American VR telemedicine platform XRHealth announced its merger with Spanish VR psychotherapy solution provider Amelia Virtual Care. After completion, the two companies will share the XRHealth brand name, and their business and VR content will also complement each other.
Financing｜SenseGlove received 3.25 million euros in financing
SenseGlove, a Dutch VR glove and force feedback solution provider, received 3.25 million euros in Series A financing, which came from investment fund Lumaux. It is reported that this round of financing will be used to promote the deployment of VR somatosensory solutions in the global market and accelerate the research and development of somatosensory technology.
Financing｜Vinci Games completes $5.1 million in financing
Vinci Games, the developer of the multiplayer VR basketball game "Blacktop Hoops", announced that it has received US$5.1 million in seed round financing. This round of financing is led by Makers Fund. The funds will be used to expand the team and optimize the VR basketball game experience.
Financing｜Karate Combat completes $18 million in financing
Karate Combat, a fighting martial arts sports alliance, completed a new round of financing of US$18 million. This round of financing was led by BITKRAFT Ventures. The funds will be used to launch XR applications and promote the live broadcast of virtual competitions.
Financing｜Gravity completes Pre A+ financing
According to Tianyancha, the XR chip manufacturer "Gravity" completed the Pre A+ round of financing this week. The amount is unknown. The sources include: Tongge Venture Capital, Mihayou, Zhongyuan Capital, GoerTek, Zhongding Capital, and Road Capital , Zhenhai Industrial Fund, Insight Capital, Yuanyang Capital, Sanqi Mutual Entertainment Venture Capital Fund, GSR Venture Capital.
Financing｜Virtualware European IPO
Spanish VR software solution provider Virtualware recently officially landed on the Paris Stock Exchange, EPA code: MLVIR, with a market value of about 27 million euros.