Author: XR Today

Following the deletion of Oculus account data, Meta has now removed several features from its virtual meeting room tool Horizon: Workrooms in a proclaimed effort to provide a “more streamlined and reliable experience.” At the same time, Meta optimised the platform’s user experience.As of March 30th, Meta removed Horizon Workrooms features, including functions such as interactive whiteboards, custom posters logos/environments/layouts, chat files/links, and tracked keyboards. Moreover, Meta has also removed all user data related to these features.On the other hand, it appears the Meta may be trying to breed new life into its Workrooms platform, following a lull in interest…

Immersive retail and ecommerce (online shopping) experiences have grown increasingly popular in recent years. As the digital world continues to alter how consumers research and buy products and services, extended reality is emerging as a valuable resource.  With virtual, augmented, and mixed reality, companies can empower products to digitally try products before they buy them, compare available solutions, and even experiment with digital twins. The right technologies not only improve the customer experience but also increase revenue and fewer returns for many retail brands.  Some studies show customers who can experiment with a product in augmented reality are 25% more likely to…

XR Arts and Entertainment vendors are bringing new levels of immersion to how we interact with concerts, events, museums, and countless other environments. In recent years, we’ve seen the rise of holographic performances at festivals, immersive streaming experiences, and more.  With virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies, A&E leaders can improve the accessibility of their events and deliver memorable experiences to a global audience. What’s more, immersive technologies are opening the door to new ways for creators to monetize their creations.  We explored the evolving XR Arts and Entertainment landscape to bring you this map of the most innovative companies in the…

Metaverse companies around the globe are introducing businesses and consumers to a new era of digital experience. Leveraging a combination of extended reality, artificial intelligence, IoT, and other cutting-edge technologies, these innovative brands are changing how we work, play, and connect. Today, businesses worldwide are leveraging metaverse technologies to enhance collaboration and creativity in the workplace, deliver exceptional customer service, and even train teams. By 2033, analysts predict the metaverse market will be worth an incredible $1,303.42 billion.  The question is, which pioneering brands offer the best opportunities to explore this new landscape? We’re sharing some of our favorite leading companies in…

Today, Khronos updated its OpenXR API to optimise its support of cross-platform AR/VR/MR application development with its version 1.1 update. The move consolidates multiple extensions into the OpenXR API, streamlining application development cycles – namely multiple vendor-specific extensions to reduce the different coding frameworks behind its support end devices.The OpenXR API is a core piece behind many XR headsets from vendors such as Acer, ByteDance, Canon, HTC, Magic Leap, Meta, Microsoft, Sony, XREAL, Qualcomm, Valve, and Varjo. Moreover, RT3D development services like Autodesk VRED, Blender, Godot, NVIDIA’s Omniverse, StereoKit, Unreal Engine, and Unity support OpenXR integration.Denny Rönngren, an OpenXR system…

This week, Meta opened its Meta Horizon OS [the operating system powering the Quest product portfolio] to third-party developers, allowing a more comprehensive range of developers to create applications for the firm’s portfolio of XR products.Meta’s open approach comes as Apple establishes a walled garden ecosystem to support its spatial computing vision. The intention appears straightforward, directly aiming at Apple’s approach to its hardware ecosystem.On the other hand, Meta is taking an open approach, giving developers a customisable framework for specified solutions. This approach makes sense for Meta as the firm enters partnerships to expand its product reach with help…

This week, with long-time technology collaborator EssilorLuxottica, Meta introduced new Ray Ban smartglasses designs and features. The latest designs do not flip the product range on its head with ground-breaking features. However, a new sleeker design intends to drive consumer adoption of the AR-lite device.  The second-generation smart glasses are expanding just in time for summer with three new frames. New Skyler frames are suited for smaller faces, meanwhile the low bridge Headliner frames considers wearers who find glasses sit too low on their face.  Moreover, Meta is also introducing a limited-edition Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, exclusively for the Scuderia…

The business value of spatial data goes beyond headsets to encompass a broader range of end devices, with implications that come with it. The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released a report highlighting the emerging industrial metaverse and the significant players who are investing in XR-related technologies to boost workplace operations.The World Economic Forum recently released its “Navigating the Industrial Metaverse” report earlier this month, highlighting the range of emerging technologies fueling the future of 3D virtual collaboration and simulation-defining the future of work.The WEF report also highlights how XR can offer enterprises real-time, interactive, persistent, and synchronous representations and…

As Summer quickly approaches and significant events are set to continue the ever-evolving path of XR, the industry and its players are working to keep themselves above water and the competition.The industry is undergoing tremendous growth, and the future of immersive workplace solutions will depend on today’s innovations and actions.With Q1 reports incoming, XR firms are reflecting on success and failure to achieve a market lead by 2025.Reality Labs Again Records a Mixed Performance, Zuckerberg Banks on AR andAIBig week for Meta…Meta has released its Q1 earnings report, indicating a rise in general capital and operational growth. However, the report…

The industrial metaverse and its related technologies, such as digital twins, shared virtual collaboration tools, and smart glasses, are set to revolutionize business operations with immersive tools providing real-time, interactive, persistent, 3D, and synchronous collaboration between the working world.Moreover, the enterprise XR space is not exclusive. Spatial/XR data is helping to inform a range of end hardware types, like robotics. Additionally, the vendors and technology innovators combine technologies such as AI and blockchain to enhance XR tools further.Advancements in technology are driving the industrial revolution forward, enabling industries to solve increasingly complex problems digitally. This is breaking down traditional barriers…