Tech giants Qualcomm, Google, and Samsung have joined forces to develop a new set of mixed reality smart glasses. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chip, these glasses will offer an enhanced experience by overlaying digital images onto the real world and will be linked to smartphones.
The travel industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, fueled by the advancements of mixed reality (MR) and artificial intelligence (AI). These emerging technologies promise to transform how travel companies promote their services, enhance customer experiences, and promote sustainable travel practices.
Apple is rumored to be working on a second generation of the Apple Vision Pro, with two variants – a premium upgrade and a more affordable model. This is likely due to the original device’s high price tag, which has hindered mass adoption. The cheaper model could see significant cost reductions through downgraded components and a tethered design, potentially making the technology accessible to a wider audience.
During its annual corporate strategy meeting, Sony showcased an intriguing concept for a redesigned game controller, featuring a circular shape resembling the previously teased ‘Boomerang’ controller. The design includes familiar button schemes and joysticks, with elongated grips for a more circular shape. However, the controller’s future remains uncertain, as Sony often tests prototypes that may not materialize into final products.
Innomix and Zhangbi Fortress have partnered with the World Castle Association to create an immersive Location-Based Mixed Reality (LBMR) project. The project will feature the theme ‘Oriental Ancient Castle Adventure + The Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions’ and will offer a unique and engaging experience for visitors. LBMR is a new technology that combines elements from gaming, film and television, and exhibitions to create immersive environments. Visitors can interact with virtual characters and environments in real-time, creating a truly immersive experience. The project at Zhangbi Fortress is the first of its kind and is expected to attract a large number of visitors.
Apple is reportedly training staff at international Apple Stores on how to showcase the Vision Pro headset, indicating an imminent overseas launch. The training sessions, held at Cupertino, California, reportedly focus on providing staff with an overview of the device and guidance on demonstrating it to customers. Sources suggest that the Vision Pro will go on sale in stores outside the U.S. following Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference next month, with Germany, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and China being among the first markets to receive it.
The HTC Vive XR Elite is a versatile VR headset that offers three different modes of operation: PC VR, standalone VR, and glasses mode. It’s comfortable to wear, has a good app store, and works well for both gaming and productivity. However, the display resolution is lower than some other headsets, and the standalone app store is smaller than Meta’s.
Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset, has caught the attention of CNBC’s Jim Cramer, who believes the product has the potential to revolutionize the industrial sector. Cramer suggests that the Vision Pro, currently marketed as a consumer device, could be repositioned as an enterprise product, particularly valuable with its digital twin technology that enables users to simulate potential changes before implementation.
Despite a recent report that Apple is reducing its Vision Pro shipment forecast due to a decrease in demand, Cramer remains bullish on the product. He highlights Apple’s success in selling 400,000 units of the $3,500 headset as an indicator of its potential.
Apple’s highly anticipated Vision Pro headset has failed to live up to expectations, with sales falling short and the company slashing its 2024 sales targets by nearly half. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo attributes the decline to a lack of demand in non-US markets and reduced shipments of 400,000-450,000 units, significantly lower than the market consensus of 700,000-800,000 units. Kuo further predicts a decline in headset shipments in 2025. Despite the initial hype, consumers are finding the $3,500 headset to be imperfect, uncomfortable, and lacking in essential applications. Apple is said to be reviewing its product roadmap and may not release a new version until after 2025.
Unveiled in 2023, the Apple Vision Pro is the company’s highly anticipated mixed-reality headset that combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Priced at a premium $3,499, the Vision Pro boasts advanced features such as eye and hand tracking, an external battery pack, and a powerful R1 chip that minimizes lag. Its unique design, which resembles ski goggles, features an external screen that displays your eyes to others, making social interactions more natural. The Vision Pro runs on a specialized VisionOS operating system, tailored for spatial computing and providing access to popular Apple apps and services. Boasting immersive video playback, users can enjoy 3D movies and stream content from various platforms. It also functions as a 4K external monitor, mirroring a Mac’s display for enhanced productivity. FaceTime on the Vision Pro allows for videoconferencing with life-sized tiles and spatial audio, while hand tracking enables users to navigate and control the device with intuitive gestures. The headset is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, and comes with a Dual Loop Band, battery pack, and various accessories.
