Emerging Technologies / Extended reality (AR-VR-MR)

Weekly Emerging Technologies / Extended reality (AR-VR-MR) Insights

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These XR glasses gave me a 200-inch screen to work with - and have replaced my monitors

These XR glasses gave me a 200-inch screen to work with - and have replaced my monitors

Xreal's innovative X1 chip and One Pro AR glasses are setting new standards in extended reality, enhancing both professional and recreational experiences. This advancement positions Xreal as a leader in the rapidly evolving AR technology landscape.


How do Xreal One Pro AR glasses create the experience of a 200-inch screen, and what technology enables this?
Xreal One Pro AR glasses use advanced flat prism display technology and a new optical engine (Optic Engine 4.0) to project a virtual screen that can appear as large as 171 inches (sometimes marketed as up to 200 inches for effect) in front of the user. The glasses feature Sony 0.55-inch Micro-OLED displays, a 57-degree field of view, and up to 700 nits of brightness, which together create a highly immersive, crisp, and large virtual display experience. The Xreal X1 chip optimizes the display for various apps and devices, making it suitable for both work and entertainment.
Sources: [1], [2]
Can Xreal One Pro AR glasses replace traditional monitors for work, and what are the main advantages?
Yes, Xreal One Pro AR glasses can replace traditional monitors for many users. They offer a large, customizable virtual screen (up to 171 inches or more in perceived size), high resolution (1080p per eye), and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. The glasses are lightweight, portable, and can be connected to various devices such as smartphones, PCs, or MacBooks. The main advantages include enhanced portability, reduced desk clutter, and the ability to work or enjoy media in a private, immersive environment with minimal outside light interference.
Sources: [1], [2]

18 June, 2025
ZDNet

OpenXR Spatial Entities Extensions Standardize Surfaces, Markers, Anchors & Persistence

OpenXR Spatial Entities Extensions Standardize Surfaces, Markers, Anchors & Persistence

The newly introduced OpenXR Spatial Entities Extensions aim to standardize environmental tracking in AR/VR/MR applications, enhancing interoperability across devices. Supported by major industry players, these extensions promise to revolutionize spatial computing and foster innovation in immersive experiences.


What are OpenXR Spatial Entities Extensions and why are they important for AR/VR/MR applications?
OpenXR Spatial Entities Extensions are a set of standardized APIs developed by the Khronos Group and the OpenXR Working Group to enable consistent detection, tracking, and persistence of spatial features such as surfaces, markers, and anchors across different XR (extended reality) platforms. They provide a foundational framework that allows developers to create interoperable and persistent spatial experiences that work seamlessly across a wide range of devices, reducing fragmentation and development complexity in AR/VR/MR applications.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]
How do the Spatial Entities Extensions improve interoperability and persistence in spatial computing?
The Spatial Entities Extensions introduce standardized support for spatial anchors, plane and marker tracking, and cross-session persistence, which means virtual content can be precisely positioned and remain stable relative to the physical environment across different XR sessions and devices. This standardization enables different hardware and software platforms to share spatial data and maintain consistent user experiences, fostering innovation and reducing the need for device-specific development.
Sources: [1], [2]

17 June, 2025
UploadVR

Vision Pro Update to Finally Let Developers Make Co-located AR Experiences

Vision Pro Update to Finally Let Developers Make Co-located AR Experiences

Apple's upcoming Vision Pro update in visionOS 26 will enable developers to create co-located AR experiences, allowing users to interact with the same app and collaborate globally. This feature enhances both entertainment and enterprise applications, integrating seamlessly with FaceTime.


What is co-located AR, and how does it enhance user experiences on Apple Vision Pro?
Co-located AR refers to the ability for multiple users to interact with the same augmented reality app simultaneously, even if they are in different locations. This feature enhances user experiences by allowing global collaboration and interaction, making it particularly useful for both entertainment and enterprise applications. It integrates seamlessly with features like FaceTime, enabling more immersive and interactive experiences.
Sources: [1]
How does the upcoming visionOS update support co-located AR experiences for developers?
The upcoming visionOS update will provide developers with the tools and capabilities to create co-located AR experiences. This means developers can design apps that allow users worldwide to collaborate and interact with the same AR content, enhancing both entertainment and enterprise applications. The update integrates well with existing features like FaceTime, allowing for more natural and immersive interactions.
Sources: [1]

09 June, 2025
Road to VR

AWE 2025 Preview: 4 Companies Building XR’s Future

AWE 2025 Preview: 4 Companies Building XR’s Future

AWE USA 2025, a premier XR conference, begins June 10-12 in Long Beach, CA. The event will feature innovative showcases from CREAL, XREAL, ForgeFX, and PICO, highlighting advancements in display technology, AR glasses, training platforms, and mixed reality headsets.


What is the venue for AWE USA 2025?
The event will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center, located at 300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Sources: [1]
What kind of attire is recommended for AWE USA 2025?
The event attire is casual.
Sources: [1]

06 June, 2025
Road to VR

EU approves first mixed reality flight simulator for pilot training

EU approves first mixed reality flight simulator for pilot training

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has certified Varjo's XR-4 mixed reality headset for civil aviation training, marking a significant advancement in pilot education by integrating digital environments with physical cockpits. This innovation could transform pilot training methodologies.


What is the significance of Varjo's XR-4 mixed reality headset in pilot training?
Varjo's XR-4 mixed reality headset is significant because it integrates digital environments with physical cockpits, allowing pilots to interact with real controls while experiencing simulated scenarios. This technology enhances realism and effectiveness in training, potentially transforming pilot education by providing immersive and cost-efficient training scenarios.
Sources: [1]
How does the mixed reality technology in Varjo's XR-4 headset enhance pilot training?
The mixed reality technology in Varjo's XR-4 headset enhances pilot training by blending digital environments with the physical cockpit, allowing pilots to interact with real controls while experiencing simulated scenarios. Features like eye-tracking enable instructors to monitor trainees' reactions during high-stress scenarios, improving the effectiveness of training.
Sources: [1]

04 June, 2025
The Next Web

VR is Fundamental to Our Augmented Future, Says One of the Industry’s Most Successful VR Studios

VR is Fundamental to Our Augmented Future, Says One of the Industry’s Most Successful VR Studios

Denny Unger, CEO of Cloudhead Games, emphasizes the importance of preserving VR's unique talents and techniques as the industry shifts towards XR. He warns that without investment in VR studios, the future of immersive technology may be jeopardized.


No insights available for this article

03 June, 2025
Road to VR

Xreal's Project Aura is the second official Android XR headset

Xreal's Project Aura is the second official Android XR headset

Google and Xreal have introduced Project Aura, a lightweight pair of tethered glasses powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor. Designed for developers, these glasses aim to enhance the Android XR ecosystem with innovative applications and immersive experiences. More details will emerge at AWE 2025.


What is the significance of Project Aura being the second official Android XR headset?
Project Aura is significant because it is only the second device to run Google's Android XR operating system, following Samsung's Project Moohan. This marks a key step in expanding the Android XR ecosystem, encouraging developers to create innovative applications and immersive experiences for this emerging platform. The partnership between Google, Xreal, and Qualcomm highlights a strategic effort to compete with other XR platforms like Meta and Apple by offering lightweight, tethered smart glasses optimized for spatial computing.
Sources: [1]
What are the technical features that distinguish Project Aura from other XR devices?
Project Aura features optical see-through (OST) lenses and is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR chips, which are specifically designed for XR hardware. It supports six degrees of freedom (6DoF) viewing enabled by three cameras, allowing for more immersive spatial experiences compared to devices with only three degrees of freedom (3DoF). The glasses are lightweight and tethered, focusing on portability and connection to other hardware for processing, contrasting with bulkier standalone headsets like Apple's Vision Pro.
Sources: [1], [2]

20 May, 2025
Engadget

Android XR

Android XR

Google AI's Reality, Expanded project aims to enhance virtual experiences by integrating real-world data. This innovative initiative promises to transform how users interact with digital environments, offering a more immersive and engaging experience in various applications.


What is Android XR and how does it differ from previous Google XR efforts?
Android XR is a new operating system developed by Google specifically for extended reality (XR) devices such as headsets and smart glasses. It builds on Google's previous XR projects like Google Glass, Google Cardboard, and Daydream VR, but integrates advanced AI capabilities through the Gemini generative AI chatbot to provide more natural and contextual interactions. Unlike earlier efforts, Android XR is designed as a comprehensive platform supporting a wide ecosystem of developers and hardware partners, including Samsung and Qualcomm, aiming to deliver immersive and versatile XR experiences.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]
How does Android XR integrate AI to enhance user experience in extended reality?
Android XR incorporates Google's Gemini generative AI, which enables the platform to understand user intent and the surrounding environment, facilitating more natural, conversational, and hands-free interactions. This AI integration allows XR devices to provide contextual assistance, making digital environments more immersive and engaging. The AI-powered features help users perform tasks more intuitively within XR applications, distinguishing Android XR from other XR platforms by combining AI with augmented and virtual reality technologies.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]

21 April, 2025
Product Hunt

BEYOND EXPO 2024 | Tech Insights: Exploring AI and AR at the ConsumerTech Summit

BEYOND EXPO 2024 | Tech Insights: Exploring AI and AR at the ConsumerTech Summit

At the BEYOND EXPO’s ConsumerTech Summit, industry leaders discussed the transformative impact of AI, augmented reality, and robotics on daily life. Key topics included personalized AI, privacy concerns, and the need for collaboration in a competitive tech landscape.


How is AI transforming daily life, and what are some of its key applications?
AI is transforming daily life by integrating into various aspects such as smart homes, voice assistants, and personalized content suggestions. It improves productivity through virtual assistants and enhances healthcare outcomes with predictive analytics. AI also plays a crucial role in web development by automating tasks and refining user experiences[2][5].
Sources: [1], [2]
What role does augmented reality (AR) play in enhancing consumer experiences, especially in retail?
Augmented reality (AR) is significantly enhancing consumer experiences, particularly in retail, by allowing customers to visualize and customize products in 3D. This technology is expected to increase customer satisfaction and sales by providing an immersive shopping experience. By 2024, AR is projected to have 1.73 billion user devices worldwide, with retail accounting for 55% of AR use[4].
Sources: [1]

25 May, 2024
TechNode

Issue 421

Issue 421

The article explores the intriguing intersection of reality and augmented reality (AR), questioning the authenticity of experiences in a world increasingly influenced by digital enhancements. It invites readers to ponder the implications of living in a blended reality.


What is the difference between augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)?
Augmented reality (AR) enhances the real world by overlaying digital information, while virtual reality (VR) immerses users in a fully virtual environment. AR allows interaction with both virtual and physical objects, whereas VR restricts interaction to the virtual world only.
Sources: [1], [2]
How does mixed reality (MR) differ from AR and VR?
Mixed reality (MR) combines elements of both AR and VR, allowing users to interact with both virtual and physical objects in a single environment. Unlike AR, MR enables more complex interactions between real and virtual elements, and unlike VR, it does not require a fully virtual environment.
Sources: [1], [2]

13 September, 2019
iOS Dev Weekly

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