Pico throws their hat in the ring and Disneyland goes full Metaverse
Top Stories
PSVR 2 breathes life into VR gaming. The Sony PlayStation VR 2 is a new and improved VR headset in comparison to the PSVR, announced to be released next year, some of the new features include a more sleek and modern look, one USB-C cable to connect to the PS5, and built-in cameras. The controllers have also been improved with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
Pico teases upcoming showcase with a new VR headset release. Speculations are coming out with Pico's latest announcement, claiming that the release will be the Pico Pro 4 VR headset Pico goes ahead of Meta's VR showcase set for October. Pico XR is inviting the world to witness its latest showcase event happening on September 22, after its recent tweet regarding a new unnamed product coming to customers soon.
Starbucks gets into Blockchain. The company is introducing a new loyalty program that allows customers to earn and purchase digital assets that unlock exclusive experiences and rewards. The new experience, called Starbucks Odyssey, will launch later this year and will build on the company's current Starbucks Rewards model.
Disney wants people to experience their parks in the Metaverse. Bob Chapek, the CEO, spoke about this ambition at the D23 conference. He said that Disney+ will become a platform where people can experience attractions like the Haunted Mansion.
In Funding
MeitY Startup Hub is launching an accelerator program with Meta. The Indian government's initiative from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is to launch a program to support XR technology startups.
Arpeggi Labs scored $5.1M to make music creation more collaborative using Crypto, a new crypto startup focused on using blockchains has received $5.1 million in seed funding from Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto arm alongside a host of artists including names like Steve Aoki, 3LAU and Wyclef Jean.
HaptX has raised $23 million in new funding. The money will be used to fund product commercialization and build on HaptX's haptic gloves for use in virtual reality and robotics. HaptX believes that haptics is a key component of the metaverse.
Medtech machineMD raises 1.25 million to fully develop a prototype device. machineMD is developing a diagnostic device that enables standardised and automated neuro-ophthalmic examinations combining virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
Keep an eye on
Google and NASA partner up to introduce new AR learning tools like 3D models of 60 planets, moons and NASA spacecraft right to Google Search.
Niantic is partnering with Marvel to launch Marvel World of Heroes, a new location-based AR superhero game with mechanics like Pokemon Go.
Walmart introduces new AI-powered virtual try-on technology that allows online shoppers to visualize clothing on models that look like them.
Meta celebrates fashion and LGTBTQ: Queens of the Metaverse combines digital fashion and drag shows into one innovative event.
Events to be at
Sep 15 Online | ‘VR Game of the Year’ Public Voting Opens
Sep 16 Online | ‘VR Content Creator of the Year’ Public Voting Opens
Sep 22-25 London | EGX London
Sep 22 - 23 London | Zebu Live - Web3 & Crypto Conference
Sep 28 - 30 Madeira Island | Immerse Global Summit Europe
Oct 3-4 San Fran | Metabeat
Oct 11 Online | Insights Live: Approaching the Metaverse from an Ethical Standpoint: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Oct 20 - 21 Lisbon | AWE EU
Nov 28 - Dec 02 Rotterdam | Immersive Tech Week
Dec 02 Rotterdam | The 6th International VR Awards