Quest Pro gets leaked, HTC Vive upgrades itself and LG buys into NFTs
Top Stories
A Hotel Worker posted an unboxing video of Quest Pro on Facebook. The packaging resembles Quest 2's, and like with Quest 2 the storage size is listed in the top right - in this case, 256 GB. Not everyone believed the images were real, so they recorded themself unboxing the headset, and posting it to his gaming page.
HTC is now releasing two add-ons for the Vive Focus 3. An eye tracker and a facial tracker. The eye tracker features two 60Hz infrared (IR) cameras with IR illuminators, and the facial tracker comes as a full insert which attaches magnetically underneath the facial gasket. HTC claims the eye tracker even supports foveated rendering.
Meta Connect 2022 event in October will tease Project Cambria. Meta Connect 2022 will take place on October 11, and it's possible that we may finally get a glimpse of its next VR headset: Project Cambria. While this year's Meta Connect might not be as wild as last year's event, it should give us a better look at Meta's Oculus Quest 2 successor, which is tentatively called the Quest Pro.
LG looking to incorporate NFTs into their Smart TV. LG has a new platform that lets you buy, sell and trade NFTs. The platform, called LG Art Lab, is available in the United States only to those with LG TV running webOS 5.0 or later. LG Electronics partnered with the Hedera network for their app: Wallypto, LG’s crypto wallet for smartphones.
In Funding
Varjo raises 40m in series D funding. Varjo has recently announced that it has secured USD $40 million in new funding. The Series D investment was backed by return investors including EQT Ventures, Atomico, Volvo Car Tech Fund, and Lifeline Ventures
Jadu, an AR startup, has raised $36 million to build a gaming platform that lets players roam the real world with their NFT avatars. Bain Capital led the Series A round and was joined by General Catalyst Partners. Other investors include LG Tech Ventures and Alumni Ventures.
Arnhem-based 'Enliven' raises €1 million to build a more compassionate society through XR empathy-training. The company is using cutting-edge tech to make an impact on society through promoting empathy training in domestic and workplace settings.
Metaverse Magna Raises Seed Funding. Metaverse Magna (MVM), a P2E guild project from Africa, raised a seed funding round of undisclosed amount. Wemade made a strategic investment in the company to expand the ecosystem of WEMIX3.0. and business in Africa for the long term.
Keep an eye on
Disney+ releases its first AR-enabled short film, ‘Remembering,’ starring Brie Larson. The movie features a companion augmented reality app.
Blippar launches integration with Sketchfab. Giving users of Blippar's AR creation tool, Blippbuilder, free access to thousands of 3D models.
Geenee AR launches NFT All-Stars Metaverse. The WebAR builder debuts an immersive multiplayer experience that utilises NFTs.
China's first AI-powered CEO. NetDragon Websoft, a Chinese metaverse officially appointed an AI-powered humanoid bot as its chief executive.
FDA approves VR system to treat chronic lower back pain. The agency approved a VR device that offers up an opioid-free alternative to regimens.
Events to be at
Sep 13 Online | Insights Live: NFTs – Setting the Record Straight
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
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September 12 2022 Edition