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Qualcomm previews a new line of smartphone-linked XR viewers for 2021

Qualcomm has announced a range of XR viewers, a novel product category possible due to 5G speeds and bandwidth. They are intended to deliver high-quality content to be supported by the smartphones they connect to via USB type C, and will be made by companies such as Panasonic and OPPO.

Deirdre O'Donnell, 27 May 2020 18:30

The new XRSpace Mova headset is powered by the Snapdragon 845 VR platform and supports 5G connectivity. (Source: XRSpace)

Former HTC CEO back with new VR start up XRSpace and the 5G-capable Mova headset

Peter Chou was once the very visible face of HTC when it was still a force in the smartphone market. These days, with HTC and Vive well and truly in the rear vision mirror, he is back with a new VR start up that looks like it has some potential.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 26 May 2020 11:58

Minecraft has been sold over 200 million times; Mojang rebrands and announces new projects

Microsoft has confirmed that Minecraft has been sold over 200 million times, almost six years after purchasing the rights to the game. The studio behind the game, Mojang AB, has been given a rebrand too and has announced work on new projects.

Alex Alderson, 25 May 2020 19:34

The Gobi app icon (Image Source; Josh Constine)

More Apple iOS 14 features get leaked

Apple's upcoming iOS 14 is bringing more augmented reality integration via apps such as Gobi that offer dining and shopping interactions through new circular QR codes. The Find My app will also be updated with audio and haptic cues to make device retrieval even easier.

Bogdan Solca, 19 May 2020 14:23

DP Alt Mode v.2 is another potential use of the USB type C port. (Source: VESA)

USB 4.0 type C ports will be able to output up to 16K video at ~80Gb/s thanks to VESA's new DisplayPort standard

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has released specifications for its new DisplayPort (DP) Alt Mode version 2.0 standard. This video output modality allows USB type C ports to drive even 16K/60Hz displays, as it can leverage USB 4's 4 lanes to transmit nearly 80 gigabits of data per second.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 May 2020 22:01

The SteamVR platform in action. (Source: Valve)

SteamVR canned for Apple's Macs

A blog post on the Steam website has announced the sudden cancellation with immediate effect for SteamVR support on macOS. Instead, Mac users have been directed to use what are now legacy builds of the platform as Steam now switches its full support focus to both Windows and Linux.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 03 May 2020 03:59

The Magic Leap 1 didn't get anywhere near achieving target sales of 100,000 units. (Source: Magic Leap)

Once held up as the future of consumer AR, Magic Leap lays of 1,000 staff pivots to enterprise

Magic Leap has announced that it is cutting staff and reorienting from a consumer focus to an enterprise focus. The company blames COVID-19 for at least some of its woes but the reality is that it never really gained traction as it has thus far overpromised and underdelivered.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 23 Apr 2020 11:22

Pokémon GO Raid Battles have been overhauled. (Source: Niantic)

Niantic announces a new Remote Raid Battle mode for Pokemon GO

Normally, part of the object of a Raid Battle in Pokemon GO is that the player physically visits a Gym in order to take part in such an event. However, for those still under lockdown as a result of Covid-19, this is obviously impossible. Niantic will address this by rolling out new Remote Passes that can be used at home.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Apr 2020 23:17

Tech love across all age ranges. (Source: Parks Associates)

Up to 53% of US households with high-speed internet report appreciating tech more in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic

A new study of consumer attitudes in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in findings that 53% of its participants (US households with broadband internet services) were prepared to agree with a statement to the effect that their regard for technology had improved compared to that prior to the public health crisis.

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Apr 2020 22:40

Niantic is planning quarantine-friendly adaptations for its mobile AR games

Fans of games like Pokemon GO or Ingress may find it harder to pursue this kind of augmented-reality (AR) gaming while self-isolating against the risk of Covid-19. However, their maker Niantic has announced that it will shortly introduce new updates that make them more compatible with playing while stuck at home.

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 Mar 2020 18:08

The Samsung Galaxy A71 can now use Google Play AR apps. (Source: Samsung)

Google makes a slew of new devices compatible with Play Services AR

Google Play Services for AR is the new name for ARCore, the SDK necessary to develop augmented-reality (AR) features within Android apps. The Mountain View giant has announced that a long list of new phones (and some tablets) are now compatible with it. This will enable many to use AR apps and games for the first time.

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Mar 2020 14:52

Here's our first glimpse at HP's next-generation VR headset. (Source: HP)

HP partnering with Valve, Microsoft on new VR headset

HP has teased its latest VR headset and it looks like it will be a genuine challenger to the current top tier VR headsets on the market. The new headset has been designed in partnership with both Valve and Microsoft, suggesting that it could be something special.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 24 Mar 2020 10:40

Some cloud gaming market stats. (Source: Fortune Business Insights)

The cloud gaming market is now projected to be worth as much as US$56.57 billion by 2027

Cloud gaming is an emerging alternative to user-owned PC set-ups, in that the massive amounts of GPU power required to sustain it are accessed remotely. Its market had an estimated value of US$12.53 billion in 2018. However, a new report estimates it could acquire an additional ~$44 billion over the next 7 years.

Deirdre O Donnell, 23 Mar 2020 18:15

The new LiDAR scanner sits to the right and inbetween the 10 MP and 12 MP cameras. (Source: Apple)

A closer look at the LiDAR scanner on the new iPad Pro

Instead of using a standard 3D ToF sensor for its new iPad Pro, Apple has upped the ante by using a LiDAR scanner instead. It has opted for the more advanced technology to take the augmented reality capabilities of the iPad Pro to the next level.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 18 Mar 2020 15:15

Yes, that is actually a trackpad on an offical Apple iPad Pro keyboard! (Source: Apple)

A closer look at the new iPad Pro Magic Keyboard with trackpad support

The wait is over for the long sought after trackpad support for Apple’s iPad range. The launch of the new iPad Pro also brings with it an all-new keyboard that drops the infamous butterfly mechanism in favor of Apple’s revised Magic Keyboard scissor switch.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 18 Mar 2020 14:36

The new Reference Design based on the Snapdragon XR2 platform. (Source: Qualcomm)

Qualcomm brings 5G to headset gaming with its new Snapdragon XR2 Reference Design

Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon XR2 Reference Design headset, the first such XR (as in, virtual, mixed or augmented reality) device that supports 5G. It does so via its in-built X55 modem, which is part of its latest hardware platform for this category of media. Therefore, OEMs may now start building their own headsets based on this new "boundless" artificial-reality tech.

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Feb 2020 17:21

R.E.A.L. mod brings fully playable VR experience to GTA V

GTA V remains incredibly popular despite having a few years under its belt. If the main story and GTA Online are not enough, then how about GTA V in VR? Well, after year's of development, the R.E.A.L. mod for GTA V has done just that.

Alex Alderson, 21 Feb 2020 20:07

Kaer Morhen is already playable in the Witcher Reality Project (Image source: Nexusmods)

The Witcher is now playable on Oculus Rift and HTC Vive through the Witcher Reality Project

An enterprising modder is bringing 2007's The Witcher to mainstream VR headsets through the Witcher Reality Project. The opening segment of the game is already playable

Arjun Krishna Lal, 18 Feb 2020 19:20

The Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is showing signs of life as it makes its way into retail channels. (Source: Google)

Glassholes rejoice! Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 Developer Edition reaches retail channels

Google has announced that its Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is headed to regular retail channels for developers. Although failed as a consumer product, at least in the immediate future, the company has found legs for it in enterprise so much so that demand has warranted its wider availability.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 05 Feb 2020 00:51

The entire Half-Life series is available to download on Steam for free till March. (Source: Valve)

Valve's Half-Life series is free on Steam for the next two months

To help drum up the hype ahead of the launch of Half-Life: Alyx in March, Valve is offering gamers an unbeatabale deal. For the next two months, anyone with a Steam account can download and play each of all previous Half-Life titles for free to help refamiliarize gamers with the franchise or attract new fans.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 22 Jan 2020 02:57

Panasonic effectively quadrupling the resolution and even implements HDR compatibility in a lighter and slicker package. (Source: Panasonic)

CES 2020 | Panasonic unveils world's first UHD HDR VR glasses

Besides quadrupling the resolution of current high-end VR headsets, Panasonic also introduces HDR compatibility to the VR world for the first time, and all this is packed neatly in a light frame. In order to achieve this feat, Panasonic collaborated with Kopin for the most advanced micro-OLED displays and combined these with proprietary audio / video technologies featured on its TVs, sound systems and digital cameras.

Bogdan Solca, 10 Jan 2020 15:13

NVIDIA's latest Game Ready driver brings in many new features. (Source: Forbes)

CES 2020 | NVIDIA announces new Game Ready driver with VRSS, Wolfenstein: Youngblood to receive a major RTX update

NVIDIA has announced the release of a new Game Ready driver at CES 2020. The new driver brings support for variable rate supersampling (VRSS), Freestyle splitscreen, updates to image sharpening, and frame rate limiting among others. Also being announced today is support for RTX in more games with Wolfenstein: Youngblood set to deliver an RTX patch this week.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 06 Jan 2020 17:30

Various forms of extended reality may become very successful in the future. (Source: SHRM)

VR, AR and MR may make a US$30 billion industry by 2030

Virtual, mixed and augmented reality are probably the most familiar forms of extended reality - or technologically-enhanced experientia - out there. The latest research suggests their combined market may be worth US$30 billion or more by the next decade on. Unsurprisingly, gaming is a prominent sector therein.

Deirdre O Donnell, 30 Dec 2019 19:25

Facebook continues its gaming quest with acquisition of PlayGiga

Facebook announced today that it has acquired cloud gaming startup PlayGiga. The startup, which is based in Madrid, has experience working with telecoms to build gaming-as-a-service platforms that rely on 5G networks. This is yet another step in Facebook's journey of snatching up gaming-oriented companies.

Sam Medley, 19 Dec 2019 15:54

Valve Index, the latest premium entrant in the VR market (Image source: Valve)

SuperData XR Dimensions market intelligence platform introduced: claims VR isn't dying

SuperData recently announced its XR Dimensions market intelligence platform. XR Dimensions focuses on trends in the AR and VR industries. Initial XR Dimensions reports make bold claims: VR is thriving and AR is already mainstream. But does the evidence hold up?

Arjun Krishna Lal, 17 Dec 2019 08:01

Qualcomm's president, Cristiano Amon, at last year's Snapdragon Tech Summit. (Source: Qualcomm)

The 2019 Snapdragon Technology Summit keynotes will be livestreamed from their Hawaii venue

Qualcomm has announced that its next Snapdragon Tech Summit will take place from December 3 to 5, 2019 in Maui, Hawaii. This year, the company will showcase its growing 5G expertise, as well as other facets of its mobile device business such as the appropriate SoCs. Each of the event's keynotes will also be livestreamed from a dedicated site.

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Nov 2019 23:22

Settlers of Catan to get AR treatment, courtesy of Niantic

Settlers of Catan is coming to mobile with an AR adjustment. Dubbed Catan: World Explorers, the new augmented reality game will be built using Niantic's extensive suite of AR tools. The game is still in the early stages of development, but more details should come early next year.

Sam Medley, 20 Nov 2019 04:49

A new Half-Life is apparently on the cards, but not as we know it. (Image source: Den of Geek)

New Half-Life game details leaked ahead of The Game Awards

Rumour has it that Valve plans to announce a new Half-Life game, and soon. Apparently based around protagonist Alyx Vance, the game may see a release as early as Q1 2020. It looks set to be sad news for those holding out for Half-Life 3 or even just Half-Life 2: Episode 3, though.

Alex Alderson, 18 Nov 2019 20:03

Minecraft Earth now available in the US on iOS and Android

Minecraft Earth, the latest augmented reality title from Mojang, is now available in the United States and a few other countries. The title is currently in Early Access. In true Minecraft style, Minecraft Earth focuses on collecting materials and building structures. However, the title uses AR to simulate the structures in real life.

Sam Medley, 14 Nov 2019 21:44

John Carmack steps down as CTO of Oculus to develop Artificial General Intelligence

John Carmack, the creator of Doom and a pioneer of virtual reality, is stepping down as the CTO of Oculus to focus on artificial general intelligence, which can be considered a super-powered version of artificial intelligence. Carmack will work from his home to develop machine intelligences that learn like humans do rather than through algorithms.

Sam Medley, 14 Nov 2019 05:31

Intel unveils Keem Bay VPU for improved on-device vision processing

Intel unveiled its upcoming vision processing unit (VPU) for edge computing devices. Dubbed Keem Bay, the new chip offers major improvements over existing VPUs from Nvidia and Huawei. Additionally, Keem Bay offers better performance with a significantly lower power draw.

Sam Medley, 13 Nov 2019 15:23

The new Spectacles 3 from Snap Inc can shoot 3D stills and video. (Source: Snap Inc)

Snap Inc launches Spectacles 3 with 3D VR recording and AR effects capabilities

Snap Inc has officially launched its new Spectacles 3. The Spectacles 3 feature dual built-in cameras that can shoot photos and video in 3D at up to 60fps with the ability to overlay 3D AR-style effects.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 13 Nov 2019 10:33

These icons are few and far between for some Pokémon GO players. (Source: Bulbapedia)

Niantic is addressing its current Pokéstop deficiency in Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO remains one of the world's most popular augmented-reality (AR) mobile games. However, it has a persistent discrepancy as a title in this ecosystem, which is a lack of Pokéstops, particularly in more isolated regions. Therefore, its maker Niantic is about to launch a more global method of taking user suggestions for additional such item-sources in the future.

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Nov 2019 19:35

Google sold over 15 million Cardboard viewers, but has called time on official support. (Source: Google)

Google Cardboard open-sourced as a lifeline for mobile VR

VR on smartphones is all but dead following the end of Samsung’s Galaxy VR ambitions and Google’s recent announcement that it has ceased development for its Daydream VR platform. However, in an inkling of hope for those who were sold on the idea, Google has open-sourced its Google Cardboard VR headset design so that it might have a second life.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 07 Nov 2019 11:42

Pokemon GO to get live AR multiplayer feature, called Buddy Adventure

Pokémon GO will be getting a live AR multiplayer feature sometime soon. Currently called "Buddy Adventure," the feature will allow two players to interact with each other's Buddy Pokémon in real-time through their smartphone cameras. The feature is based on developer Niantic's real-time AR networking technology.

Sam Medley, 06 Nov 2019 18:47

Qualcomm is set to make a sizeable investment in 5G's future. (Source: RTE)

Qualcomm incentivizes 5G development with a new multi-million-dollar fund

Qualcomm's Venture division has announced the implementation of the 5G Ecosystem Fund, a source of investment worth up to US$200 million. As the name suggests, it will help support start-ups involved in new, innovative and potentially lucrative applications of the new mobile-data standard. The company also intends the new fund to help get 5G in devices besides smartphones.

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Oct 2019 22:49

The new LG U+ app allows the user to shop in AR. (Source: LG)

A major South Korean carrier unveils a service to make the dream of virtual shopping a reality

LG's South Korean telecomms company has announced the debut of its new app, "U+ AR Shopping". It enables users to transform the content of 2 popular TV shopping channels into augmented reality (AR) experiences. Consumers can then leverage them to visualize and manipulate their potential purchases in 3D.

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Oct 2019 19:03

Red Magic 3S now available - Snapdragon 855+ starting at $479

The Nubia Red Magic 3S is a slight improvement over the Red Magic 3. The updated handset sports a faster Snapdragon 855+ SoC and UFS 3.0 storage. All other factors, including the price tag, are the same as the older Red Magic 3. The Red Magic 3S is available starting at US $479

Sam Medley, 17 Oct 2019 18:48

Nvidia's next-gen Ampere GPUs are set for 1H 2020 release. (Source: Nvidia)

Rumor: Nvidia Ampere 7nm GPUs to launch 1H 2020

Nvidia’s successor to the Turing architecture powering its current line of Turing based RTX 20 series GPUs isn’t far away. According to the latest rumors, the graphics powerhouse will be releasing its new chips based on Samsung’s 7nm EUV process in the first half of 2020.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 07 Oct 2019 08:29

Pokemon GO reportedly mistakes some MIUI users for cheaters. (Source: Niantic)

Pokemon GO reportedly bans Android players for running a certain version of MIUI

There have been multiple reports of Pokemon GO handing out strikes preventing play to those who own certain Redmi devices. This pattern has been linked to MIUI 10.3.2.0, a recent firmware update for the phones affected. Niantic, the AR game's developer, has announced that it is now working on trying to revise them.

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Oct 2019 18:30

Google Shopping is back. (Source: Google)

Google Shopping re-launches in the US, integrates with Lens this time around

Google has announced the re-institution of its Shopping service, albeit for users located in the US only. The company claims that the renewed feature can analyse millions of retail listings and other data in order to show customers the best deals. It is also now possible to order the resulting items directly through Google.

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Oct 2019 16:33

Facebook has announced several new features for its Quest standalone headset including in new support for PCs and Rift titles. (Source: Facebook)

Facebook intros a slew of new features for the Oculus Quest including PC support

Facebook has announced several updates for its Oculus Quest standalone headset that are likely to greatly broaden its appeal. The company has announced that it is introducing wired PC support for the headset as well as hand tracking that extends its capabilities significantly.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 26 Sep 2019 10:39

Facebook first announced its AR glasses project back in 2018. (Source: MobileAppDaily)

Facebook working with Ray-Ban on AR glasses

facebook is certainly not the first to try its hand at augmented reality smartglasses, but with the help of Ray-Ban parent company Luxotica, the social media giant will market its upcoming AR tech as a true smartphone killer. The smartglasses will also integrate cameras plus an AI voice assistant, and will work in conjunction with a ring-like device that enables motion sensing.

Bogdan Solca, 18 Sep 2019 16:12

HTC appoints a new CEO as it looks forward to a 5G- and XR-focused future

HTC has confirmed that Yves Maitre, a former executive at the telecommunications company Orange, is its new chief executive officer (CEO). His predecessor, Cher Wang, will remain at the Taiwanese OEM as the head of its board. This executive will focus on products such as the VIVE XR ecosystem and the HTC 5G Hub.

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Sep 2019 19:28

Windows Core OS gets a simplified UI. (Source: WindowsCentral)

Windows Core OS could be launching with Microsoft's new Surface foldables

Latest reports claim that the upcoming Windows Core OS will offer a modular low-level platform running on desktops, laptops, VR machines, consoles and foldable devices. On top of it, Microsoft plans to add different variants of Windows to enable all the necessary features without any compromise.

Bogdan Solca, 17 Sep 2019 17:03

UWB is found in the iPhones 11 Pro and Pro Max only. (Source: YouTube)

Apple develops a proprietary short-range communication system for the iPhones 11 Pro

The Apple U1 chip is new hardware that controls ultrawide band (UWB) energy transfers between devices. This enables compatible products to locate each other and exchange data in a way non-U1-enabled counterparts cannot. These new features are exclusive to the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max.

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Sep 2019 20:08

NVIDIA adds the Quadro RTX 6000 to its mobile Quadro RTX lineup. (Source: NVIDIA)

IFA 2019 | NVIDIA announces the mobile Quadro RTX 6000 GPU, sets new Ace Reference Design standard for mobile workstations

NVIDIA has introduced a new mobile Quadro RTX card, the mobile Quadro RTX 6000 at IFA 2019. The specifications of the mobile Quadro RTX 6000 are yet to be officially disclosed, but NVIDIA's performance numbers show that it performs within 10% of that of its desktop counterpart. NVIDIA is working with partners to create mobile workstation laptops based on its Ace Reference Design and a total of 39 RTX Studio laptops and desktops will be made available.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 04 Sep 2019 14:00

Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR)

Qualcomm previews a new line of smartphone-linked XR viewers for 2021

Former HTC CEO back with new VR start up XRSpace and the 5G-capable Mova headset

Minecraft has been sold over 200 million times; Mojang rebrands and announces new projects

More Apple iOS 14 features get leaked

USB 4.0 type C ports will be able to output up to 16K video at ~80Gb/s thanks to VESA's new DisplayPort standard

SteamVR canned for Apple's Macs

Once held up as the future of consumer AR, Magic Leap lays of 1,000 staff pivots to enterprise

Niantic announces a new Remote Raid Battle mode for Pokemon GO

Up to 53% of US households with high-speed internet report appreciating tech more in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic

Niantic is planning quarantine-friendly adaptations for its mobile AR games

Google makes a slew of new devices compatible with Play Services AR

HP partnering with Valve, Microsoft on new VR headset

The cloud gaming market is now projected to be worth as much as US$56.57 billion by 2027

A closer look at the LiDAR scanner on the new iPad Pro

A closer look at the new iPad Pro Magic Keyboard with trackpad support

Qualcomm brings 5G to headset gaming with its new Snapdragon XR2 Reference Design

R.E.A.L. mod brings fully playable VR experience to GTA V

The Witcher is now playable on Oculus Rift and HTC Vive through the Witcher Reality Project

Glassholes rejoice! Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 Developer Edition reaches retail channels

Valve's Half-Life series is free on Steam for the next two months

CES 2020 | Panasonic unveils world's first UHD HDR VR glasses

CES 2020 | NVIDIA announces new Game Ready driver with VRSS, Wolfenstein: Youngblood to receive a major RTX update

VR, AR and MR may make a US$30 billion industry by 2030

Facebook continues its gaming quest with acquisition of PlayGiga

SuperData XR Dimensions market intelligence platform introduced: claims VR isn't dying

Qualcomm introduces the Snapdragon XR2 — the world's first 5G XR platform with 7 concurrent tracking cameras, 2x CPU and GPU performance, 3K@90 Hz display per eye, and added AI goodness

The 2019 Snapdragon Technology Summit keynotes will be livestreamed from their Hawaii venue

Settlers of Catan to get AR treatment, courtesy of Niantic

New Half-Life game details leaked ahead of The Game Awards

Hands On: PS4 Death Stranding Limited Edition Console

Minecraft Earth now available in the US on iOS and Android

John Carmack steps down as CTO of Oculus to develop Artificial General Intelligence

Intel unveils Keem Bay VPU for improved on-device vision processing

Snap Inc launches Spectacles 3 with 3D VR recording and AR effects capabilities

Niantic is addressing its current Pokéstop deficiency in Pokémon GO

Google Cardboard open-sourced as a lifeline for mobile VR

Pokemon GO to get live AR multiplayer feature, called Buddy Adventure

Qualcomm incentivizes 5G development with a new multi-million-dollar fund

A major South Korean carrier unveils a service to make the dream of virtual shopping a reality

Red Magic 3S now available - Snapdragon 855+ starting at $479

Rumor: Nvidia Ampere 7nm GPUs to launch 1H 2020

Pokemon GO reportedly bans Android players for running a certain version of MIUI

Google Shopping re-launches in the US, integrates with Lens this time around

83% MSI GL75 9SEK Laptop Review - An average mid-range gaming laptop with loud fans

Facebook intros a slew of new features for the Oculus Quest including PC support

Facebook working with Ray-Ban on AR glasses

HTC appoints a new CEO as it looks forward to a 5G- and XR-focused future

Windows Core OS could be launching with Microsoft's new Surface foldables

Apple develops a proprietary short-range communication system for the iPhones 11 Pro

IFA 2019 | NVIDIA announces the mobile Quadro RTX 6000 GPU, sets new Ace Reference Design standard for mobile workstations

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