Apple to Launch AVP in More Countries

To VR & AR enthusiasts.

Welcome today’s edition of Futurescape - a 3x deep-dive newsletter focused on what is happening in the Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) world.

Here is what we got today:

• Honda’s XR

• Immersive Healthcare

• Lenovo ThinkReality A3

NEWS

Apple Vision Pro to Launch in More Countries

Apple is set to launch the AVP in more English-speaking countries including; Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. In preparation for the launch, Apple has been localizing its visionOS.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the plan is set to happen before Apple’s annual developers conference WWDC.

Kuo estimated U.S. shipments of the headset will total 200,000 to 250,000 units this year, which he said is better than Apple's original estimate of 150,000 to 200,000 units, but it is still a "niche market."

Honda’s XR mashed up with wheelchairs

The automotive giant announced it will showcase this month in SXSW in Austin, Texas its new extended reality that combines virtual reality with personal mobility devices like the automaker’s self-balancing Uni-One wheelchairs.

The goals is to ‘elevate’ the VR experience and for instance it can simulate racing through an immersive alien landscape. The device is hands-free, allowing users the freedom to use their upper bodies to enhance the VR experience.

The Honda extended reality (XR) would be ideal in the following areas;

• Outdoor entertainment affairs

• Theme parks

• Malls

Scape Bites

EXAIR’s AR for CX - The manufacturer of compressed air-operated products is adding augmented reality (AR) capabilities for while visiting the site on a mobile device. Customers will now can not only view a 3D version of their selected product but view a true-to-scale version of the product in their application.

AR proves its worth in warehouse - The AR glasses look similar to eyewear, and is expected extend productivity benefits across every aspect of logistics. Read more.

HARDWARE

ThinkReality A3 Smart Glasses (Lenovo)

Lenovo created this AR glasses for work purposes . For instance you can create and customize  a virtual monitor at home, a private display in a coffee shop, an immersive schematic or guided workflow on the manufacturing floor, and more.

Here is the analysis of the AR headsets;

Design

The design of the ThinkReality A3 smart glasses emphasizes functionality and comfort. The glasses are sleek and lightweight, resembling conventional eyewear to ensure ease of wear for extended periods.

Hardware

Display - The ThinkReality A3 features high-resolution displays that overlay digital content onto the user's field of view, seamlessly blending virtual and real-world environments. This display technology provides crisp images and text, crucial for applications such as remote collaboration, training, and visualization.

Processing Power - The smart glasses can handle complex AR applications without compromising performance. This enables real-time rendering of 3D models, spatial mapping, and advanced computer vision algorithms, contributing to a seamless user experience.

Sensors - Equipped with an array of sensors, including depth sensors, cameras, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, the ThinkReality A3 can accurately perceive the user's surroundings and track movements with precision. This sensor fusion capability is essential for AR applications like spatial mapping, gesture recognition, and environmental understanding.

Connectivity -The glasses offer various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C, enabling seamless integration with other devices and networks. This connectivity versatility enhances the versatility and utility of the ThinkReality A3 across different use cases and environments.

Software Capabilities

Operating System - The ThinkReality A3 operates on a customized OS designed specifically for augmented reality, ensuring stability and efficient management of AR applications. This tailored OS enhances the user experience by providing a robust platform for immersive AR experiences without compromising performance.

Developer Tools - Lenovo offers comprehensive developer tools and SDKs for creating customized AR applications tailored to various industries and specific use cases. These tools enable developers to fully leverage the capabilities of the ThinkReality A3, fostering innovation and exploration of new AR solutions across different domains.

Integration with Existing Platforms - The smart glasses seamlessly integrate with enterprise software platforms like CAD, IoT systems, and communication tools, streamlining workflows and enabling remote collaboration and data visualization. This integration enhances productivity and efficiency for businesses by leveraging existing infrastructure and workflows for AR-enabled operations.

GAMING

Demeo from Resolution Games

"Demeo" is a virtual reality (VR) dungeon-crawling role-playing game (RPG) developed by Resolution Games. Set in a fantasy world, players embark on epic quests with a team of up to four adventurers, each with their own unique abilities and skills.

The games cost $39.99 on Meta Platform and is available in other platforms including PlayStation, Steam, Microsoft Windows, and visionOS.

Synopsis

The game takes place in procedurally generated dungeons filled with dangerous monsters, traps, and treasure. Players must work together to strategize and overcome various challenges as they progress through the dungeon levels. Communication and cooperation are essential as each character class brings different strengths and weaknesses to the party.

As players explore deeper into the dungeon, they encounter increasingly formidable enemies and uncover mysterious artifacts that grant powerful abilities. Along the way, they must manage their resources, make tactical decisions, and adapt to unforeseen obstacles.

With its immersive VR environment and strategic gameplay, "Demeo" offers an engaging experience for both seasoned RPG veterans and newcomers alike.

Whether battling hordes of monsters, solving intricate puzzles, or discovering hidden secrets, the journey through the dungeons of "Demeo" promises excitement and adventure at every turn.

Reviews

RESEARCH

Immersive Healthcare Report (THEIET)

The Institution of Engineering and Technology released a report dubbed ‘ The promise of immersive healthcare ‘. The focus for the report is United Kingdom (UK). Here is the summary from the report;

On data privacy; Failure to understand the regulation of data is one of the main reasons that funding pitches by medtech start-ups are rejected, Charles Lowe, chief executive of the Digital Health and Care Alliance.

Immersion on mental health; There is growing interest among researchers in the use of immersive technology as a tool for treating psychological disorders has triggered a new wave of spin-off products.

Key use case - The fields of rehabilitation and pain reduction. The quest to find new and enhanced solutions for rehabilitation using virtual reality got underway after the millennium and research and development efforts have spanned stroke recovery, motor disorders, Parkinson’s disease, brain damage, and phantom limb pain.

APPS

Microsoft Mesh on Quest 3

It’s empowers your flexible workforce to connect like never before in a 3D immersive space, helping virtual meetings and events feel more like face-to-face connections. Join Microsoft Teams meetings via the Microsoft Mesh app.

Features

Avatars: Create and personalize avatars that reflect your appearance, style, or mood.

Immersive spaces: Participate in meetings and events within 3D virtual environments, fostering a sense of co-presence.

Spatial audio: Hear sounds from the direction of the speaker, enhancing the feeling of being in a shared space.

Collaboration tools: Utilize features like annotation, whiteboarding, and 3D object manipulation to work together effectively.

Co-location: Allows users in the same physical location to join a collaborative session alongside remote participants (without needing an avatar).

Multiple avatars: Create up to three avatars for different purposes.

Meeting integration: Access Mesh features directly within Microsoft Teams meetings.

Customizable environments: Design and personalize virtual spaces using pre-built elements or upload your own creations (requires a Teams Premium license).

Accessibility: Supports a variety of devices, including PCs and Meta Quest VR headsets, and offers features for users with disabilities.

Getting Started

Here's a breakdown of how to get started with Microsoft Mesh on your Meta Quest device:

Download the App: On your PC, visit the Microsoft Mesh on Meta Quest page [Meta Store link for Microsoft Mesh] and sign in with your Meta ID (not your corporate AAD account). This will initiate the app download on your Quest device.

Open and Set Up: Launch the Microsoft Mesh (Preview) app on your Quest. Log in with your corporate account and accept the terms and conditions.

Join or Start Meetings: Use the Mesh dashboard to find and join ongoing meetings or schedule your own. If joining a Microsoft Teams meeting, select the Teams option and follow the on-screen prompts.

WORKPLACE

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