Futurescape #002: YouTube App coming to Vision Pro

To VR & AR enthusiasts.

Welcome today’s edition of Futurescape - a 5 minutes daily newsletter focused on what is happening in the Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) world.

Here is what we got today:

• Tesla Owner in VR headset

• Statuspro raises $20m Series A

• Xreal’s Air 2 Ultra

Let’s get started.

IN THE NEWS

Tesla Owner with VR Raises Legal Alert

A clip that has been taking rounds on social media of a Tesla Cybertruck owner driving with the VR headset on, has prompted the US government to give a warning.

The US Transportation Secretary Peter Buttigieg to took to X to share the warning;

The Guardian reached out to Apple and Tesla for comments, and only Tim Cook gave a response;

YouTube takes a 180 on Vision Pro App

In January YouTube had declined to develop an app on visionOS with other giants like Netflix and Spotify. However, they have had a change of heart recently and reportedly working on it in according to The Verge. 

YouTube Spokesperson Jessica Gibby emailed The Verge team this statement;

USE CASES

Architectural Education with VR &AR

The advancement in Virtual and Augmented Reality is bringing immense opportunities to the architectural education. This will enable architects refine their crafts in record speed- reducing resources and time wastage as well.

Following its commercialization, augmented reality has developed into an interactive tool of with powerful use in the designing of spaces and buildings.

Whether it is through indirect head-worn displays, portable devices, mirrored interaction, or embedded interaction involving multiple screens and projectors, augmented reality is altering the way architects and architectural students interact with their designs.

FUNDING

Statuspro Raises $20m Series A

The Florida and NYC -based sports technology and gaming company has closed a $20m Series A funding. The funding round was led by Google Ventures (GV) with the participation of the following;

• Renowned sports-tech giant Dream Sports,

• Minnesota Vikings Owners Mark & Zygi Wilf’s Wise Ventures, 

• JDS Sports, and Alumni Ventures,

• Existing investors including LeBron James, Drake, Maverick Carter, Main Street Advisors, Haslam Sports Group and many more.

The funds will be used to broaden development into new sports titles while continuing to enhance its modes and features and further improve its technology.

The company was founded by former players; Andrew Hawkins and Troy Jones. It’s a sports technology company that combines data and virtual and mixed reality to provide a range of products including - gaming products for coaches, players and fans to experience the sport on another level.

Xreal Raised $60m and Hits Unicorn Status

The Vision Pro competitor from China, Xreal closed a $60m funding round a couple of days ago.

 According to CNBC the Alibaba-backed augmented glasses company hit $1 billion valuation with this recent round. They did not disclose who participated in this funding round, however this puts their total funding at $300 million.

It has an Air 2 Ultra glasses in development and set to ship as from March. The pre-orders are going for $699 - a drastically low price compared to Apple Vision Pro’s $3,500 price tag.

MEME OF THE DAY

That is it for today.

Thank you for reading!

Futurespace team