March 28, 2024

Web and Technology News

Former Snap design lead debuts Shader, an AR creation tool that uses AI to generate custom effects

Shader aims to challenge industry heavyweights like Snap’s AR development platform Lens Studio and TikTok’s Effect House, with its no-code AR creation tool that generates custom effects, 2D masks, and lenses in minutes — rather than spendin…

AR platform Really launches ‘Fandime’ NFTs to reward users with exclusive movie-related content

Traditionally, being a hardcore movie fan means collecting physical memorabilia like autographed posters to show dedication. However, in recent years, a number of companies have started betting on digital collectibles to become the new symbol of a fan’…

Mirrorscape’s new AR tabletop platform could enhance your D&D campaign

Yet another virtual tabletop (VTT) tool has joined the fray, giving Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder and tabletop role-playing gamers alike a new augmented reality experience. Mirrorscape, a mixed reality and gaming development company, announced the open beta launch of its app, letting users experience their favorite tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in AR. The new VTT […]

Brilliant Labs puts AI in front of your eye with its tiny open-source AR lens

Brilliant Labs’ augmented reality wearable stands in stark contrast to Apple’s pricey, bulky, stealthy Vision Pro. The startup’s inaugural product, Monocle, is an open-source, pocket-sized AR lens that can be clipped on any eyewear or held to the eye, Launched in March, Monocle has a much more accessible price tag of $349. “Other AR and […]

Brilliant Labs puts AI in front of your eye with its tiny open-source AR lens by Rita Liao originally published on TechCrunch

Avatar startup Genies launches $1M fund for developers building AR experiences

Genies, the Bob Iger-backed avatar tech company, announced Thursday the launch of its Developer Engagement Fund to reward developers that build AR experiences via Genies’ recently announced developer kit. The total fund size is $1 million. Genies will reward certain developers based on the level of traction, such as how many users are participating in […]

Avatar startup Genies launches $1M fund for developers building AR experiences by Lauren Forristal originally published on TechCrunch

Apple’s Vision Pro reignites excitement in China’s XR world

Apple’s launch of Vision Pro, what it refers to as its first spatial computer, is generating a lot of buzz in China. The hashtag #Apple Vision Pro 苹果首款头显 (Apple’s first head-mounted display) amassed over 40 million views on Weibo, China’s Twitter equivalent, on the launch day alone. The country’s virtual and augmented reality industry went […]

Apple’s Vision Pro reignites excitement in China’s XR world by Rita Liao originally published on TechCrunch

Sorry, but Apple’s Vision Pro isn’t for you

We’ve never met. We’ve never talked. And still, I feel confident telling you that the Vision Pro isn’t for you. At the end of the day, it’s an odds game. You’re most people, and it’s therefore not for you. If you know one thing about the headset, it’s probably the fact that it’s $3,500. When […]

Sorry, but Apple’s Vision Pro isn’t for you by Brian Heater originally published on TechCrunch

Apple acquires Mira, a startup building lightweight AR hardware

Apple has acquired Mira, an augmented reality (AR) headset startup, for an undisclosed amount, according to The Verge. Founded by entrepreneur Ben Taft in 2016 and based in Los Angeles, Mira has been making AR headsets for customers, including Universal Studios for attractions at its Nintendo World theme parks. Investors, including Blue Bear Capital, Happiness […]

Apple acquires Mira, a startup building lightweight AR hardware by Kyle Wiggers originally published on TechCrunch

The Apple Vision Pro headset will cost $3,499, out early 2024

At WWDC today, Apple unveiled its long-awaited AR headset, which consumers have been anticipating for years. But how much will the Apple Vision Pro cost? Apple Vision Pro will retail for $3,499, and it will be available for purchase in early 2024. For comparison, Meta announced its Quest 3 last week at the price point […]

The Apple Vision Pro headset will cost $3,499, out early 2024 by Amanda Silberling originally published on TechCrunch

How to watch Apple unveil its AR/VR headset, iOS 17 and more at WWDC 2023

Today’s the big day, and we’re expecting big things – well, one really big thing for sure. Apple will kick of WWDC 2023 at 10AM PT Monday June 5 with its customary keynote. As ever, the event will focus on the latest versions of the company’s operating systems, namely: iOS/iPadOS 17, macOS 14 and watchOS […]

How to watch Apple unveil its AR/VR headset, iOS 17 and more at WWDC 2023 by Brian Heater originally published on TechCrunch

A brief history of VR and AR

By the time Howard Rheingold’s “Virtual Reality” was published in 1991, the Sensorama was already a “slowly deteriorating” relic stashed away in a cabana next the pool at its inventor’s West Los Angeles home. Rheingold describes awe — even surprise — that the system was still operable almost 30 years after its introduction. “I was […]

A brief history of VR and AR by Brian Heater originally published on TechCrunch

Apple invites media to WWDC 2023 keynote, where AR headset is expected to debut

Apple has sent out official invitations to select media to attend its WWDC 2023 keynote in person at the company’s Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California. The keynote is set to take place at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET on June 5. It’ll also be streamed live at the same time for anyone […]

Apple invites media to WWDC 2023 keynote, where AR headset is expected to debut by Darrell Etherington originally published on TechCrunch