Augmented reality (AR) headsets have evolved significantly in 2025, offering enhanced hardware, refined user experiences, and growing software ecosystems. While AR has long been a futuristic concept, recent developments suggest that it is on the cusp of mainstream adoption.

However, with premium price tags and the ecosystem still in flux, the question remains: Is it worth investing in AR technology today?

Current AR Hardware Landscape

The AR headset market is more competitive than ever, with tech giants and emerging players refining their offerings. Apple, Meta, Google, Samsung, and several Chinese manufacturers have established themselves as industry leaders, each taking a unique approach to AR integration.

Apple’s Vision Pro set a high benchmark when it launched in early 2024, and its successor, expected later this year, promises better battery life and a lighter form factor. Apple’s spatial computing ecosystem continues to expand, with more developers optimizing apps for visionOS.

Meta remains a dominant force with its Quest lineup, now headlined by the Quest 3 and the upgraded Quest 3s. These headsets offer improved processing power, better passthrough AR capabilities, and a growing library of mixed-reality experiences, making them appealing to both casual users and professionals.

Interestingly, the landscape of AR hardware is shifting, with proper headsets becoming less popular as users increasingly favor lightweight AR glasses. Microsoft, once a significant player in the AR space, has discontinued its HoloLens 2 without releasing a successor, signaling a move away from bulky enterprise headsets.

Meanwhile, Meta is at the forefront of AR glasses development with its Orion project, first unveiled last year and expected to launch for consumers in the near future. Unlike traditional AR headsets, Orion glasses aim to provide a more seamless, everyday wearable experience, blurring the line between virtual and physical worlds without requiring a heavy head-mounted display.

Meanwhile, Google is making a return to the AR and VR space with its Android XR platform, a dedicated ecosystem designed for next-generation immersive experiences. Built to support a wide range of devices, Android XR is expected to provide a strong foundation for developers looking to create AR applications with deep Google integration. Samsung, one of Google’s key partners, is making significant strides with Project Moohan, its first Android XR headset.

Rumored to offer a premium design and high-end features, this device is expected to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro while benefiting from Google’s software expertise. If Samsung’s approach to foldables is anything to go by, Project Moohan could set a new standard for Android-powered AR headsets.

Chinese manufacturers like XREAL (formerly Nreal), Oppo, and TCL have gained traction with lightweight AR glasses designed for entertainment and productivity. These devices, often more affordable than their Western counterparts, rely on external processing via smartphones or dedicated computing units.

Software and Services

AR content and applications have matured significantly in 2025, making the hardware more compelling. Developers are focusing on key areas that showcase the strengths of AR. Productivity and collaboration apps like Microsoft Mesh, Zoom AR, and Apple’s Freeform AR enable seamless remote meetings, holographic presentations, and collaborative workspaces.

Gaming has gained momentum with titles that blend virtual elements into the real world, while platforms like Disney+ and Netflix are experimenting with immersive AR content for interactive storytelling.

Brands are leveraging AR for virtual try-ons and 3D product visualization, making online shopping more interactive. Companies like Peloton and Apple have integrated AR-based guided workouts and fitness coaching, enhancing the at-home exercise experience.

Google’s Android XR platform could play a crucial role in accelerating software development for AR, offering an open ecosystem that encourages innovation and cross-device compatibility. Developers will benefit from Google’s extensive suite of tools, including AI-driven enhancements that can improve real-world object recognition, voice interactions, and spatial awareness.

The potential synergy between Android XR and Samsung’s Project Moohan suggests that AR adoption may soon become more accessible to a wider audience beyond Apple’s ecosystem.

What’s Next for AR?

While AR headsets have come a long way, they are still evolving. The next few years will likely bring major advancements in key areas. More compact and lightweight designs are in development, as bulky headsets remain a major barrier to mainstream adoption.

Advances in optics, battery technology, and micro-LED displays should help create sleeker and more comfortable wearables. Battery life remains a challenge, but manufacturers are exploring new energy-efficient chips and external battery solutions.

Faster connectivity and generative AI will enhance real-time interactions, making AR applications more fluid and intuitive. High costs remain a hurdle, but as production scales and competition increases, prices should gradually decrease.

Preview	Product
	Meta Quest 3 512GB – Breakthrough Mixed Reality – Powerful Performance — Asgard’s Wrath 2 and…	Check Price on Amazon

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Should You Invest in AR Headsets Today?

For businesses and professionals in industries like healthcare, design, and remote collaboration, AR headsets in 2025 are already delivering significant value. The technology enhances productivity, enables new ways to interact with digital content, and provides immersive training solutions.

For everyday consumers, the decision is less straightforward. While AR headsets offer impressive experiences, their high prices and evolving software ecosystem make them more of a luxury than a necessity.

Unless you have a specific use case such as gaming, creative work, or early adoption of emerging tech it may be wise to wait for more refined and affordable options in the coming years.

Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories!

The post The Future of AR in 2025: Headsets, Platforms, and the Race for Innovation appeared first on Gizmochina.

Super Bowl LIX was not only a thrilling sports event but also a showcase of innovative technologies. Cutting edge innovation helped enhance the experience for fans, players, and broadcasters alike. From advanced broadcasting equipment to AI powered security measures, here’s a look at the cool tech that was used in Super Bowl LIX.

Advanced Broadcasting with Over 100 Sony Cameras

Fox Sports pulled out all the stops for their Super Bowl LIX broadcast, deploying over 140 cameras to capture every angle of the game. It used Sony‘s brand new SkyCam that offers 4K 240Hz video recording. So you get an ultra high definition aerial view of the sporting event with great clarity. Meanwhile, the lower SkyCam used LiDAR and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology for precise positioning, enhancing the performance of augmented reality (AR) graphics during the broadcast.

AI Integration in Advertising and Security

Artificial intelligence played a significant role in Super Bowl LIX, especially in advertising and security. During the major American sporting event, debuted its first-ever Super Bowl commercial, a 60-second spot highlighting humanity’s technological evolution and the practical applications of AI, such as ChatGPT.

Moving away from its mainstream presence, AI powered systems were also used with facial recognition technology for improved security at the event. hese technologies aimed to ensure a secure environment for attendees by efficiently monitoring and managing crowd activities.

Cool Synchronized LED Wristbands

To create a more interactive and visually stunning experience, fans at the Super Bowl were provided with LED equipped wristbands. Stuff like these are usually seen in major music concerts, but the Super Bowl LIX synchronized these LED wristbands with the stadium’s music and lighting system. This allowed for a coordinated light show that added a dynamic element to the live experience.

Immersive Viewing Through Augmented Reality

Super Bowl LIX was special this year as it employed Augmented Reality (AR) during their broadcasts. The AR elements provided an overlay with dynamic graphics onto the liv efeed, which gave viewers real time statistics, player highlights, and interactive visuals. This also enhanced the overall experience.

In conclusion, Super Bowl LIX was a great stage that showcased how cutting-edge technology can elevate the experience of a major sporting event. From advanced broadcasting techniques and AI applications to immersive fan engagement tools, the integration of these innovations ensured a new and improved experience of the Super Bowl.

For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.

Stay ahead in tech! Join our Telegram community and sign up for our daily newsletter of top stories! 

The post Here’s Some Cutting Edge Tech Used in the Super Bowl LIX appeared first on Gizmochina.

Users on social media went crazy yesterday after netizen Matthew Karolian posted a zoomed-in image of Mark Zuckerberg‘s earlier photo, revealing two pairs of glasses. Zuckerberg responded cryptically, hinting at “more information later this year.”

The AR glasses prototype is almost ready, Mark Zuckerberg states

This has fuels speculation further ignited by Mark Zuckerberg’s interview with YouTuber Kallaway. In the interview, Zuckerberg confirmed Meta’s imminent release of new AR smart glasses before the end of 2024. He even hinted that Meta is nearing completion of a product prototype.

Industry observers point to the company’s history as evidence. The company unveiled its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses at the annual Meta Connect conference last year. With the next Meta Connect just around the corner in September, all signs point towards the reveal of new AR smart glasses this year.

(Via)

The post Meta Teases New AR Smart Glasses for Release Later This Year appeared first on Gizmochina.

Sightful’s Spacetop G1 redefines the laptop for the work-from-anywhere world. It ditches the tiny screen for a massive 100-inch virtual workspace, powered by spatial computing for a more immersive work experience. This portable powerhouse integrates AR glasses seamlessly, eliminating the need for a bulky headset. The lightweight design ensures comfortable wear with automatic dimming for clear visibility anywhere.

The AR-powered workspace will be available in October 2024

Performance is top-notch with an 8-hour battery life, a speedy Qualcomm chipset, and a smooth refresh rate. Built for the future, the Spacetop G1 boasts onboard AI functionality to leverage AI tools in new ways.

Unlike competitors focused on AR entertainment, Sightful prioritizes productivity. They incorporated early adopter feedback to refine the hardware and SpaceOS operating system for a user-friendly experience.

This commitment to innovation extends to collaborations with industry leaders like Qualcomm for cutting-edge hardware. Deutsche Telekom recognizes Spacetop G1’s potential to transform mobile work with its massive workspace, 5G connectivity, and comfortable design.

Ready to ditch the traditional laptop? Reserve your Spacetop G1 for $100 and experience the future of work, shipping in October 2024 for $1900.

RELATED:

• Apple Patents Interactive “Digital Stone” Device for Augmented Reality and Beyond
• Google Augmented Reality Glasses: Apple Vision Pro’s Biggest Rival Meets an Early Grave
• Xiaomi 13 Ultra Premium Camera Phone is now only $799
• Lenovo Legion Y700 2024: Latest Gaming Tablet with Enhanced Display now available at Giztop
• 6 Amazing One UI 6.1 AI Features You Can’t Ignore

(Via)

The post The Sightful Spacetop G1 is an AR-powered 100-inch Workspace for $1900 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Unistellar, the company that has made loads of smart telescopes, is venturing into a new sector: augmented reality binoculars. Their upcoming Envision binoculars aim to revolutionize how we experience the world around us.

The binoculars don’t necessarily require the smartphone app for full functionality

The Envision boasts a groundbreaking feature – augmented reality (AR) overlays. With a simple button press, you can access a wealth of contextual information layered directly onto your view. This personalized data, incorporating a comprehensive map database, caters to various needs. Explore your surroundings with ease in Smart Scouting mode, identifying landmarks and points of interest. For astronomers, Guided Navigation transforms the night sky into a guided tour, revealing wonders and providing informative overlays. Wildlife enthusiasts will love the Shareable Target-Lock mode, which allows you to locate an animal, share its location with others, and ensure everyone stays focused on the subject. Even traditionalists are catered to, with the Envision seamlessly switching to a classic, high-quality optical view.

To unlock the full potential of the AR features, the Envision connects to your smartphone via a dedicated app. However, Unistellar assures users that even without the AR functionality, the Envision delivers exceptional optics, making them perfect for traditional use as well.

Unistellar positions the Envision as a game-changer, combining cutting-edge AR technology with premium optics at an attractive price point. While technical details are still under wraps, the upcoming crowdfunding campaign promises to reveal more.

It’s important to remember that crowdfunding campaigns involve inherent risks. However, Unistellar inspires confidence with a proven track record. Their successful delivery of the eVscope smart telescope and positive reviews of previous products solidify the promise of the Envision campaign.

RELATED:

• Google Augmented Reality Glasses: Apple Vision Pro’s Biggest Rival Meets an Early Grave
• Nubia Neovision AR Glasses will Make Augmented Reality More Accessible
• Get $100 OFF on Xiaomi 14 Pro at Giztop (1TB Variant)
• REDMAGIC Magnetic VC Cooler 5 Pro now available at a discounted price at GeekWills
• WhatsApp Last Seen Not Updating? Here’s How to Fix It

(Via)

The post Unistellar’s AR Binoculars have Guided Navigation, Target-Lock Mode and a Dedicated Smartphone App appeared first on Gizmochina.

These days, companies are taking diverse approaches to capture consumer attention, especially with Augmented Reality. While giants like Apple and Meta are leaning towards bulky, full-on headsets, Xreal—formerly known as Nreal—opts for something more understated. The company just launched its latest offering, the Xreal Air 2, in the U.S. and Europe, focusing on comfort and a cinema-like experience.

The AR glasses can be charged via USB-C using your device

The standout feature? The Xreal Air 2 transforms your view into a 330-inch big screen, thanks to Sony’s 0.55-inch Micro-OLED display. Not just an eye-popping display, this gizmo also brings in the comfort factor. At just 72 grams, it’s lighter and thinner than its predecessor. It hooks up to your device via USB-C, keeping you tethered but not tangled.

Now, let’s talk about immersion. The higher-end Air 2 Pro comes with a unique feature called electrochromic dimming. This allows you to toggle between three modes—transparent, productivity, and immersive. The transparent mode keeps you connected to the real world, while the immersive mode drowns out distractions for a full-on gaming or movie experience.

Sound good? Well, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Despite the improvements, the Xreal Air 2 still lacks some high-end features like motion sensors and cameras. To get the most out of it, you’ll need an additional accessory—the Xreal Beam. This add-on provides gyroscopic tracking and fixes the screen in place as you move your head, but it also bumps up the total cost, making it more expensive than some of its competitors like the Meta Quest 3.

Is it worth the investment? If you’re a casual user looking for a big-screen experience right in front of your eyes, then yes. But if you’re after the full AR experience, you might find the Air 2 falling a bit short. Shipping is slated to start in November in the U.S. and the UK, and the rest of Europe can expect it in December. Prices start at $399 for the Air 2 and $449 for the Pro model.

RELATED:

• Google Augmented Reality Glasses: Apple Vision Pro’s Biggest Rival Meets an Early Grave
• Nubia Neovision AR Glasses will Make Augmented Reality More Accessible
• Best Pixel 8 Pro accessories 2023

(Via)

The post Xreal Just Launched $399 Air 2 AR Glasses with a Micro-OLED Display appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft is diving deep into the augmented reality (AR) sector, and the company already has a patent application in the pipeline. The patent is for a unique pair of AR glasses. However, they aren’t regular glasses. What sets them apart could be the advantage remote workers have been waiting for.

AR Glasses’ Battery life is a major factor in a successful commercial launch

Published on October 5, 2023, the patent describes AR glasses with a modular design. Yes, you read that right. A modular design featuring a hot-swappable battery placed either in the temple (head section) or in a detachable earpiece. That means you can replace the battery on the go, making the glasses practical for extended use. Imagine being on a long-haul flight and not having to worry about your AR glasses running out of power.

Not just that, the battery’s position—either in the temple piece or a detachable earpiece—provides users with an option to wear the glasses without the battery. This can reduce the weight and make the device less bulky, ensuring comfort during long work hours.

The patent also reveals that these glasses can be connected to external devices like necklaces or backpacks. This opens up fascinating possibilities. Think about enhancing the device’s computing and memory capacity or even adding new functionalities like Wi-Fi or LiFi support. It’s like carrying a mini work-station around your neck, belt, or backpack.

Microsoft seems to be aiming at giving the remote workforce not just a device for connectivity but also a high level of versatility. The AR glasses can potentially change how we look at remote work, offering a more interactive and efficient way to engage in virtual work environments. If Microsoft manages to pull this off, it might just become the go-to gadget for the modern remote worker.

RELATED:

• Microsoft to debut its first AI chip next month to reduce reliance on Nvidia
• CEO Satya Nadella: Microsoft Spent $100 Billion to Prevent Google Monopoly
• Download the best GCam APK for OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G

(Via)

The post Microsoft’s Latest AR Glasses Patent Reveals a Hot-Swappable Battery Design appeared first on Gizmochina.

In Q2 2023, the AR/VR headset industry experienced its fourth consecutive quarter of decline, with global shipments dropping by a substantial 44.6% compared to the previous year, according to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC).

The Decline in AR/VR Headset Shipments

The report also predicts that total shipments for 2023 will only slightly surpass those of 2017, reaching 8.5 million units, indicating a prolonged period of stagnation in the market. This decline can be attributed primarily to the global economic downturn, which has dampened consumer demand, as well as the increased price of the Meta Quest 2 and a lack of new product launches.

Meta continues to dominate the market with a 50.2% share, followed by Sony and Pico (owned by ByteDance) with 27.1% and 9.6%, respectively, both of which have seen their market share increase since Q2 of the previous year. XReal and DPVR (DaPeng VR) lag behind with marginal market shares just above 2%.

While the industry is currently in a subdued state, the launch of Apple’s Vision Pro AR/VR headset at this year’s Apple WWDC has generated significant excitement and speculation about a potential revival of the Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality headset market, although the sector still falls far short of its previous vibrancy.

In my opinion, the majority of AR/VR software is not yet suitable for everyday use by average consumers. But yes, businesses are increasingly realizing the value of AR/VR headsets for various purposes, including training, simulations, remote assistance, and augmented reality-based maintenance. These applications can boost efficiency, cut costs, and improve employee performance.

The introduction of innovative products like the Vision Pro from Apple offers a glimmer of hope for significant market transformation, possibly paving the way for a breakout in the coming year. However, the balance between new product releases and the right pricing will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of the AR/VR headset industry in the coming years.

RELATED:

• XREAL Air 2 and Air 2 Pro AR Glasses launched in China
• Rokid Station with Rokid Max AR Glasses Review
• ARknovv A1 AR Glasses with creativity, navigation, entertainment launched for 2988 yuan ($417)
• iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Honor Magic5 Ultimate: Specs Comparison
• Best Logitech Gaming Mice 2023 – Lightspeed, Superlight series & more
• Cheapest iPhones to buy in 2023 (India)

(Source, Via)

The post AR/VR headset market witnesses continued decline in Q2 2023, hopes for a rebound in 2024 appeared first on Gizmochina.

China’s VR/AR market has seen dramatic shifts in Q2 2023, as revealed by the latest data from Runto Technology (RUNTO). In this period, the market witnessed sales of 178,000 units, marking a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 51.2%. But this broad figure hides a fascinating story of divergence between the two technologies.

AR Devices See a Slight Decrease in Average Pricing

Virtual Reality (VR) online sales endured a significant downfall, with a 60.9% YoY decrease. The factors behind this steep drop remain speculative but could be linked to shifting consumer preferences or technological advancements in other areas.

Contrasting VR’s decline, Augmented Reality (AR) devices have seen a meteoric rise, with a staggering 258% YoY growth in sales. Additionally, AR devices’ market share has increased by 38% within the overall online VR/AR sector. This growth trend is accompanied by a mild reduction in the average price of AR devices, now at 2,828 yuan.

Three brands, namely Raybird Innovation, XREAL, and Rokid, have emerged as the dominant players in China’s AR online market. They hold an extraordinary 90.2% combined market share, as per the CR3 index, for the second quarter. Raybird Innovation leads with a 39.1% share, followed by XREAL at 32.2% and Rokid at 18.9%.

The divide between VR and AR could signify a broader shift in consumer interest and technology development. While VR’s immersive experience might be losing appeal, AR’s ability to blend virtual elements with the real world is gaining traction. This shift might also be influenced by a wider range of applications and the utility that AR offers. Apple’s recently announced AR headset, Vision Pro, has already contributed significantly to boosting the AR industry, despite its unreleased status.

RUNTO’s forecast for the remainder of 2023 seems to underline this trend, projecting robust growth in China’s consumer-grade AR devices market. The expected annual total sales across all channels could range between 200,000 and 250,000 units, translating to an incredible YoY growth of 100% to 150%.

RELATED:

• ARknovv A1 AR Glasses with creativity, navigation, entertainment launched for 2988 yuan ($417)
• Toyota’s game-changing concept: Swapping in-car displays with AR glasses
• Samsung’s XR headset launch reportedly pushed back six months due to Apple Vision Pro
• OPPO Reno10 Pro vs Nothing Phone (2): Specs Comparison
• Realme GT 3 vs Nothing phone (2): Specs Comparison
• OnePlus 11 vs Nothing Phone (2): Specs Comparison

(Via)

The post China’s AR market surges by 258%, while VR struggles with a 60% decline in Q2 2023 appeared first on Gizmochina.

ARknovv has introduced the world’s first fully functional consumer-grade AR glasses, the ARknovv A1 and ARknovv A1 HUD. These wearable AR glasses are tailored for outdoor use and incorporate AI technology, promising a new era for AR consumer products.

ARknovv A1 is a sleek and lightweight AR glass, weighing only 68 grams, with a dual-eye resolution of 3840×1080. It offers a retina-level display effect, a 55-degree field of view, and a 70Hz refresh rate. The glasses feature a high-definition, high-brightness, and high-transparency optical display system, providing an unmatched visual experience. Additionally, the electrochromic lenses ensure comfortable wear throughout the day.

A standout design element is the “Magic Ring,” a thoughtfully designed interaction accessory. Users can effortlessly interact with the digital world by moving their fingers, even with the ring in their pockets. This enables seamless control and navigation through AR content and applications, eliminating the need for external controllers or touchscreens.

The ARknovv A1 is powered by their proprietary Aladdin OS, integrating deep AI functionalities that redefine the way users interact with both digital and physical environments. The glasses can connect to various devices, including smartphones, computers, and gaming consoles, via USB-C or HDMI interfaces.

It introduces three core features:

Voice Recognition: The intelligent assistant, “Spirit Ball,” employs an in-house GPT model for voice recognition and object perception, acting as an intuitive personal assistant.

AR Photo Album: ARknovv A1 allows users to capture and record real-world moments from their first-person perspective using photos. The AR glasses utilize self-developed AI algorithms, enabling users to review 2D photos in 3D and apply one-click stylization to transform photos into a unique comic world. In the future, ARknovv A1 will expand its capabilities to include 2D videos, offering more powerful and diverse visual creation abilities.

AR Navigation: ARknovv A1 offers pedestrian navigation directly superimposed on the physical world, eliminating the need to look down at a smartphone while walking. It also provides AR-HUD driving navigation for vehicles, enhancing driving safety.

ARknovv A1 HUD is an extension of the ARknovv A1, specially designed for in-car use, elevating the driving experience through augmented reality features. Key features include precise in-car space positioning for accurate navigation guidance, 3DoF SLAM algorithm for displaying virtual objects without obstructing the driver’s view, intuitive turn-by-turn navigation instructions, and real-time notifications for calls and messages.

Furthermore, ARknovv A1 HUD aims to integrate with Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) for real-time safety prompts and Point of Interest (POI) information, making driving safer and more efficient by keeping essential information in the driver’s line of sight. Totoya is also working on a similar AR glass concept to replace in-car displays, indicating competition in the automotive AR glasses market.

Another exciting feature, AR Big Bang, leverages local GPT capabilities for natural language interaction and semantic understanding, offering users textual feedback merged with real-world scenes. Users can point the glasses at objects to learn more about them, creating an immersive experience that seamlessly blends the digital and physical worlds.

ARknovv A1 aims to be a versatile tool for creativity, productivity, and entertainment, offering services that cater to various aspects of daily life through deep AI integration with the mobile internet. The company plans to collaborate with developers and partners to create even more immersive consumer experiences.

The ARknovv A1 is priced at 2988 yuan ($417), and alongside it, the ARknovv A1 HUD version will be launched at 3988 yuan ($557), catering to the needs of drivers. The official pre-order channel is now open, and pre-sales on platforms like Tmall and JD.com will begin on September 26.

RELATED:

• Realme Pad 2 pre-orders are live in India, Check pricing & offers
• Japan’s new chip equipment export rules kick in on July 30
• Intel and Ericsson Team Up to Create More Powerful and Efficient 5G Chips
• Best Ultrawide Monitors for Productivity 2023: LG, Samsung, Dell & more

(Via)

The post ARknovv A1 AR Glasses with creativity, navigation, entertainment launched for 2988 yuan ($417) appeared first on Gizmochina.

Toyota has recently filed a patent application for a groundbreaking concept: replacing traditional in-car displays with augmented reality (AR) glasses. This development aims to enhance the driving experience and improve safety on the road.

Augmented Reality Takes the Wheel: Toyota’s Visionary Approach to In-Car Technology

The primary motivation behind Toyota’s AR glasses is to address visibility issues encountered with conventional displays. Bright sunlight during the day and blinding high beams at night can hinder the driver’s ability to clearly see the information on the screen. To combat this, Toyota plans to incorporate automatic light adjustment features, including chromaticity adjustments. If successful, this technology could even replace sun visors.

The AR glasses will come equipped with cameras, speakers, headphones, and a microphone to enhance functionality. The built-in cameras will track eye movement and monitor road conditions, working in tandem with GPS modules and sensors. This integration enables the glasses to display essential information, such as road markings, speed limits, and warnings for pedestrians and cyclists. Moreover, even if the driver momentarily looks away, the glasses will continue to provide alerts and prevent potential collisions, ensuring a high level of safety.

Toyota’s vision for AR glasses represents a practical and promising solution to the challenges faced by traditional in-car displays. By utilizing advanced technologies, such as augmented reality and integrated sensors, the glasses offer a more immersive and informative driving experience. While the concept seems promising, the question remains: Would you be willing to embrace this innovative approach and wear these augmented glasses while driving?

The potential for Toyota’s AR glasses extends beyond the automotive industry. Similar technology could be used in other sectors where visibility and safety are crucial. For instance, in the aviation industry, pilots could use AR glasses to enhance their view of the cockpit and receive real-time updates about flight conditions. In the construction industry, workers could use AR glasses to receive safety alerts and view structural information in real-time.

RELATED:

• Toyota and Lexus’ Sales Surge in Q2 2023, Thanks to All-Electric Models
• Toyota moots incorporating simulated manual transmissions in future EVs to appeal to customers
• Toyota Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Concept Car, Fueling Excitement for Future Le Mans Races
• Motorola Razr 40 Ultra vs Razr 40: Specs Comparison

(Via)

The post Toyota’s game-changing concept: Swapping in-car displays with AR glasses appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung Electronics has announced a temporary postponement of its augmented reality (XR) headset development project, signaling a comprehensive reevaluation of its plans. The company recently informed its panel suppliers about the delay, with the original timeline pushed back by approximately 3 to 6 months.

The Implications of Apple’s Vision Pro on Samsung’s XR Project

The decision to reevaluate the XR project was prompted by the unveiling of Apple’s mixed reality (MR) headset, known as ‘Vision Pro.’ Samsung took into account the specifications and features of Apple’s competitor product, leading to a reconsideration of the design, internal specifications, and overall performance of Samsung’s XR offering.

Previously, Samsung collaborated with Oculus in 2014 to release the ‘Gear VR’ headset, followed by the launch of Odyssey Plus in 2018. However, these products failed to gain significant traction due to performance limitations and the lack of a well-established XR market. User feedback also highlighted inconveniences associated with docking the devices with smartphones.

To enhance its XR capabilities, Samsung Electronics established the Immersive Display Lab within its Mobile Experience (MX) Business Unit, dedicated to XR research and development. While specific details about Samsung’s XR devices remain undisclosed, industry experts anticipate the integration of Qualcomm chipsets and Google operating systems (OS) to deliver innovative features. The upcoming products are expected to take the form of goggles, glasses, or headsets and are likely to be compatible with Galaxy smartphones and watches.

RELATED:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 dummies show the hinge gap is still very much visible
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ appears on Geekbench 6
• Google ditches Samsung for TSMC to produce first custom Pixel chip, Tensor G5: Report
• Best Mid-Range Tablets of 2023 – Apple, OnePlus, Lenovo & More

(Source)

The post Samsung’s XR headset launch reportedly pushed back six months due to Apple Vision Pro appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google is known for launching ambitious new projects, but it also cancels them frequently. A recent example is Stadia, a game streaming service that was announced with great hopes a few years ago. However, the project was shut down at the start of 2023 after millions of dollars were spent on it. Now, the company has canceled its plans for another project: The next-gen Google augmented reality glasses. Here are the details..

Google Cancels Next-Gen Augmented Reality Glasses, Pivots to Software Development

AR, VR, and MR glasses are more popular today than ever before. Facebook’s Quest series and Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro are just two examples of the many exciting developments in this space. However, Google has made a surprising decision, the company has canceled its plans for next-gen augmented reality glasses.

Google had been working on a project called Iris, a pair of ski goggles-like device that would overlay digital information onto the real world, such as directions, translations, and other useful data. Project Iris was expected to be a major competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro. However, the project faced some challenges.

Google employees became frustrated with the constant changes to the strategy for Iris. This led to low morale among the team. Furthermore, in 2021, Clay Bavor, Google’s head of AR/VR, left the company. This made it even more difficult to move forward with the project, and it was eventually cancelled. However, this does not mean that Google has given up on AR/VR technology.

The company is now focusing on developing software platforms for AR, such as Android XR. This platform will allow developers to create AR experiences for a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and headsets. The future of AR is still uncertain. However, with the continued investment from companies like Google, AR is likely to become a more mainstream technology in the years to come.

RELATED:

• Best Budget Tablets of 2023 – Xiaomi, Lenovo, Nokia
• Here’s why Google Pixel smartphones struggle in India
• Google partners with iFixit for Pixel Fold DIY repair support
• Google testing YouTube Playables as a new gaming feature
• Fossil Brings Google Assistant to Gen 6 Smartwatches Running Wear OS 3

(via)

The post Google Augmented Reality Glasses: Apple Vision Pro’s Biggest Rival Meets an Early Grave appeared first on Gizmochina.

Nubia Mobile has just made an exciting announcement on its official Weibo account. The highly anticipated Nubia Neovision Glass, the world’s first smart glasses certified for Hi-Res audio quality and by TUV Rheinland, is now available for pre-orders. Tech enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the world of augmented reality (AR) by purchasing these AR glasses for a price of 2,999 yuan (~$416).

The AR Glasses can connect to your laptop, consoles, phones and even drones

Boasting a minimalist design, very similar to sunglasses, the nubia Neovision Glass is both lightweight and fashionable, weighing in at a mere 79 grams. This cutting-edge device allows users to replace magnetic lenses with ease, ensuring a personalized visual experience. Featuring 1080p Micro OLED screens for both eyes, the glasses offer an astonishing 3500PPI, 1800nits peak brightness, and eye protection against harmful blue light. Additionally, the nubia Neovision Glass provides up to 500 degrees of diopter adjustment, accommodating a wide range of visual needs.

Beyond its impressive visual capabilities, these smart glasses excel in audio-visual entertainment. Equipped with Hi-Res stereo dual speakers, users can enjoy an immersive soundscape that is enhanced by the design of the glasses. Furthermore, the glasses can seamlessly connect with various devices such as computers, game consoles, and drones, expanding the possibilities for entertainment and productivity.

The glasses made their global debut at the Mobile World Congress 2023. With the added convenience of interest-free installment plans during the initial sales period, Nubia aims to make this groundbreaking technology accessible to a wide range of consumers.

As the world embraces augmented reality, Nubia Mobile continues to push the boundaries of innovation. The Nubia Neovision Glass represents a new era of AR devices, impressing users with its non-standard performance, sleek design, and user-friendly features. Users can expect to unlock a world of endless possibilities as they embark on a unique journey with the glasses. The company announced their global sales for the ZTE Nubia Neovision Glass almost a week back.

RELATED:

• Nubia Neo 5G gaming phone launched with 120Hz display, Unisoc T820, 50MP dual cameras
• Nubia’s Red Magic 8S Pro and Gaming Tablet May Debut on July 5
• Best Password Managers of 2023: Top 5 Picks

(Via)

The post Nubia Neovision AR Glasses will Make Augmented Reality More Accessible appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft Game Studios, one of the leading players in the gaming industry, has once again made it clear that it has no immediate plans to enter the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) market. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Matt Booty, the head of Microsoft Game Studios, emphasized that the current state of VR and AR does not align with Microsoft’s criteria for success in the line of gaming, especially in the near future.

Microsoft plans to leverage its existing Intellectual Properties to create new content

Booty explained that for Microsoft games to be considered successful, they need to attract a substantial player base of around 10 million users. Unfortunately, VR and AR technologies have yet to achieve such widespread adoption. While acknowledging the potential of these emerging technologies, Booty stated that Microsoft prefers to focus on leveraging its existing intellectual properties (IPs) to build ongoing franchises and bustling communities.

This strategic stance sets Microsoft apart from competitors like Sony and Meta (formerly known as Facebook). Sony’s recent release of the PlayStation VR2 saw impressive initial sales, with 600,000 units sold within six weeks. Sony’s President, Hiroki Totoki, even expressed optimism that the PS VR2 could surpass the total sales of its predecessor, which had reached 5 million units by the end of 2019. Similarly, Meta revealed earlier this year that its Quest VR headset had already achieved nearly 20 million unit sales.

Microsoft’s position on VR has faced scrutiny in the past. In November 2019, Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft‘s gaming division, sparked controversy with his remarks about VR, which some interpreted as dismissive of the technology. However, Spencer later clarified his comments, expressing appreciation for the game industry’s exploration of different areas while emphasizing that VR was not their immediate focus.

While Microsoft’s current stance may disappoint VR enthusiasts, it highlights the company’s commitment to its existing gaming ecosystem. With a focus on expanding and nurturing their successful IPs, Microsoft aims to create engaging experiences for a broad player base. Nevertheless, as the VR and AR markets continue to evolve, Microsoft should remain open to the possibility of exploring these technologies in the future, because slowly yet steadily, AR and VR will carve a niche in gaming.

RELATED:

• Microsoft Strengthens Defenses Against Layer 7 DDoS Attacks
• Microsoft Bing Chat Introduces iOS Widgets, Advanced Voice Chat Functionality in New Update
• Best Free Video Editing Software 2023

(Via)

The post Microsoft has no Plans to Enter the AR/VR Gaming Space Yet appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple’s highly anticipated AR/VR headset is set to revolutionize the way we experience live events, and according to reports from 9to5Mac, one of its standout features will be virtual concerts. This application has been in the works at Apple for several years, with the goal of providing users with a seamless and immersive audience experience, whether the concert is happening in real-time or pre-recorded.

The same technology could be used for live sporting events as well

To make this ambitious project a reality, Apple acquired NextVR in 2020, a company known for its expertise in creating virtual reality experiences for live events such as sporting spectacles and concerts. Prior to being acquired by Apple, NextVR had already built an extensive content library and had collaborations with popular headsets like Oculus, HTC, and PlayStation.

The acquisition of NextVR has given Apple access to a vast pool of resources, both in terms of capital and networking capabilities. As a result, it is widely speculated by media experts that NextVR has made significant advancements in the creation of concert content. This suggests that Apple’s AR/VR headset, known as Reality Pro, and its operating system, xrOS, will offer users an unparalleled and immersive experience when it comes to attending virtual concerts. The technology isn’t limited to virtual concerts, however. Previous reports also state that Apple is integrating its other services, such as Fitness+ with its mixed reality headset, which will allow users to work out in Virtual Reality. The company might even integrate some sports applications with the VR/AR ecosystem, letting users enjoy the thrill of playing sports from the comfort of their homes.

By leveraging the power of augmented and virtual reality technologies, Apple aims to bridge the gap between physical and digital worlds, allowing users to feel as though they are truly present at a live concert. This innovative approach to entertainment showcases Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and redefining the way we consume media. The headset is expected to be unveiled at the WWDC 2023, which is right around the corner.

RELATED:

• Apple To Open Three Stores In The Next Four Years In India As Current Stores Become A Hit
• Apple Joins the Trend of Live Stream Shopping in China, Prepares for Massive 618 Shopping Festival
• Best ChatGPT Extensions for Chrome

(Via)

The post Apple’s AR/VR Headset will take Virtual Concerts to New Heights appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple is set to unveil its highly anticipated AR/VR headset, dubbed the Reality Pro, on June 5th. According to industry analyst Ross Young, the headset will boast two 1.41-inch micro OLED displays, each offering an impressive 4K resolution per eye. This translates to a pixel density of 4,400 pixels per inch (ppi), delivering a stunning visual experience.

Dual 4K Displays and Unmatched Brightness

Compared to other leading headsets in the market, such as the Meta Quest Pro and PlayStation VR 2, the Reality Pro’s resolution is notably superior. While the Meta Quest Pro and PlayStation VR 2 offer 1,800 x 1,920 and 2,000 x 2,040 pixels per eye, respectively, Apple’s headset will provide a significantly higher resolution, making for sharper and more detailed graphics.

Another standout feature of the Reality Pro is its exceptional brightness. With a brightness level exceeding 5,000 nits, the displays will be nearly three times brighter than a typical smartphone screen at maximum brightness. Therefore, the Reality Pro’s brightness is truly impressive, promising enhanced visual clarity and vibrant colors for users. The headset’s display is also likely to feature ProMotion with a 120Hz or higher refresh rate.

While the rumored price of $1,500 may be steep for casual users, the Reality Pro is primarily targeted toward professionals and developers. These individuals are likely to capitalize on the device’s advanced capabilities to create immersive experiences within the metaverse. As the technology progresses, Apple is expected to release a non-Pro version of the headset, catering to a wider audience with more affordable pricing and slightly scaled-down specifications.

Apple’s Reality Pro AR/VR headset with dual 4K displays promises to deliver an exceptional visual experience and is anticipated to make a significant impact in the world of augmented and virtual reality.

RELATED:

• Apple Music Classical dedicated application now available on Android
• Foxconn increases pay and bonus package for workers in Zhengzhou, China
• iPhone 15 Tipped To Support 15W Wireless Charging Via Third-Party Qi2 Standard
• Honor 90 vs Honor 90 Pro: Specs Comparison

(Source, Via)

The post Apple Reality Pro tipped to feature dual 4K displays appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple enthusiasts and tech enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which is set to take place on June 5, 2023. This year, however, there is an exciting twist. Apple has hinted towards the fact that the event will feature augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) announcements, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing exploration of these cutting-edge technologies.

Apple introduced its first WWDC Easter egg in 2020

For several years now, Apple has delighted its audience by including hidden AR surprises on the event page leading up to WWDC. These Easter eggs have become somewhat of a tradition, captivating users and hinting at what’s to come. In 2020, Apple introduced its first AR Easter egg during the iPad and Apple Watch Series 6 event, and it has continued this trend ever since.

To uncover the AR Easter egg for WWDC23, all users need to do is visit the Apple Events webpage on their iPhone or iPad. Once there, they can simply tap on the morphing Apple logo located at the top of the page. As soon as they do so, an incredible AR experience will unfold before their eyes.

The AR experience showcases a static Apple logo shadow alongside a mesmerizing morphing Apple logo that occasionally reveals the date of the event, “June 5, 2023.” Users will have full control over the shifting Apple logo, allowing them to rotate it in any direction and adjust its size by pinching or expanding their fingers. Alternatively, they can choose to view the AR experience or focus solely on the captivating morphing Apple object set against a subtle gray background.

As Apple enthusiasts eagerly anticipate WWDC23, the inclusion of AR and VR announcements has generated a wave of excitement. With the rumored unveiling of Apple’s Reality Pro headset, the conference promises to showcase the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and immersing users in innovative digital experiences.

The integration of AR into WWDC highlights the growing significance of this technology in various fields, including gaming, education, and productivity. As Apple continues to explore AR’s potential, we can expect groundbreaking developments that will reshape how we interact with the digital world. Apart from this, there are also rumors of the 15-inch Macbook Air dropping on the same date.

RELATED:

• Apple iPhone 16 Pro models to feature new cameras & taller displays
• Apple launches Ember Temperature-Controlled Travel Mug with Find My support
• Best TV for Xbox 2023

(Via)

The post Apple WWDC Event Page Hints at Reality Pro Headset Unveil on June 5 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Meta Platforms, the parent company of social media giant Facebook, is reportedly in talks with Magic Leap for licensing the company’s augmented reality (AR) technology.

If the deal goes through, then Meta will get access to Magic Leap’s expertise in the development of lightweight and high-resolution AR headsets, a segment in which the social media company has invested heavily.

The deal would be a major step forward for both companies as Meta will get access to Magic Leap’s technology while the latter will get an infusion of cash, helping it accelerate the development of its tech. However, it’s still too early to tell if the deal will go through, and even if it does, then they are not expected to make a product together.

Magic Leap has been working on the development of AR technology for several years now, and it has already released its AR glasses named Magic Leap One which received mixed response. However, it has kept developing the technology and is arguably the leading player in the market.

On the other hand, Meta has been heavily investing in augmented reality as the company sees the technology as a core part of its future. It has launched Quest 2 and is now looking to develop a more advanced headset for a wide range of applications.

There are a few major technology companies working on AR technology but no one has launched a disruptive product so far the continued investment in this space indicates that the companies are serious about AR and expect it to play a major part in the future.

RELATED:

• Twitter Alternative, Codenamed P92, may be Unveiled by Meta Next Month
• New Meta AI Chip to Power the Metaverse and Create a New Virtual World
• Users can Now Play Multiplayer Games with Friends on Facebook Messenger Video Calls
• Meta to Start Charging Users for Blue Checkmark on Facebook & Instagram
• TECNO x ManCity brings the world’s first Augmented Reality experience in football

Source

The post Meta reportedly in talks to license Magic Leap’s AR technology appeared first on Gizmochina.

Augmented Reality (AR) technology has made significant strides over the past few years, and it’s only going to get better from here. AR has applications across a broad range of industries, from healthcare and education to gaming and entertainment. AR technology overlays digital images, sounds, or video onto the real world in real time, creating a mixed-reality experience for users. Massive tech companies such as Google have already tried, with Google Glass making waves in the tech news arena in the past. The Mobile World Congress trade show (MWC 2023) has become a platform where top tech brands showcase their prototypes or ideas for future products. Xiaomi, a leading Chinese consumer electronics company, unveiled a prototype of its AR glasses called the Xiaomi Wireless AR Smart Glass Explorer Edition at the event.

These AR glasses feature a pair of Micro-OLED screens and three forward-facing cameras. To ensure that the glasses can be worn for a longer duration, they clock in at 126g, which is quite lightweight. They run on Qualcomm‘s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chip and have no onboard storage. 

What sets these AR glasses apart is that they are entirely wireless, and the glasses connect to a smartphone via the company’s proprietary low-latency communication link. Xiaomi’s AR applications are already far more advanced, with the ability to run interactive virtual desktops, shooting games, virtual Xiaomi Home UI, and much more. The reason why Xiaomi may not be releasing these AR glasses to the public is probably that the company still has to perfect particular aspects of the glasses. That could be the battery life or the wireless connection. Nonetheless, the company hasn’t commented on the same.

Despite being in its prototype stage, the glasses worked as advertised during a demo session, with the visuals floating in front of the user’s face, and the sensors picking up the user’s hand/arm gestures. Xiaomi is yet to announce when these glasses will be officially launched, but the prototype has generated a lot of excitement among tech enthusiasts.

RELATED:

• Our Entire MWC 2023 Coverage Here
• Xiaomi Unveils Stylish Electric Scooter 4 Ultra at MWC 2023
• Best Laptops for College Students in 2023

(Source)

The post Xiaomi’s New Futuristic Wireless AR Glasses Showcased at MWC 2023 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Snapchat is revolutionizing augmented reality with its introduction of ray tracing technology to the AR Lens Studio for developers. The technology allows for realistic renderings of light and shine on AR artifacts, bringing the ultra-realistic quality of ray tracing to mobile devices for the first time at this scale. Working in partnership with Tiffany & Co., the first Lens built with ray tracing allows users to try on Tiffany Lock bracelets using AR and purchase them directly within the app. This new development enhances the quality of any Lens featuring objects where lighting bounces and is reflected on their surface, such as metals, stones, and glass surfaces.

Ray tracing is a rendering technique used in computer graphics to create realistic images by simulating the behavior of light in a physical environment. It works by tracing the path of light rays as they interact with objects and surfaces in a virtual scene, calculating the way they would behave in the real world. This allows for accurate and realistic reflections, refractions, shadows, and other lighting effects. By creating images based on the actual physical behavior of light, ray tracing can create images that are visually more convincing and lifelike than other rendering techniques, making it a popular choice in fields such as animation, video games, and product design.

Snapchat has been working hard to improve its technology in the shopping Lens creation area, given that 250 million Snapchat users engaged with its AR Shopping Lenses more than 5 billion times in 2022. The introduction of ray tracing technology to its app could also help the company better compete with larger social media companies, such as Instagram and Messenger. Additionally, Snap has recently partnered with Amazon for its augmented reality-powered Virtual Try-On shopping experience, starting with eyewear but with plans to expand into other categories in the months ahead. With these new AR improvements, Lenses featuring AR diamond jewelry, clothing, and much more can now reach ultra-realistic quality, making the shopping experience personal, accessible, and fun for Snapchatters worldwide.

RELATED:

• Samsung Collabs With Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat
• Snapchat+ launched in India at Rs. 49 per month with 6 exclusive features
• Best Laptops Under $300 – ChromeOS and Windows

The post Snapchat Introduces Ray Tracing Technology to AR Lens Studio appeared first on Gizmochina.

Meizu has announced that it will be expanding its product offerings in the future to include AR glasses, tablets, and watches. In addition to these new products, the company is also planning to increase its cooperation with Lynk & Co and is currently working on the FlymeAuto car-machine system, as well as Lipro smart home and PANDAER trendy life products.

Meizu announces plans to expand product offerings with AR glasses, tablets, and watches

Meizu, which has recently been acquired by Geely’s Xingji Times, has announced plans to expand its product offerings to include a range of new devices. The general manager of Meizu’s sales department recently revealed the company’s comprehensive product matrix for the next few years, which includes plans to create an all-around product matrix with full-scenario multi-terminal immersive experience.

In addition to its traditional offerings of mobile phones and cars, Meizu plans to release AR glasses, tablets, and watches in the future. The company will also reportedly have more cooperation with Lynk & Co in the future. The product matrix also includes plans for the Meizu Lipro smart home and Meizu PANDAER trendy life products.

Meizu CEO Huang Zhipan will reportedly serve as a strategic consultant for the brand’s products. Despite the acquisition by Xingji Times, Meizu has agreed to operate as an independent brand, and the top management will remain unchanged. In addition to these new products, the company is also reportedly working on the FlymeAuto car-machine system, which was announced in October of this year.

The system is described as the continuation of Meizu Flyme in the smart cockpit, and will reportedly feature two core architectures: Flyme Auto Core and Flyme Auto. The latter is based on the Flyme system and is described as a vehicle-mounted operating system that incorporates part of the capabilities of the Yikatong vehicle-mounted system.

Shen Ziyu, the new chairman of Meizu and vice chairman of Xingji Times, has previously revealed that the company is planning to release a new flagship smartphone in the coming year. He has also stated that Meizu will retain an independent team and continue to operate as an independent brand following the acquisition by Xingji Times. It will be interesting to see what new products and innovations Meizu has in store for the future as it expands its product offerings and continues to cooperate with Lynk & Co.

RELATED:

• Nubia Z50 Launched: SD8 Gen 2 Chip, Sony IMX787 Custom Camera, 144Hz AMOLED Display, and More
• Meizu PANDAER Elvis Presley-branded Bluetooth speaker with dual 48mm speakers launched
• Infinix Hot 20 5G Review – Performance, 5G in an Enticing Package
• Oppo Find N2 & Find N2 Flip flagship foldable phones launched in China
• Meizu’s Anti-Theft Patent Will Prevent Your Smartphone From Being Stolen

(via)

The post Meizu to Expand Product Line with AR, Tablets, and Watches appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple’s Mixed Reality headset, which has been in the news for the past few months as the upcoming AR/VR device from the technology giant, may get delayed due to software-related issues, reports Ming-Chi Kuo.

According to the report, the long-rumored Apple AR/VR headset is having unspecified software-related issues, which could delay the mass shipments of the device to the second half of next year, i.e. 2023.

Kuo says that the mass shipments for the components of the device are likely to start somewhere in the first half of 2023, but the shipment of the fully assembled device may not begin until the second half of the year, resulting in a delayed launch even if Apple announces the device earlier in the year.

Earlier, Kuo had claimed that the AR/VR device or the Mixed Reality headset from Apple could be announced at a January media event, with mass shipments beginning in the second quarter of the year. It is not yet known whether the delay in shipments would result in a pushback for the announcement of the device.

If the device isn’t announced in early 2023, then the WWDC 2023, somewhere around the month of June should be a good opportunity for the Cupertino-based tech giant to unveil the new device and open up its Software Development Kit (SDK) for developers to create AR/VR applications of the device.

Ming-Chi Kuo also expects the upcoming product from Apple to be on the expensive side when it comes to pricing. He forecasts that because of the pricing, the company will ship less than 500,000 units in the year 2023. We’ll have to wait for a few more weeks or months to know the features and pricing of the device.

RELATED:

• Apple Accelerates Plans to Shift iPhone Production Outside of China
• Apple’s Upcoming AR/VR Headset To Run xrOS Operating System
• Apple adds 2013 & 2014 iMacs to Obsolete list, Watch Series 2 is now Vintage
• New Apple Mac with M2 Max Chip, 96GB RAM spotted on Geekbench
• Apple iPhone 14 Pro Shipments In Trouble Due To Foxconn Factory Protests

The post Apple AR/VR Headset Could Be Delayed Due To Software-Related Issues: Ming-Chi Kuo appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has been working on its AR/VR headset for years now and if the reports are to be believed, then the company is set to launch the device in a couple of months. There have been reports about the device being powered by its own operating system.

Now, as per the latest report, the AR/VR headset from Apple will come powered by xrOS, which is a dedicated operating system for the mixed reality headset from the Cupertino-based tech giant.

According to the report from Bloomberg, Apple has decided to call the software powering the augmented reality and virtual reality headset xrOS instead of the previously rumored RealityOS or rOS.

This new information about the software comes at a time when the technology giant is expected to be preparing for the launch of the headset sometime in 2023. Along with the headset having its operating system, it will also have a dedicated app store, similar to the Apple TV and Apple Watch.

If the rumors are to be believed, then the device from Apple will be a Mixed Reality device similar to the Microsoft HoloLens, which will support both Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. The XR term stands for Extended Reality, which includes both augmented and virtual reality.

Apple has redesigned some of its applications like Maps and Messenger for a better experience on an AR/VR headset, but the company is also developing a Software Development Kit, allowing third-party developers to create applications for the new platform.

While there’s no solid information about the device getting launched, some reports indicate that the product could get launched in the first half of 2023 and will be available for purchase from the second half of the year. We expect to get more information in the coming months.

RELATED:

• An Engineer Fixes Apple’s Biggest Shortcoming By Making a Curved iPhone 14 Pro Max
• Apple has TSMC make 4nm chips from its Arizona plant in 2024
• Apple adds 2013 & 2014 iMacs to Obsolete list, Watch Series 2 is now Vintage
• LG Display wants to supply microOLED panels for Apple’s MR/AR headset
• Apple AR headset to reportedly feature Micro OLED display and M1 processor

The post Apple’s Upcoming AR/VR Headset To Run xrOS Operating System appeared first on Gizmochina.

Soon after announcing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship smartphone processor, Qualcomm has taken the wraps off yet another chipset, dubbed Qualcomm Snapdragon AR2 Gen 1, which is built for Augmented Reality devices.

The new chip is a part of Qualcomm’s Extended Reality (XR) offerings and is claimed to deliver “groundbreaking AR technology that will unlock a new generation of sleek, highly capable glasses.”

With this new chipset, which is built from the groups up, the company is aiming to revolutionize the head-worn glass form factor and usher in a new era of spatial computing experiences for the real-world/metaverse mix.

It is built on a multi-chip distributed processing architecture combined with customized IP blocks. The company says that the new platform delivers 2.5x better AI performance than the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 and consumes 50% less power, making it ideal for AR glasses that consume less than 1W power.

The chipset consists of an AR processor, an AR co-processor, and a connectivity platform. The AR processor is optimized for low motion-to-photon latency while supporting up to nine concurrent cameras for the user and environmental understanding. The AR co-processor aggregates data from connected cameras and sensors, enabling features like eye tracking and iris authentication for foveated rendering.

As for connectivity, the chip uses the FastConnect 7800 system and brings support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology with less than 2ms latency between the AR glasses and the smartphone or host device. It is also capable of offloading complex tasks to Snapdragon-powered smartphones, PCs, or other compatible host devices to reduce latency and offer a smoother visual experience.

Qualcomm says it is working with several OEMs, including Lenovo, LG, Oppo, TCL, Xiaomi, Pico, QONOQ, Rokid, Sharp, Tencent, and Vuzix, among others, to bring a new generation of AR smart glasses featuring the Snapdragon AR2 to the market. As of now, details about the availability of any AR devices from these brands aren’t known, but we expect to know more in the coming months.

RELATED:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship smartphone chipset goes official
• Apple will use Qualcomm modems in iPhones until 2025 – Analyst
• Qualcomm is reportedly planning to release an ARM-based 12-core CPU
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 details surface online
• Xiaomi Launched Mijia AR Glasses Camera with 15x Hybrid Zoom, Snapdragon 8 SoC

The post Qualcomm Snapdragon AR2 Gen 1 chipset announced for high-performance AR Glasses appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has been reported to be working on its AR Glasses for a long time now, and recent reports indicated that the company is gearing up to soon launch the AR device. But now, the latest report indicates that the launch of the upcoming Apple AR Glasses could have been delayed.

The Cupertino-based technology giant is still on track to launch the AR/VR headset next year, but the report from Jeff Pu of Haitong International Tech Research indicates that the launch of the Apple AR Glasses has been delayed by a few more years

The report indicates that the AR Glasses from Apple have been postponed to the year 2025 or 2026, mainly because of design issues. It appears to be a major issue, given that the earlier report from Jeff Pu had indicated that the augmented reality device could be announced as soon as 2024.

As of now, there’s no information available on what exactly is the problem that the company is facing and the term “design difficulties” is also quite broad as it could cover anything from the aesthetics to the technical design.

While there appear to be delays in the AR devices from Apple, the company is still determined and has made Augmented Reality its top priority as its CEO Tim Cook believes that the technology is the next big thing. The company already has AR elements on the iPhone, it will be interesting to see what the company brings to the table after its devices get launched in the market.

RELATED:

• Apple iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max production will hit due to Covid restrictions in China
• First Look At Exynos VR III, Samsung’s Standalone Gear VR Headset
• Apple offering two months free Apple TV+ subscription with Selena Gomez’s new documentary film
• Black Shark patents a VR device that can read the lips for hearing impaired people
• Apple iPhone SE 4’s display size is yet to be confirmed, OLED panel in rumors

The post Apple AR Glasses launch reportedly delayed due to design issues appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung Display has revealed its predictions for the AR device’s display technology. The company believes that the micro LED display technology is the choice for AR (augmented reality), which is much better than OLED.

For those unaware, micro LED is a relatively newer display technology, which Kim Min-woo, head of Samsung Display’s group, believes is the future for AR devices. He stated that “To realize augmented reality (AR), a high-brightness display is necessary.” Thus, the senior official said that this display technology is the most suitable for AR devices.

Samsung Display is currently working on making OLED that will be used for virtual reality based devices’ displays. Although, Kim further added that the implementation of AR, VR, or even mixed reality devices are not the same. He said that “Unlike VR, which is disconnected from reality (external environment), AR must have high luminance, light weight, and small panel size because it has to implement images outdoors.”

AR devices also have to be used outdoors while overlaying the virtual world on top of the real world. However, since OLEDs have lower luminance than LEDs, micro LEDs bring advantages over OLEDs, with their high brightness, higher resolution, longer lifespan, and even form factor as well. Kim stated that “A pixel density of 5000 PPI or higher is required for AR display. should be reduced to 3 μm or less.”

RELATED:

• Samsung Galaxy S23 series may retain Galaxy S22 design language: Leak
• Samsung Galaxy M04 & Galaxy A04e receive Bluetooth SIG certification
• Samsung Galaxy M32 Prime Edition listed on Amazon, available for as low as Rs 9,999 (~$121)
• Samsung announces roll out of 5G support update for all compatible devices by mid-November in India
• Samsung beats Xiaomi & Realme during India Festive sale, sells over 3 million phones

The post Samsung Display believes that Micro LED is better for AR over OLED appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google had recently held its I/O 2022 event. During this conference, the company had a number of new products as well as software based announcements. But, one of the most notable gadgets was an AR Glasses that was teased during the virtual event.

For those unaware, the Search engine giant had dabbled with augmented reality in the past with its Google Glass. But this product never hit the commercial market. But during the I/O event, the brand had teased an AR Glasses like product in a short video. In other words, this could be the successor to Google Glass. Notably, this teaser also arrives as the world shifts to the digital realms with announcements like the metaverse and companies like Apple, Meta, and Snap actively working on their own AR related products as well.

In the event, the company had announced the Pixel 6a, Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Watch, and showcased the design of the Pixel 7 series as well. However, packed in between these launches was the AR Glasses. Looking at the short teaser, we can see the product featuring AI real time language translation. This function was highlighted as a person standing in front was speaking a different language while the wearer received the translated version in the AR format on their glasses, which they could read.

Unfortunately, the teaser only showcased how the new glasses would work and showcased only one of its many features. We still have no idea what the product might look like. Furthermore, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed that the AR Glasses are still at an early prototype stage and is currently being tested. So we can expect to hear more from the company sometime in the future.

RELATED:

• Google unveils Android 13 for tablets, with a Taskbar, enhanced multitasking, & more
• Google Pixel 6a confirmed to launch in India later this year
• Google’s upcoming premium Android powered Pixel Tablet to launch next year

The post Google teases its AI powered AR Glasses during IO 2022 event appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi has just been granted authorization for an interesting new technology that is based on AR (augmented reality). This new system is an AR powered shopping navigation system that was just spotted in a patent.

The patent description states that the new technology is a “shopping navigation method, device and system based on augmented reality technology AR.” In other words, its likely a system that is designed to improve the users’ shopping experience. This could be done through various ways, including providing location information of the product that the user wishes to find while even offering navigational information to guide them to the store (Via ITHome).

This would be especially intuitive with augmented reality tech, which offers a layer of information on top of the real world. Picture yourself wearing AR powered glasses while you’re looking for a particular smartphone. The Chinese tech giant’s AR shopping navigation system would help you locate the store in which the device is available and offer you waypoints as you find your way to the retailer. All in all, this is a system designed to make shopping more interactive and efficient.

Another very practical use of this technology might be in appraising products. For example, you enter a store that sells laptops, the technology might help list the specification of the laptops and its online pricing as well. Although, the patent does not hint of this feature in the patent, so take it with a pinch of salt. It is also unknown if Xiaomi is actually working on such a system or just covering the bases related to AR.

RELATED:

• Xiaomi Watch S1 listed on Amazon.de for €195 ahead of Europe launch
• Xiaomi to take on Apple in the global high-end phone market – Lei Jun
• Xiaomi launches mini PC weighing just 250g
• Xiaomi leads as Indian smartphone market grows by 7% YoY: Report

The post Xiaomi working on an AR based shopping navigation system: Patent appeared first on Gizmochina.

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, teased that the App Store currently has around 14,000 apps that are based on Augmented Reality (AR) technology. But, he added this figure will only grow even more as the company maintains its investment in the technology.

According to a PhoneArena report, the executive teased the future of App Store earlier this week, when talking about the Cupertino based giant’s plans for augmented reality. For those unaware, AR technology essentially adds a layer on top of the real world rather than bring the user to an entirely virtual world like VR (Virtual Reality). In response to a reporter’s question about the iPhone maker’s plans with the Metaverse, Cook stated that “We see a lot of potential in this space and are investing accordingly.”

This statement is in line with recent rumors that have hinted at Apple working on its first AR/VR mixed reality headset. As per our previous report, the headset was initially planned for a 2022 release, but now, the company has apparently delayed its launch to 2023. In other words, the mixed reality headset may be arriving alongside another one of Apple’s highly anticipated products, the Apple Glass.

For those unaware, this pair of glasses would appear to be no different from a regular one. But it will include AR functionalities. Cook also talked about the company’s research and development team has been working on various aspects like hardware, software, and services. He further added that “That’s where the magic really happens. There’s quite a bit of investment going into things that are not on the market at this point.”

RELATED:

• Global smartphone market records 4% growth for first time after 2017, Apple takes lead
• Apple sees 11% rise in iPhone sales, while its Services jump by 24% in Q1 2022
• Apple grabs top spot in terms of smartphone market share in China
• Apple updates Personal Safety User Guide to help AirTag users beat stalkers

The post Apple CEO Tim Cook hints at AR apps soon filling the App Store appeared first on Gizmochina.

Technology giant Microsoft and chipset leader Qualcomm have worked together for custom chips for Windows PC and now, during Qualcomm’s keynote at CES 2022, it has been announced that both the companies will be collaborating again for AR chips.

Qualcomm and Microsoft together will develop a new, customized version of Snapdragon chipset for augmented reality and the same will be powering the future AR glasses coming from Microsoft.

Cristiano Amon, Chief Executive Officer at Qualcomm, said: “We’re announcing that we’re developing a custom augmented reality Snapdragon chip for next-generation, power-efficient, very lightweight AR glasses for the Microsoft ecosystem.”

He further added that the company is integrating into the chip platform software from both companies: the Microsoft Mesh platform, and the recently announced Qualcomm Snapdragon Spaces XR development platform. The Snapdragon Spaces will be fully integrated into Microsoft Mesh and will be available for next-generation glasses.

Earlier, Microsoft partnered with Qualcomm to develop custom SQ1 and SQ2 chips for its ARM-based Surface Pro X devices. The Microsoft HoloLens 2 is also powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips. So, the development of both these brands partnering for new chips isn’t surprising.

For those who are unaware, Microsoft Mesh is the company’s mixed-reality platform powered by Azure and is meant to create a sense of shared presence on a variety of devices. Recently, the company announced its plans to bring Mesh to its Teams group collaboration platform.

RELATED: 

• Microsoft Surface Duo facing issues with copy and paste feature: Report
• Qualcomm is already reportedly working on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship chip
• Microsoft and iFixit partner up to make repair tools for Surface devices
• Samsung 3nm GAA process may have AMD and Qualcomm as its first customers
• Quantum Operation unveils a smartwatch with non-invasive blood glucose monitoring

The post Microsoft and Qualcomm partners to develop chips for AR glasses appeared first on Gizmochina.

OPPO has showcased some interesting technologies and concept devices so far and the company keeps on experimenting with new devices and the latest product coming from the Chinese brand is the OPPO Air Glass.

At the OPPO INNO Day 2021, the company officially unveiled its first assisted reality (AR) smart glass, dubbed OPPO Air Glass. GizmoChina was present at the event and got to briefly use the device. Here’s our hands-on experience and the first impression of the newly unveiled OPPO Air Glass.

It has a futuristic styling and comes with a single-lens design. It’s basically a set of spectacles with an additional glass frame attachment that magnetically snaps onto the right side of the frame. It is extremely lightweight, weighing at just 30 grams.

The glass embeds Spark Micro Projector and a micro-LED and supports two display modes – 16-level grayscale and 256-level grayscale. It also offers up to 1400nits average brightness for a vivid and sharp visual display.

The frame has a magnetic component and it houses the projector, motherboard, Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset, battery, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas, microphones, and a speaker. There are multiple ways the OPPO Air Glass can be used, including touch controls, hand gestures, and head shakes. However, to use the device, you will need Reno 6 Pro or the company’s Watch 2 as it doesn’t support any other Android or iOS device.

There’s a wide range of use cases for this new AR product from OPPO as it comes with support for functionalities like weather reminders, schedule reminders, a Health app, and a teleprompter for speeches, presentations, and many more scenarios.

It also supports real-time translation between Chinese and English languages but the company has promised to add support for more languages. Currently, it is limited to a few functions and users cannot use it to watch videos or play games.

As of now, the OPPO Air Glass will get a limited release in China and should be available for purchase in Q1 2022. The company is yet to reveal details about its pricing.

RELATED: 

• OPPO unveils its first self developed MariSilicon X NPU imaging chip
• ISRO signs MoU with OPPO for NavIC messaging services
• OPPO and OnePlus phones tipped to use in-house chips based on TSMC’s 6nm node
• OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G, Reno6 Z 5G ColorOS 12 beta program goes live
• OPPO Find N foldable phone live images leaked, company also drops new teaser video

The post OPPO Air Glass Hands-On and First Impression: A unique and lightweight design appeared first on Gizmochina.

Volvo is looking to create a new and more interactive way to offer users information while driving their cars. The company is working on a new technology, which could turn the car’s windshield into an AR display.

The Swedish automobile giant has just announced a partnership with an Israel based start up, Spectralics. Together, the two companies will be working on a new technology that will offer people a heads up display (HUD) for a windshield. For those unaware, a HUD is a feature that is seen in military aircrafts like fighter jets in which crucial details like speed, altitude and other crucial information is displayed in front of the pilot. Previously, we had reported on Huawei announcing an AR HUD tech that would turn car windshield’s into a smart screen. And now, it seems that Volvo is also working on a similar system as well.

Spectralics is developing what it calls a multi layered thin combiner (MLTC) film that can embed in the windshield of a car. This would enable the vehicle to turn the whole window or windshield into a large augmented reality based display. As stated above, this HUD display could help offer users a number of crucial information, like pointing out potential hazards or offering details regarding the vehicle’s immediate vicinity.

According to Volvo, the wide field of view offered by the HUD can display “can instill a sense of distance as virtual objects are superimposed onto the real world environment for a safe and immersive experience.” While this technology does sound quite interesting, it is still in early stages of development. Although, since Huawei is already working on this technology and now an established car brand like Volvo is developing this technology as well, it won’t be a surprise if more automakers take note of this system.

RELATED:

• Volvo to supply its XC90 model for Didi’s Robotaxi fleet in China
• Volvo to halt car production in China and US in March due to chip shortage
• Volvo announces plans to only manufacture electric vehicles by 2030

The post Volvo working on new tech that turns car windshields into an AR Display appeared first on Gizmochina.

Currently, the tech world is abuzz with Metaverse and its applications. But while AR (augmented reality) is the next step towards the Metaverse, products that support it have yet to be fully matured. And now, Qualcomm seeks on boosting the development of these AR related products through its new software platform, Snapdragon Spaces.

With Snapdragon Spaces, the chipmaking giant seeks to bridge the gap between smartphones and AR glasses. This, in turn, also implies that various smartphone brands are likely to launch their own AR glasses as well. So to put things simply, your AR glass will work with your smartphone through the new Snapdragon Spaces software. Qualcomm further added that it has made the “Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer Platform” to help developers improve their existing apps while also creating new ones to better utilize the wearable AR products.

Furthermore, the software will also include machine perception technology which will be geared towards both performance and low powered AR glasses from the next generation. Spaces is basically a software that connects your handset to the AR headset/glasses, but the entire process involves a few more details. Apart from just connecting the two devices, the glasses will also become an extension of the compatible smartphone, with the AR device using processing power and telecom connection.

Notably, Snapdragon Spaces would also let developers build 3D applications for AR glasses. As of right now, companies like Lenovo, Xiaomi, and Oppo are the initial partners for the Snapdragon Spaces platform while other app developers like Epic Games are also in collaboration as well. XueZhong Zeng, SVP of Xiaomi stated that “We are looking forward to enabling headworn AR application developers to reach maximum audiences through the open platform of Snapdragon Spaces and our future Snapdragon Space enabled devices.”

RELATED:

• Qualcomm seeks to deepen its cooperation with its Chinese partners
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 898 could launch at Tech Summit on November 30
• Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon 778G Plus, Snapdragon 695, Snapdragon 480 Plus 5G, and Snapdragon 680 4G

The post Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon Spaces platform for AR devices appeared first on Gizmochina.

Huawei has just unveiled its latest innovation at the Munich International Automobile Expo that is being held in Germany. It is the new AR HUD technology, which is an augmented reality based system that powers a heads up display that can turn a car’s front wind shield into a smart screen.

As per official notes, the new AR HUD technology will offer an informative and interactive heads up display for the car’s front windshield. For those unaware, a HUD is a common feature in military aircrafts like fighter jets in which crucial details like speed, altitude and other crucial information is displayed in front of the pilot. Now, the Chinese tech giant seeks to use an augmented reality based technology to offer a similar solution in future generation of automobiles. The brand believes that through this technology, carmakers would be able to integrate new technologies, safety, and entertainment together to create a new driving experience.

The Huawei AR HUD offers a large viewing angle of 13°x 5°, which is a 70 inch large display area that can cover up to 7.5 meters in the front. To keep the driver’s vision clutter free and without any distractions, the company built the related system in the lower area behind the steering wheel. The new AR HUD would be capable of offering navigation based information like route distance, information regarding the number of lanes in an upcoming road, and other crucial information like weather conditions.Furthermore, an interesting aspect of this technology could also be in the form of night vision or assistive vision during times of heavy rain, low light scenarios, or even fog.

This would ensure safety of the driver and the passengers as well. The company stated that the AR HUD will also feature a FHD display up to 100PPD and would not be hindered by issues like low brightness, low contrast, or image distortion that plagues a traditional HUD technology. In other words, it can also be used as an entertainment and multimedia tool, which offers video/movie streaming feature. Other interesting applications include the ability to offer three dimensional mapping system that offers information on parking lots, restaurants, shops, gas stations, and more in real time.

RELATED:

• Huawei schedules a launch event on September 13 for office productivity products
• Huawei will release a new version of HarmonyOS at its 2021 developer conference
• Huawei patents smartphone with rollable display and air gesture controls

The post Huawei unveils AR HUD tech for cars, turns front windshield into a smart screen appeared first on Gizmochina.

Social media giant Facebook is silently making progress in its development of hardware products with augmented reality implications. One of Facebook’s in-development hardware products is now virtually set for the unveiling, going by what Facebook’s chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, hinted during an earnings call he made this week.

Facebook CEO Zuckerberg confirmed that the Ray-Ban smart glasses would be launched soon. There had been much speculation surrounding the projected 2021 unveiling of the device. While the plans on a 2021 launch of the device may have been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, it seems that the overall outlook and expectations remain optimistic for a launch, possibly within early 2022. However, Zuckerberg’s announcement could indicate a possible Q4 2021 launch of the device.

Facebook is developing the Ray-Ban smart glasses in partnership with EssilorLuxottica. According to Facebook, the device has a decent form factor that affords the user to do various excellent tasks. The glasses could be a precursor of truly augmented reality (AR) glasses. Hence they are not classified as AR devices. Smart glasses do not need an integrated display so that they could be controlled via a paired device (smartphone, tablet, etc). Several gaps are still not fully known about the Ray-Ban concerning their functionality and features.

Facebook is seemingly making steady progress in its pursuit of developing devices that support augmented reality. The Ray-Ban smart glasses are a strong step in this direction. The goal of the social media giant is to have full AR glasses in the foreseeable future.

RELATED: 

• Facebook’s first smartwatch to launch next summer with Dual Cameras
• TikTok emerges as the first non-Facebook app to hit 3 billion downloads
• WhatsApp sues Indian government over new rules that could end user privacy
• WhatsApp may finally let users send videos of different qualities
• WhatsApp won’t limit features if you don’t accept its privacy policy

(via)

The post Facebook’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses will reportedly launch soon appeared first on Gizmochina.

As per an official listing on CNIPA, the Chinese tech giant was just granted a patent with the publication number being CN110264320B. The patent description can also be seen, which is for an “Information Display Method, Device and Storage Medium Based on Augmented Reality Equipment.” In simpler terms, the patent is for a new technology that is capable of displaying information based on augmented reality devices.

According to the patent, Xiaomi describes an AR device that displays evaluation based information of the targeted item in its field of view. This would let the device inform users of the supposed “pros and cons” of the items. If Xiaomi is actually working on such a system, it would expand the possible applications of augmented reality. While finer details aren’t specified, the patent does mention the basics of how this system will work.

The AR device will capture a targeted item through its camera module, after which, it will begin mapping the product and offer the users information based on the appearance of the item. So, we can expect this technology to be supplemented by object mapping systems that offer item identification capabilities to the device. Unfortunately, it is currently unknown if the company is actually working on such a system or covering all bases.

RELATED:

• Xiaomi’s new smartwatch with Qi wireless charging could be in works
• Xiaomi CEO reportedly visited Great Wall Motor after carmaker denied partnership for its EV
• Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro’s latest firmware update optimizes Bluetooth power consumption
• Upcoming Xiaomi flagship phone and Mi Pad 5 receive radio certification: Tipster

The post Xiaomi granted a patent for an AR device with product evaluation capabilities appeared first on Gizmochina.

Google has announced several new features coming to the Google Maps application. One of the interesting features coming to the app is the ability to help you find your way through indoor spaces like airports, malls, and train stations using augmented reality.

The new Google Maps feature, called Live View AR, overlays digital guides on top of the real world to provide directions as you look through your phone’s display. So, if you are in an airport, just search for what you’re looking for in Google Maps, and the markers will guide you with arrows and other digital indicators.

The Live View feature was first launched for Android and iPhone in 2019 but was initially limited outdoors directions. The feature can be accessed by searching for something in Google maps on your phone, tapping “Directions” and then, when available, tapping the “Live View” option next to “Start.”

This new feature called Live View AR is first rolling out in some malls in Chicago, Long Island, New York, Los Angeles, Newark, New Jersey, San Francisco, San Jose, California, and Seattle. In the coming months, it will also launch in airports, malls, and transit stations in Tokyo and Zurich. Other cities and locations will also eventually support the feature.

The company says that it will roll out other features in an update to Google Maps in the coming months, which includes air quality information, integration with grocery stores for curbside pickup, and an option to select the most eco-friendly route when driving.

RELATED: 

• Google Maps adds a new car mode UI similar to Android Auto
• Google has a new document scanner app with AI features and biometric security
• Google hires Intel veteran to lead its custom chip division

The post Google Maps gets a new Live View AR feature that guides through indoor spaces appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last year, it was revealed that Samsung was granted a patent for its augmented reality (AR) glasses technology. With previous efforts at developing AR and VR (virtual reality) technologies in the past not yielding the desired results, it was expected that the new patent was indicative of tremendous progress made by the company in developing an improved and easier navigation system.

A couple of leaked videos may have further shown that indeed the South Korean tech giant may have perfected the design of its AR glasses, as we now know how they may look and some of their exciting features. From the videos themselves and the reviews from other tipsters, the Samsung Glasses Lite, as the AR glasses are called, are capable of projecting a virtual screen in front of the user’s eyes, making it possible to watch videos or play games while putting on the AR glasses. The incorporation of Samsung’s Dex Mode will also help users to carry out some of these tasks without a monitor or a PC.

The company has tinkered with a number of AR and VR patents and products in recent years, like the Gear VR headsets. The AR glasses come at a time when global rival Apple had been rumored with a soon-to-be-released AR headset.

The leaked concept videos also showed that the AR glasses will not be controlled by mid-air gestures but rather the control will come from a Samsung smartwatch. This is similar to the principles underlying Apple’s AR headsets and even a similar device being conceptualized by Facebook.

The possibilities of deploying the AR glasses for other applications hold a lot of promise. The glasses could be deployed in drones to provide a better view from the drone’s camera. They can also serve as sunglasses with the Sunglasses Mode and a host of augmented reality features for a compelling viewing experience.

RELATED;

• Samsung India unveils the Galaxy S21+ 5G Kvadrat case made from recycled material
• Samsung extends security updates to four years for several of its phones
• LG and Samsung are advancing their foldable display tech for improved durability

(via)

The post Leaked Samsung AR Glasses concept videos give us an idea of what to expect appeared first on Gizmochina.

China’s one of the leading display makers, BOE, is reportedly planning to commercially launch a MicroOLED display in the second half of this year. This will be used to support Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality viewing.

For those who are unaware, BOE has been developing MicroOLED panels since 2018 through Kunming BOE Display Technology, which is a joint venture with Yunnan province.

MicroOLED attaches OLED panels on a silicon wafer instead of a glass substrate, allowing it to realize super high resolution. While the OLED panel pixel sizes in smartphones and TVs are around 40-300 micrometers, MicroOLED panel pixel size is a tenth of this at around 4-20 micrometers. Also, it is ideal for AR and VR use-case because of its response time.

Sunic Systems, a South Korea-based company has supplied BOE with deposition equipment for the manufacturing of MicroOLED panels, and last year, the company had signed a deal worth $225 million for the same.

Apart from BOE, LG Display is also working on this new type of panels aims at AR/VR devices. Samsung Display, one of the leading in the world, has not yet unveiled any of the MicroOLED products so far.

Recently, a report claimed that Apple is planning on developing ultra-advanced MicroOLED display technology at a secret facility in Taiwan in partnership with TSMC. This will be used in the company’s upcoming AR/VR device, development of which is being headed by former hardware engineering chief Dan Riccio.

RELATED:

• BOE has patented a new display solution that allows the visually impaired to feel images
• BOE reportedly starts supplying OLED panels to Apple for iPhone 12 series
• LG Display raises Vietnam factory investment from $750 million to $3.25 billion

The post BOE to reportedly launch MicroOLED display panels later this year appeared first on Gizmochina.