The world of technology is is evolving at an unprecedented pace. After a decade centered on smartphones, artificial intelligence and mixed reality have captured the spotlight. Moreover, we expect these two technologies to combine in the near future, and leading to even greater results than what Apple Vision Pro offers today. However, how does this expectation reflects to consumer behavior? Recent IDC research suggests a highly promising outlook for AR/VR headsets in 2024. Here are the details…

After 2023 Dip, AR/VR Headset Market Set for Explosive Growth

Despite the existence of AR/VR headsets for some time, the selection of mainstream products remains limited. Until recently, Meta’s Quest models dominated the field. However, 2023 signaled a shift with Apple’s announcement of its upcoming mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro. While this development promises to energize the industry, it appears to have temporarily dampened sales. In fact, global AR/VR headset sales declined by 23.5% in 2023. This drop is likely due to consumers holding off on purchases in anticipation of the Vision Pro’s release.

Of course it’s expected that expectations will change significantly in 2024. Following the increase in the number of people purchasing Apple Vision Pro and the mainstream adoption of this technology, it is anticipated that more people will turn to alternatives. IDC estimates that sales are expected to increase by 44.2%, reaching 9.7 million units this year. Moreover, this figure is expected to continue to grow exponentially in the coming years, potentially reaching 36 million units by the end of 2028.

Remember, this is nothing more than a prediction and focuses on the current dynamics of the market. In 2023, a staggering 1.2 billion smartphones were sold globally. This widespread adoption reflects the centrality of smartphones in our lives, from essential communication to financial transactions. If AR/VR technology experiences similar significant advancements in the coming years, achieving the transformative impact of smartphones, it’s plausible that sales figures could reach comparable levels.

RELATED:

• Get $50 Discount on Xiaomi Band 8 Pro Genshin Impact edition at Giztop (Coupon)
• Best of MWC 2024: AI Phone, Transparent Laptop, 3D Tablet & More
• Unlock Savings: Discount on Every Giztop Product under the New Year Sale 
• Big Discount: AOOSTAR R1 N100 NAS Mini PC Only For $159

(source)

The post Is AR/VR Dead? Not That Fast, This Technology Will Overtake Smartphones But When? appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has rolled out the first developer beta version of visionOS 1.1 for Vision Pro, introducing significant updates focused on optimizing Persona, the personal virtual image feature. Upon installing visionOS 1.1, Apple Vision Pro users will be prompted to re-enter Persona to experience the “latest cosmetic updates” included in the update. Social media platforms have already been abuzz with users sharing screenshots of the updated Persona, noting the detail enhancement and lifelike appearance.

Persona function to become more realistic

The new version of Persona showcases more detailed and realistic avatars, reflecting Apple’s commitment to continually improving the user experience on its VR platform. Notably, some users have observed new prompts in visionOS 1.1 Beta 1, indicating that Apple recommends users refrain from holding the headset themselves when entering Persona. Instead, users are advised to place the headset high or allow others to hold it during the setup process.

Despite these enhancements, Apple still designates Persona as a “beta” feature within visionOS 1.1, suggesting ongoing optimization efforts in future updates. Persona is described by Apple as a “real spatial representation” capable of capturing users’ facial expressions and hand movements in real time. This feature becomes particularly useful during Vision Pro’s video calls, where Persona can replace the user’s real face, providing privacy while maintaining engagement.

When setting up Persona, the system also captures the user’s eyes for use in the “EyeSight” function. This functionality allows the other party in a video call to see a virtually rendered image of the user’s eyes on the Vision Pro’s external display, enhancing the sense of connection and realism during communication.

Overall, the introduction of visionOS 1.1 with optimized Persona underscores Apple’s dedication to advancing the capabilities and usability of its VR platform.

Related:

• Get Redmi K70 Pro for discounted price of $499
• Xiaomi Band 8 Genshin Impact custom edion get a huge discount.
• Unlock Savings: Discount on Every Giztop Product under the New Year Sale 
• Big Discount: AOOSTAR R1 N100 NAS Mini PC Only For $159
• Get latest Oneplus 12 Phone for $699 on Geekwills

The post Apple visionOS 1.1 beta improves Vision Pro’s Persona function appeared first on Gizmochina.

Virtual and augmented reality technologies are becoming increasingly popular. Recently, even Apple is gearing up to compete in this market with its Vision Pro. However, Apple may be a new participant, but Meta is considered the main force in shaping the world and market where you can do anything and be anyone. As the force behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta strongly believes in the future potential of virtual reality. In fact, event its name itself is a reference. Still, for this tech to reach widespread adoption, it needs to be affordable for everyone. Fortunately, Meta is working towards this goal by making the Quest 2 more accessible with competitive pricing. Here are the details..

Meta Quest 2 VR Headset is Now More Affordable

Meta’s affordable virtual reality headset, Quest 2, has now become even more budget-friendly. According to an announcement on the company’s official blog, discounts have been applied to the predecessor of the recently introduced Quest 3, the Quest 2, and its accessories. Moving forward, the 128 GB version of the headset will be sold at $249.99, while the 256 GB version will be available for $299.99. Opting for refurbished products will require payments of $229.99 and $269.99, respectively. Discounts on other accessories are as follows:

• Quest 2 Elite Strap: Now $49.99 USD
• Quest 2 Carrying Case: Now $44.99 USD
• Quest 2 Elite Strap with Battery: Now $89.99 USD
• Quest 2 Active Pack: Now $59.99 USD
• Quest 2 Fit Pack: Now $39.99 USD

RELATED:

• Best AR / VR Headsets of 2023
• Unlock Savings: Take 3% OFF on Every Giztop Product under the New Year Sale Extravaganza
• Get $100 OFF on Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Gamin Tablet at Giztop
• Big Discount: AOOSTAR WTR R1 N100 NAS Mini PC Only For $159 at GeekWills

(via)

The post Meta Quest 2 VR Headset is Now Available at a Much More Affordable Price Point appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple introduced its mixed reality headset named Apple Vision Pro at an event last June. Unlike the company’s other products, the device did not immediately go on sale after the event. Instead, Apple announced that the headset, which combines virtual and augmented reality, would be available for purchase in 2024. Now, the exact release date has been revealed. Here are the details…

Apple Vision Pro to be Released in March 2024

If you’re a tech enthusiast and a dedicated follower of TechHere, you’ve likely heard the name Mark Gurman. Gurman, especially knowledgeable about Apple, frequently reveals details about the company’s products that others may not know. Now, he has come forward with a claim about Apple Vision Pro. According to him, the much-anticipated mixed reality headset will first be available for purchase in the United States in March 2024.

However, this was not Apple’s original plan. The company intended to release the product in January. Unfortunately, some issues in the supply chain and longer-than-expected testing disrupted these plans. As a result, the release of Apple Vision Pro was delayed by two months. So, when will the mixed reality headset be available for purchase in rest of the World?

According to Gurman’s research, the device will be available for purchase in Canada and the United Kingdom by the end of 2024. Unfortunately, its release in the rest of the world will extend until the last months of 2025. Of course, queues for the $3,500 Apple product may not form in many countries. Still, such limited availability may not be well-received by users.

However, waiting until 2025 may not be as bad as it sounds. It is already known that Apple is working on a kind of affordable Vision Pro model. This model is expected to be released no later than the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. This way, users can have a product with very similar features at a much lower cost.

RELATED:

• Download the best GCam APK for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Get $100 Discount on Alldocube iWork GT 12 at Geekwills (Coupon)
• Get the latest Xiaomi 14 smartphone for $599 at Geekwills
• Get $100 OFF on Lenovo Legion Y700 2023 Gamin Tablet at Giztop

(via)

The post Apple Vision Pro to be Released in March 2024, But Won’t Be Available Globally Until 2025 appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Apple Vision Pro 2, anticipated after the intriguing debut of its predecessor at this year’s WWDC 2023 event, has already stirred up user interest. Leaked information suggests that Apple is actively working on the Vision Pro 2 model, even before the initial version hits the market. Let’s delve into the technical specifications of the upcoming device. Here are the details…

Leaked Details on Apple Vision Pro 2 – What to Expect!

As per insights from MacRumors, the second-generation mixed reality goggles from Apple will maintain the design aesthetic of its forerunner. The device is expected to retain the familiar curved design and button layout from the first model. The development phase, known by the code name Project Alaska, indicates a departure from the round speaker areas seen in the initial version. Instead, Apple is opting for “flat and regular along their length” forehead areas.

Recent documents from MacRumors allude to a sound accessory, but details remain scant. Analysts speculate it might be an external speaker.Two designs for upper ventilation are reportedly under consideration: one mirroring the vents of the first-generation Apple Vision Pro and the other featuring two small clusters of holes. Additionally, a notable shift is observed in the strap design, transitioning to a flat strap akin to those commonly found in backpacks.

Experts suggest that Apple may continue with the external battery option offered for the first version of the Apple Vision Pro. Now, let’s take a closer look at the technical specifications of the Apple Vision Pro 2 model:

• 2 micro-OLED displays
• 1 TrueDepth camera
• 4 computer vision (CV) cameras
• 2 RGB cameras
• 2 low-light infrared illuminators
• Semi-automatic interpupillary distance (IPD) adjuster
• Compass, ambient light sensor, magnetometer, accelerometer, gyroscope

RELATED:

• CapCut Creative Suite Guide: Pros and Cons Explored
• Amazon Astro for Business security robot launched in the US
• Chinese smartphone market starts to bounce back, led by Huawei Mate 60 and Xiaomi…
• Huawei and China Mobile Break Records with the World’s Fastest Internet With 1.2 Terabit-Per-Second
• Huawei is Facing Challenges – There is not Enough Supply to Meet Growing Demand

The post Apple Vision Pro 2’s Design and Specs Leaked appeared first on Gizmochina.

Once only seen in science fiction and spy movies, smart glasses are now more accessible than ever. For instance, Meta recently introduced its second-generation Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, and Huawei has launched the Eyewear 2 series, both boasting impressive specifications and functionality. While these are great options, Thunderbird is determined to make this technology available to everyone with its newly introduced Air 2 smart glasses. Here are the details…

Thunderbird Air 2 Smart Glasses Released: Switch Exclusive Accessory, Bundle Price 2699 Yuan

If there are those among you who are unfamiliar, Thunderbird is a Chinese technology company that specializes in the development and production of smart glasses and other wearable devices. The company especially gained attention with the release of its Thunderbird X1 smart glasses a while ago. These glasses were released in October 2022 and are the predecessor to the Thunderbird Air 2. They feature a 1080p Micro OLED display, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a built-in battery that can last for up to 6 hours. So, how does the new model compare in terms of improvements to its predecessor?

The Thunderbird Air 2 smart glasses have a design similar to regular sunglasses and weigh just 76 grams. They feature Sony’s latest 0.55-inch Micro OLED display, offering a 1080p resolution, a remarkable 4032 PPI, a PPD of 49, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a brightness up to 600 nits. Additionally, these glasses introduce a unique accessory exclusive to the Switch called the JoyDock. You can plug this accessory straight into the game console and then connect it to the smart glasses using a Type-C cable.

The device comes with a 10,000mAh battery that can charge both the Switch game console and the glasses at the same time. Moreover, the Thunderbird Air 2 can be directly connected to a smartphone using a Type-C port. It’s also designed to accommodate users who wear prescription glasses for nearsightedness or farsightedness. Pre-orders for the glasses are now available.

Price & Availability

Thunderbird Air 2 smart glasses are currently available for pre-order in China at a starting price of 2299 yuan (approximately $320 USD). The bundle price with the JoyDock accessory is 2699 yuan (approximately $370 USD). Thunderbird Air 2 is expected to be released in China in early November 2023. There is no information yet on international availability.

RELATED:

• iPhone 15 Pro vs Google Pixel 8 Pro: Specs Comparison
• How Smart Glasses Are Getting Better: The Future Is Here
• Meta launches new Ray-Ban Smart Glasses with live streaming, 12MP camera, and longer battery…
• Nubia’s First AR Smart Glasses Officially Confirmed to Arrive at MWC 2023
• Oppo Air Glass 2: Lightweight and Durable Smart Glasses with Enhanced Features

(source)

The post Thunderbird Air 2 Smart Glasses Released: Affordable AR Glasses with Micro OLED Display and 120Hz Refresh Rate appeared first on Gizmochina.

Technology, just as it simplifies our lives, can also introduce new problems. For example, “motion sickness”, a nuisance today, was a concern that no one had to deal with 100 years ago. For those unfamiliar, motion sickness is a feeling of nausea, dizziness, and vomiting that can occur when traveling in a car, boat, plane, or other moving vehicles. It can also be experienced during amusement park rides or in virtual reality settings. Now, Huawei has released an anti-motion sickness patent aimed at completely eliminating this issue. Here are the details…

Huawei’s motion sickness prevention system could be a game-changer for VR

Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting information from the vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems. For example, when someone is riding in a car, their eyes may see the car interior as stationary, but their vestibular system will sense the car’s movement. This conflict can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Fortunately, Huawei has released a patent for a new system that could help to prevent motion sickness.

The system works by generating real-time images of the vehicle’s movement relative to the road or ground. These images are then displayed on the vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing passengers to see themselves moving along with the vehicle. This helps to reduce or eliminate the conflict between visual and vestibular signals, which is the main cause of motion sickness.

Huawei’s motion sickness prevention system would address this conflict by providing passengers with accurate visual information about the vehicle’s movement. This would allow passengers to “follow the body with their eyes,” which could help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.

The system is still in the patent stage, and it is not yet known when it will be available in vehicles. However, the technology has the potential to be a major breakthrough in the fight against motion sickness. Especially considering the increase in popularity of AR/VR technology.

RELATED:

• Best Smart Glasses of 2023: Xreal, RayBan, Rokid & More
• Huawei Nova 12 and 12 Pro specs allegedly revealed, expected to launch soon
• LeEco launches new X Series Smart Projector with Huawei HiSilicon chip
• Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate “Extraordinary Master” Case Now Available for 1,999 Yuan
• Huawei and Chery Automobile Collab for the S7 Electric, Claiming to be Faster than…

(source)

The post Huawei Solves Apple Vision Pro’s Biggest Problem: Eyes Move With You 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.

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.

At WWDC earlier this month, Apple finally unveiled its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset, dubbed Apple Vision Pro. There have been a lot of talks about this new device from the company, given that it marks Apple’s foray into new technology.

While most of the talks revolve around technology, some discuss the accessories related to the device. The device comes with a stretchable 3D knitted fabric headband that goes around the user’s head behind their ears. But there’s another strap that the company hasn’t talked about yet.

An additional overhead strap is most likely to help balance the headset and keep it from getting easily dislodged when the user is in motion. It appeared briefly during the WWDC keynote in one of the promotional materials, but the company hasn’t talked about it.

The Cupertino-based technology giant has not yet revealed the weight of the Vision Pro, but the device is expected to be quite heavy, especially since Apple decided to offload the battery to an external pack. In this case, the additional strap over the head could dramatically balance the device’s weight and offer a better experience while using it.

Since the company has not talked about this additional strap and has not mentioned it in the marketing materials, it’s likely that Apple plans to sell it as an additional accessory and not include it in the retail box of the device. To know for sure, we will have to wait for an announcement of confirmation from Apple.

RELATED:

• Apple Vision Pro Lets Others Try the Headset Without Accessing Your Data with The Guest Mode
• Here is how Apple iPhone 15’s A17 Bionic Chip will be Modified to Cut Costs in 2024
• Apple Re-Engages with Indian Authorities to Launch Apple Pay in India
• Another Apple Patent Hints towards More Efficient Gesture Navigation for Users
• Apple’s Self-Repair Program Goes Next-Level: Now You Can Fix Your iPhone 14 Yourself

The post Apple to reportedly not include overhead strap for Vision Pro in the box appeared first on Gizmochina.

The competition is heating up in the virtual reality world. Just days before Apple’s expected reveal of its first mixed reality headset at WWDC 2023, Meta has announced its Quest 3 VR headset. This new headset, which boasts a 40% slimmer profile compared to the Quest 2, is set to launch this fall. A 128 GB version will be available for $499.99 and an unspecified price for the 256GB model. Here are the details…

Meta vs. Apple: The Battle for Mixed Reality Dominance

Meta, has been working on virtual reality for a long time. For instance, the company purchased Oculus VR for $2 billion in March 2014. If we consider that this technology still has some shortcomings today, we could say that nine years is quite old. Since then, the social media giant, which has introduced a few headsets and brought the concept of the Metaverse into our lives, now about to face a very strong competitor.

Apple’s mixed reality headset has long been in the news with ongoing leaks. Although nobody has a clear idea of what it will be like, the consensus is that Apple is expected to succeed in this field. As you know, the tech giant is more interested in being the best at doing something rather than being the first. It seems that this situation may have scared Meta a bit, as they suddenly announced the Quest 3 VR headset in a released video.

Quest 3 Features New Design, Improved Performance, and More for an Immersive VR Experience

At first glance, the Quest 3 doesn’t seem drastically different from its predecessor. However, it actually brings significant innovations in both design and technical terms. According to the company’s claim, the headset is more ergonomic, lighter, and equipped with a more powerful processor and higher resolution. This opens the door for a more comfortable and realistic gaming experience. The Quest 3 is also compatible with Quest 2’s games, allowing users to continue playing their favorite titles on the new headset. Meta also announced a price reduction for the Quest 2 starting from June 4th. The 128 GB model will be available for $299.99 and the 256 GB model will be priced at $349.99.

RELATED:

• Best High-resolution VR headsets in 2023
• Apple Expected to Earn $39.433 Billion Thanks to AR/VR Headset by 2030
• JioDrive VR Headset For 360-Degree IPL Viewing Experience Launched In India
• Meta Quest Pro VR headset with some mixed reality technologies announced for $1,500
• HTC has just teased a new Vive series VR headset

(via)

The post The Future of VR is Here: Meta’s Highly Anticipated Quest 3 VR Headset Has Been Unveiled for $499.99 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple is excited about WWDC 2023, which will take place on June 5th. The event is expected to feature the company’s first AR/VR headset. Although the details of the product are not yet known, Apple is hinting at a virtual universe like the metaverse, while also adding digital elements to the real world. Experts, are already believe that AR/VR technology will be a great will be a major success. However, in short term, the product may not be as beneficial for Apple as we might think. Here are the details…

Apple AR Headset Could Contribute 10% of Business by 2030

Apple is expected to announce its first Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) headset at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2023, and analysts have already begun evaluating its potential. Initial forecasts suggest the headset will be a major success. In fact, an analyst named Gene Munster believes that the AR headset could contribute to around 10 percent of Apple’s business by 2030. However, this might not happen as soon as we think. Munster’s prediction is based on the growing demand for immersive experiences.

“I believe the trend of more immersive consumer tech experiences will continue, which should pave the way for a robust headset market,” Munster said. “By 2030, I believe the wearables/glasses segment could account for 10% of Apple’s sales, a business similar in size to Apple’s Mac and iPad businesses today.”

Of course, it will take some time for the AR headset to reach this level of success. Munster believes that the first iteration of the headset will only generate $3 billion in revenue in its first year. However, he believes that the market for AR headsets will grow rapidly in the coming years, and that Apple is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth.

RELATED:

• iQOO Neo8 Pro vs iQOO 11: Specs Comparison
• Apple AR headset to reportedly feature Micro OLED display and M1 processor
• Apple’s iPad Sales in China Double in Q1 2023, Outpacing the Market by 106.4%
• Apple iPhone’s Display may become ‘Smarter’ after iOS 17 Update
• Apple iPhone 16 rumored to feature vertically-aligned camera sensors

(via)

The post Apple Expected to Earn $39.433 Billion Thanks to AR/VR Headset by 2030 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has been working on a mixed-reality headset for some time now, and the company seems to be all set to officially launch the device in the coming months.

Now that the device is expected to debut at WWDC, details about the product are now surfacing online. In the latest development, it is being claimed that the headset will have a magnetic cable for charging.

The report coming from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg in the Power On newsletter says that the upcoming product, which may be named Reality Pro or Reality One, will have two ports — USB-C for data transfers and a new proprietary connector for charging.

The power source, which we expect to be similar to MagSafe, will have a round tip that magnetically attaches to Apple’s headset and after inserting the cable, it can be rotated to lock it into place.

Recently, it was reported that Apple’s mixed reality headset will have an external power supply as the company is concerned about the heating issue which may impact the comfort while wearing the device.

The power supply is about the size of the iPhone and can reportedly offer a battery life of up to two hours on a single charge. While not much is confirmed yet, the device is expected to be priced at around $3,000 when it launches in a few months.

RELATED:

• Ex-Apple Designer Demonstrates a New Wearable Device That Will “Replace Smartphones”
• Apple Beats Studio Buds+ could Launch Soon as they get IMDA certified
• Apple may bring another Periscope Lens supplier for its iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Global Smartphone Market Q1: Samsung Dethrones Apple in Smartphone Market
• Apple’s Mixed Reality Headset May Let Users Work Out & Play Sports in VR

Source

The post Apple Mixed Reality headset to reportedly feature a magnetic power source appeared first on Gizmochina.

Xiaomi is applying for a patent that could change how we use augmented reality (AR) glasses. The patent, published by the State Intellectual Property Office, focuses on AR glasses capable of recognizing QR codes to perform payments. This creative approach has the potential to enhance user experience and convenience in a range of payment situations. Here are the details…

AR Glasses with Built-in Payment Features

The patent describes AR glasses with an image capture device that scans the wearer’s surroundings. The system then finds the payee’s QR code in the captured image. After recognizing the QR code, the AR glasses start an identity verification process to ensure secure transactions.

If the identity verification is successful, the AR glasses send a payment command to the server. The server then processes the payment based on the command. This smooth integration of payment functionality in AR glasses aims to greatly improve user experience. The proposed AR glasses with QR code recognition and payment abilities offer several advantages to users:

• Users can pay directly through their AR glasses without needing a separate device, like a smartphone or credit card.
• The built-in identity verification process in the AR glasses ensures safe transactions and lowers the risk of fraud.
• The streamlined payment process using AR glasses can save time, especially in busy or crowded areas.
• This technology can make payments easier for people with physical disabilities who might struggle with traditional payment methods.
• Adding payment features to AR glasses could lead to more immersive shopping experiences, virtual tours, and entertainment options.

Xiaomi’s patent application for AR glasses with QR code recognition and payment integration showcases the company’s dedication to developing innovative technology. If successfully implemented, this invention could change how users interact with AR glasses and revolutionize payments in various situations. As technology advances, we can expect to see more groundbreaking applications that further improve user experience and convenience.

RELATED:

• Xiaomi 13 Lite vs OnePlus Ace 2V: Specs Comparison
• Xiaomi 13 Ultra Spotted at TENAA, Launch Imminent
• Upcoming Smartphones in March 2023: Redmi, Poco, Oppo, Huawei, and More
• Xiaomi 13 Lite vs OnePlus Ace 2V: Specs Comparison
• Xiaopeng’s Flying Car Prototype Aims for Stability but There is Room…

(source)

The post Xiaomi’s Innovative AR Glasses Bring QR Code Payments to Life appeared first on Gizmochina.

Netflix‘s Squid Game, which premiered last year, quickly became one of the most watched series of all time. While fans eagerly await the release of the second season, Netflix is busy leveraging the brand to its fullest potential. The latest partnership involves a Hong Kong-based VR start-up, Sandbox VR, which specializes in providing an immersive gaming experience with cutting-edge equipment and hardware. Here are the details…

Sandbox VR and Netflix Bring Squid Game to Real-Life with Immersive VR Experience

Hong Kong based Sandbox VR has collaborated with numerous entertainment and media companies to create realistic and fully immersive experiences for users. Their Star Trek-themed game, developed in collaboration with CBS, was a hit among sci-fi fans. The company’s newest collaboration with Netflix is based on the dystopian thriller Squid Game, which has gained worldwide attention for its intense gameplay and gripping storyline.

According to CEO and founder Steve Zhao, the company’s content team in Hong Kong has been working on the Squid Game experience for the past five months, and it will be launched later this year at Sandbox VR’s arcades across the globe. Sandbox VR’s expansion plans have been supported by investors such as Adreessen Horowitz, Gobi Partners, and Alibaba Group Holding. The company has 34 locations worldwide and is building 12 new ones.

Despite the setbacks of the pandemic, the company has rebounded and is now focused on increasing its global footprint to 40 locations by the end of 2022. Zhao confirms that the company is already profitable and has no plans to raise new funds at this time. Sandbox VR’s journey has not been without challenges, and the pandemic dealt a severe blow to the company’s business, leading to its US operations filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020.

However, the company has recovered and is now expanding its headcount, with 50 people working on research and development across product, technology, and content. Though the company’s growth in mainland China has been slow, it is making steady progress, and Zhao expects the location in Shanghai to return to normal operations this year. The company’s focus, for now, remains on the US market, where its collaborations with leading entertainment companies have proven to be a winning strategy.

As the virtual reality market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, Sandbox VR is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend. With its unique approach to location-based VR and collaborations with entertainment giants like CBS and Netflix, the company hopes to continue its growth trajectory and offer guests a fully immersive experience that meets their fantasies. With the Squid Game collaboration, Sandbox VR is confident it will attract even more visitors to its VR facilities.

RELATED:

• Best Pixel 7 Cases of 2023, Classic and Protective
• Apple and Disney Collaborate on Virtual Reality Content for Upcoming Mixed Reality Headset
• Amazon plans to launch a wearable for kids in partnership with Disney
• Xiaomi Mi TV now offers Exclusive 2 hour early access to movies on Disney+…
• Netflix, Disney+, & Prime Video password sharing may soon be illegal in the UK

(via)

The post Sandbox VR and Netflix Bring Squid Game to Real-Life with Immersive VR Experience appeared first on Gizmochina.

Tencent is apparently planning on abandoning one of its more recent projects. The company is rumored to be ending its VR (Virtual Reality) hardware project. So here are all the details.

With the unveiling of the Metaverse, brands rushed to launch their own products that would enable users to tap into the new sphere of social networking. However, it seems that it wasn’t quite an easy market to capture. The Chinese tech giant was originally planning on building VR based products through its XR unit last year. But now it has seemingly asking its staff to “seek other opportunities” after the hype behind Metaverse died down.

As per a new report, the company faced “Difficulties in achieving quick profitability”. In simpler terms, the amount of money it would have to spend to compete with other rival brands in the same category wouldn’t have brought in any profit. Furthermore, this decision was also made following a lack of compelling games and non gaming apps, which were the original reason that saw the company focus in virtual reality.

Previously, Tencent had also made a “ring like handheld game controller” concept, but this unit wouldn’t have been profitable until 2027. Thus, the company decided to pull the plug on this project. The brand has worked in VR for sometime now, but it appears that it no longer sees a point in entering the market with its own hardware for the time being. So stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

RELATED:

• Chinese Video Game Companies are Back in Business as Beijing Relaxes its Grip on the Industry
• Chinese Tech Giant Tencent Fires over 100 corrupt Employees and Sends Some to Prison
• China Acquires Golden Shares in Alibaba: Next in line is Tencent
• Best Pixel 7 Cases of 2023, Classic and Protective
• Best Cases for iPhone 14 Pro – Clear, Rugged, Wallet Case & More

(Source, Via)

The post Tencent Pulls the Plug on Its VR Hardware Plans: Report appeared first on Gizmochina.

The Sony PlayStation VR 2 is apparently the best platform for certain VR applications (Virtual Reality). A company executive has revealed that the system can even outperform high end PCs that feature the powerful Nvidia RTX 3090 GPU.

The PS VR 2 was found outperforming such a capable desktop PC on the tactical military shooter Pavlov, which is considered the VR version of Counter-Strike. Furthermore, this is just one of the more than 30 launch titles that the Japanese tech giant has for the PlayStation VR 2. This VR title in particular was built for the PC VR systems and was first launched on Steam back in 2017. However, the PSVR 2 version of this title will launch on 22nd February 2023 and will even offer cross play support with PC users.

The CEO of the studio behind the game David Villarreal stated that the Sony VR enabled system is the “pinnacle of virtual reality, especially for shooters.” This statement wasn’t just talking about raw performance. The adaptive triggers on the new PlayStation features adaptive triggers as well, which makes each gun trigger feel distinct and have a different recoil and feel of resistance. Villarreal further added that the VR game runs about 10 percent better on the PS5 and PSVR 2 than it does on a top end PC which features an RTX 3090.

Not sure how accurate this is for other developers, but the Pavlov dev mentioned that for their own game, the PSVR2 is 10% faster than even their 3090TI setup.

If true, it's exciting that kinda power could be in the hands of so many people for official flat to VR ports. pic.twitter.com/1uTiKbnzfY

— Flat2VR (@Flat2VR) February 6, 2023

An RTX 3090 alone can cost as much if not more than the console and the VR headset combined. Meaning, this is quite the impressive feat. Apparently, the performance advantage is due to the fact that the system is a console and is capable of more efficient rendering through the foveated rendering. To put things simply, its a simple way of rendering based on the focus of the users eye. In other words, eye tracking technology helps in boosting performance since the system only needs to render the area being focused on in high resolution.

RELATED:

• Sony Sold Over 32 Million PS5s after a successful Holiday Season
• Sony Xperia 1 V Live Shot Appears to Reveal Persicope Zoom Camera, Rear Design
• Sony Nw-ZX707 Walkman Launched in India With ₹70,000 Pricetag

The post Sony PlayStation VR 2 outperforms PC with RTX 3090 in certain VR games appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple is making a big move in the world of virtual and mixed reality with the reported development of a new headset. The company is said to be collaborating with several media partners, including Disney, as well as Sony Group to develop content for its MR headset. Here are the details…

Apple in talks with Disney, others on VR content for new headset

Apple is reportedly in talks with several media partners, including The Walt Disney Company, to develop virtual reality (VR) content for a mixed reality (MR) headset. According to the latest reports, the headset was developed in partnership with Sony Group and will feature two ultra-high-resolution displays External cameras for VR and a range of pass-through modes for augmented reality.

Apple is also said to be updating its own Apple TV+ material to work with the headphones. The news comes after Bloomberg reported earlier this month that Apple plans to launch its first MR headset this year. MR headsets allow wearers to use real-world objects to elicit a response in the virtual world. The iPhone maker’s MR headset is expected to launch at this year’s spring event and will reportedly cost around $3,000.

That’s double the price of the $1,500 Quest Pro virtual and MR headset Meta Platforms Inc launched last year. It should be noted that neither Disney, Apple nor Sony commented on the report. However, the news highlights Apple’s continued interest in the VR and AR space, which could open up new opportunities for media partners and content creators to engage with users in new and innovative ways method.

With Apple’s reputation for technological innovation and design, it will be interesting to see what the company brings to its mixed reality headsets.

RELATED:

• Apple Files Patent for Futuristic MacBook with Glass Haptic Trackpad
• Apple MacBook Air And iMac Powered By M3 Chip To Reportedly Launch This Year
• Apple Rumored to Use the Watch X Moniker in Place of the Watch 9
• Apple Exports iPhones Worth $1 Billion In A Month From India
• Qualcomm to Soon Launch 8cx Gen4 to Compete with Apple’s Upcoming M Series

(via)

The post Apple and Disney Collaborate on Virtual Reality Content for Upcoming Mixed Reality Headset 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.

The Metaverse epidemic started by Mark Zuckerberg continues to affect the technology world. Many companies want to participate in the virtual world, which is still in the early development stage. The aim, of course, is to take a large share of the future market. According to the latest reports, technology giants such as Huawei and LG are securing metaverse hardware patents.

The global metaverse market is expected to reach $996 billion in 2030

Although Metaverse is not a successful project, for now, it is still growing at an incredible rate. The global metaverse market is expected to reach $996 billion in 2030, and the annual growth rate is 39.8%. According to Nikkei Asia’s reports, since 2016, LG Electronics has filed the most Metaverse patent applications, moving up from 11th place from 2010 to 2015.

Samsung Electronics held its position in second. Display colour schemes and semiconductors are among the strengths of South Korean companies. They are more focused on technologies that make virtual reality headsets. Meta ranked third, and Huawei placed fourth in the ranking with numerous patents related to image and display processing.

Apple is still in sixth place. The company has been working on a headset known as Reality Pro for a while. However, these glasses are still in early development and not ready for the end user. However, it is worth remembering that all of these patents are investments for the future.

Tech companies apply for more patents yearly than we can count, but only some are used. Therefore, it is useful to be careful when investing in new technologies such as Metaverse lands, coins etc. You can lose all your money trying to get rich quickly.

RELATED:

• Apple & Amazon Sued for Conspiring to Hike iPhone, iPad Prices
• Newly Launched USB Adapter Enables Quad Monitor Support on M1 & M2 Macs
• Apple reportedly has only one manufacturer for the AirPods Pro 2 TWS earbuds
• Apple Reportedly Becomes the Most Profitable Company in China
• Apple Could Be Working on a Rival for Metaverse

(Source)

The post Samsung, Huawei, LG Lead Metaverse Patent Race appeared first on Gizmochina.

One of the founders of Oculus, Palmer Luckey, has just designed a new VR headset that can quite literally take your life if you die in-game. This VR headset design is clearly inspired by the popular anime SAO (Sword Art Online).

For those unaware, Palmer is no longer a part of the brand he founded and the company is now owned by Facebook’s parent company Meta. However, it appears that the Oculus Rift designer is still working on VR headsets. Luckey just recently modified a Meta Quest Pro VR headset, which quite literally has an explosive twist. This model is a prototype, which has an explosive attached to it. This can kill the wearer once he fails or dies in-game.

The device was inspired by an iconic anime and manga, which featured the NerveGear headset. The series in question is Sword Art Online, in which the VR headset was rigged to blow up when the wearer dies in the virtual reality game. Luckey unveiled the invention on his blog to commemorate Sword Art Online Day, which is held on 6th November. This is the day the in the manga and anime universe where 10,000 players were trapped inside the titular Sword Art Online VR MMORPG.

Looking at his post, Luckey showed that the SAO and Oculus shared a symbiotic relationship. Furthermore, he also began the Kickstarted for the Oculus Rift DK1 around the same time as the fourth episode of the anime that was airing in Japan. This show had reignited the public’s interest in VR and the NerveGear technology (depicted realistic simulations) helped people visualize the future of VR technology in reality.

RELATED:

• Meta/Oculus Quest Pro VR Headset Arriving in early October
• Facebook reportedly planning to rebrand the company with a new name next week
• Black Shark patents a VR device that can read lips for hearing impaired people
• Meta Quest Pro VR headset with some mixed reality technologies announced for $1,500

The post Oculus Founder Builds SAO-inspired VR Headset That Kills You if You Die In-game appeared first on Gizmochina.

Black Shark is apparently working on an interesting new product that will be made for people with disabilities. The company has just recently patented a VR based product (virtual reality) that is built to aid people with hearing impairment.

The Chinese smartphone maker’s patent was recently spotted by ITHome. Looking at the official patent description, the company is working on a new VR glasses type of device that houses its own mobile power supply and a display unit. Furthermore, the upcoming VR device is apparently capable of a very interesting feature. This gadget will have a dedicated module to read lip and lip language. In other words, it would be able to recognize lip movement and sent the relevant information to the VR device wearer.

The data would likely be transcribed in the form of audio or possibly displayed on the VR device’s display. Interestingly enough, we had covered a report earlier this year regarding Tencent acquiring Black Shark. The former was rumored to be making this move as it sought to step into the Metaverse. For those unaware, Black Shark has been a brand that has been in the gaming industry for sometime now and would’ve reportedly develop VR hardware for the metaverse. Meanwhile, Tencent would’ve been responsible for the software content on the company’s new VR product.

Keep in mind that this is still just a patent. This means that we have no idea if the brand is actually working on such a product or is simply covering all bases. But if it is true, then the company is clearly focusing on improving accessibility to more consumers across the market. This is all the information we have regarding this matter, so stick around for more updates.

RELATED:

• Black Shark working on Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 powered phone, with 64MP triple cameras
• Black Shark 5S series specifications leaked, likely to be an incremental upgrade
• Black Shark 5 & 5 Pro launch globally- check pricing & specs
• Black Shark FunCooler 3 Pro Review – Powerful Cooling Fan For Gaming

The post Black Shark patents VR device that can read lips for hearing impaired people appeared first on Gizmochina.

At Meta’s Connect Conference aimed at VR and AR developers, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, today officially announced the company’s latest and flagship virtual reality or VR headset, dubbed the Meta Quest Pro.

The newly announced VR headset Meta Quest Pro has been priced at a whopping $1,500, and the company will start shipping the device on 25th October.

This is by far the most expensive VR headset from Meta as it is priced $1,100 more than its previous offering, the Meta Quest 2. The company is justifying the higher pricing through the technologies used in the product. It’s clear that the company is ditching its customer-friendly pricing and looking to make Quest Pro a business-ready product.

The Meta Quest Pro is powered by an advanced mobile Snapdragon chip, which is developed with Qualcomm and aims to offer better production of more advanced graphics. It also comes with improved touch controllers with embedded sensors for better hand tracking, as well as new lenses for a better reading experience.

There are also some mixed reality features, blending the real world with the virtual world, which the company’s CEO Mark Zuckerburg is claiming to be an important feature as it takes a step towards the creation of the metaverse.

Meta is also partnering with other companies for applications optimized for the VR headset, and one of them is Microsoft with its work-collaboration apps for the Quest VR devices. Some of the Microsoft apps that will be available for the VR devices include Teams, Microsoft 365 suite, and the Xbox Cloud Gaming service.

RELATED: 

• Meta reportedly plans to launch its first true AR glasses by 2024
• Lenovo ThinkReality VRX headset designed for the Metaverse released
• Detailed specs and images of Facebook Meta’s canceled smartwatch leaked
• Apple and Facebook were reportedly partnering up for a revenue-sharing plan
• PICO 4 and 4 Pro VR headsets with 4K resolution, and 90Hz refresh rate launched

The post Meta Quest Pro VR headset with some mixed reality technologies announced for $1,500 appeared first on Gizmochina.

PICO, a brand that makes VR products, has today announced that the company would be hosting a new product launch event in its home country China on 22nd September to unveil a new device which is likely to be PICO 4.

The launch of this upcoming product from the company marks the first VR product from the brand after it was acquired by ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, earlier this year to expand its business.

If the reports are to be believed, then the PICO 4 will come with an industry-leading Pancake Optical Solution. Compared to the traditional Fresnel lens, it can reduce the size of the headset and significantly improve the wearing comfort for the users.

The PICO 4 is also expected to have significantly improved in terms of clarity, and the field of view angle has reportedly reached 105-degree, which can offer users a more immersive virtual reality experience.

There will reportedly be a Pro-tier headset from the company, which will include face and eye tracking, as well as a passthrough RGB camera that enables mixed reality experiences. It is also rumored to have an automatic IPD, which can automatically adjust the hardware for the wearer’s IPD (inter-pupillary distance).

The headset will be powered by Android Q and an unidentified Qualcomm processor. To know more about the devices, we will have to wait for the official launch event set to take place in the coming days in China.

RELATED: 

• Vivo Y32t launched in Helio G70, Snapdragon 680 CPU variants in China
• Meta/Oculus Quest Pro VR Headset Arriving in early October
• Honor Choice Earbuds X3 with 36-hour battery life launched in China
• Lenovo Legion VR700 Headset with Qualcomm XR2 processor announced
• Xiaomi MIJIA Graphene folding electric heater with voice control unveiled in China

The post PICO 4 VR headset product launch event confirmed to take place on September 22 appeared first on Gizmochina.

California-based virtual reality technology giant, Meta recently revealed that its next VR headset will be announced in October, at the company’s annual Meta Connect press event conference.

The news was revealed by present Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, in a special interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast (via The Verge). Mark states that for the next virtual reality device that is coming out in October, there are a few big features that will be included on the headset.

In the podcast, Mark Zuckerberg did not reveal the name of Meta’s upcoming VR headset, but reports and rumours point to the aforementioned device, being Meta’s currently in development Project Cambria, and that its official release name will be called the Meta Quest Pro (part of the Meta Quest/Oculus Quest series of VR headsets).

Mark Zuckerberg shares with listeners that Meta’s next device will introduce eye and facial to consumer VR headsets. He shares some examples of what the Meta Quest Pro can enable users to do, like making flexible and direct eye contact in virtual reality in conversations, make avatar facial expressions to emulate your real-life face expressions and the most shocking of them all, Mark explains that if you smile or if you frown or if you pout, or whatever your expression is, the upcoming headset can have that translate in real-time to your avatar.

As for other details regarding the upcoming Meta Quest Pro, we will have to wait until early October for Meta’s official launch announcement.

The Meta Quest Pro is rumoured to launch at a starting price of US$ 799 or higher, making it the most expensive virtual reality headset in Meta’s catalogue.

RELATED:

• Meta reportedly plans to launch its first true AR glasses by 2024
• Password Manager LastPass Confirms They Were Hacked This Month
• Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 smartphone sold out within 5 minutes of going on sale in China
• Get $50 OFF on Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 at Giztop (Coupon)
• Xiaomi 12S, 12S Pro with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, Leica branded cameras launched in China

(Via 1, Via 2)

The post Meta/Oculus Quest Pro VR Headset Arriving in early October appeared first on Gizmochina.

Sony has announced that the company will launch its PlayStation VR2 gaming headset early next year. While the launch date has not been confirmed yet, we expect the company to share more details in the coming months.

The company shared the message about the upcoming Sony PlayStation VR2 on its official account on Instagram and Twitter which reads “Coming Early 2023 #PSVR2.”

As the name itself indicates, the upcoming gaming headset will launch as the successor to the existing PlayStation VR which was launched back in 2016. Sony has already revealed several details about the upcoming virtual reality device.

The Sony PlayStation VR2 will come with the same color scheme as the PlayStation 5 console, along with a headband-type visor similar to the first PS VR. It is promised to feature unique vibrating feedback and controllers with advanced haptics.

It also has support for eye-tracking, a 110-degree field of view, and foveated rendering technology that focuses only on where the fovea of the eye to maximize resolution and boost graphics with fewer pixels.

The headset has passthrough cameras for showing the real world in the headset. It can also scan walls, floors and obstacles like chairs and desks to get a clear sense of play space and create a boundary for the gameplay. It will also feature a live broadcast mode using the PS5’s TV-mounted camera for recording footage for a single stream.

The PlayStation VR2 will feature displays adding up to 4K resolution and support a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate. The company has also revealed that the device can be connected to the console using a single USB-Type C cable.

The company has also already announced that the device will have a lineup of around 20 major games available for the users when PS VR2 officially launches. It will include titles set in the Horizon and Walking Dead universes along with VR versions of No Man’s Sky and Resident Evil Village, among others.

RELATED: 

• Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar with powerful wireless subwoofer launched in India
• Sony is reportedly working on a 100MP camera sensor for mid-range smartphones
• Sony WI-C100 wireless neckband headphones with fast charging launched in China
• Lenovo Legion Gamepad for mobile gaming with 6 hours of battery life launched
• New trademark filing shows Samsung is working on a Galaxy VR headset

The post Sony confirmed to launch PlayStation VR2 headset early next year appeared first on Gizmochina.

The second half of this year will see Meta, the largest VR device supplier, and Apple, the leader in smartwatches, release new wearables. We can also expect new products to be released by companies like Xiaomi and Samsung. So, the wearable device market will be a significant new battleground in the second half of the year, in addition to smartphones.

According to one of the industry insiders, Taiwan Economic Daily (via IThome), the market for wearable devices as a whole is still expanding and that major brands won’t give up easily. It’s anticipated that companies like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and even Meta will keep announcing new products. Its primary goal is to increase brand value and sell more ancillary services rather than hardware per se.

In a report by the research firm IDC, 530 million wearable devices will be shipped worldwide in 2021, a 20 percent increase from the previous year. The majority of the items sent are wristbands and watches. Apple has a significant advantage over its rivals when it comes to smartwatches. Apple Watch had a market share of 35% in the fourth quarter of last year, Xiaomi came in second with 8.6%, and Samsung came in third with 7.9%. About 6.7 percent of the market is taken by Huawei.

According to IDC statistics, 11.23 million AR/VR headsets were shipped globally last year, an increase of 92.1 percent year over year in terms of VR devices. One of them saw the first shipment of VR equipment surpassing 10 million units, coming in at 10.95 million. VR equipment shipments are anticipated to increase by 43.6 percent year over year to 15.73 million units this year. Among them, Meta, a top manufacturer of VR equipment, has an 80 percent market share for Oculus, which is significantly higher than that of other rivals.

Industry experts were quoted in the report as saying that since there weren’t many new wearable devices released in the first half of this year, new products released in the second half of the year are expected to attract buyers. However, if the global inflation problem continues to negatively impact the overall economy, sales of wearable devices may be discounted, and the follow-up market still needs to be closely observed.

Related

• Boult unveils Cosmic and Drift smartwatches at Rs. 1499 in India with blood-oxygen monitor
• Apple to reportedly announce upcoming iPhone 14 series on September 13
• Xiaomi Mi Band 7 NFC Smart wearable Review: Still one of the best entry-level wearables
• Apple Watch Pro rugged edition may cost the same as the iPhone 13 Pro
• China’s wearable market declines 7.5 percent YoY in Q1, 2022, ships 25.84 million units: IDC

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkJ_e09sY9o[/embedyt]

The post Smart wearables market to boom in second-half of 2022 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple has reportedly been working on a new device named the AR Glass which is a mixed reality headset, expected to go official sometime in the year 2024, although some reports indicate its launch either next year or in 2024.

Now, a new report from analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong Intl Tech Research (via 9to5Mac) claims that the upcoming AR Glass headset has now entered the design development stage.

He also claims that the AR Glass product would be coming in the second half of 2024. The report further adds that Luxshare would remain one of Apple’s main suppliers for devices to come between late 2022 and 2024.

As for the development of the AR Glass, he adds that the product has now entered the design development stage in which the prototype will be ready by the end of this year while the mass production will start in the second half of 2024.

Apart from this AR/VR product, the Cupertino-based technology company is expected to announce a similar product later this year or early next year which is 100% focused on the augmented reality (AR) technology.

If the reports are to be believed, then the mixed reality headset from Apple will focus on media content, gaming, and communication. It could be powered by the Apple Silicon M-series chip and offer a high-resolution displays, along with several sensors and cameras.

RELATED: 

• Apple gains a huge share of smartphone brand switchers, iPhone 13 sales still robust
• Apple M2 chip is up to 20% faster than the M1: Leaked Benchmark
• Apple’s upcoming 14.1-inch iPad may not feature Mini-LED ProMotion display
• LG Display wants to supply microOLED panels for Apple’s MR/AR headset
• Apple to expand MacBook lineup with two new models set to launch next year

The post Apple AR Glass mixed reality headset reportedly enters design development stage appeared first on Gizmochina.

Besides Samsung and BOE, the Chinese Huizhou-based electronic giant, TCL is also a major player in the smartphone display industry, specifically under its display department, the TCL China Star Optoelectronics Technology(CSOT) Corporation.

Last week, TCL CSOT was invited to attend the SID Display Week 2022 Trade Show in San Jose, California, where the company showcased its flagship display products and advanced technologies. The company was even nominated as the Best Large Booth of the 2022 I-Zone (Innovation Zone) awards. Here are some first looks at what the company unveiled at the event.

Mini-LEDs

TCL introduced its 34-inch WQHD R1500 curved Mini LED display designed for e-sports which offers a 21:9 ultra-wide aspect ratio, a 165Hz high refresh rate and a fast-responding HVA screen with a smaller halo. The display is compatible with different variable refresh rate technologies that provide an undistorted, smooth and clear PC gaming experience. 

Leveraging on TCL‘s advanced algorithms, the display meets both the VESA Display HDR 1400 certification and FreeSync Premium Pro certification requirements. It delivers the best light and dark contrast and dynamic rendering meeting the requirements of e-sports players and specialized users for visual display.

The company also showcased its enormous 75-inch 8K 4Mask 1G1D Mini LED screen that trails on TCL’s latest and superior 8K 1G1D technology. Comparing with the difficult 8K TFT-LCD backplane 4 mask manufacturing process, this new mini LED screen significantly improves processing capacity while ensuring perfect image quality. With TCL‘s original glass-based Mini LED backlight with ultra-high individual zones controlled by a local dimming method, the brand claims the screen offers excellent image performance comparable to an OLED.

Foldables

On the foldables front, TCL has also made several industry-leading strides with their 8-inch 360 degrees folding display panel, which was earlier revealed during CES 2022. The display utilises TCL’s Pol-less technology integrating the leading technology of foldable screens with a 360 degree stress-free self-compensating hinge. When folded, it can be an easy-carry phone for capturing dynamic information with one hand; when unfolded, the uninterrupted 8-inch OLED display provides a perfect big-screen video or mobile gaming experience.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality headsets require high resolutions to provide an immersive experience, and TCL knows it quite well. Which is why the company has unveiled its new 1764 PPI Real RGB LCD-VR panel which boasts higher pixel density than other competing VR LCD screens. It boasts a 90/120Hz smooth refresh rate with fast Liquid Crystal technology that eliminates the door-screen effect and vertigo common in existing VR products. 

The 1512 PPI LCD-VR panel, TCL‘s first VR product which made its debut in 2021, and also comes with variable refresh rates was also announced by the company at SID 2022 to go into mass production this year, as an industry statement for TCL‘s industry-leading advantages in the VR space.

RELATED:

• Samsung Reveals “Flex Note” Device, Here’s How it Looks
• Your Next Foldable Smartphone Could Unfold 360-Degrees, Here’s a First Look
• Vivo X Fold has a less noticeable crease than the Galaxy Z Fold 3, side-by-side image reveals

(Via)

The post SID 2022: TCL Showcases Futuristic Looking Displays that Can Be Made Today appeared first on Gizmochina.

A new report has just revealed that Tencent Group is planning on buying the Black Shark brand and integrating it with its own Content Business Group. The move from the company arrives as it apparently plans to step into the Metaverse.

The news arrives from 36Kr and multiple independent sources who stated that the Chinese tech giant aims on acquiring the gaming smartphone maker. It adds that the gaming smartphone making company will also undergo a business transformation after the acquisition process is complete. In other words, Black Shark as a brand would likely see an expansion once the transaction is completed.

This diversification process will reportedly grow to include VR (Virtual Reality) based technologies and devices. So, the software content for VR will be provided by Tencent while Black Shark manufactures the hardware. For those unaware, the gaming smartphone brand is a relatively young company that was established back in 2017 and was backed by another Chinese tech giant, Xiaomi. As of right now, Xiaomi is the majority shareholder, holding around 46.4 percent stake in Black Shark. Unfortunately, Tencent has yet to official comment on this news at the moment.

Although, with tech companies moving towards the AR/VR field, especially after the introduction of the Metaverse, it was only a matter of time before the Chinese company would also make its move. Back in Q3 2021, the brand had even filed for a number of trademarks for technologies for the Metaverse. While the company has yet to confirm this news, it makes sense that the group would seek out an experienced brand that has its own facilities for R&D and manufacturing to build a platform through which its content can be accessed.

This isn’t something new either, since Facebook had previously acquired Oculus in the past to fill up the hardware gap in its plans to provide both VR content along with the devices that allows you to access the VR world. Another source added that Tencent was likely in contact with all AR/VR related projects on the market, such as HTC. But since the group is known for a number of its popular gaming titles in the market, it isn’t odd that it chose Black Shark. Both brands have also previously partnered up for the latter’s gaming smartphones as well.

RELATED:

• AnTuTu December 2021 phone ranking: Black Shark 4S Pro maintains lead but that won’t last
• Black Shark 4S Pro becomes October AnTuTu champion, proves it packs some serious firepower
• Tencent Music partners with Apple Music to expand its catalog globally

The post Tencent to acquire Black Shark, as it seeks to step into the Metaverse: Report appeared first on Gizmochina.

A Xiaomi affiliated company, Hanxing Venture Capital, has just invested in a new firm. The company in question is based around VR (virtual reality) and was co-founded by known movie director Zhang Yimou.

According to a PanDaily report, the VR company, Sky Limit Entertainment had recently added both the Xiaomi backed investment firm and Intel Asia Pacific R&D Company as shareholders. As of right now, the company’s registered capital had increased by a 75.7 million Yuan (roughly 11.8 million US Dollars). For those unaware, Sky Limit Entertainment is a VR based service provider that integrates IP operation, content production, and digital real life entertainment.

This firm was founded back in 2008, with its business scope including organizing cultural and artistic activities, stage lighting and sound design, performance agent, and more. At the moment, the company’s shareholders include Lenovo Capital, Mango Foundation, Weiyue Group, Intel, Zhang Yimou, and others. Notably, the movie director is well known for winning numerous awards and recognitions for his work in films like Hero (2003), Raise the Red Lantern (1991), and The Flowers of War (2011) among a few other.

The latest investment from the Xiaomi backed firm joins its other investments in various fields, like automobiles, autonomous driving technology, AR, VR, semiconductors, and more. A few examples being the investment in NIO’s battery supplier, autonomous driving tech developer Geometric Pal, and many more.

RELATED:

• POCO F2 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 10T get their first Android 12 beta builds in China
• Xiaomi & Motorola in a heated race to see who launches Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 phone first
• Upcoming Smartphones in December 2021: Motorola, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Redmi, & more
• Xiaomi 12 to sport triple camera setup on upper left corner of its AG glass rear panel: Tipster
• Xiaomi spends 2 Billion Yuan to establish new corporate management firm in China

The post Xiaomi invests in VR based firm founded by known Movie Director Zhang Yimou appeared first on Gizmochina.

Microsoft has announced that they will be integrating Mesh, the next step in the evolution of Microsoft Teams. The Mesh will be an interactive platform for virtual experiences inside the Teams platform. This announcement comes just days after Facebook reincarnated to Meta and revealed its future vision for a metaverse.

Microsoft Mesh appears to be the next step in AR technology. Some new features revealed by Microsoft consist of a ‘Together Mode’ which is designed to create a virtual avatar of a person that will aid in better engagement during meetings. The idea was inspired after seeing so many users experience pandemic fatigue due to excess screen time.

Microsoft Teams will be equipped with new 3D avatars to facilitate a metaverse environment, which won’t require a VR headset. These avatars can represent the user, both in 2D and 3D meetings. This provides the user with the option of not turning on the webcam if he or she doesn’t want to. “It’s not binary, so a person can choose how they want to show up, whether it’s video or an avatar, and there’s a variety of customized options to choose from, as to how one wants to be presented in a meeting,” says Katie Kelly, principal product manager for Microsoft Mesh.

Additionally, according to Katie Kelly, these technologies, or should we say prototypes work better with VR or AR headsets, these features will be accessible by most of the devices. Also, because it is based on realistic experiences, the human presence such as talking, eye contact, and reactions are going to be important. This upgrade also focuses on removing language barriers by including a built-in app translation support, which will be a blessing in the post-pandemic scenario wherein companies have remote workers across the globe. The great news is that Microsoft has promised that these features are going to be accessible as soon as early 2022.

The addition of this feature will enable the corporations to model their own virtual spaces, or metaverses inside Teams. This seems to be Microsoft’s own metaverse.

RELATED:

• Facebook is now Meta, kills Oculus name too
• Facebook fined $70 million for deliberate breach during Giphy acquisition probe
• Microsoft Surface Duo 2 becomes new Geekbench champion, dethrones Asus ROG Phone 3
• Here’s a look at a prototype of the unreleased Microsoft Surface Neo

The post Microsoft Mesh announced – Its version of the Metaverse appeared first on Gizmochina.

Today’s Sony product announcement event saw the launch of the camera-centric Sony Xperia Pro-I smartphone that managed to steal all the hype. What went under the radar though was a new VR headset – the Sony Xperia View.

Sony has had launched stuff like the PlayStation VR in the past but a VR headset from Xperia is a first. It isn’t the standalone kind though and requires an Xperia smartphone to be slipped into it in order to work, hence the Xperia branding.

The headset only supports the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 1 II phones and has been designed to fit them in perfectly. Sony claims that one can view “8K HDR VR video” using it, although it’s likely just a marketing term as both Xperia 1 III and Xperia 1 II max out at 4K resolution with their displays.

The Xperia View VR headset provides 120 degrees of horizontal view and its lens has a hybrid structure with a high focusing efficiency. It also comes with a lens spacing adjustment function that can adjust the lens and image display position according to the distance between the eyes.

The setup process for the headset is rather easy. Simply remove its front cover with the dedicated lever, slide the smartphone in, and shut it back up. And that’s it!

There’s even a dedicated app for the Xperia View. It’s equipped with a launcher function that displays a list of Xperia View compatible apps and other content in VR mode. One can also play media stored on the internal/external storage directly.

The Xperia View VR headset is quite easy to operate thanks to cutouts providing direct access to the dedicated keys on the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 1 II. The need for a separate controller is eliminated because you can move the cursor with the volume keys on the and make selections with the camera key.

The headset is available on the official Japanese Sony e-store and Au Online Shop for 29,700 Yen (~$260). We are yet to come across an indication for a global release.

RELATED:

• Sony Xperia PRO-I smartphone with a 1-inch camera sensor launched for $1,800
• Sony Xperia Pro-I shows off 1” camera with variable aperture ahead of tomorrow’s launch
• Sony Xperia 1 III gets a new Green color option in China; priced at 7,999 yuan ($1,252)
• Sony claims the ‘best smartphone camera’ is right around the corner
• Sony partners up with Meizu to offer better services on Xperia 1 III in China

The post Sony launches Xperia View VR headset: 2K resolution for both eyes when paired with Xperia 1 III appeared first on Gizmochina.

HTC has announced a new VR headset today, The Vive Flow is its first VR headset this year that is targeted at consumers and not enterprise users. The new headset also has a unique design that makes it look like oversized goggles.

The Vive Flow is priced at $499 which is pretty steep when compared to standalone VR headsets such as the Oculus Quest 2 which has a $300 price tag.

HTC focused on comfort when designing the Vive Flow. It is designed to be worn like a pair of glasses rather than strapped on like a lot of other headsets. It has also made it light, weighs 189 grams, by not putting a battery inside it. Actually, there is a battery but a very mall one to keep it powered for a few minutes while switching power sources. The headset has a USB-C connector that allows users to plug it into an external power source such as a portable battery pack or a phone with support for reverse charging.

The Vive Flow has two 2.1-inch LCD displays with a resolution of 1600 x 1600 per eye. It has a refresh rate of 75Hz and a 100° field of view. It is also fitted with 2 cameras for inside-out headset six degrees of freedom tracking and has support for video pass-through so the user can be aware of their environment. It has two diopter dials for adjusting the focus for each lens.

There is a Qualcomm XR1 chip powering it along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of non-expandable storage. It also has stereo speakers with spatial audio support and dual microphones with echo and noise cancellation. HTC says users can connect their Bluetooth headphones to the Vive Flow too.

The headset doesn’t have its own controllers but owners can use their connected phone as a controller. To use the Vive Flow, owners have to sign into or create an account on the Vive platform on their phones. Then connect their headset to their phone via Bluetooth and then connect to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network. HTC has revealed that the device will launch with 100 apps and support 150 by the end of the year. Owners will also be able to cast their phone to the headset via Miracast and even watch content from their favorite streaming apps.

At the moment, the Vive Flow is only compatible with Android devices running Android 9.0 Pie and above. There is a tool on the Vive website to see if your device is compatible. It is already available for pre-order on the manufacturer’s website.

RELATED:

• Anker’s Soundcore Frames are glasses with built-in speakers and changeable frames
• TCL NXTWEAR G is a pair of smart glasses that connects to your phone
• Facebook and Ray-Ban’s smart glasses dubbed Ray-Ban Stories launched

The post HTC Vive Flow is a $499 VR headset that looks like oversized goggles appeared first on Gizmochina.

A new patent from Huawei has recently surfaced. This patent is for a game controller, which is designed to work with a VR headset to allow users to control their actions in virtual reality.

According to an ITHome report, the Chinese tech giant was awarded that patent earlier this week and carried the patent number CN306513655S. In the patent application, a brief description can also be observed, which reads tha the product in the patents is a “Gamepad” and is purpose is to primarily be used for offering “controler in VR games or achieve other interactions in a virtual setting. The patent also arrives with certain sketches and 3D renders of this VR controller as well.

Looking at these images, the game controller carries a relatively common design that can also be found with other VR based controllers. On the front it offers three buttons along with a joystick, which is likely for movement based controls and more. On the right side of the product, there is another mechanism that is visible, which might be another button or have some other function that is unclear at the moment. The Chinese tech giant has already ventured into VR technology with related headsets, so it is likely working on new controllers as well.

RELATED:

• Launch dates of upcoming HUAWEI products leaked: MatePad Pro 2, Watch 3 series, and more
• Exclusive: Case renders show Huawei P50’s unique rear design, expected to launch in June
• Huawei Mate X2 Durability test performance is super impressive for a foldable phone
• Huawei smartphones to start receiving HarmonyOS update in June: Exec

The post Huawei patents a VR based game controller appeared first on Gizmochina.

The last generation Xbox consoles didn’t have a VR system unlike the PlayStation 4 which had the PS VR System. The PS VR also works with the new PlayStation 5, providing folks with a VR system to use until the next-gen PS VR is released. Unfortunately, owners of the Xbox Series X/S that are expecting a VR system for their consoles following a recent report will not be getting one at least not anytime soon according to Microsoft.

Earlier, IGN Italy had reported that while testing the new Xbox Wireless Headset, they had received a prompt on their Xbox Series X console that said their VR Headset needs to be updated. The message had led to several speculations that the console supports a VR device, one Microsoft may actually be secretly developing to be released later. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

“The copy in this error message is inaccurate due to a localization bug” – Microsoft

A Microsoft spokesperson revealed to IGN that it is an inaccurate error message and that “VR for console is not a focus for us at this time”.

Sad as the news may be for Xbox owners who are hoping for a VR device for their new consoles, it appears Microsoft’s stance on VR for consoles has remained unchanged. Back in 2019, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, had revealed that VR is not part of its next-gen plans because “nobody’s asking for it”.

We won’t entirely rule out the possibility of Microsoft making a VR system for the new Xbox consoles as they are just in their first year of life and have at least 5 years before a successor is released, so anything can happen between now and then.

Do you own an Xbox Series S/X console? Do let us know what you think about a VR device for the console.

RELATED:

• Microsoft announces $99 Xbox Wireless Headset for Xbox consoles and Windows PCs
• Sony is shutting down the PlayStation Communities feature on PS4
• Microsoft reveals the Xbox Series X is its best-selling console yet

The post Microsoft says it is not developing a VR headset for the Xbox Series S/X 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.