June 24, 2024
We were at AWE USA last week in Long Beach. Here are some of the most publicized enterprise-related developments from the event.
DigiLens
DigiLens announced ARGO all-in-one AR glasses powered by Google’s Gemini AI models. ARGO features AI assistants “designed to quickly process multimodal information, reason about the context, and respond to queries.” The integration of Gemini enables ARGO to understand and generate conversational text, ensuring users get precise and relevant information in real time. Read more.
In related news, Taqtile will soon release its augmented work instruction platform Manifest for ARGO glasses.
Draw & Code
FanPort is a new immersive brand (and fan) engagement platform from Draw & Code and 302 Interactive. Leveraging an LED screen and mixed reality headset display along with dynamic lighting and spatial audio, FanPort enables marketers to create shared social MR experiences in location-based entertainment spaces. Read more.
Hololight
Hololight showcased Hololight Hub, its app management platform for “hosting, streaming, and scaling '' XR applications, including industrial-grade apps from Arthur, Frontline, Taqtile, and Uptale. In addition to seamless access to stream various XR apps, the web-based platform also provides performance and security features. Read more.
Microsoft
Microsoft announced new features for its virtual meeting solution Microsoft Mesh, including AI-optimized avatars (AI algorithms to predict possible matches from a scanned photo), new clothing and emoticons, a new space (for workshops, brainstorming sessions, and employee orientations), and Mac access. Also on the horizon: Enhanced readability and event customization, new camera perspectives for viewing your avatar, and more. Read more.
Niantic
Niantic introduced Niantic Studio, a new visual editor (currently in public beta) for building XR/3D experiences. The revolutionary aspect is the real-time 3D visual interface, which should enable rapid creativity and collaboration. Read more.
Niloom.ai
Niloom.ai beta launched its generative AI content creation platform for spatial computing. The end-to-end, browser-based, no-code Niloom.ai can be used to “create, prototype, edit, and instantly publish” XR content across devices. Read more.
Snap
Snap announced the general release of Lens Studio 5.0, which includes a new suite of generative AI tools capable of answering developers’ questions and generating 3D models from text prompts. The updated AR authoring tool should reduce the time it takes to create AR effects or Lenses and make it possible to build more complex projects. Read more.
Sony
Sony was on the floor with the Spatial Content Creation System, its not-yet-available standalone XR headset aimed at creatives. The HMD is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 processor, and features 4K OLED microdisplays and unique ring and pointing controllers. Sony also announced the addition of digital asset management capabilities to its glasses-free Spatial Reality Displays “through alignment with” echo3D’s platform.
TapXR
Tap Systems unveiled a significantly updated version of its TapXR wrist-worn controller, which
lets users create “keyboard-like inputs for XR devices.” Capable of detecting more than 35 distinct gestures, the new device supports “advanced multi-finger gestures” for intuitive navigation, scrolling, selecting, etc. and enables fast, “eyes-free” typing on any surface. Tap Systems will also launch a comprehensive SDK for developers to integrate multi-finger gestures into their apps. Read more.
Ultraleap
In addition to showcasing Ultraleap Hyperion, Ultraleap announced a partnership with Prophesee and TCL RayNeo to develop low-power tracking technology for AR glasses. The collaboration will combine Ultraleap’s hand tracking tech with Prophesee’s vision sensing tech and the technology behind the TCL RayNeo AR glasses. Ultraleap also demoed low-power gestural input on the Meta Ray-Ban glasses with an added event sensor.
Varjo
Teleport is a new service that uses advanced machine learning techniques to quickly reconstruct high-resolution 3D models of real-world spaces (i.e. transform your space into a VR experience). It works by scanning a space with your iPhone, which is then uploaded to Varjo’s cloud platform and processed into a VR scene. The service also uses a technique called gaussian splatting to recreate lighting, shading, textures, and reflections in the virtual environment. Potential applications mentioned include replicating office spaces and factory floors. Read more.
VRdirect
VRdirect debuted the Virtual Reality eXchange Format or VRXF intended to change the use of VR at the enterprise level. VRXF represents a new standard for creating and sharing VR projects across devices and platforms in an ongoing effort to unify the fragmented VR market. Read more.
XREAL
XREAL introduced the $200 Snapdragon-powered Beam Pro, essentially an Android mobile companion device for its AR glasses. The smartphone-esque Beam Pro delivers Google Play apps to XREAL glasses and features dual 50MP 3D cameras for taking 3D images and spatial video. Read more.
Zappar
After announcing end-to-end support for WebXR in May, Zappar announced expanded support for turning your iPhone into an XR headset. With the Zapbox Browser app, you can now enable immersive experiences “straight from the web on your iPhone.” See more.
Notable mentions:
- Freeaim raised money for its VR shoes aimed at companies
- Doublepoint Technologies unveiled WowMouse AR which transforms Android smartwatches into gestural input devices for the Magic Leap 2
- HaptX began North American shipments of the enterprise-focused HaptX Gloves G1
- Ahead of AWE, Logitech unveiled MX Ink, an XR stylus and the first officially supported third-party input device for the Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3.
- Unity showcased how its 3D development platform has been used across industries
Meet Hololight, XREAL, Zappar, and more enterprise-focused XR companies at Augmented Enterprise Oct 15-17 in Dallas.
Image source: Hololight
