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Somnium Space

Technologies bringing about a new reality

Extended Reality

Lynx is a French startup which manufactures mixed reality headsets and accessories. The company’s flagship headset, the Lynx R-1 (launched in October 2023) and priced at USD 849 for its standard headset, and USD 1,300 for the enterprise edition.The headset uses a 4-fold catadioptric freeform prism lens instead of the traditional fresnel lenses used, offers a 90° field of view (FoV) with 18 pixels per degree (PPD) on two 1,600 x 1,600 LCD panels, and is powered by Qualcomm’s XR2 chip. The company also added an eye-tracking extension to its Lynx R1 MR headset in 2023.Lynx emphasizes a privacy-centric approach in its products. The company adheres to a privacy-by-design philosophy, ensuring that user data is protected and the platform remains open and transparent. This approach includes the ability for users to directly deactivate any sensitive sensor or technology and to use the device completely offline.&nbsp;Funding and financialsLynx raised USD 4 million in a Series A funding round from social metaverse platform Somnium Space, with participation from ex-Meta and Google engineers in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10702">May 2022</a>. As a result of the investment, the Founder and CEO of Somnium Space, Artur Sychov, joined the company’s board of directors.

Vrgineers is a company specialized in the development of customizable mixed reality systems for pilot training. Its synthetic training environment (SNE) includes the Classroom Trainer, developed for the US Air Force and Royal Air Force, which modeled an aircraft cockpit, with the system mirroring vibrations caused by an aircraft. Furthermore, the SNE comes with an instructor module, allowing for pilots to be actively monitored and receive feedback from instructors. In July 2022, the company partnered with the US Marine Corps to develop a portable pilot trainer, allowing for pilots to continue training events while deployed.&nbsp;Both the SNE and the portable trainer utilize the company’s XR headsets, which are available in two versions, the XTAL 3 Virtual Reality System and the XTAL 3 Mixed Reality System. The products have a 180° field of view and 8K resolution, although the XTAL 3 Mixed Reality System was a more premium product (ranging USD 11,800–USD 12,600) in comparison to the company’s Virtual Reality System (ranging USD 9,200–USD 10,000). The company monetized these products through outright sale and required licenses to be renewed for enterprise and military use.&nbsp;&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsThe company developed a custom mixed reality simulator modeled after the F-16 fighter jet for the European Air Services in December 2021, with other key customers including NASA, US Air Force, US Navy, the Royal Air Force, and BAE Systems, a British multinational defense contractor.Partnerships related to the development of the XTAL headset included that with&nbsp;NVIDIA and AMD, (to develop the XTAL 3 CAVU headset in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24295">November 2023</a>), wireless solutions provider IMRNext, (to launch a wireless version of the XTAL headset in January 2023).Partnerships related to the development of training systems included that with engineering company multiSIM (to launch a simulation framework based on the sophisticated F-35 Lightning II fighter jet in November 2022), technology solutions provider DigiFlight (to create the Advanced Mixed Reality Apache trainer in November 2022), and Lockheed Martin (to develop a new mixed reality pilot training system in April 2022).&nbsp;Other partnerships included those with Advanced Real-Time tracking, a company specializing in infra-red all-in-one hardware (to deliver new MR pilot simulation technologies in April 2023), Somnium Space, a blockchain-based VR company and 3D printer manufacturer, Prusa Research (for the development of the Somnium VR One headset in September 2022).Funding and financialsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24433">November 2023</a>, the company raised USD 6 million in a Series A funding round led by Taiwania Capital. Funds were earmarked for product development efforts.

Empowering the modern soldier with cutting-edge technology

Military Tech

Vrgineers is a company specializing in virtual and mixed reality pilot training systems for professional and military clients. The company develops next-generation simulation technologies, including portable trainers, reconfigurable classroom simulators, and custom 1:1 simulators for various aircraft types. Vrgineers' flagship product is the XTAL headset, which offers high-resolution displays and a wide field of view specifically designed for pilot training. The XTAL 3, their latest version, provides 8K resolution and a 180-degree field of view, aiming to deliver near-human eye peripheral vision and resolution. The company's training solutions are designed to enhance the process of pilot transition from eastern platforms to western platforms, such as transitioning from MiG aircraft to F-16s or F-35s. Vrgineers' simulators are integrated with various image generation systems and can be interconnected for group training or used individually for mission, tactical, and procedural training. The company's technology aims to reduce training costs compared to traditional dome simulators while offering highly effective training techniques. Vrgineers has developed its products in collaboration with the US Air Force and US Navy as part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. In November 2023, Vrgineers secured a USD 6 million Series A investment led by Taiwania Capital to accelerate growth and develop a new version of the XTAL headset.Key customers and partnershipsVrgineers' client base includes military organizations such as the US Air Force, US Navy, and Royal Air Force. The company also serves commercial entities like Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream, BAE Systems, and NASA. In June 2022, Vrgineers donated a Portable Trainer to the Ukrainian Air Force to assist with airspace security and tactical training. The company has collaborated with Advanced Real-Time Tracking (ART), a German firm specializing in infrared hardware, to enhance mixed reality pilot simulation technologies. Additionally, Vrgineers has partnered with TESLASUIT to incorporate haptic feedback into pilot training, enhancing the simulation of real-world challenges in fighter jet scenarios.

HyperVision develops full Field of View XR technology.

Lynx is a first standalone Mixed Reality headset  which is Outstanding Optics,incredible Compute Power and Compact Form Factor.

VRgineers Inc. is a leader in delivering next-generation virtual and mixed reality pilot training systems (Synthetic Training Environment, STE) for professional and military clients.    The company developed and manufactures the XTAL, a virtual and mixed reality headset with the highest fidelity, resolution, and the widest field of view available. The latest XTAL 8K headset won the prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award in 2020. Vrgineers’ simulator portfolio includes portable trainers ready to be packed and taken on mission; reconfigurable classroom simulators that support almost all platforms, from the T6 Texan to the F35; and custom 1:1 simulators that are built specifically for any type of helicopter, jet-fighter, or airliner, including a fully-functional cockpit replica. All simulators employ the XTAL headset featuring a market-leading 180° field of view at 8K resolution with the option of a mixed-reality module.    All these simulators were developed in close cooperation with professionals, including airline, military, and acrobatic pilots. Extended simulation capabilities improve the pilot experience. The system delivers the highest level of situational awareness, increases first-time pass rates, reduces re-flights, and diminishes expensive repeat events. It can be used for all rotary and fixed-wing training requirements from front-line aircraft conversion units. The pilot training system leverages the option of complex mission training with joint communication for multiple users.    VRgineers actively improves the training experience for clients like the U.S. Air Force, U.S Navy, the Royal Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream, BAE Systems, NASA, and other technological pioneers. VRgineers has proven expertise in designing and integrating cost-efficient, scalable, customizable, and wide-ranging synthetic training solutions. Recognized as a technological leader, VRgineers was selected by the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program within the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to develop a next-generation mixed reality pilot training solution, and by the U.S. Air Force to deliver multi-purpose reconfigurable simulators.    Besides the aerospace industry, VRgineers’ technologies are being used to design revolutionary products and remotely control heavy machinery. For example, VRgineers delivered virtual reality solutions for brands such as Audi, Skoda, Lamborghini, McLaren, RedBull, and Westfield.   VRgineers was co-founded in 2017 by CEO Marek Polcak and currently employs an international team of 50 professionals that combine a high level of technical skills (mostly Ph.D. and Engineer graduates in R&D) with industry professionals. VRgineers will continue to innovate and dedicate itself to providing simulations that are as true to life as technology makes possible.

We are Open, Social & Persistent VR world. Buy land, build or import objects, instantly monetize and simply have fun. Universe shaped entirely by players!

Czech Republic-based Somnium Space is the developer of the Somnium VR1 PC VR headset (priced at EUR 1,899 or ~USD 2,100), which offers a wide field of view with dual-aspheric lenses, providing 130 degrees horizontally and 105 degrees vertically. The headset, which started shipping in August 2024, features high-resolution displays with a resolution of 2,880 x 2,880 pixels per eye, a brightness of 210 nits, and a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz. The headset supports optional eye tracking, high-quality passthrough using front cameras, and the attachment of a LIDAR sensor for 3D meshing. The headset, weighing between 700 g to 850 g, comes with a 20-foot cable that combines Display Port, USB 3 Gen 2, and power in a single USB-C cable.

ChatGPT Helps Somnium Space Metaverse Deliver 'Live Forever' Mode using its AI

HyperVision

VRgineers

Lynx

Companies developing XR headsets and relevant sub-components (displays, sensors, and processors). Also includes complementary XR hardware (tracking devices, haptic vests, and gloves)

Prusa Research

PV 110 s.r.o.

Czech Republic-based Somnium Space is the developer of the Somnium VR1 PC VR headset (priced at EUR 1,899 or ~USD 2,100), which offers a wide field of view with dual-aspheric lenses, providing 125 degrees horizontally and 100 degrees vertically. It features high-resolution displays with a resolution of 2,880 x 2,880 pixels per eye, a brightness of 210 nits, and a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz. The headset supports optional eye tracking, high-quality passthrough using front cameras, and the attachment of a LIDAR sensor for 3D meshing. The headset, weighing between 700 g to 850 g, comes with a 20-foot cable that combines Display Port, USB 3 Gen 2, and power in a single USB-C cable. The company announced eight variants of the headset in June 2024, with plans to ship them later in the year.Somnium Space aims to change the restrictive policies it believes are established by larger corporations for the VR market. In response to these restrictions, the headset is being built on an open and modular platform. The concept of the Somnium VR1 is based on the availability of 3D headset data, allowing VR enthusiasts to download 3D parts and purchase electronic components, sensors, and lenses directly from Somnium for building their own headset and future maintenance and upgrades.Additionally, the company is developing a web configurator for the ordering process, which will allow customers to select the features they want, such as eye tracking, hand tracking, and passthrough. Key customers and partnershipsIn June 2024, Somnium Space partnered with TG0, maker of the etee controller to launch a hardware bundle priced at EUR 1,900 (~USD 2,060). The company also partnered with VR pilot training systems company Vrgineers and 3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research for the development of its headset.

Czech Republic-based Somnium Space is the developer of the Somnium VR1 PC VR headset (priced at EUR 1,899 or ~USD 2,100), which offers a wide field of view with dual-aspheric lenses, providing 130 degrees horizontally and 105 degrees vertically. The headset, which started shipping in August 2024, features high-resolution displays with a resolution of 2,880 x 2,880 pixels per eye, a brightness of 210 nits, and a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz. The headset supports optional eye tracking, high-quality passthrough using front cameras, and the attachment of a LIDAR sensor for 3D meshing. The headset, weighing between 700 g to 850 g, comes with a 20-foot cable that combines Display Port, USB 3 Gen 2, and power in a single USB-C cable. Somnium Space aims to change the restrictive policies it believes are established by larger corporations for the VR market. In response to these restrictions, the headset is being built on an open and modular platform. The concept of the Somnium VR1 is based on the availability of 3D headset data, allowing VR enthusiasts to download 3D parts and purchase electronic components, sensors, and lenses directly from Somnium for building their own headset and future maintenance and upgrades.Additionally, the company is developing a web configurator for the ordering process, which will allow customers to select the features they want, such as eye tracking, hand tracking, and passthrough.Key customers and partnershipsIn June 2024, Somnium Space partnered with TG0, maker of the etee controller to launch a hardware bundle priced at EUR 1,900 (~USD 2,060). The company also partnered with VR pilot training systems company Vrgineers and 3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research for the development of its headset.

Interplay Learning (Interplay) provides on-demand, interactive, and hands-on simulation learning courses for skilled trades, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, solar, and facilities maintenance, through VR, mobile, and desktop applications. The learning courses also include simulated walkthrough videos where experts lead users through procedure guides methodically, with knowledge testing features and additional learning material such as wiring diagrams, equations, sample system configs, and charts at the end of each lesson. The platform also enables managers to track user progress.The company operates a subscription-based model with monthly packages for individuals (USD 54) and teams (USD 229), alongside a custom plan for larger organizations.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33810">September 2024</a>, the company acquired Industrial Training International (ITI), enabling the company to provide immersive simulation training solutions for crane and rigging operations across various job sites.Key customers and partnershipsNotable customers include Tesla and Rheem Manufacturing. Interplay’s customer usage rose by 445% YoY in 2020. As of February 2021, the platform had over 2,000 customers and 110,000 users across the US.

Interplay Learning

Switzerland-based WayRay develops holographic AR technology and hardware for the automobile sector. Its technology is used in head-up displays (HUDs) that project images into a driver’s field of vision to assist with navigation. Although its initial focus was on developing HUDs that can be purchased and installed in any vehicle, it has since pivoted to producing embedded HUD systems (i.e., hardware built into vehicles). WayRay’s HUDs are considered to provide a wider field of vision and combine data (location and mapping information) with vision data to generate images by projecting a laser beam through a Picture Generating Unit (PGU) onto a Holographic Optical Element (HOE).&nbsp;In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18537">May 2023</a>, WayRay announced integration of its AR displays into Tesla Model 3's in Switzerland, with plans to follow shortly afterwards in the US. Previously, in September 2021 the company launched its deep reality system that replaces the traditional car dashboard. In addition, WayRay launched “The Holograktor” dubbed the first “metaverse on wheels”, which can be driven conventionally or using a remote control via a 5G and satellite connection (November 2021).&nbsp;The company’s founder and CEO, Vitaly Ponomarev, identified that its systems are more advanced, backed by more patents, and potentially 20x smaller than comparable devices in the market. WayRay’s HQ in Switzerland also acts as a product design and development hub, while its R&amp;D center and prototyping factory are based in Russia.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsThe company is backed by strategic investors such as luxury automaker Porsche, which highlighted the management’s expertise in space engineering, hardware, and software development as key reasons for its investment, Hyundai Motor Co., and Alibaba. It is also notable that these investors, particularly Hyundai, are looking at ways to potentially use WayRay’s technology to offer more services in the future. For instance, Hyundai believed that the technology could be used for smart cities and smart buildings, which are its new areas of interest.WayRay partnered with Karma Automotive, a producer of luxury electric vehicles, in December 2021 to support the implementation of its HUDs into their test fleet. Moreover, it partnered with a leader in designing and manufacturing specialty glass, AGP eGlass, in September 2021 to further proliferate its technology.&nbsp; Funding and financialsIt was reported in April 2021 that the company is considering a public listing at a USD 2 billion valuation via a SPAC, although no further updates on this have been announced as at January 2024.&nbsp;

WayRay

AmazeVR initially focused on developing VR technologies but pivoted to VR concerts in late 2019. The concerts are backed by proprietary 9K cameras and software that automate complex VR concert visual effects that run on more than 100 headsets simultaneously. Users join and hang out with other users as avatars while experiencing VR concerts. It intends to bring VR concerts by major artists to theaters and eventually, homes.AmazeVR rolled out its first commercial VR concert, which will feature 3x Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion, in 2022. The artist is expected to tour select AMC Theaters across the US. It is also in the final stages of closing deals with its second and third artists. AmazeVR also revealed plans to release weekly content by 2024 in theaters and for at-home viewers.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/20145">July 2023</a>, AmazeVR launched its official AmazeVR Concerts app, featuring an exclusive VR concert from Swedish pop star, Zara Larsson. The app is available on major VR app stores, and the exclusive Zara Larsson VR concert can be accessed for a year at a launch price of USD 6.99. AmazeVR also produces and monetizes VR content on a subscription basis.As of August 2023, the company was in the process of producing and releasing mixed reality concerts by overlaying virtual elements onto live, real-world video.Funding and financialsThe company’s most recent funding was in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13338">September 2022</a>, when it raised USD 17 million in a Series B funding round led by Mirae Asset Capital. The fresh funds were allocated to expand partnerships with artists, artist management companies, labels, publishers, and agencies.

AmazeVR

Dispelix, based in Finland, designs and manufactures single-layer, full-color waveguide displays, a thin (about 1mm) transparent element that takes in a projected image and relays it to the eye, using a nanophotonics-based approach catering to AR applications (e.g., smart glasses). It uses laser beam scanning technology to render laser-sharp images with a gamut of color palettes, which are displayed using beam-combiner technology. Its patented and proprietary approach includes diffractive surface relief gratings, which are elements used for high-power laser applications, fabricated on high refractive index glass wafers that enhance field-of-view and image quality.The company had a total of more than 40 granted or pending patent families as of November 2021. Its product line, Dispelix DPX, includes Dispelix DPX - Ohut, Dispelix DPX - Selva, and Dispelix DPX - Sade with a varying degree of field of view, form factor, and weight. According to Co-Founder and CTO Juuso Olkkonen, its displays are the lightest and thinnest in the market.Key customers and partnerships 1) Collins Aerospace: to integrate Dispelix's advanced AR displays into Collins Aerospace's products (November 2024)2) Foxconn and Pegatron: to create reference designs for AR glasses based on its Selvä waveguide display (October 2023)&nbsp;3) VividQ: created a “waveguide combiner” which accurately displays variable-depth 3D content in a user’s environment (January 2023)4) ColorChip and Maradin: To further Light Beam Scanning (LBS) solutions for AR glasses (October 2022)5) Jade Bird Displays: To develop multiple reference designs for AR devices (June 2022)6) AAC Technologies: To improve waveguide displays for the AR and MR industry (March 2022)7) OQmented: for the development and commercialization of MEMS-based LBS technology (November 2021)8) Coretronic: To develop a range of AR optical module solutions (December 2020)9) Hoya Corporation: To improve quality of waveguide displays (November 2020)Funding and financialsIn its most recent funding round (November 2021), Dispelix raised USD 33 million in a Series B funding round co-led by Atlantic Bridge, CCB Trust, and Flashpoint with participation from Lifeline Ventures, VTT Ventures, and 3M Ventures. The funds were allocated to product development. It revealed that several OEM customers were slated to integrate its technology into their consumer offerings by 2023.&nbsp;

Dispelix

DigiLens is a developer of holographic waveguides, which is a clear, thin piece of glass or plastic, used for AR devices. In January 2023, the company launched ARGO, an XR smartglass designed for enterprise and industrial use, the first AR device to utilize Qualcomm’s SnapDragon XR2 platform. Other specifications included 6-degrees of freedom (6-DoF) tracking, a 30-degree field-of-view, spatial audio, a 48MP RGB camera, voice and gaze recognition, access to real-time data visualizations, and a 2,500-nits HD display.&nbsp;The company’s first product, the DigiLens Crystal was introduced in 2019, was a thin-film laser-etched photopolymer embedded with microscopic holograms of mirror-like optics. By projecting a micro display to one end of the lens and another set of optics working to guide the light wave toward the eye, this proved to be an ideal piece of hardware for AR devices, which are preferred with as little hardware as possible.&nbsp;It claims that its patented optical platform and photopolymer technology coupled with a holographic copy manufacturing process enable it to produce cheaper and more scalable solutions. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17598">April 2023</a>, the company announced the launch of SRG+, a surface relief gratings product that improves upon its waveguide technology.The company generates revenue by licensing its technology across a range of industries including the automobile, enterprise, consumer, avionics, and military sectors. DigiLens also offers a white-label solution for automotive companies whereby it creates holographic waveguides for windshields that could offer in-cabin experiences for drivers.&nbsp;&nbsp; Key customers and partnershipsKey partnerships include that with1) Phantom Technologies: - Phantom Technology: To integrate Phantom's CASSI Spatial AI assistant into the DigiLens ARGO glasses, providing features such as spatial search, a contextual assistant, and task management using voice commands (October 2023)2) Wisear: To integrate its neural interface-powered earphones with the ARGO smart glasses (May 2023)3) Mojo Vision: To utilize Mojo Vision's micro-LED technology to build improved AR glasses (May 2023)4) Taqtile: To integrate the company's ARGO smart glasses with Taqtile's AR work platform, Manifest (May 2023)5) OMNIVISION: To develop new XR product offerings (January 2023)Other partnerships include that with OMNIVISION (January 2023), a leading global developer of semiconductor solutions to develop new XR product offerings. OMNIVISION’s liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panels allowed DigiLens to build LCOS/LED projectors optimized for its holographic waveguides. OMNIVISION's core camera technology provides DigiLens' devices with features such as visual odometry and six degrees of freedom.&nbsp;DigiLens also works with Taiwanese licensed waveguide manufacturer Young Optics, Chinese original design manufacturer and electronics supplier Malata, Korean display manufacturer Sekonix, international technology company Continental, Chinese optical elements manufacturer Crystal Optech, and Mitsubishi Chemical.&nbsp;Funding and financialsIn April 2022, DigiLens announced the second close of its Series D funding round (intiial close in November 2021) in which it raised USD 50 million at a valuation of USD 530 million. The funds were allocated for the development of DesignV1, its second-generation product.

DigiLens

Companies offering engines that enable the development of AR/VR content, also includes companies offering capabilities to capture and create 3D images for immersive environments

Companies offering AR/VR solutions or toolkits for specific industry applications, including VR game developers

Companies offering location-based AR/VR experiences

AR/VR platforms offer remote assistance to field experts and headset manufacturers facilitate virtual work

Some solutions in the "content" segment are offered under a B2B SaaS model

Headsets and content segments provide the building blocks for the metaverse

AR, VR, and MR are the primary enabling technologies for the XR industry

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 VR headset manufacturer Somnium Space and TG0, the maker of the etee controller, have announced a partnership to launch a hardware bundle priced at EUR 1,900 (~USD 2,060). Consumers who reserve the headset will benefit from a 20% discount on etee’s controllers, which are usually priced at USD 492.
 The etee controllers come with full finger-tracking and an open-hand design, making them perfect for training, art, therapy, and social XR applications. Although the launch details for the Somnium VR1 headset remain uncertain, the initial units are already being used for research and development purposes.&nbsp;
</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 In <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/updates/19047"> May 2023 </a> , the company provided an update to its VR1 headset, which would feature a display resolution of 2,880 x 2,880 pixels per eye, 210 nits of brightness, and a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz, targeting gamers and creative professionals. The company differentiates itself by building its headset on an open and modular platform, aiming to change the restrictive policies established by larger corporations for the VR market.

Somnium Space

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