<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        UK-based game studio XR Games has raised GBP 5.9 million (~USD 7 million) in funding led by existing investors act media ventures, Praetura Ventures, and Maven.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        The funds are earmarked for hiring and research and development.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.roadtovr.com/zombieland-studio-7m-xr-games/">
      XR Today
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.finsmes.com/2022/07/xr-games-raises-5-9m-in-funding.html">
      FinSMEs
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.uktech.news/vr/xr-games-funding-20220711">
      UK Tech News
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


Extended Reality

XR Games raises GBP 5.9 million for hiring and R&D

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>FitXR, a virtual reality fitness app, has launched a mixed-reality mode for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets. This feature enables users to view FitXR studios through the color pass-through of the Quest headsets, increasing their awareness of their surroundings during workouts.</p>
 <p>This mode combines virtual workouts with the real world, allowing a more adaptable fitness experience. Users can activate Mixed Reality by choosing a training session and clicking the MR option in settings. A slider in the pause menu let's the users control the blend of the virtual and real worlds.</p>
 <p>FitXR suggests that this feature is beneficial for users with restricted workout spaces or interferences. Moreover, it also helps pet owners to monitor their pets during their workouts.</p> 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> FitXR has been increasingly incorporating mixed reality into its workouts. In <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/24822"> December 2023 </a> , the company launched Slam, which uses proprietary algorithms to transform a room into a 3D game, utilizing floors, walls, and ceilings for interactive fitness.</p>

FitXR launches mixed-reality mode for Meta Quest 3

<div>
 <p>SimX, a VR medical simulation platform, has garnered a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant of USD 1.25 million from AFWERX, the Department of the Air Force's innovation branch. A partnership has been set up with the USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) at the University of South Florida.</p>
 <p>The grant's purpose is to produce a VR medical simulation training curriculum that emphasizes women's health, tackling related issues within the Department of the Air Force.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The news follows the company's USD 1.7 million receipt in <a href="https:<br>
//www.airforce-technology.com/news/simx-funds-expand-usafs-valor/"> February 2023 </a> through a contract from SpaceWERX Phase II Small Business and Innovation Research (SBIR). The funds were aimed at improving its VR training solutions for prehospital combat casualty care, geared toward the United States Air Force (USAF).</p>

SimX raises USD 1.25 million in STTR grant from AFWERX to develop VR training solutions

<div>
 <p>Holding company Infinite Reality has bought UK XR content developer Zappar for USD 45 million. The purchase is part of Infinite Reality's strategy to broaden its product range, taking advantage of Zappar's technology and its relationships with international brands like LEGOLAND, Nestlé, Unilever, and Disney.</p>
 <p>Zappar equips developers with the means to build immersive 3D AR experiences on the web that can be accessed on different devices without the restrictions of operating systems. Its product lineup includes Zapworks, Mattercraft, Designer, Zapbox, and Zapvision.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> This marks Infinite Reality's sixth acquisition in 2024, having previously acquired Ethereal Engine ( <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/27849"> March 2024 </a> ), a firm developing frameworks for social immersive experiences on the web. Notably, the company raised USD 350 million in <a href="https:<br>
//venturebeat.com/games/infinite-reality-raises-350m-and-acquires-landvault-for-450m/"> July 2024 </a> , valuing the company at USD 5.1 billion.</p>

Infinite Reality acquires Zappar for USD 45 million to expand XR offerings

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 <p>Philips has recently revamped its Hue app (version 5.27) available on iOS, iPadOS, and Android, bringing new features to the platform. Among these updates is an AR preview tool specially designed for its Hue smart lighting products. However, this feature is exclusive to Pro models of iPhone and iPad equipped with a LiDAR sensor.</p>
 <p>With the AR feature, users can see a preview of 12 assorted Philips Hue products and how they might look in their environment. It provides a simulated experience of different potential lighting scenes, a variety of effects, and various color options. An additional "Do Not Disturb" feature for motion sensors has also been introduced, providing the ability to be programmed for specified periods and only activated when all lights in a region or room are switched off.</p>
 <p>According to Philips, these enhancements are designed to enable users to comprehend the potential impact of Hue products on their home lighting better. It also provides increased control over lighting activated by motion. The update additionally allows for Hue switches to initiate or halt timers and manage the "Mimic presence automation", a feature designed to simulate occupancy when users are not home.</p>
</div>

Philips updates Hue smart lighting app with AR preview feature

<div>
 <p>Meta has introduced Theater Elsewhere, a virtual reality (VR) application for its Quest headsets. This app features over 2,400 VR experiences, animated movies, and 3D artworks and is accessible for download via the Horizon Store. </p>
 
<p>Theater Elsewhere serves as a platform for Quillustrations, a style of VR illustrations created using the Quill PC VR app. The application provides six distinct default environments for users, multiple categories for exploring content, and a Free Fly Mode. This mode enables users to inspect Quillustrations from any perspective.</p>

<p>According to Meta, Theater Elsewhere offers 50 times more content than its previous VR Animation Player. The company aims to bring more visibility and recognition to Quillustrations by providing a dedicated platform for showcasing this art form, acknowledging the many awards and festival recognitions it has received.</p>

</div>

Meta releases Theater Elsewhere app with over 2,400 VR experiences

<div>
 <p>Netherlands-based VirtuWalk has launched its VR treadmill system for sale. It comprises of a treadmill, handlebar for navigation, and VR headset, with prices ranging from EUR 35,000 to EUR 40,000 or approximately USD 38,000 to USD 44,000.</p>
 <p>The system includes a treadmill fitted with sensors, a unique handlebar for navigation, and a VR headset to observe simulations. It features 360-degree movement in virtual environments, accommodating both individual and group sessions, and has safety measures that halt the treadmill when the user steps off.</p>
 <p>VirtuWalk's system can be used in fields like architecture visualization, gaming, virtual nature experiences, and rehabilitation therapy.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> While the VirtuWalk is far more expensive than other VR treadmills, such as Virtuix’s Omni One Pro ( <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/17215"> USD 2,595 </a> ), it offers a complete XR solution. This includes a VR headset, an optional curved screen display, and a PC to run applications.&nbsp;</p>

VirtuWalk launches VR treadmill system for purchase priced between EUR 35,000 and EUR 40,000

<div>
 <p>Gaming accessories manufacturer PowerA has unveiled a new "Made for Meta" line designed for the Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets. This new line includes a variety of accessories such as a travel bag, hip clips for controllers, a charging station, and a silicone protection kit. The cost of these accessories will range between USD 20 and USD 80.</p>
 
<p>The features of these new accessories have been described in detail. The travel bag will come with molded storage and elastic straps. The hip clips will offer convenient access to controllers. The charging station will be equipped with rechargeable battery packs and LED indicators. Lastly, the silicone protection kit, designed specifically for the Quest 3S, will have glow-in-the-dark features.</p>

<p>These products will be available for purchase on Amazon as well as other reputable retailers globally.</p>

<p>PowerA is a subsidiary of Acoc Brands. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of video game accessories. Their product portfolio includes mobile gaming controllers and accessories compatible with popular gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.</p>
</div>

PowerA announces accessories for Quest 3 and Quest 3S ranging price from USD 20 to USD 80

<div>
 <p>Woojer, a manufacturer of haptic feedback devices, introduced two new products: The Vest 3 (priced at USD 500) and the Strap 3 (priced at USD 180). These devices are a part of Meta's "Made for Meta" program, designed to be compatible with Meta Quest VR headsets.</p>
 <p>The Vest 3 is equipped with six Osci TRX2 transducers that offer 360-degree haptic feedback relative to the game in play. While contains components like a control panel, configurable DSP with several presets, and a latency compensation control, the Strap 3 is a more portable version with a single transducer.</p>
 <p>Woojer's wearable haptic devices transform audio into tactile feelings, enabling users to quite literally feel the sound. This enhances experiences in music, gaming, VR, and movies by creating simulated real-world sensations, thereby increasing user immersion and participation. These devices are also created for comfort, making them suitable for long use during activities.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Meta’s "Made for Meta" program offers Meta-verified hardware accessories for its XR devices. Other products launched under the program include <a href="https:<br>
//www.meta.com/quest/accessories/quest-2-anker-charging-dock/"> Anker </a> ’s charging doc, <a href="https:<br>
//www.meta.com/quest/accessories/quest-pro-carry-case/"> Incase </a> ’s carry case, and <a href="https:<br>
//www.meta.com/quest/accessories/d-link-vr-air-bridge/"> D-Link </a> ’s VR Air Bridge.</p>

Woojer launches Vest 3 at USD 500 and Strap 3 for VR gaming at USD 180

<div>
 <p>A TCL subsidiary, RayNeo, has succeeded in raising approximately USD 80 million (CNY 500 million) through their Series B+ and B++ funding rounds. The key investors in these rounds include Jiaxing Nanhu Keying, Jiaxing Nanhu Jiaxin Chuanghe, Wuxi Huikai Zhenghe, and Huishan Technology Innovation.</p>
 <p>These funds will be allocated towards research and development initiatives and to expand the company's manufacturing facility.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The funding round follows multiple AR glass manufacturers raising large rounds earlier this year. For example, Rokid <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25305"> raised </a> USD 71 million in January 2024 to focus on spatial computing capabilities for its glasses, while Xreal <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/26012"> raised </a> USD 60 million to scale its manufacturing facilities.</p>

TCL subsidiary RayNeo raises CNY 500 million in Series B funding to expand manufacturing

<div>
 <p>CareerViewXR has inked a contract worth USD 9.9 million with Bismarck State College and the US Department of Education's Disability Innovation Fund. The goal is to implement Extended Reality (XR) learning solutions for people with disabilities in North Dakota, both young and adult. The initiative, dubbed "XR for VR," seeks to enhance digital vocational education for these students.</p>
 <p>This singular project, XR for VR, will recreate manufacturing settings using extended reality technologies, thereby preparing students for actual work environments. The planned solution comprises nine immersive learning spaces scattered across North Dakota. These allow students to engage with interactive XR even without a headset device, although HTC VIVE devices are provided for use.</p>
</div>

All Updates

XR Games raises GBP 5.9 million for hiring and R&D

FitXR launches mixed-reality mode for Meta Quest 3

SimX raises USD 1.25 million in STTR grant from AFWERX to develop VR training solutions

Infinite Reality acquires Zappar for USD 45 million to expand XR offerings

Philips updates Hue smart lighting app with AR preview feature

Meta releases Theater Elsewhere app with over 2,400 VR experiences

VirtuWalk launches VR treadmill system for purchase priced between EUR 35,000 and EUR 40,000

PowerA announces accessories for Quest 3 and Quest 3S ranging price from USD 20 to USD 80

Woojer launches Vest 3 at USD 500 and Strap 3 for VR gaming at USD 180

TCL subsidiary RayNeo raises CNY 500 million in Series B funding to expand manufacturing

CareerViewXR signs USD 9.9 million contract for XR learning solutions

Extended Reality

XR Games raises GBP 5.9 million for hiring and R&D

Contact us