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        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.
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        The funds are earmarked for hiring and research and development.
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  <p>
    <a href="https://www.roadtovr.com/zombieland-studio-7m-xr-games/">
      XR Today
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  <p>
    <a href="https://www.finsmes.com/2022/07/xr-games-raises-5-9m-in-funding.html">
      FinSMEs
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  <p>
    <a href="https://www.uktech.news/vr/xr-games-funding-20220711">
      UK Tech News
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Extended Reality

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

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>Qualcomm's CEO, Cristiano Amon, has announced a partnership with Samsung and Google to develop mixed reality smart glasses that function as smartphone accessories. These cutting-edge glasses aim to be as ubiquitous and comfortable as regular glasses or sunglasses and to incorporate GenAI features.</p>
 <p>Though detailed information is scant, Amon hinted that AI will operate on the device itself, in the cloud, and partially on the glasses and mobile phone. This partnership arose in February 2023 and led to speculation about Samsung creating a mixed reality headset rivaling Apple's Vision Pro.</p>
 
</div>

Qualcomm, Samsung, and Google partner to develop smartphone-linked mixed reality glasses

<div>
 <p>Vuzix, a leading tech company, garnered a strategic investment of USD 20 million from Quanta Computer, a globally recognisable original design manufacturer (ODM). The funding was broken out into three allotments, with USD 10 million going into common stock and USD 5 million being put in preferred stock.</p>
 <p>The acquired funds are planned to be used for expanding Vuzix's waveguide production capabilities and for joint development of new Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) smart glasses technologies. Beyond this, the investment is also projected to fortify Vuzix’s financial stability. This will provide the means for the company to enhance its production processes. </p>
 
</div>

Vuzix raises USD 20 million from Quanta Computer to expand waveguide production and strengthen balance sheet

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<div>
 <p>Meta, previously named Facebook, has halted its plans to create custom chips for its forthcoming Augmented Reality (AR) glasses. Instead, the tech giant has chosen to depend on external chip manufacturers such as Qualcomm for the prototypes of its AR glasses. This decision marks a significant shift in the project that has been ongoing since 2019.</p>
 <p>The development of custom chips was a component of Meta's 'Orion' initiative, which aimed to produce AR glasses. Meta was developing three unique chips, each with distinctive roles: one for the "puck," which is a non-wearable processor, another for recognizing images within the glasses, and a third processor fitted within the glasses. These chips had codenames; 'Armstrong,' 'Avogadro,' and 'Acropolis' correspondingly.</p>
 <p>Meta has cited a focus on reducing costs and a reshuffling of its business priorities as reasons for this decision. Despite these changes, Meta may unveil an experimental prototype of the Orion AR glasses this year, potentially at its 'Connect' event for developers scheduled for September.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Qualcomm is a leading manufacturer of chips for XR hardware and has a history of powering Meta’s devices. For example, the Quest 3 headset <a href="https:<br>
//www.qualcomm.com/products/mobile/snapdragon/xr-vr-ar/xr-vr-ar-device-finder/meta-quest-3"> leverages </a> Qualcomm’s Sanpdragon XR2 chipset, with Meta <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25175"> likely </a> to utilize its new Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset for future mixed reality devices.</p>

Meta abandons custom chip development for AR glasses

<div>
 <p>As reported by The Information, Meta is believed to be working on mixed-reality glasses named Puffin, which might not be launched until 2027.</p>
 <p>These glasses are anticipated to weigh approximately 110 g and could include an external battery and processor pack. The glasses may use pancake lenses for a thinner design, provide video passthrough to see the surroundings, and feature hand and eye-tracking for operating controls.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> It was <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/31716"> reported </a> that Meta planned to launch multiple products in 2026:<br>
 Two versions of the Meta Quest 4 and the company's first AR glasses, codenamed "Hypernova." Additionally, the company <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/32903"> scrapped </a> work on a high-end headset aimed at competing with Apple’s Vision Pro.</p>

Meta working on mixed reality glasses for release after 2027

<div>
 <p>VR sports training platform StatusPro unveiled its next VR football game, NFL Pro Era 2025. Transitioning to a live service model, current players can upgrade at a cost of USD 20, while new players can access the game for USD 40.</p>
 <p>In NFL Pro Era 2025, players can take on both offensive and defensive roles, serving as either a quarterback or linebacker. The game promises improved AI collaborators and adversaries, expansive customization capabilities including gear, stadiums, hairstyles, and an amplified gameplay keeping pace with contemporary formations. Enhancements also extend to a more responsive, accessible user experience with a revamped user interface and wristband controls.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The news follows StatusPro’s USD 20 million Series A funding round in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/26315"> February 2024 </a> . The development uses the proceeds raised, which were earmarked for developing new sports titles and improving its tech. Notably, the company’s two NFL Pro Era titles have over a million users across all platforms and claim to be the fastest-selling sports titles in VR history.</p>

StatusPro announces NFL Pro Era 2025 for sports training

<div>
 <p>Meta is planning to launch new Augmented Reality (AR) features for WhatsApp, currently being tested for both Android and iOS devices. The focus of these updates lies in enhancing the user experience through better usability of immersive content even in low-light conditions, AR skin touch-up features, and upgraded AR filters.</p>
 <p>Not explicitly mentioned, however, these AR advancements could be a part of Meta's wider strategy to develop an Extended Reality (XR) software ecosystem beyond only headsets. It is believed that the low-light feature improvements may aid in superior detection for Meta's smart glasses, which are primarily targeted for outdoor use.</p>
</div>

Meta to launch new AR features for WhatsApp messaging service

<div>
 <p>Reports suggest that Valve, a video game developer and digital distribution company, is working on a new VR game and a standalone VR headset referred to as "Deckard." The source is Tyler McVicker, a YouTuber known for his insider knowledge about Valve's projects.</p>
 <p>The rumored VR game could be situated in the Half-Life universe, intended to display the Deckard headset's performance. The strategy is reminiscent of how Half-Life: Alyx was used to highlight the Valve Index's features. One theory suggests it could be an asymmetric multiplayer game, with one participant in VR and another on a PC.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Valve entered the XR hardware market in 2019 with the <a href="https:<br>
//store.steampowered.com/valveindex"> launch </a> of the Valve Index, which was priced at USD 999 at the time. Additionally, the Half-Life VR game speculation is further substantiated by Valve including its Half-Life:<br>
 Alyx game title with the purchase of the Index.</p>

Valve reportedly developing new VR game and standalone headset

<div>
 <p>GenAI's ecommerce-based Nextech3D.ai has introduced new features for its Aritize3D platform intending to help customers view 3D models. The significant updates are 1) Dimension View for 3D models that lets users see the model dimensions within the platform, 2) customizable 3D model QR codes for increased brand visibility, and 3) compatibility with multiple 3D model viewers to accommodate customer preferences. Additionally, the platform provides AI-propelled 3D texturing, 2D photo rendering from 3D models, and adherence to Amazon's 3D model standards.</p>
 <p>The company's objective is to assist ecommerce brands and Amazon sellers in utilizing 3D and AR technology in order to improve their product listing.</p>
</div>

Nextech3D launches new features to aid 3D model visualization

<div>
 <p>Meta has revealed plans to discontinue its Spark AR platform on January 14, 2025, which will impact custom face filters and AR effects on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger.</p>
 <p>The Spark AR platform, operational since 2017, allowed creators to generate AR effects such as face filters, AR games, and ads. Post the announced shut down, Meta's AR effects will still be accessible, but those designed by brands and third-party creators will cease to function.</p>
 <p>The decision to close down the Spark AR platform, according to Meta, was made following an extensive review, enabling the company to focus on products that fulfill future consumer and business requirements. Meta asserts its continued commitment to AR through an ongoing investment in emerging computing platforms, which may involve a shift of resources towards AR glasses development.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The news follows Meta’s restructure of its Reality Labs division, splitting it into the “Metaverse” and “Wearables” segments. Overall, the company has pivoted toward improving its hardware offerings, such as <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/31717"> producing </a> its popular Meta Ray-Ban glasses and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/31858"> augmenting </a> its Quest 3 headset.</p>

Meta to shut down third-party effect creation on Spark AR from January 2025

<div>
 <p>The creator of Pokémon GO, Niantic, has introduced an updated version of its 3D scanning app, Scaniverse 4. Using a technique known as Gaussian Splatting, the app facilitates users in capturing objects and locations in 3D, promising faster rendering and enhanced precision.</p> 
 <p>The latest version of Scaniverse features a unique process for users to capture 'splats' or 3D object scans along with their location data. These scans can be placed on a digital map for other users to explore. To capture a scan, users have to move around an object, similar to filming a video, and the app processes the scan. The captured 3D scan can then be placed on a map, or shared as a 3D model or a video.</p>
 <p>Niantic asserts that this innovative Gaussian Splatting technique offers several benefits compared to the previously used “triangle meshes” method. These benefits include faster processing times, improved lighting and reflection effects for realistic rendering. The technology is expected to provide game developers with superior data, thereby enriching gaming experiences by enabling virtual characters to have more realistic interactions with actual objects.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Gaussian splatting has grown in popularity as a technique for capturing 3D objects. For example, Varjo launched "Teleport" ( <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/30542"> June 2024 </a> ), combining 3D Gaussian splatting and machine learning to recreate a scene with accurate lighting, shading, textures, and reflections. Additionally, Evercoast acquired Depthkit ( <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/30508"> June 2024 </a> ), with the latter’s tech stack allowing for Gaussian splatting and radiance field rendering.</p>

All Updates

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

Qualcomm, Samsung, and Google partner to develop smartphone-linked mixed reality glasses

Vuzix raises USD 20 million from Quanta Computer to expand waveguide production and strengthen balance sheet

Meta abandons custom chip development for AR glasses

Meta working on mixed reality glasses for release after 2027

StatusPro announces NFL Pro Era 2025 for sports training

Meta to launch new AR features for WhatsApp messaging service

Valve reportedly developing new VR game and standalone headset

Nextech3D launches new features to aid 3D model visualization

Meta to shut down third-party effect creation on Spark AR from January 2025

Niantic releases Scaniverse 4 to enable capture of 3D objects using Gaussian splatting

Extended Reality

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

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