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        Enliven, a Dutch VR solutions provider, has raised EUR 1 million (~USD 1 million) from LUMO Labs and Oost NL.&nbsp;
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        The proceeds will be used for platform development, brand visibility, and content production.&nbsp;
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<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://siliconcanals.com/news/startups/lumo-labs-oost-nl-invests-1m-enliven/">
      Silicon Canals
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://innovationorigins.com/en/game-tech-start-up-enliven-deploys-virtual-reality-against-discrimination-harassment-and-inequality/">
      Innovation Origins
    </a>
  </p>
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  </p>
</div>


Extended Reality

Enliven raises EUR 1 million

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>Fast Travel Games, a VR game developer, has developed a VR first-person-shooter/hide-and-seek game called Mannequin. This is the first multiplayer title by the company, and their first original in-house developed game since 2019. The game is available on the Quest Store and Steam.</p>
 <p>The gameplay of Mannequin is a fusion of hide-and-seek and freeze-tag. Players can either be Agents - humans equipped with sensors who search for hidden enemies, or they can be Mannequins - alien entities that have the ability to pose as frozen humans. The aim for Agents in the game is to find and shoot the Mannequins, and the Mannequins' challenge is to touch the Agents. The game supports crossplay and has custom modes.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> While the company hasn’t published multiplayer game titles in multiple years, the company has been putting out a steady stream of single-player games. For example, the company launched VR first-person shooter Action Hero ( <a href="https:<br>
//www.meta.com/experiences/action-hero/7021123758002222/"> August 2024 </a> ) and Vampire:<br>
 The Masquerade - Justice ( <a href="https:<br>
//store.steampowered.com/app/2431700/Vampire_The_Masquerade__Justice/"> February 2024 </a> ), among other titles.</p>

Fast Travel Games launches multiplayer VR game Mannequin

<div>
 
 <p>Computer vision company, Banuba, has introduced a pupillary distance (PD) measurement feature to its Face AR software development kit (SDK). This new capability accurately measures the distance between the centers of a user's pupils, with potential applications in medical diagnostics and virtual eyewear try-ons.</p>
 <p>The PD measurement feature is user-friendly and accessible as it does not require special devices or reference items. Additionally, the Face AR SDK includes a camera-to-face distance measurement tool, previously utilized by Eyebou in partnership with UNICEF to diagnose sight problems in orphans.</p>
 <p>Banuba offers SDKs primarily focused on face tracking, virtual try-on, and video editing. Its flagship product, the Face AR SDK, allows developers to implement AR features such as face filters, beauty effects, and virtual backgrounds in various applications. Banuba claims that its technology is compatible with 98% of smartphones, including more affordable Android devices.</p>
 
</div>

Banuba adds pupillary distance measurement to Face AR SDK

<div>
 <p>Phantom Technology, a technology firm recently revealed itself and launched its first product, Journey Lens AR smart glasses. Compatible with Android and iOS mobile devices, these AR glasses have a retail price of USD 195 for the frames. Customers can avail additional features with subscription fees from USD 7 to USD 18 monthly.</p>
 <p>The features of Journey Lens include a weight of 40 gram, battery life for the entire day, biometric sensors to track user attention, Bluetooth connectivity for synchronizing with smartphones, a 2K camera, privacy-focused AI capability with a voice interface, and in-built speakers. It is also designed to display mobile notifications and allows users to respond without removing their mobile devices from pockets.</p>
 <p>The Journey Lens AR glasses from Phantom Technology are designed to enhance user focus, minimize distractions, and provide AI assistance. These glasses also come with embedded EMG sensors to monitor eye movements and use algorithms to evaluate focus, delivering productivity or relaxation suggestions.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> UK-based Phantom Technology joins <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/companies/1282587"> Brilliant Lab </a> in the AI-focused smart glasses space. The Journey Lens undercuts Brilliant Lab’s glasses in price (USD 195 vs. USD 349), although the extent of its AI features is unclear. On the contrary, Brilliant Labs offers functionality to create AI-generated images from camera captures and other personalized assistance tasks.</p>

Phantom Technology emerges from stealth; launches Journey Lens AR glasses at USD 195

<div>
 <p>Augmented Reality (AR) content platform, Imvizar, has managed to raise a seed fund of EUR 1.5 million, approximately USD 1.7 million. The funding process was led by Delta Partners VC along with contributions from Gareth Lambe, Michael Dywer, Nigel Byrne, and Enterprise Ireland.</p>
 <p>Imvizar plans to use this funding to launch and broaden the horizons of Lureo, their no-code AR creation tool. This will, in turn, help them with their larger plan to expand operations into the US.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Imvizar primarily focused on creating bespoke location-based AR experiences for the tourism and entertainment industries, such as an AR <a href="https:<br>
//www.imvizar.com/case-studies/spike-island-experience"> digital trail </a> to showcase historical events. The launching of Lureo will enable the streamlined creation of such experiences for brands. Additionally, the round follows the company raising EUR 0.8 million (~USD 0.85 million) <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/16643"> last year </a> to develop its technology.</p>

Imvizar raises EUR 1.5 million in seed funding to develop no-code AR tools

<div>
 <p>Track Craft, an XR game developer, has launched a colocated mixed reality feature update for its game. The newly introduced feature enables several Quest headsets in the game editor to play together, using the real room around them as the terrain for placing tracks.</p>
 <p>This update allows users to see the same virtual objects at the exact locations and collectively edit the tracks. Both Quest 2 and Quest Pro can participate in colocated sessions. However, the hosting must be done by Quest 3, leveraging its advanced ability to scan and create a 3D scene mesh, essential for the placement of tracks and vehicle collision.</p>
</div>
 <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Track Craft is one of the first companies to launch a co-located mixed reality experience, enhancing collaborative gameplay. Other mixed reality experiences launched for Quest 3 focus on single-player experiences ( <a href="https:<br>
//www.meta.com/experiences/lego-bricktales/6521909757843713/"> LEGO’s Bricktales </a> ) and remote multiplayer experiences ( <a href="https:<br>
//www.meta.com/experiences/chess-club/5353996901307344/"> Chess Club </a> ).</p>

Track Craft releases co-located mixed reality update for game

<div>
 <p>Varjo has launched a new manufacturing facility in the greater Helsinki region, Finland, to cater to the growing need for high-resolution XR solutions in defense training and simulation.</p>
 <p>This facility includes secure production and warehouse zones, a product and process development region with reliability testing, and an audio development section. It is serviced on-site and is tailored to the stringent security standards of government clients, supporting the fast-paced growth of XR demand in the defense industry.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Varjo’s XR-4 Secure Edition headset has proved popular among clients operating in the defense sector, given its US Trade Agreement Act (TAA) certification and high-fidelity imaging. The company announced its XR-4 series of headsets in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/24373"> November 2023 </a> , with its Secure Edition available with fixed-focus or autofocus cameras priced at EUR 7,990 and EUR 13,990 (~USD 8,700 and ~USD 15,200), respectively.</p>

Varjo opens manufacturing facility in Finland to meet XR defense training demand

<div>
 <p>The FDA's list of AR and VR medical devices that have been cleared now encompasses 69 products. Radiology tops the list with 28 devices, followed closely by orthopedics with 25 and physical medicine with 6. The recently endorsed medical device includes the Elements Viewer by Brainlab, which uses mixed reality glasses to let users handle medical imagery.</p>
 <p>The current tendency of AR/VR device approvals is expected to sustain by the FDA. There is potential for application in a range of medical areas that includes pediatrics, pain management, mental health, and surgical planning.</p>
</div>

FDA updates list of cleared AR/VR medical devices; totals 69 authorized products

<div>
 <p>Nextech3D.ai, a provider of GenAI-powered 3D model content, has bought AR try-on technology from Designhubz in an all-stock deal involving 500,000 shares valued at USD 0.10 each. The acquisition amount was not disclosed.</p>
 <p>The company aims to branch out into the AR 3D wearable market and provide a comprehensive solution to ecommerce retailers. With the incorporation of Designhubz's technology, Nextech3D.ai intends to offer tools for texture modeling, a 3D asset marketplace, AI-powered photo renderings, and AR visualizations. These offerings will cater to a range of industries such as fashion, beauty, automotive, and real estate.</p>
 <p>Designhubz employs AI for tracking various characteristics, including facial and foot dimensions and features. It uses this data to recommend sizing and style suggestions according to preferences of similar online shoppers.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The M&amp;A complements Nextech’s launch of new features for its Aritize3D platform in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/32984"> August 2024 </a> by expanding its solutions for ecommerce retailers. Key updates included allowing users to view model dimensions directly within the platform and integration with multiple 3D model viewers.</p>

Nextech3D.ai acquires Designhubz AR try-on technology to improve ecommerce solutions

<div>
 <p>Dogfight Boss, a flight simulator company, and Varjo, an XR headset manufacturer, have collaborated to develop mixed reality F-16 simulators for pilot training. The first simulator has already been delivered to an unknown Ukrainian Fighter Pilot Base in Kyiv. The simulator provides pilots with an opportunity to perform virtual missions while also seeing a passthrough of their instrument cluster, creating a more authentic training scenario. The advent of this technology aims to speed up pilot training as Ukraine starts to receive F-16 jets from NATO members.</p>
 <p>The mixed reality simulator has received positive feedback, according to Dogfight Boss, citing an urgent need for more units to facilitate collaborative training scenarios. The company is considering sending at least eight more simulators to the Ukrainian military.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> Varjo has seen increasing demand for its mixed reality headset from the defense sector, as evidenced by the company’s <a href="https:<br>
//www.auganix.org/xr-news-varjo-opens-new-manufacturing-facility-in-finland-to-meet-growing-xr-defense-needs/"> plans </a> to open a new manufacturing facility in Finland.</p>

Dogfight Boss partners with Varjo to deliver mixed reality F-16 simulator to Ukrainian Air Force

<div>
 <p>Mojo Vision and CY Vision are collaborating to develop advanced car heads-up displays (HUDs) using micro-LED technology. These HUDs would incorporate Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D imaging, aiming to enhance the driving experience.</p>
 <p>Micro-LED technology would be employed to produce line-of-sight overlays, offering information to drivers for improved safety. The HUDs are expected to provide high-resolution images, the largest field of view, 3D and AR capabilities, and significantly improved light efficiency as compared to traditional systems.</p>
 <p>The companies believe that these HUDs could contribute to reduced driving distraction and potentially lower accident rates. Also, the energy-efficiency and cost-effectiveness of micro-LED technology should facilitate its incorporation into diverse car designs.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake</b> :<br>
 The partnership expands Mojo Vision’s microLED use cases. The company previously utilized its displays for sports with <a href="https:<br>
//techcrunch.com/2022/01/04/smart-contact-lens-startup-mojo-vision-partners-with-adidas-and-other-sports-brands/"> partnerships </a> with Adidas Running, Trailforks (cycling/hiking), Wearable X (yoga), Slopes (skiing), and 18Birdies (golf). However, the expansion puts the company into direct competition with established players ( <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/companies/661597"> Envisics </a> and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/companies/255946"> WayRay </a> ).</p>

All Updates

Enliven raises EUR 1 million

Fast Travel Games launches multiplayer VR game Mannequin

Banuba adds pupillary distance measurement to Face AR SDK

Phantom Technology emerges from stealth; launches Journey Lens AR glasses at USD 195

Imvizar raises EUR 1.5 million in seed funding to develop no-code AR tools

Track Craft releases co-located mixed reality update for game

Varjo opens manufacturing facility in Finland to meet XR defense training demand

FDA updates list of cleared AR/VR medical devices; totals 69 authorized products

Nextech3D.ai acquires Designhubz AR try-on technology to improve ecommerce solutions

Dogfight Boss partners with Varjo to deliver mixed reality F-16 simulator to Ukrainian Air Force

Mojo Vision and CY Vision partner for micro-LED car heads-up displays

Extended Reality

Enliven raises EUR 1 million

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