<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Lenovo announced the launch of its new VR headset for enterprises, the ThinkReality VRX, at the Immerse Global Summit (IGS) 2022 Europe. The headset will be available in early access by the end of 2022 and will launch publicly in early 2023.
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        The new headset features four front-mounted cameras tracking 3 and 6 degrees of freedom, two cameras for full color, high-resolution passthrough, along with &ldquo;pancake optics&rdquo; to reduce the weight of the device. Further, the device leverages cloud-based solutions, including NVIDIA&rsquo;s CloudXR platform and Qualcomm&rsquo;s Snapdragon XR platform.&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        The ThinkReality VRX is aimed at global enterprise workers and focuses on improving employee training, virtual collaboration, and 3D design and engineering.&nbsp;
      </p>
    </li>
    <li>
      <p>
        <b>Analyst QuickTake</b>
        : This follows Lenovo&rsquo;s announcement of a new VR headset, VR700, as part of its Legion line of products aimed at gamers, in 
        <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12327">
          August 2022
        </a>
        . Although product pricing details were not disclosed, the headset was revealed to run on Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2, offer 6 degrees of freedom, and an RGB LC display with 4K resolution.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.xrtoday.com/event-news/lenovo-reveals-thinkreality-vrx-at-igs-europe-2022/">
      XR Today
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.roadtovr.com/lenovo-thinkreality-vrx-standalone-specs-release/">
      RoadtoVR
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Extended Reality

Lenovo announces new VR headset for enterprises

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an initiative called the Home as a Health Care Hub to incorporate home environments into the healthcare system. This initiative makes use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies.</p>
 <p>In order to actualize this, the FDA has teamed up with an architectural firm to help in conceptualizing the transformation. They aim to have a prototype of this product ready by the end of the year. The initiative will focus specifically on developing structures in rural and low-income communities, with a particular emphasis on diabetes as the primary health concern.</p>
</div>

FDA announces Home as Health Care Hub project for improved health equity

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

<div>
 <p>According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has reportedly reduced its shipment forecasts for the Vision Pro headset due to a decrease in demand. It is said that Apple anticipates selling around 400,000–450,000 units in 2024, as opposed to the earlier market consensus of 700,000–800,000 units. This development may prompt Apple to reassess its headset roadmap, potentially pushing back the release of a more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset till after 2025.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The reported downward revision in headset shipments is likely due to the Vision Pro’s price tag of USD 3,500, compared to more budget-friendly alternatives such as the Quest 3 (USD 500). Additionally, the news follows Sony reportedly <a href="https:<br>
//www.roadtovr.com/report-sony-psvr-2-pauses-production-low-sales/"> pausing </a> production of its PSVR 2 headset as the company looks to clear out excess inventory.&nbsp;</p>

Apple reportedly cuts Vision Pro headset shipment forecasts amid softening demand

<div>
 <p>DPVR, a China-based firm, has revealed its latest innovation, the E4 Arc VR headset, set to ship at the end of May. It features Ultraleap's Leap Motion Controller 2 hand-tracking camera, which allows users to interact with virtual reality settings without the need for separate controllers.</p>
 <p>The E4 Arc headset is specifically developed for arcade game creators, corporate training programmes, and 3D designers. The included Ultraleap hand-tracking camera facilitates collaborative spatial design, prototyping, and visualization of CAD designs. In addition, the headset is designed with a cooling system for temperature regulation and easily replaceable cables for straightforward maintenance.</p>
 <p>Furthermore, DPVR's R&amp;D team is performing compatibility tests for hand-tracking supported games in the SteamVR library. This includes popular titles like Half-Life: Alyx and VRChat.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The E4 Arc headset likely incorporates the new cooling and audio systems announced by the company in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/27053"> February 2024 </a> , and follows the launch of its E4C headset in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/22921"> October 2023 </a> , tailored toward VR arcade operators. Additionally, Ultraleap’s Leap Motion 2 Controller (launched in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/18981"> May 2023 </a> and priced at USD 139), offers improved camera resolution, a wider field-of-view (FOV), and lower power consumption than its predecessor.&nbsp;</p>

DPVR announces launch of hand-tracking-supported E4 Arc VR headset

<div>
    <p>Rokid has unveiled the AR Lite, a combination of Rokid Max 2 AR glasses and Rokid Station 2 host unit. Details on pricing and availability have not been released yet as the company intends to crowdfund for the product on Kickstarter.</p>
    <p>Weighting 75 g, the Rokid Max 2 AR glasses come with an adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD), reducing the need for corrective lenses. The Rokid Station 2 host unit, made with an aluminum frame, operates on a Snapdragon platform optimized by Qualcomm for graphics rendering and AI calculations, and uses one-, two-, and three-finger touch controls.</p>
    <p>The combination of Max 2 and Station 2 supports multiscreen mode, allowing users to anchor multiple virtual displays (300 in) in real space. The "Motion Mode" also offers increased image stabilization, enabling users to wear the AR glasses while on the move without suffering from motion sickness.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The AR Lite aligns with Rokid’s plans to build out spatial computing capabilities for its AR glasses, for which the company raised USD 71 million in funding in January 2024. Notably, mixed reality (or spatial computing) devices have seen a revival in investor interest following the debut of Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which prominently featured such capabilities.</p>

Rokid introduces AR Lite featuring Max 2 AR glasses and Station 2 host unit

<div>
 <p>The partnership between Microsoft and Meta has resulted in an Xbox-themed Meta Quest VR headset. Designed with gaming immersion in mind, the limited-edition headset will be bundled with Xbox controllers and a Game Pass. This is in-line with Meta's strategy to make its Quest VR operating system accessible to third-party hardware providers.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Microsoft’s hardware initiatives in the XR sector have largely been limited to its HoloLens 2 mixed reality headset, tailored toward enterprise applications and the army. The move represents a shift in efforts toward the consumer market, backed by the Quest’s history of being a prominent consumer-focused headset.</p>

Microsoft collaborates with Meta for limited edition Xbox-inspired Meta Quest VR headset

<div>
 <p>Meta announced that its 'Meta Horizon OS' mixed reality operating system can now be used by third-party manufacturers. Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft's Xbox are the first companies to be announced to create devices using this software.</p>
 <p>Asus and Microsoft’s Xbox are creating a gaming-specific headset, whereas Lenovo’s product will focus on entertainment, productivity, and learning. However, the release of these devices may take a few years.</p>
 <p>The main features of the Meta Horizon OS include technologies for tracking the eyes, face, hands, and body, along with high-resolution passthrough. Notably, the passthrough feature allows users to visualize their surroundings while using the virtual or augmented reality headset.</p>
</div>

Meta opens up its Horizon OS for third-party device makers: Asus, Lenovo, Microsoft join

<div>
 <p>Sandbox VR has launched a franchise program in the US, and is entering into a partnership with Netflix for a virtual reality (VR) experience based on Zack Synder's Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver. The franchising program, previously only available internationally, comes with an anticipation of an average net revenue of $1.9 million for US stores in 2023, and a net promoter score (NPS) between 67 and 74.</p>
 <p>In addition, a Rebel Moon-themed VR experience is set to launch in London. This engaging experience will transport users into an interactive virtual world where they navigate through underworld mines and battle antagonistic soldiers and spacecraft.</p>
</div>

Sandbox VR to make location-based VR game based on Rebel Moon movie; announces franchising model

<div>
 <p>Microsoft is introducing Augmented Reality (AR) capabilities to its Microsoft Teams smartphone app with Teams Dynamics 365 Remote Assist. Previously exclusive to HoloLens 2, these features can now be utilized by mobile app users. </p>
 <p>The initiative aids in repair and maintenance work by linking frontline personnel with specialists, enabling shared visuals and creating spatial annotations within the video feed. This will help IT administrators enhance frontline Extended Reality (XR) workflow management and bolster security with comprehensive data encryption and compliance certifications. </p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The news adds to Microsoft <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/23971"> integrating </a> its mixed reality platform, Microsoft Mesh, into Teams to enable immersive 3D meetings. Additionally, Microsoft <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/23963"> launched </a> its GenAI-powered assistant Copilot for its Dynamics 365 Guides platform, enabling more queries to be resolved more efficiently.</p>

Microsoft updates Teams smartphone app with AR instructional annotations

<div>
 <p>Google has revised the YouTube app for the Quest 3, theoretically permitting 8K streaming, notwithstanding the device's quality is limited to 4K.</p>
 <p>There's speculation that Meta might announce support for 8K streaming during its annual Connect 2024 event this year.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Meta <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/28347"> recently </a> introduced update v64 to its Quest 3 headset, improving mixed reality passthrough quality, among other features. The potential move to support 8K streaming aligns with competition from Apple in the space, which <a href="https:<br>
//support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph6e3a6d4fe/ios"> supports </a> the playback of spatial videos captured on an iPhone 15.&nbsp;</p>

Google updates Quest 3 YouTube application for improved XR streaming quality

<div>
 <p>Meta is developing a new educational hub, expected to be used in schools within the year. The platform will mainly support markets in areas where Meta's Quest for Business subscription is available and will focus on schools with students aged 13 and above.</p>
 <p>This forthcoming product, yet-to-be-named, will feature educational-specific applications, and provide management tools for educators. These tools are designed to help administer multiple Quest headsets within the classroom environment. In addition, the hub may possibly allow for immersive experiences such as taking virtual tours of historical sites.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> While Meta’s Quest for Business subscription focuses on enterprise use cases, the launch of an education-focused offering broadens the headset's use cases. Additionally, the news follows HTC’s partnership with CareerViewXR in <a href="https:<br>
//www.xrtoday.com/virtual-reality/how-htc-vive-deployed-xr-devices-in-north-dakota-classrooms/"> March 2024 </a> to distribute its VIVE Focus Plus headsets to education groups in the North Dakota region.</p>

All Updates