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        Roblox acquired voice tech startup Speechly, which specializes in voice chat moderation, real-time transcription, and Voice API integration. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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        Speechly, based in Helsinki, Finland, was founded in 2016 with the aim of enhancing computer voice interactions and facilitating better communication between individuals online. The company developed real-time voice moderation technology to combat toxic behavior in online communities.
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        The acquisition of Speechly aligns with Roblox's expansion into voice chat-based interactions, allowing developers to integrate voice into their games and experiences. Speechly's AI moderation tools will assist Roblox in managing real-time voice communication, ensuring a safer and more civil environment for its users.
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    <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/20/roblox-acquires-voice-moderation-startup-speechly/">
      TechCrunch
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Metaverse Experience Platforms

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Roblox, the online gaming platform, has acquired voice tech startup Speechly. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Speechly specializes in voice chat moderation, real-time transcription, and Voice API integration. The company, based in Helsinki, Finland, was founded in 2016 with the aim of improving computer voice interactions and enhancing communication online. Speechly developed real-time voice moderation technology to address toxic behavior in online communities. The acquisition aligns with Roblox's expansion into voice chat-based interactions and will allow developers to integrate voice into their games. With the addition of Speechly's AI moderation tools, Roblox aims to create a safer and more civil environment for its users.

Roblox acquires voice tech startup Speechly

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Accenture and Microsoft are partnering to expand the World Economic Forum's Global Collaboration Village, a metaverse space for business leaders. The goal is to add a Polar Tipping Points Hub, allowing stakeholders to discuss climate issues through live VR simulations and interactive tools. The WEF sees the metaverse as a way to drive collective action on climate concerns. The WEF has also released a report on how businesses can use the metaverse and DAOs to restructure talent pools and improve workflow.

Accenture and Microsoft collaborate to expand WEF’s Global Collaboration Village metaverse

Meta has introduced legs for virtual avatars in its Horizon Worlds universe, aiming to provide a more immersive experience. This feature was highly requested by users and follows its appearance in Quest Home. Meta faced technical challenges in creating glitch-free avatars and developed an AI model to predict the entire body's position. The company has also introduced different body shapes and textures for avatars. Over one billion avatars have been created across Meta's platforms, but third-party applications cannot replicate the legged avatars.

Meta launches avatar legs for Horizon Worlds

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Meta has expanded the availability of Horizon World beyond VR headsets, allowing users to access it on mobile devices and web browsers. Initially, the "Super Rumble" game will be available on the Meta Quest app for Android, with iOS support to follow. The platform can also be accessed through a web browser. This move is seen as an important step in Meta's metaverse strategy, emphasizing accessibility. The expansion is expected to help improve user retention rates, which have been declining for Horizon Worlds. In addition, Meta introduced avatar legs in beta to enhance the user experience.

Meta launches Horizon Worlds for mobile and web access

Digital avatar generation software provider, Copresence AG, has announced the open beta launch of its app on the Apple App Store. The app uses AI-powered scanning technology to create a photorealistic 3D model of a user's face, suitable for use in gaming, VR/AR/XR, and video conferencing. The app is compatible with iPhone or iPad devices with Face ID functionality and can be integrated across various platforms. It also features real-time facial expression translation onto the avatar. Copresence has attracted attention from Fortune 500 companies and AAA gaming studios and raised USD 2.75 million in seed funding.

Copresence launches digital avatar creation software on Apple App Store

Bizzlogic has fully launched its Meadow platform, which provides virtual spaces for working and collaboration. The platform has already been used by major companies for virtual events and workspaces. Meadow offers features such as tailored virtual spaces for collaboration and global connections. It also provides insights into user behavior and has a user-friendly interface. The platform promotes sustainability by reducing the need for physical travel and uses Epic Games' Unreal Engine 5 to create high-quality virtual environments. Bizzlogic is also working on offering GenAI-based worlds and incorporating AI-powered brand ambassadors for business interactions.

Bizzlogic launches Meadow enterprise metaverse for enhanced collaboration

Genies, an avatar technology company, has launched a Fashion Engagement Fund worth $500,000 and a platform called The Workshop. The Workshop provides artists with 3D design tools and prompts to create and monetize their custom 3D digital fashion designs. It also offers a fashion kit with curated fashion items to simplify the design process. Artists can collaborate with cultural tastemakers and use fashion prompts, and those whose creations perform well can join the Fashion Engagement Fund. This initiative follows Genies' previous Developer Engagement Fund and the introduction of AI-powered features to create personalized avatars for celebrities.

Genies launches 'The Workshop' for digital fashion design and monetization

Epic Games's chief creative officer, Donald Mustard, has announced his retirement. He played a significant role in the success of Fortnite, specifically its battle royale mode. Charlie Wen, a former concept artist and designer with experience at companies like Riot, Disney, Marvel, and Sony, will replace him. Wen has worked on major film projects, designing and integrating the appearances of Marvel characters into a unified cinematic universe. He also influenced future film scripts through visual storytelling. Wen's extensive experience makes him well-suited for the CCO role at Epic Games. Mustard's notable contributions include working on games like Advent Rising, Undertow, and Shadow Complex before joining Epic Games in 2008 when it acquired Chair Entertainment.

Epic Games CCO retires; replaced by Charlie Wen

Meta has released its latest software update, v57, for its Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2 headsets. The update includes features such as enhanced avatar customization, the ability to unsend messages, and group links. Users can now customize their avatars with more precision, retract image messages, and invite friends easily. Other additions include free-form teleportation, improved video recording settings, multitasking capabilities, and reduced boundary warnings. Meta has also recently introduced improvements to hand tracking, live captions, and live streaming to Facebook. They have also launched a new game called "Citadel" on Horizon Worlds.

Meta Quest rolls out v57 update with enhanced avatar customization and messaging features

Meta has launched a new action-adventure game called Citadel on its Horizon Worlds platform. The game can be played solo or in a two-player co-op mode and combines elements of shooter, platformer, and roguelite games. It features 30 challenging rooms filled with enemies, puzzles, and obstacles. Players can find relics, unlock weapons, and earn credits to improve their armor. Meta plans to expand the game with more quests and features in the future. This release is part of Meta's strategy to enhance Horizon Worlds, with more experiences planned for the future.

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