Big news this week, in terms of AR, the IDC report predicts that spending in the AR and VR fields in the Asia-Pacific region will reach US$7.5 billion in 2019, an increase of 100% from last year; Simon Real Estate cooperates with Niantic’s AR game, Turning its shopping malls into game supply points; WeChat applet opens access to third-party AR engines; Microsoft SwiftKey promotes 3D face recognition dynamic expressions, similar to Apple Animoji; Vuzix Blade supports overseas versions of WeChat and Douyin and other applications; Samsung Note 10 invitation The exposure of the letter shows that it may be related to the AR game "Harry Potter".
In terms of VR, the Jiangxi Provincial Government released the Virtual Reality Industry Development Plan (2019-2023); Steam VR users exceeded 1% of the total Steam players, a new high; Walmart will again use VR for the selection and assessment of mid-level employees ; South Korea's LG U+ will launch a 5G cloud VR game service, claiming to be the first in the world to provide this service; HTC has established a Vive enterprise solutions department; the VR game "OrbusVR" announced the launch of a free version to stimulate players' download experience.
In terms of financing, industrial AR headset manufacturer RealWear announced that it has received US$80 million in Series B financing, which will be used to further expand the market; Japanese VR solutions company Geocreates received new financing for an undisclosed amount.
AR|IDC: Asia-Pacific XR scale will reach US$7.5 billion in 2019
According to IDC’s latest report, spending in the AR and VR fields in the Asia-Pacific region will reach US$7.5 billion in 2019. A 100% increase from last year. It is also predicted that the C-side and B-side market expenditures on AR/VR products and services will have a compound annual growth rate of 81% within 5 years (2018 to 2023), of which C-side expenditures on AR/VR It will bring a compound annual growth rate of 70% within 5 years (2018-2023).
AR|Simon Real Estate cooperates with Niantic’s AR game
The largest commercial real estate company in the United States: Simon Real Estate recently stated that it will cooperate with Niantic on the LBS AR game "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" 》 Cooperation, it uses Niantic to supply points for programming games in the former's shopping malls, thereby making up for department stores with declining revenue by driving shopping mall customer flow.
AR|WeChat mini program adds AR function
This week, WeChat announced that its mini program has supported AR mode and launched an AR makeup try-on experience in conjunction with Armani. Its model is based on a third-party AR engine (which needs to be settled on the WeChat platform), and other service providers can cooperate with the settled engine. However, judging from the existing AR experience, the effect is average.
AR|CBS launches its own AR advertising solution
Recently, CBS Interactive announced that it will cooperate with Unity to provide advertisers with AR advertising solutions that can be integrated into CBS mobile applications. Through this partnership with Unity, CBS hopes to allow brands to reach more audiences through customized AR advertising.
AR|ARKit 3 supports FaceTime gaze perception correction
Recently, a FaceTime gaze perception correction function of Apple ARKit 3 has surfaced. This feature is intended to be used on A12 and newer devices and with The TrueDepth camera for iOS devices combines machine learning technology to improve the physical embarrassment of staring down at the screen during video calls.
AR|Microsoft SwiftKey launches 3D facial recognition dynamic expressions
Microsoft announced this week that it will add 3D customized expressions similar to Apple’s Animoji: Puppets to its input method SwiftKey. It is reported that Puppets expressions are based on AI face recognition, which can recognize and simulate your smile, mouth opening and other expressions in real time, and create 5 3D dynamic expressions of panda, cat, dog, owl or dinosaur for you to share with your friends.
AR|Vuzix Blade applications increase to 45
Vuzix announced this week that the number of native applications for Blade AR smart glasses has increased to more than 45, more than double the initial release. And already supports WeChat and Tiktok. At the same time, Vuzix is ??also holding an application development competition, and more applications will be launched in the future.
AR|Android SMS built-in AR filter function exposed
Some netizens from foreign media During testing, there are only 5 filters available, and the entire operating experience is very similar to Sanpchat.
AR|SwimAR swimming goggles display module released
Recently, London Imaginationa Factory launched a swimming display add-on module called SwimAR, which uses the display technology of Sony SmartEyeglass smart glasses. Its function is to allow swimmers to see real-time training data such as time, target speed, and distance in front of their eyes during training. It is characterized by being lightweight, flexible, and consistent with fluid mechanics.
AR|Stanford University develops auto-focusing reading glasses
In order to help people with presbyopia see more clearly, Stanford researchers recently developed a prototype of auto-focusing glasses. It uses Optotune EL-30-45 lens material that supports multi-focal length, and is paired with Pupil Labs’ eye tracking module and RealSense R200 3D sensor. It is characterized by its ability to simulate the natural adjustment and focusing of the human eye.
AR|NASA’s new fighter plane will support AR mode
It is reported that Lockheed Martin and NASA are developing an unconventional V-shaped aircraft body, prototype code-named X-59. It is characterized by a flat "duckbill" design on the head and a semi-small area aircraft window design in the front. Combined with the unique computer vision system XVS, it can directly combine the external situation with the computer to display 4K in the cabin in the form of annotations. on the display.
AR|Researchers use HoloLens to practice Titan landing
NASA announced the launch of the Titan exploration program and plans to send the "Dragonfly" drone to perform exploration missions in 2025. In order to help "Dragonfly" prepare for landing on Titan, researchers at Johns Hopkins University used HoloLens to simulate a drone landing on the surface of Titan in AR.
AR|Samsung Note 10 invitation exposed or related to AR
Recently, the Samsung Note 10 mobile phone invitation was exposed by the media. It is a magical quill set and shows: The magic is there, you can see it with your own eyes. Combined with the predictions made by Samsung when it invested in Niantic, it seems that the combination of Note 10 and the AR game "Harry Potter: Wizards Unite" is very likely.
VR|Jiangxi Province VR Industry Development Plan (2019-2023) Released
This week, the General Office of the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government issued a notice on the issuance of the Jiangxi Province Virtual Reality Industry Development Plan ( 2019-2023) notice, the article mentioned: Jiangxi Province will promote the development of the VR industry in an all-round way and create the "Jiangxi Highland" of the VR industry. This plan starts from the development foundation and situation, overall ideas and development goals, development priorities, and major projects. , safeguard measures are carried out in these five aspects.
VR|Steam VR users exceeded 1% of the total players
According to the official statistics of the Steam platform, in June 2019, VR active users accounted for approximately 1% of the total active players on the Steam platform. Compared with the 0.99% data last month, it slightly increased by 0.01 percentage points, reaching a new high.
VR|Walmart uses VR for mid-level selection and assessment
Following Wal-Mart’s large purchase of VR for training last year, Wal-Mart is using VR technology to select the performance of middle-level managers. Under assessment.
It is reported that testers will deal with situations such as angry customers, chaotic shelves or underperforming employees in VR, and the VR system will generate an assessment of their strengths, weaknesses and potential.
VR|JAL will use VR to assist aircraft maintenance personnel training
Japan Airlines (JAL) announced this week that it will incorporate VR technology in the assessment and training of aircraft maintenance personnel. It is reported that this VR training project was jointly developed by Japan Airlines and Toshiba. They simulated the entire process of aircraft engine testing in VR.
VR|South Korea’s LG U+ will launch a 5G cloud VR game service
According to news on July 3, South Korean operator LG U+ will launch a 5G-based cloud VR game service within this year. , and claims to be the first company in the world to provide this service. Currently, it has taken the lead in providing trial experience services in stores.
VR|HTC establishes Vive enterprise solutions department
On July 2, HTC announced the establishment of Vive enterprise solutions department. It is reported that HTC will create a complete set of commercial VR product strategies. Including providing a complete set of solutions in VR training, VR collaboration, VR design, etc., not just VR hardware.
VR|Valve releases Index CAD files
Valve released CAD models of Index headsets, controllers, and base stations on GitHub this week for developers to modify their Index devices. . The model files released by Valve include: high-resolution STP format files and low-resolution STL files for quick preview, relevant dimensional drawings, and accessory examples.
VR|Disney D23 will launch a new VR project
At the biennial D23 exhibition, Disney Broadway’s 25th anniversary celebration will be ushered in. It is reported that this time it will bring a brand new In the VR project, you will see a large number of classic Disney characters, including: Aladdin, Frozen, The Lion King, etc., starring well-known Broadway actors.
VR|Esqapes launches immersive VR+Spa project
It is reported that a VR Spa massage shop called Esqapes has just been established in California, USA. The shop features a combination of VR and massage chairs. VR simulates different scenes to bring an immersive environment.
VR|Apple updates PrimeSense 3D scanning patent
Apple recently applied for a continuation patent in Europe, which includes updates to some of PrimeSense’s 3D scanning. The main change is the introduction of VCSEL, and there are certain instructions on the diameter, angle, and convergence of the laser beam. At the same time, the part with a laser wavelength greater than 900nm must be transparent, and the semiconductor material substrate must be 0.5mm thick, etc.
VR|Varwin has launched a VR management system
Varwin has recently launched a VR platform suitable for connecting VR developers and customers, which facilitates the connection between VR developers and customers through a visual interface. It allows customers to make adjustments and facilitates VR developers to carry out iterative updates of VR content, greatly reducing unnecessary communication costs in the VR commercial process.
VR|"Sansar" will cooperate with Monstercat
Linden Labs, the producer of VR social platform "Sansar", recently announced that it will cooperate with Monstercat (electronic dance music company), saying that it will be on-site Music and entertainment projects will be introduced in "Sansar", and special rooms will be set up for fan meetings, concerts, etc.
VR|"Doctor Who" VR game reveals behind-the-scenes footage
Following the VR short film "Doctor Who", the BBC has launched another VR game with the theme of Doctor Who: " "Doctor Who: The Edge of Time" will be released on PS VR, Oculus Rift/Rift S, and HTC Vive on September 29. Recently, behind-the-scenes footage and promotional videos of the game’s development have also been released.
VR|"VR Table Tennis Pro" will be launched in September
Developer Reddoll Srl, IVP's new work "VR Table Tennis Pro" will be launched in September. It is also the "VR Table Tennis Pro" released in 2016. The sequel to VR Ping Pong. In terms of details, "VR Table Tennis Pro" has 8 built-in levels, the game scenes are more realistic, and it supports mainstream PC VR and PS VR.
VR|"Sairento VR" will be launched on the PS VR platform
The first-person combat VR game "Sairento VR" (Chinese name: "Silent VR") developed by Singapore studio Mixed Realms ”) will be released on the PS VR store in Europe this week and in North America next week.
VR|VR game "OrbusVR" launches free version
The MMO VR game "OrbusVR: Reborn" recently announced that the game will provide a free download version to stimulate players by trying it for free first and then purchasing it. Download, free version players can upgrade to level 10 for free. If you want to experience it later, you will be charged a one-time download fee. Current paid players (referring to purchasing the game) can upgrade to level 30. This is also the difference between the two.
VR|The sequel of "Gran Turismo" may support VR
Kazunori Yamauchi, CEO of Polyphonny Digital, the developer of the well-known racing game "Gran Turismo", recently said: "Gran Turismo" will continue The game has entered the development stage, and he also mentioned that he recognized VR and said that VR is more suitable for simulated driving games. It seems to mean that the sequel of "Gran Turismo" is expected to support VR mode.
VR|VR mini-game collection "RADtv" will be launched on August 2
Ruffian Games announced this week that the multiplayer VR game "RADtv" will be launched on Steam on August 2. The game consists of 25 mini-games with 5 different themes, including: throwing vinyl discs at zombies, throwing food into hungry mouths, and quick duels with guns in bars. They are all simple and interesting types.
VR | Sony may develop new PS VR games
Sony Interactive Entertainment London Studio announced on Twitter this week that it will develop new PlayStation games and is looking for game logic programmers and AI programmers , joined the "Blood&Truth" development team. Considering that "Blood&Truth" is a VR game, it is speculated that it may be developing another VR game.
Financing | RealWear received US$80 million in Series B financing
On July 2, industrial AR headset manufacturer RealWear announced that it had received US$80 million in Series B financing. This round of financing was funded by Automated Testing Equipment manufacturer Teradyne led the investment. This round of financing is composed of stocks and bonds, and is expected to be used to further expand the market and accelerate platform development.
Financing | VR solutions company Geocreates received new financing
Japanese VR solutions company Geocreates announced that it has received a new financing from Japan's Fukoku Bussan. The specific amount has not been disclosed. So far, its total Financing has exceeded 100 million yen. It is reported that this round of financing will be used to expand the development and operation scale of its SaaS VR tool ToPolog, and expand VR/AR solutions into the construction, production and retail fields.