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This Basketball App Uses AR To Improve Your Ball Skills

From vrscout

All you need is a smart device and an ordinary basketball.

You may have seen a video floating around the web recently of a skilled basketball player practicing their dribbling skills using a unique interactive experience. What you’re looking at is HomeCourt, a personal basketball trainer powered by augmented reality (AR) technology.

The app gamifies your practice sessions, immersing you in a series of interactive drills led by professional NBA and WNBA players. Each challenge is designed to improve your ball skills, from shooting to dribbling, without the need for additional hardware. You simply aim your smartphone or tablet at yourself and let the app record your performance.

Credit: Nex Team Inc.

Some drills will require you to tap virtual targets with your hands while you dribble while others track your shooting performance over a set period of time and award you points for each successful swish. As you play, the app calculates various performance metrics in real time, from your accuracy and dribble speed to your release time, shooting percentage, and vertical jump.

In addition to solo training, you can also compete against other players virtually via the asymmetrical “Battle Mode.” Winning multiplayer matchups earns you various badges, coins, and trophies.



HomeCourt is available to download free on smart devices. You can access over 100 drills and activities as well as unlimited shot tracking 100% free of charge.

For an additional monthly fee, you can access HomeCourt Plus, a premium subscription service that unlocks additional features such as access to the members-only training club, the ability to request feedback from HomeCourt pro trainers, and access to the HomeCourt Global Camp.

For more information visit homecourt.ai.

Feature Image Credit: Nex Team Inc.

Motorcycle AR Display Lets Riders See Behind Them

From vrscout

This nifty add-on gives motorcyclists eyes on the back of their heads.

It’s no secret that riding a motorcycle can be a dangerous activity. Motorcyclists are 28x more likely to die in a crash (per vehicle mile traveled) when compared to those traveling in conventional passenger vehicles, according to data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Credit: CREACT Technology Inc.

Motorcycle safety is constantly evolving, with new technologies making it easier for riders to maintain proper situational awareness while out on the road. This includes CREACT’s Vision 180, a motorcycle helmet dashcam kit that offers a number of nifty features, from real-time navigation and rear camera view to a driving recorder.

“The Sony CMOS sensors remedied the challenges of dimming nighttime lighting and hazy vision brought on by rainy weather,” said the company in an official release. “The front and rear wide-angle lenses have 120 degrees of view capacity. Vision 180 can better grasp the overall road situation with its 120-degree view capacity lens, and tilted 15 degrees rear lens.”

Credit: CREACT Technology Inc.

According to CREACT, the unique device can be installed in a number of full or 3/4 hood motorcycle helmets via a snap holder or GoPro accessories (no additional wires or significant modifications required). Once you’ve adjusted the system to your personal riding habits, you can cycle between the three main functions described above.

Vision 180 features built-in WiFi and Bluetooth that connects to your smartphone device so you can listen to music and answer calls while you ride. The device lasts roughly 3.5 hours on a single charge, so you shouldn’t have to worry about the battery dying in the middle of a ride.

For more information visit here.

Feature Image Credit: CREACT Technology Inc.

This AR Art App Helps You Paint Giant Murals

From vrscout

You can even design art alongside fellow painters via Multiplayer mode.

Da Vinci Eye, an augmented reality (AR) app that functions as a digital art projector, today announced a new update that allows artists of all skill levels to collaborate on giant murals.

Mural Maker 2.0 is a digital tracing tool that makes use of AR tracking to lock an image in place in the real world. According to the team, this offers a more effective tracing system compared to the conventional art projectors and grids popular among muralists. This is because the system can scale the proportions of an image on any surface. You can even use it in broad daylight.

Credit: Da Vinci Eye

The app features a unique two-device system that offers multiple features. One device is used to record a live AR video feed that layers your image over the real world, while the other is held by the artist so they can trace outlines and compare colors.

The system remembers where you placed your image in the real world, allowing you to work on projects over time. There’s even a Multiplayer mode, so you can stream the image to multiple devices and collaborate with other artists on the same murals in real time.



Mural Maker 2.0 is available now on iOS devices. While the app itself is free, you will need to pay a subscription to unlock all of the features. Don’t worry, only one subscription is required for multiplayer painting.

For more information visit davincieyeapp.com.

Feature Image Credit: Da Vinci Eye LLC.

Samsung Files Patent For Galaxy Ring And AR Glasses

From vrscout

New filings point towards new XR hardware on the way.

It’s been rumored that Samsung is working on a smart ring that can be used in tandem with a pair of custom augmented reality (AR) glasses, and based on a recently uncovered trademark filing by Samsung registering the names “Galaxy Ring” and “Galaxy Glasses,” it appears as though the gossip could be true.

In October, a rumor emerged claiming that Samsung was working on a smart ring that uses multiple sensors to give you important health data throughout the day, much like a modern smartwatch. This was related to a patent for a device that was reportedly equipped with such sensors.

Based on said filings, the rumored Galaxy Ring tracks various activities and health metrics and is capable of taking blood pressure readings, similar to the capabilities of the Galaxy Watch 5 and 5 Pro.

Credit: KIPRIS

This isn’t Samsung’s first attempt at a smart ring. Back in 2015, Samsung filed a different patent for a smart ring that never came to be.

The trademark for the Galaxy Ring was granted by KIPRIS, which describes the wearable as a “smart device for measuring health indicators and/or sleep in the form of a ring.” The application for the trademark doesn’t provide much information about the rumored Galaxy Ring. It’s also possible that the South Korean company will unveil other wearable devices in 2023.

Aside from the Galaxy Ring, the company also filed a patent for Galaxy Glasses, an AR device capable of projecting virtual data over the real world. It’s possible that the project is getting closer to reality after the company unveiled its XR platform during its Unpacked event on February 1st, 2023.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Samsung is partnering with Google to develop new XR technology. Google SVP of Android, Hiroshi Lockheimer, talked about the future of XR technology, calling it, “An exciting space where Google has been investing in for a long time across both experiences and technology is AR and VR. These technologies are integral to the new phase of computing as it can change the way we interact with people and information to get things done in the real world.”

Credit: KIPRIS

Unlike the rumored Apple AR headset, which has seen its fair share of concept art, rumors, and “insider information,” floating around the internet, Samsung has managed to remain tight-lipped regarding its future XR plans. Other than the uncovered trademark, there’s been a lack of news about Samsung’s possible AR goals. This doesn’t indicate that Samsung isn’t taking AR seriously; it could just mean that the company is taking a slower approach in order to get the technology right.

According to the KIPRIS application, the trademark indicates that the Galaxy Glasses will be used for various applications, such as VR and AR. It also states that the devices trademarked by Samsung are tagged under “headset for virtual reality experience,” “headset for augmented reality experience”, “smart glasses”, “smartphone”, and “headphone.”

How the Galaxy Ring and the Galaxy Glass work together is still a mystery. That said, it’s easy to imagine how the devices could work in tandem. For example, instead of pulling out your Samsung smartphone and opening an app to access health records, you could simply look at your ring while wearing the AR glasses to access data instantaneously in AR. The ring could also be used to access menus or interact with your smartphone without the device having to leave your pocket.

It’s not clear when, or if, either of these products will see the light of day. That said, I could see myself jumping ship over to Samsung if the aforementioned products become available.

You can find additional details about the patent filing on the KIPRIS website by clicking here.

Feature Image Credit: Samsung

This VR App Lets You “Step Inside” Your Memories

From vrscout

Those interested can join the waitlist now.

Imagine being able to physically step inside your favorite memories at the exact locations in which they occurred. That’s the idea behind Wist, an upcoming mobile app from the California-based VR startup Wist Labs that turns 2D video into 3D scenes you can watch in augmented reality (AR) or VR.

According to the official website, Wist utilizes sensors available on the latest mobile devices to capture 3D data, allowing you to move around and inspect the virtual scene from different angles. You’ll have the ability to “replay” these memories in AR using a compatible iOS device or in VR using a Quest headset.

Wist Labs is conducting a closed beta for a select group of users at the moment. Those interested can join the waitlist here. No word yet on an official release date for either the VR or mobile app.

Moving forward, the company plans on introducing additional features such as real-time multiplayer and various other processing and artificial intelligence (AI) improvements. The latest update, v0.4.2, introduced experimental support for Quest Pro with passthrough.

Credit: Wist Labs

Needless to say, this sort of technology could prove useful in a number of different scenarios. Wist Labs provides a small collection of examples on its official website. This includes everything from an intimate birthday celebration with friends to an adorable capture of a sleeping pup. There’s even a 3D scene depicting a real-life sonogram session.

For more information visit the company’s official website or Twitter.

Feature Image Credit: Wist Labs

Snapchat’s AR Lenses Are About To Get Even Better

From vrscout

It’s getting even harder to distinguish AR from reality.

This week Snap Inc. introduced Ray Tracing support for its Lens Studio app, allowing developers to craft more realistic augmented reality (AR) Lenses. Ray Tracing is a rendering technique used to reflect light on digital objects. The result is more immersive AR experiences powered by the Snapchat app.

The first brand to make use of the new technology is Tiffany & Co., a luxury design house based out of Manhattan, New York. The new Tiffany Lock Lens allows you to try on various Tiffany Lock bracelets anywhere using your smartphone. All you need to do is scan the QR code below using a compatible iOS or Android device and aim the camera at your wrist. You can even purchase jewelry straight from the app.

“Snapchatters love using augmented reality to try on products from beloved fashion brands, making the shopping experience personal, accessible, and fun,” said the company in an official release.

Credit: Snap Inc.`

Snap Inc. has been going all in on AR technology lately. For example, during its Lens Fest 2022 developer conference this past December, the company announced that it will begin allowing select developers to sell premium upgrades for their AR Lenses. This includes digital goods, effects, and tools.

For more information about Snapchat’s new Ray Tracing technology check out the official release here.

Feature Image Credit: Snap Inc.

Samsung & Google Partner To Develop New XR Tech

From vrscout

Qualcomm is also involved in the partnership.

Last week Samsung held its half-annual Galaxy Unpacked event, during which the company revealed several updates regarding its lineup of Galaxy S23 hardware. That said, the most exciting news came towards the end of the presentation when Qualcomm CEO, Cristiano Amon, and Google SVP of Android, Hiroshi Lockheimer, joined Samsung’s TM Roh on stage to announce that all three companies are partnering to develop new XR experiences.

“An exciting space where Google has been investing in for a long time across both experiences and technology is AR and VR,” said Hiroshi in an official release. “These technologies are integral to the new phase of computing as it can change the way we interact with people and information to get things done in the real world.”



Speaking to The Washington Post, Samsung confirmed its interest in the development of “extended reality” devices. Recently, we’ve seen various hardware manufacturers use passthrough technology to provide immersive mixed reality experiences on headsets such as Meta Quest Pro and Pico 4. It’s unclear whether or not Samsung’s upcoming XR devices will make use of such technology.

Samsung was careful not to reveal any information regarding specific products or launch windows during the event; all we know at the moment is that a partnership between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm exists. That said, we can speculate as to what the companies are up to.

Credit: Samsung

Qualcomm has been a leading provider of mobile processors among VR hardware manufacturers for years, therefore it makes sense that Samsung would seek the company’s help in developing its own line of standalone XR devices. On top of that, Samsung already has a considerable amount of experience developing VR hardware. Back in 2015, the company launched the Samsung Gear VR, a head-mounted VR display powered by a compatible Android smartphone, followed by the Odyssey+, a PC VR headset, in 2018.

For more information check out Samsung’s official Unpacked recap here.

Feature Image Credit: Samsung

Audi’s EV Concept Features Support For AR Glasses

From vrscout

The futuristic SUV features a digital console that can only be seen using AR technology.

German automotive manufacturer Audi recently unveiled a new concept SUV that can turn into a pickup truck on-demand. The “Actisphere” vehicle features a range of over 600 km, 800-volt charging technology, and no local emissions. Not only that, but the futuristic crossover features support for augmented reality (AR) technology.

According to an official release, the next-gen vehicle works in tandem with AR glasses to display interactive 3D content over the real world. In addition to providing critical driving status and navigation, the Audi actisphere concept does away with conventional control panels in favor of digital interfaces viewable using the aforementioned AR glasses.



According to the company, AR content will be “individually configurable for drivers and passengers.” Drivers, for example, can access navigational information while passengers browse the web, adjust the interior temperature, or control the music.

“The sphere concept vehicles show our vision for the premium mobility of the future. We are experiencing a paradigm shift, especially in the interior of our future Audi models,” said Oliver Hoffmann, member of the board of management for technical development.

“The interior becomes a place where the passengers feel at home and can connect to the world outside at the same time. The most important technical innovation in the Audi activesphere is our adaptation of augmented reality for mobility. Audi dimensions creates the perfect synthesis between the surroundings and digital reality.”

Credit: Audi

The vehicles feature a total of four AR headsets, one for the driver and each passenger. According to the official press release, the system can tell when an occupant is focused on a specific part of the console and provide more detailed information. Once a specific part of the console has been activated, passengers can then use hand gestures to interact with the controls.

Unlike a conventional console, controls for each function are located in front of their respective elements. For example, the AC controls are overlayed over the air vents while the sound controls are located over the speakers. AR technology can even layer high-resolution 3D topography graphics over the real world while in off-road mode as well as various traffic information.

Credit: Audi

“Conversely, the activesphere passenger can take his or her headset out of the car and onto the ski slope to help navigate the bike trail or to find the ideal descent when skiing downhill,” said the company in the official release. “Information about the car itself, the battery range, and the nearest charging stations can also be accessed inside and outside the vehicle. And when needed, there are also advance warnings such as of low tire pressure as well as a weather forecast function as a criterion for selecting a route.”

Other noteable features include an autonomous driving mode during which the dashboard, steering wheel, and pedals disappear, a next-gen dashboard that serves as an xlarge soundbar, and an on-board bar (heated or cooled). Above the center console you’ll find find an additional console containing four AR headsets powered by the vehicles mixed reality system.

For more information check out the official release here.

Image Credit: Audi

AR Ski Goggles Display Info While You Shred

From vrscout

AR technology makes its way into the mountains.

This year’s CES featured no shortage of exciting announcements, including the reveal of Sirius, a pair of advanced ski goggles that use augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to display valuable information over the real world as you cut through powder.

Developed by Swiss startup Ostloong, the goggles feature GPS navigation, cellular data, and an HD camera, according to the official website. The company’s OUTDOOR AR Display is designed to enhance communication, navigation, and safety while exploring the mountains.

“This is a huge yet outdated market, which would benefit from the integration of new technologies to revolutionize the world of snow sports and adapt it to a new generation of skiers who are adept at using smartphones and social networks” said Amber Gao, CEO of Ostloong Innovations, according to Startupticker.ch.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen AR technology used in the sports world. FORM’s smart swim goggles track the wearer’s performance while displaying key metrics such as GPS and heart rate. Then there’s the ActiveLook System, a see-through heads-up display capable of providing key performance data in real time. According to its developer, MicroOLED, the technology could prove useful for a number of activities, from endurance sports to scuba diving.

Image Credit: Ostloong Innovations

McDonald’s Launches AR Lunar New Year Campaign

From vrscout

AR filters, NeRF technology, and VR come together for a futuristic McDonald’s AAPI campaign.

As part of its commitment to serving communities and celebrating culture, McDonald’s is celebrating major cultural events such as Lunar New Year, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Diwali.

To celebrate the Year of the Rabbit, McDonald’s has partnered with Karen X Cheng, a viral content creator who is known for her innovative creative designs, according to an official release. The company behind those famous french fries and Big Macs aims to connect with its consumers through an immersive metaverse experience and a cool augmented reality (AR) filter.

As a long-time fan of the Golden Arches, Cheng is excited to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Asian Americans through this campaign. 



Famous for her amazing viral videos which have gained over 500 million views, Cheng is a talented digital creator who is also known for her collaborations with prominent celebrities. Through her passion for storytelling and innovation, Cheng has found herself on prominent lists such as Inc’s 30 Under 30 and on Adweek’s Creative 100.

Some of her most popular videos include learning to dance in a year, creating the first artificially intelligent magazine cover, and making a VR dance video for the metaverse. This partnership between her and McDonald’s marks Cheng’s first official brand partnership.

“Teaming up with McDonald’s to create a campaign that not only leans into my passions as a creator but also my cultural identity is a dream come true,” said Cheng in an official press release. “As a longtime Golden Arches fan, it’s an honor to be provided with a creative canvas that allows me to share my personal story as well as showcase my expression of the holiday to a wider audience.”

Elizabeth Campbell, Senior Director, Corporate Engagement Strategy at McDonald’s, said that the brand wanted to connect with its fans at the intersection of culture and innovation. “Our collaboration with Karen X Cheng offers new, tech-forward ways to experience the Year of the Rabbit while also honoring the legacy of the holiday and uplifting the AAPI community. The Golden Arches is proud to kickstart the new year with an interactive campaign that invites our fans to become active participants in a global cultural celebration,” said Campbell.

McDonald’s is celebrating the start of the new year with an engaging digital campaign that encourages its fans to get involved in important global celebrations, something that is very important to the global mission of the company.

The campaign, which was conceptualized by IW Group, aims to celebrate the spirit of the Lunar New Year and encourage people to embrace the traditional and unconventional ways of celebrating the holiday. The campaign also features a variety of interactive elements as well as an immersive metaverse experience. 

Nita Song, IW Group’s President & Chief Executive Officer, said that the company wanted to use the latest technology to enhance the experience for its fans. “Building on last year’s groundbreaking Lunar New Year campaign, which featured a Golden Arches’ trailblazing event in the metaverse, our goal was to utilize state-of-the-art technology to elevate the virtual and interactive experiences for brand fans.”

Here’s what you can expect with McDonald’s Year of the Rabbit campaign:

Augmented reality (AR) filter – This unique AR Instagram filter allows you to experience the transition from the Year of the Tiger (2022) to the Year of the Rabbit (2023) while enjoying incredible 3D visuals.

Metaverse Experience – Hosted on the virtual platform Spatial and accessible through a VR headset, mobile device, tablet, or PC, this custom 3D space combines traditional Asian influences with a variety of “futuristic elements,” such as 3D sculptures of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. The platform will host two special events on January 25th and February 2nd respectively.

AI-powered television commercial – This futuristic ad spot utilizes NeRF (neural radiance fields) technology to create a 3D scene. You can use your smartphone to scan an on-screen QR code to enjoy the artwork as an interactive AR filter.

Fans can join in on the fun today via www.McDLunarNewYear.com. This isn’t the first time McDonald’s has created a cool virtual experience around culture and heritage. In 2022, the company created “McDonald’s Hall of Zodiacs: 2022 Lunar New Year by Humberto Leon” gallery in AltspaceVR and in Spatial. The company also filed 10 trademark applications that would allow you to order food from their menu in the metaverse and have it delivered to your real-world home.

For more information visit here.

Image Credit: McDonald’s USA