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Mixed Reality

Meta is Reportedly Partnering with LG to Create Apple Vision Pro Competitor

From roadtovr

Meta is reportedly teaming up with South Korean tech giant LG Electronics to offer up competition to the Apple’s forthcoming Vision Pro mixed reality headset, which is slated to arrive sometime in 2024.

South Korea’s Maekyung (Korean) is reporting on two new Meta headsets: a low-cost Quest model that will be priced at “less than $200” coming in 2024, and a high-priced model in a joint venture with LG in 2025, which is supposedly set to take on Apple Vision Pro.

The report maintains the name of the Meta/LG headset will be ‘Meta Quest 4 Pro’.

Mass production of the so-called Quest 4 Pro is allegedly being handled by LG Electronics, and LG Display, with LG Innotek and LG Energy Solution supplying parts.

Provided the report is true, it seems some very distinct battle lines are being drawn. Samsung announced earlier this year that it was working with Qualcomm and Google to develop an Android-powered XR device, which may also be positioned to compete against Apple and Meta.

You Can Now Donate Blood While Immersed In Mixed Reality

From vrscout

Nervous around needles? Mixed reality is here to help.

According to America’s Blood Centers, the United States has been suffering from a noticeable lack of blood donors below the age of 30 over the past 10 years; roughly 30% to be more exact.

To help quell this growing shortage, Abbot Laboratories, a medical device and healthcare company based out of Illinois, United States, has teamed up with Blood Centers of America to release a new mixed reality experience designed to attract younger donors while providing a fun and relaxing experience while in the chair.

Credit: Abbott Laboratories

Using Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 mixed reality headset, donors are immersed in a magical garden where they can plant seeds around their real-world environment while enjoying a comforting soundtrack. Donors remain aware of their surroundings at all times for safety purposes. Medical professionals can also see the donors’ eyes as they draw blood, allowing them to better evaluate their condition in real-time.

“This is an exciting new way to get people interested in donating blood,” said Alex Carterson, divisional vice president of medical, scientific, and clinical affairs at Abbott, in an official release. “Mixed reality introduces a safe, fun dimension to the act of giving blood. We think this will resonate with people who have been hesitant to donate, those who have never donated, and a younger generation who can become the foundation of the nation’s blood donation efforts for years to come.”

Credit: Microsoft

“Mixed reality is a fantastic way to attract the next generation of blood donors and find younger people interested in giving,” added Harpreet K. Sandhu, CEO of Stanford Blood Center and chairperson of Blood Centers of America. “The need for blood is constant and we’re continually looking for smart new ways that will appeal to people who have never donated before or may be apprehensive. The mixed reality experience is a terrific way to get those people interested in participating.”

Abbott and Blood Centers of America’s mixed reality donating experience is available at select locations across Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Texas. You can schedule your appointment now over at bethe1donor.com/mixedreality. In order to qualify you will need to meet all the requirements for blood, platelet, or plasma donation.

Feature Image Credit: Abbott Laboratories

This 18K Gold Apple Vision Pro Costs Almost $40K

From vrscout

According to the manufacturer, only 24 of these extravagant headsets will be made available.

During Apple’s 2023 WWDC, the company finally unveiled Vision Pro, a high-end mixed reality headset that could provide a big consumerism boost for augmented reality (AR) and VR technology.

That said, the device comes with an expensive price tag of $3,500. But why stop at $3,500 when you can get a modified version of Apple Vision Pro covered in 18K gold for $39,900?

The over-the-top headset is made by Caviar, a company known for its extravagant products, such as its expensive diamond-encrusted iPhones. Caviar’s “CVS Edition” Vision Pro features a thousand grams of 18k gold and the same black leather used by Rolls-Royce and the British Royal Court.

The device also features a flip-up shield made out of gold ($36,400 worth of gold to be exact), so you’re able to enjoy all the features Apple Vision Pro has to offer while maintaining some privacy at the same time. Plus, it’s a serious flex to use your finger to quickly flip up a gold shield off of your face.

Credit: Caviar

Don’t expect to simply visit Apple or Caviar’s websites and add one to your shopping cart. The company is only producing 24 CVS Edition Vision Pro headsets, which means after MrBeast and one of the Kardashians each buy one, only 22 gold-plated headsets will be up for grabs.

Like Apple Vision Pro, Caviar’s CVS Edition won’t be available for purchase until 2024, so you have some time to sell off your rare Pokémon cards or find a few extra jobs to help you finance your purchase.

For more information check out Caviar’s official website.

Feature Image Credit: Caviar

Hyundai Debuts Immersive Exhibit At Cannes Lions

From vrscout

“Miles That Define Us” details pivotal moments in Hyundai’s purpose of progress for humanity through product innovation.

Hyundai and The Trust, the leading creative agency for advertising partners of the Wall Street Journal, today announced the release of a new video and immersive content campaign entitled ‘Miles That Define Us.’ The campaign, which features short documentaries and engaging narratives, aims to reinforce Hyundai’s social responsibility and highlight the company’s connection to the human spirit.

The exhibit, which was created in collaboration with Active Theory, features short documentaries and engaging stories that highlight Hyundai’s commitment to providing innovative technology and mobility services and aims to inspire people to reach their personal goals and improve their lives.

Credit: Hyundai & Dow Jones

The first film, which will premiere at the Wall Street Journal’s Journal House during the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in 2023, will feature the stories of individuals facing the challenges of modern mobility. It showcases how Hyundai’s cutting-edge technologies are helping address global issues. The company’s solutions, such as advanced air mobility and autonomous driving, prioritize the environment and are designed to improve the quality of people’s lives.

“We are proud to collaborate with Dow Jones and The Trust on this campaign. It emphasizes the transformative power mobility innovations can make in progressing humanity,” said Angela Zepeda, chief marketing officer, of Hyundai Motor America in an official press release.

‘Miles That Define Us’ is part of Hyundai’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its social responsibility and focus on the company’s culture, and aims to highlight the importance of reliable information and news in helping decision-makers and global leaders make informed decisions.

Credit: Hyundai & Dow Jones

According to Josh Stinchcomb, the global chief revenue officer of The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones, the stories featured in the campaign are inspirational and relatable. “‘Miles That Define Us’ is a testament to the indispensable role of trusted news and information in guiding global leaders and decision-makers,” adding, “The subjects explored and people featured in each story are inspirational, passionate, and relatable—a reflection of Hyundai’s culture and decision-making.”

The campaign’s companion exhibit, which is located at The Journal House, is an immersive mixed reality experience adapted from the Journal’s The Field. From the Ground Up is a fully immersive multi-sensory 360-degree storytelling adventure (available via this link) composed of a variety of immersive experiences that explore the different aspects of Hyundai’s products. The Field is an exploration space for you to interact with Hyundai’s latest innovations.

Credit: Hyundai & Dow Jones

The Trust utilized carefully crafted graphics and emotive voiceovers to create an experience that lets users explore the campaign’s various stories through virtual VR and WebXR. Through this platform, Hyundai was able to create relatable and entertaining concepts that educate you on the company’s goals with product innovation.

“By prioritizing humanity and centering our actions on this principle, Hyundai is forging a brighter future for generations to come,” said Zepeda.

You can learn more about the Hyundai and Dow Jones The Trust immersive exhibit on Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity website.

Feature Image Credit: Hyundai & Dow Jones

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

This Mixed Reality Meal Combines Food And VR

From vrscout

A delicious meal that pairs beautifully with immersive technology.

This past week, Italian artist Mattia Casalegno debuted his latest thought-provoking installation, Aerobanquets RMX, at Miami Art Week in Miami, Florida. The multisensory experience combined VR technology with delicious food to deliver a mixed reality meal quite unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Inspired by F. T. Marinetti’s The Futurist Cookbook, a collection of fictional recipes from the future, the installation supported up to 16 guests at a time, each of whom donned a Meta Quest 2 VR headset equipped with an external hand-tracker. Throughout the unique gastronomy experience, guests dined on five to seven dishes prepared by Michelin-starred, James Beard Award-winning chef Chintan Pandya.

Guests could choose from two menus: regular and vegan. As they ate, the textures and flavors of each dish were rendered in VR. The experience also featured text brought to life by narration from Top Chef judge Gail Simmons.

“We currently live in a world where industrial farming, overfishing, chemical pollution, and soil degradation are jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions by depleting the environment,” said Casalegno on his website. “We live in a culture where speed and economics come before health and quality. With this work I want to put a spotlight on our endangering practices and at the same time relish the joy of eating.”

As you can see in the video provided, Casalegno developed a custom accessory that turns Meta’s Touch controllers into futuristic dishware. This was most likely done to provide a simple and convenient way for guests to track the location of their meals in VR. That said, the final product looks incredibly cool.

For more information about Aerobanquets RMX visit here.

Image Credit: Flavor Five Studio

Light Delights Is An Extra Trippy Mixed Reality App

From vrscout

Interact with a variety of eye-catching virtual objects with your own two hands.

Light Delights is a simple, yet surprisingly captivating mixed reality experience that turns your real-world space into a vaporwave art gallery. Available now on Quest 2 and Quest Pro VR headsets, the free app features a variety of unique multicolored pieces.

There are five virtual objects in which to inspect, each of which features its own unique interactions. This includes everything from physics-driven gyroscopic rings to a never-ending avalanche of virtual cubes and orbs. The app also features support for hand-tracking, allowing you to interact with virtual objects using your own two hands.

“The standalone color passthrough is IMO the most promising direction for MR,” said Greg Madison, the award-winning XR interaction designer behind the project. “I tested for fun some ideas over the weekend, the magic is there and it’s mesmerizing to play with.”

Light Delights is available for free on Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro. Simply download the APK via GitHub and install the file on your headset using a program such as SideQuest.

While the Quest 2 version is cool, we highly recommend trying the app out on a Quest Pro for the best experience possible.

Image Credit: Greg Madison

Watch Celebrities Conquer Their Biggest Fears In VR

From vrscout

The first episode will premiere on October 26th on Facebook, Instagram, and Meta Quest TV.

Meta is teaming up with actor & comedian Marlon Wayans on a new comedy series in which celebrities face their biggest fears in VR using Meta Quest 2. First reported by Variety, Oh Hell No! With Marlon Wayans will premiere next week on Wayans’ Facebook and Instagram. New episodes will also premiere every Wednesday on Quest headsets via the Meta Quest TV app.

Each episode follows a new celebrity as they attempt to conquer their personal phobia with the help of VR technology. This includes everything from acrophobia, the fear of heights, galeophobia, the fear of sharks, phasmophobia, the fear of supernatural entities, and zoophobia, the fear of animals.

Throughout the series, Wayans will be joined by such recognizable names as Anthony Anderson of the TV show Black-ish, Kelly Rowland of the music group Destiny’s Child, influencer Bryce Hall, professional wrestling duo the Bella Twins, influencer and singer Loren Gray, and comedian & TV host Loni Love.

Credit: Taylor Miller

“There’s nothing more fun than horror, pranking, and scaring friends,” said Wayans in a statement. “This show has all the above.”

Based on the footage provided in the trailer, the show features a unique combination of mixed reality technology and physical props. In some clips, we see the celebrity guests being tormented with different props, such as a rubber snake and a pair of music cymbals. It’s an interesting concept for a series, one that appears to make excellent use of the Quest’s immersive capabilities, not to mention mixed reality.

Credit: Marlon Wayans

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the hilarious and talented Marlon Wayans as he brings his closest friends face-to-face with their fears thanks to the power of virtual reality,” added Mina Lefevre, Meta’s head of development and programming. “We’re excited to partner with Jesse Collins Entertainment to bring these immersive experiences to life using Meta Quest 2.”

Oh Hell No! With Marlon Wayans premiers on October 26th. You can watch the show on Wayans’ Facebook and Instagram pages as well as Meta Quest TV. New episodes will be released every Wednesday at 9am moving forward.

Feature Image Credit: Marlon Wayans