Lucid Reality Labs Joined Varjo Software Partnership Program

Lucid Reality Labs has joined Varjo Software Partnership Program which aims to expand the boundaries of innovation in cooperation with top developers worldwide, allowing partners, integrators and software providers to create next level VR/AR solutions. The program allows applicants to receive integration support as well as early access to Varjo developed software, as well as qualify to receive a free Varjo VR-2 or VR-2 Pro device for their further software solutions development.

With this partnership Lucid Reality Labs is planning to bring an unparalleled level of immersion, visual fidelity and accuracy to the Virtual and Mixed Reality training and simulations created for Healthcare, Pharma and Education industry clients.

Varjo immersive VR devices allow to optimize processes, build unique experiences to enhance the workflow and are compatible with a variety of software and 3D platforms for experience development. The development is supported for both Unity in the XR SDK environment and Unreal SDK development and migration, it is also possible to use Varjo Native SDK build immersive experiences.

The Varjo Technologies, founded in 2016 has launched a number of headset devices to revolutionize the way immersive experiences are designed and built. Varjo has allowed developers to create natural mixed and virtual reality experiences with their series of human-eye resolution VR and XR headset, and has been striving to push the experiences further.

In their March 4, 2021 Press Release, announcing the beginning of shipment of their next generation XR-3 and VR-3 headsets, Urho Konttori the VARJO Co-Founder & CTO says:
“Thanks to a lower price point, coupled with the absolute best technology available, such as human-eye resolution at over 70 pixels per degree and LiDAR for seamless depth awareness, these headsets unlock an entirely new set of experiences where users can no longer tell the difference between what is real and what is not. This is an essential factor for driving broader professional adoption and seamlessly integrating XR technologies into users’ daily workflows.”

ALEX DZYUBA, LUCID REALITY LABS CEO
“With the rapid development of VR device technology we are moving closer to the next generation of immersive experiences. We have already entered the realm of new realism and engagement in spatial technologies.”

Contact

Name: Alex Dzyuba

Email Address: alex.dzyuba@lucidrealitylabs.com

Website URL: http://lucidrealitylabs.com/

Oberon Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce that they have become the newest member of the VR/AR Association

Along with the VR/AR Association, Oberon Technologies is dedicated to sharing insights and  innovative training solutions that can help organizations realize the value of virtual reality. As a member of the association, Oberon will participate with other VR/AR organizations in key committees, contribute to research papers and share client case studies to help accelerate the adoption of VR for Training within the Energy and Manufacturing industries, while helping to drive the overall growth of the VR/AR market.   

Recognizing the tremendous safety and efficiency improvements that VR solutions can provide its clients faced with hazardous and costly training environments Oberon expanded its information solution offerings to now include immersive Virtual Reality applications that take training to new levels of efficiency.  For more than a decade, Oberon has helped clients address the content complexities of their Digital Transformation, now with the addition of virtual reality experiences and a dynamic content delivery platform Oberon architects and delivers innovative, holistic information and training solutions to our clients.

“It’s great to see Oberon join, because our community needs providers of innovative interactive training solutions, and Oberon leverages virtual and extended reality technologies coupled with state-of-the-art information delivery for environments where safety, security, or efficient cost of delivery is critical,” says Kris Kolo, Global Executive Director, VR/AR Association.

“We are excited to be part of the VR/AR Association and to learn and interact with fellow members as we explore ways to better serve our clients and help them more readily adopt VR/AR technologies to improve their businesses.  Working with innovative leaders like Exelon, Schneider Electric, and Navistar among many others we feel it’s critical to be part of communities like the VR/AR Assoc to help us stay on top technology advancements like those initiated by any of the VR/AR members,” says Tim Allen, CEO and President, Oberon Technologies, Inc. 

Recap: VRARA Enterprise Forum Showcases VR/AR in Business and Industry by Jon Jaehnig of AR Post

By Jon Jaehnig

The VR/AR Association Enterprise Forum took place virtually on March 17. The one-day marathon event drew together a number of the usual suspects, including Varjo, Lenovo, and Microsoft, all of whom hosted keynotes. In addition to keynotes, the event featured a number of expert talks and panel discussions.

Enterprise VR/AR: Before, During, and After the Pandemic

One less-than-shocking trend at the Enterprise Forum, as well as other recent digital events, involved echoing the sentiment that enterprise VR/AR has exploded in recent months. This is an objective fact that typically comes with the prediction that the technology won’t go anywhere when coronavirus distancing and travel restrictions lift.

“Through this very difficult time that we are all going through, which seems to be gradually coming to an end, this industry has been catapulted more quickly than any of us could have imagined,” said Cathy Hackl, futurist and Global Advisor to the VR/AR Association. “I’m excited to see where we’re going. Enterprise has really taken off from an adoption standpoint.”

Virtualware CMO David Moreno, in the same welcome address, suggested that the growth of these technologies would continue. Speakers throughout the enterprise forum agreed that the faster, more affordable, and more environmentally friendly remote collaboration would not soon disappear simply because conventional travel is allowed again.

“Enterprises are creating a new reality of work,” Microsoft Canada’s Azure Mixed Reality Lead Sean Graglia said in a later keynote. “MR is here to stay. It’s adding value today and it’s positioned to add even more value on Microsoft.”

How Enterprise Leverages VR/AR, According to Microsoft

Graglia wasn’t just at the enterprise forum to shill Microsoft. As one of the industry’s rare multinational end-to-end powerhouses, Microsoft has potentially unparalleled access to real numbers and use cases across a huge swath of enterprise verticals and Graglia shared a few of them in his keynote.

“As the technology has matured, so too has the portfolio of use cases that the technology is being used to address,” said Graglia, pointing out huge growth particularly in education and health fields.

Specifically, Graglia identified six key use cases that were not only increasing in adoption but beginning to merge and overlap as industry adopters expand how they use VR/AR. Those key use cases are:

• Remote Collaboration;

• Guided Training;

• Training and Simulation;

• Sales and Marketing;

• Design and Prototyping;

• Contextual Data Overlay.

This kind of convergence of use cases is partially because of the versatility of VR/AR, but it can also arise organically in companies that aggressively pursue it. In last year’s virtual GDC series from VIVE, Amy Peck pointed out that a virtual asset created through remotely collaborative design and prototyping can then be reused for training, sales, and beyond.

Announcements

Varjo representatives gave a keynote focusing on their new VR and MR headsets which recently started shipping.

Updates From Lenovo ThinkReality

Lenovo ThinkReality representatives gave a keynote focusing on the new A3 AR glasses announced at CES. However, the company is still keeping quiet on often-asked questions like release date and price points, though Lenovo’s AR/VR Hardware Project Manager Mike Lohse hinted at some potential features including battery packs and expanding hardware compatibility.

“Some of our current customers with our A6 want to do that 8-hour shift, and we want to find solutions that allow them to do that,” Lohse said in a call with ARPost after the forum. “The glasses themselves don’t have their own power source, they rely on the host device, which is also running its own applications.”

Material from ThinkReality affirms that the enterprise version of the glasses is only compatible with select Motorola phones, which act as a controller and keyboard through a companion app. However, subsequent releases may have a wider range of product compatibility, as suggested by Lenovo’s AR/VR Software Product Manager Mayan Shay May-Raz.

“It’s been our plan all along, but we’re very dependent on the XR services that are on the flagship phones,” Lohse said on the call. “Right now, we really only know what Motorola has and does so we can really crawl into that situation… in this case, we’ve really been able to drive a lot of internal support.”

May-Raz also commented on the ability of the glasses to access virtual content, as well as 2D content in a 3D manager. One major application of the glasses, particularly the cabled PC edition, will be virtual screens. This application will feature the ability to have screens remain in a user’s field-of-view, or be pinned to locations in the physical world.

Qualcomm Exploring Perception Algorithms

During the same keynote, Patrick Costello, Senior Director of Business Development at Qualcomm, commented on the chips that the company provides to ThinkReality that split processing between host and client devices for smaller form factor, better battery life, and lower heat output.

“We’re spending a lot of time exploring algorithms, particularly perception algorithms, and harnessing those to use less power,” said Costello, who also said that Qualcomm chips reduce power consumption by as much as 36%.

The Enterprise Forum Is Over but VRARA Returns in June

It’s been a busy cycle for VR/AR. The organization’s larger VR/AR Global Summit is coming in June.

Last year’s Global Summit saw huge news including HP’s launch of the Reverb G2 Omnicept, as well as ThinkReality’s first teaser for their A3. With the crazy year that VR/AR has had since then, we can only expect that this year’s Global Summit will be huge as well but this year’s Enterprise Forum was enough to hold us over until then.

Wool & Water joins the VR/AR Association and will share its 2021 Shoppers Study

Chicago & New York, March 23, 2021 – Wool & Water is excited to be one of the newest members of the VR/AR Association and looks forward to joining other partner organizations and participating in the association’s initiatives. Wool & Water’s Justin McAneny will co-chair the Retail Committee as well as sharing Wool & Water’s expertise with members that drive the adoption of VR/AR technologies.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Wool & Water join the VR/AR Association. While we’ll always appreciate VR and ARs place in gaming, having more organizations drive its usage into B2C applications such as retail, automotive and energy is a positive for anyone involved in mixed realities," Kris Kolo, Global Executive Director, VR/AR Association. 

Wool & Water is the first group dedicated entirely to transforming organization’s omnichannel retail footprints with shoppable VR/AR experiences. Its proprietary Extended Retail® offering bridges the physical and digital storefronts to provide shoppers with the confidence, convenience and selection they require. 

“There is no better organization to drive the meaningful, thoughtful advances of VR and AR than the VR/AR Association with its thousands of members and who’s who of innovators,” said Bodzewski. “Our team is thrilled to join these leaders with our goal of driving the same type of adoption of shoppable B2C VR/AR experiences that are more than gimmicks as the VRARA has been able to do within B2B.”

Wool and Walter did a study on 1,031 US Shoppers in 2021 and their shopping habits in-store, online and of course what it means for VR/AR. There are some eye openers for our industry:

1. 68% of your "average" US shopper reported using VRAR in last 30 days (wow!)

2. 83% would be more likely to purchase from a company offering AR than one that does not (WOW!)

A study like this frankly doesn't exist yet at this scale (1,000+), recency (2021) and focus on all three ways to shop. VRARA Members will receive a copy of this study.

For more information please visit www.thevrara.com

For more information about Wool & Water LLC please visit www.woolandwater.co

Tobii becomes a member of the global VR/AR Association

VR/AR Association is pleased to announce that Tobii has become the newest member of the global VR/AR Association. As a global eye tracking leader and VR/AR innovation enabler, Tobii will participate in the Association's activities and drive initiatives in collaboration with VR/AR Association and other members in the community to foster the rapid growth of the VR/AR industry.

“We are excited to see Tobii joining the VR/AR Association. As a well-established leader within eye tracking who has launched multiple VR/AR devices and solutions with their partners, Tobii plays a vital role in forming industry dialogues and enabling innovations.” says Kris Kolo, Global Executive Director of the VR/AR Association.  “We look forward to working with Tobii to drive the industry forward.” 

“We are thrilled to join the VR/AR Association. As the world leader in eye tracking, we look forward to driving discussions about how to create better devices and experiences within VR and AR for enterprises and consumers, as well as contributing to a stronger ecosystem for solution providers and developers” says Johan Hellqvist, Head of VR/AR at Tobii.

For more information please visit www.thevrara.com.

For more info about Tobii VR/AR, please visit vr.tobii.com

###

About the VR/AR Association

The VR/AR Association (VRARA) is an international organization designed to foster  collaboration between innovative companies and people in the virtual reality and augmented reality ecosystem that accelerates growth, fosters research and education, helps develop industry standards, connects member organizations and promotes the services of member companies.

About Tobii

Tobii is the global leader in eye tracking. Our mission is to improve the world with technology that understands human attention and intent. Tobii operates through three business units: Tobii Dynavox makes specially designed computers that are controlled by eye movement or touch screens for use by people with special needs due to spinal cord injuries, CP, ALS or other medical conditions. Tobii Pro develops and sells eye tracking equipment and services used today by more than 3,500 companies and 2,500 research institutions, including 98 of the world’s 100 highest ranked universities. Tobii Tech supplies eye tracking technology for integration into consumer electronics and other products such as personal computers, virtual reality headsets, healthcare applications, and more. Tobii is headquartered in Sweden and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (TOBII). The group has over 1,000 employees. For more information: www.tobii.com.essment and training stemming from many years of university research.

Contact

Kris Kolo  kris@thevrara.com 

Modest Tree Eliminating Barriers to Entry for Enterprises Working with AR and VR with the Launch of Xplorer 2.0

Modest Tree, a global software developer of advanced immersive training applications and enterprise-wide digitalization solutions, launches their newest software iteration, Xplorer 2.0, signaling yet another milestone in the continued evolution of VR/AR technology viability for enterprise use.

“We wanted to open up the world of VR/AR to those who aren't virtual reality experts so we could support organizations who needed a rapid and accessible means to develop, adapt, and scale their own VR/AR content,” states Sam Sannandeji, CEO of Modest Tree. “Xplorer 2.0 makes it even easier for organizations to develop reusable, editable training and marketing content that cuts down on project time and budget, placing them in a better position to succeed in today’s competitive environment.”

Xplorer 2.0 is the latest update of Modest Tree’s VR/AR Presentation software, which is already contributing ROI benefits to numerous global enterprise clients across manufacturing, defence, automotive, and healthcare industries.

One such enterprise is RENK AG, a leading global manufacturer of transmissions and propulsion units in the global defence industry. “RENK has been using Modest Tree Xplorer since 2018 to display gear units in Virtual Reality (VR), both for sales purposes as well as for internal and external training,” states Mirko Uetzmann, Leader Navy ILS, RENK AG. “For RENK, Modest Tree Xplorer represents a solution to handle the topic of VR easily and conveniently for the company based on the limited resources available."

Modest Tree Xplorer can be found in app stores. Visit xplorer.studio to learn more!

Contact

Name: Laura Bohnert

Email Address: lbohnert@modesttree.com

Website URL: http://www.xplorer.studio

VIRNECT joins the VR/AR Association

Seoul, Korea, March 15, 2021 – VIRNECT, the fastest rising company among AR startups in Korea, is excited to be a member of VR/AR Association (VRARA).

VIRNECT introduces the most state of art’s AR technology including remote collaboration platform to the industrial customers and wants to accelerate global market development through VRARA's networking. 

“We are very proud of becoming a member of VRARA, which is well known in the world VR/AR community, and looking forward to be actively involved in R&D and networking opportunities to explore new entities with a great help from VRARA’”, Taejin Ha, CEO of VIRNECT. 

About VIRNECT 

VIRNECT is a company that focuses on developing AR solutions based on AR core technology to increase productivity and safety in industrial sites. VIRNECT has successfully completed more than 100 projects for customers, including KEPCO, SK, LG, and Samsung in Korea. VIRNECT has been rapidly expanding its business by attracting 8.5 million USD worth of series A investment. 

For more information, check the website: http://www.virnect.com/

Contact:

Jin Park,
Business Developer (+82 70-7733-2744)

news@virnect.com

Sony Electronics Inc. becomes a Member of our VR/AR Association

Sony Electronics Inc. is pleased to announce that they have become the newest member of the VR/AR Association. 

Both the VR/AR Association and Sony Electronics are dedicated to fostering growth in the virtual reality and augmented reality industries. As a member of the association, Sony Electronics will participate in a variety of initiatives by which they will be connected with VR/AR organizations around the world to accelerate the market with smart growth. In addition, Sony will be focusing on continuing to develop and build out technologies similar to their newly announced Spatial Reality Display. 

“We are excited Sony Electronics has joined our global association. Sony Electronics is an electronics leader in both the consumer and professional markets - constantly pushing the limits of innovation with their technologies,” says Kris Kolo, Global Executive Director, VR/AR Association. “We look forward to accelerating the market together with smart growth globally." 

As mentioned previously, the Spatial Reality Display from Sony is one of the company’s latest technologies to inspire this market. Using spatial reality to merge the virtual and physical worlds, the Spatial Reality Display delivers an impressive 3D optical experience viewable with the naked eye. This Spatial Reality Display’s 3D visual technology delivers a futuristic, yet highly practical visual experience where detailed colors, textures, contrasts, and brightness converge, forming a new creative medium for image, character and product design, visualization and manipulation.

“We are excited to participate in the VR/AR Association and to interact with fellow members as we explore ways to leverage our display leadership and heritage within the innovative VR/AR community” says Michiko Araki Kelley, VP, New Business and Corporate Marketing Group, Sony Electronics, North America.

For more information please visit www.thevrara.com.

###

About Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Corporation (Japan), one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information. 

About the VR/AR Association

The VR/AR Association (VRARA) is an international organization designed to foster collaboration between innovative companies and people in the virtual reality and augmented reality ecosystem that accelerates growth, fosters research and education, helps develop industry standards, connects member organizations and promotes the services of member companies.

Contact

Kris Kolo  kris@thevrara.com 

Bangkok Prep students undertake an immersive journey to Mars with Desktop AR

Come meet us at the VRARA Education Forum in April!

Bangkok Prep students joined a workshop focused on developing their own immersive experience on Mars using “Holo-SDK”, a Software Development Kit for developers. In a little game comprising of an astronaut exploring Mars with his own rovers and satellite, students learned the basic principles of Desktop AR technology and the basic tools for making applications.

- The workshop was organized by “Perception”, a now UK-based deep tech company specializing in Desktop Augmented Reality (Desktop AR). The company develops Software Development Kit (SDK) for developers to make computer applications, turning your everyday 2D computers to an immersive and interactive 3D content display.

- Founded in 2019 by “Rabbit” (Dr. Sirisilp Kongsilp), a Desktop AR pioneer, the company recently qualified for the UK’s Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP), which supports overseas deep tech entrepreneurs looking use the UK as a springboard to scale up internationally. Currently, Holo-SDK is partnering with museums and schools in both the UK and Thailand to bring many 3D digital artefacts and interactive learning to life using its holographic applications.

Thursday, 11 Feb 2020 - Perception, a computer software company hosted a workshop on developing Desktop AR for 26 Bangkok Prep International School students in Key Stage 3.

The workshop focused on educating students with basic coding skills and providing a hands on exercise for them to develop their own Desktop AR using the company’s Holographic Software Development Kit (Holo-SDK). Utilizing the company’s sample application, Holo-Mars, the three-hour workshop enables students to make holographic applications using Holo-SDK through a little game that involves an astronaut exploring Mars with his rovers and satellite.

The software aka “Holo-SDK” utilizes Augmented Reality (AR) Technology, enabling users to create their own version of a volumetric display. The software creates the illusion of 3D objects and scenes on any of your ordinary 2D monitor using just a computer, webcam, and 3D glasses (anaglyph glasses).

Students with basic coding skills can enhance their programming skill set and expand their portfolio using Holo-SDK. With such positive feedbacks, the company plans to do more of similar workshop with the school and expand to other schools in Thailand and worldwide with an aim to build future technological entrepreneurs and professionals, building upon necessary digital skills of the 21st century – coding.

‘We want to educate our young students to be technology entrepreneurs, be creators, not consumers. This is why we organized the workshop to teach students at very young age.” said, Perception codes’ Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Krisada Chaiyasarn said.

“It is good to see students being challenged with activities outside of classroom. I can see that Desktop AR applications can be integrated as teaching tools to increase the level of engagement and interactions with lessons.” said, Alison Cantrill, Head of Careers and Student Pathways, Bangkok Prep International School.

Founded by Dr Sirisilp or “Dr. Rabbit”, CEO, who has been working on the Desktop AR during his research 7-8 years ago. The company secured its first seed funding back in 2019. Receiving immense attention as a cost-effective alternative to expensive Augmented Reality, the company then secured the 2nd round of funding from investors and angels in late 2020.

Despite being less than 2 years old, the now, UK based start-up is looking to making technology accessible by putting the tools required for creating Desktop AR applications into the hands of developers.

Its recent business decision to expand to the UK with support from the UK government’s Department for International Trade’s Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP) will see the company partnering with schools and museums, both in Thailand and the UK to enhance learning experience. With the covid-19 strikes, students and people are not able to go to museums, their Holo-SDK is the tool to allow people to access 3D contents at home with minimal costs, re-connecting history and learning with even more people than ever before.

‘Desktop AR is the technology of the future, all future computer applications will be holographic!’ said, Dr. Sirisilp Kongsilp, Founder and CEO, Perception Codes LTD

Perception Codes is one of the 3 Thai companies to qualify for the UK’s Global Entrepreneur Programme (GEP). The programme supports overseas tech entrepreneurs to expand and use the UK as a springboard for scaling up and accessing the global market.

Since its conception in 2004, the programme has helped more than 100 overseas entrepreneurs raised more than £1 bn in total by helping them tap into the UK’s financial resource and advice from the programme’s dealmaker to expand internationally.

Learn more about GEP: https://bit.ly/ukgepthailand
Visit Perception website at: https://www.holo-sdk.com/

Contact

Name: Sirisilp Kongsilp

Email Address: rabbit@perception.codes

ELDC launches MEDVR Education

ELDC launches MEDVR Education, an XR platform designed to offer off-the-shelf VR training programs in the field of patient care and Heathcare management. MedVR Education aims to provide healthcare professionals with the much-needed practice they require to excel in their job. With the sufficient amount of skill practice sessions, MedVR Education is looking towards reducing error rates, providing experiences, boosting confidence and enabling healthcare practitioners to perform their duties with efficiency.

The platform also offers in-depth data analytics on user competencies which will help pin-point the key areas calling for further improvement. No technical expertise is required and there is no need to install, reinstall, sideload, setup, configure details. The platform comes with a VR library configured in the headset and remotely managed on-the-air updates, as and when required.

More info https://medvr.education

MetaVRse releases a 3D Web Interactive Virtual Showroom/Classroom

MetaVRse is a Cloud Platform that makes it easy to Create, Curate & Consume
interactive 3D Experiences across every device through a drag and drop, code optional editor
akin to Photoshop for XR.

MetaVRse launched a 3D Interactive Virtual Showroom template - TRY IT YOURSELF! it is a truly revolutionary product for savvy marketers or trainers in any category looking to engage with customers/teams in an interactive and engaging way.

MetaVRse Virtual Showroom Key Features:
• Fully Interactive & Customizable with Data Analytics
• Web-based, No App
• Integrated Payments
• Use Existing Brand Assets
• Highly Scalable
• Device, OS & Browser Agnostic
• Use existing or new CAD & 3D
• Engaging, Shareable & Fun!

Connect with us at Metavrse.com/VSR to learn more!!

Contact

Name: Julie Smithson

Email Address: julie@metavrse.com

Website URL: https://metavrse.com/vsr/

Pico Completes $37.4M B+ Funding Round; Announces Neo 3 Headset

Pico today announces the completion of a $37.4M B+ funding round. This funding supports Pico’s B2C presence in Asia as well as Pico’s initiatives in Western markets by expanding B2B partners and boosting new product development.

Pico has also announced that an updated model of the Neo 2 headset – the Neo 3 – is being developed and will be released later this year. More details to come at a later date.

Funding to be used for new product development, expansion of partners and deepened service for customers

SAN FRANCISCO – March 10, 2021 – Pico Interactive, a global tech company that develops innovative virtual reality (VR) and enterprise solutions, announces the completion of a $37.4M (€31.4M) B+ funding round, supporting Pico’s B2C presence in Asia as well as Pico’s initiatives in Western markets by expanding the number of B2B partners and boosting new product development.

“Pico is looking to provide its users with the best VR experience possible through excellent hardware, a great content ecosystem and numerous strategic partners,” said Zhou Hongwei, CEO of Pico Interactive. “This funding round will not only help us strengthen the accumulation of key technologies but also introduce high-quality VR games and applications onto our consumer Pico headsets in Asian markets. In addition to the B2C growth in Asia, the funding helps us to continue furthering our presence as a leader in B2B VR solutions in the West. We’re continuously looking for ways to better support our partners and this latest financing will help give us the tools we need to make these visions a reality.”

This funding round was jointly completed by Co-Stone Asset Management Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Yidun Media Investment Fund, Jianyin International Capital Management (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., and CCBI Tech Venture (Suzhou) Combined Debt & Equity Private Equity Fund LLP. Pico has now raised a total of $67.23M (€56.48M) in B and B+ funding. 

Pico is a leader in developing VR headsets for the enterprise, offering four new headsets in 2020 alone. The Neo 2 and Neo 2 Eye are top-of-the-line 6DoF headsets that feature 4K resolution, enterprise functionality, a counterbalanced design for extended wear, spatial stereo speakers and an all-PU facial interface for hygiene. The Neo 2 Eye model adds eye tracking functionality powered by Tobii Spotlight Technology™, allowing businesses to gain a deeper understanding of customer behavior and enhance training efficiency.

An updated model of the Neo 2 headset – the Neo 3 – is being developed and will be released later this year.

Pico’s G2 4K S and G2 4K Enterprise headsets make Pico the only global company to offer a 3DoF solution for the enterprise. Both headsets have 4K resolution, 101° field of view, as well as silicone straps and an all-PU facial interface for easy cleaning. The G2 4K Enterprise also has a 16 MP single RGB camera and more storage to the base model, making it Pico’s most advanced 3DoF head-mounted display (HMD) ever created.

For more information on Pico Interactive, visit www.pico-interactive.com.

About Pico Interactive

Pico Interactive focuses on innovative VR and AR solutions which enable businesses to create and experience the best in VR and Interactive Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). With operations in the United States, Europe, China and Japan, Pico Interactive focuses on creating amazing VR platforms for any application and is built around the principle of “user first design.” To learn more, visit www.pico-interactive.com.

Media Contact

Elsa Anschuetz

Uproar PR for Pico Interactive

321-236-0102 x233

eanschuetz@uproarpr.com

Objective Reality Studios joins the VR/AR Association

Virtual Reality Development and Design Studio to Help Promote Growth in VR Industry

Chillicothe, OH: Objective Reality Studios, a leading provider of practical VR solutions for the public and private sectors, today announced it has joined the VR/AR Association (VRARA). Through this partnership, Objective Reality Studios will be connected with VR and AR organizations around the world that are also participating in the Association’s initiatives to drive usage of these multi-purpose technologies across many fields.

“It’s great to see companies like Objective Reality Studios join our community so we can help them grow their business on a global scale across different verticals,” said Kris Kolo, Global Executive Director, VRARA.

“To continue to develop cutting-edge virtual reality design solutions for our customers in defense, manufacturing, engineering, architecture, education, healthcare, and real estate, Objective Reality Studios is committed to staying abreast of the latest advancements in VR/AR technology”, said Colin Rose, CEO, Objective Reality Studios. “The VR/AR Association is a key player in VR research and education. Their initiatives drive innovation and help set new industry standards.”

For more information please visit www.objectiverealitystudios.com

Contact:

Jennifer Dempsey

Objective Reality Studios (352) 360-5981

Info@objectiverealitystudios.com

LBX Immersive Announces Partnership with Curiious: Immersive Impact

Mare Island, California - LBX Immersive is excited to announce that we have partnered with Curiious: Immersive Impact as their North American reseller. Curiious: Immersive Impact is an Australian company best-known for delivering content and platforms that change the way audiences learn, discover, and engage. They are the creator of WISE: Emotional Fitness-the most advanced and comprehensive Immersive Social Emotional Learning VR program available. For LBX Immersive, partnering with Curiious: Immersive Impact enhances our mission to make VR/AR/MR more accessible to Secondary Schools, High Schools, and Universities.

As a reseller for Curiious: Immersive Impact, we will be introducing WISE: Emotional Fitness and the Curiious Software Suite (Currious IQ Controller + Creators Toolkit) to schools across North America. The WISE program harnesses the power of virtual reality to equip participants with the practical skills to build strong connections from themselves to others and the world around them. While the Curiious Software Suite, allows teachers to collaborate with students in creating and exploring virtual reality experiences-no code required. In the face of the pandemic and a fast-paced changing world, these programs can be used to support the emotional and creative needs of teachers, students, and parents.

Contact

Name: Craig Colwell

Email Address: craig@lbximmersive.com

Lethbridge College's Virtual and Augmented Reality Certificate Program available worldwide starting September 2021!

Lethbridge College’s Virtual and Augmented Reality Certificate program will be available anywhere in the world starting September 2021. Learn to create compelling assets and highly immersive experiences. Students and recent grads in the program work hands-on on industry projects. Some of which include agriculture education, social VR event development, natural history experiences, healthcare training, and more. This 1-year intensive program will set you up with the skills, industry connections and ability to take reality to the next level.

Lethbridge College will get you ready for a career in the latest emerging technology-virtual and augmented reality. Enhance your technical expertise and convert ideas from your imagination into exciting and relevant Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) content.

Learn more and apply here

Welcome to The Twinverse

SO REAL Digital Twins believes in the power of immersive experiences to bring cultures together, to educate, and to make the world smaller. 2 years ago, upon learning just how much time and effort it takes to create photorealistic, game-engine-ready 3D assets whose physics is correct, they saw it as a major bottleneck, as friction in the system slowing down the realization of the whole dream. They set out to change that.

Using patented scanning and conversion technology, SO REAL automates the production of high-quality, game-engine ready 3D & 4D objects as well as full digital twins. Using CT (Computed Tomography) as their preferred scanning technology, they capture everything in the object, both inside and out, in shocking detail.

One week ago, SO REAL soft-launched The Twinverse, a web-shop for 3D objects.
All models are fully tested. There is never the need for rework or tweaking. Every one comes with every file and format a developer will ever need including 3 LOD's.

Each object can have 5 versions. The simplest is just a mesh and texture of the exterior. The most complex includes:
- mesh and texture of all components both interior and exterior
- everything needed for interaction: Cg & collider
- metadata (which the user can specify)

SO REAL asks for your help in building The Twinverse. Currently, there are fewer than 250 objects there and as the automation level grows, the number of objects there will increase rapidly. Visit the Twinverse twinverse.soreal.ch and let them know what you would like to see next.

Contact

Name: Ian Ravenshaw Bland

Email Address: ian@soreal.ch

New! 3D PluraView VR Desktop 3D Stereo Monitor from Schneider Digital

The unique 3D PluraView Stereo Monitor is the optimal solution for real 3D-stereo visualization in a wide variety of Geospatial Applications such as Photogrammetry, GIS / Mapping, 3D LiDAR, the oil & gas industry, archeology, BIM and 3D city modelling. The 3D PluraView monitor enables fatigue-free, stereoscopic work in the highest, flicker-free 3D stereo image quality with resolutions up to 4K, even in daylight office conditions.

The 3D PluraView Stereo Monitor is the optimal solution for real 3D-stereo visualization in a wide variety of GEO / GIS areas, such as Photogrammetry, GIS & Mapping, LiDAR, 3D Scanning, for the oil & gas industry, Archeology, BIM & 3D city modeling. As a desktop-monitor the 3D PluraView is plug & play compatible - without special graphics drivers - with stereo software applications from leading manufacturers  - e.g. esri, Trimble-INPHO, Hexagon, Agisoft, DAT/EM, Terrasolid, etc. The 3D PluraView monitor enables fatigue-free, stereoscopic work in the highest, flicker-free 3D stereo image quality with resolutions up to 4K, even in daylight office conditions.

The 3D PluraView monitor from Schneider Digital enables professional geospatial users to work comfortably and fatigue-free in all 3D-stereo environments. Innovative beam-splitter technology is the basis for precise, pixel-accurate stereoscopic image analysis with the highest quality up to 4K resolution, even in office daylight conditions. The new monitor has been designed for a wide variety of geospatial applications, such as Photogrammetry, GIS / Mapping, 3D LiDAR, the oil & gas industry, archeology, BIM and 3D city modelling

Designed for professional users: The optimum 3D-Stereo experience for full-time operations

The Schneider Digital 3D PluraView monitors feature optimized beam-splitter technology for the highest quality in stereoscopic rendering on the desktop. The 3D PluraView monitors are ideally suited for all stereo software applications in most major industries. The monitor is the optimal solution for real 3D-stereo visualization in a wide variety of Geospatial enviroments and is certified for over 300 Stereo Software-Applications e.g. ESRI, HEXAGON, TRIMBLE, AGISOFT, etc. Thanks to the innovative established beam-splitter technology the 3D PluraView monitor enables fatigue-free, stereoscopic work in the highest, flicker-free 3D stereo image quality with resolutions up to 4K Resolution @ 10-bit color depth, even in daylight office conditions. As ‘Plug & Play` system the 3D PluraVIew ist easy to install within minutes on all standard Workstations and works with all professional Graphics Cards.

As the market reference system the 3D PluraView Monitor with its innovative and reliable beam-splitter technology is the basis for pixel-precise, stereoscopic 3D image displays, offering the highest stereo-viewing quality possible. Currently, PluraView stereo displays can be configured with screen diagonals of up to 28”, resolutions up to 4K (UHD) and a color depth of 10-bit per pixel. With screen refresh rates of only 1-ms, a blur-free image display for motion videos and smooth stereo image roaming is guaranteed.

Especially with GIS and photogrammetry applications, professional users are faced by the challenge of quickly loading large amounts of data and visualizing these in stereoscopic mode on a 3D-capable system. Professionals who are working daily with high-resolution 3D mesh models, stereo imagery, CAD and GIS data, need a flicker-free, daylight-capable 3D monitor, which allows fatigue-free, stereoscopic interaction all day long.

Schneider Digital has introduced the 3D PluraView family of beam-splitter, passive 3D stereo displays, to meet these exact needs. 3D PluraView monitors are specifically designed for stereoscopic display, interfacing seamlessly to most 3D-capable software applications in industries such as photogrammetry, LiDAR point clouds and CAD – or GIS – based 3D data visualization. Only with cross-polarized, passive stereo filters, can stereo images, intricate CAD, mesh and other surfaces and textures be reproduced down to the smallest detail.

Highest user acceptance thanks to comfortable working in 3D-Stereo

The 3D PluraView monitors promise an extremely comfortable, precise and pixel-accurate work environment. Image analysis is now possible with a maximum resolution of 4K (3840 × 2160) per monitor and an RGB color depth of up to 10-bit. With this solution, all user problems with LCD shutter glasses are a thing of the past. The LCD-based active image separation results in much darker and reduced-contrast stereo images. The low 60Hz frequency of the LCD shutters also strains the eyes and leads to operator fatigue.

Each 3D PluraView monitor assembly features two screens mounted at a fixed angle above each other. Each screen displays one of the stereo images at full resolution. The two images are combined into a single, cross-polarized display by the centrally mounted beam-splitter mirror, acting as a passive polarization filter. Viewed through lightweight, passively polarized glasses, both images are combined into a full-resolution, flicker-free, brilliantly bright and contrast-rich stereo image. This technology combination represents the optimum 3D stereo-display solution for professional use.

The 3D PluraView system enjoys the highest user satisfaction and user acceptance of all 3D-display systems currently on the market! The central beam-splitter stereo technology has been established since 2005 and with the latest addition of 4K-displays and enhanced 10-bit color depth, it is the current state-of-the-art 3D-display reference.

Wide Product range for every requirement: Two different assembly sizes – three resolutions (Full HD, 2.5K and 4K UHD) – four Screensizes 22”, 24”, 27” and 28” with Tracking 

To meet the different requirements of our customers for screen resolution, monitor size and possible desktop space restrictions, we offer the 3D PluraView product family in two different assembly sizes, four monitor sizes and in three different screen resolutions.

Starting with a smaller form-factor for the PluraView system, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolutions are available for the 22” and 24” PluraView screen sizes. Their compact assembly with reduced depth is suitable for smaller desktop sizes and therefore ideal for production offices with multiple workstations in one room.

Our second assembly is designed for 27” and 28” monitors. The 3D PluraView 2.5 model offers a screen diagonal of 27“ at a 2.5K resolution with 2.560 x 1.440 pixels. The 3D PluraView 4K visualizes 3.840 x 2.160 pixels on a screen diagonal of 28“ and is the top model of the PluraView family. The 28” VR PluraView Model is also available as a Desktop Virtual Reality System with an intuitive professional tracking system (Head tracking, balls and ttick). The larger assembly also features an integrated DisplayPort 1.2 screen mirroring card.

3D PluraView Monitors delivers the following main highlights:

• Absolutely Flicker-free longtime established 3D-Stereo Beamsplitter Technology for relaxed 3D operations 

  and continuous, professional use

• Highest brightness with one monitor per stereo channel and each eye – suitable for office daylight conditions

• Ultra high resolution - up to 4K @ 10-bit color depth - for for a precise, pixel-accurate stereoscopic image

• Certified for Photogrammetry and GIS (ESRI, HEXAGON, TRIMBLE, AGISOFT, etc.)

• Wide viewing angle – suitable for group viewings up to 5 people

• Plug & Play System with all leading 3D-Stereo Software Applications for all professional branches: 

  Runs without any driver under Windows /LINUX / macOS with workstations or laptops and compatible 

  with all 3D-Hardware devices e.g. GIS-Measurement Mice, CAD 3D-Controller, passive 3D-Glasses

• 3D PluraView as a advanced professional Replacement of the former PLANAR Beamsplitter Monitors

• VR PluraView with Tracking functionality - Object tracking with trackballs or 3D-Pens - for realistic 

  model interaction and intuitive VR experience

• VR PluraView as a Replacement of the end of life nvidia 3D Vision HMD Goggle-System

• Highest quality with functional, ergonomic design – Made in Germany

For further informations please visit www.pluraview.com

Schneider Digital – The company:

Schneider Digital is a global full-service solution provider for professional 3D-stereo, 4K/8K and VR/AR hardware. Based on its 25 years of industry and product experience as well as its excellent relationships with leading manufacturers, Schneider Digital offers innovative, sophisticated professional hardware products and customized complete solutions for professional use. Qualified advice and committed after-sales service are the company's own standards.

The Schneider Digital product portfolio includes the right professional hardware solution for the respective requirements in these areas: High resolution 4K/8K to multi-display walls. Schneider Digital is the manufacturer of its own powerwall solution smartVR-Wall and the passive stereo monitor 3D PluraView. Performance workstations and professional graphics cards from AMD and NVIDIA as well as innovative hardware peripherals (tracking, input devices, etc.) round off the product range. Many articles are in stock. This guarantees fast delivery and project realization.

Schneider Digital is an authorised service distributor of AMD FirePRO/Radeon Pro, PNY/NVIDIA Quadro, 3Dconnexion, Stealth int., Planar and EIZO. Schneider Digital products are used primarily in graphics-intensive computer applications such as CAD/CAM/CAE, FEM, CFD, simulation, GIS, architecture, medicine and research, film, TV, animation and digital imaging.

Further information is available at  www.schneider-digital.com and www.PluraView.com.

Schneider Digital press contact:

LEAD Industrie-Marketing GmbH

André Geßner Tel.: +49 80 22 - 91 53 188

Hauptstr.46 E-Mail: agessner@lead-industrie-marketing.de

D-83684 Tegernsee Internet: www.lead-industrie-marketing.de

Varjo becomes the First Extended Reality Hardware Provider to Join Unity's Verified Solution Partner Program

The partnership between Varjo and Unity will empower even more professionals to build high-quality, photorealistic 3D experiences and drive innovation across industries. As a Unity Verified Solution Partner, all Varjo headsets – including the newly released Varjo XR-3 and VR-3 – now have complete, verified and seamless compatibility with the latest Unity releases.

Helsinki, Finland – March 2, 2021 – Varjo, the leader in high-performance XR/VR hardware and software, today announced that it is now a Unity Verified Solution Partner – the first official XR/VR hardware provider to join this exclusive program. Unity is the world’s leading platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D content. Creators, ranging from game developers to artists, architects, automotive designers, filmmakers, and more, use Unity to make their imaginations come to life.

The partnership between Varjo and Unity will empower even more professionals to build high-quality, photorealistic 3D experiences and drive innovation across industries. As a Unity Verified Solution Partner, all Varjo headsets – including the newly released Varjo XR-3 and VR-3 – now have complete, verified and seamless compatibility with the latest Unity releases. Unity developers can now take full advantage of Varjo’s unique VR and XR capabilities such as industry-leading human-eye resolution visual fidelity (at over 70 pixels per degree), photorealistic video pass-through mixed reality, real-time chroma keying, and more.

“Varjo is constantly pushing the bounds of what is possible for high-fidelity immersive experiences,” said Timoni West, Vice President, Augmented & Virtual Reality at Unity. “Unity developers can now be sure their high-resolution, detailed environments and experiences will display beautifully on Varjo devices, and trust that their applications will work seamlessly with these groundbreaking headsets.”

With this formalized collaboration between Unity and Varjo, it is now extremely easy for developers to create real-time 3D mixed reality content for Varjo hardware. Thanks to its low-latency video pass-through, the Varjo XR-3 is the first and the only device capable of portraying all aspects of extended reality, from virtual reality to photorealistic augmented and mixed reality, and offering combined AR/VR support in Unity.

The Varjo XR-3 is the first and the only device capable of portraying all aspects of extended reality, from virtual reality to photorealistic augmented and mixed reality, and offering combined AR/VR support in Unity.

“Together, Unity and Varjo are powering the creation of immersive experiences that appear as real as the world we live in,” says Marcus Olsson, Head of Software Partnerships at Varjo. “We’re confident that our partnership can help drive a paradigm mindset shift from developing real-time 3D content, towards building true extended reality experiences where users can no longer tell the difference between what is real and what is virtual.”

In 2019, Varjo and Volvo Cars utilized Unity to develop the world’s first pass-through video viewing, enabling users to see what is going on in the outside world. Combining the capabilities of Varjo’s technology with Volvo’s superior models and Unity’s photorealistic graphics, Volvo developers can now perform design-studies of future vehicle models before they are even built by adding photorealistic virtual elements to the interior of the vehicle.

“Through our combined use of Varjo’s mixed reality headsets and the unique power of Unity’s real-time 3D engine, we are pioneering automotive design work,” said Christian Braun, Vice President of Visual Art Design at Volvo. “The immersive experiences we are able to create are so realistic that we can now accurately explore and test new design possibilities for aesthetics and safety that weren’t possible until now. Not only are these advanced technologies enhancing and streamlining our entire design process from start to finish, but Varjo and Unity are also getting us closer to realizing our dream for the future of creativity.”

As a Unity Verified Solution Partner, Varjo will continue to work with Unity to make it even easier for enterprises to develop compelling immersive solutions.

To meet this end, Varjo would like to invite all Unity developers, enterprise integrators and software providers to join Varjo’s Software Partner Program. By applying to the program, Unity developers can unlock significant discounts and benefits on Varjo’s industry-leading devices. Qualified Unity developers may even receive a free Varjo device to kickstart developing photorealistic VR/XR experiences today.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://developer.varjo.com/