Updates for our VRARA Education Forum on May 19

We are 3 weeks away from our virtual event, VRARA Education Forum 2022, on May 19 and wanted to share with you our confirmed speakers and agenda thus far.

We expect 1K+ audience. Just like in our previous Forums, our event will bring together educators from schools around the world, and vendors who are leading the immersive EdTech space!

There is still time to apply to speak or sponsor (apply on the event's webpage)!

Participants include:

Initial Agenda:

• 1-on-1 Networking - get to meet the speakers and other attendees (one of the most valuable features of our virtual events!)

• Welcome & Introduction by our Education Co-Chairs: Carlos J. Ochoa from ONE Digital, Alex Grady from Unity, Colleen Bielitz from Southern Connecticut State University

• Virtual Field Trips – What, Who, Where and Why? (Panel)

• How to Build Learning Scenarios in VR (Panel), Christine Janssen, Edstutia

• Managing VR Devices in the Classroom, Luke Wilson, ManageXR

• Future of Education in the Metaverse, Rrahul Sethi, Expoodle

• Measuring Education Outcomes in Healthcare, Pavel Makarevich, Proven Solution

• How To Make Movies in the Metaverse, Professor Frank Chindamo, Virtual Film School

• Teaching in VR, Kim Grinfeder, Associate Professor and Director of the XR Initiative, University of Miami

• Emerging Technologies for Education, Tess McKinney, University of Nebraska

• And more! Check Schedule.

We are looking forward to your participation on May 19!

If you haven't yet, register today!

MetaVRse introduces TheMall, a virtual retail destination in the Metaverse

MetaVRse, a leading web based creation platform, is introducing TheMall.io, a photorealistic 3D shopping center, accessible by over 7 billion devices via the Web. Starting today, private investors and retailers have the opportunity to purchase individual 1 million square foot floors in TheMall as NFT’s, with a starting price of $300,000 (~100 ETH). Landlords have the autonomy to develop this space however they want, from building stores that sell virtual and physical goods, to creating entertainment Web3 experiences. Floors can be subdivided into smaller parcels, leased or built out.

“Our goal is to be the No. 1 retail and entertainment destination in the metaverse” commented Alan Smithson, Co-Founder of parent company MetaVRse. “Investors, brands and retailers have the unique opportunity to own a piece of the metaverse and build anything they can possibly dream up.”

Key features of TheMall include:

● Photorealistic 3D web technology built on MetaVRse Engine
● Ability to purchase physical, virtual and direct-to-avatar products
● Real-world items bought in TheMall are shipped to the real world
● Option to purchase in fiat or cryptocurrency
● Multiplayer communications with avatar, video and text options
● Proprietary avatar creation system allowing brands to create standardized clothing and accessories
● Turnkey retail and experience spaces available for lease with creative and production services from MetaVRse Studio

TheMall offers an unprecedented opportunity for brands and retailers to increase customer engagement. Anyone can build 3D immersive experiences like stores, interactive entertainment such as events, games, concerts and celebrity meetups, with the goal of creating and fortifying a community of passionate fans in a brand safe environment. “Our goal is to build a flourishing community that is engaged in the joy of shopping” continued Smithson “We want people to have fun with their friends in a casual and exciting environment that will constantly evolve to serve the needs of TheMall guests”.

TheMall will open to the general public in Q4 2022. Interested parties can sign up for private tours and early access at TheMall.io

About MetaVRse
MetaVRse is a low-code 3D creation platform that allows anyone to build interactive experiences and deploy them instantly on the web without the need for app stores. Since 2016, MetaVRse Studio has created over 140 unique 3D, Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality (XR) projects for some of the world’s top Brands like Mastercard, Siemens, Samsung, JP Morgan, Pearson Education, and more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlCQ_wi2VJk

Nextech AR Launches Metaverse Builder App “ARitize Maps" @Nextech_AR

Nextech AR is excited to announce the public launch of its Metaverse app, ARitize Maps. This app is an all-in-one Metaverse creation tool, and the first end-to-end Metaverse mapping solution for consumers and brands alike. New features of the app included with the launch are augmented reality mapping, localization, and easy drag and drop of AR content, including navigation and the ability to view 3D Models in a user's created map. The full release follows the successful beta testing launch in February 2022.

See more at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyXBZFOBxjM

Magnetic Mobile Launches First Augmented Reality Promotions Platform for E-Commerce @Marxent

Read the entire story here.

As a Platinum Partner of 3D Cloud™ by Marxent, Magnetic Mobile taps into many years of 3D and AR expertise. In 2021 alone, 3D Cloud™ by Marxent clients saw a 250% increase in sales conversions after a product was viewed in AR and a 180% increase in total dollar value of the resulting transactions. Charge AR clients will also benefit from the infrastructure of the 3D Cloud™ platform, which has been proven to support large-scale 3D model delivery with superior performance and security.

"We've seen the power of 3D visualization in the furniture and home improvement industry for years," said Beck Besecker, 3D Cloud™ by Marxent's CEO and Magnetic Mobile Co-Founder. "Now AR is expanding to many more categories and it's becoming table stakes for any online shopping experience. With their background in digital offer management and customer loyalty, the Magnetic team is a natural fit to take AR models a step further by combining them with marketing messages that drive sales."

Highlights from the Microsoft HoloLens Education Industry Forum hosted by VRARA: 100s attended from 66 countries!

On April 20, we hosted the virtual event, Microsoft HoloLens Education Industry Forum. The goal of the event was to create a community of organizations excited by how HoloLens is being used to transform education. We learnt from & engaged with Microsoft Mixed Reality leaders. Heard from other customers. Discovered new industry focused solutions. Shared own experiences. And, made the most out of our investment in mixed reality!

A few highlights:

Utopia VR Launches Global Metaverse Platform and Profit Share Program @myUtopiaVR

April 19, 2022 -- via InvestorWire -- Utopia VR (“Utopia VR” or the “Company”), a global leader in providing web-based metaverse solutions, today announces that it has launched its global metaverse platform and profit share affiliate program. There is no cost to join the affiliate program, and a registered affiliate does not have to be a paid subscriber.

Utopia VR offers users around the globe a free subscription to experience the metaverse. In addition, Utopia VR provides a highly competitive selection of business plans ranging from $13.95-$44.95 per month. Utopia VR’s plans include a variety of virtual rooms (VRooms™). These virtual environments are tailored for a vast array of global market solutions for business, sales, marketing, and education, just to name a few. In addition, more than a thousand beta-users have seen the social benefits and consider Utopia VR’s platform an impactful and feature-rich alternative to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco’s Webex as a replacement to communicate and socialize with business colleagues, family, and friends.

Utopia VR’s “The Metaverse for Everyone™” is a one-click, web-based, avatar-driven, mobile-friendly audio and videoconferencing platform that utilizes innovative 3D web technology. Utopia VR’s free virtual platform works on all relevant devices: PC, mobile and VR headsets such as Oculus Quest or HTC Vive. No software or hardware is needed.

Based on the enthusiasm of early subscribers from around the globe, Utopia VR is convinced that its best marketers will be its free and paid customers; to that end, the Company is delighted to offer a generous affiliate commission package that rewards customers for sharing Utopia VR with others.

A video preview of Utopia’s “Are You Ready for The Metaverse?” can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEwgAm7YUTk

Kevin Vincent, VP of global marketing, said, “This new and exciting internet era is a turning point for the internet. Everyone recognizes that there are companies that have dominated the dot-com landscape for years. It’s time the average person benefits from this new era, and we are excited to share our revenue with our customers.”

Jazmin dela Cruz, digital marketing, and community manager, said, “If you sell physical, digital, or personal services through Utopia VR, how much of that transaction will you be able to keep? 

Answer: 100%. 

That’s right. Unlike major companies including Apple, Meta and others that keep, or plan to keep, up to 50% of your transactional revenue, goods and services, revenue that is generated through Utopia VR is yours to keep. We’ve said from day one that we are ‘The MetaVeRse for Everyone.’ There are no transaction fees, and we are sharing our monthly subscription fees with our users who refer others. It’s time that everyone benefits from the web.”  

Cory Braden, chief technical officer, commented, “Utopia VR is empowering our users to create their own presence in the metaverse. We have dozens of unique 3D spaces to spark your imagination, and you'll instantly have access to powerful collaboration tools like screen and camera sharing; viewing documents, images, and video; drawing; and, of course, voice and video chat, all seamlessly integrated into your environment on a single web page. Your guests can make great-looking avatars and enjoy fun, immersive meetups using just a web browser on their favorite device."

David Martin, VP of global operations, said, “The transition of digital commerce 2.0, one-dimensional website(s), over to the metaverse and three-dimensional, fully interactive environments, is going to be extremely rapid. Every entity that has an existing website owns digital assets to represent their company. This includes text, describing what they do; pictures; videos; PDF presentations; slideshows; etc. To transition the digital assets, all that is required is to copy and paste the content into one of our VRooms. This will allow their customers and audiences to experience their company in a whole new, immersive way. The transition of the metaverse will change how business is done in the future.”             

Members of Utopia VR navigate through the various VRoom™ environments by using avatars; users can walk, talk, and sit – just like they do in the real world. A user’s avatar can be controlled with a computer keyboard, smartphone, or virtual reality headset such as Oculus Quest or HTC Vive. Text chat, voice and video can be used to communicate with others. For important meetings and presentations, users can also import audio, video, 3D pictures, animated objects, PDF files and their favourite NFTs by simply dragging and dropping their file into a VRoom™ or by pasting a video link from supported media platforms such as Vimeo.

On Sept. 23, 2020, Utopia VR announced that it had positioned itself to capitalize on worldwide market share of the metaverse with the release of its Apple mobile app. Utopia VR’s app enables users to personalize their own 3D environments and then schedule business meetings or social meetups in seconds through a proprietary link management system.

Utopia VR’s app is now available for all iPhone and iPad users. The Company’s website mirrors the app, which means users can access Utopia VR directly from a PC, laptop, tablet, or VR headset without downloading the app. Utopia VR’s Android version is anticipated to be released in Q3 of 2022.

About Utopia VR (Apex VR Holdings Inc.)

Apex VR Holdings Inc. (Apex) is doing business as Utopia VR. Apex is a diversified metaverse solutions company. The members of the Apex management team have extensive experience in technology and innovation and have been employed or worked in third-party capacities with technology companies such as Microsoft and Skype. In addition, the management team members have backgrounds in both the private and public financial markets and have led junior-listed public offerings for companies that have realized billion-dollar market valuations. 

“The Metaverse for Everyone™ is a collection of 3D worlds that users explore as avatars. Individual users or companies can outfit their own private virtual rooms with pictures, videos, PowerPoint presentations or even 3D objects. You can permanently pin the objects, therefore making your virtual environments live forever! After subscribing, a user can create their own marketplace for e-commerce – both physical and digital products – or even upload and sell their own NFTs in one of their own virtual galleries. Utopia VR’s The Metaverse for Everyone provides a one-click, web-based, avatar-driven, mobile-friendly audio and videoconferencing platform that utilizes innovative 3D web technology. Utopia VR’s free virtual platform works on all relevant devices: PC, mobile and VR headsets such as Oculus Quest or HTC Vive.

Utopia VR’s app is now available for all iPhone and iPad users. The Company’s website mirrors the app, which means users can access Utopia VR directly from a PC, laptop, tablet, or VR headset without downloading the app, making it very Android friendly.

Trademarks:
“The Metaverse for Everyone™,” “VRoom™,” “VRooms™”
*Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Cisco’s Webex are all registered trademarks of their respective companies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
“Stuart Gray”

President

For Media inquiries
stuart@utopiavr.com
Office: 250-868-0787

For sales, business development and general inquiries
email: kevin@utopiavr.com

To schedule a virtual tour demo
email: jazmin@utopiavr.com

For technical inquiries
email:  cory@utopiavr.com

Leading the revolution of mixed reality training and support, a major update, frontline.io version 22.1 is out!

Frontline.io is at the forefront of XR training & support for enterprises. It is a mixed-reality SaaS platform that simplifies advanced technologies like digital twinning, virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, as well as, technical training and remote support. frontline.io easily transforms 3D CAD files into accurate and practical digital twin models. 

VR/AR-based workforce development is expected to expand by 24% in the next three years. In response, frontline.io's software platform drastically improves technical training and remote support. The platform is created specifically for virtual engagement with complex mechanical devices, allowing you to digitally recreate practical demonstrations that are difficult or impossible to accomplish in their physical counterparts. Every new feature offers greater real-time information flow and field data analysis, allowing professionals to progress more quickly.

Their latest update, version 22.1, focuses heavily on improving the user experience by introducing first-in-line localization functionality for AR/VR software. Version 22.1 focuses on user empowerment with a code-free animation builder and the ability to connect with Docebo LMS. They are pushing the envelope even further with Mixed Reality using object detection and enhancing the 3D studio.

Hello, Buenos Dias, Bonjour, Ciao, Guten Tag 

With its easy drag & drop flow editor, Frontline.io has now introduced new language localization capabilities to let you build multi-language Workflows. Diverse cultural teams can work together seamlessly by choosing the appropriate languages for each individual inside the Workflow. In this update, ten languages are available with localization, including British and American English, two types of Spanish and Portuguese, French, Italian, and German.

Content creation made easy

The next generation of AR/VR is here with the Animation Builder feature. This feature prioritizes user empowerment by allowing users to create animations with the help of Digital Twin and then integrate them with Interactive Flow. It takes less than 30 minutes to learn and familiarize yourself with the software and requires no coding whatsoever. Never worry about recreating the same animations as they are saved in the repository once created and are always available in other projects to reuse with the interactive flow.

LMS connectivity

To enhance the learning experience one step further, frontline.io has now fully integrated with Docebo LMS. The learning management system further assists the training processes by introducing advanced functionalities like coaching, automation, audits, creating certifications, enrollment rules, and external training. frontline.io aims to add more existing knowledge management tools such as LMS and CRM to improve the learning environment.

Cross platform Mixed reality object tracking

Another massive feature introduced in this update is the ability to overlay virtual objects on their physical counterpart using Mixed Reality. The 3D digital twin version overlaps with the physical element by locking onto it once the shape outline is detected and allows you to use the interactive flows or remote support on various devices like mobile, tablet, or XR headsets.

About Us 

frontline.io is a XR platform developed by LLS Ltd. frontline.io has revolutionized the way manufacturers and service providers train their technicians and operators while cutting costs and streamlining procedures. frontline.io's customers use it to drastically cut training and support expenditures within their businesses and with their customers. Landa, Singapore Airlines , IAI, Rotax, and Elbit Systems are among the major clientele. Explore endless opportunities of virtual training and machine simulations with frontline.io TODAY! 

Find us at: http://frontline.io/

Recap of our events around BitCoin 2022 in Miami, which had 30,000 attendees and exhibitors!

Miami is one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in North America and has quickly become the crypto capital to meet, collaborate, network, and party.

Bitcoin 2022 in Miami had 30,000 attendees and exhibitors (according to the Miami Herald.) The four-day event brought together developers, business leaders, policymakers and builders of the Bitcoin economy.

We’ve had a number of amazing demos and experiences and hosted several business networking, experiential and panel discussion events (video shows some of our highlights). Our goal is to bring together our VR/AR community with the blockchain ecosystem and showcase the best-minds at our Immerse Global Summit, happening in-person in Miami, Dec 5-7, 2022.

Our Summit is a conference+expo featuring revolutionary presentations, exhibits, and special events led by companies and organizations leading global industries. Our Summit is sure to sell out. With past participants such as Microsoft, Google, Disney, and the NBA, our Summit is where leaders in your industry will want to be this December!

The Immerse Global Summit Lights Up Miami This December

By Kit Campoy

As Miami recovers from Bitcoin 2022, more conventions are gearing up and getting ready to take over the beautiful coastal city at the Immerse Global Summit .

Miami has quickly become the cryptocurrency and DeFi capital, a mecca for the fintech sector to meet, collaborate, network, and party. Miami has warm weather, white sand beaches, and Cuban coffee. What’s not to love?

The Ultimate Technology and Business Growth Summit

The Immerse Global Summit is back in person from December 5-7, 2022.

This summit is an immersive technology convention featuring revolutionary presentations, exhibits, and events led by companies and organizations leading global industries. These savvy individuals will share practical and valuable real-use cases in this world-class city.

Get Involved Before it’s Too Late.

The Immerse Global Summit is sure to sell out. With past sponsors such as Microsoft, Google, Disney, and the NBA, the Immerse Global Summit is where leaders in the DeFi industry will want to be this December.

The convention features three days of networking, education, and immersive technology shows. Additionally, the summit still has speaking opportunities and room for exhibits.

Don’t miss out.

Miami is one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in North America and home to incredible projects. Read about how BitBasel is bringing Miami’s art scene to life through crypto.

Not only does Miami care about the arts, but it also cares about representing women in tech. Check out how Web3 Equity plans to launch a new NFT project chaired by women.

Lightspace delivers the first Augmented Reality headset defense system to Ukraine

Lightspace CEO Madara Kalniņa-Kalnmale has been interviewed on TV3 Group news about campaign they have launched as a response to Ukraine's request for help.

The aim of the project is to support Ukraine with more advanced technology solutions and deliver Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for those who fight at the frontline against unprecedented aggression.

Ukrainians on the frontlines need military technology solutions that will strengthen their defense and creating a more advanced and better-equipped force. The Ukrainian army needs effective operations planning and execution solutions, that would reduce their being in high-risk zones, while still successfully protecting the country and its people.

This project aims to deliver 50 units of Augmented Reality headset-assisted Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) allowing the Ukrainian forces to act with a higher capacity, enhanced survivability, and reduced risks due to separating fire application points from personnel positions.

The augmented reality enhanced remote weapon station allows soldiers to be within a distance of up to 10km from the system, depending on tactical requirements, thus not exposing them to high-risk environments.

The RWS units have many advantages, such as a fast setup and a high degree of mobility. The units are portable and allows a near hands-free operation, as AR vision in combination with remote control is used. The system includes day/night/thermal targeting.

The campaign is run by Teters, a fast-growing licensed developer, supplier and manufacturer of defense and security solutions in Latvia since 2010 (CAGE/NCAGE A0Q8D). The company’s core offer is products for military engineering units – armor-penetrating, shaped and EFP charges, demolition and obstacle-clearing kits, and other explosives products and related systems for all kinds of military applications. The company is also developing AI-enhanced ISR electronic devices such as remote weapon stations. Teters works closely with local and international partners from NATO countries and Ukraine.

To support Teters’ remote weaponry, the company has chosen Lightspace - a breakthrough AR technology provider. Lightspace is a manufacturer of AR headsets intended for use in any scenario that requires remote assistance. Their headsets are the very first AR devices in the world capable of reconstructing virtual objects up to the smallest detail, creating optically precise images, crucial for detecting target position.

VRARA Netherlands Ecosystem Report featuring 78 companies! (Download here)

Download report

VRARA Netherlands Report

After the name change of Oculus to Meta, the media finally understood: we need to look into this VR and AR thing. So the next day I got almost a dozen emails in our inbox from television networks and newspapers. Most of them asking the question: do you have any sense of the Dutch ecosystem? How many companies are working in this field? What are they doing? And most importantly: what is this tech exactly? But I could offer only limited answers.

A year ago, I took over the VR/AR Association Netherlands Chapter with one mission: to get more recognition for the Dutch ecosystem and make it more visible to the world. My plan was to do this by organizing international events and to help Dutch companies participate in the general VRARA fora that are organized twice a year. And now with this report, we finally have a document for anyone in the world to find and read. Including the media who want to know what we are doing with this technology.

The VR/AR association is a worldwide organization for anyone who is working in VR or AR. The goal is to spread knowledge, offer a network of professionals and to help grow your company.

When I read the final report, I became incredibly proud: we have 26% more companies who participate in the report compared to three years ago in the 2019 report. Participating companies even filled in a questionnaire about their industry and products, giving us more insight into the industry. This report thereby includes an extensive look at these statistics and overall insights.

And I am incredibly proud of the Dutch VR/AR ecosystem. Last year, Vertigo Games was acquired by Enhanced for 85 million euros. As a next step, it was merged with another big VR studio ForcefieldXR. During the past Sony presentation, Dutch game company Guerrilla Games announced that they are the first who will launch a Triple-A game for the upcoming Sony VR system.

This report makes the Dutch VR/AR ecosystem visible. Use our network and this report to find your next business partner, investment opportunity or work place.

Enjoy!

Freek Teunen

VRARA Chapter President, Netherlands

disguise launches new Unreal Engine 5 plugin for next-generation visuals across live and virtual production

London, 7 April 2022) - Following the highly anticipated launch of Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5, users of visual storytelling platform disguise can, with the help of disguise’s new RenderStream plugin, immediately benefit from the game engine’s next-generation photorealistic visual capabilities.

disguise has been working closely with Epic Games to develop and launch the latest version of their free, open-sourced proprietary RenderStream plugin that allows its user community to seamlessly integrate Unreal Engine into their disguise workflow with minimal configuration. Through RenderStream, disguise users can create output streams on Unreal Engine projects allowing them to make real-time content changes directly from disguise’s software interface Designer.

The new plugin also enables users to unlock new features in Unreal Engine 5 such as the Nanite virtualised micropolygon geometry system and a new Virtual Shadow Map system, allowing them to create virtual scenes in extended reality (xR) with massive amounts of geometric detail.

To benefit from the latest features in Unreal Engine 5 within their disguise productions, users will need to have access to the latest disguise software release, r21. Released just a week before UE5, r21 brought significant improvements to the disguise software UI and overall system performance, as well as new tools for colour workflows. Developed with the help of disguise’s Live and Colour Insider groups and software beta testers, r21 addresses common user challenges and requirements across both live and virtual production environments, also unlocking a most streamlined user experience.

For the past two years, disguise and Epic Games have been partnering to democratise the delivery of 3D graphics across all types of industries including virtual production, broadcast, corporate events and beyond. Where Unreal Engine continues to push the boundaries in photorealistic 3D graphics, disguise offers a seamless way to deliver this real-time generated content into LED volumes, projection setups and any sort of physical display configuration - at any scale.

“Unreal Engine 5 unlocks the most photorealistic real-time content we have ever seen, and, with the help of disguise, users can implement it into their productions with minimal setup requirements so they can focus on delivering their best creations,” says disguise Technical Solutions Director Peter Kirkup. 

Discover and download Unreal Engine 5

Discover and download r21

Access disguise’s RenderStream plugin to get UE5 up and running immediately.

###

About disguise

disguise is the platform to imagine, create and deliver spectacular visual experiences. Its award-winning extended reality (xR) solution has powered over 400 immersive real-time productions in the past year, for music artists such as Katy Perry and Billie Eilish, enterprise businesses like SAP and Siemens, educational institutions like the University of Michigan, broadcast TV shows like MTV Video Music Awards and America’s Got Talent, commercial brands like Nike and Under Armour and on-set virtual productions in more than 40 countries.

With an ever increasing global partner network and working alongside the world’s most talented visual designers and technical teams in live events, TV broadcasts, films, concert touring, theatre, fixed installations and corporate and entertainment events, disguise is building the next generation of collaborative tools to help artists and technologists realise their vision.

Recognised as one of the Financial Times’ top 1000 fastest growing businesses for 2021, disguise has recently announced new majority backing from investment firm Carlyle Group, with Epic Games taking a minority stake.

For more information, please visit www.disguise.one    

Germany https://www.disguise.one/de

France https://www.disguise.one/fr

Spain https://www.disguise.one/es

Japan https://www.disguise.one/jp    

China https://www.disguise.one/cn

Korea https://www.disguise.one/kr 

Rokid X-Craft, the world’s first explosion-proof Mixed Reality device built for frontline workers, passed ATEX Zone 1 certificate from TUV Rheinland Group

If you've been driving to work every day this week, you must have noticed that gas prices are skyrocketing. If you already feel that the average oil price of $68.21/b in 2021 is very expensive, you may be even more unacceptable to the oil price in 2022. The EIA forecast that Brent crude oil prices will average $82.87/b in 2022.

To stabilize the market for oil supply and demand, the government continues to enthusiastically promote energy reforms, hoping to improve the dilemma of the energy industry and ensure the sustainable development of the supply chain with the power of science and technology. In fact, with the continuous development of artificial intelligence, AR and various new technologies are constantly being applied to scenarios such as energy production and transportation.

After Rokid insisted on high-quality products for 2.5 years, we are thrilled to announce that Rokid has officially received ATEX Zone 1 certification from TUV Rheinland Group. Rokid X-Craft has now become the world’s first explosion-proof, waterproof, dustproof, 5G, and GPS-supported MR device. This is not only a great advance in AR and 5G technology but also a breakthrough in AR explosion-proof applications in the industrial field.

The top mission of Rokid X-Craft - Safety is always the first consideration 

• The battery short circuit test was reviewed by 3 different standards

The TUV Rheinland Group, the world's top third-party certification organization, is not only an explosion-proof certification body officially recognized by the European Union, but also recognized by the global market with authoritative and strict certification standards. During the certification process, the battery short-circuit test has undergone three standard tests, including cell short-circuit measurement, cell short-circuit temperature rise measurement, and electrolyte leakage measurement during cell short-circuit temperature rise. The above three tests must meet Ex II at the same time 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb and Ex II 2D Ex ib IIIC T130°C Db standard. Each letter and number has a specific meaning, Ex is the explosion-proof public mark, II represents all other electrical equipment for explosive gas environments except for coal mines and underground mines, i represents the intrinsically safe electrical equipment and its associated equipment, IIC means that the dangerous gas is hydrogen, acetylene, and other dangerous gas groups, D means that the dangerous environment is dust, b is suitable for intrinsically safe zone 1, G means that the dangerous environment is gas. Meanwhile meeting these two standards means that the equipment is safe and explosion-proof in the corresponding hazardous gas and dust environment.

The German TÜV SÜD explosion-proof certification requires that the cell protection mechanism should be removed during testing, The state of the cell is detected by simulating extreme scenarios in which the protection function fails and severe situations such as high temperature occur. Only when the surface temperature of the cell and the temperature of the tabs do not exceed 130°C, and the fault energy does not cause the cell to explode, or leak liquid, it can be considered to pass the test successfully.

• Drop-proof, dust-proof, and waterproof all need to pass the audit

The Rokid-X-Craft is to be frozen for 24 hours in an environment of -20 degrees Celsius and then do a 1-meter drop test. Low-temperature freezing will let the material of AR glass become fragile, and the test result requires that no crack appear. After the drop test is completed, Rokid X-Craft must also meet the IP66 standard to prevent water and dust. After 2.5 years of hard work, Rokid-X-Craft passed all the tests, broken through AR explosion-proof applications in the industrial field.

From zero to number 1 in the AR market – Rokid assembles its own parts and designs software to create a unique product

• Rokid broke through the market after it has undergone numerous internal test

As a leader in the AR market, the most difficult objective is not to pass the test, but how to combine various design modules and technologies to create products that meet the market expectations and solve the dilemma. In terms of technology, Rokid needs to perfectly combine 5G modules, optical waveguide modules, Wi-Fi6, and other embedded electronic equipment systems and hardware system architectures. On the other hand, to ensure the safety of users, Rokid X-Craft also strictly designs voltage and energy limiting, and temperature control circuits. In addition, it also needs to undergo lots of internal tests, including dielectric strength tests and spark ignition tests. After all the tests are passed, they can be sent for the certification test.

It's not enough to have the toughest product and advanced technology, Rokid is committed to designing the best user experience

• Rokid provides an extreme user experience, superior products, and robust enterprise solutions for clients.

In addition to the ultimate pursuit of explosion-proof capability, Rokid X-Craft also passed dust-proof and waterproof functions based on the characteristics of production and transportation scenarios in oil and gas, mining, chemical, and other industries. Rokid is also equipped with high-definition dual-camera cameras, Beidou positioning, high-performance domestic AI chips, and self-developed systems, it can better meet the needs of field operators for high-performance computing, allowing relevant personnel to obtain the best performance during remote collaborative work.

Concerning customer experience, Rokid X-Craft achieves equalize weight distribution of the helmet, making it comfortable and stress-free, and can fit perfectly with standard helmets. Now, Rokid X-Craft has been cooperated with global leading companies in the energy and power industry in over 70 regions.

About Rokid

Established in 2014, Rokid specializes in the research and product development of Mixed Reality and Artificial Intelligence. With its mission of “leave nobody behind”, Rokid provides the extreme user experience, superior products, and robust enterprise solutions for developing communities. Our passion motivates us to make a positive and powerful impact on a broad range of industries.

For more information, please visit the link below.

LinkedIn|Facebook|Twitter|Youtube|Instagram

Press contact

Elva Li Tel: +1 607-427-3424 / E-mail: elva@rokid.ai 

Christine Chen: +1 8575449313 / email: yuting@rokid.ai 

AVATAR DIMENSION’S NEW “TO GO” STAGE BRINGS 3D HOLOGRAPHIC CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY DIRECTLY TO CLIENTS

AVATAR DIMENSION’S NEW “TO GO” STAGE BRINGS 3D HOLOGRAPHIC CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY DIRECTLY TO CLIENTS


Company Grows Operations to Meet 3D Volumetric Capture Technology Demand Across Eastern US

WASHINGTON, DC, April 7, 2022 – Avatar Dimension, the only certified Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture Studio on the East Coast, is now making its high-tech, 3D volumetric capture stage available to customers at their locations. Previously, most capture sessions had to be conducted in-studio, of which there are just a few worldwide.

See Time Lapse Video of Avatar Dimension’s Transportable Stage Setup
https://vimeo.com/692949384/4deed5d693

“In the past year, we’ve been asked so many times whether we could set up our volumetric stage in customer locations, but we had to say – sorry – because given the amount of equipment needed, it didn’t seem practical,” says Dennis Bracy, CEO of Avatar Dimension. “Our team, however, figured it out, and we just completed a massive project of 1,000 captures on-location in New England. Bringing our volumetric capture stage directly to clients opens the door for the many businesses who are interested in growing their audience reach with innovative, mixed reality experiences, but need the capture session to come to them.”

Avatar Dimension’s transportable stage brings the same technology featured in its physical studio in Washington D.C., but directly to sound stages and locations anywhere in the Eastern US. This includes Microsoft’s best-in-class capture and rendering pipeline along with 70 12-megapixel Volucam cameras from IO Industries for the best captures and most realistic fidelity. The cameras simultaneously capture the action at scale and then video files are merged, leveraging the power of Microsoft Azure, to create three dimensional holograms that are then placed into locations, narratives, games and experiences.

Avatar Dimension officially opened the doors to its volumetric capture studio in the Washington D.C. area in June 2021. It is today the only certified Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture Studio on the East Coast, and just one of eight in the world. Some of its recent projects include:

Score the Shot Covid PSA - Sports Media Challenge and Avatar Dimension teamed up with Hall of Fame college basketball coach Dawn Staley and esteemed player Aliyah Boston, both of the top-ranked NCAA women’s basketball team, the South Carolina Gamecocks, for a holographic PSA that encouraged Generation Z (Gen Z) to get vaccinated for Covid. Score the Shot PSA

Industry First for Country Music - Ryan Sims, Arizona-based country singer and former X Factor TV series contestant, released the video for his new track – Songs About Us – which features him as a full body avatar. ​​Ryan Sims Hologram

Press kit available at: https://www.zebrapartners.net/avatar-dimension-press-kit/

About Avatar Dimension
Avatar Dimension is driving the future of immersive video by offering the most advanced volumetric capture stage and studio in the world. Its mission is to imagine and create stunningly realistic virtual experiences for enterprise customers and their creative agencies, with a focus on building enterprise applications for training, government programs, marketing and entertainment. Avatar Dimension consists of a collaboration between Avatar Studios of St. Louis, Dimension Studio of the UK and Sabey Data Centers of Seattle, with its premier studio based in Ashburn, VA. For more information, visit www.avatar-dimension.com.

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The Telefónica O2 Virtual Store by CamOnApp

For Telefónica’s O2 brand, CamOnApp created a 360° virtual store for My O2 App Android customers, that showcases the latest Samsung devices for sale. The experience was created for the UK market and presented on the My O2 App with the aim of creating new shopping experiences. Samsung phones, tablets, laptops, and accessories were included.

While exploring the 360° environment, users can observe the technical characteristics of the available devices and access the Augmented Reality viewer for each one. In addition, there is a comparison feature that makes it easier for users to choose a product.

Information is also provided about phone plans and current offers for contracting the service. If a user decides to purchase a device, there is a link that directs them to O2’s eCommerce site and they can easily continue with the purchase process.

More info http://camonapp.com/en/cases/o2-uk/

Kognitiv Spark, Leeway Marine Share HoloLens 2 Success Story at the Microsoft HoloLens Manufacturing Industry Forum

By DEMOND CURETON of XR Today

Kognitiv Spark's RemoteSpark immersive platform has empowered maritime firms with rapid workflows

The Microsoft HoloLens Manufacturing Industry Forum, hosted by the Virtual and Augmented Reality Association (VRARA), the world’s top forum for advocating extended reality (XR) technologies, gathered thousands of executives, experts, and industry thought leaders online on Wednesday.

Members of the global tech industry debuted vital use cases for the Microsoft HoloLens 2, a key hardware component for numerous industrial sectors adopting mixed reality (MR) technologies

Iain Whyte, Director of Defence at Kognitiv Spark, explained his work with the HoloLens 2, which has empowered workers in the marine sector, namely amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Kognitiv Spark’s Immersive Industry Story

According to Whyte, COVID-19 had “accelerated the update of remote support solutions” to provide businesses with greater continuity and resilience. He added that MR solutions also played a key role in digitally transforming enterprises, namely for operational efficiencies and sustainability strategies.

Kongnitiv Spark, a Gold Partner with Microsoft’s MR and cloud computing, currently empowers Canada’s maritime sector, he said, adding his company’s communications platform, RemoteSpark, allowed clients to quickly resolve challenges across the world via the HoloLens 2 and other hardware.

The Fredericton, New Brunswick-based firm also holds offices in the United Kingdom and works with numerous clients, including the Royal Canadian Navy and others, as well as collaborates on three ocean technology projects via Canada’s Open Ocean SuperCluster, he explained.

His firm also works to visualise sensor data sets and incorporate digital twins for offshore maritime operations, including major projects such as the Mariner of the Future, Shipyard 4.0, and others.

Leeway Marine Case Study

Personnel working on vessels had significantly reduced downtime and maintenance gaps with the firm’s MR tools, he explained, citing a case study from Leeway Marine Chief Executive, Jamie Sangster.

The Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-based marine data acquisition service company provides some of Canada’s top technical and innovative teams in the maritime sector and has deployed immersive MR technologies to rapidly streamline operations across the Atlantic for his vessels and crew.

Speaking in a short recorded video at the presentation, Sangster explained that his crews faced “emergent issues that happen onboard ships,” which his teams have worked to tackle with remote connectivity protocols.

He continued, stating,

“What we wanted to do really is figure out if there’s a better way, rather than pulling the ship off charter, task, or mission that it’s currently undertaking? [That] fundamentally for us is a huge cost driver in our business. So any way that we can reduce those costs and downtime is important for us to investigate”

Leeway Marines later deployed mixed reality technologies for his staff for trial runs to use the product to directly solve issues as they arose on vessels, without having to dispatch additional crew on-site.

He explained further,

“In our case, we can put on the [HoloLens 2], initiate the software, and in an instant, our technicians back home really have an acute understanding of the technology and understanding of the equipment and are able to see what’s happening”

According to the executive, previous contact protocols such as sending messages, pictures, emails, and texts greatly extended downtimes for vessels, but the HoloLens 2 provided “direct visualisation, including video and audio” to crew staff, he said, adding “there’s absolutely no replacement for that.”

He concluded, stating the HoloLens 2 solution had become a “bit of a panacea” for his remote teams and added it was important to explore further.

Sangster continued, explaining that industrial installations required digital twins and 3D models to visualise specific engineering changes or repairs on vessels. The HoloLens also allowed crews to complete walkthroughs for refitting devices on the A-frame of ships, he said.

Citing figures on the benefits to Leeway Marine, the HoloLens 2 reduced equipment and platform downtimes by 30 percent, or a total of 14 to 20 hours per incident, as well as offered a 50 percent reduction in diagnostic times.

Travel costs were also slashed by 75 percent, allowing the company to meet critical sustainability strategies by reducing carbon emissions.

The news comes after Kognitiv Spark revealed in February it had expanded its offices to the United Kingdom, where the Canadian firm will operate its hub for clients across the European continent.

The company’s UK operations will focus on deploying AR and MR solutions for the manufacturing and defence sectors following huge growth across the Americas as well as for its global workforces.

Source

Christine Janssen, PhD, appointed as Co-Chair for our VRARA Training Committee

We are thrilled to have Christine provide her thought-leadership for our community and help us lead our Training Committee.

“I am ready to leverage the amazing VRARA network and bring my expertise in education and immersive technologies to the table. I’m looking forward to leading the Training Committee so we can show the world how and why the metaverse will open up countless opportunities for trainers/instructors/coaches to educate the workforce of tomorrow.”

— Christine Janssen, PhD

Dr. Christine Janssen is the Founder and CEO of Edstutia, a 21st century virtual learning platform positioned at the intersection of business and technology. The goal of Edstutia is to address the skills gap in the U.S. by:

1) Helping corporate L&D partners integrate immersive technologies and relevant content to prepare the workforce of the future for the workplace of the future.

2) Offering a variety of B2C programs to traditional high school graduates, the unemployed, and upskillers to score in-demand, tech-driven jobs.

Prior to Edstutia, Dr. Janssen was a Clinical Associate Professor and the Director of Entrepreneurship for twelve years in the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University. A self-proclaimed visionary and builder, she stayed true to her passions by regularly building new assets, such as the Fordham Foundry, Fordham’s small business incubator, and new opportunities for her students, such as experimenting with virtual reality in her classes. Dr. Janssen’s commitment to hands-on entrepreneurship instruction, based on a constantly changing curriculum designed to sync with the forward-thinking skills business demands earned her various awards, press acknowledgements, and recognition for her top-ranked programs. 

Dr. Janssen’s professional background spans several industries aside from academe, including consumer products, financial services, and technology. She holds a BS in Marketing from the University of South Florida, a Global MBA in Communications & Information Systems (CIS) and Finance with a specialization in e-Business from Fordham University, and a PhD from New York University, where her dissertation focused on how entrepreneurs learn. Her research interest lies squarely in the future of learning.

Altoura Introduces Immersive Training SaaS Platform at the Microsoft HoloLens Manufacturing Industry Forum

Written by RORY GREENER of XR Today

Long time Microsoft partner Altoura accelerates onboarding for hybrid workers

At a keynote during the Microsoft HoloLens Manufacturing Industry Forum, hosted by the Virtual and Augmented Reality Association (VRARA), Altoura, formerly Studio 216, showcased its no-code authoring platform.

The company’s presentation explored how companies could use its immersive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform to onboard and train hybrid workers as they transition back to frontline positions.

Altoura’s VP of Marketing, Paul Corriveau, spoke about how Thermo Fisher Scientific (TFS) and Wabtec use Altoura software and Microsoft HoloLens 2 mixed reality (MR) hardware to create immersive onboarding and training procedures.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

TFS, a US scientific hardware and software supplier, globally operates the Altoura SaaS platform in its Pharmaceuticals Services and Life Sciences Groups.

The Microsoft-Altoura partnership enables TFS to digitally transform its operations and enhance the performance of frontline workers with custom immersive training solutions.

The firm uses the platform to create virtual training scenarios that create a safe and repeatable learning environment to refine worker skills before entering a real-world shop floor.

Immersive solutions showed value during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Chris Binion, Director of Innovation, Immersive Technologies at TFS, who said,

“When Covid hit, we were ready to start mobilising and moving into action. Within a month, we saw dramatic results in sales. An exponential growth in sales! Because, customers all of a sudden found confidence in what we were doing”

Wabtec

Webtec, a supplier of equipment for freight and transit rail sectors, also works with Altoura to create training software for remote employees. The firm plans to offer a remote guidance service solution for customers purchasing Wabtec equipment.

By using a HoloLens 2 headset, Wabtec employees or customers can interact with an MR digital twin of rail equipment, removing parts and learning about the components of complex hardware.

Additionally, the training platform employs hand tracking software, voice assistance, holographic environments, and video guides to prepare employees before entering frontline workshop conditions.

Altoura Immersive SaaS

The Altoura no-code authoring platform enables companies to create custom spatial training software ready for MR devices.

Found in 2015, the firm quickly joined the Microsoft Mixed Reality Partners Programme (MMRPP) the following year, and in 2018, the firm transitioned into a SaaS platform due to rising demand.

During the keynote, Paul said,

“After a year of working with 3D models and helping our enterprise customers. We joined the MRPP and we were one of the very first partners to join the program and build applications for the Hololens. Within a couple of years, a lot of customers were asking Studio 216 for the product. They wanted the software that we were building. In 2018, we transitioned our entire business model to an ISV. We productised our IP and now we are a SAAS company”

Building a Training Platform

The Altoura SAAS platform lets firms package, manage, and distribute virtual training scenarios, and includes an Experience Builder that uses step-by-step instructions to lead users through the authoring and quality assurance stages.

Altoura integrates cloud-computing technology to quickly stream real-time 3D assets and digital twins to individual devices. The platform also uses accurate spatial anchors to track a device’s real-world location to share and place MR content between headsets.

The Seattle, Washington-based firm allows for secure delivery across a range of devices, including the HoloLens 2, Meta Quest, ISO, Andriod, and PC, so that corporations can best accommodate individual use cases. Also, the platform allows firms to track user metrics after a training scenario.

The tech enterprise secures its platform with the Azure security network that supplies enterprise-grade authentication, security and manageability.