The VRARA Appoints John A. Cunningham to Chief Operating Officer

The VR/AR Association is pleased to announce the appointment of John A. Cunningham to the position of Chief Operating Officer of the VRARA.  In this role John will support the executive leadership team and the members of the Association to help develop new programs and initiatives to further the mission of the VRARA to foster collaboration between spatial computing solution providers and end-users in order to accelerate growth. 

Nathan Pettyjohn, President “We are really excited that John is joining us in this new global role as COO.  With his contagious passion for XR, tremendous experience in growing technology organizations around the world and his hands-on experience founding and building the Orlando-Central Florida Chapter of the VRARA to become the largest in the world, John will help us take the Association to the next level and provide even more value to the XR ecosystem globally”.

“I am excited to have John support us to create new programs and initiatives to grow our ecosystem,” says Kris Kolo, Global Executive Director of the VRARA.  “We have been wanting to bring on someone with the right experience both in the XR industry and with the Association to help us expand our capabilities to support our members globally. 

John Cunningham was formerly an executive at Unity where he founded and led Unity’s Aerospace and Defense business since 2020.  Prior to joining Unity, John served as Chief Revenue Officer of a private equity owned software company specializing in Aerospace, Defense and Automotive XR solutions. 

John Cunningham adds “We are at a pivotal point in the adoption of XR in both the consumer and enterprise segments and the global XR industry needs its own association to help both technology companies in XR as well as end users looking for ways to utilize XR technology to increase their business, train workers, and create safer and smarter work environments.  We want VRARA to be the place where people go first for information, connection and business opportunities.  Essentially we want the VRARA to be the place where XR gets done!  I will support Nathan, Kris and all of our Chapter Presidents to build on what they have established and help develop new programs and initiatives to drive value for members at both the local and global levels! 

IGS 2023: Will XR Democratise Patient Care?

XR Today’s Rory Greener speaks with Dr Linda Ciavarelli, Co-Founder of HouseCall VR, at Immerse Global Summit 2023 in Orlando, Florida.

In this interview, we discuss the following:

What is democratized health care, and how does XR assist in promoting accessible healthcare?

• How does XR improve patient care and experiences?

• What unique opportunities does XR provide to healthcare pros in a vertical that historically leverages new and legacy tech?

IGS 2023: Meta Quest for Business takes Center Stage

Immerse Global Summit (IGS) 2023 saw a successful first day, with many leading brands filling the Dr. Pillips Center, its exhibition hall and atriums. Moreover, the day ended with a city-wide immersive scavenger hunt that pushed IGS attendees to explore the downtown Orlando area – in a collaborative effort with event partners MetaCenter and Synapse to showcase the local area. 

For those still awake following the late-night scavenger hunt, Meta’s Global Executive of Engagement, Reality Labs, Dan Nieves, took the stage on Wednesday morning to inform IGS 2023 attendees with the latest Meta updates, including deep considerations for business and productivity. 

 Nieves explained:  

Metaverse technologies and AI are really reshaping how we experience the physical and digital worlds. If we think about obviously this moment right here, all of us in the same room, being together in the physical world will always be the richest way. – But more and more, people in teams are being distributed and more spread out. So, it’s really the combination of both the physical and digital worlds that are defining our reality. 

Meta Quest for Business is Coming Soon 

Moreover, Dan Nieves noted how businesses today are “already using” technologies such as VR and MR to “create new opportunities that benefit our society.” Nieves further explained how a “wide range” of XR for enterprise use cases already exists for clients representing education, healthcare, and workplace collaboration – “we are seeing a number of organisations see real impact today,” Nieves remarked.  

During the opening keynote, the Global Executive of Engagement showcased how professionals are leveraging Meta’s immersive workplace product portfolio to complete complex tasks such as eye surgery, upskilling careers, engine maintenance, and helping athletes come back from injury.  

During the opening Wednesday keynote, Nieves highlighted how Meta Quest for Business is coming “very soon.” 

Nieves explained: 

Very soon, we’re going to be launching Meta Quest for Business, which will bring together a solution around user management, app management, device management, which we see as a huge opportunity to help businesses and organisations who are looking to open up new ways of working.  

Emerging Technologies Side-by-Side Will Push Human Connection Forward  

Dan Nieves explained how Meta “firmly” believes that immersive technology is “the future” of human connection.  

Moreover, Nieves added that other emerging technologies, such as AI and the cloud, will come together to become greater than the sum of their parts and “work together to help build the future of human connection, and one very focused on around the human experience.” 

Nieves went on to explain how, alongside related emerging technology, new hardware with improved form factor – notably the firm’s recently released Ray Ban smart glasses – lowers the barrier to entry and helps to “democratise how people connect and interact with new information.” 

“We talk often about this concept of social presence,” remarked Nieves. According to the Meta spokesperson, a “key part” of the Metaverse’s success relies on the feeling of human-to-human connectivity and matching real-life interaction as closely as possible – “how do we recreate that sense of presence so that it can feel like we’re all together.” 

Nieves said:  

The phone has been an incredible way for how we stay connected. But too often, we rely on screens to tap into virtual worlds or other content. It pulls us away from the moment that we’re in and the people that we’re physically with. So, we see this barrier dissolving over time, especially with the rise of mixed reality and, ultimately, augmented reality, where the technology starts to fade right into the background, and that allows us to simply enhance the world around us and stay more present in the moment that we’re in.  

AR/VR/MR helps to power a deeper level of connection and sense of presence, notes Nieves. At IGS 2023, the event’s halls see a trove of XR vendors and end-users all pushing together to achieve a shared goal of immersive connectivity. While forecasts of when XR will become a day-to-day commonality vary greatly per person; the community’s shared goals and outreach could push the industry in the right direction.  

Originally posted on Xrtoday.com by Rory Greener.

IGS 2023: Introducing the Visor Headset for Immersive Productivity

XR Today's Rory Greener speaks with Caleb Trees, Director of Operations and Recruitment at Immersed, at Immerse Global Summit 2023 in Orlando, Florida.

In this interview, we discuss the following: 1) Introducing the Visor headset and the device's place in a busy 2024 market. 2) Behavioural considerations for deploying productivity hardware. 3) Potential benefits for enterprise end-users.  

If you're looking for more information on this topic visit https://immersed.com/

Hosted by Rory Greener at XR Today News - Extended Reality Tech News #mr #spatialcomputing #applevisionpro

IGS 2023: Orlando, the Home of XR Innovation

What a way to kick off Immerse Global Summit (IGS) 2023! This year is more significant than ever thanks to deep event partnerships, which boost IGS 2023 by showcasing local innovative technology talents from Orlando, Florida, while also bringing together some of the best international minds and companies in the AR/VR/MR space.  

For 2023, IGS is collaborating with Metacenter Global Week and Synapse to create a heightened event that presents more opportunities for its speakers, attendees, and exhibitors to meet face-to-face and drive tomorrow’s technology today.  

Starting the event was an inspiring introductory keynote hosted by David Barilla, Executive Director of Downtown Development Board/Community Redevelopment Agency and Jerry Demings, Mayor of Orange County, which saw the pair highlight why Orlando is the perfect location for the expanded IGS 2023 event.  

During the Keynote, David Barilla noted:  

Orlando is the Metacenter, as the leading region in the US that is building the Metaverse. In AR/VR, Orlando is the modelling and simulation training capital of the world, with more than $6 billion in contract work annually. AR/VR technology is at core of creating the Metaverse in Orlando.  

Moreover, Barilla highlighted the region’s historical excellence in supporting enterprise technology innovation, explaining how Orlando has been developing a “strong tech ecosystem for decades.” 

The Executive Director also added:  

We [Orlando, Florida] have globally recognised companies and organisations like Lockheed Martin, CENTCOM, Siemens, Deloitte, and NASA. They selected the region decades ago, and they continue to invest and expand here based on years of proven success.  

Mayor Demmings also highlighted how the Orlando region has recently accumulated more than six billion dollars via annual simulations-related contracts with companies such as Jet Blue and Lagos – “[the] Orange County simulation technology sector is driving innovation that is now having a global impact,” Demmings remarked.  

VRAR Association Continue to Lead XR Innovation, Collaboration, and Success  

However, despite grand investments from the Orlando region and its governmental bodies. The success of XR – or any emerging technology – also relies on its decision-makers, thought leaders, and communities.  

A famed group spearheading immersive technology innovation for enterprise and beyond is IGS 2023’s key organiser, the VRAR Association.  

Led by Nathan Pettyjohn, the CEO of Immerse Growth Network, Founder & President of VRAR Association, and Founder & President of Immerse Global Summit, the association network aims to drive technology innovation worldwide with chapters representing countless regions such as London, Hong Kong, and of course Orlando (with John Cunningham acting as chapter present for this region, helping to host IGS 2023).  

During the IGS 2023 opening keynote, Pettyjohn added: 

We [the VRAR Association] hold over 100 events per year when you include all of our chapters, but really, it’s about helping companies grow, helping companies learn and connect – bringing together a global community in partnership and that’s what we’re trying to embrace here today [at IGS 2023].  

IGS 2023 aims to provide a hotbed for global XR innovation, continuing its vision of hosting leading industry figures who offer core market insights via keynotes, speaker sessions, and demos that showcase emerging immersive technologies and solutions across the AR/VR/MR, Metaverse, and spatial computing spectrum. Moreover, day one provided countless valuable insights into the latest enterprise-ready XR use cases led by vendors and end-users. 

Be sure to keep up with XR Today across the following days to learn more about the rich learning experience for innovative business leaders that is IGS 2023.

Originally posted on XR today by Rory Greener.

Banuba Helps Uhive Surpass 3 Million Downloads

Uhive, an innovative social network, integrated Banuba Video Editor SDK as a part of their core user experience. It helped users create shareworthy content, and as a result the engagement and popularity of Uhive skyrocketed. 

Banuba’s product was chosen for its expansive feature set, ease of integration, and enhanced engagement options it provides.

“At Uhive, we've had the pleasure of working with Banuba's video editing SDK, which has added an exciting dimension to our platform. This integration has allowed us to offer our users a dynamic and immersive content creation experience. Pleasure working with Banuba team,” Haneen Fayed, Product Manager at Uhive said.

To date, Uhive has more than 3 million downloads on Android and iOS, with thousands more every day.

Banuba Video Editor SDK is a ready-made suite enabling the creation of audiovisual content. Its features include:

• Trimming/merging

• Drafts

• Text and GIF overlays

• AR masks

• Transition effects

• Rapid/slo-mo

• Color filters

• Virtual backgrounds

• Slideshows

It is available for native Android and iOS, as well as React Native and Flutter. 

About Uhive

Uhive is a UK-based platform revolutionizing social media. It features gamification, tokenomics, decentralized moderation, and other unique additions that make it stand out from the crowd. More innovations are coming, including a metaverse.

About Banuba

Banuba is an augmented reality company with over 7 years on the market, pioneering face tracking, virtual try-on, and virtual background technologies. Besides online try-on solutions for makeup, headwear, jewelry, glasses, and more, it offers a Face filters SDK and Video Editor SDK – ready-made modules to apply effects and edit videos.

Guardians of Clarity: Pancake Lenses and UV-C Light

In the rapidly evolving landscape of virtual reality (VR) technology, the quest for visual excellence is paramount. Pancake lenses, with their compact design and wide field of view, are fast becoming the future of immersive VR experience. However, as we venture into the intricate realm of optics, a pertinent question arises: How do these guardians of clarity fare against the invisible force of UV-C light?

While UV-C light seldom encounters the human eye directly in natural settings, its potency cannot be underestimated. In controlled environments, UV-C finds purpose in disinfection, eliminating harmful micro-organisms with unparalleled efficiency. Yet, this very potency raises questions about its potential effects on optical components, particularly lenses. Pancake lenses, meticulously crafted to optimise visual fidelity, now face the challenge of accommodating UV-C's energetic onslaught. Understanding this interaction is crucial, not only for preserving lens integrity, but also for ensuring the longevity of virtual reality devices in environments where UV-C exposure may occur. In this context, the resilience of pancake lenses against UV-C light becomes a testament to the precision and durability of modern optics.

Pancake Lenses Demystified: Unravelling Their Inner Workings

Pancake lenses stand as the unsung heroes of visual technology, encapsulating a world of precision engineering within their compact frames. To truly appreciate their prowess in the realm of virtual reality, we must embark on a journey to understand the intricate mechanisms that define their functionality.

A pancake lens works by using the principles of optics to focus light onto a sensor or our eyes. One important aspect of how it achieves this is through internal reflection. 

Inside a pancake lens, there are carefully shaped pieces of glass. These pieces are designed in a way that when light enters the lens, it's bent or refracted. This bending is crucial because it helps gather and focus the light. But here's where internal reflection comes into play. Some of the light inside the lens hits the surfaces of these glass elements. Instead of passing through, this light bounces off the surface. This is called internal reflection.

By carefully designing the shape and angles of these glass elements, engineers can control how the light bounces around inside the lens. This helps in making sure that all the rays of light are focused precisely, resulting in a clear and sharp image. The precise arrangement of glass elements and controlled internal reflection within a pancake lens enables the lens to achieve a thinner, more compact design, optimising its functionality without compromising optical performance

UV-C Penetration and Lens Materials: Unveiling the Barrier

Having illuminated the extraordinary capabilities of pancake lenses in revolutionising the virtual reality experience, it's imperative that we now turn our attention to an equally crucial facet - their interaction with UV-C light. Just as these lenses stand as paragons of optical engineering, their resilience against the potent force of UV-C radiation is a testament to the precision and thoughtfulness embedded in their design. The penetration rate of UV-C into these materials, particularly glass, is a critical aspect that shapes the lens's ability to protect itself against the energetic force of UV-C radiation.

The Nature of UV-C Penetration:

UV-C light, characterised by its short wavelengths, possesses a unique ability to interact with matter. These high-energy photons have the potential to penetrate certain materials, altering their molecular structure. However, the extent of penetration is contingent on various factors, including the material's composition and density

Glass as a UV-C Barrier:

Glass, commonly employed in the construction of high-quality lenses, boasts impressive UV-C blocking properties. Its dense molecular structure provides an effective barrier against UV-C penetration. This characteristic is fundamental in safeguarding the interior components of pancake lenses from potential harm.

Coatings and UV-C Absorption:

Beyond the inherent properties of glass, lens manufacturers often employ specialised coatings to enhance UV-C protection. These coatings are meticulously formulated to absorb UV-C radiation, further fortifying the lens against potential penetration. Through a combination of material selection and advanced coatings, pancake lenses are equipped with formidable defences against UV-C light.

Controlled Dispersion and UV-C Deflection:

Aspherical elements, integral to many pancake lens designs, play a crucial role in UV-C protection. Their precisely calculated shapes are engineered to redirect light rays. In the context of UV-C, as it is not part of the visual spectrum, these elements help disperse the radiation, preventing it from concentrating and penetrating deeper into the lens material.

Conclusion

In conclusion a reassuring revelation emerges: it is indeed safe to utilise UV-C disinfection on pancake lenses. UV-C, with its potent germicidal properties, poses minimal risk to these optical marvels. The unique design and materials of pancake lenses, coupled with their inherent ability to absorb UV-C, make them resilient against any potential harm. By harnessing the power of UV-C for disinfection, we not only safeguard the lenses from potential contaminants but also ensure a clean and hygienic VR experience.

What to Expect from the Immerse Global Summit 2023

Post originally appearing on xrtoday.com by Rebecca Carter.

The Immerse Global Summit 2023, now part of the Metacenter Global Week event, is just around the corner. For innovators in the XR world, this incredible event is packed with opportunities to learn, network, and test the latest innovations.

For ten years, the Immerse Global Summit (IGS) has stood as a leader in the XR and metaverse event landscape, featuring the biggest speakers and exhibitors from the industry.

The show hosts have gone above and beyond to deliver fresh content, exceptional research, and exclusive insights to attendees every year. The collaboration with Synapse Orlando promises to make the exhibition even more incredible.

Here’s everything you can expect from the Immerse Global Summit and Metacenter Global Week in 2023.

What is Immerse Global Summit 2023?

Produced by the VR/AR Association, the Immerse Global Summit is one of the world’s most exciting technology conference series. Hosting virtual and in-person conferences across the United States and Europe, the event encapsulates the VR/AR Association’s quest to facilitate innovation in the immersive technology space.

Over the last ten years, this premier XR event has proven to be a valuable source of education and insight for those interested in next-generation technology. Previous events haven’t just covered common topics related to extended, virtual, and augmented realities. They’ve also enlightened attendees with information on AI, blockchain, 5G, and the metaverse.

Attendees can engage with industry visionaries, participate in product demos, and collaborate with like-minded professionals with fantastic networking opportunities.

Moreover, the Immerse Global Summit goes beyond simply showcasing the newest creations in the immersive space. Keynote speakers and educational sessions offer insight into these solutions’ impact on various industries, from real estate to healthcare.

Aligning innovation, education, and community opportunities, this year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience for tech leaders. In 2023, the Summit will occur in the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in Orlando as part of Metacenter Global Week.

What is MetaCenter Global Week?

This year, the Immerse Global Summit is evolving thanks to a partnership with Synapse Orlando, a group dedicated to fostering innovation in Florida’s thriving tech community. Synapse is a community resource providing entrepreneurs access to research, opportunities, ideas, and knowledge.

Through annual events, Synapse encourages leaders from all industries and backgrounds to showcase their unique products and demonstrate thought leadership. These events have helped companies find new talent and partners, secure funding, and connect with customers.

Combining Synapse and the Immerse Global Summit allows for synchronizing global and regional leaders in the immersive technology space. The ground-breaking partnership aims to create an event that cements Orlando as one of the leading US regions for metaverse creation.

At the Metacenter Global Week event, attendees will have access to the incredible insights and speaker sessions they’d expect from the Immerse Global Summit. Plus, there will be additional support and resources from the Synapse team to help visitors forge new relationships.

Insights from Last Year’s Immerse Global Summit

While knowing exactly what we can expect from any XR industry event is difficult, exploring previous seminars can offer some valuable insights.

In 2022, the Immerse Global Summit featured speakers from some of the world’s best-known brands, including Amazon, Meta, Qualcomm, Microsoft, and Unity, and demonstrations of some of the most exciting metaverse technologies.

Unity shared how digital twins were helping its customers unlock new levels of innovation. Meta shared its XR journey for the future and its vision of the impending metaverse. Even Qualcomm revealed insights into its world-changing XR chips.

Alongside insights into new and emerging solutions, attendees learned more about concepts like metaverse marketing and EQ in XR. There were even “choose your own adventure” metaverse experiences on show from Lenovo.

5 Things to Expect from Immerse Global Summit 2023

So, what’s on the roster for this year’s Immerse Global Summit?

With a diverse lineup of exhibitors, speakers, and attendees worldwide, the Immerse Global Summit and “Metacenter” Global Week will surely be brimming with value. Some of the core things you can expect to see from this year’s event include:

1. Industry Leading Speakers

The Immerse Global Summit has earned an incredible reputation for its insightful speeches from some of the world’s leading XR brands. This year, there’ll be a keynote speech from Meta’s Dan Nieves, the Global Executive responsible for Meta Reality Labs.

Other speakers include:

• Kurt Leucht: Simulation Software Developer for NASA

• Kurt Scheuringer: Principal Spatial Computing and Prototyping Architect for AWS

• Jules Shumaker: Senior Vice President for Revenue and Create Solutions at Unity

• Amy Peck: Founder and CEO of Endeavour XR

• Eliot Danner: Managing Director of Customer Engineering for Google Cloud

• Takeshi Tawarda: Ad Research and Insights, Augmented Reality lead at Snap Inc

You can find the complete speaker list here.

2. Educational Sessions

You’ll need to plan your schedule carefully to check out the fantastic educational sessions available at this year’s summit. There are dozens of excellent topics on the agenda, ranging from discussions about generative AI to insights into 3D development.

Just a few exciting sessions you can look forward to include:

• Discover the future of Sports and Entertainment: A session covering the opportunities in immersive technology in the sporting world and media landscape. Speakers include Andrew Macaulay and Mike McCarley from the TMRW Sports Group and Jason Siegel from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.

• Generative AI in education: Insights into how Generative AI technologies can revolutionize education. Speakers include Dr. Haifa Maamar, the Director of Emerging Technologies at Full Sail University, Luis Garcia (Collectiva), and Hernan Londono (Dell Technologies).

• Engaging the Metaverse with AI-powered avatars: Insights into next-level avatars, with the global debut of Meta Karaoke. Speakers include David Lucatch (Aftermath Islands Metaverse) and Vanessa Mullin (Agora).

• Powering AI Experiences and Innovation: A comprehensive session presented by Google Cloud managing director Eliot Danner, Darryl Maraj from GA Telesis, and Doug Dockery of ConstructConnect.

• Changing the future with Spatial Data Planes: A panel discussion on 3D innovations and integrations, presented by AWS. Speakers include Kurt Scheuringer of AWS, Brian Nevinksy of Lockheed Parton, and Direk Reiners from the University of Central Florida.

3. Exclusive Industry Research

During speaker sessions, attendees will have a chance to learn about the latest discoveries in the AI, XR, and metaverse landscape from academic and business leaders alike. Snap Inc’s Research lead, Takeshi Tawarada, will highlight the benefits of combining AR and sustainability in a mainstage speaker session.

Svarmony Technologies’ CEO, Arne Schönleben, will explore how companies can build more authentic experiences in augmented reality. CEO and Founder of EndeavorXR, Amy Peck, will also use insights to explore how technology can elevate human performance in the modern world.

There are also tons of research-backed educational sessions covering a variety of other topics, such as:

• Scaling XR and emerging tech in the enterprise

• AI’s disruptive impact on society

• 3D Commerce and immersive retail experiences

• The security and risks of VR applications

• Immersive real estate and digital twins

• The evolution of XR wearables

• Building communities in the metaverse

• Immersive audio for XR

4. Product Demonstrations and Showcases

In between inspirational speaker sessions and panels, attendees can experiment with the next generation of immersive technology. Metacenter Global Week will feature an interactive exhibit hall featuring live demos and prototypes.

Higher Prana VR will be visiting the demo stage to show how a VR meditation app can offer users unique ways to improve and preserve mental well-being. In a live demonstration walkthrough, attendees will learn about Niantic Lightship and building a location-based AR experience in Unity.

MotionReel Academy will also be visiting the demo stage to show would-be students how to learn about the latest innovations in 3D modeling.

5. Incredible Networking Opportunities

The Immerse Global Summit combines education and information with endless opportunities for networking and collaboration. This year’s event will start with a VIP pre-party and welcome reception on Monday, the 16th of October, with rooftop cocktails and live music.

During the three-day event, the Metacenter Global Week team will host immersive breakout sessions organized into four themes. In each session, attendees can connect with innovators, discussing AI, sustainability, virtual reality, and blockchain topics.

Plus, there are some fun relationship-building exercises to explore, such as:

• The Orlando Downtown Discovery Dash: A free team scavenger hunt with prizes

• Metacenter After Hours Live: A free concert for all attendees

• The MCGW closing party: An official closing party for all attendees

• Lost Frequency Concert: A live concert from a leading Belgian DJ and record producer

Immerse Global Summit 2023: How to Attend

This year’s Immerse Global Summit, part of the broader Metacenter Global Week experience, will occur from October 17th to October 19th, 2023. However, we recommend getting there early if you want to participate in the VIP pre-party on the 16th.

If you don’t have tickets already, they’re available to access from the Metacenter Global website. Full general admission is available for $599, with access to all keynote talks and panel discussions. You can also access a VIP ticket for $999, which includes the VIP welcome reception, closing party, and off-the-record Q&A sessions, as well as lounge access.

Immersed to showcase world’s first work-optimized headset at IGS Orlando during Metacenter Global Week

Come see Immersed at our Immerse Global Summit during Metacenter Global Week in Orlando Oct 17-19

Immersed, the leading spatial computing app with users logging 40-60+ hours weekly, will unveil the world's first work-optimized headset at the Immerse Global Summit during Metacenter Global Week in Orlando, Oct 17-19.

Visor, a new class of headset perfect for professionals, combines comfort, style, and affordability. With 4K microOLED displays per eye, lighter than a smartphone, and 5+ screens, it's more than a headset—it's a new virtual office for you and your colleagues. You can pre-order here today.

The State of ATL XR Recap

Thank you to everyone who was part of the VRARA Atlanta Chapter’s 'The State of ATL XR' event!

40+ accomplished professionals from various sectors and functions attended a compelling panel discussion with top metro Atlanta immersive agencies, educational institutions, and government contractors. We covered everything from immersive storytelling, historical preservation, and education, to gaming, training, and enterprise considerations with a focus on ROI.

You may watch the event replay here. We look forward to seeing everyone at our next chapter event and will be in touch with more information as it becomes available.

What community leaders say about MetaCenter Global Week

Written by Marco Santana on orlandotechnews.com.

Amy Beaird has a duty to build community in Central Florida’s technology sector. So she said she expects MetaCenter Global Week in mid-October to be a catalyst for just that.

“We are bringing together and showcasing what is in the region,” said Beaird, Florida High Tech Corridor’s chief strategy officer. “There is an emphasis and energy to really engage corporate companies more with startups. We are starting to see momentum and I hope we see more of that.”

To foster an environment where that happens, she said, means to get all tech sectors to push toward the same goal.

“Growth comes from cross-cluster collaboration,” she said. “So many companies and industries have their own way of working and developing innovative solutions but then you apply innovation from energy, modeling and simulation or start applying VR tech into life sciences, that’s where a lot of really rapid innovation and creativity can come out.”

Beaird is just the latest community leader to share their thoughts about how MetaCenter Global Week will benefit the city of Orlando.

As the event approaches quickly – it kicks off on Oct. 17 – we thought we’d round up all of the comments we have heard in the leadup to the week.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer:

“We have a thriving tech ecosystem here with both big companies and small ones but I don’t know that the world is necessarily aware of it.”

“It gives our companies and entities the opportunity to meet with people they might eventually collaborate with, perhaps. It lets the outside world know about the educational and various industries and how well we have parlayed our industry clusters.”

Blue Wave Resource Partners, CEO and Innovate Orlando board member Charlie Lewis:

“It’s bringing in an element of global attention to our city. But to do that, you need buy-in from the city and county so we can execute and show the highlights as they want them to be shown.”

Simone Babb, chief innovation and emerging technologies officer, Orange County

“I value the synergistic energy and passion in our community around technology. Together, we can shape the direction and footprint toward being a recognized and respected tech and innovation hub.”

Orlando entrepreneur Angela Alban, CEO, Simetri

“We have continued to evolve and that growth justified revising our message. That eventually improved our ability to attract talent and notoriety across the globe as a high-tech region.”

“We’ve made it. We are delivering on what was promised.”

Tim Hill, director of Central Florida operations, Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation

 “This notion of coalescing all of these factions is a really big thing. When you start to get a central branding campaign, that’s a big deal.”

Kris Kolo, global executive director, VRAR Association

“Our members from Orlando deserve this. Orlando has already proven itself to be the metacenter for spatial computing and the opening of the Metacenter, and this event will showcase Orlando and Central Florida talent and innovations to the world.”

“INNOVATE ORLANDO PROVIDES CONTEXT TO CITY’S TECH NARRATIVE”

“INNOVATE ORLANDO’S TENX TECH ADDS ‘BIG BUMP’ TO ATTENDEES’ REACH”

“CEO: METACENTER GLOBAL WEEK A SIGN ‘WE’VE MADE IT’”

“MGW NEEDED – AND RECEIVED – CITY, COUNTY BUY IN”

“DYER: MGW A SHOWCASE OF ORLANDO TO THE WORLD”

Virtualware (MLVIR.PA) inks Multi-Year Agreement with Leading Global Energy Company

Bilbao, October 3, 2023. - Spanish Virtual Reality company Virtualware (MLVIR.PA), a European leader in the virtual reality space, has signed a seven-figure, multi-year agreement with a leading U.S.-based energy company.

This contract will allow Virtualware's team to continue providing cutting-edge training services for the energy industry.

With this contract, valid for five years, and renewable, the industrial corporation will continue to leverage its training processes through Virtualware’s VR as a Service Platform VIROO.

Virtualware’s flagship product VIROO is the world’s pioneering VR as a Service (VRaaS) platform, makes Virtual Reality accessible to companies and institutions of all sizes and sectors. It is an all-in-one digital solution that enables the development and deployment of multi-user Virtual Reality applications remotely.

VIROO is already used by more than 40 companies and institutions worldwide including GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Ontario Power Generation, Gestamp, ADIF, the Spanish Ministry of Defense, Invest WindsorEssex, McMaster University, University of El Salvador and EAN University. The enterprise VR platform has been the backbone to develop strategic projects for defense ministries, critical infrastructure training projects, and innovative educational programs.

Virtualware is a global pioneer in developing Virtual Reality solutions for major industrial, educational, and healthcare conglomerates. Since its founding in 2004, the company has garnered widespread recognition for its accomplishments.

In 2021, Virtualware was acknowledged as the world’s most Innovative VR Company.
It is based in Bilbao, Spain, and has offices in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
The company went public on Euronext Access Paris in April 2023, where its stock currently trades at 8,50 euros a share.

Another great meetup at Lisbon!

Guest post by VRARA Portugal.

Guess what? We just had another great VRARA Meetup right here in Lisbon, and it was a blast! Capgemini took the spotlight as our host, and it was a night filled with immersive tech excitement.

We had a fantastic mix of participants, from industry pros to academic enthusiasts. This diversity allowed us to dive deep into the latest developments within our local tech ecosystem. It's amazing to see how Lisbon is becoming a hub for immersive tech innovation!

But you know what the best part was? Networking! We connected with some incredible folks, the connections that can really supercharge the growth and development of our market. It's all about learning from each other, sharing ideas, and building partnerships.

And here's the juicy part - we're gearing up for the next event, which is just around the corner. You definitely don't want to miss it! Stay in the loop by following us on our social media platforms:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40816550/admin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VRARAPortugal
- X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/VRARAPortugal
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vrarapt/

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La-Z-Boy Announces Next-Gen 3D Product Configuration with WebAR OnDemand™, Powered by 3D Cloud by Marxent

The top 15 furniture retailer reports a +150% leap in AR usage since upgrading their 3D product exploration tools with WebAR for every configuration in their catalog.

ST PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- La-Z-Boy, an iconic leader in the furniture industry, today announced the launch of next-gen 3D product configuration and WebAR OnDemand™ technology, now available on the la-z-boy.com website. Powered by 3D Cloud by Marxent, the innovative tech initiative is part of La-Z-Boy's Century Vision strategic plan.

Aimed at delivering the transformational power of comfort with a consumer-first approach, La-Z-Boy is investing in a range of innovative new shopping and brand experiences for both digital platforms and brick-and-mortar shopping environments. The upgraded product configurators and the addition of appless AR provide an immersive brand experience that bridges online product research with the in-store experience. With over 29 million possible configurations quickly and easily available to consumers, WebAR OnDemand brings a new level of convenience to shoppers who want to research, configure, and plan furniture purchases online before visiting a physical retail location.

This marks a significant departure from conventional approaches to augmented reality for retail. La-Z-Boy's innovative approach uses 3D Cloud WebAR OnDemand to automate 3D content creation and deploy WebAR at scale.

"AR is table stakes for today's furniture shopper. La-Z-Boy customers love it, so we set out to provide AR for every buyable option in our highly configurable catalog," said Jill Brown Thomas, Senior Director of Digital Commerce at La-Z-Boy. "The 3D Cloud product experience platform and 3D Cloud Product Configurator make personalization at scale easy. Shoppers can configure their desired products from millions of possible combinations and preview them in AR without any catalog knowledge and without an app," Brown Thomas said.

With WebAR, sessions are up over 150% versus in-app AR usage when the company was relying completely on app-based AR. 

How it works

1. Visit any La-Z-Boy upholstered furniture product page on a web browser or mobile device. Try the Soren Rocking Recliner or the Joel Reclining Sofa.

2. Configure on a desktop or mobile device.

3. View from any angle.

4. Download a JPG or PNG at any angle.

5. If using a mobile device, view the configured product in AR. QR code support will be added for desktop users later this year.

"La-Z-Boy was early to 3D product configuration and augmented reality," said Beck Besecker, CEO and Co-Founder of 3D Cloud by Marxent. "Their upgrade to WebAR OnDemand gives shoppers the tools to customize quickly, collaborate with loved ones on designs, and buy with confidence," Besecker said.

"This program exemplifies the Century Vision strategic plan in action. We're eager to continue our history of innovation by introducing cutting-edge digital shopping tools like WebAR," Brown Thomas explained. "La-Z-Boy customers spend valuable time researching and customizing products to ensure they find the perfect fit. Our data show that when customers conduct online research they arrive at the store better informed, resulting in a more satisfying buying experience and ultimate product satisfaction," she added.

In addition to WebAR and 3D Cloud Product Configurators, La-Z-Boy's in-house design program uses the 3D Cloud Room Planner to deliver customized floorplans with photorealistic 3D renderings to design clients. Engineered with efficiency and scale in mind, all of their 3D applications are powered by the 3D Cloud product experience platform and utilize the same 3D models and materials.

"La-Z-Boy is a model for omni channel 3D innovation within the furniture industry," Besecker said. "They have outstanding digital leadership. As a long-time innovation partner, it's been our pleasure to help them deliver on their vision. Congrats to both the La-Z-Boy and 3D Cloud teams on an impressive feat," he said.

For more information, follow La-Z-Boy on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

About La-Z-Boy

La-Z-Boy Incorporated is one of the world's leading residential furniture producers, marketing furniture for every room of the home. The Wholesale segment includes La-Z-Boy, England, American Drew®, Hammary®, Kincaid® and the company's international wholesale and manufacturing businesses. The company-owned Retail segment includes 171 of the 349 La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores. Joybird is an e-commerce retailer and manufacturer of upholstered furniture.

The corporation's branded distribution network is dedicated to selling La-Z-Boy Incorporated products and brands, and includes 349 stand-alone La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® stores and 522 independent Comfort Studio® locations, in addition to in-store gallery programs for the company's Kincaid and England operating units. Additional information is available at la-z-boy.com.

About 3D Cloud by Marxent

3D Cloud by Marxent is the 3D product experience platform and global leader in 3D e-commerce for furniture, kitchen, bath, outdoor, office furniture, closets, and storage. The 3D Cloud platform is a B2B SaaS that allows retailers and brands to build endless applications from a single 3D product catalog. With 3D Cloud, 3D content is created, managed, and published to all 3D applications from a single source of truth for consistency across every touchpoint in the customer journey. Applications that run on 3D Cloud include 3D Cloud Product Configurators, 3D Cloud Sectional Configurator, 3D Cloud Room Planner with Design from Photo, 3D Kitchen Designer, 3D Cloud Virtual Reality, 3D Cloud 360 Product Spins, 3D Cloud Instant Renders, and 3D Cloud WebAR Augmented Reality. 3D Cloud by Marxent has offices in Miamisburg, Ohio; St. Petersburg, Florida; London, England; and Auckland, New Zealand. Clients include a major U.S.-based home improvement retailer, Kingfisher plc, PlaceMakers, Mico, Kinsman, Macy's, Ashley, HNI Corporation, La-Z-Boy, Joybird, and John Lewis and Partners. The company is backed by Dan Gilbert and Arnie Bellini. For more information, visit 3DCloud.com.

3D Cloud by Marxent Press Contact
Sonia Schechter
Chief Marketing Officer
206-335-2846

Cleanbox and its solution partners (Looking Glass XR and Mace VL) will feature live training sessions in Orlando on Oct 17-19

Come see Cleanbox at our Immerse Global Summit during Metacenter Global Week in Orlando Oct 17-19

Cleanbox is a Silver Sponsor of Immerse Global Summit with their largest ever event presence! As part of its partnership with IGS, and the companies’ mutual commitment to a safe and hygienic event, Cleanbox is contributing 30+ Cleanbox devices for IGS exhibitors at no cost to the exhibitor, so that XR headsets, haptics and other shared, high touch devices can be quickly and safely decontaminated between users.

At IGS 2023, Cleanbox and its solution partners (Looking Glass XR and Mace VL) will feature live training sessions for attendees to learn the safest, most cost-effective workflow for managing XR Hardware in any XR Environment. Cleanbox scalable charging, storage and comprehensive hygiene solutions provide the foundation for any successful XR environment to keep users as safe as possible while saving a fortune in disposable wipes cost and cleaning labor.

Cleanbox is also hosting daily contests with CASH PRIZES for interactive demo participants. Be sure to sign up at the Cleanbox booth and check out the demo stage schedule for your chance to win!

More Bang For Your Buck: Two Conferences Merge to Create 3-Day MetaCenter Global Week

Reposted from hypotamus.com

Synapse Orlando and Immerse Global Summit are joining forces to showcase the best tech in the world beside the best innovators of Central Florida, all in one electrifying 3-day event: MetaCenter Global Week (MetaCenter).

Collectively combining over 10 years of dynamic delivery, this ground-breaking partnership will bring together global and regional leaders to celebrate, discover, and engage with the bleeding edge of innovation in XR/AR/VR, AI, Gaming, Fintech, Space, Simulation, Metaverse & Blockchain, DefenseTech, HealthTech, Sustainability, Sports & Entertainment, Smart Cities and much more.

This innovation conference and exhibition will bring together the best regional and international tech events under one roof.

The Experience

With a diverse lineup of speakers, exhibitors, and attendees from around the world, MetaCenter is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations, expand your knowledge, and discover new business opportunities. Attendees will have access to keynote presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and networking events that cover a wide range of topics in XR, AR, VR, Metaverse & Blockchain, DefenseTech, HealthTech, and more.

Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, developer, investor, or industry expert or simply love immersive technology, MetaCenter has something for everyone.

Join fellow tech enthusiasts in Orlando, Florida, October 17-19 for an unforgettable event that will leave you inspired, informed, and empowered to take your business to the next level. Grab your tickets here!

Here’s what attendees can expect

Immerse Global Summit 2023 to Unite Enterprise XR Leaders

Post originally appearing on xrtoday.com.

The Immerse Global Summit (IGS) will kick off its 2023 edition in Orlando, Florida, between 17 and 19 October. The VRAR Association is helping to host the annual event alongside the MetaCentre and Synapse.

Following ten years of operations, IGS 2023 is launching as part of the Metacenter Global Week, an event packed with the latest XR industry innovations and trends.

Moreover, IGS 2023 continues its vision of providing attendees with leading industry figures who will offer core market insights via keynotes and speaker sessions, showcasing emerging immersive technologies and solutions across the AR/VR/MR, Metaverse, and spatial computing spectrum.  

IGS 2023 also covers the latest enterprise-ready XR use cases that assist with varied workplace industries, including healthcare, defence, and automotive.  

The event should prove another successful instalment, highlighting yearly innovations and providing a rich learning space to promote XR as a ubiquitous technology solution for businesses.  

IGS 2023: What to Expect 

 This year’s event promises to be a significant one. IGS 2023 has the support of leading firms via its sponsors, including Google Cloud, Snapchat, and Meta – all of which will have exhibitor spaces and speaker sessions.  

IGS 2023 is hosting its esteemed lineup of speakers with a deep agenda that seeks to spread knowledge of enterprise-grade XR across various knowledge levels and end-users.  

Moreover, the agenda will cover XR-related technologies that developers commonly integrate into an immersive workplace product – including but not limited to genAI, NFTs, and avatars. 

The event’s exhibition space will also host a range of XR vendors ready to show attendees the latest AR/VR/MR innovations with some hands-on demonstrations. 

IGS is keen to show the various potential use cases of XR. Its focus on enterprise-leaning technology also provides insight into the future of immersive entertainment, such as broadcasting and gaming. 

MetaCenter Global Week 

IGS 2023 is expanding its yearly offerings, thanks to the MetaCenter and Synapse event partnership that grows the content on show for attendees.

Alongside its targeted agenda sessions, IGS is part of MetaCenter Global Week—an accompanying event which hosts XR-powered, in-person live events that showcase the local region.  

The MetaCenter is a hub to support Orlando developers, companies, and innovators trying to build Metaverse services locally. Additionally, the MetaCenter assists local talent trying to leverage related technologies such as IoT, RT3D modelling, simulation, and AI. 

For IGS 2023, the MetaCentre is hosting the “Orlando Downtown Discovery Dash”, a team scavenger hunt gaming experience – free to all IGS attendees – which allows players to collect immersive assets dotted around the city, which helps visitors see more of the surrounding Orlando area.  

Moreover, the MetaCenter is hosting two after-hours live music events. The two events, “Mayor Dyer presents: Local Jam” [a free event] and the “Lost Frequencies Concert” [for ticket holders only], will take place at The Beacham and Church Street, respectively. Both events highlight the potential of live experiences that leverage emerging immersive technology solutions. 

IGS 2023: A Paradigm Shift for XR? 

IGS 2023 comes at the perfect time for the XR industry. Following major year-wide announcements from countless leading XR firms like Meta, Apple, Microsoft, HTC VIVE, Varjo, Xreal, and many others, the technology space is facing an upturn in audience interest.

Following a massive media hype wave, the XR industry settled. Now, landscape-altering devices are emerging on the market, ready for 2024 and attempting to secure XR as a workplace technology. 

From Apple’s productivity-focused Vision Pro device to Meta’s dive into workplace MR headsets and Microsoft’s upcoming 2024 industrial Metaverse roadmap, the enterprise XR industry could soon be ready to enhance work.  

Moreover, the consumer market is equally going forward with strength. With constant new use cases, like gaming, marketing, and live events, how broader consumers understand and use XR will shape the technology’s place in the office – remote, hybrid or otherwise.  

SynergyXR Secures Rare U.S. Software Patent, Elevating the Future of Augmented and Mixed Reality

AARHUS, DENMARK – 27th September 2023 

In a significant milestone that underscores its position as an industry leader, SynergyXR is thrilled to announce the granting of its first-ever software patent by the U.S. Patent Office. This rare achievement exemplifies the company's unwavering commitment to pushing the technological envelope in the realm of Extended reality (XR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed reality (MR), and Spatial Computing. 

About the Patent 

The newly granted patent, entitled "Fault Tolerant Anchoring and Positional Alignment for Multi-User Augmented Reality Applications," introduces cutting-edge solutions that set a new standard for the industry. Specifically, the patent addresses the longstanding challenges related to inaccurate positioning of virtual objects and enhances the user experience by eliminating false positives in recognizing spatial AR anchors. 

Innovation at Its Finest 

"We're not merely talking about innovation—we're actively driving it," said Sune Wolff, CTO and co-founder at SynergyXR. "Securing a software patent in the United States is an extraordinary feat, one that sets us apart as pioneers in the field." 

The patent serves as a testament to the hard work, ingenuity, and collaborative spirit of the SynergyXR team. Special acknowledgment goes to Daniel Tamborra, Mads Troelsgaard, and Thomas Fenger for their groundbreaking contributions to this advancement. 

What's Next for SynergyXR? 

This development is just the tip of the iceberg. SynergyXR remains committed to spearheading advancements that make AR and MR tools not just futuristic concepts, but everyday solutions for modern businesses. 

About SynergyXR 

Based in Aarhus, Denmark, SynergyXR specializes in making augmented and virtual reality tools accessible today, not tomorrow. With a focus on delivering people-first solutions, SynergyXR is leading the charge in ensuring that extended realities become everyday tools for businesses across various sectors.

 

Press Contact: 

Andy Grantham,  

Head of Marketing, SynergyXR
Phone: +45 51950172
Email: ag@synergyxr.com