Last week, XR Today covered several top tech stories in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) for the global extended reality (XR) industry.
New challengers and familiar faces have revealed surprises, with Chinese tech giant Xiaomi taking on Facebook’s Ray-Ban smartglasses, German virtual event spaces platform rooom unveiling its latest iteration of experienceCloud, and several industry-leading events set to take centre stage.
In case you missed it, here are the top stories from last week. Be sure to also stay posted with our newsletter by visiting https://www.xrtoday.com/sign-up/ for further updates!
Xiaomi Launch Powerful AR Smart Glasses
One of China’s leading global smartphone brands, Xiaomi, unveiled a pair of powerful, lightweight AR smartglasses with MicroLED optical waveguides and high-density resolution rates.
According to the company, the wearables will provide a heads up display (HUD) for calling and text notifications, navigation, and text translations in real-time, and can be used while driving and cycling.
The news comes just after US social media giant Facebook launched its long-awaited pair of Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have gained mostly positive reviews despite questions over their AR capabilities.
HTC Opens Pre-Order Sales of Pro 2 Full Kit
HTC VIVE announced it had begun taking preorders of its full kit VIVE Pro 2 mixed reality (MR) headset, complete with base stations and controllers, shortly after opening orders for the headset-only package in June.
The head-mounted display (HMD) will be available for sales in the United States and Canada for roughly $1,399 USD and $1,849 CAD, respectively.
Facebook’s Zuckerberg to Address Connect Event
Facebook founder and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg will hold a keynote speech at the company’s Connect Event in late October, it was revealed on Friday.
John Carmack, Oculus VR Chief Technology Officer, is set to join the conference along with other key leadership from the Menlo Park-based firm.
Facebook is set to address key topics and other updates on its product lineup as the social media giant shifts to becoming a Metaverse firm.
rooom Launches Open House amid €6m Fundraiser
XR Today attended a virtual meeting for German VR environment provider rooom, who recently earned €6 million in funding for its 3D virtual platform.
rooom’s experienceCloud platform is accessible via multiple devices, including Oculus VR headsets, desktop, laptops, and smartphones.
The developments come after the Jena, Germany-based firm partnered with the Khronos Group, a US non-profit consortium of over 150 tech firms who produce 3D graphics for virtual environments.
VRARA Europe Summit To Unite Global XR Leaders
The VR/AR Association (VRARA), the largest organisation representing the global XR industry, is set to host the European wing of its summit later in September.
Numerous sponsors will join the event, including Pico Interactive—the summit’s top sponsor—as well as Oculus, Realwear, Unity, and others.
Attendees will have access to keynote speeches, speed networking session, and virtual booths to interact with global leaders in the tech world as well as key representatives of industry organisations.
