Last week, several of the world’s top extended reality (XR) brands introduced groundbreaking immersive devices to support emerging Metaverse platforms.
Global XR firms Qualcomm, Apple, and Vuzix revealed updates to their head-mounted devices (HMDs) for consumers and enterprises. Meta’s Global Affairs Chief Nick Clegg also shared his views on the Menlo Park-based firm’s open Metaverse vision in other headlines.
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Meta’s Nick Clegg Outlines Open Metaverse Vision
Last Thursday, Nick Clegg published a blog post detailing Meta’s plans to create an interoperable Web 3.0 framework as the successor to the Internet.
The global affairs chief explained that the Metaverse should “be a constellation of technologies, platforms, and products” not operated by one single entity.
Clegg added that an open and transparent Metaverse was crucial to its success, adding an open Metaverse needs to respect inclusivity as individuals “need to feel safe” in virtual environments.
Qualcomm Unveils Wireless AR Smart Viewer Design
On Friday, Qualcomm, a leading manufacturer of 5G and mobile device components, shared updates for its Wireless AR Smart Viewer design platform.
The Smart Viewer update also provides prototype devices with tetherless equipment and device manufacturer support, enabling the creation of significantly smaller devices.
The upcoming AR headsets contain 1920 x 1080 per eye resolution, 90Hz refresh rates, six degrees of freedom (6DoF), and hand tracking, among other features, and also enables users to split computing power between the HMD and a smartphone for reduced latency.
Apple Board Members Tease New MR Headset
Consumer tech giant Apple internally teased its long-awaited mixed reality (MR) device to company board members, including Chief Executive Tim Cook.
Reports claim that Apple’s MR device is near completion and at an advanced production stage. Rumours have persisted, stating that the Cupertino-based firm will release its headset later this year or in 2023.
Leading up to the internal showcase, Apple filed roughly 350 patent filings for XR technology, including biometric inputs, MR user interfaces, and smart displays.
Vuzix to Develop Full-Colour microLED Displays
Last Wednesday, Vuzix publicly revealed the signing of numerous agreements to secure the firm with “next-generation” micro light-emitting diode (microLED) displays from Atomistic SAS.
The deal notably gives Vuzix exclusive access to the world’s first full-colour microLED technology for augmented reality (AR) smart glasses. Additionally, the partnership provides Vuzix assistance from Atomistic SAS in creating backplates for the firm’s lineup of AR devices.
According to Paul Travers, President and CEO of Vuzix, Vuzix will make the microLED displays available to third party XR firms due to the partnership’s successes. Vuzix plans to acquire the French MicroLED firm to support future hardware development if the association is successful.
