 Meta launched updated 3D avatars on its social media platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and VR platforms. NFL fans have the option to dress their avatars with NFL outfits ahead of Super Bowl LVI on Feb. 13. More: - Starting today, users across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be able to use these features across all of Meta's social platforms.
- Meta is also making improvements to the appearance of avatars to make them look more authentic by adjusting facial shapes and features.
- Disability aids such as wheelchairs and over-the-ear hearing aids will also be available to add to avatars.
- Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said: "We're updating Meta avatars with a lot more expressions, faces, and skin tones, as well as wheelchairs and hearing aids."
- Meta is committed to the metaverse and views this as an early step toward a new digital reality.
Zoom out: - This week Meta has also released a free and tracked keyboard SDK for Quest VR headsets.
- The interaction SDK will support both hands and controllers, which will help developers generate high-quality hand interactions to VR.
- The new SDK kit will support direct grabbing of virtual objects, custom grab poses, gesture detection, and more.
- Meta will also release its Q4 earnings report sometime today, which for the first time will include the Reality Labs unit focused on the metaverse.
Auganix 
| |
 Apple appears to support WebXR applications on Safari and its forthcoming AR/VR headset. Although the company did not make any announcement, the evidence comes from the four new features that were spotted for WebXR in the latest Safari in iOS 15.4 beta project. More: - Apple is notorious for remaining secretive about upcoming releases, but there are multiple indications for the direction that the company is headed, including WebXR features and headsets.
- WebXR enables developers to deliver AR and VR experiences straight from a web browser. The four new features on the iOS 15.4 beta include:
- WebXR Augmented Reality Mode
- WebXR Device API
- WebXR Gamepads module
- WebXR Hand Input Module
- In relation to the new WebXR add-ons, developer Maximiliano Firtman said, "this is preparing the scenario for Apple's upcoming goggles or headsets."
- Other indications come from Apple's latest job posting seeking a WebKit 3D Graphics Engineer, which mentioned WebXR as part of the role, while other postings specifically asked for experience with OpenXR and WebXR.
Road to VR
| |
 A message from AXONIUS The software as a service (SaaS) model was a major paradigm shift in the history of IT — and has since become a go-to for many organizations. After all, SaaS models offer unquestionable benefits, like increased flexibility, accessibility, and cost savings. But as SaaS adoption continues to skyrocket, it's creating more complexity for IT and security teams. Tasks like gaining visibility into SaaS apps, monitoring spending, managing configuration, and licensing can feel complicated. Impossible, even. In this new white paper, Axonius explains why a modern, comprehensive approach to SaaS management — one that challenges what we think we know about the process — can help. Download "Navigating the Complexity of SaaS Management" and learn: - The top SaaS challenges — including shadow SaaS and SaaS spend — and how it impacts IT and security teams
- Current approaches to SaaS management — and their limitations
- Why a modern, comprehensive approach to SaaS management can help
Download the white paper now.
| |
 Experts believe that Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) is expected to lead the metaverse. The company is already starting to land big customers, and when it comes to developing GPU chips needed to power the metaverse infrastructure, Nvidia and AMD are key players in the race to virtual worlds. More: - The company's most recent partnership with Meta platforms is a good indicator for things to come for the development of AI supercomputers using Nvidia's GPU chips.
- One analyst said: "personally, I think it's better news for Nvidia. It shows that their product is in high demand. At the moment, there are only really two main companies that focus on high-performance accelerators, which are these graphics cards, and that's Nvidia and AMD."
- He explains that Intel might be a key player, but that may happen in the future, but the future is unseen, and anything can happen as long as these companies remain competitive and innovate.
- Earlier this year, Nvidia announced that its Omniverse platform will be freely available for developers and creators to accelerate the development of the metaverse.
- Nvidia announced new features for Omniverse users that included the "one click to collaborate" function, 3D marketplaces, digital asset libraries, and more.
- The company launched the Omniverse platform in April 2021 and described a future of the metaverse similar to Neal Stephenson's sci-fiction novel "Snow Crash."
- In addition to the metaverse, the Omniverse platform will help construction, architecture, engineering, and supercomputing companies accelerate innovation and design.
Motley Fool
| |
 VR headsets are growing in popularity which puts users at a higher risk of injuries by tripping, punching, or kicking in gameplay. Virtual reality headsets carry a specific risk because users cannot see their environment while playing. More: - The benefit of VR is that users are more active, but this also brings an added risk of moving around without having access to your surroundings.
- Jake Masters, a North Carolina resident, dislocated his shoulder while playing a VR game including boxing matches.
- "Next time I'll just let the tiger eat me," said Masters, as he undergoes physical therapy to heal his injury.
- There is always a certain level of risk to any activity that one participates in, and many VR headsets come with instructions that recommend clearing furniture and taking breaks between sessions.
Futurism
| |
 A message from MALWAREBYTES Secure success for 2022 with AI-powered cyberprotection. Did you know that ransomware attacks are surging? Remote workforces have amplified security concerns for businesses. Remote workforces make easy targets for cybercriminals. - 1 out of 5 businesses experienced a remote-worker related security breach
- 28% of people admitted using their personal device for work more than their work-issued device
Secure success for 2022 Prepare your team—and all the devices they use—against ransomware, security breaches, and other cyberattacks with easy-to-use tools designed for small businesses. Outsmart cyberattacks and avoid downtime with Malwarebytes Endpoint Detection and Response with 72-hour ransomware rollback recovery. Get started today with a 25% off your first year during our Winter Cyber Sale. Learn More
| |
 Otsuka Pharmaceutical announced a new collaboration with virtual reality and AI developer Jolly Good in a $43M deal. The fresh funds will be used to combine pharmacological and psychotherapeutic techniques to accelerate the development of mental health treatment programs. More: - Otsuka has deep expertise in neurological therapeutics, and the two companies are working together to use these techniques to build software that will integrate with Jolly Good's VR headsets.
- The goal is to develop new mental health treatment options by applying the social skills training approach.
- Patients with anxiety, mood, and personality disorders may benefit from the treatment.
- The first program was designed to help schizophrenia patients to make the treatment more immersive and engaging for patients in a clinical setting.
Fierce Biotech
| |
 SAP announced plans to acquire Taulia to support metaverse-related supply and chain demands. The cost of acquisition has not been disclosed, but reports claim that it will be less than $1B. More: - SAP aims to support digital B2B services, including supply chain financing and working capital management.
- The company plans to enter the metaverse and is looking at targeting learning, commerce, and business solutions.
- Taulia offers global firms a platform to earn early payments on goods and services. Customers include Vodafone, Nissan, and Airbus.
XR Today
| |
Quick Hits - Experience the Adobe Commerce technology suite in an interactive simulation and learn how Adobe has set the standard for hybrid eCommerce.*
- Learn how a church based in Virginia is using VR as a means to reach churchgoers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Metaverse mortgages might be a trend to look out for this year. Here is a closer look at how one Vancouver-based firm is lending out money to borrowers.
- Virtual reality is a means for entertainment and gaming, but experts worry that it may induce feelings of loneliness in children.
- Marriage and finding love in the metaverse might be a trend that we will likely see in the future as more couples decide to tie the knot in the metaverse and the physical world.
- We all know stocks are a great way to grow your money. But they’re not the only way. That’s why we’ve been reading the Alts newsletter.*
*This is sponsored content.
| |
Upcoming Events - February 01 - Venturing in VC - Episode #5 with Janine Sickmeyer (Overlooked Ventures) (Register Here)
- February 03 - Blockchain Gaming & Play-to-Earn Economies (Register Here)
- February 09 - Interview with David King Lassman (GigXR) (Register Here)
- February 09 - A Twitter Spaces event with Bored Elon Musk (Register Here)
- February 10 - The Business of Wellness (Register Here)
- February 17 - Efficient Marketing Strategies in a Post iOS 14 World (Register Here)
- February 23 - Need to Know NoCoder: Derya Sousa (Kianda Technologies) (Register Here)
- February 24 - Alternative Investments (Register Here)
- March 03 - The $12B Appetite for Amazon Aggregators (Register Here)
- March 10 - NoCode's Impact on the Gig Economy (Register Here)
- March 23 - Need to Know NoCoder: Nichole Bestman (Bubble) (Register Here)
- March 31 - How To Build In Web 3.0 (Register Here)
- April 14 - Shopping In The Metaverse (Register Here)
Visit us at https://inside.com/events to learn more!
| |
 |  | Gia Mattu is based in Calgary, Alberta. She is an entrepreneur with experience in climate technology, drones, AI, machine learning, and blockchain technology. When she's not working, she loves to hike the Canadian Rockies, try new cuisine, and travel. Twitter handle: @gmattu7 | | | | Editor | Aaron Crutchfield is based in the high desert of California. Over the last two decades, he has spent time writing and editing at various local newspapers and defense contractors in California. When he's not working, he can often be found looking at the latest memes with his kids or working on his 1962 Ford. | |
| |
| |
Comments
Post a Comment