Hello Insiders, GigXR is a global provider of extended reality (XR) solutions for instructor-led teaching and created holographic acute-care simulations for training medical professionals. We interviewed GigXR CEO David King Lassam to learn more about how mixed reality applications are transforming the healthcare sector. If you missed our live session, you may view the recording here. | |  Gia | |
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 The NFL partnered with Snap Inc. on various activities around the Super Bowl, including Cameos Stickers, Snapchat Discover, and more. The league aimed at boosting its user engagement during halftime spots by using various AR lenses. More: - 87% of Snapchat users prefer using photo messaging apps over other apps during sporting events.
- During the Super Bowl, theme-based Cameos Stickers were available in the app.
- Using Snap's AR experiences, users were able to see a virtual Lombardi Trophy, wear a team jersey, and more.
- Data show that the Snapchat AR lenses were used over 200 million times during last year's Super Bowl game.
Zoom out: - Verizon had also partnered with Snapchat for a 5G Connected Lens experience, which allowed users to have an immersive gaming experience.
- Frito-Lay's Flamin' Hot Doritos and Cheetos also used AR screen lenses to promote their products.
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 Augmented reality-based experiences are gaining in popularity, as the userbase increased from 500 million mobile AR users in 2020 to 810 million users in 2021. An estimate of 1.1 billion users is expected to use AR on their phones in 2022. More: - The pandemic has contributed to the increase in users as more consumers shifted to online shopping after thousands of stores closed.
- Brands are realizing that innovation is required to stay relevant and have increased investment into AR technology.
- Here are the five most important trends to look out for in AR this year:
- AR NFTs and metaverse: For example, Dolce & Gabbana released its "Collezione Genesi" augmented reality wearables NFT collection last year.
- AR livestream shopping: Brands are using AR lenses to promote and sell their products on platforms like Amazon and Instagram Live.
- Spread of 3D/AR on self-service e-commerce platforms: Brands of all sizes are using augmented reality technology to offer product reviews, publish reports, and more.
- "Phygital" retail experience: In-store smart mirrors and digital experiences are a preferred shopping experience amongst Gen Z customers. Brands will avail themselves of AR and 3D technologies such as virtual avatars to ensure an immersive shopping experience for their in-store and at-home shopping customers.
- Brands will embrace 3D search on Google: Shopify has reported a 94% higher conversion rate with products that have AR elements. In 2022 we can expect to see a rush of 3D search results on Google emerge.
Entrepreneur 
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 A message from PASSBASE Digital ID verification has evolved, mitigating the tension between security and user experience. Fraud is getting more sophisticated and affecting more industries than ever (anyone else catch Tinder Swindler on Netflix?). Luckily, companies like Passbase are sharing the playbook on how to adopt next-gen identity verification (IDV) so you can keep your business and users protected. More: - IDV 1.0 was usernames, passwords and database checks – easily hackable. IDV 2.0 upgraded security with selfie videos matched to IDs, but often with poor UX. So what’s next?
- Today, IDV 3.0 allows companies to compete on both trust and customer experience.
- Hyper-growth companies are leading the way by using strategies that fit IDV into key touchpoints that benefit users throughout the entire customer lifecycle.
We’re loving Passbase’s free e-book that dives into these topics. Get yours today. Download the New Identity Playbook
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 As more people put on VR headsets and move around without being able to see their surroundings, insurance claims saw a 31% spike in 2021. Aviva, the U.K.'s largest insurance firm, said it had seen claims from people tripping over furniture, shattering light fixtures, punching ceiling fans, breaking TVs, and more, with these claims up 68% since 2016. More: - Virtual reality headsets increase the likelihood of injuries if the user is not aware of their surroundings.
- One claim was filed by a user that smashed their TV while playing a zombie-filled video game.
- The average value of damage reported was approximately $880.
- Kelly Whittington, Claims director at Aviva, said, "As new games and gadgets become popular, we often see this playing through in the claims made by our customers."
- Aviva recommends that people be aware of their surroundings during gameplay and consider adding accidental damage coverage to their plans as VR headsets gain popularity.
Zoom out: - In 2017, KPMG identified four areas of risk when using AR/VR headsets:
- Personal injury: This includes health risks such as nausea, dizziness, and physical damage to property.
- Information Security: Data breach, avatar identity theft, and anonymity-based crimes.
- Behavior: Meta Platforms' Horizon Rooms already have user complaints of sexual assault.
- Privacy: Advertisers buy and track user data, which is a huge privacy concern for VR users.
XR Today
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Qualcomm Technologies is expanding across Europe by opening XR labs that focus on R&D, engineering, advanced hand tracking, hand gestures, 3D mapping, and more. The company will also make its XR SDKs available for foundational support in developing object and geo-tracking features. More: - The aim behind opening XR labs in Europe is to make XR more accessible to the masses.
- The labs will be located in six cities across the continent with the goal of developing lightweight and sleek head-worn glasses.
- Developers will have access to the company's Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer platform to foster innovation and create opportunities.
- Enrico Salvatori, Senior VP and President of Qualcomm Europe, said, "The opportunities for XR are significant. Combine that with Europe's rich R&D and leadership in XR, and we see the XR labs in Europe as being a big contributor to XR development worldwide."
Auganix
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 A message from DELL IN HONOR OF BIG DREAMS save on the latest Tech from Dell Technologies. The XPS 13 is Stunning inside and out! The stunning 4-sided InfinityEdge display enables us to bring a 6.8% larger 16:10 display to the 13-inch laptop in a footprint more similar to an 11-inch laptop, and in a 2% smaller size than before, delivering a 91.5% screen to body ratio. Inside audience can receive an additional 5-10% off! Save Here
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 The Foo Fighters turned to Meta's Horizon Worlds Venues to host a VR concert for their fans after the Super Bowl, but things did not go smoothly. The band pre-recorded the performance to run inside the app and in browsers, but once users tried to log in, they were met with technical difficulties and connection issues. More: - The concert was designed to allow fans to watch the performance with their avatars and engage with other fans.
- But a lot of people reported issues with onboarding. The lobby crashed, and many users were left waiting to get in for a long time if they ever could at all.
- Metaverse consultant and Forbes tech columnist Charlie Fink tweeted: "Am I the only one who can't get into @HorizonWorlds Venues to see @foofighters?" Many replies confirmed he was not alone.
- At least 10,000 people were able to get in and see a 10-song performance that included some rare tracks. Venues did repeat the show for those who missed it the first time.
Upload VR
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 ICICB Group plans to enter the metaverse with the launch of Cosmos, a virtual reality metaverse framework that spans across space and time. The company launched the ICICB Chain that will serve as the backbone for metaverse-related experiences known as Cosmos. More: - The ICICB Group aims to capture the metaverse momentum as Cosmos will offer its users an opportunity to experience ancient, modern, and future human life in VR.
- The firm will also launch its own NFTs and artifacts for a gaming experience.
- Each user will experience time travel, teleporting to the stone age or the future as they expose themselves to immersive experiences in a platform set to be larger than The Sandbox or Decentraland.
News BTC
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Quick Hits - Ready to empower your teams to quickly explore, analyze, visualize, and collaborate on all of your cloud data? It's time for Sigma.*
- Here is a look at how Meta's VR platforms keep users safe.
- Virtual reality has the potential to transform our lives from work to play, and here is a look at the new jobs that may become available in the near future.
- Virtual reality has multiple benefits, but it also exposes some people to vulnerable situations.
- Is it really the time to replace our physical reality with virtual reality in workplace situations?
- The rumored Apple glasses may come with an option to take your Facetime calls in VR.
- Synthetic voice company Sonantic released a Valentine's Day video showing off its AI platform's flirting capabilities.
*This is sponsored content.
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 |  | 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. | | | | 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. | |
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