| Today's Metaverse briefing: - Microsoft has officially ceased developing its Windows Mixed Reality platform, ending its VR/AR efforts.
- VR is gaining popularity in eldercare, providing therapeutic and social benefits to combat issues like low moods, memory loss, and loneliness.
- The first pediatric surgery using Novarad's VisAR, a VR navigation system, was performed at Washington University School of Medicine.
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| 1 | | Microsoft has officially ceased developing its Windows Mixed Reality platform, ending its VR and AR efforts as of December 2023. This decision follows the limited success of the HoloLens headset, which, despite its high potential, failed to gain significant traction in the consumer or industrial markets. More: - Windows Mixed Reality debuted in 2015 with the HoloLens headset, aiming for full integration in Windows 10 by 2017.
- Despite heavy investment, HoloLens never saw a consumer release and had limited industrial interest, except for a U.S. military contract.
- The VR "metaverse," as envisioned by Microsoft and Meta, has not met expectations, leading to a reevaluation of their strategies.
- Microsoft's Mixed Reality Portal and Windows Mixed Reality for Steam VR will be removed in future Windows updates.
- Users can still access Windows Mixed Reality for now, but its future is uncertain with the platform's depreciation.
Zoom Out: - Despite setbacks in VR/AR, Microsoft continues to innovate in other areas, such as quantum computing.
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What the numbers say: In June 2023, the gaming industry witnessed several major conferences, with the Xbox Games Showcase & Starfield Direct 2023 leading in popularity. This event attracted over 2.3 million peak viewers through various streaming platforms. Following closely, the Summer Game Fest 2023 garnered significant attention with 2.03 million peak viewers, ranking second in viewership. In the third position was Ubisoft Forward, marking its presence in the gaming conference landscape of the period. These figures highlight the immense global interest in gaming conferences and the industry's growing reach. Relevance: The Game Developer Conference's (GDC) State of the Game Industry 2023 report, based on a survey of over 2,300 game developers, reveals a lack of belief in the metaverse among game makers. The annual survey reflects the perspectives of developers, with 39% identifying as indie studio employees and 23% from larger, blockbuster studios. Notably, the survey, as discussed in The Washington Post, does not clarify if the 45% skeptical about the metaverse are also involved in developing metaverse-related products. | | | |
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| 3 | | VR is gaining popularity in eldercare, providing therapeutic and social benefits to combat issues like low moods, memory loss, and loneliness. This innovative approach is being adopted in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities across the U.S., offering a unique experience for the elderly. More: - VR usage in eldercare has increased, with devices shipped in the U.S. totaling 2.9 million in 2023, down from 3.4 million in 2022.
- VR technology helps in reducing feelings of depression and isolation, as shown in a study with MIT's AgeLab.
- VR experiences for the elderly include virtual trips to childhood homes and famous landmarks like the Grand Canyon.
- Caregivers play a crucial role in facilitating VR experiences and enhancing social interaction and engagement.
- Concerns remain about privacy and the need for clear regulations in the use of VR in healthcare settings.
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| 4 | | The first pediatric surgery using Novarad's VisAR, a VR navigation system, was performed at Washington University School of Medicine, U.S. The VisAR system overlays 3D images on the patient's body, offering real-time, three-dimensional visualization to enhance surgical precision and confidence. More: - VisAR is FDA-cleared for spinal surgery and pending for cranial surgery in the U.S., with regulatory applications in other countries.
- The technology minimizes lag to 200 milliseconds, allowing for dynamic, real-time adjustments during surgery.
- Novarad's VisAR has been approved in the U.S., Mexico, and Indonesia, with more countries expected to follow.
- The AR sector is forecasted to grow to $152B by 2030, a significant increase from $7B in 2020.
- VisAR's unique feature is near-instantaneous image and patient registration, differing from typical navigation systems.
- The technology gained significant funding, including a $20M Series A funding round led by prominent investors.
Zoom Out: - The AR & VR in Healthcare Market is poised for growth, driven by the increasing adoption of telemedicine, rising chronic diseases, and aging population; the market is anticipated to reach $10.19B by 2030.
- VR technology is increasingly being used in healthcare for medical training.
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| 5 | | Reebok, in partnership with Futureverse, is set to launch "Reebok Impact" in 2024, a metaverse experience featuring AI and digital wearables. This initiative marks a significant step in blending fashion and technology, offering a new realm of consumer interaction with Reebok's products. More: Zoom Out: -
Gartner reported in 2022 that by 2026, 25% of people are expected to spend at least one hour a day in the metaverse for activities like work, shopping, education, and entertainment. | | | |
| 6 | | The Bowler School District in Wisconsin, with 50% of its students from tribal communities and 70% qualifying as low-income, is leveraging VR in education to expose students to diverse career paths. This innovative approach, funded by a Catalyze Challenge grant, involves a partnership with the National Indian Education Association, Core Learning Exchange, and the College of Menominee Nation. More: - The VR program introduces students to various careers, starting in middle school, through online courses offered by Core Learning Exchange.
- The initiative aims to teach construction skills and award certifications to students from the Menominee, Stockbridge-Munsee, and Ho-Chunk nations.
- A mobile construction lab, funded by the grant, travels the region, allowing students to work with trained instructors on real repair projects.
- Challenges like inconsistent transportation and adapting to professional communication methods are tackled.
- Some teachers initially struggled to integrate VR as a core learning model, viewing it as an add-on rather than a key educational tool.
Zoom Out: - In rural areas, VR in education offers unique opportunities for children from low-income families, allowing them to have enriching experiences beyond their immediate surroundings.
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- NuEyes and NuLoupes both gained FDA approval for their respective healthcare smart glasses, with NuLoupes also preparing for an upcoming patent request.
- AR platform Really partners with blockchain platform Avalanche to launch 'Fandime' NFTs, offering exclusive movie-related content and interactive experiences to engage audiences with the latest blockbuster films.
- Researchers from the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and University College London have developed a 360-degree AR holographic automotive display that projects 4K video.
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