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| Today's metaverse brief: - Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested over $500M in Magic Leap, a U.S. tech company specializing in VR headsets.
- Bobcat has introduced a novel AR technology for skid-steer loaders, developed in collaboration with LG Electronics and BSI Research, transforming windows into interactive displays.
- In collaboration with Google, U.K. researchers have developed a new in-car technology that displays real-time high-resolution 3D holograms of road hazards directly in a driver's field of vision.
Thank you! Vildana
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| 1 | | Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested over $500M in Magic Leap, a U.S. tech company specializing in VR headsets. This investment is aimed at competing with Apple's $3,499 Vision Pro goggles, with Magic Leap's total capital raised now exceeding $4.5B. More: - Magic Leap received $590M from PIF in 2023 through convertible debt.
- The PIF has become the majority owner of Magic Leap, a company that initially released AR glasses in 2015.
- Despite significant investment, including over $4.5B in total capital, Magic Leap has not yet achieved profitability.
- The company has explored licensing its intellectual property to other major technology firms.
Zoom Out: - In June 2023, The Financial Times reported that Meta engaged in discussions with Magic Leap regarding producing optics for its future devices as part of its annual $10B investment in developing an avatar-centric "metaverse."
- Since its inception in 2010, Magic Leap has attracted funding from major investors like Google and AT&T.
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| 2 | | 
What the numbers say: The "Lego Fortnite" game has gained significant popularity, particularly evidenced by streamer TimTheTatman, who became the most-watched Lego Fortnite streamer in the first four days after launch, with approximately 417,000 hours of his content viewed across major streaming platforms. Relevance: In December, Epic Games launched "Lego Fortnite," a kid-friendly version of their popular game, blending Lego elements with Fortnite's gameplay. This new version emphasizes survival, crafting, building, and online collaboration, similar to Minecraft but with a distinct Lego twist. Impact: In 2022, Epic Games announced a $2B investment from Sony Group Corp and the family-owned holding company of the Lego Group, which valued the Fortnite creator at approximately $3 B. The company also noted that Fortnite is accessible on various platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, personal computers, and cloud-based gaming streaming services. | | | |
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| 3 | | In collaboration with Google, researchers from the University of Cambridge, Oxford, have developed a new in-car technology that displays real-time high-resolution 3D holograms of road hazards directly in a driver's field of vision. This technology allows drivers to "see through" objects, projecting holographic representations of hidden obstacles, enhancing road safety and driver awareness. More: - The 3D system aligns holograms with real objects in size and distance, enabling drivers to see obscured road signs as 3D holograms.
- Current head-up display (HUD) systems are limited to 2D projections; this new system uses 3D laser scanning and LiDAR data for a fully 3D representation.
- The data collected can be shared and stored in the cloud, offering real-time traffic information to passing drivers.
- The researchers aim to test the technology in real cars, with road tests planned for 2024.
- The project received support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft.
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| 4 | | Bobcat has introduced a novel AR technology for skid-steer loaders, developed in collaboration with LG Electronics and BSI Research, transforming windows into interactive displays. This innovation, showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), enhances operational efficiency and safety by overlaying crucial data over the physical job site view. More: - The Advanced Display Technology integrates OLED screens into the equipment's glass, replacing the front cab windshield or side window.
- Operators can interact with the touchscreen to access information like camera views and site maps.
- The technology is applied to compact loaders, excavators, and telehandlers.
- This AR tech is also used for grading, elevation, and operator training.
- The RogueX2, an all-electric and autonomous concept loader by Bobcat, was also featured at CES.
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| 5 | | Digital replicas, or "digital twins," of patients are revolutionizing personalized healthcare by allowing medical professionals to simulate and test treatments on virtual models. This innovative approach, particularly in treating aneurysms, enhances the precision and effectiveness of medical interventions. More: - Digital twins reduce the need for trial and error on actual patients.
- The EU-funded MeDiTATe project, running until June 2024, focuses on using digital twins for aneurysm treatment and prevention.
- Researchers are 3D printing patient replicas to gather comprehensive data for creating accurate digital twins.
- The MAESTRIA project, another EU initiative, is developing digital tools to treat atrial fibrillation and stroke through Feb. 2026.
Zoom Out: - Cleveland Clinic is developing digital twins to analyze the impact of patients' neighborhoods on their health, aiming to use this data to inform health interventions that enhance health equity.
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| 6 | | Real estate firms increasingly adopt AR/VR and AI technologies to enhance customer experiences and improve sales. These technologies enable immersive property tours, predictive market analysis, and more efficient real estate transactions. More: - Anarock's AI/ML prop-tech solution, ASTRA, increased primary housing sales by up to 15%.
- ASTRA leverages predictive analysis for quality lead generation, enhancing sales team efficiency.
- Salesforce India highlights the revolutionary impact of AI and automation in the real estate sector.
- Hiranandani Group uses tech advancements for real-time customer assistance and simplifying purchase processes.
- Prestige Group employs AI-led voice bots for client interactions and maximizing conversion probabilities.
Zoom Out: - A similar advancement in automotive technology is seen with Mercedes-Benz's new MBUX Hyperscreen, which offers a seamless infotainment system across the dashboard.
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- This year's WEF meeting in Davos, Switzerland, features over 30 sessions hosted on a new platform based on Microsoft's Mesh, which is compatible with Meta's Quest 2, 3, and Pro.
- SinVerse, a VR company, recently announced significant updates and upcoming innovations for its blockchain-based Mafia Metaverse.
- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024 will introduce a Metaverse following its initial launch at the 3rd European Games.
- The Blockchain4Her initiative by crypto exchange Bitget commits $10M to support women-led startups in the Web3 sector.
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 | Freelance | | This newsletter was curated by Vildana. In addition to Inside Daily Brief, she also contributes to Inside Metaverse. She holds an MSc from the London School of Economics (LSE). You can reach her at vildana@inside.com or her social media platforms, Twitter or LinkedIn. | | This newsletter was edited by Aaron Crutchfield | |
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