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| Today's Metaverse brief: - HTC's VIVE Focus 3 is now being used on the International Space Station (ISS) to support astronauts' physical and mental health.
- Forbes has announced its establishment in The Sandbox Metaverse, a significant move marking its entry into the Web3 space.
- Ubisoft remains unresponsive after around 700 employees went on strike for better pay following the company's raise offer of 2%-3%.
Thank you! Vildana
p/vildana-b | |
| 1 | | HTC's VIVE Focus 3 is now being used on the International Space Station (ISS) to support astronauts' physical and mental health. This advanced VR technology is integrated with exercise routines, offering astronauts a more immersive and beneficial experience in the challenging space environment. More: - HTC VIVE was initially launched to the ISS on Nov. 5, 2023, for mental health support and has now expanded to physical health.
- The VIVE Focus 3 operates with a FERGO exercise bike, providing real-time scenery visuals to match physical cycling efforts.
- The headset connects to the bike via Bluetooth, adjusting resistance to simulate terrain changes.
- Astronauts face a significant loss of muscle and bone mass in space, necessitating two hours of daily exercise.
- The VIVE Focus 3's deployment in microgravity showcases HTC's commitment to using immersive technology for humanitarian benefits.
Zoom Out: - In January, The U.S. Space Force engaged Microsoft in a $19.8M contract to enhance its Integrated, Immersive, Intelligent Environment (I3E) project to develop a VR/MR training platform for personnel.
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| 2 | | The current download trends of the Meta Quest app provide insights into its market position and user engagement. With the entry of Apple into the VR market, Meta Quest might face increased competition, potentially impacting its app downloads. 
What the numbers say: From 2018 to 2023, the Meta Quest mobile app experienced fluctuating download rates globally. Initially, downloads were at 0.83 million in 2018 and saw a steady increase, peaking at 10 million in 2022, a 32% rise from the previous year. However, in 2023, the app's downloads declined to around 7 million, according to data from AppMagic.
Relevance: In 2023, the Meta Quest platform experienced a notable decline, with the Sensor Tower data analyzed by Omdia showing a 25% decrease in app downloads to 7.5 million across iOS and Android devices, down from 10.3 million in 2022. Omdia's Consumer VR Headset and Content Revenue Forecast also reported a 24% drop in VR headset sales, indicating an overall challenging year for the industry. Starting in 2024, a gradual recovery is anticipated, largely propelled by Apple's headsets, which are expected to significantly boost the VR market and lead to content revenues reaching $2.3B by 2028. | | | |
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| 3 | | Forbes has announced its establishment in The Sandbox Metaverse, a significant move marking its entry into the Web3 space. This initiative introduces a virtual space for community interaction, hosting various interactive experiences, workshops, and events to connect thought leaders and innovators. More: - The Sandbox, known for its interactive virtual world, is now home to Forbes' digital domain, envisioned as a central hub.
- Forbes' virtual estate includes a pool, bar, and gallery celebrating the 2024 Under 30 recipients, focusing on immersive design.
- The metaverse presence features QR codes leading to exclusive content, enhancing user engagement through gamification.
- Forbes' metaverse space aims to be more than a digital territory; it's envisioned as a hub for innovation, achievement, and community.
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| 4 | | Ubisoft is still unresponsive after around 700 employees went on strike for better pay on Feb. 14, following Ubisoft's 2%-3% raise offer despite reporting strong financial results. This strike was significant, as it involved workers from various Ubisoft locations in France and was supported by French unions STJV and Solidaires Informatique. More: - Ubisoft's recent raises were lower than those in 2023 and are considered insufficient by employees.
- The strike was "historic" and saw participation from Bordeaux, Lyon, Annecy, Montpellier, and Paris employees.
- Strikers demand a 5% wage increase, aligning with Ubisoft's profitability and 2023 inflation rates.
- Ubisoft employees feel undervalued, especially after the company's substantial earnings during successive confinements.
- The possibility of future strikes is open, depending on Ubisoft's response and future labor negotiations.
- The pamphlet distributed during the strike highlighted the wage disparity compared to similarly qualified workers in France.
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| 5 | | The Tokyo government and Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau have launched two digital initiatives to enhance tourism, "Hello! Tokyo Friends" on Roblox and the "Tokyo Hunt" app. These experiences merge VR/AR with real-world exploration, offering interactive games, treasure hunts, trivia, and the ability to collect virtual rewards while touring Tokyo. More: - "Hello! Tokyo Friends" is an interactive Roblox game set in a virtual Tokyo cityscape.
- The "Tokyo Hunt" app links virtual experiences with real Tokyo locations.
- App users collect "emblems" at designated spots for Roblox rewards.
- The app features AR for photo opportunities with virtual characters.
- These initiatives aim to create and share unique Tokyo memories and promote Tokyo as an appealing tourist city.
Zoom Out: - Metaverse and AR technologies are expected to transform hotel operations and guest experiences.
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| 6 | | Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) recently raised $110M but is now laying off an unknown number of staff, indicating a shift in its business operations. This action reflects the ongoing trend of layoffs in the gaming industry as companies adapt to changing market demands. More: - Scottish studio BARB confirmed the layoffs after affected individuals shared the news on LinkedIn.
- The studio is refocusing and restructuring to enhance agility and meet project demands.
- The layoffs include global positions, with ongoing consultations with affected employees.
- At least eight members of the player services team are at risk.
- The studio has 300 employees across Edinburgh, Montpellier, Budapest, and remote locations.
- Despite layoffs, BARB continues to advertise various open positions.
Zoom Out: - BARB, founded by ex-Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies, is developing the Everywhere platform.
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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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