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| Today's Metaverse brief: - Apple has escalated its feud with Epic Games by blocking the latter's European subsidiary from using iPhone software tools.
- Meta is scheduled to delete the original Oculus Quest accounts and all associated data on March 29.
- Ultraleap is innovating in the XR and automotive industries by integrating tactile feedback tech.
Thank you! Vildana
p/vildana-b | |
| 1 | | Apple has escalated its feud with Epic Games by blocking the latter's European subsidiary from using iPhone software tools, effectively preventing the launch of the Epic Games Store on iOS devices. This move challenges the European Union's new tech competition law, the Digital Markets Act, aimed at loosening Apple's control over app distribution. More: - Apple's action comes ahead of the Digital Markets Act enforcement, which was designed to allow alternative app stores and payment systems.
- Epic Games intended to introduce a competing app store in Europe, leveraging the new law.
- Apple cited Epic's past non-compliance with its rules for denying access to developer tools.
- Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced plans to file a complaint with European regulators, accusing Apple of anti-competitive behavior.
- The Epic Games Store, launched in 2018, offers a lower commission rate (12%) than Apple's standard 30%.
- Potential consequences for Apple include a formal investigation by the European Commission, risking fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.
Zoom Out: - On Monday, the EU fined Apple €1.8B ($1.95B) for using its App Store dominance to unfairly limit competition among music streaming services, concluding a five-year investigation initiated by Spotify.
- The dispute continues a long-standing battle since 2020 when Epic sued Apple for antitrust violations over its payment system requirements.
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| 2 | | Los Angeles-based Snap Inc., the company behind the widely used mobile app Snapchat, has seen a consistent increase in its global annual revenue over recent years. 
What the numbers say: In 2023, Snap Inc.'s revenue reached approximately $4.6B, maintaining the same level as in 2022. This follows a growth from about $4.1B in 2021 and a significant jump from around $2.5B in 2020. Relevance: In December 2023, California allocated a $20M fund to Snap Inc., comprising grants and tax credit incentives. This funding, approved by lawmakers, is aimed at supporting the company's global office expansion and enhancing its production capacity for AR smart glasses. The company launched Spectacles in 2016, smart glasses equipped with cameras for recording video and uploading content directly to its platform. Snap is anticipated to receive this financial support in the 2025 tax year. Impact: Last month saw the release of Skype Preview, featuring a significant upgrade to its camera capabilities. Now, it includes 25 new AR lenses developed by Snap, enhancing the user experience with AR features. These AR lenses are accessible to Skype users on Android and iOS platforms. | | | |
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| 3 | | Meta is scheduled to delete original Oculus Quest accounts and all associated data, including purchases, on March 29 if users do not migrate to a Meta account. This move follows the rebranding from Facebook to Meta and the discontinuation of the Oculus brand, requiring users to switch to Meta accounts to retain their content. More: - Original Oculus Quest users risk losing achievements, credits, apps, and in-app purchases if they don't migrate to Meta accounts.
- A Facebook account was initially required for Oculus login, which was later replaced by the option for a Meta account.
- Affected users were notified via email about the need to migrate by March 29 to avoid account deletion.
- Migrating to a Meta account involves signing up with the same email used for the Oculus account.
- Once migrated, users retain access to all previously purchased content and associated account data.
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| 4 | | Ultraleap is innovating in the XR and automotive industries by integrating tactile feedback technology into VR headsets and car interfaces. This technology aims to enhance the user experience by providing a sense of touch and resistance in virtual environments and in-car displays through ultrasound waves and hand-tracking systems. More: - Ultraleap was created after Ultrahaptics acquired Leap Motion for around $30M, merging ultrasound tactile feedback with advanced hand tracking.
- The company focuses on XR and automotive applications, aiming to bring a tactile dimension to these technologies.
- Ultrahaptics, founded by University of Bristol students, uses ultrasound waves for tactile feedback, while Leap Motion specializes in hand tracking.
- Their technology allows for tactile feedback in VR without needing wearable devices, using a "puck" that emits ultrasound waves.
- At CES, Ultraleap showcased Sensation Designer, a developer tool to create haptic experiences in XR applications.
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| 5 | | LAYER and Deutsche Telekom have collaborated to create Concept T, a series of innovative home assistants, including a holographic hub, a personal robot, and a modular router, showcased at MWC 2024. These devices, designed to enhance home automation and connectivity, include features like projecting calls and chats, controlling smart appliances, and offering customizable router configurations. More: - Concept T consists of three devices: View, Buddy, and Level, each offering unique technological advancements for home use.
- The development of Concept T took 18 months, focusing on enhancing user interaction with technology in daily life.
- Concept Buddy uses sensing technology to interact with its environment, adjust home settings, and provide task reminders.
- Concept Level's modular design doubles as interior decor, appealing to DIY enthusiasts and those interested in customizable tech.
Zoom Out: - Deutsche Telekom is one of the biggest telecommunications providers in Europe and the majority owner of U.S. operator T-Mobile.
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| 6 | | Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a reduction of ~5% of its workforce, equating to nearly 700 layoffs, alongside the cancellation of games and closure of a development studio. EA's layoffs were communicated by CEO Andrew Wilson, emphasizing the company's aim to build community and grow fandom. More: - The layoffs affect about 670 employees, based on EA's workforce of 13,400 people as of March last year.
- EA is also shifting focus away from games based on licensed intellectual properties (IPs), aiming to concentrate on owned IP, sports, and online communities.
- A Star Wars first-person shooter in development by Respawn Entertainment has been canceled.
- EA's mobile game portfolio will also see reductions, with the discontinuation of titles like Kim Kardashian Hollywood and Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth.
- U.S. developer Ridgeline Studio is being shut down, marking the end of its involvement in creating a new story for the Battlefield universe.
Zoom Out: - The gaming industry witnessed many layoffs in 2023, with over 9,000 people impacted.
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- Apple is reportedly intensifying R&D efforts for its second-generation affordable headset, aiming to cut display costs by up to 50% for a launch expected in 2025.
- Metaverse Learning and Ascentis have launched a comprehensive VR English language learning program featuring eight realistic scenarios for immersive skill acquisition.
- MOONHUB, a VR training platform, has secured a $1.4M investment led by Unconventional Ventures, bringing its total funding to $4.5M.
- Meta is reportedly preparing to debut its prototype AR glasses, 'Orion,' at the Connect 2024 developer conference.
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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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