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| Hello Insiders, 🗞️ In today's edition, we explore how Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the capabilities of photorealistic avatars during a Metaverse interview with Codec Avatars. We also feature the top games on Twitch and discuss Epic Games' decision to lay off 16% of its staff, approximately 830 employees, after overestimating metaverse-related revenues. Plus, more captivating stories await. ⏬ Don't miss our Quick Hits ⚡ and Upcoming Events 📅 sections below. 💬 We value your feedback! Hit reply to share your thoughts. 👥 If you love our content, please share this newsletter with peers and friends. Thank you for being a cherished member of our Insider community! Vildana
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| 1 | | Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg showcased the potential of photorealistic avatars in a recent Metaverse interview using high-quality Codec Avatars. This development is part of Meta's ongoing research project on Codec Avatars, which began in 2019. More: - The interview was conducted with computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman using Meta Quest Pro VR headsets in a virtual space.
- Both participants utilized photorealistic 3D avatars of themselves during the conversation.
- Codec Avatars employs neural networks to create a 3D model using over 170 cameras.
- Users must undergo a digitization process, known as photogrammetry, to capture information about physical objects.
- Fridman observed that the 3D avatar accurately reflected Zuckerberg's facial expressions, a feat achieved through machine learning.
- Following the interview, Meta unveiled its third-generation Meta Quest headset, boasting significant improvements in visual and audio capabilities.
Zoom Out: - Forbes highlights that one of the top metaverse trends in 2023 is the adoption of avatars representing users in the digital world, with advancements in photorealistic technology.
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What the numbers say: Established in 2011, Twitch has become a leading live-streaming video platform. By August 2023, the game with the highest viewership on Twitch was League of Legends, accumulating over 60.52 billion global views, followed by Grand Theft Auto V with over 35 billion views. Relevance: According to company data, 70% of Twitch users, a platform under Amazon's ownership, fall between the ages of 18 to 34. It's worth noting that Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder, owns The Washington Post, and Interim Washington Post CEO Patty Stonesifer is a board member at Amazon. Impact: Live-streaming has become increasingly influential in politics, with political streamer Hasan Piker gaining prominence on Twitch by broadcasting over 80 hours of the 2020 election coverage and amassing hundreds of thousands of followers for his progressive insights. | | | |
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| 3 | | Epic Games, known for Fortnite, has cut 16% of its workforce, roughly 830 employees, due to overestimated metaverse-related revenue expectations. CEO Tim Sweeney cited significant structural economic changes as the reason for the layoffs. More: - Epic Games' unrealistic metaverse revenue expectations led to spending significantly more than earnings.
- In a memo to staff, CEO Tim Sweeney expressed initial optimism about avoiding layoffs but later recognized it as unrealistic.
- The company's growth was attributed to the Fortnite Creator program, allowing players to create and sell in-game content for a 40% share.
- While successful, this shift to the creator ecosystem resulted in decreased profit margins for Epic Games.
- Beyond the 830 layoffs, another 250 employees will depart as Epic Games plans to sell Bandcamp and spin-off SuperAwesome.
Zoom Out: - The gaming industry, especially in the U.K., has faced a challenging quarter with significant layoffs from Epic Games and other major players like Sega.
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| 4 | | Qualcomm has unveiled its next-generation AR/VR platforms, Snapdragon XR Gen 2 and AR1 Gen 1. These platforms aim to facilitate the creation of lightweight devices without needing external battery packs. More: - The Snapdragon XR Gen 2 offers 2.5x improved GPU performance compared to its predecessor.
- It boasts 8x superior AI performance and supports up to 10 cameras and sensors.
- The platform can handle 2x 3K displays and features the latest Spectra ISP.
- Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 is tailored for lightweight smart glasses with MR capabilities.
- Both platforms were developed in partnership with Meta and will first appear in Meta devices this year.
- Meta Quest 3 will utilize the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, while Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses will employ the Snapdragon AR1 Platform.
Zoom Out: - Telecoms.com points out the power efficiency of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Platform, designed specifically for VR helmets and glasses, showcasing a 2.5x better GPU performance.
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| 5 | | Researchers from the universities of Portsmouth and Winchester are exploring affordable VR solutions for emergency training. Preliminary findings indicate that desktop VR outperforms traditional video-based training methods. More: - 360-degree cameras are used to create immersive simulations based on simulated terrorist events.
- VR provides realistic 3D simulations, acting as a training simulator for first responders to practice critical decision-making.
- Despite VR's advantages, its substantial cost hinders its widespread adoption.
- High-fidelity VR simulations offer authentic training experiences but come with a significant cost.
- Desktop VR, a more affordable solution, has been developed to mirror real-world emergency scenarios without compromising training quality.
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| 6 | | Facebook parent Meta Platforms announced the release date for its upcoming Quest 3 mixed-reality headset and new Ray-Ban smart glasses, aiming to strengthen its position in the evolving metaverse. Despite significant investments, the company's push into the metaverse has seen limited returns, especially as competitors like Apple gear up to launch their own products. More: - The Quest 3 headset emphasizes users' ability to work or play in apps that blend virtual objects with their physical surroundings.
- Shipping for the Quest 3 begins on Oct. 10, with preorders starting at $499.
- Zuckerberg highlighted the device's "world's best immersive content library," showcasing a Lego game demo.
- Microsoft 365 will also be available on the Quest by year-end.
- Meta's second-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses will allow users to livestream their view, boasting a 36-hour battery life and various Ray-Ban models.
- The glasses will feature Meta AI, an AI assistant that can provide real-time information about objects or landmarks users point at, leveraging a partnership with Microsoft Bing.
Zoom Out: - WIRED highlighted the announcement of Meta's Quest 3 headset and the new Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, emphasizing the company's vision for head-mounted devices.
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| 7 | | QUICK HITS *This is sponsored content. | | | |
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