Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc., gives a peace sign while arriving for the morning ... [+]
Apple may have shelved its consumer AR headset. Rumors suggest the inability to reduce weight, while keeping functionalities such as 5G, was the key reasons for a supposed disbanding of the consumer AR headset team in May. DigiTimes of Taiwan made this assessment based on statements from players in Apple's Asian supply chain. Even if true, considering Apple’s focus on AR over the long term with efforts like ARKit, the dissolving of the AR headset team isn’t likely an end to the Apple AR project. We are more inclined to believe the transition from a see-through AR solution to a pass-through solution might look, from the outside, a lot like Apple is pivoting away from head-mounted displays. Apple topkick Tim Cook says "Apple doesn't give a rat's ass about being first. We want to be the best, and give people a great experience. But now anything you would see on the market any time soon would not be something any of us would be satisfied with. Nor do I think the vast majority of people would be satisfied.” We have no direct contact with Apple, but sources closer to the company whisper a fall 2020 announcement of a holiday 2021 launch of a super high resolution a pass through device. Whatever the truth of these rumors, they illustrate how the threat that Apple will enter the wearable XR fray hangs over the industry like the sword of Damocles.
First virtual reality massage center opens in LA. Esqapes [sic] provides relaxing virtual environments for guests experiencing automated massages. While laying in a massage chair, guests don virtual reality headsets immersing them in relaxing virtual environments. Doors are now open in the SAG-Aftra Building on Wilshire Boulevard, and you can book online.
Pixana launches SPIN 2.0 with features focused on corporate learning and training, as well as SPIN Studio Lite for easy XR content distribution. The SPIN 2.0 update allows companies to launch immersive learning experiences cross platform between VR headsets, smartphones, tablets, and PCs. The update includes features like quizzing, scavenger hunts, and quality of life improvements like higher quality content streaming.
Immersive WWI experience opens this August in Austin. War Remains takes audiences into the trenches of WWI in a free-roam experience that utilizes physical set pieces. The new Austin location follows a Tribeca Film Festival debut and will be followed by additional locations in the near future. Advance tickets through September 1 are available here.
War Remains, a hit at the Tribeca Film Festival in March, is going to be available in Austin for a ... [+]
VRstudios Halo: Outpost Discovery traveling the country this summer. The immersive fan experience offers fans of the Halo universe a weekend of immersive content built in partnership with 343 studios. The pop-up event includes a litany of Halo centric experiences, as well as a free roam VR PvP arena. A schedule of what cities the event will take place in next can be found on the Halo: Outpost Discovery website.
Sp[a]ce Gallery hosts summer long exhibition Robot Remix XR. Robot Remix XR is organized by Paisley Smith and Milo Talwani in Pasadena, California. The exhibition features cinematic, game, and experiential art VR pieces. Visitors can purchase tickets for hour long time slots, and each month a new lineup of experiences will be available.
"This Week In XR" is written and edited with Michael Eichenseer.
