XR Round-Up January/February ‘23
At ROSE, we are constantly looking for advancements and inspiration within the XR community. Check out some of the latest XR experiences making a splash in our January/February XR round-up!
1. Step into Squid Game
Netflix has partnered with Sandbox VR to create a virtual reality experience for its hit show Squid Game. Fans will be able to step into the series as contestants with a group of up to 6 friends. They will have free roam to travel to iconic show locations and participate in challenges inspired by the series.
Founder and CEO of Sandbox VR, Steve Zhao, shared “Our mission is to bring people closer together through world-class immersive experiences. What could be a more perfect fit than Squid Game, the most widely shared and discussed television series of the past years”.
2. IKEA (Deep Sea) Dives into AR
IKEA Retail Sweden teamed up with Meta and Warpin Reality to launch an interactive AR game at select store locations. The Lilla Äventyret experience is inspired by IKEA’s underwater collection of children’s toys. This Instagram filter allows users to learn about marine life and how they can sustain it, all the while snapping selfies with their new underwater friends.
“It will be exciting to see how all families with children play and have fun together with IKEA’s Lilla Äventyret. It’s inspiring to see how IKEA is exploring new possibilities, and at the same time it’s a great example of how AR can be used to enhance the in-store customer experience”, shared Warpin CEO, Emma Ridderstad.
3. Play Station VR2 Hits the Market
Sony has finally released the long-awaited PlayStation VR2. This headset pairs with the PlayStation 5 system and has a catalog of over 30 games available with the launch. The technology features eye-tracking, PS VR2 Sense Controllers, and 3D audio. The system also has headset-based haptic feedback, which is a unique feature compared to other virtual reality headsets
PlayStation VR2 is currently available for purchase for $549.99.
4. Stroll Down Memory Lane
Virtual Reality startup Wist is making it possible for users to relive their favorite memories. They are currently developing an app that captures and houses immersive memories that can be played back in both augmented and virtual reality.
Wist is currently conducting a closed beta for a select group of users. You can join the waitlist at https://wistlabs.com/ .
5. Snapchat Introduces New Rendering Technology
Snap Lens Studio has introduced ray tracing, an advanced rendering technique that allows AR objects to reflect and interact with light. Users were able to see this new feature in use with Tiffany & Co’s latest Snapchat filter. Virtually try on their jewelry and see the way their diamonds sparkle in the light.
Snapchat is eager to see the way this technology heightens digital objects within their app. “Now, Lenses that feature AR diamond jewelry, clothing and so much more can reach ultra-realistic quality,” Snapchat shared in their announcement.
6. Marching Forward with ROSE
As a Black-owned company, ROSE makes an effort every year to create an immersive and educational experience for Black History Month, and this year they delivered yet again. This year’s AR experience, Marching Forward, highlights the Black History Month theme of resistance.
The experience, which you can visit here on your smartphone, takes the form of a double row of AR statues. You walk down the aisle and tap the statues to learn more about their inspiration.
“We really wanted to create balance within the experience with the solid bronze look of the statues and in turn, draw the users to explore the changing Black Lives Matter text on the ground,” explained ROSE Art Director Jourdan Johnson. “The text updates to display colorized images related to the moment to get a better understanding of what they are learning about.”
Tune in next month for our February/ March Round Up!
Interested in XR and what it can do for your business? Contact us at info@rosedigital.co
