XR Round-Up March/April ‘22
At ROSE, we are constantly looking for advancements and inspiration within the XR community. This month, the XR space was filled new, inspiring, experiences! Check out some of the latest in our March/April XR round-up.
1. Coca-Cola launches a WebAR concert
“Sweet but a Psycho” singer, Ava Max, is featured in Coca-Cola’s limited edition Starlight campaign experience. Through this experience, a Coca-Cola Starlight can is a ticket to outer space, and a virtual concert. Fans can experience three performances, in augmented reality, of Max’s most popular songs. Read more about the experience on our partner, 8th Wall’s, blog.
2. Meta funds “Metaversities”
From “Zoom University” to “VR University”, colleges are once again embracing emerging technology and remote learning. “Beginning this Fall, [10] select colleges will open twin digital campuses built by VictoryXR on Engage XR’s social VR platform,” according to VRScout. Meta is funding this effort as part of Meta Immersive Learning. All students participating in VR schooling will receive a Meta Quest 2 headset in order to attend their courses. Students will be able to explore a digital replica of their campus while participating in virtual classes with other students.
3. AR Company Threekit Raises $35 Million To Fuel The Future of Virtual Commerce
In a big vote of confidence in the future of AR and retail, ThreeKit raised $35 million in a Series B. Threekit specializes in creating technology that translates retail products into digital 3D items and AR experiences that allow consumers to explore and customize items in real time. This month Threekit also announced the launch of their Immersive Shopping Suite, which uses advanced AR technology to allow customers to customize products in detail as well as try them on.
4. Niantic Announces First Original Game “Peridot”
If you loved Tamagotchi, this new Augmented Reality mobile game is for you. Niantic’s new game, Peridot allows players to breed their own adorable virtual pets. Players care for their pets by walking them, playing with them, and by making sure their basic needs are met in order to keep them from going extinct. The player and their pets will explore the world together.
5. Malls Go Meta
MetaVRse announced and introduced their latest project, TheMall.io. The Mall.io is “a photorealistic 3D shopping center, accessible by over 7 billion devices via the Web.” Retailers and private investors will have the opportunity to purchase an NFT that grants them a space in TheMall. Prices for the spaces start at $300,000 (~100 ETH). Retailers will be able to build retail experiences, entertainment experiences, and also lease out their space.
Tune in next month for the April/May round up!
