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Key Takeaways:
In a strategic move to strengthen its foothold in the mixed-reality domain, Apple has confirmed its acquisition of Mira, a startup that specializes in smartphone-powered augmented reality (AR) headsets. This comes closely on the heels of Apple announcing its new virtual reality (VR) product line, the Apple Vision Pro.
Mira’s headsets have carved a niche in industrial applications including chemical, steel, and food manufacturing, mining services, and defense. Mira's collaboration with Universal Studios to build AR headsets for Nintendo World theme parks also stands out as a remarkable implementation.
The Vision Pro is Apple’s foray into personalized virtual reality, and is slated for release in early 2024. Priced at $3,499, it is currently the most expensive mixed-reality gear.
This acquisition indicates Apple's commitment to harnessing the synergy between VR and AR technologies. While Apple remained reticent on using terms like “Metaverse” or “virtual reality” during the Vision Pro launch, tech entrepreneurs are eyeing the device’s potential to be a game-changer in the sub-crypto ecosystem.
Mira, which had raised $17 million from investors, holds 14 patents and 8 trademarks. The financial specifics of Apple’s investment remain undisclosed.
Key Takeaways:
NVIDIA, a leading innovator in accelerated computing, has recently announced an advanced reference workflow for the industrial sector. This workflow amalgamates NVIDIA's trailblazing technologies such as generative AI, 3D collaboration, simulation, and autonomous machines. The objective is to assist manufacturers in efficiently planning, building, operating, and optimizing their factories.
One of the pivotal technologies, NVIDIA Omniverse™, establishes a connection between premier computer-aided design applications and provides APIs and innovative frameworks for generative AI. It's complemented by NVIDIA Metropolis, a vision AI framework that facilitates automated optical inspection.
This combination of technologies is capturing the attention of the world’s leading electronics manufacturers. Foxconn Industrial Internet, Innodisk, Pegatron, Quanta, and Wistron are some of the giants that are using NVIDIA’s reference workflow to refine their assembly line operations while diminishing production costs.
The incorporation of AI and simulations permits manufacturers to virtually construct and scrutinize their factories and manufacturing processes, which significantly reduces costs, enhances quality, and safety while averting costly surprises and delays.
Key Takeaways:
Lenovo has launched its highly anticipated ThinkReality VRX, an all-in-one virtual reality (VR) headset specifically engineered for enterprise applications. The headset boasts an immersive 6 Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) and is powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 1 processor. With its full-color, high-resolution pass-through capabilities, the ThinkReality VRX is set to redefine mixed reality applications in the enterprise sector.
The ThinkReality VRX is designed to provide reliable, flexible, and scalable solutions for businesses venturing into the Enterprise Metaverse. With applications ranging from employee training to virtual collaboration and 3D design tasks, the VRX helps workforces become unconstrained by time and space.
The headset features a slim profile with innovative pancake optics, an optimally positioned high-capacity battery, and a unique venting system for comfort during extended VR sessions.
Lenovo offers Device as a Service (DaaS) financing and service models, making it easier for organizations to adopt and scale XR solutions. The ThinkReality VRX is part of Lenovo’s broader ThinkReality portfolio, which includes a range of XR solutions and cloud software platforms for global enterprise application deployment.