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Key Highlights:
The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force has introduced CyberDefender, a new Metaverse platform, aiming to educate the public about potential dangers associated with Web3 and the Metaverse.
The launch coincides with the reported rise in technology-related crimes in Hong Kong. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, 663 cases involving virtual assets were reported, representing a total loss of $570 million, a significant 75% increase compared to Q1 2022.
The CSTCB's chief inspector, Ip Cheuk-yu, emphasized the need for caution in the Metaverse. "All crimes in the cyberspace could also happen in the Metaverse, such as investment frauds, unauthorized access to systems, theft and sexual offenses," he warned.
The Hong Kong Police Force plans to continue with public education initiatives on the CyberDefender Metaverse platform, focusing on the younger generation. These actions follow the launch of China's Metaverse Technology and Application Innovation Platform led by Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology.
Key Highlights:
Meta Platforms Inc., the current leader in XR technology, is poised to continue its market dominance with the yet-to-be-revealed Quest 3. As Apple prepares to launch its much-anticipated headset, Meta's Quest 3 emerges as a strong contender, with its mix of augmented and virtual reality innovations. The device, codenamed Eureka, offers a lighter and thinner design, an upgraded interface, and superior gaming capabilities.
Among its significant enhancements, the Quest 3 showcases a remarkable improvement in video pass-through, providing an almost lifelike rendering of the real world. This feature, essential for mixed reality, leverages external cameras to create an augmented reality effect. Furthermore, the device's increased performance speed allows for smoother navigation, app launching, and gaming.
Despite a potential higher price point than its predecessor, Quest 2, the Quest 3 provides a value-for-money option in a market segment likely to be dominated by upscale models. This makes it a compelling choice for consumers looking for quality XR experiences without breaking the bank.
Key Highlights:
Metrotopia, a collaboration between Zaha Hadid Architects and ArchAgenda, has recently debuted as an extraordinary Metaverse venture. This platform serves as a global communication hub for the design community, beginning with a virtual exhibition, 'Knowledge Transfer,' at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale.
The exhibition, in alignment with the Biennale's theme, 'The Laboratory of the Future,' showcases creations from renowned architectural firms, immersing visitors in a digital exploration of contemporary architectural designs.
Built using Unreal Engine 5, Metrotopia offers a realistic, interactive environment, with lifelike communication facilitated by spatial sound. Hosting partner Mytaverse ensures seamless operation and accessibility.
Aiming to establish itself as a virtual city and cultural hub, Metrotopia caters to a range of design disciplines, fostering collaboration and innovation. As Metrotopia evolves, more architects and designers will contribute, cultivating an energetic atmosphere to fuel creativity within its virtual realm.
Key Highlights:
The world's first Bitcoin Tower, a brainchild of Italian developer Salvatore Liggiero, aims to reshape the hospitality industry by integrating cryptocurrencies into the guest experience. The 40-story tower, planned for construction in Dubai, will feature the iconic Bitcoin symbol as its design.
Straying from traditional hospitality, the Bitcoin Tower offers a unique proposition. Guests are rewarded with exclusive non-fungible tokens (NFTs), with their rental price also serving as a cryptocurrency investment that generates an annual percentage yield.
Emphasizing sustainability, Liggiero plans to construct the tower using sustainable materials and technologies, pledging zero CO2 emissions during the process.
Moreover, the Bitcoin Tower project invites artists, architects, creatives, and crypto enthusiasts to contribute their works, which will form an exclusive NFT collection. Liggiero also considers the establishment of a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to govern the project, aligning with the principles espoused by Satoshi Nakamoto.
Undoubtedly, the Bitcoin Tower represents a bold and innovative approach to integrating cryptocurrency with real-world applications, highlighting the potential of digital currencies in the hospitality sector.
Key Highlights:
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), a cornerstone of UK media and entertainment, has announced a novel partnership with The Sandbox Metaverse and Web3 specialist Reality+. Together, they will bring beloved BBC intellectual properties, including popular shows like Doctor Who and Top Gear, into the digital domain. This project marks the BBC's first permanent home in the Metaverse.
The collaboration will yield a series of tailored The Sandbox experiences, letting fans immerse themselves in their favorite franchises in a highly engaging way. The partnership will also facilitate the creation of a comprehensive BBC events space, which will feature the corporation's latest contests and celebrations.
This initiative isn't solely focused on digital landscapes; It also maintains a commitment to sustainability. The BBC and The Sandbox have partnered with environmental firms Offsetra and Nori to offset the project's carbon emissions, while WeForest will work on restoring endangered forests and landscapes.