Immersive Insights 15/12/23

NHL Goalies Embrace Virtual Reality for On-the-Fly Training and Performance Enhancement

Professional NHL goalies like Joey Daccord and Devon Levi are turning to virtual reality (VR) training with NHL Sense Arena to enhance their on-ice performance. Daccord, a goaltender for the Seattle Kraken, uses the VR program for mid-game adjustments, allowing him to fine-tune specific skills like glove saves during intermissions. The program offers a variety of drills, from cognitive warm-ups to realistic video drills with shots from NHL players. The system tracks performance metrics and provides diagnostic tools, offering goalies a unique opportunity to analyse and improve their skills in a virtual environment. The popularity of NHL Sense Arena is growing among younger goalies, indicating a shift towards incorporating VR into regular training routines.

Microsoft Office Suite Arrives on Meta Quest Headsets for Virtual Productivity

In a surprising move, Microsoft has made Word, Excel, and PowerPoint available on Meta Quest headsets. The apps, available on the Meta Quest store, provide users with a mixed-reality environment for immersive productivity. Compatible with all Meta Quest headsets, including the original Oculus Quest and the latest Meta Quest 3, the apps are cloud-based, ensuring smooth performance. Users can multitask by running multiple apps side by side and can enhance their experience by connecting a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. This move follows the partnership announcement between Meta and Microsoft to bring Office, Azure, and Windows 11 to Meta Quest, with more productivity apps expected in the future.

Kenya's BlackRhino VR Launches MediAR, Africa’s First User-Friendly AR Cloud Editor

Kenyan extended reality tech firm, BlackRhino VR, has introduced MediAR, Africa’s inaugural user-friendly AR cloud editor and publishing platform. MediAR employs drag-and-drop technology, simplifying the creation of AR content without coding complexities. BlackRhino VR aims to empower African youth and democratise extended reality technologies, fostering innovation and contributing to socio-economic development. With an inclusive pay-per-view revenue model, the platform encourages content creators to participate in a digital ecosystem, promoting job creation and economic growth. Developed with €180,000 funding from the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States and the European Union, MediAR anticipates facilitating a robust AR economic ecosystem.

Salesforce Integrates Apple Business Messaging and ARKit, Paving the Way for Vision Pro in Enterprise

Salesforce has incorporated Apple Business Messaging in Service Cloud, providing Salesforce customers with AI-assisted support, appointments, and purchasing. Additionally, Salesforce is set to introduce ARKit in the Salesforce Field Service mobile app in the coming summer. This integration enables companies to deploy augmented reality (AR) capabilities to field service technicians, facilitating efficient problem-solving. The move underscores the ongoing strategic partnership between Apple and Salesforce, with a focus on enhancing enterprise interactions and workflows through innovative technologies. The AR support is deemed a significant technological shift in the field service industry, envisioning scenarios where field service engineers leverage Apple's AR headsets for real-time data gathering, remote collaboration, and enhanced decision-making.

Game Developer Barnyard Games Secures $3.4M in Seed Funding Led by Menlo Ventures

Barnyard Games, a new gaming venture led by industry veterans with a 25-year track record, has secured $3.4 million in seed financing, with Menlo Ventures leading the investment round. Comprising Matthew Armstrong (Borderlands creator), John Blakely (Sony Online, Zynga), Mark Cieslar (Sony Online, Daybreak Studios), and Christopher Sturr (THQ, Sony Online), the team plans to create innovative and engaging social game experiences on the UEFN Platform. The company's upcoming launch, "Mega Golf Fun Zone," represents a foray into user-generated content (UGC). Barnyard Games emphasises community involvement through a dedicated Discord server, allowing players to shape and improve games by engaging directly with the development team. This investment is Menlo Ventures' first gaming investment under the leadership of Partner Amy Wu, signalling the firm's strategic interest in the gaming and consumer technology sector.

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