🕶️ You can use your iPhone as a Vision Pro replacement

Good morning!

Everyone always complains about the cost of the Vision Pro. So, what if there were an incredibly cheaper solution that could still provide a unique augmented reality experience? It's time to find out.

Today’s Topics:

• 📱 An iPhone Can Become A Budget-Friendly Alternative to the Vision Pro

• 🎓 Meta Takes a Giant Leap for Virtual Reality in Education

Reading time: 3min

📱 An iPhone Can Become A Budget-Friendly Alternative to the Vision Pro

For those balking at the high cost of Apple's Vision Pro, there is a company named Zappar that offers a compelling and affordable gateway into augmented reality. This unique device utilizes the existing technology in your iPhone to create immersive 3D experiences, presenting a cost-effective solution for AR enthusiasts.

The Details:

• Modeled after the simplicity of Google Cardboard, Zapbox features a lightweight frame that holds an iPhone in front of your eyes, enhancing the AR experience without the need for expensive hardware 📦📱.

• Unlike the more minimalist approach of Vision Pro, Zapbox includes a pair of AR 'wand' controllers, reminiscent of PlayStation Move controllers 🎮 that allow for an intuitive interaction with virtual environments.

• The device offers a straightforward setup and user-friendly controls, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned AR users. The ability to directly manipulate 3D objects with physical controllers significantly enriches the creative process 🎨.

• With applications like Open Brush, users can engage in detailed artistic activities, from painting to color-picking, demonstrating the practical utility of Zapbox in creative fields 🌈.

Our Thoughts: Zapbox challenges the notion that advanced AR experiences are only accessible through high-end devices like the Vision Pro. While it may not be a flagship product like the Vision Pro, it certainly delivers on one promise: democratizing Extended Reality 💸.

Get more information here.

🎓 Meta Takes a Giant Leap for Virtual Reality in Education

Meta is about to make a significant step forward in virtual reality within education as they prepare to launch a new hub for its Quest headsets, designed to facilitate immersive learning experiences in schools. Announced by Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, the hub aims to simplify the integration of VR into educational settings by providing access to specialized apps and comprehensive management tools.

The Details:

• The upcoming hub will offer educators a suite of education-specific applications and features, enabling students to explore and learn in virtual environments like never before 📚.

• Highlighting the potential of VR in education, Clegg envisions students walking the streets of ancient Rome 🏛️, making history both interactive and engaging.

• Set to support schools with students aged 13 and above, the hub will also include tools to manage device setups, aligning with Meta’s Quest for Business model 💼 which facilitates device and app management at $14.99 per device per month 💡.

Our Thoughts: Meta’s new educational initiative represents a significant leap forward in merging VR technology with traditional learning environments. By making VR more accessible and manageable for schools, Meta is paving the way for future generations to experience learning in dynamic and transformative ways 🎓. As VR continues to penetrate various sectors, its integration into education could very well reshape how knowledge is imparted and experienced globally.

If you want to learn more about it click here.

In Other XR News

• The Meta Quest 2 gets a permanent price cut to $199.

• Boston Dynamics unveils new Atlas robot for commercial use.

• Microsoft Teams introduces frontline AR tools for iOS, Android.