🕶️ Japan Creates First Metaverse High School

Good morning!

If you've ever dreaded the daily bus ride to high school, Japan now offers an intriguing alternative: attending classes from the comfort of your home using virtual reality. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Apple made a significant impact at the latest CES in Las Vegas, intriguingly without even being present.

Today’s Topics:

• 🇯🇵 Japan’s First Virtual High School

• 📍 Apple Dominated CES Scene Without Even Showing Up

• 💡 Sony creates XR headset for 'spatial content creation'

Reading time: 5min

🇯🇵 Japan’s First Virtual High School

Japan 🇯🇵 is taking a bold step into the future of education with its first metaverse high school 📚. This initiative, a collaboration between AOMINEXT and Yushi International High School, allows students to attend classes in a fully virtual environment using 3D avatars. It's an intriguing blend of technology and education, offering new possibilities for learning.

The Details:

• The high school offers a full three-year curriculum recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Graduates will receive official high school diplomas 🎓, just like in traditional schools.

• All enrollees will receive VR equipment at no cost, enabling access from anywhere in Japan or abroad.

• The metaverse environment allows students to create their own avatars, offering a unique way to express identity and creativity 🎨.

• The curriculum includes not only standard academic subjects but also courses on virtual reality and metaverse creation 🌐, preparing students for future technological landscapes.

• The school plans to host various virtual events such as e-sports tournaments and school festivals 🎉, enhancing the sense of community and engagement.

Our Thoughts: Japan's first metaverse high school heralds a revolutionary shift in education, potentially democratizing learning by transcending physical and social barriers. However, it raises questions about the impact on social skill development and the widening digital divide. This innovative model could set a precedent for global education, blending emerging technologies with traditional learning, but must balance technological advancements with the essential human elements of schooling.

📍 Apple Dominated CES Scene Without Even Showing Up

Apple may not have been physically present at CES 2024, but its shadow loomed large over the event. The tech giant announced the launch of its Vision Pro headset just as CES was gearing up, setting a high bar for competitors in the AR and VR space 🕶️. While other companies showcased their tech, none quite matched the buzz created by Apple's latest offering.

The Details:

• Apple's announcement of the Vision Pro headset, set to launch on February 2nd 📣, caught everyone's attention. Its early-year launch promise was kept, setting the stage for the competition.

• Various companies, including Xreal, TCL, Asus, Sony, and Samsung, displayed their AR and VR tech 🌐, but none seemed to overshadow the Vision Pro.

• Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 chipset, powering several new devices and hinting at future competitors 🥊 to the Vision Pro.

• The Vision Pro, priced at $3,499, packs dual 4K displays, an M2 chip, and multiple sensors. It's a luxury item in the AR/VR world, aiming for the high end of the market 💰.

• While other companies showcased innovative ideas, none directly rivaled the Vision Pro's high-end approach, perhaps due to cost considerations or strategic choices.

Our Thoughts: Apple's Vision Pro is more than just a new product; it's a statement in the AR/VR market. While the device's high price and distinctive design may not appeal to everyone, it sets a new standard in the industry. The lack of direct competitors at CES highlights Apple's unique position in the market and the challenges others face in matching its level of investment and innovation. Whether the Vision Pro becomes a game-changer or a niche product remains to be seen, but for now, Apple has clearly made its mark. 🍏

Read more here.

💡 Sony creates XR headset for 'spatial content creation'

Sony just unveiled an innovative XR head-mounted display and controller set at CES 2024, poised to revolutionize of spatial content creation. This sleek, matte gray headset 🕶️ and its unique controllers, though nameless for now, mark Sony's bold entry into the professional creative space.

The Details:

• Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, the headset boasts self-sufficiency, ditching the need for a PC 💻.

• Dual 4K OLED microdisplays promise a crisp viewing experience, perfect for professional design and modeling 🎨.

• The device features video see-through functionality, six cameras/sensors, and a pair of specialized controllers - a "ring controller" for object manipulation 👐 and a "pointing controller" for precision.

• Showcased as a tool for crafting 3D models 🛠️, Sony's new tech integrates with keyboards and third-party apps for collaborative remote work.

Our Thoughts: Sony's leap into spatial content creation with this XR headset is as thrilling as it is strategic. This device could become a staple in studios and creative workshops, akin to how Sony's cameras dominate in photography. While pricing and availability are yet to be revealed, the buzz is already building.