🕶️ Meta is on the spotlight, again...

Good morning!

This week, it's Meta's time to shine! Zuckerberg's company is at the center of attention, with partnerships with LG weakening while new horizons open up with Microsoft. Keep reading to understand all the drama that's unfolding…

Today’s Topics:

• 🌐 Microsoft and Meta Deepen Partnership with 'Windows Volumetric Apps' on Quest

• 🔄 Meta and LG’s Headset Partnership in Limbo

• 🚊 Liverpool City Utilizes VR for £100M Construction Project

Reading time: 4min

🌐 Microsoft and Meta Deepen Partnership with 'Windows Volumetric Apps' on Quest

At Microsoft's Build developer conference, the tech giant announced a collaboration with Meta to bring Windows Volumetric Apps to Quest devices 🌐, aiming to transform workflows by integrating Windows applications into 3D space.

What are Volumetric Apps?

In simple words, Volumetric apps are a type of software that lets you interact with applications in a 3D space using VR headsets 🕶️. Instead of clicking on a flat screen, you can move around and use the apps as if they were objects in the real world.

The Details:

• Microsoft is making Windows a first-class experience on Meta’s Quest headsets, introducing Windows 365 and local PC connectivity to XR 🖥️.

• Microsoft has previously ventured into XR with its Windows Mixed Reality platform launched in 2017. Although support for WMR was deprecated in late 2023, the new partnership with Meta signals a renewed focus on XR 🔄🌍.

• This collaboration comes as the XR industry is rapidly evolving, with Meta releasing its XR operating system to third-party OEMs and Google teaming up with Samsung to re-enter the XR headset market 🏁🤝.

Our Thoughts: The partnership between Microsoft and Meta to bring Windows Volumetric Apps to Quest devices is quite a step towards integrating traditional computing with immersive technologies. This move could enhance productivity and workflow in XR environments, making it easier for developers to create and utilize 3D applications. As the XR landscape continues to evolve, such collaborations will be crucial in driving innovation and adoption 🚀.

🔄 Meta and LG’s Headset Partnership in Limbo

Reports are swirling about the status of Meta and LG’s joint XR device project, with conflicting accounts from Korean news outlets and statements from LG itself. The partnership, initially set to produce a competitive device against Apple’s Vision Pro, is now mired in uncertainty.

The Story:

• Korean media outlets claim the partnership between Meta and LG has broken down due to a lack of synergy. However, LG has refuted these claims, stating the partnership is still ongoing but has slowed down 📉.

• LG Electronics confirmed to Korea JoongAng Daily that it continues the XR partnership with Meta but is "controlling its pace" ⏳.

• Originally, products from this collaboration were expected to launch next year, integrating Meta’s Horizon Worlds platform with LG’s TV content and service capabilities. Now, Seoul Economic Daily suggests the release date might be pushed to 2027 🗓️.

• Some reports indicate LG might be shifting its focus to a new XR headset partnership with Amazon, leveraging Amazon Prime’s vast content library and subscriber base 🔄📚.

• This potential setback comes as Meta’s Reality Labs continues to incur significant losses, burning a billion dollars monthly since June 2022. Despite this, Meta plans to increase investments in its AR and VR ecosystem. Concurrently, the broader VR/AR market faces challenges, with companies like Sony and Apple experiencing slow adoption and excess inventory issues 💸.

Our Thoughts: The fluctuating status of Meta and LG’s partnership reflects the volatile nature of the XR market. While LG’s official stance suggests a strategic slowdown rather than a complete termination, the potential collaboration with Amazon highlights the dynamic alliances forming within the industry. As Meta continues its heavy investment in AR and VR, the partnership’s outcome will be crucial for both companies. The industry as a whole needs to address consumer interest and adoption barriers to ensure the sustainability of these ambitious projects 🤝🌐.

🚊 Liverpool City Utilizes VR for £100M Construction Project

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is leveraging virtual reality (VR) to showcase its ambitious £100 million Liverpool Baltic Merseyrail station project, set for completion in 2027.

The Details:

• Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram unveiled the project in 2022, aiming to enhance public transportation accessibility in Liverpool 🚆.

• To build public understanding and support, project managers are offering VR walkthroughs that accurately depict the future station 🕶️.

• Neil Grabham, Merseyrail's managing director, encourages residents to attend VR drop-in sessions from June 3 to July 26 to visualize the station’s benefits 👥.

Our Thoughts: The integration of VR in public infrastructure projects like the Liverpool Baltic Merseyrail station is a forward-thinking approach. Not only it enhances transparency and public engagement but also ensures that residents can visualize and understand the impact of such significant investments 🛤️👁️. This use of technology underscores the potential of XR to facilitate large-scale urban planning and community support 🌆👍.