US Army ready to use Microsoft AR Headsets

Good morning everyone!

We live in unprecedented times where military technological advancements are more critical than ever, and extended reality (XR) is poised to play a significant role. On the positive side, after years of anticipation, Meta has finally incorporated one of the most requested features in their Metaverse: the addition of… legs?!

Today’s Topics:

• 📱 iPhone 15 Pro will capture three-dimensional videos for VR

• 🦿You can have legs now

• 🔬 US Army Approves Enhanced Microsoft AR Headsets

Reading time: 6min

📱 iPhone 15 Pro will capture three-dimensional videos for VR

Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 series, highlighting the iPhone 15 Pro as the pioneer in capturing spatial video, specifically designed for immersive viewing on the upcoming Vision Pro.

Details:

• Unlike the bulkier head-mounted Vision Pro camera, the iPhone 15 Pro offers a convenient way to capture spatial video using its ultrawide and main cameras 📸.

• The exact mechanism behind this spatial capture is yet to be fully detailed, but it involves utilizing the ultrawide and main cameras to create a three-dimensional 🌌video.

• The iPhone 15 Pro's close camera proximity necessitates potential depth projection 🎥 or scene reconstruction for effective spatial capture.

• This spatial capture capability is expected to be available "later this year".

Our thoughts: Apple's foray into spatial video capture with the iPhone 15 Pro brings us close to a future reminiscent of some episodes of Black Mirror. It hints at a world where memories are not merely frozen in pictures but are instead encapsulated in immersive 3D videos 🔮, enabling us to step into lifelike simulations of our most cherished moments.

🦿You can have legs now

Avatars in Meta’s metaverse are advancing, finally manifesting as full-body representations, addressing a long-standing desire for a more realistic digital identity 🌎.

Details:

• Avatars in Horizon Worlds, Meta's expansive virtual universe, now boast visible lower limbs🚶‍♂️, enhancing the overall avatar experience.

• The benefits of full-body avatars for business in the metaverse are significant, including improved collaboration, brand image enhancement, and better expression and inclusivity 🌈.

But this is not the only update coming from Meta. Horizon Worlds, is making a significant move by not making its 3D social platform exclusive to VR anymore:

• Horizon Worlds, a VR-exclusive social platform, is now being introduced to mobile devices📱and web browsers 💻 in early access, marking a substantial expansion in its accessibility.

• Initially, users can access "Super Rumble" on the Meta Quest app for Android, with iOS availability in the upcoming weeks. Early access is also accessible through any web browser at horizon.meta.com 🌐.

Why it matters: Meta is really sticking with their vision of making the metaverse as accessible as possible. Even if they are still behind their competition in terms of self-expression of the avatars, this change of branding is a good sign that Meta is listening to the critics and will try to make their platform more engaging.

🔬 US Army Approves Enhanced Microsoft AR Headsets

The US Army has given the green light for an additional order of advanced mixed reality goggles designed for combat 🛡️, signaling improved designs from Microsoft.

Details:

• Microsoft, in collaboration with the US Army, has been developing HoloLens-like mixed reality headsets called the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) to enhance combat experiences 🛠️.

• Initial versions faced criticism for causing headaches, nausea, and eyestrain during testing in 2022.

• The latest prototype version, now at version 1.2, showcased substantial improvements in reliability, low light sensor performance, and form factor, addressing the previous concerns 🔄.

• Following successful testing, the US Army awarded Microsoft a contract of $165 million 💰 for the new systems and to explore production scalability.

Why it matters: The role of augmented reality in military operations is set to expand, for the better or worse. With such an immersive training experiences, troops can enhance their skills and decision-making without constant exposure to physical danger on the battlefield.