Big XR News from the XR Awards, Nokia, Snap, Bigscreen

The XR industry is starting to ramp up this year. With the rise of MR, AI, and the metaverse, immersive firms are finding new ways to enhance XR products and services with fresh tech.

So, now is a better time than ever to introduce the sophomore XR Awards 2023 – where XR Today will showcase the best in international XR innovation.

The XR Awards are Back!

Applications for the XR Awards 2023 are currently open!

XR Today invites worldwide AR/VR/MR firms to exhibit their most prominent XR innovations from the previous year during an online showcase event.

Last year, the XR Awards gained consideration from the worldwide XR space. So, please apply for the opportunity to gain recognition from our expert judges.

Categories for the event include:

• XR Leader of the Year
• Rising Star – Organization – FREE
• Rising Star – Individual – FREE
• Most Innovative Product
• Best Virtual Reality Solution
• Best Augmented Reality Solution
• Best Mixed Reality Solution
• Best Metaverse Solution
• Best Healthcare Solution
• Best Education and Training Solution
• Best AEC Solution
• Best Manufacturing & Industrial Solution
• Best Field Service Solution
• Best Automotive Solution
• Best Retail and eCommerce Solution
• Best Immersive Collaboration Solution
• Best Art and Entertainment Solution

Applications for the XR Awards 2023 open on 17 February, and entries for the XR Awards close on 31 March.

XR Today will announce the finalists on 5 May, ready for the online ceremony event on 25 May 2023.

Nokia Says ICT Demand will Facilitate the Emerging Metaverse

This week, XR Today’s Senior Editor Demond Cureton spoke with Thierry E Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia Bell Labs, about emerging industrial and enterprise metaverses services. Moreover, the President touched on building metaverse use cases, sustainable network operations, and the rise of 6G communications.

Klein explained that Nokia views the “Metaverse as being divided into consumer and enterprise.” Further, Klein noted that enterprise metaverse solutions are developing into a “significantly more lucrative market in mission-critical industries.”

The President continued, noting that the “digital transformation of industries is developing rapidly”, and businesses are already implementing immersive technology such as AR smart glasses to assist with day-to-day workplace operations.

Additionally, Klein added that the development of immersive applications would rely on semiconductors, software, AI, machine learning (ML), the cloud, VR/AR/XR, and 5G/6G.

Snap Lens Gains Ray Tracing Tools

This week, Snap Inc., the firm behind the popular social media application and AR advertising hotbed Snapchat, introduced new Ray Tracing tools for its Snap Lens smart glasses product.

The move comes following Snap’s integration of Ray Tracing developer tools in its Lens Studio software development kit (SDK) in April last year.

Snap Lens’ Ray Tracing tools will provide developers with enhanced light-reflecting tools for their virtual content, therefore creating ultra-realistic digital assets.

Tiffany & Co is implementing the new integrated tech to create an AR filter to advertise the firm’s lock bracelets, allowing users to purchase items without exiting a Lens application.

Bigscreen Debuts World’s Smallest VR Headset

Finally, this week VR startup Bigscreen introduced Bigscreen Beyond, a VR headset available for pre-order now.

The device boasts a 127 gramme and under 1-inch form factor that weighs six times lighter than rival headsets. Additionally, the Bigscreen Beyond device packs a trove of competitive specifications.

The device will be available for purchase from Bigscreen in the third quarter (Q3) of 2023. Before the device ships, interested parties can pre-order the kit for $999.