Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is set to take place next week, showcasing the latest innovations from the tech giant. One of the most anticipated reveals is Apple’s Vision Pro, the company’s first XR (extended reality) device. While the device has already created waves in the industry through a limited release, rumours suggest a broader distribution model may be on the horizon, potentially revolutionizing the immersive industry once again. As the event approaches, the tech industry is eager to see what Apple has in store and how current tech trends can be leveraged to stay ahead in the ever-evolving marketplace.
In a surprising move, Meta has announced the dates for its Connect 2024 event, scheduled for September 25 – 26, 2024, just a week before WWDC. The event will showcase Meta’s latest digital solutions in social media and XR, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg expected to make an appearance. While specific details about the event have not been disclosed, previous Connect events have unveiled insights into Meta’s XR roadmap, including product releases such as Meta Quest 3 and RayBan AR glasses. With Apple’s increasing interest in the XR sector, Meta aims to stay ahead of competition by showcasing a strong and diverse product portfolio during the Connect event.
Zoom CEO Eric Yuan has revealed plans to introduce new features in the next version of the popular video conferencing software. The company is looking to offer immersive XR versions of its application on emerging headsets and integrate AI-powered XR features, positioning Zoom as a key player in immersive workplace applications. Additionally, Zoom is considering integrating various tools and services such as phone calls, emails, whiteboards, coding, manager tasks, and project management alongside new AI and XR integrations. These developments are part of Zoom’s strategy to streamline workflows under a single digital platform, paving the way for what Yuan calls the “Workplace 2.0 journey”.
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs affecting around 1,000 positions in its HoloLens and Azure Cloud divisions, raising concerns about the future of its HoloLens 2 hardware and Azure “Moonshot” projects. Although the company remains committed to supporting HoloLens 2 and its collaboration with the Department of Defense’s IVAS program, ongoing layoffs in the MR division have cast doubt on the team’s future. Meanwhile, Microsoft is shifting its focus towards developing software solutions over XR hardware, partnering with companies like Meta to create immersive Office 365 applications. This restructuring reflects Microsoft’s commitment to AI development, following its partnership with OpenAI.
HaptX has teamed up with RoundTable Learning to provide VR training for railway workers, with a joint initiative aimed at enhancing safety and technical training for engineers at BNSF. The partnership includes the introduction of a step-by-step immersive training platform utilizing virtual learning spaces and touch-based feedback solutions from HaptX. BNSF plans to incorporate VR into its 2024 safety and technical training initiatives, utilizing immersive learning solutions to enhance the skills of railway workers. By offering multi-sensory learning experiences and simulating real-world scenarios, BNSF aims to improve safety and operational effectiveness, with a full-scale rollout of XR technology planned for the remainder of 2024.
