AR NOW #14 – Latest Augmented Reality News

Breaking barriers between the real and digital world, Augmented Reality is continuing to transform the way we experience life with each revolutionary update. From entertaining us during the most popular sports events to even saving our lives with cutting-edge technology, the AR industry keeps surprising us and we are keeping an eye on the process.

Super Bowl LVIII Snapchat Celebrations

As the Superbowl continues to be one of the biggest annual events in America, this year, the NFL prepared something even more special for the attendees. Joining forces with Snapchat, the American Football League prepared a series of Superbowl-themed AR experiences available for both participants and those who watched the games at home. For the first time ever, the Camera Kit technology was integrated into the stadium, making it possible to place digital features, such as Super Bowl-themed helmets, on the users throughout the game.

What’s more, the Super Bowl celebrations were not limited to the stadium or the US. Snapchat users from all corners of the globe could join in the fun through available AR Lenses. Whether it was trying on their favourite team’s Jersey or predicting the game’s winner, the Super Bowl fever was truly global. The NFL, in partnership with Snapchat, also organized a dedicated Spotlight Challenge (#TouchdownCelebration). Winners would not only be featured on the Challenge’s main page but also stand a chance to win a share of $20,000 in prize money.

Oppo’s new AR Glasses

During the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Oppo unveiled the prototype of its new AR product: Air Glass 3. At first, the device, weighing just around 50 grams, seems like any other pair of glasses, but similarities end there. Users would be able to connect it to their Oppo smartphones and see the digital content overlaying the physical environment.

With control buttons on both sides of the glasses, users would be able to connect with the built-in AI Assistant, powered by Oppo’s proprietary AndesGPT technology. While we don’t know yet if the device will reach the market, the brand assures that with the Air Glass 3, users could search for information and conduct conversations to help users with tasks such as planning a trip.

Apple Vision Pro used during surgery for the first time

Just a few months after the premiere of Apple Vision Pro, the revolutionary mixed-reality headset was used during a medical procedure for the first time. Doctors from Cromwell Hospital in London repaired the patient’s spine in a surgery supported by cutting-edge technology.

A leading scrub nurse, Suvi Verho, worked on the case with a surgeon, Syed Aftab, using the device to prepare, keep track of the procedure, and choose the right tools. She described the headset as a game-changer, which eliminates human error. It eliminates the guesswork.

Read more about Apple Vision Pro here.

Effect Creator Rewards updates

Effect House announced the expansion of its Effect Creator Rewards program, which will now welcome new digital artists from 33 more countries and enhance the opportunities for those already benefiting from the initiative. The rewards can reach up to $14,000 per effect, with some of the Creators already reaching $50,000 in just one month.

Countries joining the Effect Creator Rewards are Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Belarus, Chile, Colombia, Czechia, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Uruguay.

Aside from the expanded regions, Effect House also lowered the number of videos using the effect required to win the prize from 200,000 to 100,000, making it easier for Creators to enjoy the reward. The effect’s size limit also changed, previously at 5 MB, now increased to 8 MB.

Love Is Wine AR experience by Netflix & BlippAR

Promoting the new season of one of the most beloved reality shows, Netlifx joined forces with Cupcake Vineyards to create Love is Wine Chardonnay. The design of the bottle was inspired by the golden goblets known from the show, and it’s said to and is said to boast notes of creamy butter, apricot, apple and vanilla.

Additionally, each bottle was equipped with a QR code under the wine cap, unlocking the animated AR Experience. After scanning the code, users could watch a digital stage emerge right in front of them, showcasing the product and giving customers the chance to win a romantic getaway to the Playa del Carmen, a resort in Mexico featured on the show.