Latest news with #mixedreality
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Waabi introduces mixed reality testing system for autonomous truck safety
Waabi, an autonomous trucking technology leader, has introduced a new mixed reality testing (MRT) system that transforms the way autonomous vehicles are tested. The technology works by blending physical test environments with sophisticated virtual scenarios. In an interview with FreightWaves, Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi, recently talked about how this technology creates virtual scenarios for autonomous trucks operating on physical test tracks. 'In the industry, we often talk about driving in the physical world as one type of testing, and we also discuss simulation, where we run scenarios in the cloud at scale,' said Urtasun. 'But one aspect that's discussed less is how safety testing is really done today, and that's where mixed reality comes in.' Traditional safety testing for vehicles has remained largely unchanged for a century. Testing teams bring vehicles to closed tracks and conduct a limited number of scripted scenarios that require complex coordination similar to movie stunts. A downside to this approach is that it yields minimal test diversity, offers poor repeatability and avoids truly dangerous scenarios to prevent damage to test vehicles. It's also expensive. Waabi's MRT system overcomes these limitations by intercepting sensor data from the physical world and blending it with simulation. This creates an environment where autonomous trucks can safely encounter virtually unlimited dangerous situations without physical risk. 'Imagine putting goggles on a self-driving vehicle so it sees things that aren't there but reacts to them,' Urtasun explained. 'Suddenly, you can expose the system to unavoidable accidents and scenarios impossible to stage safely in the real world.' In a blog post, Waabi adds that the technology enables instantaneous creation of complex scenarios including traffic jams, dangerous driving behaviors and unpredictable pedestrian movements. The secret sauce is the use of generative AI and neural simulations rather than traditional physics-based simulation to achieve the required level of realism. This allows Waabi to create thousands of tests as vehicles drive continuously on a test track, generating precise performance metrics automatically. This technology has significantly accelerated Waabi's development process as the company reached feature-complete status earlier this year. Waabi's autonomous system now has all capabilities needed to operate without a human driver. Only Waabi and Aurora have reached this milestone in long-haul trucking. These developments come as Waabi announced back in February a strategic partnership with Volvo Autonomous Solutions to jointly develop and deploy autonomous trucks. To date, Toronto-based Waabi has raised a total of $280 million, with its most recent round, a $200 million Series B back in 2024, including participation from strategic investors Nvidia, Volvo Group Venture Capital, Porsche Automobil Holding SE, Scania Invest and Ingka Investments, among others. The post Waabi introduces mixed reality testing system for autonomous truck safety appeared first on FreightWaves.
Android Authority
14-07-2025
- Android Authority
TikTok parent ByteDance reportedly developing its own XR glasses
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR ByteDance is reportedly working on mixed reality goggles. Sources compare the size and shape of the goggles to Bigscreen's Beyond headset. It will come tethered to a puck, similar to Meta's XR glasses. Outside of AI, the hottest thing in tech these days seems to be smart glasses. We've known for a few months now that Meta is working on XR glasses, internally codenamed Phoenix (previously codenamed Puffin). Not to be confused with Orion, which is the social media giant's AR glasses project. According to a new report, it looks like rival ByteDance has decided to follow Meta's footsteps and create its own XR device. Sources close to the matter have told The Information that TikTok's parent company is developing a lightweight mixed reality device that resembles a pair of goggles. These goggles will reportedly be tethered to a pocketable puck that may double as a power source and computational device. Additionally, it appears that the company is working on developing specialized chips that will minimize the latency between what the user sees and their physical movements. It's reported that ByteDance has yet to finalize the design and specifications. However, the report compares ByteDance's goggles to Meta's Phoenix project. Both devices are also described as having a similar size and shape to Bigscreen's Beyond headset. If you're unfamiliar with the Bigscreen Beyond, you can see what they look like in the image below. The company calls it the 'world's smallest VR headset,' with the newest model weighing only 107g. It's reported that Pico, ByteDance's mixed reality hardware division, is enlisting the help of Chinese suppliers for development. The report claims the division was previously working on a product that could rival Apple's Vision Pro, but Pico pivoted to a lightweight device after Meta began working on glasses. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
The Independent
08-07-2025
- The Independent
Now's the time to get a Meta Quest 3S as it drops to lowest ever price for Prime Day
Premium VR headsets often carry eye-watering price tags, but that's not the case with Meta models. Following the success of the impressive Meta Quest 3, the company launched the Meta Quest 3S, an even more affordable mixed-reality device offering similar performance. Designed to bring full-colour passthrough experiences to the masses, the Meta Quest 3S makes some smart compromises to hit a sub-£300 price point while retaining the powerful performance of its pricier sibling. Already great value at its launch price of £289, a rare Prime Day discount has made the headset an even more tempting proposition for anyone curious about VR. The Meta Quest 3S is the perfect entry point into the world of virtual and mixed reality, and this Prime Day deal makes it even more appealing. The Meta Quest 3S runs on the same powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor as the more expensive Meta Quest 3, so games and experiences look and feel incredibly smooth. You also get the new, more comfortable touch plus controllers and full-colour passthrough, which allows you to see your real-world surroundings blended with digital elements. To keep the cost down, it uses the previous generation's lenses, so the graphics aren't quite as sharp as the Meta Quest 3's. However, as our tech critic Alex Lee noted in his Meta Quest 3 review, 'if you're new to VR (or mixed reality), then the Quest 3S is the best entry-level device you'll find.' Alex's tests found that 'It runs like a dream, has a full-colour passthrough and has a wealth of VR games and mixed-reality experiences to explore.' For gaming and getting a taste of immersive virtual tech, it's an unbeatable headset at this price.
Geeky Gadgets
07-07-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Apple Vision Pro 2 Roadmap: 2025 Leaks Will Shock You!
Apple's forthcoming AR/VR headsets, the Vision Pro 2 and Vision Air, are poised to make a significant impact in the mixed reality space. Scheduled for release in 2025 and 2027, respectively, these devices highlight Apple's dual approach to innovation: refining high-end technology for professionals while making immersive experiences more accessible to everyday users. Together, they represent Apple's evolving strategy to remain competitive in the rapidly growing AR/VR market. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details about the Apple Vision Pro 2. Watch this video on YouTube. Vision Pro 2: Elevating Professional AR/VR Experiences The Vision Pro 2 is designed to build upon the foundation of its predecessor, focusing on performance improvements and practical enhancements rather than a complete overhaul. This professional-grade headset is expected to deliver innovative features tailored to demanding applications. Key advancements include: Advanced M5 Chip: The Vision Pro 2 will feature the M5 chip, a significant upgrade from the M2 chip in the original Vision Pro. This new chip is expected to enhance processing power and energy efficiency, making sure smooth performance for resource-intensive tasks like 3D modeling, virtual collaboration, and immersive simulations. The Vision Pro 2 will feature the M5 chip, a significant upgrade from the M2 chip in the original Vision Pro. This new chip is expected to enhance processing power and energy efficiency, making sure smooth performance for resource-intensive tasks like 3D modeling, virtual collaboration, and immersive simulations. Improved Latency: Reduced latency will enable real-time responsiveness, a critical factor for professional applications where precision and speed are paramount. Reduced latency will enable real-time responsiveness, a critical factor for professional applications where precision and speed are paramount. Retained Core Design: The lightweight build and high-resolution OLED displays from the original Vision Pro will remain, making sure user comfort and exceptional visual clarity during extended use. Despite these advancements, the Vision Pro 2's $3,500 price tag positions it as a niche product aimed at professionals and enterprises. Its premium features underscore Apple's commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance tools for specialized use cases, such as advanced training, design, and virtual collaboration. Vision Air: Expanding Accessibility in Mixed Reality The Vision Air, slated for release in 2027, is Apple's response to the growing demand for more affordable AR/VR solutions. This headset is designed to appeal to a broader audience by balancing performance with cost-effectiveness. Anticipated features include: Cost-Effective Chip: The Vision Air is likely to incorporate an Apple A-series chip, such as the A20 or A21, which will provide sufficient performance for casual and educational applications while keeping production costs in check. The Vision Air is likely to incorporate an Apple A-series chip, such as the A20 or A21, which will provide sufficient performance for casual and educational applications while keeping production costs in check. MicroLED Displays: A transition from OLED to microLED technology could reduce manufacturing expenses while maintaining high visual quality, making sure an immersive experience for users. A transition from OLED to microLED technology could reduce manufacturing expenses while maintaining high visual quality, making sure an immersive experience for users. Simplified Design: By reducing the number of sensors and focusing on a lightweight build, the Vision Air will prioritize user comfort and affordability. With an estimated price range of $1,000 to $2,000, the Vision Air is expected to attract a diverse audience, including casual users, educational institutions, and budget-conscious buyers. Its focus on accessibility could significantly broaden Apple's reach, making AR/VR technology more attainable for everyday consumers. Apple's Strategic Approach to AR/VR Innovation Apple's development of the Vision Pro 2 and Vision Air reflects a calculated approach to innovation. Rather than introducing radical changes, Apple focuses on incremental updates that enhance reliability and compatibility across its product ecosystem. For instance, the original Vision Pro launched with an M2 chip, even as newer M3 devices were available, demonstrating Apple's preference for proven technology over untested advancements. This strategy allows Apple to cater to distinct market segments effectively. The Vision Pro 2 targets professionals and enterprises with its high-end features, while the Vision Air aims to provide widespread access to AR/VR technology for everyday users. By addressing both premium and mainstream markets, Apple positions itself as a versatile leader in the AR/VR industry. Shaping the Future of AR/VR Technology The Vision Pro 2 and Vision Air are more than just new products—they represent Apple's vision for the future of augmented and mixed reality. The Vision Pro 2, with its advanced M5 chip and reduced latency, sets a new standard for professional-grade AR/VR experiences. Meanwhile, the Vision Air's affordability has the potential to drive widespread adoption, opening up opportunities for applications in education, entertainment, and beyond. Apple's dual-tiered approach ensures that its AR/VR offerings cater to a wide range of users. Whether you're a professional seeking innovative tools or a consumer exploring immersive technology for the first time, these headsets promise to redefine the possibilities of mixed reality. As the AR/VR landscape continues to evolve, Apple's commitment to innovation and accessibility positions it as a key player in shaping the next generation of immersive experiences. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on Vision Pro 2 that you might find useful. Source & Image Credit: Matt Talks Tech Filed Under: Apple, Gadgets News, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Verge
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
Predator: Killer of Killers is a short and sweet joyride through the franchise's secret past
We just got a hands-on with Samsung's Project Moohan and Android XR prototype smart glasses at Google I/O. Android XR is a mixed reality OS designed for headsets and smart glasses, and it seems like Google is directly taking a page out of Meta's smart glasses playbook. Here's our hands-on with The Verge's Victoria Song.
