Immersive Tech Week & VR Awards 2023: Journey through physical & virtual worlds

Immersive Tech Week: Fusion of Worlds

Reflecting back on Immersive Tech Week '23 in Rotterdam, and it was an adventure! It was like merging two worlds - the physical with the virtual space. Over the week, these realities intertwined, creating a kind of mixed-reality experience.

The standout part of Immersive Tech Week? Definitely the people. Virtual connections became real-life interactions, blending the familiar with the new.

Engaging XR Conversations

The event was a hotspot for XR dialogue, touching on everything from the latest VR headsets and haptics to AI, shared AR, and immersive enterprise training. Here's a sneak peek into some of the discussions:

• Generative AI in creative workflow
• Digital workplace culture for remote teams
• Future of virtual campuses and digital events
• Creating Meta Store apps & games
• AI-powered NPCs in immersive storytelling
• Shared AR experiences & landmarkers
• New content potential with mixed reality
• Cost-effectiveness of immersive training
• Using hand-tracking for gaming

Niantic’s AR Playground: Interactive Fun

The Niantic AR Playground was a blast. Filled with QR codes and interactive demos, it was a fantastic showcase of Lightship AR . I was particularly drawn to the hands-on aspect of it. Got a chance to explore different augmented experiences, including location-based interactions, image tracking, advanced filters, generative AIs, and much more.

8th Wall: Offers WebAR tools , all accessible directly through your web browser.

Lightship: Toolkit for the real-world metaverse, bridging physical and digital. Access to world-mapping, semantic segmentation, and shared AR for social immersive experiences.

Blending Physical & Digital Worlds

Capturing group AR selfies added an exciting social element to the event. Featuring themed-frames from Peridot & Monster Hunter Now games. Special shout-out to Wonderment by Design? for their playful LBE technology and experiences, which brought a dose of fun and created big laughs.

Thanks for the AR play! Hung out with XR pals: Chanel Phengdy & Mert Y?lmaz from Niantic, XaosPrincess , and Darragh Dandurand ??

Surprise Encounters @ Cleanbox Technology

Cleanbox Technology highlighted the importance of hygiene in shared tech experiences, especially in VR and AR setups. As a global leader in smart tech hygiene, they provide award-winning UVC products for shared devices, prioritizing health and safety.

Shout-out to Amy Hendrick , CEO, Founder at Cleanbox Technology, for her hilarious sense of humor and all-around great vibes! ??

While at their booth, I bumped into other amazing XR people:

Gabriele Romagnoli , Head of Marketing & Community at ShapesXR , a spatial design and prototyping platform for teams. Love the concept of turning 'Creative Design' into an immersive, collective experience. Have yet to further explore all the new mixed reality features!

Alvin Wang (汪丛青) Graylin is the China President at HTC , the VR and overall tech guru overseeing HTC's business in the region, including VR, mobile technology, content platforms, partnerships, and investments. He also manages HTC's global XR Suite Business and fosters strategic partnerships worldwide.

Linda Ricci , a senior strategist, technologist, and artist with over two decades of international experience in strategy and business development ? Thank you for reminding me of the power of play and craft, encouraging the mind to wander and ideas to cross.

Athena Demos is a wanderer, traveler, and all-around experiencer, as well as a fine art model and photographer. She is the producer of BRCvr.org , an award-winning virtual Burning Man Experience.

And Marshmallow! Who I originally met on the 2020 virtual playa in AltspaceVR.

Stepping Into Holograms

Was wowed with Holoconnects ' The Holobox and interactive holography. This tool creates lifelike holograms for various uses, from remote talks to innovative billboards. It handles live and pre-recorded content, useful for everything from product demos to holographic speakers or receptionists.

FINALLY! Meeting XaosPrincess

We've been virtual pals for years! Our instances have finally collided ??

XaosPrincess is known for her XR creativity, captivating VR gatherings, and educational VR bridging. She is the mastermind behind Quantum Bar , a VR Awards Finalist ?? in the Neos metaverse. Here, an AI bartender named Quantum engages visitors in fascinating conversations—a must-visit for all social VR enthusiasts!

Keynote Insights: Tom Emrich & Future of XR

Tom Emrich 's keynote on spatial computing and GenAI in immersive storytelling was thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into what the future of XR might hold.

"It's really curious that we're 3D creatures living in a 3D world, but yet our digital experience is flat. Enter spatial computing, it's a 3D revolution that is going to fundamentally transform how we interact with computers.

With a decade-long track record in emerging technologies, Tom Emrich is the Director of Product Management for AR Platforms at Niantic and a leading figure in the industry. His team empowers developers, agencies, and brands to create immersive WebAR experiences.

Surprise encounter! Spotted Gabriella (Gabs) Chihan Stanley and snuck to the front-row seat just in time for Tom Emrich's presentation.

2023 VR Awards Ceremony

To the world, we're professional consultants, project managers, and immersive designers, all business. Mention 'VR', and we're all like, "#WEAREVR!"

About VR Awards: As an independent, not-for-profit, the VR Awards is the biggest celebration of the very best virtual reality has to offer from across the globe. Congratulations to all the nominees & winners: "Whoo! Bravo." ??

VR Awards Dinner with XR Innovators

A standout moment was Jason Moore 's toast. A true ring leader, he lifted a glass, leading an appreciation cheer around our table. It was awesome being with so many creative people, each doing amazing things in VR. Big thank you for the invitation to join. Our table was full of energy and laughter!

Brendan Bradley's XR Performance at VR Awards

One of the most memorable moments at Immersive Tech Week was meeting Brendan Bradley , a renowned pioneer in Live Immersive XR. Using Mozilla Hubs for his performance, Brendan added a unique interactive and immersive dimension. His musical show mixes music, dance, and technology, demonstrating the potential of XR + AI in the performing arts.

The MetaMovie: Rising VR Company of the Year

The MetaMovie being recognized as the 'Rising VR Company of the Year' was a proud moment at the VR Awards. They're redefining immersive entertainment by blending VR role-playing, social engagement, and live theater performances.

For me, the standout feature is the interactive experience with live actors. It transforms viewers into active participants, making you feel part of the story. I've experienced this show a few times as a hero and an eyebot, taking on both perspectives, and both roles are incredibly fun.

Alex VR: Power of Authenticity

Had the pleasure of connecting with Alex VR , a dedicated gamer and virtual reality enthusiast. He co-hosts the Between Realities Podcast and did a fabulous job hosting the VR Awards this year. Our conversation about his personal journey and advice on public speaking: Authenticity ? left me inspired.

Cas and Chary XR @ Niantic's Afterparty

Meeting up with Cas and Chary! The dynamic duo behind the popular YouTube channel on XR. Their channel is a must-visit for anyone curious about XR & latest developments. From hardware insights to immersive game experiences and more ?? their content offers a portal to the future of technology, delivered with a mix of knowledge, fun, and genuine passion.

SenseGlove: Feel the virtual like it's real

I tried SenseGlove and it felt so realistic! This tech lets you feel virtual objects, giving you a natural way to train muscle memory and sense size, density, and impacts in VR. As someone who loves hands-on learning, I'm all about immersive training and simulations—an emerging field enterprise should explore for its practicality, cost-effectiveness, and effective learning. See this being a game-changer for workforce development.

On a personal note, I've never used a drill machine before, so I'm holding it with two hands ?? Learning something new already! ??

Broken Spectre: A New Dimension in Gaming

Got to meet Evan Jones and "Broken Spectre ," a thrilling VR cosmic horror adventure. It's an immersive experience that really tests your courage, and the hand-tracking gamification adds an incredible layer of realism. Dare to explore and uncover its hidden secrets...

?? Awarded 'VR Experience of the Year' at the VR Awards 2023

?? 'Best Immersive Game' 2023 nominee at Raindance Immersive

Created by Stitch Media , an interactive production company telling stories with technology. Creating thoughtful immersive experiences for clients through web, mobile, AR/VR, and games.

Hands-on with the Meta Quest Pro

Caught up with the Meta Quest Pro again. Always love to get hands-on time with this MR headset. Love how it blends physical and immersive worlds, and those facial expressions are amazing. The future of social presence is going to be incredibly expressive.

Onwards & Forward

Thanks to everyone for making this such a great experience!

Excited for next year. The event promises even more innovation, collaboration, and a deeper exploration of XR's potential. The connections made here, both new and rekindled, highlight the playful nature of the XR community, eager to push the boundaries of technology and human interaction.

PS, much love to the people in the Netherlands. It was such a treasure hunt back to the airport with the weather conditions. Made it home in a fun journey, even got to ride a double-deck train! ?? ??

See you in-world ?? ??