Inclusivity in XR with Sonya Haskins

Welcome to the XR Magazine podcast!?

I’m excited about the fascinating world of XR! As a fellow XR enthusiast, I couldn't wait to share some thrilling news with you.

In this special episode, we dive deep into the extraordinary journey of Sonya Haskins, the Head of Programming for AWE (Augmented World Expo). Picture this: From the early days of being a curious journalist to now spearheading one of the most influential XR events, her path has been nothing short of incredible.

Sonya's journey goes beyond just reporting on XR tech. She's dived into the competitive world of esports, where XR technologies have the power to redefine how we experience gaming and entertainment. It's not just about playing the game; it's about being in the game, living and breathing the experience like never before.

What truly sets Sonya apart, though, is her tireless commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the XR community. She believes that XR's potential can only be fully realized when everyone, regardless of their background,?

In this episode you will learn:?

1. The N.1 feature that will make or break your game (that impacts the whole industry as well)?
2. How to enter the industry without imposter syndrome?
3. What most games miss to make a real-world impact?
4. How to set up yourself? as a new leader in the XR industry?

Stay tuned to XR Magazine, and be ready to embark on this captivating journey with Sonya Haskins.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this episode or what guests you would like me to bring next! ??

Notes. We’re excited to share with you the recent news of the exclusive XR Magazine digital publication as well as our new exclusive newsletter for members! Besides getting access to curated guidance and insights from our select guest interviews, you’ll also get discounts on every one of our XR, Web 3, and AI workshops!!! You can subscribe now here!

*If you’ve already heard about the podcast and prefer video, you can also head over to the D.O.! YT Channel to enjoy the interviews.

XR Weekly News

Will Apple Integrate AR AirTags for Vision Pro?

The Apple Vision Pro headset is coming. With it comes a new device for the firm’s ecosystem of products which has historically flipped the technology world on its head with culture-changing devices.

Apple looks to repeat its storied paradigm-shifting success with its immersive device and integrate the Vision Pro device into its broader product portfolio.

Most recently, rumours suggest that Apple will introduce AR features in the next iteration of its AirTag product – a device that helps individuals locate misplaced items.

Trusted Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted that the AirTag 2 item tracking device will debut in the fourth quarter of 2024, and with its launch will come compatibility with the Vision Pro, which is also due next year.

Lumus ‘Sheds Light’ on Future of AR, Apple Vision Pro

Augmented Reality (AR) technology is set to become one of the fastest-growing and most promising technologies among extended reality. According to reports, the AR market is set to reach $88.4 billion USD by 2026 and $99.76 billion USD by 2028. This includes compound annual growth rates (CAGR) from 46.8 percent from 2021 to 2028.

As industry verticals like healthcare, military, remote guidance, warehouse picking, automotive, and others, augmented reality has a promising future among XR devices.

XR Today spoke to David Goldman, Vice-President of Marketing, Lumus to explore the augmented reality (AR) smart glasses industry. We discussed his company’s waveguide and materials research, using AR for medicine and surgery, and the Apple Vision Pro.

Lumus is an optics company specialising in AR displays and glass products. Founded in 2000, the Ness Ziona, Israel-based firm designed products for Scorpion helmets used in fighter jets like the A-10 Warthog and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Lumus later branched out into medical and surgical imaging devices.

Lumus and the Next Wave(guide) of AR

Goldman explained that Lumus sells sub-assemblies for virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) devices. To advance it solutions, it begun improving its waveguides from 50-degree field of view (FoV) to roughly 80-degree FoV. The company can also accommodate bespoke specifications for multiple use cases.

Through partnerships with Mainz, Germany-based glassmaker Schotts and NY-based glass giant Corning, Lumus has explored many projects for the optics industry.

About the Author?

Diana Olynick is a Canadian engineer, XR Designer and award winner, speaker and the host of the XR Magazine podcast.? Diana has more than 10 years of experience in engineering and she is a current mentor of two Canadian organizations, North Forge and Futurpreneur Canada where she guides early-stage entrepreneurs in the areas of engineering applications and technology adoption. She also serves as a committee member and writer for the Keystone Professional Canadian publication. Diana has been a guest in various podcasts and events, delivering and sharing her knowledge and experience in the areas of XR in the fields of Ethics in XR as well as XR design.?

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