Through the Looking Glass: Issue 12

Through the Looking Glass is Subvrsive's biweekly newsletter focused on keeping brands and agencies in the loop when it comes to the latest and greatest emerging tech trends. Curated by our innovation strategy team—and heavily influenced by our day-to-day Slack chatter—Through the Looking Glass is our unique take on emerging technology breakthroughs.

?? Trends & Insights

Meta Quest 3: The Future of XR is Here

XR Upgrade

Meta made big waves after unveiling their latest mixed reality headset, the Quest 3. Compared to its predecessor, it has vastly increased visual resolution, audio range, and twice the processing power. But its most impressive upgrades are its enhanced mixed reality capabilities, featuring high-definition color passthrough, room mapping, and depth projection, enabling a whole new blend of physical and virtual experiences.?

So what?

With these new mixed reality capabilities, brands can craft richer, and more interactive storytelling narratives that engage their audiences on a deeper level. Imagine: virtual objects that interact with the real world in natural ways by using the Quest 3’s built-in room mapping and depth sensors to identify walls, tables and other objects which can interact with game physics. In one game, aliens crash through your actual ceiling and walls, transforming your home into an intergalactic battlefield.

The potential here for immersive and interactive audience engagement is immense. With the rise of the Quest 3 as an affordable, consumer-friendly device, advertisers can tap into a broader audience demographic, crafting campaigns that resonate with both seasoned XR enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The Meta Quest 3 isn't just another XR headset; it's a catalyst to propel brands, consumers, and advertisers into the next era of digital interaction.?

Will AI Wearables Replace Smartphones?

Tomorrow’s Innovations

It seems like every day there are new AI advancements, tools, and products coming to market. Currently, we access tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney from our phones or computers. What if devices were created with AI’s unique capabilities at the forefront instead? A new generation of AI-focused wearables is on the horizon.?

Meta is tackling this new frontier by revamping their smart glasses collaboration with Ray-Ban. These updated glasses boast improved audio, cameras, and a wide variety of stylish looks. But most importantly, they connect users directly to Meta AI, a cutting-edge conversational assistant that can be accessed just by saying, “Hey Meta.” Meta’s CTO stated, “AI has always been a critical part of our vision. It's just that now we can actually put it into play.”

Another company tackling this new world of wearables is Humane, a startup founded by ex-Apple executives. Their “AI Pin” is a "screenless, standalone device and software platform built from the ground up for AI." Instead of screens, Humane employs projection mapping to display content on the wearers’ hand, enabling hands-free control. The device also employs a camera, microphone and speaker for optical and speech recognition, enabling the AI Pin to use real world data to give the user informed suggestions.

So what?

The rise of AI-enhanced wearables signifies the beginning of a paradigm shift in the way we interact with technology; where technology is not just a tool, but an extension of ourselves. For everyday people, these wearables usher in a new era of connectivity and convenience. With capabilities such as real-time speech and text translation, and instant, informed decision-making, our daily activities aren’t just enhanced; they're redefined.?

For brands, these new gadgets offer a variety of novel pathways to reach your audience. These devices will generate a wealth of data, offering deeper insights into consumer habits, preferences, and behaviors in real time - giving advertisers a more intimate understanding of their audience, and helping them tailor their messaging to individual consumers. Meta’s CTO stated, “AR glasses are going to see everything that I see… And I want them to do that because that will help them help me, and that's going to be great.”

Snap Shuts Down Their AR Enterprise Service - What Does This Mean for Immersive Content Studios?

Snap Inc. has decided to shut down its Augmented Reality Enterprise Service (ARES) less than a year after its launch. Snap’s ARES provided retailers with software that allowed them to offer “virtual try-on” for clothes, shoes, and accessories; it also allowed consumers to inspect 3D versions of physical items, so they could see an item’s finer details from any angle. A couple factors contributed to their decision:?

1. Snap believed they could utilize their existing mobile AR technology to support their enterprise offering. However, they soon learned they would need to invest more in order to support web-based augmented reality, which was more technically complex than previously thought.?
2. Novel generative AI tools made it easier for all companies to create virtual try-on experiences, making ARES’ software less valuable.?

The shuttering of ARES signals a paradigm shift where generative AI has democratized access to content creation. Studios and creators might need to find new ways to differentiate their offerings and demonstrate value to their customers. Luckily, this is what Subvrsive excels at.?

We put our customers first, and use the latest in cutting edge tech to deliver lightning in a bottle. We’re not afraid of AI, in fact we embrace it. Despite the challenges, the willingness to take risks and try new things is what drives innovation and moves the world forward. If you’re ready to level up, get in touch!

Microsoft Mesh, a New 3D Immersive Experience for the Workplace

Microsoft Mesh is Microsoft’s new immersive experience platform for businesses. It allows businesses to create immersive, multi-user experiences accessible by PC or VR. Microsoft stated, “Immersive spaces have unique attributes that create a perception of being physically together in a 3D digital space, including spatial interaction, co-presence, and immersion.” The main goal of Microsoft Mesh is to create a shared sense of presence that feels more intimate than a standard remote meeting, and to support team building through collaborative experiences.

For brands, Microsoft Mesh creates a number of avenues for immersive advertising. Brands can create immersive product demos or virtual tours that allow customers to experience their products in a whole new way. Brands can also host virtual events and meetings that provide a more engaging and interactive experience for their attendees. By providing an immersive platform for businesses, Microsoft Mesh is helping to drive the adoption of XR technologies and opening up new possibilities for collaboration and interaction in the virtual world.

?? Just for Kicks:?

• A Japanese startup built a real life robot Gundam suit. It can be yours for only $3 million.
• New study shows that humans can inherit biases from artificial intelligence, and vice versa.

?? Cool Tools:

Use AI or Not to find out if an image is AI-generated… or not.

Curated by Christopher Davila & the Innovation Strategy Team.

If you'd like to get in touch with our team about anything you read in this newsletter or a project you have in mind, reach out here.

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