Apple will likely debut Digital Health and ARKit 2.0 at WWDC, but no hardware

Apple’s plans for the 2018 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote next week include a new “Digital Health” initiative and a major update to its ARKit augmented reality software, but no new hardware, Bloomberg reports today. As noted in January, the company decided to hold back on larger updates to its operating systems this year to focus on bug fixes and performance improvements, resulting in a fairly tame-sounding slate of WWDC announcements.

Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon XR1 reference design for standalone AR and VR headsets

The augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) markets have seen their ups and downs, but Qualcomm remains unabashedly convinced that they’re an untapped goldmine. Citing research from IDC, the company expects the install base for standalone headsets like the HTC Vive Focus and Oculus Go to top 186 million by 2023.

Snap’s second-generation Spectacles are more grown up — and more expensive

Snap today released the next generation of Spectacles, its wearable camera, with new features for taking photos and water resistance. The sunglasses, which have the same striking form as the first-generation model, have been slimmed down and now come in three jewel tones: onyx (black), ruby (red), and sapphire (blue).

Samsung wants to improve video calls by replacing you with an AR emoji

When we reviewed the Samsung Galaxy S9, we got tired of its augmented reality emoji pretty quickly. It was an obvious reaction to Apple's Animoji, but not as well implemented and with little practical use.

Amazon Embraces AR And VR With Sumerian Platform

Amazon is no stranger to changing company direction and expanding into new markets. Starting out as an online bookstore, Amazon is now one of the giants of technology, with fingers in almost every conceivable pie.

Google’s Chrome Browser Gets Support for Oculus Rift VR Headset

Google just extended virtual reality (VR) support for its Chrome browser to work with VR hardware made by Facebook’s Oculus: The Windows version of Chrome now works natively with the Oculus Rift headset and Oculus Touch controllers,

HTC Vive Pro Gets Augmented Reality Features

A software update for the recently released HTC Vive Pro virtual reality head-mounted display unlocks the ability for developers to create augmented realit games and experiences for the gear. The update allows developers to make use the Pro’s two front-mounted cameras to stream live video onto the displays, which can then have images overlaid on top of them in real-time,

Exiii Raises $750K for Haptic VR Gloves with Force Feedback

Japan-based startuped Exiii, which is developing a pair of haptic gloves with force feedback, has raised $750K for continued R&D, expansion of sales channels, and growing the company’s team. Back in March we wrote about Exiii’s two haptic VR gloves, the Exos Wrist and Exos Gripper, both of which take a different approach to force feedback.

This blockchain-powered platform lets you enjoy live concerts — in virtual reality

Virtual reality is only getting bigger. The VR market is tipped to be worth more than $33 billion within the next two years. With the market growing to such heights, different industries are grappling with various ways to make the most of the opportunity, including the entertainment and live events industries.

Sandbox VR's haptic vest lets you feel every zombie scratch

Guns blazing, my squad of five fire our weapons at the zombie horde that poured in through the main door of our mansion. We're so focused on our task, we fail to notice a bunch sneaking up behind us until I feel their claws swiping at my back.