ar Industrial AR Pioneer DAQRI Shuts Down After a Decade Augmented reality startup DAQRI closes its headquarters and lays off employees as it prepares to cease all operations by the end of September.
samsung Samsung Limits Note 3D Scanning to Premium Plus Model Samsung's new 3D scanning feature on the Galaxy Note 10+ wows crowds but offers limited practical value right now. The capability remains locked to the more expensive phone to help justify the higher price tag.
google Google I/O 2019 Unveils Budget Pixels, Upgraded Smart Displays, and AR Search Google reveals the cheaper Pixel 3a smartphones, rebranded Nest Hub displays, and augmented reality features in Search during its I/O 2019 keynote.
snapchat Snapchat Lens Studio Adds Landmarker AR for Famous Global Monuments Snap introduces Landmarkers in Lens Studio, letting creators build augmented reality experiences for famous locations like the Eiffel Tower. The update also brings new tracking tools for hands, bodies, and pets.
mwc 2019 MWC 2019 Showcases 5G Phones, Foldable Screens, and Mixed Reality Mobile World Congress 2019 highlights the arrival of the first 5G smartphones and premium foldable displays. Microsoft also uses the event to unveil its business-focused HoloLens 2 headset.
microsoft Microsoft Unveils Lighter, Cheaper HoloLens 2 for Commercial Use Microsoft debuts the HoloLens 2, a lighter and cheaper mixed reality headset designed specifically for businesses rather than gamers. The release comes amid internal employee protests over a lucrative military contract.
google Google ARCore 1.7 Adds Advanced Face Tracking and Developer Tools Google updates its ARCore platform with a detailed 468-point face mesh for front cameras and a new educational app to help developers build better augmented reality experiences.
google Google ARCore 1.7 Brings 3D Face Tracking and Animated Objects Google releases ARCore 1.7 with Augmented Faces, Sceneform animations, and pre-built UI components to help developers build better AR apps for Android.
google maps Google Maps AR Walking Directions Aim to Eliminate Navigation Confusion Google is testing an augmented reality mode for Maps that projects directional arrows onto your phone's camera view to prevent users from walking the wrong way.
vr Andreessen Horowitz Leads $68M Into Location-Based VR Startup Sandbox Sandbox VR brings players into empty rooms and transforms them into full-body virtual reality experiences using backpack PCs and haptic gear. The startup just raises a $68 million Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz to expand its scalable out-of-home VR arcades.
meta Struggling AR Startup Meta Acquired by Mystery Buyer After Insolvency Following a sudden plunge into insolvency, AR headset maker Meta sells its assets to an undisclosed buyer for less than its outstanding bank debt.
niantic Niantic Closes $245 Million Series C, Reaches Nearly $4 Billion Valuation Pokémon GO creator Niantic officially closes a $245 million Series C funding round led by IVP. The company plans to use the capital to launch Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and expand its AR platform for third-party developers.
augmented reality Augmented Reality Check: Are AR Goggles Ready to Replace Smartphones? AR technology shows potential to replace smartphones but hardware limitations keep it years from consumer readiness.
augmented reality Augmented Reality Pioneer ODG Collapses Ahead of Patent Fire Sale Once a high-flying augmented reality startup with millions in funding, Osterhout Design Group burns through its cash and shrinks to a skeleton crew as potential acquisitions fall through.
amazon Amazon Tests Virtual Showroom Tool for Living Room Furniture Design Amazon quietly launches Amazon Showroom, a visual design tool that lets shoppers customize and purchase complete living room setups. The feature allows users to change wall colors, swap furniture, and buy entire room designs in one click.