Visualistan: WearableTech -->

    Social Items



Microsoft is working on bringing ‘Windows Volumetric Apps’ to Meta Quest headsets – in other words, extending Windows apps into 3D space.

 


The company revealed the news at its developer conference, the 2024 Build Event. At Build, Microsoft offers comprehensive sessions for developers as well as professionals that help them build awareness about the company’s tools that support new Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 features. 

 

The new Meta x Windows collaboration implies that, soon, owners of the Meta Quest headsets could view 3D apps and digital objects via their wearable gadgets and physically interact with these apps and objects using their hands.

 

A New Windows and Meta Collab is Bringing Windows Volumetric Apps to Meta Quest Headsets



Meta’s RayBan smart glasses are getting new updates including support for video calling and Apple Music, a new cat-eye frame style, and an official beta roll out of the multimodal AI assistant.

 


In addition to these, there are some new minor updates for the existing Wayfarer and Headliner models. Besides both the models getting new colors, the Headliner will also have a new low-bridge fit for people who struggle with their glasses slipping down their face.

Meta is Bringing Video Call Support and Other Features to its RayBan Smart Glasses



Apple is briefly halting sales of its Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models December 21 onwards. The event that has resulted in this move is a conflict between the company itself and medical device maker Masimo over its SpO2 sensor technology.

 

Apple is therefore taking necessary measures to protect itself from any potential consequences from the ITC import ban that affects the flagship Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. The ITC ban is concerned with the sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 within the US only, therefore the watches will still be available for purchase in other regions.

 

Masimo filed two distinct cases against Apple: one with the US District Court in the Central District of California and the other with the ITC. In the latter, Masimo argues that Apple committed a breach of its pulse oximetry tech. The current import ban is a result of the latter.

Apple is Under Fire for Allegedly Breaching Masimo’s Pulse Oximetry Tech

A New Dimension in Technology:  Spatial Computing's Impact

The realm of spatial computing, as championed by Lumus, is rapidly revolutionizing our daily experiences.  Forecasts show a staggering projection for the AR/VR B2C industry:  $31.12 billion by 2023, with an impressive leap to $52.05 billion by 2027.  This technological marvel spans from pure reality to virtual reality, encompassing augmented and mixed reality in between. 


Consider Lumus’ Z-Lens.  It is a perfect blend of AR functionality with vision prescriptions, eliminating the need for cumbersome inserts.  Moreover, the device is light, strap-free, and aesthetically appealing.  Then there's Apple Vision Pro, a testament to the wonders of mixed reality.  It fuses our physical environment with digital content, while the device shrinks in size.

A New Dimension in Technology: Spatial Computing's Impact #Infographic



Humane prepares to launch its first wearable device, ‘Ai Pin’ on the 9th of November. The gadget has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of the best inventions of 2023. The Humane Ai Pin is an AI-powered device built on a mix of proprietary software and OpenAI’s GPT. It is designed to work independently, i.e., without the support of a smartphone or another device.

 

The pin acts as an AI-powered personal assistant that can be attached magnetically to clothing. It is capable of performing a range of functions, from asking questions and translating speech to making calls and sending texts, all with the help of voice prompts.

 

The Ai pin is equipped with a built-in camera that can capture items in your environment to provide contextual information about them, for example the calorie estimates for a particular food. The device also projects a tiny beam on a surface or the palm of your hand to visually display information.

Everything We Know Yet about Humane’s Firsts AI Assistant Device – The Ai Pin

20 Awesome Things to Do With Your Apple Watch

The marvel of wearable technology has never been more evident than in the sleek design and multifunctionality of the Apple Watch. No longer just a timepiece, this compact device has reshaped how we integrate technology into our daily lives, and has untapped potential many of us barely scratch the surface of.

20 Awesome Things to Do With Your Apple Watch #Infographic



A new report suggests that Meta’s Next-Gen Ray Ban Stories Glasses will be updated with features specifically designed for live stream creators. Streamers will be able to use these camera-equipped glasses to stream video directly to Facebook and/or Instagram. The glasses will also enable them to communicate with viewers during the livestream.

 

To relay comments in an automated voice over the built-in headphones would be an impressive functionality and a big attraction for streaming stars. More and more creators are becoming interested in streaming videos on social media platforms, which only increases the likelihood for Meta’s success with the device.

Meta is Reportedly Working on Adding Livestreaming Functions to the Next-Gen Ray Ban Stories Glasses



In commemoration of the Apple Watch’s 10th  debut anniversary, Apple is reportedly working on a major redesign for the upcoming Apple Watch X. The device, however, is not expected to come out this year at least.

 

As for the next line-up of the Apple Watch series 9 arriving this September alongside the new iPhone, there will be a minor upgrade, possibly a faster processor. For every annual launch of a new Apple Watch, Apple has strictly persisted to introducing minor upgrades only, except when it launched the Apple Watch Ultra.

Apple is Reportedly Preparing a Major Redesign for the Apple Watch



A latest announcement from Meta has revealed that WhatsApp is officially rolling out to Wear OS smartwatches. The news of a potential launch was first shared at the Google I/O event and on Facebook by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg back in May.

 

On their Wear OS smartwatch, users will be able to start new WhatsApp conversations, reply to messages, and take calls, all within the little screen on their smartwatch. Additionally, options to respond with voice messages, emoji, regular text, and quick replies will be available too. Particularly on the Wear OS 3 smartwatch, users will be able to respond to messages without even having their phone nearby.

WhatsApp Rolls Out to All Wear OS 3 Smartwatches



Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that some of Apple’s AirPods may offer a new ‘hearing health’ feature with support of iOS 17. Additionally, he says that all of Apple’s upcoming headphones will be equipped with USB-C.

 

“Apple is preparing to give the earbuds a fresh boost. It’s exploring major new hearing health and body-temperature features, and is planning cheaper models and a transition to USB-C charging ports,” states Gurman in a latest Bloomberg newsletter.

Apple is Reportedly Working on a New Hearing Health Functionality in AirPods



Meta has finally revealed exciting details of its new next-generation virtual and mixed reality headset ‘Quest 3.’ With a starting price of $US499.99 for 128GB, the device will be available for purchase this fall.

 

The three main technical elements that the Quest 3 will be featuring include a 2x improved processing power, high-fidelity color Passthrough that produces AR experience, and a smaller and sleeker design making the headset more comfortable to wear than the previous model.

 

According to Meta, the Quest 3 headset features the tech giant’s “highest resolution display and pancake optics.” The increased processing power of the Quest 3 results from a Snapdragon chipset integrated in the device that helps enhance its visual capabilities. “You’ll get smoother performance and incredibly crisp details in immersive games,” Meta claims.

Meta Shares Thrilling Preview of Quest 3 Headset, Announces Lower Prices and Software Upgrades for Quest 2



Android has announced several new updates for its smartphones and watches. These include a Reading Mode and tools that improve quality for Digital Car Keys, Google TV, and watchOS. Among the new features, the new Reading Mode is the most significant update, as it is designed to enhance accessibility and offers adjustable display and audio options without having the user be dependent on third-party apps.

 

Android’s Reading Mode can be separately installed from the Google Play Store. Once installed, users can customize their reading experience on their device according to their preference by playing around with the contrast, font type, and size. In addition to that, Reading Mode also offers a text-to-speech function with speed control, along with language support for English, French, Italian, and Spanish. Users can use Reading Mode across all Android apps, websites, as well as the Google Talkback screen reader.

 


Android’s Digital Car Keys function as a way to control one’s vehicle via actions like lock, unlock, and starting a compatible car, all by simply using a phone. New updates to the feature will now enable users to remotely share their digital key with people they trust, and view and control who has access to their vehicle from within the phone’s digital wallet app. The sharing is available for Pixel 6 and iPhone devices for now, until Android expands the rollout to other phone devices.

Android Announces New ‘Reading Mode’ and Updates for Digital Car Keys, Google TV, and watchOS

 

Apple’s Ultra watch priced at $799, is the company’s most expensive watch yet. While Ultra works well for diving activities like underwater pool swims or snorkelling, it does not essentially serve the purpose of a dive computer. Its native app ‘Depth’ mainly tells the wearer basic information like water temperature, time, and current and maximum depth. 

 

There is one good news for owners of Ultra – they can now use the watch as a dive computer by pairing it with Apple's Oceanic Plus app that adds seven more metrics to Ultra. Oceanic Plus works as a dive computer that plans, tracks, and reviews up to 40 meters deep dives.


From the surface time, depth, and gas entered by the diver before their dive, the Oceanic Plus app measures a no-decompression time, or the duration estimated for the diver to stay at a given depth. Other information provided by the app includes tides, water temperature, visibility, currents, GPS entry, exit locations, ascent speed, and battery level along with a summary of the dive. In case of reaching the no-decompression limit or ascending too quick, the app also shows color-coded safety warnings.

Apple Ultra Users Can Turn the Watch into a Dive Computer Via Oceanic Plus App

VR Companies Ranked by Headset Revenue

Virtual reality has become a much more prominent part of the gaming world in recent years, and the evidence is in the amount of revenue that the most popular virtual reality headsets are generating. From the team at VR Space comes this infographic that lists out the six virtual reality headsets that have generated the most revenue.

VR Companies Ranked by Headset Revenue #Infographic

VR Headsets Throughout History

Mark Zuckerberg has been at the forefront of hyping up virtual reality, changing the company name to Meta and hawking his Quest 2 VR headset. With VR projected to make more than 45 billion dollars by the year 2027, I would say Zuck is yet again on the cutting edge of new technology. But he isn't the only one, there are many VR headset makers, games and consoles out there.

VR Headsets Throughout History #Infographic

 


Facebook has partnered with Ray Ban to launch its first ever smart glasses in a variety of trendy styles. They go by the name of “Ran Ban Stories” and are priced at $299.

 

The glasses are based on three distinct traditional designs of Ray Ban, including the most popular one called Wayfarer. Facebook has built a multi-camera hub into the frame of the glasses, with which users can record or capture anything that they see while wearing them. There is a button on the top of the arm of the device, tapping which starts the recording. It provides a fun and easy way to capture live experiences.

 

Facebook Launches New Smart Glasses in Collaboration with Ray Ban

 


Facebook has plans to launch its first smartwatch next year. The device will reportedly come with a display and two detachable cameras. The cameras can be used to take pictures and record videos, which can be shared across Facebook and Instagram.

 

The front camera will mainly function for video calling, while the 1080p back camera can be used for capturing footage when detached from the steel frame on the wrist.

 

Facebook is also reportedly working with other companies to build accessories to support attachment of the back camera of the watch to things like backpacks. In addition to that, the company is collaborating with some of the top wireless carriers in the US to support LTE connectivity in the device. With this feature, the device won’t need to be paired with a phone to work.

Facebook Plans to Launch its First Smartwatch in 2022

 


Fitbit just announced the launch of its latest fitness and wellness wristband, the Fitbit Luxe. The wristband costs $150 and comes with a small color display which is the same size as the Fitbit band.

 

The color display of the Fitbit Luxe is available in three different colors: white, black, and pink, while the watch body is available in gold, black, and silver. The wristband is Fitbit’s thinnest touchscreen tracker to date. According to Fitbit, it shall be comfortable for people to wear the band while sleeping.

 

The functions of the Fitbit Luxe are the same as those of other Fitbit wearables, such as activity tracking and monitoring of steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. It can also receive call and text notifications.

Fitbit Launches its New Fashion-Oriented Fitness Wristband ‘Fitbit Luxe’

Apple plans to release a rugged version of the Apple Watch

Apple Watches are used widely all around the world by almost every iPhone user. Because of the incredible features, an Apple Watch is stacked up with, iPhone users cannot resist buying the watch. Moreover, it offers amazing fitness insights but, due to its waterproof nature and delicate exterior, it is highly susceptible to bigger damage if things get rough.

Apple plans to release a rugged version of the Apple Watch #infographic

 


After experimenting with AR glasses for years, Samsung just leaked evidence that suggests that it is working on developing an AR wearable computing device.

 

The wearable is reportedly going to offer the functionality of projecting a giant virtual screen, providing a giant virtual computer monitor, firing up an auto-dimming “sunglasses mode,” or serving as an instant first-person-view screen for the DJI drone. It should also allow viewing 3D digital objects appear in the real world.

Samsung’s First AR Glasses are in the Making

Subscribe Our Newsletter