Leap Motion’s AR table tennis is a long way from your parents’ Pong
A demonstration of Leap Motion's new Project Northstar table tennis AR experience shows not only that mixed reality offers some great gaming experiences, but that it could be useful for teaching and improving real-world skills at the same time by testing human players against increasingly advanced A.I. opponents.
HoloLens 2 could pack a Qualcomm chip for ‘extended reality’
The next version of Microsoft's HoloLens headset for augmented reality will supposedly feature Qualcomm's new Snapdragon XR1 processor. The rumor arrives by way of an anonymous source who claims the second-generation headset packing the XR1 chip will make an appearance in January 2019.
Mount this head-up display to your helmet to project any phone app
The Hudway Sight uses a projector and brain connected to your smartphone to project any app onto a head-up display lens. You can communicate with friends, navigate through traffic, listen to music, and more without taking your eyes off the road.
This algorithm turns World Cup games into 3D augmented reality
Researchers from the University of Washington created a way to get you closer to your favorite sports action: An algorithm which can turn 2D live-action televised soccer into a 3D augmented reality re-creation. Here's how it works, and how they've demonstrated it so far.
Can this explosion-proof AR headset change how industries do business?
Augmented reality may not be quite ready for mainstream use just yet, but that doesn't mean it's not being used for important things altogether. RealWear has launched an intrinsically-safe AR headset for industrial use, which could benefit service workers.
Apple is most definitely working on augmented reality glasses
Apple is hiring an engineer to design user interfaces for AR experiences, suggesting that the iPhone-maker is continuing its work on the development of mixed reality glasses. This person will help "define and deliver the foundation for the next paradigm of user interfaces and entirely new interaction models," Apple said.
Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon chip will take VR, AR to the next level
Qualcomm introduced the world's first platform dedicated to extended reality (XR) with the launch of its Snapdragon XR1 chip and headset design. XR is an umbrella term used to group virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. Vuzix, Pico, Meta, and HTC's Vive are already signed on.
Google’s Just a Line AR app draws Android and iOS users together
Back in March, Google released an app called Just a Line as part of its slew of new ARCore 1.0 apps. On Wednesday, May 30, the company not only launched a version for the iPhone but introduced a new collaborative feature for both Android and iOS using Google's Cloud Anchors.
Streem and Porch put AR to work on your next home improvement project
Streem's AR-enhanced mobile video connection platform has partnered with the Porch network of more than 250,000 contractors nationwide. The Streem app connects homeowners with Porch assistants who see the project remotely, guide the owner with AR tools, and capture information for contractors to make quotes.
Hololens can be used to navigate the blind through buildings faster
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology developed an application for Microsoft's Hololens that can steer visually-impaired individuals through an unfamiliar, complex, multi-story building. This "non-invasive" method relies on augmented reality and 3D sound to navigate wearers.
Ready to make some noise? New Snapchat augmented reality mask responds to sounds
Snapchat has quietly added a new AR mask to its rotating carousel -- and it responds not to visuals but to voice. The new mask is an animal with neon-colored ears that pulse and shine based on the volume of the music. But that's not all -- Snapchat has more in store, the company says.
Leaked docs show Google may be cooking up a stand-alone AR headset
Leaked documents claim that Google is currently working on a stand-alone headset design for augmented reality. It will be based on one of two Qualcomm processors designed for Internet of Things devices. It may also be tied to a similar device reportedly in the works at AR headset provider Meta.
Here’s how to hack an Ikea lamp and transform it into a mixed-reality projector
Do you have access to a lamp, a 3D printer, a few electronics components, and a bit of free time? If so, you could hack together a pretty awesome creation -- a nifty user interface projector that’s bound to enliven your home. Here's what it does -- and why you totally need one.
The Brush Monster makes an augmented reality game out of oral hygiene
Launching soon on Kickstarter, the Brush Monster AR-enabled toothbrush comes from Samsung spinoff Kitten Planet, and promises to encourage and educate kids on healthy brushing habits. Better still, it gives parents the opportunity to analyze brushing data via the partner mobile app.
Kendrick Lamar’s using AR to sell pairs of the new Cortez Kenny on tour
During Top Dawg Entertainment's nationwide Championship Tour, fans will get the chance to purchase Kendrick Lamar's new Cortez Kenny sneakers using Nike's SNKRS app -- but only if they're at the show. Fans who don't attend will have an opportunity to buy the sneakers via the app at a later time.
Google’s ARCore 1.2 brings social AR experiences to your phone
Google has launched an update to ARCore that should help make augmented reality on Android a little more social. On top of that, Google also announced "Vertical Plane Detection," which will help AR apps detect real-world objects like walls, which in turn will allow users to place objects in the real world.
Modsy’s latest partnership will put a virtual designer in your home
You don't need to be a professional to get professional-quality design help for your home. A partnership between Architectural Digest channel Clever and home design company Modsy combines 3D renderings of your space and a team of style experts for a one-of-a-kind decorating experience.
Facebook Messenger now lets businesses show off products in augmented reality
Facebook has announced a few new features for Facebook Messenger, including the ability for businesses to show off their new products through augmented reality in Messenger. On top of that, Facebook is updating its digital assistant, M, to be able to translate for businesses in Marketplace.
Apple’s wireless, mixed-reality glasses could launch in 2020
Apple is said to be working on its own mixed reality headset that combines AR and VR to compete against Oculus, Magic Leap, HTC Vive, and Microsoft HoloLens. The standalone glasses offer a wireless experience, 8K-per-eye resolution displays, a custom processor, and other top specifications slated for a 2020 release.
Leap Motion is pioneering how users interface with menus in mixed reality
Leap Motion has shown off a brand-new prototype user interface for augmented reality which gives the user full control over how its placed, distributed, and even how visible it is. You can minimize, drag, drop, or throw various UI elements wherever you want and bring them up as and when they are needed.
Low-cost Ghost AR headset promises MacOS multitasking on steroids
AR headsets are expensive, so Los Angeles-based creative director Jean Helfenstein has invented an alternative called Ghost, which boasts a more affordable price tag. Using it, you can take computer multitasking to the next level by creating infinite MacOS windows in virtual space.
You AR what you eat — augmented reality menus are coming to Snapchat
Have your food and eat it too? New augmented reality menus will allow diners to preview a dish using a Snapchat AR Lens before ordering, putting a lifelike model of the food right on the table.
HTC brings AR to VR with new Vive Pro tools for dual cameras
A new SDK for HTC's Vive Pro virtual reality headset effectively turns it into an augmented reality headset also, leveraging its front-facing stereo cameras to provide pass-through video and 3D spatial tracking, making interaction with the real world possible and blending differing reality environments.
The best ARCore apps to try out on your Android smartphone
Whether it's gaming, shopping, or art, there's an ARCore app for a variety of categories. ARCore, Google's augmented reality platform for Android, lets you place virtual objects in the real world. To get you started, we've rounded up some of the best ARCore apps for you to try.
Leap Motion’s prototype augmented reality headset includes hand tracking
Leap Motion revealed a new prototype headset combining hand tracking with augmented reality. The open source community will have access next week.
WWF Free Rivers app puts a virtual landscape on any flat surface
With the launch of Apple's latest 9.7-inch iPad has come a variety of new educational apps. This week, we have an app that allows you to learn more about the environment straight through your smartphone using augmented reality.
Facebook brings AR features to ‘Ready Player One,’ ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ posters
Facebook introduced a new feature that allows you to take photos of movie posters to see augmented reality content.
Microsoft’s HoloLens could be gearing up to kick Intel to the curb
Microsoft's next HoloLens headset is still in the works but according to leaks, it could feature some significant internal changes -- including a new processor from an Intel competitor.
Magic Leap finally unveils ‘goggles’ with wireless processing, tracking
The Magic Leap augmented reality headset goggles have now been revealed and they look very different from their contemporaries.
Carpenters, plumbers, and other pros can ‘beam’ into your home with Streem
The Streem augmented reality app allows home professionals to take a virtual tour of your home, eliminating the long wait for a pro to show up in person.
Draw a line on the world around you with Google’s ‘Just a Line’ ARCore app
Google has released a new ARCore app called Just a Line, which, as the name suggests, allows you to draw on the world around you.
Over 60 ARCore apps are now available from the Google Play Store
Google recently announced that ARCore was being brought to version 1.0, and since then over 60 apps using ARCore have been released to the Google Play Store.
Toys Were Us? Toys R Us reportedly closing all 800 U.S. stores
Due to billions of dollars of debt, iconic toy retailer Toys R Us is considering selling or closing all 800 locations within the United States.
Google Maps is open to mobile AR game developers using Unity
Google said that it opened its Google Maps doors to developers of mobile augmented reality games, granting access to all that mapped data.