Niantic Opens Doors to Third-Party Developers, Shifting Focus to Spatial Intelligence

Niantic, the company behind the immensely popular game Pokémon Go, made a significant move forward by opening its platform to third-party developers. This move signals a shift in the company’s focus from standalone gaming to an ecosystem where developers can build a variety of augmented reality (AR) experiences. Founded by John Hanke, who was also instrumental in the development of Google Earth, Niantic has always been at the forefront of merging the digital and physical worlds. By opening up its platform, Niantic aims to harness the creativity of external developers to expand its offerings and create an immersive AR landscape.

Hanke’s vision of adventures waiting to be discovered is rooted in Niantic’s extensive experience with geospatial data. The company’s foray into AR gaming began with Ingress, which laid the groundwork for the success of Pokémon Go. However, the journey has not been without challenges. The AR market’s growth has been slower than expected, coupled with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to layoffs and canceled projects. Despite these setbacks, Niantic is determined to navigate the future of AR technology by investing in spatial intelligence. By leveraging the data collected from its games, Niantic plans to develop detailed 3D maps of the world, enhancing the spatial awareness and experience for users.

Niantic in Talks to Sell Pokémon Go Division

Interestingly, despite its efforts, Niantic is reportedly in talks to sell its Pokémon Go gaming division to Scopely Inc. for approximately $3.5 billion. It’s important to note that Niantic does not own the rights to Pokémon, so the profitability of the franchise, which generates billions annually, is compromised by significant operational costs. Selling the Pokémon Go division could allow Niantic to focus more on its spatial intelligence projects, potentially leading to groundbreaking advancements in the field of AR technology.

Humane’s AI Pin Acquired by HP for $116 Million

Humane, a startup known for its AI Pin device, has been acquired by HP Inc. for $116 million. Despite raising over $230 million, Humane faced considerable challenges with the AI Pin, including negative reviews and high return rates. The acquisition excludes the AI Pin device, which will cease functioning on February 28, 2025, as Humane’s servers shut down. While refunds are available for customers who received their devices on or after November 15, 2024, HP plans to integrate Humane’s software, patents, and team into a new division called HP IQ. This move emphasizes HP’s commitment to incorporating AI technology across its product lines.

Microsoft Unveils Majorana 1 Quantum Computing Chip: A Leap Forward

Microsoft has unveiled the Majorana 1, a groundbreaking quantum computing chip that represents a significant advancement in the field. Unlike traditional bits used in classical computing, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling quantum computers to solve complex problems beyond the reach of traditional computers. The Majorana 1 features eight topological qubits made from indium arsenide and aluminum, as detailed in a Nature paper. While Microsoft is focusing on long-term research toward a million-qubit system, the Majorana 1 chip marks an important step toward realizing the full potential of quantum computing.

Rockstar Games Talks About Custom Creator Experiences in Grand Theft Auto VI

The first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI, released ahead of schedule, promises an immersive experience for players. Rockstar Games has unveiled its plans to possibly incorporate custom creator experiences, allowing users to craft and share content within the game. While competitor Epic Games has already succeeded with user-generated islands in Fortnite, Rockstar’s move suggests a desire to attract more player engagement and interaction. This development could pave the way for a more dynamic and user-driven gaming community around Grand Theft Auto VI.

Replikant Chat: Bringing AI Characters to Life

Replikant Chat Brings AI Characters To Life.

Replikant, a leading name in AI-powered 3D animation, has launched Replikant Chat. This tool enables users to create real-time animated AI characters with synchronized lip movements and camera control, offering a revolutionary way to interact with digital avatars. The integration of AI in character creation and animation opens up new possibilities for gaming, virtual reality, and digital storytelling.

Loomos AI Glasses Compete with Meta’s Ray-Bans

Loomos AI Glasses Take Aim At Meta’s Ray-Bans With AI-Powered Wearable

Loomos, another innovator in AI wearables, has released its AI glasses, challenging Meta’s Ray-Bans. These glasses feature 4K photo capabilities, AI voice assistance, and long battery life, positioning them as a formidable competitor in the smart glasses market. Loomos’ glasses are powered by GPT-4, indicating a commitment to advanced AI features that enhance user experience.

Orion Drift: The Sequel to Gorilla Tag Launches on Quest

‘Gorilla Tag’ Sequel ‘Orion Drift’ Launches in Early Access Next Week on Quest

Orion Drift, the sequel to the popular VR game Gorilla Tag, is set to launch in early access on February 25, 2024, for Quest 2 and newer devices. Supporting up to 200 players in a social VR space, Orion Drift offers fun mini-games and activities like Drift Ball, a low-gravity handball game. Free to play, Orion Drift is expected to further engage the VR community and attract new players.

Thief Simulator VR: Greenview Street Surpasses 310,000 Units Sold

“Thief Simulator VR: Greenview Street” has surpassed 310,000 units sold on the Meta Quest platform since its July 2022 release.

Thief Simulator VR: Greenview Street has sold over 310,000 units on the Meta Quest platform, generating potential revenue exceeding $6 million at $20 per unit. Available on PlayStation VR2, this game has demonstrated significant appeal and staying power in the VR market. Player engagement with the game’s features and mechanics has driven its popularity, suggesting a promising future for similar titles in the genre.

This Week in XR: Podcast Episode Script

This column is the script for the news segment of our AI/XR Podcast

This week’s installment of the This Week in XR Podcast features a discussion with Charlie Fink, a professor, author, and the writer of this weekly column, alongside Ted Schilowitz and Rony Abovitz. Joining them is Naeem Talukdar, the CEO and co-founder of Moonvalley. The podcast explores the latest developments in AI and XR technology and is available on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.

Signs We’re In a New Era of XR

Signs We’re In a New Era of XR

The advancements in XR technology, from AI-powered glasses to quantum computing chips, indicate a significant shift towards the integration of digital and physical worlds. As companies like Niantic, HP, and Microsoft continue to invest in cutting-edge technology, the future of XR is poised to be more immersive and transformative than ever before.

Meta Rebranding Mixed Reality to Include Both MR and VR

Meta Is Now Using “Mixed Reality” To Mean Both MR And VR

Meta, a leading player in the XR space, has announced a rebranding of its mixed reality offerings to encompass both mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR). This move reflects a broader strategy to unify and enhance its product lineup, catering to a wider range of consumer needs and preferences.

Conclusion

As these developments unfold, the future of technology is becoming increasingly intertwined with immersive experiences and AI-driven innovations. From Niantic’s spatial intelligence projects to HP’s acquisition of Humane, and Microsoft’s advancements in quantum computing, the landscape of XR technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Stay tuned for more updates as these companies continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

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