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Topic: Metaverse

Know how AI replaced the hype on Metaverse. (Pixabay) AI 

AI Replaces Chief Metaverse Officers

Nitin Misra,

Metaverse leaders find themselves abandoned by companies that have retreated from the previously popular digital domain, while artificial intelligence remains a prominent focus. Advertising giant Publicis Groupe SA hired an unusual leader in mid-2022 — a lion-headed digital Avatar named Leon, who would act as a “metaverse manager” guiding clients through a virtual world that had gained real attention. His moment in the spotlight didn’t last long. Five months later, ChatGPT debuted, and the buzz surrounding the metaverse ever since Mark Zuckerberg changed Facebook’s name to Meta Platforms Inc. moved into…

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Mark Zuckerberg's ambitious Metaverse venture faces a $25 billion setback as Meta Quest 3 draws criticism. (Lex Fridman/ YouTube) News 

Facebook’s Metaverse Project Experiences Major Financial Loss

Jim Hendler,

During a virtual interview, Mark Zuckerberg impressed viewers with the latest advancements in hyper-realistic 3D avatars within the Metaverse. Nevertheless, Meta’s remarkable loss of $3.74 billion in its Reality Labs division during Q3 of this year remains significant. As the company deals with these financial challenges, Zuckerberg’s approach has been to reduce the workforce in the research units responsible for virtual and augmented reality hardware and software. Meta has been at the forefront of developing tools for virtual reality, including the Meta Quest headset and Spark AR Studio, a Facebook-backed…

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Apple Vision Pro is the company’s first-ever spatial computer but isn’t available to the public yet. (Bloomberg) News 

Comparing Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3: A Look at the Mixed Reality Contest Between Two Tech Giants

Jim Hendler, , ,

Apple and Meta, two major tech giants, have both ventured into the realm of mixed reality. While Meta Platforms has already established itself in this field with its Metaverse and Meta Quest products, Apple has now joined the fray. During the World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023 on June 5, Apple unveiled its inaugural mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. Despite their shared goal of enhancing mixed reality experiences, these headsets cater to distinct user demographics. Apple Vision Pro Developed by Apple’s Vision Products Group (VPG), a unit led…

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Meta is planning to lay off employees on Wednesday in the unit of its metaverse oriented Reality Labs division focused on creating custom silicon, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. News 

Metaverse Silicon Unit to Cut Staff

Nitin Misra,

NEW YORK: Meta plans to lay off workers on Wednesday at a unit of its metaverse-oriented Reality Labs division that focuses on creating custom silicon, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. The employees were informed about the layoffs on Tuesday on Meta’s internal discussion forum, Työpaikai. The message said they would be notified of their status,, the company early Wednesday morning, one of the sources said. Meta’s spokesperson refused to comment on the plans. Reuters was unable to determine the extent of the cuts to Facebook’s…

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Meta and Zuckerberg wanted to make the metaverse big but few years later the company is now eyeing the AI arena. News 

Mark Zuckerberg’s Attempt to Revive the Metaverse: Selling an Old Concept in a New Package?

Sanjay Patil, , ,

Mark Zuckerberg spoke at Meta Connect 2023 this week, where the company unveiled its version of artificial intelligence technology, smart wearables and more. But one thing we didn’t hear much from Zuckerberg and Co. is a reference to the metaverse. The term, which Mark apparently invented and became the talk of the industry in recent years, was only a footnote throughout the session. In fact, some reports noted that Zuckerberg didn’t say a metaverse for the first 33 minutes of his keynote, which is startling. In the end, he decided…

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Meta and Zuckerberg wanted to make the metaverse big but few years later the company is now eyeing the AI arena. News 

Mark Zuckerberg No Longer Focused on Metaverse, Now Investing in Artificial Intelligence

Adarsh V.K, , ,

Mark Zuckerberg spoke at Meta Connect 2023 this week, where the company unveiled its version of artificial intelligence technology, smart wearables and more. But one thing we didn’t hear much from Zuckerberg and Co. is a reference to the metaverse. The term, which Mark apparently invented and became the talk of the industry in recent years, was only a footnote throughout the session. In fact, some reports noted that Zuckerberg didn’t say a metaverse for the first 33 minutes of his keynote, which is startling. In the end, he decided…

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They're only available to beta testers for now. News 

Meta’s Virtual Avatars Gain Mobility

Jim Hendler, ,

Almost a year has passed since Meta revealed its plan to enhance its metaverse avatars, resembling Caspar the Friendly Ghost, by giving them legs to make them seem more human. The awaited moment is approaching as the latest beta version of Quest software introduces additional limbs for Quest Home avatars. You can’t see the legs in your avatar when you look down, as UploadVR points out. They only show up in third person or when you’re looking through a virtual mirror (as in many first person shooters). This makes sense…

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Children playground miniatures are seen in front of displayed Meta logo in this illustration taken April 4, 2023. (REUTERS) AI 

Meta unveils AI-powered tool for translating speech across multiple languages

Jim Hendler,

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has unveiled an AI model that can translate and transcribe speech in numerous languages. This breakthrough could serve as a foundation for developing tools that facilitate seamless communication across language barriers. The company said in a blog post that its SeamlessM4T model could support text-to-speech translations in nearly 100 languages, as well as full speech-to-speech translation for 35 languages, combining technology previously only available in standalone models. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said he sees such tools facilitating interactions between users from around the…

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Metaverse lost $21 billion creating its virtual reality experience (AFP) News 

Exploring the Extent of Mark Zuckerberg’s Investment in the Metaverse

Adriana Marais,

Mark Zuckerberg’s metaverse has seen limited success in terms of quantifiable achievements. Since 2019, only 20 million Quest virtual reality headsets have been sold. Additionally, Meta Platform Inc.’s flagship virtual reality experience, Horizon Worlds, reportedly has a mere 200,000 active users. However, one significant figure stands out: a staggering $21 billion has been lost in the creation of the Metaverse since the beginning of 2022. All of this begs the obvious question: How much money is Zuckerberg willing to spend to make his Metaverse a success? Fortunately, he doesn’t have…

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Certification courses on various trending fields to be launched by IIT Delhi. Read to know more. ( IIT Delhi.) News 

IIT Delhi Introduces Advanced Certification in Web 3.0, Social Media, and Metaverse

Adriana Marais, ,

IIT Delhi has revealed its plans to introduce advanced certification courses in web 3.0, social media, and metaverse programs. The institute aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the dynamic digital landscape. By undertaking these courses, students will be able to expand their understanding and become well-prepared for careers in web 3.0, social media, and metaverse. Continue reading to learn more about certification courses. About certificates The course has a six-month program that explores the convergence of powerful technologies. It allows students to learn…

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Facebook parent Meta is by far the dominant player in the sector, and that is extending to its stock this year. (Bloomberg) News 

Meta’s Move to Increase Competition for Snap and Pinterest

Jim Hendler, , , , ,

Snap Inc. and Pinterest Inc., two social media firms, face a more complex investment scenario with the introduction of Meta Platforms Inc.’s Twitter competitor, as their stock price recoveries are slower compared to their bigger competitor. Facebook parent Meta is the industry’s dominant player by far, and that extends to its shares this year as well. The stock has been performing by leaps and bounds, and Threads’ rapid user growth is the latest demonstration of the reach and scale that has made it a favorite among investors and analysts. “It’s…

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Unity CEO John Riccitiello speaks on AI and gaming's future (AP) AI 

John Riccitiello Discusses AI and the Future of Video Game Software with an Insider

Febin Mathew, , , , ,

During his career spanning over 20 years, starting from his tenure as the head of Electronic Arts in 1997, John Riccitiello, the CEO of Unity, a video game software company, has witnessed the transformation and changes in the video game industry. Unity Software Inc. was founded in Denmark and is now based in San Francisco. It’s partnering with Apple to help bring games to its upcoming virtual reality headset, the Vision Pro. Riccitiello recently spoke with The Associated Press about how artificial intelligence is changing the way video games are…

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Top-10 emerging technologies of 2023 (Pixabay) AI 

WEF Identifies Flexible Batteries and Designer Phages as Top Emerging Technologies of 2023

Sanjay Patil, , ,

According to the WEF, in the next 3-5 years, technologies such as designer phages, flexible batteries, sustainable aviation fuel, and a new type of AI that can create unique content are expected to have a significant positive impact on the world. Listing the top ten such emerging technologies, the WEF said the list also includes wearable plant sensors, the mental health metaverse, spatial omics, flexible neural electronics, sustainable computing and AI-enabled healthcare. WEF’s “Top Ten Emerging Technology Report 2023” assesses the impact of each technology on people, planet, wealth, industry…

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LVMH Group managing director Toni Belloni said Epic’s tools will also help the company “engage more effectively with young generations who are very much at ease with these codes and uses.” (REUTERS) Gaming 

LVMH and Epic Games Team Up to Provide Immersive Virtual Experiences

Jim Hendler, ,

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, a high-end French goods company, has collaborated with Epic Games Inc., the developer of Fortnite, to attract customers through virtual fitting rooms and fashion shows. LVMH will use Epic’s 3D creation tools to create immersive products and experiences, as well as new collections and advertising campaigns, according to a Wednesday announcement. For example, Epic’s Unreal Engine graphics platform can be used to create “digital twins” that allow customers to see how a physical product looks and behaves before it’s manufactured. LVMH Group CEO Toni…

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