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Virtual reality isn’t just a futuristic dream anymore — it’s a thriving industry on track for massive expansion. According to recent projections, the global VR market is expected to grow by a staggering $339.29 billion between 2025 and 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 27.3%. That’s not just a small bump — it’s a sign that VR is cementing itself as a major player in gaming, business, healthcare, and beyond. So, what’s fueling this explosive growth? And more importantly, what does it mean for you as a VR enthusiast? Let’s break it down. The VR surge: Where’s the growth coming from?Gaming and entertainment: Bigger, better, more immersiveGaming remains the dominant force in VR’s expansion. What started as a niche market is now attracting major game developers, with more AAA titles and indie innovations pushing the boundaries of immersion. From Meta’s Quest 3 to Sony’s PlayStation VR2, hardware advancements are making high-quality VR gaming more accessible than ever. Beyond…more

Meta is doubling down on augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of Aria Gen 2. Unlike consumer-focused models such as the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, Aria Gen 2 is designed for AI research, robotics, and machine perception. The glasses offer a glimpse into the future of AR-powered assistance. With upgraded sensors, real-time AI processing, and a heart rate tracking feature, these glasses could play a crucial role in future accessibility solutions. The potential is there to help users with visual or hearing impairments navigate the world more independently. Although it remains a research tool, Aria Gen 2 serves as a stepping stone toward truly intelligent AR wearables. So, what makes these glasses different, and why should we pay attention? Let’s break it down. What’s new in Aria Gen 2?Meta’s Aria Gen 2 smart glasses significantly upgraded the original Project Aria research device from 2020. While it may look like a standard pair of glasses, it packs a…more

Virtual reality (VR) is no longer just for gaming — it’s becoming a powerful tool in sports science to evaluate athlete performance. A new study by a group of scientists in Germany has validated a VR-based test battery that can reliably measure key athletic skills, such as reaction time, jumping ability, and complex movement execution. What you need to know about the VR athlete studyVR tests are highly reliable: Reaction time and jump height measurements in VR closely match real-world data. Parkour performance varies: Athletes initially struggle with VR navigation, but a virtual opponent improves results. Future potential: VR could revolutionize sports training, talent identification, and rehab with further advancements. This breakthrough suggests VR could revolutionize sports training, making assessments safer, more accessible, cost-effective, and data-driven. Why this matters for sports science and trainingFor years, VR has been explored as a training tool in sports, but its…more

As conversations about artificial intelligence (AI) grow, a new concept — augmented intelligence — is taking shape as a more human-focused way of using technology. While AI often evokes visions of automation and machine-driven decision-making, augmented intelligence focuses on collaboration, where machines enhance rather than replace human capabilities. This concept is increasingly relevant as businesses, healthcare providers, and financial institutions integrate AI-powered tools to improve efficiency and decision-making. Unlike traditional AI, which often operates independently, augmented intelligence keeps human expertise at the core. AI acts as a supportive tool, refining judgment, offering insights, and simplifying complex tasks rather than taking over entirely. Augmented intelligence helps people make better decisions by providing AI-driven insights while keeping humans in control. Unlike traditional AI, which automates tasks, augmented intelligence works alongside humans to…more

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) redefine how we interact with digital spaces. AR layers computer-generated content onto the physical world, seamlessly merging digital elements with real environments. VR, on the other hand, creates entirely synthetic worlds, transporting users into fully immersive digital experiences.  Knowing the distinctions between AR and VR isn’t just about terminology — it’s about understanding how these technologies shape industries, from gaming and enterprise solutions to healthcare and beyond. What is augmented reality?Augmented reality seamlessly blends digital elements with the real world, enhancing what we see, hear, and interact with. Unlike virtual reality, which immerses users in a fully digital space, AR keeps users anchored in their physical environment while adding interactive digital layers. This can range from simple overlays, like navigation prompts in Google Maps Live View, to more advanced apps, such as AR-powered remote…more

Ray-Ban’s partnership with Meta keeps getting smarter — literally. The latest Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses aren’t just about looking cool — they’re packing upgraded tech, including the Meta glasses v12 update, faster performance, and surprisingly solid battery life. But do these smart Wayfarers live up to the hype, or are they just another overpriced gadget? After five months of daily use, I’m ready to share what I’ve learned about the trendiest AI glasses to hit the market since Google Glass (anyone remember that?). Let’s break it down. Classic look, smarter functionalityFirst off, these are real Wayfarers. They’re not awkward, thick, clunky, or any of the other negative adjectives. They’re normal Wayfarers. If you’ve ever hesitated to wear smart glasses because they looked like something out of a bad sci-fi movie, rest easy — you will not look like Max Headroom. PRO TIP: If you spring for the matte black version, keep its cleaning cloth handy. They get a bit shiny with use, but…more

For decades, Super Bowl ads have been used as a launching platform for new products, devices, and even technologies. In Super Bowl LIX, it took center stage in the exploding AI space. Until now, the tech crowd has ravenously ingested much of the most pertinent AI news. The innovators and early adopters are way ahead, but the Super Bowl creates a captive commercial-loving audience of 130 million normal people. With OpenAI, Meta, and Google all taking the opportunity to push artificial intelligence to the populace, they all took interest through very different approaches. Here’s a look at the AI-driven Super Bowl ads that made waves, what they promised, and how audiences reacted. AI-powered Super Bowl ads: Who showed what?OpenAI: The Information AgeWhat it showed: The ad featured black-and-white visuals in constant motion, walking through humanity’s many developments, from tools and fire all the way through to generative AI. Key message: We have entered The Information Age. We might…more

The introduction of transparency has been quite controversial in print production over the past few years, though the fact is that for most transparency in Adobe files works just fine. However, those of us out there with older RIPs may have issues printing transparency. In this video you’ll see how to flatten transparency in your PDF files before you ever hit the Print…more

One of the coolest aesthetic features of iMessage is its animated message effects. If you’re like many users, you might even have discovered them by accident, where wishing your friend a “Happy Birthday!” or congratulating them on a promotion unexpectedly flooded your screen with balloons or confetti. Apple’s iMessage effects first appeared in iOS 10 and still work perfectly in the most current iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions. While Apple has only formally mentioned a few code words and phrases that automatically trigger these effects, I’ve compiled a massive list of all the hidden triggers I could find through research and trial and error — with over 50 languages included. Don’t Miss: Every Hidden Special Character on Your iPhone’s Keyboard That You Can Unlock Right Now While Apple hasn’t added any more English trigger words and phrases to its list of Easter eggs for iMessage effects since iMessage effects were a thing, it has added more words and phrases that work with other…more

Apple’s iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 have been out since September, but more features are coming, such as new emoji from Unicode 16, and you can test them after installing a beta build for iOS 18.4 or iPadOS 18.4. Apple Intelligence debuted on iOS and iPadOS 18.1 and expanded on iOS and iPadOS 18.2 and iOS and iPadOS 18.3, but iOS and iPadOS 18.4 will likely improve Apple Intelligence features even more. But there will also likely be new features and changes beyond Apple Intelligence you’ll want to try out. The iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 betas were first available to registered developers on June 10 and to Apple Beta Software Program users on July 15. While stable iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 versions were released to everyone on Sept. 16, Apple continues beta testing 18.x versions. iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 were released on Oct. 28. iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 were released on Dec. 11. iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 were released on Jan. 27. iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 are approaching the initial beta build. The most…more