If there is an Official Visionary at Meta, it is Andrew "Bos" Bosworth.

If there is an Official Visionary at Meta, it is Andrew "Bos" Bosworth.

Here is his end-of-the-year message regarding the future of AR.

https://www.meta.com/blog/quest/boz-2024-look-back-2025-look-ahead/

Last month, I participated in the debate on the speed of the adoption of AI and VR.

Last month, I participated in the debate on the speed of the adoption of AI and VR.

I wish I had this article beforehand.

https://www.cio.com/article/3545166/weighing-the-risks-of-moving-too-fast-with-gen-ai.html

MagFest 2025 is just around the corner, and again, we will be organizing a group of Panel discussions on Virtual and augmented Reality

 MagFest 2025 is just around the corner, and again, we will be organizing a group of Panel discussions on Virtual and augmented Reality. Past topics have included VR in Education/Training, the Intersection of VR and AR, and the Future of VR. Please let me know if you want to help or be on the panel. The tech gaming conference will be at the Gaylord Convention Center/Hotel at National Harbor, MD.

Here is the 3rd Panel I moderated at MagFest 2024, where we explored the future of Virtual Reality.

Here is the 3rd Panel I moderated at MagFest 2024, where we explored the future of Virtual Reality.

And yes, I plan to organize some more panels, and maybe even some user group gatherings, at MagFest 2025!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FXAWILwYdA

I alternate between being inspired by EVA foam armor like this and being discouraged that my work is not in the same category.

I alternate between being inspired by EVA foam armor like this and being discouraged that my work is not in the same category. Either way, this work of art is something to admire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc_Ejn29YP8

Magic, and Water Bending, is in the air…

Magic, and Water Bending, is in the air…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJtNhJN3CYQ

He who controls the Spice, has a big costume!

He who controls the Spice, has a big costume!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcaieejFi-Q

I was told it could walk, but there was no room in the hotel to maneuver.

I was told it could walk, but there was no room in the hotel to maneuver. I have seen the hands open/close/rotate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi3he3fxTuQ

I wish I had been able to record the previous song performed by the Black Sheep Ensemble

 I wish I had been able to record the previous song performed by the Black Sheep Ensemble. They played the theme from the Munsters; that was a crowd pleaser.  This one was also great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l17EmD8T9ok

I tried to stay out of reach.

 I tried to stay out of reach.  Enjoy another of my videos from this years DragonCon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs2-y4meEnM

I always wanted to make an animated dragon head like this, but I doubt I would ever have done it on this scale.

I always wanted to make an animated dragon head like this, but I doubt I would ever have done it on this scale.  Thanks to Monks Meadery for putting it up at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel during DragonCon 2024.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBeroCjtFpc

Unusual Droid seen at DragonCon 2024

I do love creative people and their creations. I will post a half dozen or so videos that I recorded at DragonCon. This is the first one. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oserqRjKBL4

GMU has announced the 2024 Learning Multiverse Conference: AI-Enabled Immersive Technologies, which will be held on September 12, 2024, at the Arlington campus.

GMU has announced the 2024 Learning Multiverse Conference: AI-Enabled Immersive Technologies, which will be held on September 12, 2024, at the Arlington campus.

Join us at this local VR conference! Co-sponsored by Leidos.

https://techconnectdc.org/2024-imtech-conference/

https://techconndcstg.wpenginepowered.com/2024-imtech-conference/

if you haven’t downloaded the new Disney/Marvel What If app, do so immediately

For those who own an Apple Vision Pro, if you haven’t downloaded the new  Disney/Marvel What If app, do so immediately. I have only run the intro, but the use of combined VR and AR is stunning. I had an amazing conversation with the Watcher and the Sorcerer Supreme Wong in my basement. You are not playing a game in a virtual world; you are interacting with a virtual person in your real world.

Official Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLk-IkPktMo

Oops, I missed this the first time it went around in 1995, but this may have been the first and only time the Apple Newton was features in a film.

Oops, I missed this the first time it went around in 1995, but this may have been the first and only time the Apple Newton was features in a film.

Oh, it was a Steven Seagal movie, no wonder I missed it. Still cool to see it being misused.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDlpPs19NU0

Thanks to Long Island Retro Gaming for this excellently details list of every game console from the beginning.

Thanks to Long Island Retro Gaming for this excellently details list of every game console from the beginning.

I found this list, after a family member found a photo of my youngest sister next to our Magnavox Odyssey, the first home computer console.  How times have changed!

https://liretro.com/console-timeline/

The end of another Internet era and one that I didn't even realize was still around.

The end of another Internet era and one that I didn't even realize was still around.

When AOL purchased it in 1998, I expected it to die, but "I Seek You" kept going and going.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/25/24164579/icq-shut-down-june

We may not have full in person WWDC, but we still have another great tech tradition: James Dempsey and the Breakpoints!

We may not have full in person WWDC, but we still have another great tech tradition: James Dempsey and the Breakpoints!

James, and his brand of tech parody songs, will be performing Wed June 12, 2024 at San Jose’s Art Boutiki.

https://livenearwwdc.com

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/james-dempsey-and-the-breakpointslive-near-wwdc-benefit-concert-2024-tickets-910063673947

Last years performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_76ICJhDGgM

I always keep on eye on Disney Research, because they create some of the most imaginative projects.

I always keep on eye on Disney Research, because they create some of the most imaginative projects.

Using a virtual tool to create and test the walking gate of future Disney robotic characters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDgW3983Cvc

I have been thinking a lot about Bill Gates "Content is King" quote in relationship to XR

 I have been thinking a lot about Bill Gates "Content is King" quote in relationship to XR. Current VR/AR content creation is too exclusive, with only a few people knowing how to produce it. We need to make tools that anyone can use to make useful ideas real.

https://medium.com/@HeathEvans/content-is-king-essay-by-bill-gates-1996-df74552f80d9

It is official, I am on Furlough from my company waiting for possible project to receive final approval.

It is official, I am on Furlough from my company waiting for possible project to receive final approval. Or I find some other interesting position.

So, for now, I am working 100% of my time on Apple Vision Pro development projects. Drop me a line if you want to collaborate or share code libraries.

The topic for the 3rd Nova Spatial Labs Meetup on May 10th will be Development.

The topic for the 3rd Nova Spatial Labs Meetup on May 10th will be Development.

A good percentage of the early adopters of the AVP are software developers. Let's discuss how to create exceptional apps for this new Apple platform. 

https://www.meetup.com/nova-spatial-labs/events/300464980

Everyone had a good time at our second Gathering of the Nova Spatial Labs (Apple Vision Pro user group).

Everyone had a good time at our second Gathering of the Nova Spatial Labs (Apple Vision Pro user group).

The focus was on interactive multiuser experiences. We explored the Game Room, which allowed both players and spectators. Rolling dice for Yahtzee was surprisingly enjoyable, while the animated Battleship game may be one of the best adaptations of a 2D board game into a 3D VR world.

Have you ever lost control of a panel? I did recently at MagFest 2024, in this discussion about VR & AI.

 Have you ever lost control of a panel? I did recently at MagFest 2024, in this discussion about VR & AI.

The audience was not hostile, the complete opposite, with more questions asked, then we had answers for. It was fun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg9gST044z4&t=276s

MagFest 2024 has posted the first of the VR panels I moderated this years.

MagFest 2024 has posted the first of the VR panels I moderated this years.

Education & Training may be the "Killer App" for the AR/VR Industry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg9gST044z4

Audi uses the Apple Vision Pro to demo the technical insides of the new Aud Q6 for industry press.

Audi uses the Apple Vision Pro to demo the technical insides of the new Aud Q6 for industry press.

While not training, this is a brilliant example of using AR to zoom into inner workings in a way rarely seen before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8MIPHDEpaE

Apple Developer program finally has its own YouTube channel.

Apple Developer program finally has its own YouTube channel.

This appears to be mostly duplicates of Apple own Developer Channels, but it is interesting they think they also need to duplicate postings.

https://www.youtube.com/@AppleDeveloper

XRBootcamp organized a well-thought-out Roundtable comparing Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3.

XRBootcamp organized a well-thought-out Roundtable comparing Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3.

An impressive line of experts shared their thoughts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rUwGeLpRks

The 2nd Gathering of the Nova Spatial Labs meetup has been announced!

The 2nd Gathering of the Nova Spatial Labs meetup has been announced!  After the enjoyable first evening together, we will be returning to talk about VR interaction. Be it games or utilities, possibly the best thing about the AVP is connecting with other users. We will be sharing our experiences, including success stories, and hopefully learn something new.

We will be meeting at the Leidos Annex at the Reston Town Center, VA on Friday April 5, 2024 at 6:30.

RSVP (and contact information) MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE MEETING. NO EXCEPTIONS.

https://www.meetup.com/nova-spatial-labs/events/299706723/

To all those who attended the first Nova Spatial Labs for Apple Vision Pro user group gathering, thank you for coming!!!

To all those who attended the first Nova Spatial Labs for Apple Vision Pro user group gathering, thank you for coming!!! Please keep the first Fri of next month, April 5th, open for our second gathering. See you all soon!

The first Gathering of the Nova Spatial Labs meetup has been announced!

The first Gathering of the Nova Spatial Labs meetup has been announced!  Enjoy a change to meet fellow early adopters, and those who plan to buy one soon. We will be sharing our experiences, including success stories, and hopefully learn something new.  

We will be meeting at the Leidos Annex at the Reston Town Center on Friday March 1st, 2024.

https://www.meetup.com/nova-spatial-labs/events/299114179/

Update to using WebXR with Vision Pro

Update to using WebXR with Vision Pro. Yes, you can goto WebXR website, and have the VR portion work. Goto the Settings, then goto the buried settings (Apps -> Safari -> Advanced -> Feature Flags. Check off the four items on the top of the list, under the WebXR sub section. I would also recommend going to the other sub section, scroll to the bottom, and check off the two webXR features there. Exit settings, and goto the WebXR site (reloading the page if needed). Now the bad news. the support does not include AR feature, nor eye tracking, so I have yet to see any interaction within webXR.

I will be teaching my History of Tea class in February and March

I will be teaching my History of Tea class in February and March. Unfortunately, I won't post the February date because it is full! However, there are still spots for the March 17 date. It is St Patrick's Day so I will serve Irish Tea (along with other types).

https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-5538057

For VisionPro owners, and non-owner enthusiasts, we are forming a User Group for the VA/DC/MD area.

For VisionPro owners, and non-owner enthusiasts, we are forming a User Group for the VA/DC/MD area. 

Hopefully we will be having the 1st physical meetings (we we can try out shared AR app), in March.  Facebook & LinkedIn pages are also up.

https://www.meetup.com/nova-spatial-labs/

The Facebook group for the newly formed Nova Spatial Labs, a Vision Pro User Group for VA/DC/MD, can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/novaspatiallabs/

The LinkedIn group for the newly formed Nova Spatial Labs, a Vision Pro User Group for VA/DC/MD, can be found at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12969348/

Apparently the question of if it was legal to drive while wearing VisionPro is moot, since Apple won't allow it.

Apparently the question of if it was legal to drive while wearing VisionPro is moot, since Apple won't allow it.

According to another article, it would be legal to drive while wearing in Australia, it will definitely depend on location.

https://9to5mac.com/2023/06/22/apple-vision-pro-high-speeds/

This won't be the Killer App for Apple's VisionPro AR glasses, but it does show a unique way to watch a physical sport, in this case, Formula 1 racing.

This won't be the Killer App for Apple's VisionPro AR glasses, but it does show a unique way to watch a physical sport, in this case, Formula 1 racing.

I never seen such an interesting mixture of media, which could only be done in the XR environment.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2dELKoPnXo/?igsh=NzgyYTk0Y2YyNg

There are still a couple of spots left in my class on Laser Engraving Glass, Mirrors, Stones & Clay at NovaLab tomorrow.

There are still a couple of spots left in my class on Laser Engraving Glass, Mirrors, Stones & Clay at NovaLab tomorrow.

I like teaching people how to create interesting items, and glass/stone is one of the more unique medias.

https://portal.nova-labs.org/event-5537991

Anyone have unused Hotel Room reservation for MagFest?

Anyone have unused Hotel Room reservation for MagFest?

Who is going to purchase Vision Pro?

 Who is going to purchase a Vision Pro?

And who would be interested in forming a VisionOS User Group for DC/VA?MD?

Yes, they are late to the game, but you are crazy if you don’t think Apple is the 800 lbs. gorilla in the room.

Yes, they are late to the game, but you are crazy if you don’t think Apple is the 800 lbs. gorilla in the room.

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/12/24035028/apple-vision-pro-ces-headset-game

How ML was used to come up with a superior version of Matrix Multiplication (along with why this is important).

How ML was used to come up with a superior version of Matrix Multiplication (along with why this is important).

I am curious if someone uses ML to discover a revolutionary theorem, would they still be eligible for the Nobel or Fields Medal Math prizes?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDAPJ7rvcUw

Tom Emrich review of AR for the year is worth read!

 Tom Emrich review of AR for the year is worth the read!

There are so many things happening in the VR/AR/XR tech space, it is hard to remember all that happened this year. Tom talks about the progress, or lack of progress, in different key aspects of VR that we may have missed.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reality-check-looking-back-augmented-2023-tom-emrich--yilvc/

It is wildly appropriate that the first book I read in 2024 is both a Graphic Novel, as well as an Agatha Christie mystery

It is wildly appropriate that the first book I read in 2024 is both a Graphic Novel, as well as an Agatha Christie mystery. Illustrator Bob Al-Greene's new "Murder on the Oriental Express" may be the best rendering of a Novel into Graphic format, that I have ever enjoyed. Good job Bob! 

http://bobalgreene.com