News: Smartglasses Startup North Secures $40 Million in New Funding, Report Says
Despite the recent gut punch of staff layoffs, Canada-based smartglasses startup North and its Focals are likely to be in the game for a while longer.
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News: WarDucks Lands $3.8 Million Funding for Location-Based Augmented Reality Gaming, Adds Legendary Doom Developer
With plans to compete with Niantic and other augmented reality game developers, game developer WarDucks has closed a $3.8 million funding round.
News: The 10 Biggest AR Investments of 2018
Last year's augmented reality investments roundup was impressive. And in 2018, the dollars flowing toward AR haven't decreased, as venture capitalists and strategic investors continue to aggressively fund AR startups at a rapid pace.
Market Reality: Niantic & WaveOptics Locate More Funding for AR, Cheddar Spreads to Magic Leap, & Tesla Files AR Patent
Investors continue to bet on augmented reality, both for short-term returns and long-term plays. This week, Niantic reportedly picked up another round of funding from Samsung and others, based on the success of PokémonGO and the prospects for future revenue. Likewise, investors see value in WaveOptics, whose waveguide displays could make consumer smaller AR smartglasses possible within the next year.
News: Niantic Boss Throws Shade at Star Wars AR Between Reveals of Pokémon Go China & Harry Potter Launch Timeframe
In the midst of outlining plans to release Pokémon Go in China and debut its new Harry Potter game during the back half of 2018, Niantic CEO John Hanke turned to the dark arts by taking a swipe at the company's AR gaming competition.
Apple AR: Apple Acquires AR Hardware Maker to Jumpstart Its Own Headset Aspirations
Just days after we found out that Apple is working on its own augmented reality headset, we now learn that the company is accelerating its AR headset efforts with the acquisition of Montreal-based hardware maker Vrvana.
News: AR Investor Says Apple ARKit Apps Face Same Challenges as Other Mobile Apps
In a recent series of tweets, investor and entrepreneur (and NR50 member) Amitt Mahajan summarized the challenges and opportunities for iOS developers looking to leverage Apple's ARKit for augmented reality experiences.
News: Spotify Considers Restricting Big Album Releases to Paying Users Only
All you paying Spotify users are about to get another exclusive privilege besides getting out of all those annoying "Ever wonder what it would be like to have Spotify premium?" ads. The Sweden-based company is looking to lower the royalty fees they have to pay to major record labels for their music, by compromising on their policy that all their music be free to paying and nonpaying users. Spotify would for a limited time restrict access on major album releases to their paying subscribers.
News: Twitter (Sorta) Buys a Lock Screen
Earlier this morning, Twitter announced (through a tweet, naturally) that it has acquired Cover, roughly a minute after Cover made the same announcement. Cover Lock Screen, a lockscreen replacement app, has been vastly popular during its first year. The app places relevant shortcuts on your lockscreen that adapt to your habits, so whether you're at home, work, or in the car, you'll find the apps you use the most in these situations readily available for you. For more information on Cover, inc...
How To: Assemble a compact survival kit to carry on a belt or in a backpack
In a survival situation, the four most important things for you to find are shelter, fire, water, and food, in that order. This video will show you how to pack a compact survival kit that can be carried on your belt or in your backpack and contains everything you need to acquire those four things more easily.
How To: Make a heavy duty aluminum laser-guided slingshot
In today's day of mobile devices and improved technology, anything of yesterday can be considered retro— even a freakin' slingshot! Yes, that's right— forget fallen down tree branches. A rubber band and tree limb ain't going to cut it anymore. These days, kids need accuracy, and Kipkay has the knowhow.
How To: Find all hidden spiders on Electro in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
Electro, one of Spideys deadliest villains. What's more dangerous than fighting Electro? Trying to find all the hidden spiders on his level. If you're struggling to find a few of the stragglers that you just can't seem to find, don't worry. In this video you will get a full walkthrough of each location as well as commentary explaining how to acquire each one and what to do for some of the tricker ones.
How To: Get the rooftop wanted poster of Vladimir Semotan (aka Preacher) in Mafia II
Despite how easy it looks in this video, finding and acquiring this rooftop wanted poster in Mafia II is not a simple task. But, if you're determined to get the wanted poster of drug trafficker Vladimir Semotan (aka Preacher), then follow along the best you can. Geoff and Jack from Achievement Hunter will show you the way to the roof of the Authorized Repair Shop to grab the poster, which will bring you one step closer to the Card Sharp achievement on the Xbox 360.
How To: Increase your boob size with some simple bra tips and tricks
Are your boobs not cutting it anymore? How do you increase your bust size without plastic surgery? There are some tricks and tips to acquiring more cleavage, so watch and learn. Your rack will thank you. So will the guys.
How To: Create a film burn effect using Premiere Pro
Film burn was really annoying all those years ago when we used to have actual film and it used to actually burn. Now its acquired chic status, and people want it to add it to their digital films. This video will teach you how to create film burn effects using the Adobe Premiere Pro film editing software. This technique is very popular for Western and skateboarding films, so if you are into creating either of those types of videos this is a must-watch!
How To: Grow plants with a homemade hydroponics system
This is Hydroponics: At Home for Beginners.
How To: Reroot Blythe Doll hair
This is a tutorial on Rerooting Blythe Doll Hair from the CRAFT Video Podcast. Blythe dolls are great for making three-dimensional self portraits. There is an enormous community of customizers working with the Blythe Doll. One of the main online sources for customization is Puchi Collective, which houses oodles of tops for changing her eyechips, face makeup, and clothes.
How To: Get service records from WW2 American soldiers
Whether you're a World War 2 veteran (thank you), the next-of-kin of a vet, or a member of the general public, there are lots of reasons you could want to look at service records for WW2 vets. Watch this video for tips on acquiring these service records from the US government.
How To: Rock a man's blazer in a sexy look
Many women invest substantial time and money in acquiring and styling very feminine elaborate clothing to try and attract men. For most men, the women look even sexier wearing their blazer and collared shirt after a night's festivities. Watch this video to learn how to rock a man's blazer as part of several sexy, sophisticated, feminine looks.
How To: Play basic slide guitar
Grab your acoustic guitar, strap, and your pick and check out this free guitar lesson. This video tutorial will teach you rock or country rock guitarists how to play a a basic slide guitar. If you're not familiar with the slide, than you need to watch this instructional lesson, so you can improve upon your already acquired music skills.
How To: Get the "beta" enemy skill in Final Fantasy VII
Toward the beginning of Final Fantasy VII well into the first disc, the "Beta" enemy skill is first introduced as a trump card by the Midgar Zolom boss which decimates the entire party. Take a look at this tutorial and learn how to acquire this powerful skill from the boss.
How To: Booby Trap a Can of Soup with a Condom!
Here's a little booby trap you can try to pull off on a fellow family member or roommate. It's pretty simple even a child can do it, though it'd be hard for them to acquire a condom. Then again a condom isn't necessary as you can substitute it with a balloon. Just follow the simple instructions in the video tutorial provided!
How to Order Oysters: East Coast vs West Coast Oysters
Oysters are a bit of an acquired taste, you really need to try a few times to really begin appreciating them. Then once you get into it, you realise there are so many different types that you need to get to know them one by one.
How To: Stock a small kitchen with everything you need
Feel you have too small of a kitchen to keep everything you need inside it? Not true. Even if you have a small kitchen and a small budget, you can still save money by stocking it efficiently.
How To: Find the Chinese Stealth Armor rare armor in Fallout New Vegas
Chinese Stealth Armor is a rare armor in Fallout New Vegas that will make you nearly invisible to enemies (although not fully, as in Fallout 3). If you steal or sneak a lot (who doesn't?) watch this video for a guide to acquiring two suits of Chinese Stealth Armor.
How To: Make a cool origami stealth fighter with Tavin
When it comes to planes, is there really anything cooler than a surreptitious stealth fighter? We think not. Faster than the speed of, well, just about everything, streamlined, and oh so sleek, stealth fighters elicit involuntary drooling from guys everywhere.
How To: Make a Thai salad with green papaya with Show Me the Curry
If you're like us, you're not the biggest fan of papaya. Sweet but very pungent, papayas are an acquired taste for some and either loved or hated by others. But this recipe for a Thai salad made with green papaya may just change your mind about the oderiferous food altogether.
How To: Memorize intermediate Italian sheet music terms
If you're serious about playing an instrument well, especially the piano, then you need to know your Italian music terms. Whether you need to play a note staccato or legato or don't recognize what all those tiny abbreviations on your sheet music mean, this tutorial will be a great help in teaching you all the terms you need to know.
How To: Make pumpkin shaped cupcakes for Halloween
We've got a little secret to share with you: Being a master cupcake chef doesn't require you to be a baking whiz or even have a degree from a famous culinary school. When it comes to good cupcakes, decorating yours to pro standards is easier than you think.
How To: Get pretty hands in a flash with a 3 minute manicure
This quick and simple technique shows viewers how to acquire a good manicure. After washing your hands and removing any existing nail polish, mix oil and sugar in a bowl and put it aside while filing your nails. Scrub the oil and sugar mixture over your hands and then submerge your nails in hot water for a few minutes. Push back any cuticles you may have and massage your hands in oil. Wet a damp cloth and put it in the microwave for a few seconds, then wrap it around your hands. If desired, a...
How To: Make a cheap camcorder handle for smooth video
What could possibly make shooting home videos even easier than they already are? A camcorder handle. This is a cheap, easy, legit way on making a camcorder handle.
News: Qualcomm & Bose Back RealWear's Enterprise Augmented Reality Wearables in $80 Million Funding Round
Some investors play the short game, placing their bets on industries that show the quickest return on their investment, and, in the augmented reality space, that means the enterprise sector.
News: Vuzix Confirms New, Smaller Smartglasses Model with Fashion-Friendly Design
The recent industry whispers in augmented reality are mostly about Apple and its rumored fashion-friendly smartglasses, but one company isn't waiting for the iPhone heavyweight to enter the fray.
News: UK-Based Ultrahaptics Acquires Leap Motion for $30 Million
The long and somewhat tumultuous journey of Leap Motion has come to an end, thanks to another startup.
Market Reality: A Hidden ODG & Magic Leap Connection, Epic Games Launches Fund, & Investors Back Mojo Vision & Scope AR
While Magic Leap turned heads at the Game Developers Conference with AR experiences at the Unity and Unreal Engine booths, news broke that the company was the winning bidder for ODG's patents.
News: Investors Bank $30M on Varjo for VR/AR Headset with 'Human-Eye Resolution'
A Series B round of funding, totaling $30 million, will enable Helsinki-based startup Varjo to launch its industrial-grade augmented and virtual reality headset capable of "human-eye resolution" before the end of the year.
Market Reality: Bareburger & Zara Use AR for Marketing, While vTime Gets a Cash Infusion to Move from VR to AR
Modern "mad men" are buying into augmented reality for marketing, with the two latest examples being trendy burger maker Bareburger and department store chain Zara.
Market Reality: Vuzix Defends Blade, Magic Leap Shows Off ML1 & Snapchat Reintroduces Consumers to Its AR Camera
The augmented reality business was all about audiences this week. Vuzix looked for an audience with the Supreme Court of New York regarding a defamation lawsuit against an investor. Magic Leap held an audience with royalty, showing off the Magic Leap One in a rare public appearance. And Snapchat wanted to remind its consumer audience of all the things its camera can do.
Market Reality: Magic Leap Gets New Cash & NBA Deal, AR Supplier's Apple Rumor, & HoloLens Gets into Rental Business
While the company is adamant that the Magic Leap One: Creator Edition will ship this year, currently, it seems its CEO is more interested in striking deals with content partners than releasing details about the headset.
Market Reality: AR Pleases Snapchat Shareholders, Entices Investors & Mints New Venture from Deutsche Telecom & Zeiss
Investors aren't keen to throw money at a new technology sector without at least some hope of a significant return on their investment in the future. That's why a recent run of activity within the augmented reality business space has stoked some new optimism among the financial community.