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Augmented reality enters the dance to live the life of the castle

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor

Breaking: Palace of Versailles Unveils Dance Versailles with Augmented Reality Ball

In an exciting fusion of history and technology, the Palace of Versailles has introduced a new immersive experience for its visitors: Dance Versailles. This innovative augmented reality (AR) event invites strollers to participate in a large digital ball, bringing to life baroque dances in the castle’s gardens.

Immersive Dance Experience

ivalcos visitors can now don vintage costumes, including jabot shirts, silk stockings, harnesses, and wigs, to fully immerse themselves in the grandeur of the past. By downloading the Palace of Versailles app, users can access twenty audio routes and over six hundred points of interest, now complemented by the augmented reality ball. This new experience allows participants to point their smartphone screens at specific sites to witness scenes unfold right before their eyes, no special glasses or VR headsets required.

“We replace dance in the garden, but not just as simple entertainment: each visitor can appropriate the elegance of the court of the Sun King,” insists Christophe Leribault, president of the Palace of Versailles. The prestigious Latone Basin is a prime example, offering visitors an unparalleled augmented reality experience.

Historical Revival Through Modern Technology

Behind this magical experience is the AR Studio of Paris by Snapchat. The goal was not just to present history but to immerse visitors in it, as noted by Antoine Gilbert, manager of the Snap AR Studio. “The idea was to imagine a journey where visitors were not only facing history but living it, by reviving the great dances of the court.”

Dance Versailles includes stops at iconic sites such as the Latone Basin, Fourtres de l’Orangerie, the Ballroom Bosquet, and the Water Theater Bosquet. Each location provides an interactive AR experience with customizable vintage accessories and 3D dancers performing their dances in sync with period music. Practical details such as interactive maps and historical notes make this an engaging and educational event.

The blend of heritage and technology is ingeniously executed to ensure that young and old alike can enjoy the gardens of Versailles. Families can look forward to a fun and educational walk, while history enthusiasts can gain insights into the lesser-known yet intriguing world of baroque dance.

A New Era of Cultural Engagement

“It was a question of maintaining the balance between heritage and technology, between present and past,” recalls Christophe Leribault. This breakthrough program showcases how technology can enrich historical experiences without replacing them. By seamlessly integrating AR, the Palace of Versailles ensures that visitors leave with more than just a surface-level impression of the site’s history.

The successful integration of modern tech into cultural heritage sites is a testament to the Palace of Versailles’ forward-thinking approach. Within months of launching a virtual reality experience titled “The Lost Gardens of the Sun King,” Versailles now embraces augmented reality to enhance its cultural offering. This initiative highlights the potential for digital technology to engage younger audiences and breathe new life into historic sites.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a unique experience, Dance Versailles at the Palace of Versailles promises an unforgettable journey. Remember to download the Palace of Versailles app for the best AR experience, and enjoy a few steps into the past with a touch of the future.

Stay tuned for more news and updates on archyde.com, your go-to source for the latest in technology, history, and cultural experiences.

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Technology

Smart glasses to the rescue, because all the giants of technology want them

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor

In a groundbreaking shift that signals the next phase of personal technology, the race for smart glasses is heating up once again. Companies like Meta, Amazon, and Apple are betting big on augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to make these devices an essential part of our daily lives.

Google’s Early Vision

Over a decade ago, Google attempted to revolutionize the wearable tech market with its smart glasses. Today, the idea appears more promising than ever, fueled by advancements in AI and consumer needs. Snapchat’s parent company, Snap, has announced plans to release AR glasses in 2026, adding to the growing excitement and optimism in the industry.

A Market Looking Forward

CNN reports that the renewed interest in smart glasses can be attributed to two primary factors. Firstly, the enthusiasm around smartphones is waning, leading to slower device updates among users. Secondly, companies are keen to capitalize on AI-enhanced hardware capable of doing more with seamless interaction and incredible functionality.

“The progress in AI allows them to be much more useful than in the early days,” CNN writes. Modern AI models can develop images, videos, and spoken responses, making smart glasses highly functional and user-friendly.

Market Growth and Key Players

Market research indicates significant growth potential. The Smart Glasses market is projected to rise from 3.3 million units in 2024 to about 13 million units in 2026, according to Data Research International. Meta is expecting this trend, projecting sales of its AR glasses from 8.8 million in 2025 to 14 million by 2028.

Apple, too, is planning to introduce its own smart glasses next year, with analysts expecting strong competition between Apple and Meta.

Sales and Challenges

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have already sold over 2 million units since their launch in 2023. However, the real challenge lies in convincing consumers—especially those who don’t wear glasses—of the necessity and value of these accessories. Privacy remains a significant concern, and companies will need to establish trustrypted by showcasing the benefits and addressing potential drawbacks.

The Future: Smart Glasses vs. Smartphones

While it might take some time, experts believe that smart glasses could eventually replace smartphones. Major tech companies are vying to secure their place in this burgeoning market, ensuring they don’t miss out on the future of wearable technology.

Keep an eye on these innovations as the road to a glass-dominated future is already being paved by some of the biggest names in tech.

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Technology

Apple Vision Pro: Avatar Upgrade

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief
written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief


Apple Vision Pro’s visionOS 26: Personas and Spatial Widgets Get a Huge Upgrade

Table of Contents

The Apple Vision Pro, initially met with lukewarm reception following its early 2024 launch, is set to recieve a significant upgrade with visionOS 26. This latest iteration promises to enhance user experience thru improved Personas and innovative spatial widgets.

Enhanced Personas: A Leap Towards Realism

One of the most notable enhancements is the revamp of Personas, the spatial avatars created using the headset’s onboard cameras. The initial version of these avatars was widely criticized for its rigid appearance and lack of realism. Now, visionOS 26 aims to address these shortcomings.

the updated Personas boast a more natural and realistic design,with improved hair textures,skin complexions,and even the ability to add virtual glasses that closely resemble the user’s actual frames. While some uncanny valley effects may still persist, the overall quality represents a substantial improvement.


A Glimpse of the Improved Persona in visionOS 26.

Spatial Widgets: Transforming Your Home into an Interactive Space

Another key feature of visionOS 26 is the introduction of spatial widgets.These widgets, such as clocks, calendars, and music players, can be placed around the user’s physical environment, creating an interactive and personalized augmented reality experience.

the Vision Pro utilizes a private, on-device map of the user’s home to remember the locations of these widgets, even after rebooting. This allows for a seamless transition between the real and virtual worlds.

Imagine walking through your home and seeing a digital photo frame displaying cherished memories, or glancing at a calendar widget on your wall to stay organized. visionOS 26 aims to make this a reality.

Feature visionOS 1.0 visionOS 26
Personas Rigid, Unrealistic More Natural, Realistic
Spatial Widgets Not Available Clock, Calendar, Music, Photo Frame
Home Mapping Limited Persistent, On-Device

Table: Comparison of Key Features Between visionOS 1.0 and visionOS 26.

Apple’s vision for the Vision Pro seems to be one of seamless integration into daily life, encouraging users to spend extended periods of time in visionOS, even if it means embracing a digitized version of themselves.

But is this the future we envisioned? Or are we sacrificing too much of our physical presence for a virtual world?

The Evolution of Augmented Reality: A Look Back and Ahead

augmented Reality (AR) has come a long way since its early days. from simple heads-up displays to sophisticated spatial computing platforms like the Apple Vision Pro, the technology has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.

The development of AR has been marked by significant milestones, including the introduction of marker-based AR, location-based AR, and ultimately, the sensor-rich, environment-aware systems we see today. Companies like microsoft with HoloLens, and Meta with their VR/AR headsets, are also key players in this space driving innovation and shaping the future of AR.

As AR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more immersive and personalized experiences, blurring the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

Pro Tip: Regularly check for software updates on your AR devices to ensure you have the latest features and security enhancements.

The Social Implications of Extended Reality

The rise of extended reality (XR), which includes AR, VR, and mixed reality, raises important questions about its social implications. As more people spend time in virtual environments, it’s crucial to consider the potential impact on human interaction, social norms, and mental well-being.

One concern is the potential for social isolation, as individuals may choose to spend more time in virtual worlds than engaging in face-to-face interactions. However, XR also offers opportunities for remote collaboration and connection, allowing people to connect with others from around the world in new and meaningful ways.

It’s important to approach XR with a balanced viewpoint,recognizing its potential benefits while also addressing its potential risks.

Did You Know? Studies show that spending too much time in virtual reality can lead to cybersickness, a form of motion sickness caused by the disconnect between visual and vestibular input.

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Vision Pro and visionOS 26

  • Question: What are the key improvements in Apple’s visionOS 26 for the Vision Pro?
    Answer: visionOS 26 brings significant upgrades to Personas, making them more realistic, and introduces spatial widgets that allow users to place interactive elements around their physical environment, enhancing the augmented reality experience.
  • Question: How has the Persona feature been improved in the new apple Vision Pro update?
    Answer: The Persona feature now offers more natural and realistic 3D digital representations of users, with better hair textures, skin complexion, and even the ability to add virtual glasses that closely resemble real ones. Facial expressions are still somewhat rigid but are a noticeable improvement over the previous version.
  • Question: What are spatial widgets and how do they work on the Apple Vision Pro?
    Answer: Spatial widgets are interactive elements like clocks, calendars, and music players that users can place around their physical home. The Vision Pro maps the user’s home, allowing the headset to remember the locations of these widgets even after rebooting.
  • question: Can I customize my virtual space with the new spatial widgets in Apple Vision Pro?
    Answer: Yes, users can customize their virtual space by pinning apps and widgets in specific locations within their home. For example, you can pin Safari in your home office or Apple TV in your bedroom, creating a personalized augmented reality experience tailored to your physical environment.
  • Question: Is the Apple Vision Pro designed for extended use at home?
    Answer: Apple seems to be encouraging users to integrate the Vision Pro into their daily home lives, offering features that make it comfortable to walk around and interact with spatial widgets. This suggests a vision of users spending significant time in visionOS, even if it means adopting a digitized version of themselves.
  • Question: What are the privacy implications of the Apple Vision pro mapping my home?
    Answer: Apple states that the map of your home, created for the spatial widgets feature, is stored privately on the Vision Pro device itself, indicating a focus on user privacy by keeping this data local and not transmitting it to external servers.

What do you think about the new features in visionOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Here are three PAA (People Also Ask) related questions, each on a new line, based on the provided article:

Apple Vision Pro: Avatar Upgrade – Redefining Digital Personas with Spatial Computing

The Apple Vision Pro is poised to redefine how we experience the digital world, and a core element of this transformation is the avatar upgrade.Using advanced spatial computing, the Vision Pro offers a far more realistic and immersive depiction of users in virtual environments.Forget static emojis – the future of online interaction is here. This article dives into the details of the Vision Pro’s avatar capabilities, exploring its impact on our digital presence and the metaverse.

The Evolution of Digital Avatars: From Simple to Sophisticated

Before we delve into the Apple Vision Pro avatar experience, it’s helpful to understand the evolution of digital avatars. Early iterations were basic representations, often cartoonish or stylized. With advancements in technology, we’ve seen:

  • Simpler Avatars: Static images or basic animated 2D representations.
  • 3D Avatars: more detailed figures with limited movement and expression.
  • Metaverse Avatars: Highly customizable characters with improved facial expressions & body language through AR and VR devices, but still often lacking full realism.

What Makes the Vision Pro Avatar Unique?

The Vision Pro sets itself apart through its sophisticated sensor and processing capabilities.This device goes far beyond previous iterations of avatars because of:

  • Advanced Facial Scanning: The Vision Pro utilizes a highly sophisticated system of cameras to capture the user’s face accurately.
  • High-Fidelity Rendering: The data captured through the sensors is then used to create a remarkably realistic digital representation of the user’s face and expressions.
  • Spatial Audio Integration: Combined with spatial audio, the avatar feels more present in the virtual space, which enhances the feeling of immersion and presence.
  • Eye Tracking: The device tracks eye movements to improve realistic interaction.

Key Features of the Apple Vision Pro Avatar System

The success of the Apple Vision Pro avatar is attributed to a blend of hardware and software features.

Detailed Facial expression Capture

The Vision Pro closely replicates your facial expressions. The advanced cameras and sensors map the contours of your facial features including wrinkles, and more through real-time tracking. This level of detail ensures that emotions, subtle reactions, and every minute physical movement are accurately conveyed in your avatar.

Realistic Body Language Simulation

Beyond the face, understanding how the body of the user interacts in real time is also a priority. The device tracks the user’s movements and translates them so they match the actions of the avatar to bring together a complete set of information.

Seamless Integration with FaceTime and Other Apps

The Vision Pro’s avatar capabilities are not limited to just virtual worlds. it seamlessly integrates with popular applications like FaceTime, allowing users to have more engaging and realistic video calls. This integration provides a fresh way to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues, enhancing the feeling of connection during remote interactions.

Benefits of the Apple Vision Pro Avatar Upgrade

There are many advantages to this innovative advance, like:

  • Enhanced interaction: More realistic avatars make virtual interactions feel more human, improving communication.
  • Increased Empathy: Seeing nuances in facial expressions improves understanding and builds relationships.
  • Better Collaboration: Teamwork and professional interactions become more effective with realistic avatars.
  • Immersive Gaming and Social Experiences: Players can develop a deeper connection with each other.

The Vision Pro avatar upgrade enhances your Digital Identity. By creating detailed and authentic representations of users, the Vision Pro offers ways to connect, collaborate and engage with the digital world.

Real-World Examples of Avatar Usage

the potential uses for Vision Pro avatars are extensive:

  • Remote Collaboration: Imagine attending crucial conferences in a virtual space, connecting with colleagues worldwide, and giving the illusion you are physically present.
  • Virtual Socializing: Meeting friends in virtual spaces, playing games, and sharing experiences that feel more real.
  • Customer Service: Retailers may employ avatars to address customer needs, which offers a personalized and welcoming virtual customer experience.

Practical tips to enhance your Metaverse avatars

While the technical sophistication of the Vision Pro plays a key role in avatar generation, the user also can influence the level of appearance and realism of the avatar:

  1. lighting is key: Make sure that during scanning the lighting conditions are good, as good lighting enhances the quality of the scan.
  2. Clear Details: Ensure no distractions, like heavy makeup, distort the scan process.
  3. Software and updates: Always keep your device software current to use available features and enhancements.

Future of Digital Avatars and the Metaverse

the Apple Vision Pro avatar upgrade is not just a technological advancement; it’s a step toward a transformed digital landscape.as technology improves,we can expect:

  • More realistic avatars.
  • Wider adoption of virtual technologies in everyday life.
  • new developments for user protection and privacy.

the Apple Vision Pro is the future of technology,it will open up opportunities to meet,collaborate,and connect in new ways.By improving our online presence, the Vision Pro avatar upgrade prepares for an exciting future where the border between the digital and real worlds becomes increasingly blurred.

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Technology

Apple Shelves Mac-Connected AR Glasses Project

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief
written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Apple’s‌ AR Glasses Project: A Failed Vision?

Table of Contents

Apple, ​known for disrupting industries ​with groundbreaking products, ⁣has reportedly⁤ shelved plans for augmented ‍reality (AR) glasses connected to its Mac computers.The project, code-named N107,‍ aimed to create stylish, functional glasses with‍ built-in ⁤displays, but ultimately fell victim to technical challenges and the lukewarm ⁤reception of ‍the company’s recent high-end AR headset, the ⁣ Apple Vision Pro.

Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the ‍matter, reported the ⁢cancellation on January 31, ⁣2025. This decision comes​ on the heels of the Vision Pro’s launch, which,​ at a hefty ‌price tag of $3,499, was seen by some as too expensive and cumbersome for mainstream adoption.
“The⁣ Apple Vision ⁤Pro proved too cumbersome and costly for widespread adoption ⁢among ‍users,” the report stated.

Apple’s move⁤ opens‌ the door for competitors like Meta, ⁣who already offer smartglasses like Ray-Ban and are actively developing ⁣AR-enabled versions. With Apple’s exit, meta could gain meaningful ground in the rapidly evolving AR ⁣market.

The N107 project went through ⁢several iterations, initially focusing on integration with the iPhone before encountering limitations due ‌to processing power constraints. apple then shifted its focus to Macs, but⁤ prototypes still failed to⁤ impress executives. This is not the first time Apple has abandoned a major⁣ technological endeavor. Last year, the company ended its long-running efforts to develop ‍a⁣ self-driving car.

In November ​2024,during the initial reports ‌of the AR glasses project,Apple warned ‍investors that its new product lines might not reach the success ‌levels of its iconic⁢ iPhone. “New⁣ products, ⁢services and technologies may replace‍ or supersede existing offerings and ⁤may produce ⁤lower revenues and lower ⁢profit margins, which can materially adversely impact the company’s business, ‍results of operations and ⁢financial condition,” Apple wrote in a Securities and Exchange⁣ Commission ​(SEC) filing.

The advancement of⁢ augmented reality⁤ is a hotbed ⁢for innovation, and its impact on⁤ the payments ‌sector is immense.

According to a recent​ PYMNTS‌ report,”On a essential ⁢level,the XR landscape⁤ presents a once-in-a-generation prospect for payments innovation,” highlighting​ the potential ⁢for smoother payment solutions as XR adoption grows across ‍industries like gaming,e-commerce,healthcare,and ​education.

The failure ‍of Apple’s AR glasses project raises questions about the future of‍ wearable AR technology. ​While ‌the challenge remains, the potential ⁤for ‌seamless integration with our digital lives remains incredibly strong.

Payments in Immersive Worlds: The future of Commerce

​ The convergence of technology and immersive experiences is⁢ rapidly transforming the ⁣way⁢ we live,⁣ work,‌ and interact. ⁤ As virtual‌ and augmented realities⁤ (VR/AR) become increasingly integrated ⁤into our lives, the need​ for seamless and secure payment solutions⁢ within thes ⁣environments also grows.⁣ A recent report highlights the critical role payment⁤ providers‍ will‌ play in the success ⁣of immersive technologies, stating ‌that payments “will no longer be a mere utility⁤ but⁣ a critical enabler of its success”.

The report ⁢emphasizes the unique challenges ⁣and opportunities ‍presented by immersive environments. ⁤ Payment providers⁤ must adapt to these new realities by addressing the specific needs of users in VR/AR spaces. This includes developing innovative ​solutions that cater to the unique characteristics of these environments,such as:

– Presence and Immersion: ‍ Payments must ⁤be​ integrated seamlessly into the immersive experience,avoiding disruptions and maintaining user engagement.

-‍ user Authentication and Security: ‍ Ensuring‍ secure and verifiable user identities is⁤ crucial in⁤ virtual spaces where⁣ anonymity and fraud⁢ are potential ⁣risks.

– Digital Ownership and Transactions: ⁢The rise of virtual assets and digital economies necessitates ⁣robust and reliable payment ⁣systems for managing ownership ‍and exchange.

​ ⁤ By effectively addressing these challenges, payment providers ‌can⁢ unlock new ⁢business⁣ models, build trust with users, and redefine the ⁢boundaries of‌ commerce in the metaverse.

As quoted in the report: “By addressing ​the unique needs of immersive ​environments, payment providers can enable new business models, build ‌trust with users and redefine the​ boundaries of commerce ‌in virtual and augmented realities.”

⁤

How will Apple’s decision to pause advancement on N107 impact its long-term position in the burgeoning AR market?

Apple’s AR Glasses Project: A Missed Prospect?

The buzz around augmented reality (AR) has been steadily building, but Apple’s recent decision to shelve plans for its AR glasses, codenamed N107, throws a curious shadow on the company’s commitment to this burgeoning technology. Joining us today to shed light on this development is Dr. Emily Carter,a leading analyst in wearable technology adn a frequent contributor to industry publications like TechInsight. Dr. Carter, welcome to Archyde.

Why do you think Apple ultimately decided to pull the plug on the N107 project?

Dr. Carter: It seems like Apple faced a confluence of challenges with N107. The lukewarm reception to the Vision Pro, despite its high price point and advanced features, clearly sent a signal that the market isn’t quite ready for the premium, head-mounted AR experience. Combined with the technical hurdles – particularly the limitations of processing power for seamless integration with iPhones and Macs – the decision to halt development makes a lot of sense from a business standpoint.

The Vision Pro, while ambitious, has been criticized for being bulky and lacking the practicality for everyday use. Do you think Apple’s AR vision was simply too ahead of its time?

Dr. Carter: That’s a great question. It’s certainly possible that Apple’s vision for AR was indeed ahead of its time. The technology needs to become more lightweight, power-efficient, and, importantly, user-friendly before it can truly become mainstream. Perhaps Apple was aiming for a “first-mover” advantage, pushing the technological boundaries, but that strategy might not be the most financially prudent in this instance.

This leaves the door wide open for competitors like meta, who are already making strides in the smartglasses market with Ray-Ban and are actively developing AR-enabled versions. Could this setback be seen as a missed opportunity for Apple in the long run?

Dr. carter: Absolutely.While Apple’s decision to step back might seem like a strategic retreat, it does give competitors like Meta a considerable head start. Meta has already established a presence in the smart glasses market,and they are investing heavily in developing compelling AR experiences. Apple could find itself playing catch-up if they don’t carefully recalibrate their approach to AR in the coming years.

What advice would you give Apple moving forward? How should they adjust their strategy to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving AR landscape?

Dr. Carter: First and foremost, Apple needs to focus on user experience and practicality. They need to create AR solutions that are intuitive, easy to use, and seamlessly integrate into people’s daily lives. Perhaps a smaller, more portable device, focused on specific use cases rather than a flagship “everything” device, would be a better starting point. Second, collaboration will be key. Apple should explore partnerships with other companies and developers to foster innovation and accelerate the development of the AR ecosystem. the outcome depends greatly on Apple’s ability to learn from their past experiences and navigate this evolving technological landscape effectively.

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