AWE EU 2024 Recap: Top XR Highlights from Meta, HTC, and PICO
The Augmented World Expo (AWE) EU 2024 in Vienna gave Europe’s XR enthusiasts, developers, and innovators a platform to showcase their latest tech advancements and breakthrough applications. This year marked the 15th anniversary of both AWE and the XR industry, spotlighting how far the spatial computing revolution has come. From Meta's ultra-innovative Orion AR glasses to PICO’s comprehensive Business Device Manager, the conference was packed with exciting updates and visionary concepts. Here’s a breakdown of the standout moments and the emerging themes that defined this year’s AWE EU.
Meta’s Orion AR Glasses: Redefining the Future of Wearable Tech
Meta stole the spotlight with Orion, its latest prototype AR glasses. Touted as the "most advanced AR glasses ever built," Orion pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in spatial computing. These glasses feature a 70-degree field of view, lightweight magnesium frames for cooling, and silicon carbide lenses that enable high-quality image projection without traditional screens. Orion represents Meta’s vision of seamlessly blending virtual content with the real world through intuitive interactions like eye-tracking and EMG wristband controls.
“Orion is a time machine, a testament to Meta’s vision of making the real world a canvas for our digital experiences,” said Maria Escubos of Meta. Currently in prototype, Orion is setting a new benchmark for high-performance, consumer-friendly AR wearables that could soon transform training, healthcare, and collaborative workspaces.
As soon as Meta Orion reaches the broader market, we’re excited to explore it on our XR Launchpad. Stay tuned to Knoxlabs for when these cutting-edge wearables become available to the XR community.
Google Maps’ Location-Based AR and VPS Tech
Google is taking location-based AR to new heights by integrating Visual Positioning System (VPS) and photorealistic 3D tiles into Google Maps. Debuting at the 2024 Paris Olympics, this feature will allow users to access immersive, site-specific AR content along the Seine in Paris, transforming travel with dynamic historical recreations and cultural experiences. Accessible via Google Maps on both mobile and desktop, this development showcases how AR can redefine exploration and education for millions of users.
With immersive AR experiences now accessible through mobile, Google’s VPS platform opens up new potential for businesses and cultural institutions to attract and engage audiences worldwide.
Did you know: Knoxlabs was at the forefront of accessible AR, moving over 3 million GoogleCardboards!
Snap Spectacles and Niantic: Location-Based AR Goes Social
Snap and Niantic joined forces to bring a social layer to AR with Snap Spectacles. The latest Snap AR glasses, powered by Snap OS, support immersive, location-based experiences enhanced by gesture control, turning ordinary settings into shared, interactive playgrounds. Niantic’s “Peridot Beyond” game on Spectacles showed how users can engage in shared adventures with gestures like pinching and tapping to interact with virtual creatures and each other.
Developers praised Snap’s Lens Studio, which offers powerful capabilities for rapid testing, real-time updates, and seamless content sharing. For businesses, these features mean that location-based AR could become an essential tool for events, retail, and beyond.
Snap Spectacles and Lens Studio are creating accessible ways to bring XR experiences into everyday settings. As Snap Spectacles roll out in Europe, Knoxlabs is looking forward to showcasing how this platform can drive unique social and marketing experiences for brands.
PICO’s Business Device Manager: A Game-Changer for XR in Enterprise
PICO made waves with the launch of its Business Device Manager, an end-to-end device management platform designed to simplify XR deployment at scale. This MDM solution allows enterprises to manage fleets of XR devices, update content remotely, monitor device health, and set custom home screens, making it easier for organizations to use XR for training, simulations, and collaborative workspaces. PICO’s move toward enterprise reinforces the critical role XR will play in transforming workplace operations.
“We’re committed to making XR deployment seamless for businesses of all sizes,” said Leland Hedges, Pico XR EMEA’s head. This new MDM platform allows organizations to manage XR technology without IT headaches, making it a perfect fit for high-scale enterprise environments.
The PICO 4 Ultra Enterprise, available through Knoxlabs, integrates seamlessly with the Business Device Manager, allowing enterprises to achieve streamlined XR management. Reach out to Knoxlabs for hands-on advice on bringing PICO’s enterprise ecosystem into your workplace.
HTC VIVE’s support for the VRFX file format, developed with VRdirect, aims to simplify VR content sharing in enterprise environments. VRFX allows VR experiences to be accessed securely across devices without specific player software, ideal for businesses with diverse hardware requirements. From retail showrooms to remote training, VRFX offers an adaptable solution that makes sharing VR content easy, secure, and accessible across platforms.
For enterprises looking to scale VR across multiple locations or devices, this format makes it simpler than ever to maintain consistency and compatibility without complex integrations.
The VIVE Focus Vision is now live on Knoxlabs! This new standalone XR headset, designed for enterprise and consumer use, brings advanced optics, seamless tracking, and top-notch performance for immersive applications across industries. Head over to Knoxlabs to explore the VIVE Focus Vision and see how this next-gen device can elevate your XR experience.
For more information about VIVE Business+ and its benefits for enterprises, visit Knoxlabs ProXR.
Regional Innovation and Challenges for XR Adoption in Europe
AWE EU 2024 also shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities within Europe’s XR landscape. While smaller in scale compared to its US counterpart, the event is essential for European XR professionals tackling issues like regulatory hurdles (GDPR, AI Act) and funding shortages. Despite these challenges, Europe’s XR community is energized and continues to innovate, with regional hubs in Germany, France, and the UK leading the charge in spatial computing advancements.
What’s Next for XR in Europe?
AWE EU 2024 was more than just a showcase; it was a celebration of XR’s potential and a platform for critical discussions about the industry’s direction. This year’s event underscored the rising demand for XR solutions across sectors from education and enterprise to tourism and retail. With Meta’s Orion glasses setting the stage for consumer AR, PICO’s business-ready tools for enterprise, and Snap’s advancements in social AR, XR is evolving rapidly and becoming an indispensable tool for daily business and social interactions.
Knoxlabs is thrilled to be a part of this journey, bringing the latest XR products and solutions to our community and helping businesses harness the power of immersive tech. Stay tuned to Knoxlabs as we continue to lead in XR innovations, product reviews, and the latest in immersive solutions. The future of spatial computing is closer than ever, and Knoxlabs is here to guide you every step of the way.
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