Leon Papkoff

Ray-Ban Meta Stunt Test is Crazy 💀🔥 Yesterday, Meta unveiled their latest AR innovation, the Orion glasses, and today they're putting Ray-Ban Meta to the ultimate test. Joining forces with the unstoppable duo of @John Cena and @Benson Boone, Zuck himself is taking these glasses on an epic stunt-filled adventure. Mark on Fire 🔥 Mark with a Katana 🥷🏽 Mark vs a WWE Legend 🛎 Guess what? Glasses are holding up like champs! This is more than just a product demo; it's a masterclass in how to launch a new tech gadget. By combining humor, action, and a touch of celebrity, Meta has created a viral sensation that's already taking over social media. I love how Mark balances the serious side of tech with a playful spirit. It's a refreshing approach that makes you want to be a part of the Metaverse 👽 What do you think of this epic crash test? Let me know in the comments! #Meta #RayBan #AR #VR #Zuckerberg #JohnCena #BensonBoone #crashtest #tech #innovation #seriouslyfun

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Managing an XR program can feel overwhelming — but it doesn't have to be. ArborXR helps organizations like yours find the right content, deploy devices, and scale XR initiatives with confidence. Explore how ArborXR supports successful XR programs from pilot to scale. Watch the video "Intro to ArborXR" for a closer look at how XR can enhance your business. #ArborXR

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One of questions we got asked a lot at Positron is "why don't you support [insert brand name] VR headset?" The Voyager VR chairs have used the HP Reverb G2 headset for some time, and they are due for a new headset upgrade soon. While the Voyager VR chair is technically headset-agnostic, so many factors come into figuring out a VR headset that will work. It's not just about the best resolution or comfort, though those are top factors. Sure, in an ideal setting we'd be able to use Apple Vision Pro or that level of image fidelity. But an LBE setting, is the opposite of an ideal setting. Thousands of different people taking on and off that headset every week. With time, the headsets invariably break, wear out and need replacement parts (VR cables going from the headset to the PC are the first to go). Operational costs are a big factor for the operator of the VR theaters. If a manufacturer doesn't readily supply parts -- the operational costs can be get expensive. For example, in the HP headset we've used, the plastic headstrap will eventually break. HP doesn't supply that part as a separate part-- the only option was a new $800 headset. Multiply that times hundreds of replacements annually for VR Theaters around the world, and costs can quickly soar. Fortunately, our engineering team devised a $30 replacement custom-made part for our customers. Other factors are: software compatibility with LBE use-case scenarios (can the headset lose tracking gracefully without the need to interrupt the experience?), warranty and support (especially in countries around the world-- how soon can a replacement VR cable arrive when an operator is selling thousands of tickets per week?), ease of use and time to set up on a new customer (every minute counts with throughput), overall durability, and of course, cost. As much as I love the Apple Vision Pro for its stunning visual fidelity, it's nowhere close to being feasible yet for Voyager VR theaters.

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The debate around generative AI usually focuses on what it could replace, but I think we’re missing a bigger point: what it can enable. As a kid, I discovered VFX early on and quickly developed a deep love for film and visual effects. I spent countless hours in my garage building models, shooting videos with my dad's old VHS camera, and sculpting monsters out of clay. In jr. high I discovered 3D graphics. I found a book on POV-Ray at a mall bookstore and used it to program my first 3D dinosaur and a clunky spaceship. The results were far from perfect, but I realized early on what the tech could enable me to do. As I got older and started working in the agency world, I had the opportunity to see the technology evolve—and we evolved with it. Apple Motion was replaced by After Effects. 3D software became more powerful and accessible. Bulky cameras gave way to compact DSLRs. Each advancement broke down barriers, making it easier than ever to bring our imaginations to life. Now, when I look at AI and the tools it offers, I see it as just another step forward. AI is a tool—one that can empower artists to better realize their visions and lower barriers for new talent to enter the field. Technology will continue to evolve, but creativity remains the same: imagining worlds and making them real. We're just getting access to tools I could only dream of as a kid. And, while the early days of any technology may not be perfect, the potential for creativity is limitless. I can’t wait to see the incredible worlds that'll be built and the stories artists will tell in the coming years. The future of creativity is brighter than ever.

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The Main Event 97: The AI New Feature Race! When Black Forest Labs released Flux as an open-source program, the next thing you knew, everybody was touting they had Flux! When Luma Dream Machine started using still images for the first and last frame, it wasn’t long before Pica 2.0 announced the ability to use 2 reference images to appear together in the same video. Not long after Musavir added a consistent avatar, Midjourney announced creating character consistency. Then, Pimento announced that you could create a model library with a suggested 4 to 12 images or do the same to create a style model—funny, Midjourney announced Moodboards! We are anticipating that when Midjourney 7 comes out, they will have video capabilities. In the meantime, Sora was finally made available, and a couple of days later, their thunder was quieted by Google Veo-2 intro showing outstanding physics for gravity, water, wind, and object collision! (Still waiting, Google, for our access, please!) And Rubbrband Movie was launched a couple weeks ago featuring models from Kling, Runway, Tencent Hunyuan, Luma, Haiper, MiniMax where you can generate and edit all in one place. I guess you would say competition is a good thing, but keeping up with it all and trying them out—when do you sleep? Please join us on January 10th at 12:00 pm EST and share your thoughts on all this! We want to hear from you and find out how you’re dealing with so many possibilities! Here's the link to the Main Event 97 page: https://lnkd.in/eA_RnCMf

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Bright Vision's new AR glasses integrate intelligent spectrum AI large model to show multi-modal interaction of AR+AI in listening language translation, intelligent inspection, intelligent recommendation and other scenarios. World Digital Display and meta-Universe Ecology Expo AR VR MR XR AI zone 2025.5.10-12 China Import&Export Fair Complex，Guangzhou

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Imagine this: You create a low-poly game that feels like it’s straight out of a 1989 arcade. Then, run it through an AI filter that enhances the graphics in real-time to a high-fidelity experience. We’re not there yet of course — processing speed and render times are still catching up to the concept — but just like Toy Story was once rendered offline and today we can play in real-time games with better graphics than that movie… it's only a matter of time in the world of faster, better, cheaper. Could visual fidelity in games soon become less about technical expertise and more about the power of AI rendering on the fly? #videogames #genai #ai #gamedev #rendering #unreal #unity #technicalartists #toystory

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Digital twins, a hot topic in our podcast and the bestselling book, "Age of Invisible Machines," are increasingly important to product development and an AI-driven agentic approach to software. Who better to join the ongoing discussion than Dr. Michael Grieves, the father of the digital twin? Dr. Grieves partnered with John Vickers, NASA's Principal Technologist, to implement his concept of digital twins for NASA, allowing them to virtually try on various $500,000,000 scenarios before real-world attempts. Robb W. and Dr. Grieves compare notes from their times working with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Boeing, and Dr. Grieves brings a trove of knowledge and perspective that he's been collecting and applying since well before the current AI boom, with organizations including, Unilever, General Motors, and NASA. As product and technology leaders venture into AI-driven agentic approaches to software will digital twins cross the threshold from being AI insiders tools into 'business as usual'? #aiagents #agentic #digitaltwin #invisiblemachines #cognitivearchitecture

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Human Within is a dystopian sci-fi VR experience for Quest & PC VR https://buff.ly/4ecPv5y

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Meta creating Orion, a pair of AR-enabled glasses is one of the most exciting product developments that I've seen in a while and you can't even buy them yet. Yes, Snap Inc. has Spectacles but they look even more ridiculous and Meta's Orion offers true augmented reality. As someone who talks about my love of my Meta Ray-Bans to anyone who will listen so much so that they should be paying me an affiliate fee, the holy grail next iteration would be an AR-enabled pair to provide useful overlaid information over our real world to supercharge how we experience the physical world vs. replacing the physical world with a virtual one. KEY difference. But, as I don't have an Orion to test (though am here for it Meta), I am going to tell you what the ultimate game changer device for me and function would be... ...and that's what we call a cliffhanger friends. Anyways, my guess is that their product, codenamed HyperNova, is the next edition of the Meta Raybans hopefully with a built in light weight AR experience on board and I say YES and YES. 👏🏆🥇 And while asking for a recipe based on what it sees and making a video call is cute, here's what I want Meta. You got your pen? I'm currently on a plane back from ADWEEK Brandweek and mentioned this to a senior executive on site to which he responded, "game changer." I want the Ray Ban form factor (not the bulky Orion one) with AR that solves a significant problem for every busy executive: Who am I talking to? Overlaid AR information showing me the name (which I imagine could be gleaned from LinkedIn data as I have seen a prototype for this in a bulky headset in NYC) and even better, a synopsis enabled via AI of the last conversation I had with that person and any next steps. 🔥 BOOM. Make that. GO! As a disclaimer, I do realize that making the above work is no simple task which is why I refer to it as the holy grail. I want AR on board which deepens my experience of the real world around me, including information about places I'm seeing and the people as well. More about Meta's Orion here: https://lnkd.in/gwFT-szu Alex Heath from The Verge 's Review: https://lnkd.in/gHkbS22i PLEASE NOTE: The photo below is of the Meta Ray Bans NOT Meta Orion as I'm talking about what I want from THIS form factor. #ar #sunglasses #glasses #meta

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Get the full breakdown on Orion Glasses: key features, specs, and what sets them apart in the XR space. Everything you need to know is here:https://lnkd.in/e9zNnAgA

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The future of interfaces seems unlikely to be based in big, bulky VR headsets but rather the smaller, more fashionable form factor of glasses. Meta debuted their AR glasses today, which are not ready to be sold to the public yet and no timeline was provided for when they will, but places like The Verge have been given the chance to demo. You can watch Alex Heath try them here: https://lnkd.in/gq95Ym6x

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Yesterday, Snap launched a brand new pair of mixed reality glasses, doubling down on their vision of AR. What does this mean? I’ll share some detailed thoughts in the next few days, but the high level is simple. The direction of travel is clear... Mixed reality is coming to the masses. It’s not a matter of if but when. Meta, Apple, Snap and Bytedance know this and have been building in this space for years now. Content consumption will naturally move towards interactive 3D and content companies who embrace this change will win. At Condense we are building the tools to accelerate this transition. --- Below is a video of some mixed reality content viewed on a Meta Quest 3. The performer featured in the video is Miss Faithee (@missfaithee) who performed live in Condense Live last week. #mixedreality #ar #quest3 #meta #snap #metaverse #virtualreality #augmentedreality #livestreaming #liveevents

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Make AR an Integral Part of Your Out-of-Home Advertising Strategy https://lnkd.in/eaFyDZbV via ADWEEK ft. Niantic, Inc. "Let’s explore why #AR should be an integral part of your #OOH advertising strategy and how it can revolutionize the way you connect with your audience." ➤ Enhance engagement ➤ Drive conversions ➤ Boost brand impact and reach ➤ Create unforgettable brand experiences

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