• SoftBank's Arm set for Nasdaq debut after biggest US IPO since 2021 (Reuters)

• Sony Network to Build Sony Chain with Startale Labs (Crypto Briefing)

• Google Cloud Collaborates with Web3 Startup to Promote Mainstream DeFi Adoption (Cointelegraph)

• SEC Fines Stoner Cats Creator Over NFT Offerings (The Verge)

SPATIAL COMPUTING

New Double Tap Feature Gives Apple Watch Users Hands-Free Control

During the recent "Wonderlust" event, Apple introduced the "Double Tap" feature, set to revolutionize the user experience on the forthcoming Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, priced at $399 and $799 respectively. This innovative gesture allows users to control various functionalities, including answering calls and playing music, with a simple hand movement of tapping the thumb and index finger together twice. Leveraging a sophisticated algorithm that detects changes in blood flow and a network of sensors, the feature promises a more intuitive and hands-free device interaction, particularly in scenarios where one hand is busy. Anticipated to launch via a software update next month, "Double Tap" represents Apple's ongoing commitment to enhancing accessibility and convenience in device usage. Read More

(4-minute read)

SPATIAL COMPUTING

Virtual reality takes a seat in college classrooms

In a progressive move, Meta is partnering with 15 US universities to integrate Virtual Reality (VR) into classrooms, heralding a new era of immersive and personalized education. Through substantial financial investments, including a $150 million Meta Immersive Learning fund, the tech giant aims to bring VR experiences that transcend traditional learning methods, offering students unique experiences such as virtual field trips to globally recognized landmarks. Despite the current logistical challenges, the initiative underscores a significant step towards embedding VR technology in educational settings, paving the way for a rich and customized learning environment. Read More

(7-minute read)

CRYPTO

Reverie Crypto Advisory Firm Launches $20 Million Early-Stage Fund

Reverie, the crypto advisory firm co-founded by Larry Sukernik and Derek Hsue, has announced a $20 million fund to foster pre-seed and seed-stage crypto companies. This initiative, backed by two undisclosed U.S.-based institutional investors, aims to focus on developing non-speculative products within the crypto industry, marking a significant upscale from their previous angel investments. Read more

SPATIAL COMPUTING

ShapesXR raises funding to expand its XR prototyping platform

ShapesXR has raised $8.6 million in a seed round led by Supernode Global to further its XR prototyping platform, aiming to revolutionize 3D content creation and spatial design. The investment will enable enhanced compatibility with the latest VR devices and seamless integration with popular development pipelines. CEO Inga Petryaevskaya highlights the platform's potential to streamline the UI/UX design process in spatial computing, fostering creativity and collaboration. Read more

A reliable and wearable system to recognize finger movements in real-time

A collaborative team of researchers from Ajou University, Korea University, and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology have unveiled a novel wearable system capable of recognizing and tracking finger movements in real-time. The innovative device, outlined in Nature Electronics, leverages a combination of wearable sensors and artificial synapses, aiming to foster more natural interactions between humans and technology.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. The new system harmonizes wearable sensors and artificial synapses, mounted on a thin substrate, facilitating the precise recognition of intricate finger movements.

2. The groundbreaking technology exhibits superior reliability and accuracy, with a remarkable tolerance to strains and repeated bending, promising a seamless user experience even in low light conditions.

3. It heralds an advancement in neuromorphic computing and wearable technology, opening doors to a plethora of applications in several sectors including healthcare, robotics, and augmented/virtual reality.

🎯 Why it matters:

This development stands as a significant stride in bridging the gap between technology and human interaction, with potential applications that are far-reaching. As the device can adeptly recognize natural human movements, it promises to revolutionize sectors such as healthcare – enhancing patient monitoring and rehabilitation, and communications – fostering more intuitive interfaces. Moreover, in the realms of augmented and virtual reality, it could potentially create more immersive and natural experiences, broadening the horizon of user-friendly wearable technology. The team anticipates extending the capabilities of this platform, potentially incorporating it to interpret a wider range of bodily movements and vital signs, paving the way for a new era of human-machine symbiosis.

• Watch: The metaverse is having impact today (Meta)

• Check it out: US rejects AI copyright for famous state fair-winning Midjourney art (ArsTechnica)

• Read: NYC Seaport Scavenger Hunt Brings NFTs Into the Real World (Decrypt)

• Design: Data-Driven Architecture: Delving into 4 Building Information Tools (Arch Daily)