The Immersive Wire - 29 June 2022 (News edition)

The Immersive Wire - 29 June 2022 (News edition)

June 29, 2022

29 June 2022 // Online versionby Tom Ffiske

Metaverse and VR/AR analysis every Wednesday and Sunday

Was this email forwarded to you? 

TOP STORYCan you call a centralised bank with a cryptophone? 

The European Parliament's think tank explored the risks and policy implications

  • In summary, it is keeping a close eye on it in regards to merger regulations and antitrust laws, while being wary of ownership and data protection. 

  • No surprises, but it does highlight how the EP is following the right threads of discussions. While companies are ironing out what it actually is, it is interesting to see that it wants to mitigate the potential for harm, fraud, and illegal activities. 

  • It focuses on the right areas, though it feels like it is more 'monitoring' than taking an active role. The language is more on "what if" rather than "what now." I wonder if the think tank's report will spur action in Brussels this year. 

HTC unveiled a new phone, and its perks relate to the

  • To grossly summarise, the HTC Desire 22 pro is a midrange mobile which can power the VIVE Flow, and can also hold/buy NFTs via the VIVERSE. 

  • The business strategy makes sense, in that it ties into HTC's wider ecosystem. I also found it interesting that the main focus of the press release is its integration with VIVE Flow, almost like an accessory. I wouldn't buy one strictly for the other, but it does make sense for HTC to make the connection. 

  • Its not the only 'cryptophone' either. Solana is making its own as well, aiming for early 2023. I understand why having a wallet on a phone makes sense, but I wouldn't personally buy a dedicated phone for it. 

 KPMG is investing $30m into web3,

. 

  • Like Accenture and McKinsey, it sees an opportunity to assist clients with their web3 strategies, and is investing in itself to provide the necessary skills. 

  • I am curious about the web3 training, and curious to see where they focus. The long-term view is on retail, healthcare, media etc, but let's see how that narrows down over time. 

  • More generally, I am interested in seeing where the 'experimental' phase of agencies and consultancies go. The sheer variety of web3 and metaverse experiments going on is incredible, but it won't be relevant for all areas at once. Signs point to retail, fashion, and gaming as early winners - but long-term, it's hard to say. 

 

What do you think of cryptophones? Join the discussion and meet like-minded professionals on the

Credit: HTC

On 7 July, I am launching The Marketer’s Guide to the Metaverse. If you are a subscriber to the newsletter, you will receive a free report on how to prepare for the future, with contributions from pioneering experts in the industry. To celebrate, I am delighted to invite you to PwC's offices to learn about marketing and the metaverse, with networking drinks after.Attend the launch event in London. 

OTHER STORIESNew appointments, new Apple rumours 

Want to see your story here? Reply to this email, or contact tom (at) immersivewire (dot) com. 

  • 501 Entertainment announced that they have signed a worldwide distribution deal with SEGA Amusements International.

  • Apple's XR headset will use the M2 chip, according to Bloomberg.

    • (Which is a bit like saying that flour will be used to make bread). 

  • Bridgeman Images has selected Emperia to bring its image archive to the metaverse, in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

  • Darabase partnered with Paramount+ for the UK launch of their new streaming service. 

  • ENGAGE XR announced that HTC and The Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford University are confirmed as launch partners of ENGAGE Link.

  • Kayo Games launched an AR experience on the Boeing 737 MAX and MCAS.

  • Metaphysiks received $2m in funding to support advancements in life-like bodily stimulation.

  • Peter Graham is looking for a new role, after editing VRFocus and GMW3.

    • He is a writer I greatly respect, and is looking for new work after a sudden change at the publication. 

  • Pi Labs published a report on real estate and the metaverse, called ‘Unreal Estate: Metaverse, extended reality and the future of our physical world’.

  • Rome is doing a VR bus ride to show its history. 

    • I initially thought it was dumb, as you are in the city itself anyway, But with the transposition of the past over the view, I can see its merits. Then again, the motion sickness... 

  • SINGER STUDIOS will release the story of THE PIRATE QUEEN for the Meta Quest 2. 

  • Vatom announced two new appointments in its leadership team: Vicenc Marti joining as Managing Director of Vatom Europe; and Steve Machin taking on the role of Global Director of Entertainment. 

  • The State of AR/VR survey is live. Share your views on the popular AR/VR tools, platforms, and technologies in return for a chance to win prizes.*

*Sponsored link from SlashData. 

🎧 Reading and listening corner

What I recommend this week. If you want this section to stay, or wish to tweak it, reply to this newsletter and I am happy to tweak it. 

  • Use-cases of web3: A fantastic piece on web3 and its future, written by Not Boring. Well worth a read with a cup of tea (or three).

  • Interview: Spoke to the lovely Alex Gibson, as part of The Persuaders on Dublin City FM. If you're curious about my top-line views on the metaverse ATM, check it out.

  • Adding AR to a website: Really curious to take a look at this, and worth taking a peek if you know your JavaScript. 

That's all for this week! Want to have a chat, let me know about a news story, or talk business? Either reply to this email, or contact tom (at) immersivewire (dot) com. Have an excellent day!