You can download and start using Layout on Quest right now

Greetings, AR enthusiasts.

One of Meta’s attempts at using VR for more than just games called Layout is out right now.

Scientists have come up with a new type of camera for eye tracking in VR, while VR computing might end up going completely to the cloud.

In today’s Phantom Thread, we will look at:

• Layout, Meta’s new AR tool, is out for testing right now

• Scientists have found out how to have unobstructing cameras for AR and VR

• Qualcomm says distributed computing could be the future of XR

• Recalibrate your Vision Pro’s hand and eye tracking

• 3 AR Tools

WEEKLY THREADS

^META
Layout, Meta’s new AR tool, is out for testing right now

The weave: Meta’s new AR visualization and measurement app that guides you in AR and lets you see how your future couch, for example, would fit in your living room.

The strands:

• The app was supposed to be rolled out with the v60 update for the Quest, but it hadn’t for some odd reason.

• You can still get it by going directly to the experience’s webpage and adding it to your account.

• Layout lets you place generic 3D models of things such as furniture, windows, and more and also includes a digital ruler to measure walls and open spaces quickly.

The fabric: With Layouts, Meta is attempting to look beyond just gaming and trying to add new features and reasons to put on your Quest headset. The app is just the first step towards evolving the Quest headset from beyond gaming.

^{ICFO BARCELONA}
Scientists have found out how to have unobstructing cameras for AR and VR

The weave: Scientists at ICFO Barcelona have built a new semi transparent camera that won’t obstruct your view using semi transparent photodetectors.

The strands:

• The new photodetectors and the substrate can let though up to 85-90% of the light that hits it.

• It allows cameras that are made with these photodetectors to capture light information as well as transmit it through for the person wearing the headset.

• They say the new tech could be useful for eye tracking in AR and VR headsets, and if worked on more, could be deployed to AR contact lenses as well.

The fabric: This new photodetector tech could be used in cameras in front of VR headsets for a better experience in passthrough mode by showing the outside world to the user while simultaneously tracking their eyes with the cameras on the inside.

QUALCOMM
Qualcomm says distributed computing could be the future of XR

The weave: Qualcomm’s President of Engineering Hemanth Sampath spoke to media at MWC Barcelona where he said that the company sees XR as a companion to your phone or watch first, and then integrate all of them in the future.

The strands:

• In order to make this transition, the computing load needs to be transferred to distributed computing systems like the cloud.

• Processing heavy workloads like graphics rendering would need to be shifted to the cloud to fulfil Qualcomm’s vision.

• There is also the great point of having better battery life and harnessing powerful hardware on the cloud, but all of this is just an outline.

The fabric: VR headsets have lagged behind PCs and video game consoles for a while, and one of the biggest reasons is that you can’t really have a powerful computing system without making the entire thing too heavy. Qualcomm thinks distributed cloud computing could be a solution for that.

^{AR TUTORIAL}
Recalibrate your Vision Pro’s hand and eye tracking

The weave: The hand and eye tracking on the Vision Pro could start feeling off after a few weeks of use, and the easiest way to fix this is to simply recalibrate it.

Here’s our step-by-step guide:

1. Put on your Vision Pro and press the top button on the upper left of the headset four times.

2. Confirm if you are using optical inserts.

3. Scroll the digital crown and select the right option to proceed.

4. Follow the prompts that appear to complete the recalibration.

WEEKLY AR TOOL ROUNDUP

Featured AR tools:

• Jigspace -  A presentation app that lets you make AR or 3D presentations, view them or even collaborate with teammates.

• Nearpod - An AR teaching tools that allows teachers to interact with their students through interactive slides and activities.

• EasyAR - A 3D object recognition app that uses AR to identify items in real time.

FLASH FRAMES

Want the futuristic VR headset from the 3 Body Problem? Netflix is selling it, but it is just a prop.

Osso and the American College of Cardiology has collaborated to create a VR learning and teaching module for cardiologists to perform LAAO procedures, which are one of the most complex procedures they do.

The Valve Index, a five year old headset, is still holding strong on Steam, with it having more users than the newest Quest 3 headset.

Astra, a new solar system MR experience, is set to launch in April exclusively for the Quest headset

THAT’S ALL FOR THE WEEK