It seems as though it’s not just virtual reality (VR) that is getting a new head-mounted display (HMD). While Oculus Connect 5 revealed to us the Oculus Quest – what was formerly known as the Santa Cruz prototype – from the makers of the Rift, we have news today of another new release coming your way. This one however is based in augmented reality (AR) but is, by their own admission, targeting the likes of Magic Leap and Microsoft’s mixed reality (MR) headsets.
Called MagiMask, the smartphone-powered HMD was developed Norwegian tech start-up Ludenso who you might know by their former name of MovieMask. The title is heading to Kickstarter with a $99 (USD) price tag and a goal to ship by Q1 2019.
In development for two years, MagiMask features a soft fabric design similar to that of the Google Daydream View and like the original MovieMask headset (which actually got a design award alongside the Daydream). It uses a single lens viewpoint for greater resolution, the team says, which has also implimented a tracking system made up of three parts: MagiTile, MagiKard, and MagiDice (which looks smiliar to Merge VR’s Merge Cube). Ludenso say this system allows for optimised surface tracking for AR. The MagiMask can also accomodate larger-sized smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S9+ and Apple iPhone Xs Max.
CEO and Co-Founder of Ludenso, Eirik Wahlstrøm, does not mince his words when it comes to the company’s thoughts on the market.
“We believe people have been led into the AR market with false hopes and outrageously expensive hardware. We have created a hardware platform for mobile AR using our unique head-mounted display and tracker kit. Our HMD works with 99% of the existing apps without customizations, and gives 100% augmented FOV and improved resolution. Our low cost and innovative technology will enable developers around the world to have the hardware tools they need to reach millions of customers and give tech enthusiasts the opportunity to own an AR headset without having to spend thousands of dollars.”
“We have successfully launched three predecessors to MagiMask, and can’t wait to get this new headset out to tech enthusiasts, developers, and anyone else who loves AR as much as we do.” Wahlstrøm adds. “Having spent almost two years developing MagiMask and its tracking system, we are now at the manufacturing stage and to ensure an on-time delivery we using our previous manufacturing partners. The money you put into the campaign goes directly toward creating the MagiMask you ordered. We have done all the developmental and technological hard work and are now just getting ready to manufacture.”
You can check out a trailer and images for the headset below, MagiMask hits Kickstarter later today.
But that doesn’t mean we disagree on everything. Much like how the former Top Gear and current presenters of The Grand Tour – James May, Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson – do actually agree on some things. Such as how the old Ford Mondeo was a really good car, that the UK should remain in Europe and, most importantly, that Heinz sandwich spread is delicious. There are also some things that we universally agree on, at least in terms of the Editor and writing team. I can’t speak too much for Nina as she does her own thing.
But, like I say that’s very specific. 
The reticule is gaze-controlled so where you move your head to look is where the target goes, and here’s where the trickiness comes in. Because of that you have to be very careful with your movements. You’re in a twisting route with hazards ahead so you obviously want to plan a route. In a normal videogame you’d have no problem as you’d be holding a controller and through that you’d hold the little target steady without any issue as you peruse the way ahead on the 2D screen. In VR however, you are surrounded by the world and as you’re there you want to look around in a 3D way. Except, of course that if you move your head, you risk moving the ball. It becomes a matter of self-control and deliberate movements. Looking ahead and moving your eyes while keeping focused on your head position. Likewise moving your head to control is a subtler approach than a normal controller where it’s far easier to measure your pressure and momentum via a thumb stick.
TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation has announced a partnership with Oculus Go at its Investor Education Conference in Las Vegas, that will bring to Go users an immersive learning experience for investing. Taking them inside places such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) and Bitcoin to provide an “intimate look at the world of finance”. The TD Ameritrade experience can be found on the Oculus Video app via the main menu.
Sunayna Tuteja, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Emerging Technologies at TD Ameritrade adds: “Finance is often abstract, and we’re excited to take first step in using the power of VR, combined with our expertise and knowledge, to further demystify the often complex topic of investing. We’re on a journey to break down more barriers to entry when it comes to investing in the markets, and this is one more way we can do that.”
As you can imagine virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are set to feature during the conference. Such as Mitsubishi subsidiary Kabu.com 
Other partners include KDDI Research, NID, OPTiM, Shinko Shoji and Atos.
Today we bring you more news about Insta360 and new features that were announced today at the Adobe MAX conference in Los Angeles.
“There’s a huge overlap among the creators who are innovating in 180 and the ones innovating in 360.” Adds Max Richter, Insta360’s Head of Marketing. “For the first time ever, they can capture pro-quality content in both formats with one camera and one seamless workflow. Even better, they can shoot both 180 and 360 at the same time from a single vantage point.”
If you’re in a city you’re not likely to see much if you look up into the sky at night. You might pick out the odd star here and there, but you’re more likely to see Venus or even the International Space Station as well as the occasional aeroplane, naturally enough.
One such AR solutions company is