TechCapsules

At the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2026, the tech industry showcased a significant shift in spatial computing, transitioning from experimental novelty to practical, AI-driven applications. The event highlighted a move towards utility over spectacle, with AI enabling spatial interactions that understand user context. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel unveiled "Specs" smart glasses, demonstrating advanced AR/XR capabilities, and the open-source "Sneeze" browser engine was introduced to standardize 3D spatial content delivery. The industry's focus is on integrating AI into [...]

Pixi Platform has launched a new app called Pixi Garden, which allows users to send interactive augmented reality characters through iMessage. These characters, called "pixis," come alive through the recipient's phone camera and react to their surroundings using onboard AI and machine learning sensors. The app offers 3D characters, such as a robot and a cat, as well as simple games like tic-tac-toe and whack-a-mole. The processing happens directly on the iPhone, ensuring no data leaves the [...]

OUTFRONT Media and Snapchat have launched "Crowd Created," a live AR spectacle in Times Square, with HBO Max as the launch partner. The experience celebrates the upcoming Season 3 premiere of House of the Dragon, allowing visitors to interact with custom AR Lenses and see themselves on Times Square billboards. The activation combines Snapchat's AR technology with OUTFRONT XLabs' award-winning XTend offering, transforming a passive walk-by into a shared cultural moment. From 3PM to 7PM on June [...]

Snap's highly anticipated AR glasses, Specs, had a disappointing debut, with the company's stock plummeting over 5% after the launch. The glasses, which retail at nearly $2,200, have raised concerns about their profitability, particularly given Snap's core user demographic of teenagers who may not have the financial means to afford them. The stock has been struggling, dropping 30% over the past year, and has yet to recover from the announcement. Snap's CEO, Evan Spiegel, defended the price, [...]

Snap has announced its new Specs smart glasses, a wearable computer with augmented reality capabilities, available for preorder at $2,195. The device is expected to ship this fall in the US, UK, and France. Specs aim to move computing beyond phones and computers, with a fully standalone device featuring a 51-degree field of view, hand tracking, and contextual AI assistance. The high price point makes it unlikely to become a mass-market gadget, but it showcases Snap's determination [...]

The Samsung Galaxy XR is now available for pre-order in the UK, with a July 8 release date. The headset, which has received updates to enhance its standalone experience, features a Snapdragon XR+ Gen 2 chip, 4K micro-OLED screen, and up to 2.5 hours of battery life. The device will be priced at £1,699 and will be available at various Samsung experience events across the UK. The Galaxy XR is a tethered experience, designed to work in [...]

Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon Reality Elite Platform, a significant upgrade to its lineup of dedicated SoCs for mixed reality and spatial computing devices. The new platform, designed for premium Android XR devices, boasts improved performance, power efficiency, and on-device AI capabilities. Key features include up to 48 TOPS of AI performance, 60% higher GPU performance, and up to 20% longer battery life. The Snapdragon Reality Elite will power the next wave of Android XR devices, offering [...]

Samsung's Galaxy XR headset has arrived in the UK, featuring mixed reality experiences and Gemini-powered AI features. The device was developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, and combines voice, gestures, and visual inputs to interact with digital content. Recent software updates have added deeper integration with Google's ecosystem, including Google Maps and YouTube. The headset also supports Android Enterprise, allowing organisations to manage deployments using existing Android management tools. The Galaxy XR is powered by Qualcomm's [...]