The Oregon Reality Lab

Today is the last day to vote for the 2025 Auggie Awards! Beneath the Surface is eligible in the Best Societal Impact category.

Created by UO Snap AR Scholars in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, this student-led augmented reality experience spotlights Oregon’s Otter Rock Marine Reserve through immersive storytelling and conservation-focused design.

Swipe through to learn how to nominate.
Link in bio to get started!

Leaks are starting to surface about a new Apple VR headset. Apple has a "special event" scheduled for June 5th where many sources are stating Apple will launch its debut into VR. While most of the specifics are closely guarded it has been rumored to cost $3000! One thing is for sure, regardless of the price point, expectations will be equally high.

Do you feel like you missed out this last black Friday? Well it's not too late. On Amazon you can still save $50 on a Meta Quest 2 bundle and it will also include two popular games (Beat Saber and Resident Evil 4). Meta did announce a new head mounted display earlier this year (Quest Pro), but with the price point exceeding $1000, the Quest 2 still serves as an excellent (and more affordable) point of entry for anyone interested in exploring virtual reality.

Amazon has teamed up with Snapchat to allow users to try on (and purchase) branded glasses and sunglasses. Snapchat users can find these AR filters on Amazons public profile. This isn’t Amazons first venture into AR. Amazon users can use AR to see what some product look like in their own home, but this is Amazon’s first venture into the “try on” AR experience. According to The Verge other brands have used Snapchat’s lenses to reach 250 million users who engage with AR lenses over 5 billion times with in the last year alone.

Amazon and Snapchat aren’t the only ones giving customers a try on experience with eye ware. Warby Parker, known for their home try on program has been using AR experiences through their own app to let customers virtually see what their frames look like on them.

Would you try something on virtually? Do you think it would help you make a purchase? Let us know your opinion in the comments.

Image Credit: https://www.theindustry.fashion/amazon-fashion-launches-virtual-try-on-sunglasses-feature/