Magic Leap is an American company that specializes in developing and manufacturing virtual and augmented reality products. Founded in 2011, the company is based in Plantation, Florida, and has gained significant attention and funding over the years. Magic Leap aims to create immersive and interactive experiences through their innovative technology. Their most notable product is the Magic Leap One, a mixed reality headset that integrates digital content into the real world. The Magic Leap One enables users to see and interact with virtual objects as if they were part of their physical surroundings. The Magic Leap One features a lightweight headset that is designed for comfortable wear.
Magic Leap returns, takes the fight to Microsoft with enterprise AR headset
Now x86 rather than Arm-based and running on Android, Magic Leap 2 is.
October 5, 2022 . 9:10 AM 3 min read- Share on Twitter
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Magic Leap has returned with a new Augmented Reality (AR) enterprise headset priced at $4,999.
Along with new leadership and a new enterprise focus, rather than its initial failed bid to win over consumers, the company has also swapped out the engine of its new, lighter and more powerful AR headset significantly.
Magic Leap 2 is now based on an x86 architecture (AMD 7nm Zen 2 CPU) rather than Arm.
It is also now running on Android 10 (API level 29) rather than the homegrown “Lumin” Operating System (OS) used in its Magic Leap 1 back in 2018. The release firmly takes the fight to Microsoft's Hololens 2.
Magic Leap's CEO Peggy Johnson describes it as "the industry’s smallest and lightest device built for the enterprise". It ships with a 5H x 55V (70° diagonal) field of view, a resolution of 1440 x 1760 and new controller technology. Impressively, it weighs less than half of Microsoft's 566g Hololens 2, at just 260g.
It also ships with WiFi 6, a 12.6MP camera, and 90fps eye tracking.
The Magic Leap One features a lightweight headset that is designed for comfortable wear. It includes spatial computing technology, which allows for the accurate mapping of virtual objects onto the real world. The device also uses computer vision and tracking technology, enabling users to move around and interact with the virtual content in a natural way.
What happened to Magic Leap?
Dubbed the “world’s hottest startup” by Wired in 2016; derided in 2018 for the vast gulf between its promotional videos and the reality of its performance; valued at $6.7 billion at its highs; nearly underwater in 2019, when it handed 1,903 patents to investors as collateral.
Stakeholders lost patience with the widely hyped, perennially-on-the-verge-of-something-magical startup in 2020, when Magic Leap fired a reported 1,000 staff; won a $500 million lifeline at a $2 billion valuation (yes, a similar raise at a similar valuation to the one it had achieved back in 2014), wound down its consumer business, and replaced its founder Rony Abovitz with former Microsoft and Qualcomm VP Peggy Johnson as new CEO.
Magic Leap’s had quite a ride – reported along the way with cutting lines like these: “The line between overpromising, an inability to deliver and fraud on something that has never been done is blurry” – but is clearly now trying to fight back with less hype and a more solid product; the early specs certainly look impressive.
Magic Leap has received significant investment from notable companies, including Google, Alibaba Group, and AT&T. These investments have helped propel the company's research and development efforts and expand its reach in the market. Magic Leap has also partnered with various organizations and developers to create a range of applications and experiences for their platform. Despite its ambitious goals and high-profile backing, Magic Leap has faced some challenges and setbacks. The release of the Magic Leap One was met with mixed reviews, with some praising its technological capabilities while others criticized its limited field of view and high price tag. Additionally, the company has faced competition from other prominent players in the augmented reality space. Nonetheless, Magic Leap continues to push the boundaries of mixed reality technology and explore new applications for its products. As the field of augmented reality continues to evolve, Magic Leap remains a key player with the potential to shape the future of immersive experiences..
Reviews for "The Magic Leap Ecosystem: A Look at the Company's Platform and Apps"
1. John Doe - ★☆☆☆☆
I was highly disappointed with Magic Leap and their product. The augmented reality glasses they claim to provide are nothing but a gimmick. The visuals were blurry, and the field of view was extremely narrow, making it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Additionally, the tracking was unreliable, as the objects would often glitch and not align correctly with the real world. For the exorbitant price they charge, one would expect a much more polished and functional product. Save your money and invest in a different AR company.
2. Sarah Smith - ★★☆☆☆
Magic Leap didn't meet my expectations at all. The hype surrounding their technology seemed exciting, but when I finally tried their product, I was left unimpressed. The glasses were uncomfortable to wear for extended periods, and the battery life was abysmal. The content available was also limited and lacked depth. It felt like a prototype rather than a finished product. I believe they rushed to market and failed to deliver on their promises. I won't be recommending Magic Leap to anyone.
3. Michael Johnson - ★☆☆☆☆
Magic Leap is a prime example of overpromising and underdelivering. The product they offer simply isn't worth the hefty price tag. The image quality was poor, and the device was heavy and cumbersome. The overall experience felt clunky and unfinished. Moreover, their customer support is non-existent. I encountered several technical issues with their glasses, and despite reaching out for help, I received no response. Save yourself the disappointment and stay away from Magic Leap.