HE virtual universe has sparked curiosity among users. A study from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) notes that beyond personal and native formats, people are beginning to discuss the matter universe—a broader industry approach to this evolving virtual world. This shift aims to make virtual reality more visible and profitable across multiple fields and audiences. Innovations and services connected to this new landscape include several notable developments.
Wireless augmented reality glasses
Xiaomi announced at MWC23 a new concept product called Wireless AR Smart Glass Discovery Edition. These are the first wireless augmented reality glasses featuring a retina level adaptive display that adjusts to ambient light. They offer enhanced connectivity and highly accurate hand tracking. The system delivers fast data transfer from smartphone to glasses and runs on the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 platform with a low latency wireless link. The wireless connection between phone and glasses can be as low as 3 ms, with an overall connection delay around 50 ms, comparable to wired solutions.
The design stands out thanks to lightweight materials like magnesium-lithium alloy and carbon fiber components, plus a self-developed siloxygen anode battery. Weighing 126 grams, these glasses are built to minimize physical strain on the user. The center of gravity is calibrated considering leg spread, angle, nose support, and other details that contribute to an optimal wearable experience.
For seamless integration of digital and real worlds, users should perceive virtual objects with the same clarity as physical ones. These glasses deliver excellent visual quality through a pair of MicroOLED displays and a light guide that yields a clear image. The optical module design minimizes light loss and provides bright images up to 1200 nits, forming a solid foundation for augmented reality applications. Interaction is managed via hand micro gestures, enabling multiple operations without needing a smartphone.
The world’s first 3D-AI tablet
The company ZTE, in collaboration with Leia Inc, is set to unveil the world’s first 3D-AI tablet, the Nubia Pad 3D. While full specifications have not been released, leaks point to features for searching, streaming, 3D playback, and content creation in an immersive, glasses-free format. The Nubia Pad 3D uses Leia’s AI computing engine to support dynamic tracking of three-dimensional faces and real-time adjustments to 3D viewing angles. Advanced neural networks and learning algorithms are expected to convert substantial 2D content such as streaming media, games, and movies into immersive 3D experiences in real time.
The device follows the principle of stereoscopic perception and includes both a front camera and dual rear cameras to capture a 3D view. The 16 MP dual rear cameras are dedicated to 3D recording, while the 8 MP dual front cameras enable 3D video calls and content creation. A 12.4-inch 2.5K IPS LCD display with adaptive dimming, 2560×1600 resolution, and a 120 Hz refresh rate, plus Dolby surround sound speakers and a 9,070 mAh battery with 33 W fast charging, complement the package. Full product details are expected to be announced at MWC23.
Metaverse for virtual meetings
Athos metaverse emerges as a focal point at Mobile World Congress. Atos presents a rapid configuration system for metaverse solutions that enables virtual meetings and client engagements within a personalized metadata repository. The company also showcases a gaming-oriented virtual production solution that promises high realism in content creation and features the presence of Mikko Kodisoja, known for the Clash Royale project. Atos describes these services as accelerators for enterprise entry into the metaverse.
Booths allow attendees to access a complete experience through virtual reality glasses, including halls and spaces such as cinemas and amphitheaters. Three rooms, configured differently, are accessible by avatars that interact with other participants in varied ways. This setup highlights how metaverse environments can support collaborative events and immersive remote participation.
Oppo Smart Air Glas augmented reality device
The Oppo device features a horn-rimmed aesthetic and weighs 38 grams for comfortable use. It integrates an optical waveguide with resin lenses, enabling the glasses to aid vision correction while also activating micro LED projectors that display information about “crystals.” The device includes microphones and speakers for a range of use cases.
Capabilities extend beyond notifications. The Oppo Weather Glass 2 can translate in real time, link with a paired smartphone, and even provide turn-by-turn navigation. These functions leverage embedded hardware components from smartphones to deliver a hands-free experience.
Real-time holographic asset application
Matsuko introduces a real-time holographic software solution showcased at MWC23. The enhanced holographic experience delivers higher resolution, improved frame rate, reduced latency, and greater bandwidth by using Deutsche Telekom and Orange 5G network APIs. Earlier pilots co-hosted with Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and T-Mobile US demonstrated a real-time holographic call over a transatlantic link under a 5G Early Access Program. Since then, there have been notable improvements in hologram quality thanks to faster 5G speeds and lower latency.
Telefónica and Vodafone are also testing Matsuko’s approach, which uses a single camera to transmit holograms in real time. This capability creates a sense of presence and makes remote communication feel more natural. The industry at large has shown strong interest in this evolving virtual experience as a way to facilitate more realistic 3D social interactions across distances.
[Citation: Industry reports from MWC23 and participating technology partners.]