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Niantic has announced it is partnering with Qualcomm Technologies for a “multi-year joint collaboration on an integrated design spanning AR glasses reference hardware, software, and cloud-components”.
In a joint statement, the companies said the partnership was designed to ensure “interoperability with the latest AR innovations and accelerate the development of tomorrow’s devices”. The platform will initially be optimised for the Niantic Real World Platform and Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Platform, but “new collaborative architecture” is also expected to be provided to creators via the Niantic Creator Program when available.
“We’re looking forward to helping move the entire AR industry forward as we work together with Qualcomm Technologies to define a true end-to-end architecture – inclusive of hardware, software, and cloud technologies,” said Phil Keslin, Co-founder and CTO of Niantic.
Niantic has revealed a number of updates to its ongoing AR developments last month, too, including new updates about its new SMB Sponsorship program and the Niantic Creator Fund.
In a detailed press release, the Harry Potter: Wizards Unite developer said the former had been established to permit “small and medium businesses with brick and mortar stores” to activate sponsored locations, “making this the first time mom and pop shops will easily and quickly be able to become a part of Niantic’s products” in the US. This means players will get to see these businesses show up in their in-game maps.
The Niantic Creator Program & Beyond Reality Fund, on the other hand, plans to collaborate more with external developers.
“We’re inviting all developers with a passion for real-world experiences to apply to collaborate directly with us, starting today at www.niantic.dev,” Niantic said of the scheme, which is set to launch next year. “By joining the program, creators can expect access to Niantic opportunities, the first of which will be the Niantic Beyond Reality Fund. This new fund is designed to bring inspiring, innovative real-world AR projects to life – from early prototypes to complete commercial experiences. The Beyond Reality Fund will give creators the opportunity to pitch their ideas directly to Niantic to secure funding and kick-start their creations.”
