The Ultimate Guide to AR, VR & Metaverse
A curated Kiwi edition of TechDay news, analysis, interviews, reviews, job moves, and related resources for AR, VR & Metaverse.
What to know about AR, VR & Metaverse
The expanding fields of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the Metaverse are reshaping digital interaction and immersive experiences across numerous industries. From innovative therapy options using VR for overcoming phobias to digital collectibles linked with major entertainment franchises, these technologies are enhancing both consumer engagement and therapeutic interventions.
Advancements in mixed reality platforms are enabling brands to connect with audiences in unprecedented ways, while enterprises and industries are harnessing AR and VR for product development, training, and collaboration. Partnerships between technology firms and the integration of AI into AR/VR solutions signal a growing adoption of these immersive technologies for business transformation and enhanced workplace experiences.
Exploring this tag offers insights into the latest trends, breakthroughs, and applications of AR, VR, and the Metaverse. Readers can discover how these technologies impact entertainment, healthcare, retail, education, and industrial sectors, providing a glimpse into the future of digital interaction and innovation.
Kiwi AR, VR & Metaverse News
Regional stories with direct local relevance
Digital twin cuts costs & emissions at Te Rua archive
The archive’s digital model kept contingency spending at 5% and helped slash emissions by 80%, easing risk on NZD $290 million project.
SkillsVR unveils EVA AI assistant for unified training
SkillsVR launches EVA, an AI assistant unifying VR, mobile and web training with real-time learner guidance and automatic record tracking.
Virtual reality boosts job skills & hope for NZ prison inmates
A New Zealand virtual reality programme is enhancing prisoner job skills and hope, with over 70% of certified participants securing post-release employment.
NFTs aren't just art - they will shape your future
NFTs are evolving beyond digital art, impacting sectors like music and finance, and offering unique opportunities for ownership in the digital future.
Chorus announces free speed upgrade for NZ fibre users
Chorus is set to enhance wholesale fibre broadband speeds for over 700,000 New Zealand homes at no extra cost, starting June 2025.
Snapchat hits 1.5 million users milestone in New Zealand
Snapchat now boasts over 1.5 million monthly users in New Zealand, cementing its growing influence in the APAC region and wide appeal among Kiwi users.
Analyst Insights
Research and market analysis connected to AR, VR & Metaverse
Reviews
Expert Columns
World IP Day: Why IP is the backbone of sporting brands' success
AI is key to smarter shelves in the UK retail stores
The world needs more women in tech - and there's no time to wait
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The smart money is on inclusion
Regulating the internet is like trying to bottle lightning using chopsticks
How Data Quality in Retail Powers Business Outcomes in 2026
How digital service is transforming global cash cycles
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In 2026, AI is setting course for maritime competitiveness
From hype to reality: The three forces defining security in 2026
Four predictions for brand success with visual media in 2026
Interviews
Interviews and video coverage from the network
Recent AR, VR & Metaverse News
Extreme launches Wi-Fi 7 access points for indoors
Customers in healthcare, education and venues can add Wi-Fi 7 capacity without major power or switching upgrades, Extreme said.
Kopin & Fabric.AI back MicroLED optical links for AI
The USD $15 million order signals early commercial traction as the partners target lower-power, faster links between chips in AI data centres.
Ant International launches mobile AI payment protocol
The open-source framework targets wallet-based payments as digital wallet use and agentic commerce expand rapidly worldwide.
Casting a wide net: Vection Technologies' push across emerging tech markets
Investor attention is shifting to Vection Technologies as it bets on AI, XR and acquisitions to win contracts across defence, healthcare and real estate.
TeamViewer adds AI maintenance & secure industrial gateway
Industrial users could cut downtime and cyber risk as TeamViewer’s latest update brings plug-and-play remote access and AI-guided maintenance support.
Operator XR launches portable VR counter-drone training
The portable system lets military and police teams rehearse drone threats offline in minutes, without fixed sites or extra logistics.
Cisco says Wi-Fi spend shifts to growth as AI bites
Rising AI traffic is pushing firms to treat wireless upgrades as a growth bet, with most planning bigger budgets and faster refreshes.
AI healthcare needs low-latency links, says DE-CIX chief
Wider use of medical AI will stall without faster networks, as surgeons and emergency teams need near-real-time links to work safely.
iHeartMedia & Global Gaming League forge audio pact
iHeartMedia signs Global Gaming League audio deal to launch culture-driven gaming podcasts across its US broadcast and streaming network.
Blippar buys Plattar to boost regional AR commerce push
Blippar has bought Australian AR specialist Plattar to deepen its regional footprint and accelerate sector-focused AR commerce products.
Warehouse automation shifts from cost saver to necessity
Warehouse automation shifts from a discretionary cost play to a strategic necessity as labour shortages and weak productivity squeeze ANZ firms.
Sama credential leaks raise fears over Meta glasses data
Leaked Sama staff logins tied to stealer malware spark fresh alarm over security of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses video review pipeline.
Privacy-first AI smart glasses run models on-device
Brilliant Labs' Halo glasses will run vision and voice AI on-device via partners Neuphonic and TheStage AI, promising faster, more private wearables.
Game developer interview: Star Citizen's Chris Roberts
Chris Roberts details Star Citizen's boundless vision, from procedural planets and VR to crafting, base building and dynamic server tech.
Connected packaging becomes boardroom imperative in 2026
Connected packaging sheds its fad status as record executive backing, rising budgets and compliance pressures push it firmly into the boardroom.
Brands pivot to integrations in virtual worlds shift
Brands are ditching standalone virtual worlds in favour of repeatable integrations inside Roblox and Fortnite, GEEIQ data shows.
SkillsVR offers free VR device management amid Meta shift
SkillsVR launches ACTIVATE MDM Lite, a free six‑month VR fleet tool as organisations adapt to Meta's changing Quest hardware strategy.
ExpressVPN launches VR app & hybrid browser extension
ExpressVPN debuts a Meta Quest VR app and hybrid browser extension, offering switchable browser-only or full-device VPN protection.
TCL unveils Milan showcase for Milano Cortina 2026
TCL opens Edelweiss Land near Milan Central, showcasing tech and campaign as its Olympic partnership debuts at Milano Cortina 2026.
Snap launches Specs unit to drive smart glasses push
Snap forms Specs unit to spearhead next-gen smart glasses, promising AI-driven, low-friction eyewear that blends digital and real worlds.
