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Watch the Amazing Virtual Reality Video Technology Google Is About to Fund

2 minute read
By Sam Frizell

Google is reportedly leading a major investment into Magic Leap, a virtual reality company that’s building a hyper-realistic 3D experience. Magic Leap’s technology appears to create an independent 3D object within a real environment, and if the company’s promotional video above is any indication, the results are stunning.

Magic Leap CEO Rony Abovitz has said the company is working on “what we believe will be the most natural and human-friendly wearable computing interface in the world,” according to re/code. The technology, says Magic Leap, will create a more realistic 3D environment than current technologies like those used by Oculus Rift, a 3D headset company bought by Facebook this year in a $2 billion deal.

While Oculus Rift creates a flat, floating image at a set distance, Magic Leap makes it look as if there’s a 3D object on top of the real world, likely projected from glasses on the wearer’s face. Google is leading what may be a $500 million round of funding in Magic Leap, re/code reports, citing anonymous sources.

The New York Times reported in July that Magic Leap is using a digital light field with information that includes a scattering of light beams and the distance of objects.

[re/code]

PHOTOS: Inside Google’s New York City Office

A subway themed conference room where Googlers can video conference with other Google offices around the world.
A subway themed conference room where Googlers can video conference with other Google offices around the world.Eric Laignel—Google
A lounge and workspace in Google's Chelsea Market office where employees can get together for a meeting or relax on a lounge chair.
A lounge and workspace in Google's Chelsea Market office where employees can get together for a meeting or relax on a lounge chair.Eric Laignel—Google
Steel slides connect Google's two story lounge.
Steel slides connect Google's two story lounge.Eric Laignel—Google
A green themed micro kitchen emphasizes Google's commitment to sustainability.
A green themed micro kitchen emphasizes Google's commitment to sustainability.Eric Laignel—Google
Google's apartment themed conference room for those looking to “work from home” at work.
Google's apartment themed conference room for those looking to “work from home” at work.Eric Laignel—Google
Google's build-your-own desks that allow employees to completely customize their workspaces.
Google's build-your-own desks that allow employees to completely customize their workspaces.Eric Laignel—Google
Water tower seating in Google's aptly named Water Tower Cafe, one of five cafes at Google's New York offices that serve free food.
Water tower seating in Google's aptly named Water Tower Cafe, one of five cafes at Google's New York offices that serve free food.Eric Laignel—Google
The Broadway themed conference rooms on Google's New York City-themed floor.
The Broadway themed conference rooms on Google's New York City-themed floor.Eric Laignel—Google
A bookcase turns to reveal one of three "secret rooms" in Google's library.
A bookcase turns to reveal one of three "secret rooms" in Google's library.Eric Laignel—Google
Google New York's library, complete with books donated by employees.
Google New York's library, complete with books donated by employees.Eric Laignel—Google
The Google bridge across 16th street in New York City.
The Google bridge across 16th street in New York City.Eric Laignel—Google

 

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