Brief Reality: Meta, Penrose Named Technology Pioneers for Work with Augmented Reality

Person interacting with a holographic display.

While two augmented reality companies were recently recognized for their innovative technologies, other companies have turned to augmented reality to innovate in their respective fields. Over the past week, use cases have ranged from selling snacks and video games to raising awareness for public health issues.

Meta, Penrose Named Technology Pioneers by World Economic Forum

Two companies working with augmented reality technologies have been selected by the World Economic Forum as Technology Pioneers for 2017.

Meta Company, makers of the highly sought-after Meta 2 headset, earned the Technology Pioneer distinction after recently bringing home a Auggie Award from the Augmented World Expo for their new Meta Workspace operating environment.

Meta Company is one of 30 Technology Pioneers named by the World Economic Forum.

Also tapped as a technology pioneer is Penrose Studios, a creator of augmented and virtual reality content and stories.

Each year, a selection committee of 60 experts identifies 30 companies who are introducing innovative and impactful technologies. The companies are invited to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of New Champions, which will be held in Dalian, China on June 27–29.

Mrs. Freshley's Taps Blippar for Final Fantasy Promotion

Blippar has secured another promotional opportunity, this time through a partnership with snack brand Mrs. Freshley's and video game franchise Final Fantasy.

Through May 15, 2018, Mr. Freshley customers can scan a variety of snacks with the Blippar app for iOS or Android to unlock a game code for Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood and register to win a trip to San Diego Comic-Con International.

Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood promotional image featuring snack products.

Scan this image to see a trailer for Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood and enter the sweepstakes.

Mspark Delivers Augmented Reality Campaign for Cancer Awareness

Digital marketing firm Mspark is also leveraging augmented reality for a promotional campaign, teaming up with the Dear Jack Foundation to raise awareness of cancer in adolescents and young adults.

By scanning direct mail pieces and ad banners (such as the image below) with the Layar app for iOS or Android, recipients can access videos, music clips, and other interactive content.

Dear Jack Foundation advertisement promoting hope and guidance with a call to action to scan for more information.

Scanning this banner ad with the Layar app displays interactive content.

(This post was updated with information from Mspark on how to access the augmented reality content.)

Every Tuesday, Next Reality gives readers a rundown of the augmented and mixed reality news briefs from the preceding week that we didn't cover already. This way, you'll never miss anything of importance in the Next Reality landscape, and will always know what's going on with new augmented and mixed reality tech and applications. You can browse previous Brief Reality reports, too, if you'd like.

Follow Next Reality on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube
Follow WonderHowTo on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+

Cover image via Meta Company

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check Gadget Hacks' list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow the step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.