With Twitter preparing to launch its own virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) division, the social media giant sent a team to the annual Siggraph technology showcase to seek out elite programmers, designers and visionaries in the fi eld. Led by ex-Apple designer Alessandro Sabatelli, Twitter revealed its AR and VR ambitions with the acquisition of Magic Pony.

Technologies – a machine learning company which uses algorithms with potential applications for VR and AR – in June.  Twitter has been quiet on what it actually plans to do in regards to virtual realities, but made its intentions clear with the invitation-only mixer at the event in Anaheim, California hosting 200 VR and AR innovators to utilise the cutting-edge technology as the company aims to expand its social oering. With its alternate reality plans, the social media network joins the likes of Disney,  Sony, Facebook, Microsoft, Google and  YouTube, all of which have launched their own dedicated virtual reality divisions.

Deloitte predicted in March that 2016 would be the year of virtual reality with its fi rst billiondollar year, providing new opportunities to businesses that want to create more immersive experiences for consumers, according to a new study. The success of Pokémon Go recently has shifted that idea, with AR thought to become the dominant force in the alternate reality market sooner rather than later. (2016/08/25)