In Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality News
October 8, 2024 – Infinite Reality (iR), a company working in artificial intelligence (AI), spatial computing, extended reality (XR), and other immersive technologies, has today announced the acquisition of Zappar, a London-based XR platform and creative studio. This latest announcement marks the sixth acquisition for Infinite Reality this year, and the second significant investment by iR in as many weeks.
Through the USD $45 million acquisition, Infinite Reality will expand its product portfolio with Zappar’s technology suite, including the company’s end-to-end XR software, an affordable mixed reality headset, and Accessible QR (AQR) code solutions.
Commenting on the acquisition, Amish Shah, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer for Infinite Reality, stated: “Zappar’s strong European presence and partnerships with global brands align perfectly with our expansion strategy. By integrating their expertise into our portfolio, we’re creating a powerhouse of immersive technology that spans continents and industries.”
Zappar’s solutions empower businesses with next-gen 3D web tooling for creating, managing, and experiencing 3D websites, apps, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) content across mobile, desktop, and headsets like Apple Vision Pro, Quest 3, and Magic Leap 2. Now with the addition of Zappar’s capabilities, iR stated that it will be better positioned to “reshape commerce and digital media experiences with scalable, accessible solutions.”
Zappar’s computer vision and software and hardware solutions are used by brands and creators. The company has also received multiple awards for XR innovation and accessibility. Its custom WebAR technology provides web-based AR experiences without being limited by third-party operating systems or device restrictions.
Infinite Reality also noted that Zappar’s partnerships with major global brands such as LEGOLAND, Nestle, Unilever, NBC Universal, Bayer, Pfizer, Rovio, Disney, H&M, and many more will help to further strengthen iR’s market presence and support growth and innovation.
“I am thrilled to welcome Zappar to our team,” said John Acunto, Co-Founder and CEO of Infinite Reality. “We look forward to integrating their incredible technology with the Infinite Reality Studio and our proprietary iR Engine, as well as working with the distinguished staff.”
Zappar products include:
- Zapworks: An all-in-one XR platform for creating and deploying web-based augmented, virtual, and mixed reality experiences (WebXR) across all devices.
- Mattercraft: A browser-based tool for creating 3D web experiences, including WebAR for mobile, WebXR for headsets, and Web3D for desktops.
- Designer: Zappar’s no-code, drag-and-drop WebXR editor tool that enables the creation of immersive 3D web experiences for desktops, headsets, and smartphones without the need for apps.
- Zapbox: An entry-level XR headset with controllers that transforms any iPhone 11 or later into a fully-fledged XR headset. Costing just USD $99.99, Zapbox (shown in the above video) boasts a range of features like full-color pass-through and two fully tracked Bluetooth controllers.
- Zapvision: Zappar’s assistive technology that enables people who are blind or have low vision to access product information on packaging with a single, Accessible QR code (AQR).
- Studio Z: Zappar’s in-house immersive production studio.
Infinite Reality stated that with the addition of Zappar’s solutions, expertise and capabilities, it will provide iR’s own Enterprise Solutions team with even more resources to build immersive experiences for the web, and will help iR to expand its ability to deliver cost-effective, immersive experiences like spatial videos, 360 video and photos, mixed reality art, and XR games.
“Joining Infinite Reality’s trailblazing portfolio empowers us to scale our technology and reach a much wider audience of clients and consumers and further expands our U.S. presence,” said Caspar Thykier, Co-Founder & CEO of Zappar. “With synergies across iR’s other subsidiaries, we can leverage our combined expertise to continue shaping the future of extended reality. We are extremely excited to join the Infinite Reality family and start this new chapter for the business and our partners.”
Zappar will remain headquartered in London, further expanding iR’s already European presence and enhancing the company’s existing team, which currently includes operations in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Dubai, Cairo, and Riyadh.
For more information on Infinite Reality and its AI and immersive technology solutions, click here. To learn more about Zappar’s XR and accessibility solutions, click here.
Image credit: Infinite Reality / Zappar
Related Posts
About the author
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.