Niantic is offering a framework for creating “real-world metaverse” app.

Alden, New York Nov 9, 2021 (Issuewire.com) – Using the new approach, glasses with displays will be able to comprehend precisely where they are in the actual world, allowing virtual things (such as a Pikachu) to remain constantly tethered to real-world places. It’s a necessary component for making AR glasses, such as the ones Niantic is developing with Qualcomm, functional.

Hanke, who formerly headed Google Maps before founding Niantic, said Lightship’s mission is to “essentially define a blueprint for what AR can be.” While internet behemoths like Meta and Apple are developing comparable technologies, he believes Lightship’s compatibility for iOS and Android will make it an appealing option to developers.

“The world now is split 50/50 between Android and iOS,” he explains. “And I believe the world of AR glasses will be considerably more diverse.” So a solution that genuinely solves the developer challenge of being able to write and design something that works across various platforms is critical.”

Hanke described the metaverse as a “dystopian nightmare” in a blog post in August. He opposes the concept of technology luring people away from reality. Unlike the VR metaverse advocated by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, he wants Niantic and Lightship developers to create AR apps that keep users engaged with the real world.

“There’s a fork in the road,” he points out. “One road leads to applications that are disconnected from the world around us and do not help us connect with the people we are around.” According to Hanke, the other direction Niantic is heading with Lightship is “encouraging individuals to do things together with other humans who are living.”