The Ultimate Guide to AR, VR & Metaverse
A curated UK edition of TechDay news, analysis, interviews, reviews, job moves, and related resources for AR, VR & Metaverse.
What to know about AR, VR & Metaverse
The expanding fields of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the Metaverse are reshaping digital interaction and immersive experiences across numerous industries. From innovative therapy options using VR for overcoming phobias to digital collectibles linked with major entertainment franchises, these technologies are enhancing both consumer engagement and therapeutic interventions.
Advancements in mixed reality platforms are enabling brands to connect with audiences in unprecedented ways, while enterprises and industries are harnessing AR and VR for product development, training, and collaboration. Partnerships between technology firms and the integration of AI into AR/VR solutions signal a growing adoption of these immersive technologies for business transformation and enhanced workplace experiences.
Exploring this tag offers insights into the latest trends, breakthroughs, and applications of AR, VR, and the Metaverse. Readers can discover how these technologies impact entertainment, healthcare, retail, education, and industrial sectors, providing a glimpse into the future of digital interaction and innovation.
UK AR, VR & Metaverse News
Regional stories with direct local relevance
nmatic.ai & Alibi Studios launch hybrid AI VFX studio
Brands and studios could cut visual effects time and costs by up to 30% as The Next Valley blends AI tools with human-led production.
Neuphonic & Rapport launch real-time digital humans
Running on standard CPUs, the on-device system could make lifelike avatars practical for games, training and virtual assistants at scale.
Bentswood Hub gets free full-fibre broadband from nexfibre
The free two-year service will give young people at Bentswood Hub faster access to homework help, digital skills and online support.
AI-ready data centre planned for East Manchester site
Latos Data Centres has launched consultation on a new “Neural Edge” AI-ready data centre planned for a brownfield site in East Manchester.
Londoners battle 'furniture fit gap' in tiny homes
Seven in ten Londoners have had to rejig cramped homes after online furniture buys failed to fit, Fixtuur warns in new 'fit gap' report.
Voxelo unveils AI studio turning product videos into 3D
Manchester's Voxelo launches AI studio that turns a single product video into reusable 3D models, AR assets and eCommerce imagery in hours.
Analyst Insights
Research and market analysis connected to AR, VR & MetaverseExpert Columns
World IP Day: Why IP is the backbone of sporting brands' success
AI is key to smarter shelves in the UK retail stores
The world needs more women in tech - and there's no time to wait
Regulating the internet is like trying to bottle lightning using chopsticks
How Data Quality in Retail Powers Business Outcomes in 2026
How digital service is transforming global cash cycles
In 2026, AI is setting course for maritime competitiveness
From hype to reality: The three forces defining security in 2026
Four predictions for brand success with visual media in 2026
The AI workforce evolution: how technology is creating the jobs of tomorrow
Interviews
Interviews and video coverage from the networkRecent AR, VR & Metaverse News
Extreme launches Wi-Fi 7 access points for indoors
Customers in healthcare, education and venues can add Wi-Fi 7 capacity without major power or switching upgrades, Extreme said.
Kopin & Fabric.AI back MicroLED optical links for AI
The USD $15 million order signals early commercial traction as the partners target lower-power, faster links between chips in AI data centres.
Mosaic SoC raises USD $3.8m to power smart devices
The Zurich startup will target makers of wearables and phones seeking real-time visual processing without bigger batteries or hotter chips.
xReality lifts revenue 67% as cashflow turns positive
Positive operating cash flow and a bigger US customer base helped lift annual recurring revenue 67% to GBP £4.2 million for xReality Group.
Ant International launches mobile AI payment protocol
The open-source framework targets wallet-based payments as digital wallet use and agentic commerce expand rapidly worldwide.
Casting a wide net: Vection Technologies' push across emerging tech markets
Investor attention is shifting to Vection Technologies as it bets on AI, XR and acquisitions to win contracts across defence, healthcare and real estate.
TeamViewer adds AI maintenance & secure industrial gateway
Industrial users could cut downtime and cyber risk as TeamViewer’s latest update brings plug-and-play remote access and AI-guided maintenance support.
Operator XR launches portable VR counter-drone training
The portable system lets military and police teams rehearse drone threats offline in minutes, without fixed sites or extra logistics.
Cisco says Wi-Fi spend shifts to growth as AI bites
Rising AI traffic is pushing firms to treat wireless upgrades as a growth bet, with most planning bigger budgets and faster refreshes.
AI healthcare needs low-latency links, says DE-CIX chief
Wider use of medical AI will stall without faster networks, as surgeons and emergency teams need near-real-time links to work safely.
iHeartMedia & Global Gaming League forge audio pact
iHeartMedia signs Global Gaming League audio deal to launch culture-driven gaming podcasts across its US broadcast and streaming network.
Sama credential leaks raise fears over Meta glasses data
Leaked Sama staff logins tied to stealer malware spark fresh alarm over security of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses video review pipeline.
Connected packaging becomes boardroom imperative in 2026
Connected packaging sheds its fad status as record executive backing, rising budgets and compliance pressures push it firmly into the boardroom.
Brands pivot to integrations in virtual worlds shift
Brands are ditching standalone virtual worlds in favour of repeatable integrations inside Roblox and Fortnite, GEEIQ data shows.
SkillsVR offers free VR device management amid Meta shift
SkillsVR launches ACTIVATE MDM Lite, a free six‑month VR fleet tool as organisations adapt to Meta's changing Quest hardware strategy.
ExpressVPN launches VR app & hybrid browser extension
ExpressVPN debuts a Meta Quest VR app and hybrid browser extension, offering switchable browser-only or full-device VPN protection.
TCL unveils Milan showcase for Milano Cortina 2026
TCL opens Edelweiss Land near Milan Central, showcasing tech and campaign as its Olympic partnership debuts at Milano Cortina 2026.
Snap launches Specs unit to drive smart glasses push
Snap forms Specs unit to spearhead next-gen smart glasses, promising AI-driven, low-friction eyewear that blends digital and real worlds.
Digital billboards to power USD $54.6bn OOH boom
Digital billboards are set to drive OOH ad spend to USD $54.6bn by 2025, as programmatic trading and data tools fuel rapid DOOH growth.
Public safety LTE & 5G spend to top USD $6.3 billion
Global public safety LTE and 5G spending will climb from USD $5bn in 2025 to over USD $6.3bn annually by 2028, SNS Telecom & IT says.
Job Moves
Catherine Birkett joins Twinkl to chair Audit & Risk Committee
XYZ Reality appoints Anthony Canipa as Vice President of Customer Success
Remo Gettini appointed Chief Technology Officer at Twinkl
Chris Burgess appointed CEO as CTI Digital targets UK expansion