Magic Leap is preparing to launch its second-generation augmented reality (AR) headset this year. Aptly named Magic Leap 2, the new product is now available to a group of healthcare technology firms as part of an Early Access Program. These include SentiAR, SyncThink, Heru, and Brainlab. The company says these firms are developing platform solutions for the Magic Leap 2 and that the Early Access Program will help them finalize the development ahead of the device’s general commercial availability later this year.
SentiAR is a St. Louis, Missouri-based healthcare firm specializing in clinical data visualization. It offers software solutions that let doctors see 3D maps of a patient’s heart during electrophysiology procedures. The firm is now working on bringing this solution to the Magic Leap 2, which could also help in patient education.
SyncThink, meanwhile, is a neurotechnology company that is developing AR solutions intending to improve patient care and clinical outcomes. The California-based firm is exploring the use of the Magic Leap 2 for Vestibular Disorders.
Heru, which is based in Miami, also aims to improve patient care and diagnostics with more advanced tools that make use of next-gen technologies such as AR. Its solutions will enable healthcare firms to diagnose and manage patients with increased efficiency.
Lastly, Brainlab is developing a Mixed Reality Viewer software for the Magic Leap 2. It will provide doctors with innovative methods for reviewing surgical plans, as well as allow them to collaborate with colleagues. The company is based in Munich, Germany.
Healthcare firms are developing platform solutions for the Magic Leap 2
Magic Leap teaming up with these healthcare firms for its upcoming AR headset isn’t surprising. CEO Peggy Johnson, who jumped ship from Microsoft in July 2020, had last year said that AR has the potential to “transform healthcare more than any other industry.”
The once consumer-focused company, which has only released one product so far — the Magic Leap One back in August 2018, is also shifting to the enterprise market with its second-gen offering. Along with healthcare firms, it is also targeting military and manufacturing customers, Johnson told Bloomberg. She didn’t mention any name though.
Magic Leap didn’t have much success with its first product but recent fundings have enabled it to keep going. The company is now banking on the Magic Leap 2 to revive its fortunes. The new AR headset will come “slightly” pricier than the original model, which starts at $2,295, Johnson confirmed. It will release in mid-2022.
2022-01-13 15:05:59