XR Industry News February, 2026
But First…Cool, if Real
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XR & Tech News to Make You Smarter
Specs Inc. is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Snap, split off to focus on the development of its augmented reality smartglasses. Why this is worth noting: This is a smart move on Snap’s part because hardware and software are fundamentally different businesses with different opportunities and risks. Investors who invest in software don’t want to deal with tariffs and supply chain dramas. Hardware investors want different exit opportunities and partnerships. More on that here.
The Layoffs Keep Coming: Meta, Amazon, Pinterest, The Home Depot (LinkedIn). Companies cite a shift in spending from labor to AI. I think WSJ was on the money in reporting that AI is part of the story, but it is probably a correction from overhiring after COVID. My prediction: more people than ever will leave corporate roles and won’t go back. Between layoffs, return to office mandates, and career payoffs that aren’t paying, there’s an entire generation that’s tired and realized that the career roadmap handed down in the life guidebook is out of date. Katelin Holloway posted a similar take from an HR perspective. Those who can retire will, but more people than ever will go to work for themselves. As someone who did that after a layoff, here’s my advice.
Recently Played >
What we listened to this week
Dynamic Pricing is Ruining Your Life (The Financial Diet). We also have a podcast episode where we talk about dynamic pricing with AI and eCommerce here.
XR Speaking Opportunities
For when you stop attending conferences and become the conference
The Air Force has an open call for abstracts to present at the Modeling, Simulations & Analytics Summit. XR companies with applications for AR/MR/VR wearables, virtual environments, and virtualization should consider applying, even if you aren’t a government contractor. It’s a great way to get your technology in front of people who have been using VR for decades.
America’s Largest AI Conference, AI4, has an open call for speakers.
The 10th Annual AI Manufacturing & SCADA Technology Conference is also looking for speakers who can talk about digital transformation.
If you’re mostly interested in XR conferences, this Roundup by Cognitive3D is the best.
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