Last month, we announced the VPS for Web Challenge, inviting 8th Wall developers to build unique, location-based webAR experiences. This challenge helped developers delve into new possibilities of VPS for Web, foster connections with fellow developers and the 8th Wall team, and compete for prizes worth over $20,000.

In 2021, the introduction of Metaversal Deploymentwas a groundbreaking milestone in the evolution of augmented reality. It changed the way developers create and deploy WebAR experiences by seamlessly bridging the gap between various devices using the mobile browser. And today, we're thrilled to share the enhancements we've made to our engine, propelling Metaversal Deployment to new heights of performance and versatility.

We're excited to announce that Niantic 8th Wall now supports Japanese, allowing developers in Japan to create AR experiences in their native language. Marketing pages, XR Home, and documentation sections are all available in Japanese, making it easier than ever for Japanese developers to create engaging and culturally relevant AR experiences for Japanese audiences. To experience Niantic 8th Wall in Japanese, developers simply need to turn on the language setting in their browser.

Calling all AR enthusiasts! 

We are excited to announce the continuation of the Niantic Developer World Tour. Earlier this year, we visited Miami and Austin. This May 2023, we are coming to London and Amsterdam with more locations in Europe coming up soon! Hosted by 8th Wall and led by our partners and community leaders, we welcome all AR enthusiasts to attend our “Hello 8th Wall” workshop. This is a half-day event dedicated to developers, creators, artists, storytellers and all AR enthusiasts to become more familiar with the 8th Wall WebAR platform.

We’re excited to announce a new challenge coming to the 8th Wall community! For the May challenge we will explore the amazing real-world applications of VPS for Web with prizes worth over $20k! 

Last month, we introduced the first 8th Wall challenge of the year focused on Sky Effects! Our Sky Effects Challenge was an opportunity for developers to learn, explore, and connect with each other and 8th Wall team members, all while competing for top prizes. 

Today, we're excited to announce that developers, agencies, and brands can now simultaneously use Sky Effects + World Tracking to create never-before-seen immersive WebAR experiences. For the first time for any AR platform, you can now augment the sky and ground together in the same project. 

Augmented Reality has the potential to transform everyday views into extraordinary moments by giving developers the power to tell stories with the world as their canvas. Using these two features together, developers no longer have to choose between creating something in the sky or on a surface. The entire field of view is now available for them to overlay their creations and unleash their creativity. 

8th Wall Sky Effects gives developers tools to augment the sky and create new worlds with WebAR. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a few tips for creating engaging and seamless WebAR experiences.