In the expansive world of augmented reality (AR), Lauren Schroeder emerges as a freelance creative technologist who uniquely combines digital creativity with immersive experience development. Her journey with 8th Wall began at the end of 2023, inspired by a demo at the SXSW popup that year. Lauren’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of digital creative technologies, from web-based experiences that are easily shareable online to using Unreal Engine for VR games and Touchdesigner for interactive physical installations.

Lauren’s approach is distinguished by her passion for exploring and expanding the realms of immersive experiences, constantly pushing the boundaries of what digital tools can achieve in AR and VR. She champions inclusivity and diverse perspectives in technology by building strong networks and collaborative relationships. One of her recent projects, themed around the winter solstice, showcases her skill in blending creative storytelling with sophisticated AR technology, engaging users in a global celebration of light and tradition.

We sat down with Lauren for a brief Q&A to learn more about her inspirations and expertise, the experiences she creates using 8th Wall, and her significant contributions to the AR community.  

Introducing Libardo Martinez Durango, a dynamic force in the realm of augmented reality (AR) development and in the 8th Wall Community. With a rich background spanning various AR platforms, Libardo embarked on his AR journey with a clear vision to elevate the immersive experience landscape. He was interested in building on 8th Wall because the platform suited his ambitious technical needs and had an exciting community of developers and creatives to collaborate with.

From his early days, Libardo has been distinguished by his ability to blend technical prowess with artistic vision, creating AR projects that are not just technologically advanced but also deeply engaging and meaningful. His work is a testament to his dedication to innovation, representing his homeland of Colombia and the Latino community at large in the global tech arena.

We sat down with Libardo for a Q&A to delve deeper into his AR journey and explore how he's using 8th Wall to craft captivating experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.

In our recent 8talks session, "Using WebAR for Historical Preservation," we had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the convergence of technology and history. Nicole Riemer and her team at ROSE Digital shared their groundbreaking work on three WebAR experiences developed for Black History Month. These experiences not only celebrated pivotal moments and figures in Black history but also set a benchmark for how we can use WebAR to make history accessible to all. 

We're excited to announce our first challenge for 2024,  the 8th Wall Time Capsule Challenge. This first challenge is an opportunity for developers to flex their creative muscles and push the boundaries of WebAR experiences. The Time Capsule Challenge will run from February 6th to March 25th and is an opportunity to not only show off your technological skills but lead audiences through a voyage through time by blending history, culture, and WebAR together for a powerful immersive experience.

Introducing Daniel Vettorazi, a technological innovator and pioneer in Augmented Reality. Beginning his career as an art director with coding skills, Daniel quickly developed a passion for emerging technologies, particularly AR, leading workshops across Brazil since 2010. His journey evolved from developing AR applications using C++, Flash, and early JavaScript to mastering Computer Vision and Machine Learning. 

We hosted a Q&A with Daniel to learn more about his journey in the AR space and how he’s using 8th Wall to build engaging experiences. 

We are thrilled to shine the spotlight on yet another exceptional 8th Wall developer community member: Mal Duffin.   Mal is a veteran in the field of game development who skillfully melds his extensive experience to forge engaging WebAR experiences. He recently participated in the 8th Wall x Hope for Haiti challenge where he created an immersive experience showcasing the history of Haiti and the work Hope for Haiti does. 

The holiday season is the ideal playground for WebAR, where the magic of the festivities meets the immersive world of augmented reality. In this time of joy and wonder, we're thrilled to introduce our final challenge of the year: The 8th Wall Holiday Developer Challenge, kicking off on December 4th. We're inviting developers to explore this festive canvas, crafting holiday-themed WebAR experiences that enchant and engage. This challenge is your opportunity to push the limits of WebAR, explore new creative avenues, and showcase your unique skills during this special season.

Let's turn our attention to another outstanding member of our incredibly talented and wonderfully diverse 8th Wall developer community. Meet Bryan Fenchel, a seasoned developer combining his background in music and tech to create immersive experiences like Dance Party, an audio-reactive concert experience.