Title: VR's Fresh Sensation: KoBold AI's Infinite Reality Unleashes New Potential
The 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in a Nutshell
CES 2025, the world's largest tech event, took place in Las Vegas, and AI was the star of the show. However, its presence was more like a supporting actor rather than the main event. AI was integrated into various products like smart gadgets, personalized assistants, and predictive algorithms, but they didn't leave a lasting impact. Instead, marketing hype outpaced practical deployment, making CES 2025 a mixed bag for tech enthusiasts.
If you're seeking a dose of CES enthusiasm, check out CNet's Fascinating CES Gadgets, The Verge's final day wrap-up, ZDNet's top smart glasses, or Tom's Guide's gadget highlights. They all found plenty to appreciate, while I saw nothing but repetition.
Major Fundings and Acquisitions
There were several notable funding rounds and acquisitions in the AI and immersive technology sectors during 2025.
Infinite Reality Raises a Whopping $3B
Infinite Reality (iR), a company actively exploring AI and immersive technologies, secured a jaw-dropping $350 million equity investment from a private multi-family office focused on global technology, media, and real estate. This investment, closing at a valuation of $5.1 billion, follows iR's acquisitions of Landvault and The Drone Racing League for $450 million and $250 million, respectively.
KoBold Metals' AI-Powered Mineral Exploration Snags $527M
KoBold Metals, a Berkeley, CA-based startup, raised an impressive $527 million in their Series C funding round. This Series C was co-led by T. Rowe Price and Durable Capital Partners, with additional backing from Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz. The funding will accelerate KoBold's development of AI-based mineral exploration technologies, primarily focusing on critical metals such as copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt, all crucial components of renewable energy tech and batteries.
Roto VR: The Virtual Reality Chair to End Motion Sickness
Roto VR, a Meta-partnered venture, unveiled their motorized VR chair, priced at a reasonable $799. The chair integrates motorized motion with haptic feedback, aiming to alleviate common VR challenges like motion sickness. Engadget's Jessica Conditt was pleasantly surprised when using the Roto VR chair did not result in nausea.
AI in the Spotlight
This section brings together a weekly column that also serves as the basis for the AI/XR podcast. The podcast is hosted by Charlie Fink, Ted Schilowitz, and Rony Abovitz, with guests like Dean Takahashi, lead writer for VentureBeat and GamesBeat. The podcast can be found on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.
In summary, CES 2025 demonstrated substantial investments and advancements in AI tech across various sectors, especially immersive technologies and consumer electronics. However, marketing hype often surpassed practical deployment, making the event a mixed bag. Notable fundraisers and acquisitions in the AI and immersive technology landscape included Infinite Reality, KoBold Metals, and Roto VR. Stay bamboozled!
At CES 2025, Nvidia showcased its latest virtual reality (VR) capabilities, incorporating AI to enhance user experiences. ( vr, nvidia, ces )
Furthermore, Infinite Reality, a company leveraging AI and immersive technologies, secured an impressive $3B funding, setting a new standard in the industry. ( ai, infinite reality, funding )
