XR Association

Today is the 55th Anniversary of Earth Day – an annual civic holiday and salute to our environment. This year's theme is "Our Power, Our Planet" – did you know XR technology can transform our approach to saving our forests? H.R. 471, the "Fix Our Forests Act," encourages the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to embrace augmented reality in forest management and wildfire prevention efforts. On this Earth Day, the "Fix Our Forests" bill, still awaiting a vote out of committee, emphasizes the incredible potential of XR technology to make a positive impact on our environment. Read the full bill here: https://lnkd.in/g7kgfZ-W

How far have immersive technologies come, and where will they take us in entertainment, gaming and media? At XRA's #SXSW2025 panel, Greg Jones, Director of XR Product Management at NVIDIA, answers what he's most excited for about the integration of AI and XR. For Greg, XR's fundamental question is, "Can I be tricked?" He shares how he's been "tricked" in the past in immersive environments, and what it means for future world-building. "The more of those moments I can have where I am actually immersed," Greg said. "Where I'm tricked and all the pieces of XR are working and I get to not be in the real environment, completely be fooled. I want more of those XR moments." Watch the full SXSW panel recap to hear from Greg and other experts in the industry at: https://lnkd.in/gPEnaUqD

As immersive technology rapidly evolves and reshapes sectors like healthcare, education, manufacturing and public safety, lawmakers must develop robust legislative guidelines that support this emerging tech. XRA emphasized this point in recent comments to the House Energy and Commerce Committee Privacy Working Group. As policymakers shape a comprehensive federal privacy and security framework, XRA recommends that Congress: – Develop a flexible, innovation-friendly framework – Support incremental advancements in privacy engineering – Ensure strong consumer protections without stifling innovation “To fully realize its transformational potential, XR requires flexible, innovation-friendly policies that allow incremental advancements in privacy engineering while ensuring strong consumer protections,” said XRA’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Joan O'Hara. Read the full comments at: https://lnkd.in/gd_Qg49h

#ICYMI: Elizabeth Hyman was recently in an episode of the VR/AR Association (VRARA) Bytes podcast, where she joined host John A. Cunningham to discuss the latest legislative efforts shaping the future of immersive technology in the U.S. During the conversation, Liz shared insights into the key policy initiatives the XRA has been working on and advocating for, including the United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2025. This bill seeks to establish a national strategy for immersive technology and set up an advisory panel to guide innovation and policy development. 🎧 Tune in to hear more about these exciting developments and the future of XR: https://lnkd.in/gkTeTbFR 

Did you know that XR is already having a positive impact in healthcare settings? Check out these key insights from our 2024 survey of nearly 500 healthcare professionals on the use of VR and AR in the medical field. The healthcare field is becoming increasingly challenging for its workers, with 3 out of 5 nurses reporting feeling overwhelmed. Immersive technologies could prove invaluable in alleviating some of these challenges, providing beneficial advantages and support in multiple areas of the field, including professional clinical training, medical education, mental health treatment, and improved surgical outcomes. For even more results of this survey, check out our full infographic: https://lnkd.in/g88uVhdd

The bipartisan "U.S. Leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2025" was introduced last week and is a major milestone in promoting and advancing XR innovation across the U.S. This legislation is crucial for establishing a strategic framework to encourage growth, investment and collaboration in XR technologies. XRA is thrilled to see our member organizations like Google, MediView XR, Inc., Sony, Meta, Qualcomm and more expressing their support for this important legislation. XRA and its membership continue to advocate and educate policymakers on the impacts of XR: https://lnkd.in/gm-MNgZS

ESA joined other associations in a letter to USTR Greer today. "We stand behind the President’s interest in open and fair markets for U.S. exports. However, U.S. tariffs on imports of critical technology inputs and products would harm the very U.S. businesses the President seeks to boost and risk undercutting long-term U.S. technology leadership." Read the full letter:

Watch the VR/AR Bytes podcast, this session features the CEO of XR Association Elizabeth Hyman who talks to John A. Cunningham about some of the latest legislation that her team has been working that has been introduced to Congress and how the VR/AR Association (VRARA) and the XR Association can work together. U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Marsha Blackburn (TN) recently introduced the United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act, legislation that would establish an advisory panel tasked with creating a national immersive technology strategy. Many other countries around the world have their own legislation to support development of emerging technologies such as XR and to help drive adoption. It's time the US has it's own. U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Marsha Blackburn (TN) introduced the United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act, legislation that would establish an advisory panel tasked with creating a national immersive technology strategy. Nathan Pettyjohn Nathan Klose Adam T. Kornuth Chris Hample Greg Ladd Dan McConnell Tim Martin Josh Bankston Doug Hohulin Vahé Karamian Skip Kimpel Greg Melling Cindy Mallory Omari Hitson Arvin Tehrani Dan Flanegan Hugh Hayden Cory Heizenrader Roberto Haza, MBA Gordon Bell Meg Amsden Gerard Feliciano Damon Shackelford Gene Feldman M.A.Ed. Emma Valdés #vrara #xra #vr #xr Click on image below to watch video! https://lnkd.in/eu8Npfzk

I had the honor of interviewing Elizabeth Hyman, CEO of the XR Association about the new legislation introduced to congress and why that should be important to those of us in the XR industry. Also, Liz will be speaking at the upcoming VRARA Central Florida Immersive Technology Summit and VRARA National Roadshow on April 10th. Click here to attend the LINKENIN LIVESTREAM at 9am on the 10th of April https://lnkd.in/ePupGRzv

JUST IN 🚨 : Today, the "United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act" was reintroduced by Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and August Pfluger (R-TX), along with Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Mark Warner (D-VA). “The Trump administration has made it clear that American technology leadership is a top priority, and the XR industry is poised for immense growth. This bill is an important step towards achieving that goal," said Elizabeth Hyman, CEO of the XR Association. It is critical now, more than ever, that policymakers advance legislation that maintains the United States’ competitive advantage in this emerging industry. XRA strongly encourages Congress to swiftly pass the United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act. Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/gm-MNgZS