• The Meta Quest 3S

• Meta's New AR Glasses

• TikTok Music: The App That Wasn't

• Innovation Spotlight: Compass AI Wearable

• Track Management with Aaron Traylor

• Wedding Dance Crate

Meta Quest 3S - The ‘Affordable’ VR Headset You Didn’t Know You Needed

Meta just dropped the Meta Quest 3S, and they’re calling it their most affordable mixed-reality headset yet. If you’ve been itching to dive into VR but didn’t feel like dropping serious cash, Meta’s new Quest 3S is here to save the day (or at least your wallet).

Key Features of the Quest 3S:

- Affordable-ish Price: Starting at a modest $299, the Quest 3S is Meta’s entry-level mixed-reality device. It’s the "budget-friendly" option for those who want to dip their toes into the VR pool without drowning in debt. Compared to the pricier Quest 3, this one’s like the lite version—but don’t expect any top-tier specs here.

- Mixed Reality for the Masses: You still get the blended virtual and physical world experience, just without all the fancy bells and whistles of higher-end models. It’s more about casual VR vibes than full-on immersion.

- Compact Design: Smaller, lighter, and easier on your head. You won’t need to worry about neck strain while you’re pretending to DJ in your virtual club.

- Performance: Sure, it’s not as powerful as the Quest 3, but if you’re looking for a basic VR experience, the Quest 3S still holds its own. Perfect for simple VR games and apps, but maybe don’t expect mind-blowing graphics or seamless live DJ sets.

Why DJs Should Care:

The Quest 3S might not have the muscle for complex virtual gigs or ultra-high-resolution visuals, but it’s a solid choice for DJs looking to explore VR without going all-in on the Quest 3. Think of it as a great starter pack for mixed-reality experiments—whether you're brainstorming virtual DJ sets or just curious about where this tech might take your craft.

In last weeks poll about iPhones, we found that 74% of us pay for 2-4 streaming services, with Tidal being the most common.

Meta’s Orion AR Glasses - The Future’s On Your Face

Move over, VR headsets. Meta just unveiled Orion, their first true augmented reality (AR) glasses, and they’re ready to bring the digital world right to your eyeballs. Forget about checking your phone or laptop—soon, you’ll be browsing, chatting, and maybe even DJing through your glasses. Yeah, welcome to the future.

Key Features of Orion AR Glasses:

• Augmented Reality (Finally, for Real): These aren’t your average smart glasses. Orion’s AR tech lets you interact with digital objects and data in your physical space. Imagine seeing your next track list pop up in front of your face during a live set or virtual lighting cues appearing in your field of vision without looking down at your gear.

• Sleek and Wearable: Unlike chunky VR headsets, these glasses are designed to be something you’d actually wear out in public (without looking like you’re auditioning for The Matrix). Light, stylish, and powered by Meta’s latest AR tech, Orion could be a game-changer for DJs who need hands-free access to info while performing.

• Smart Connectivity: Orion connects with your other devices to keep you in the loop with notifications, messages, and updates. Need to switch up your playlist mid-set? No problem—just a quick glance, and you’re in control.

• AI Integration: AI comes built into Orion, helping you interact seamlessly with the augmented world. Imagine adjusting your DJ settings or managing your set lists through simple voice commands or gestures—talk about hands-free control!

Why DJs Should Care:

These glasses might seem futuristic, but they could seriously change the way you interact with your gear, your audience, and even your music. From virtual overlays that help you manage your setup in real-time to on-the-fly adjustments with simple gestures, Orion AR Glasses could add a whole new level of innovation to live performances. Plus, let’s be honest—DJing with futuristic glasses is just cool.

TikTok Music Says ‘Honestly, Nevermind’

In a plot twist no one saw coming, TikTok has announced that it’s shutting down its separate TikTok Music app—because, apparently, the world didn’t need another music streaming service after all. Launched as a standalone experiment, TikTok Music was meant to compete with Spotify and Apple Music, but it seems like TikTok decided that one platform is enough to dominate the world.

What’s the Deal?

• Separate Music App? Not Anymore: TikTok Music launched with the promise of providing a fresh, music-focused experience, but it turns out people are more than happy to discover new tracks directly on TikTok’s main app (where the real action happens). So now, TikTok is pulling the plug on its separate service and shifting its focus back to what it does best—viral music moments.

• What Happens Now?: Don’t worry, you’ll still get your music fix through TikTok. They’re just refocusing efforts on the original platform, where those trending songs and dance challenges are already taking over the charts. If you were using TikTok Music as your go-to streaming app, it’s time to head back to good old TikTok.

• What About Artists?: For musicians and DJs, the message is clear: if you want your track to go viral, the main TikTok app is still where it’s at. No need to bother with a separate music service—TikTok is where music trends are born, and that’s not changing anytime soon.

Why DJs Should Care:

This move shows that TikTok is doubling down on its role as a viral music machine. If you’re a DJ or producer, keeping an eye on TikTok’s trends is more important than ever. Forget the standalone app—TikTok’s core platform is still where hits are made, so it’s time to double down on using TikTok to promote your music and find the next big track for your set.

Innovation Spotlight: Compass AI Wearable – The Future of Personal AI Assistance?

Move over smartwatches, there’s a new player in town: the Compass AI wearable. This sleek, AI-powered device promises to be your next-gen personal assistant, all from a little gadget on your wrist. Whether you’re managing your DJ schedule, controlling your gear, or just trying to keep track of life, Compass AI has you covered.

Why It’s Cool:

- AI-Powered Assistance: Real-time notifications, scheduling, and voice commands—all managed by AI, so you can focus on your next set, not your calendar.

- Hands-Free Control: Manage your music, gear, or playlists with just a simple tap or voice command. Perfect for DJs who need to multitask mid-performance.

- Sleek Design: It’s compact, stylish, and blends right into your daily look—no bulky gadgets here.

Keep an eye on this wearable—it might just make life (and your gigs) a little easier.

Unlock the future of DJ track management in 2024 with our latest video on Visual Metadata Encoding! In this exciting episode, we dive deep into how visual metadata can revolutionize the way DJs organize, discover, and mix their tracks. Learn about the innovative techniques that will streamline your workflow, enhance your creativity, and elevate your performances to new heights.

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