Voices of VR #1629: Niantic Spatial is Building an AI-Powered Map with Snap for AR Glasses & AI Agents
Aug 2, 2025
Alicia Berry, Executive Producer at Niantic Spatial, and Asim Ahmed, Head of Product Marketing, delve into the cutting-edge world of AI-powered mapping for augmented reality. They discuss their strategic partnership with Snap to enhance AR glasses and the ethical implications of AI agents. The duo highlights innovative storytelling through AR, emphasizing centimeter-level navigation with their Visual Positioning System. They also consider user safety in spatial computing, envisioning a future where immersive experiences transform everyday interactions.
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Hands-On VPS Demo With Mixed Feelings
- Kent recounts trying the Peridot VPS demo with Snap Spectacles and experiencing repetitive LLM prompts that felt hollow.
- He found the VPS location-specific accuracy intriguing despite conversational shortcomings.
Focused On A Third-Generation Map
- Niantic Spatial split from its games business to focus on building a third-generation, AI-powered geospatial map.
- The company sees VPS and geospatial AI as foundational infrastructure for future AR, agents, and robotics.
Centimeter Accuracy And Snap Partnership
- The third-generation map aims for centimeter-level, foot-scale precision and machine-readable language and protocols.
- Snap partnership brings massive social map reach plus outdoor AR glasses to accelerate detailed 3D understanding.
