Two of the founders of the 3D company Replay Technologies Inc, which was acquired by Intel in 2016, are setting up a new augmented reality (AR) venture called XTend Reality Expansion Ltd. The company will focus on developing a drone-based app that promises to gamify real-life activities.

Having recently raised several million dollars from Tel Aviv University’s TAU Ventures and private investors, brothers Aviv and Matteo Shapira are now starting work on their new venture. Based in Tel Aviv, XTend will be using the brothers’ experience to develop the drone-based extended reality technology with the goal of combing virtual elements into real-life environments offering a unique mixed reality (MR) experience.

By combining elements of cinematography, computer graphics, and computer vision, the technology developed will enable users to gamify real-life activities, simulate the experience of pilots or race car drivers, or see themselves from above like a videogame character while moving around in physical space.

XTend was also picked as one of seven startups chosen for the first cohort of The Xcelerator, an early stage accelerator program run jointly by Tel Aviv University and the Israel Security Agency, also known as Shin Bet. This, along with the companies recent round of successful founding, will allow them to focus on building the best possible application for users to experience the thrill of flying all thanks to AR technology and the latest drone hardware.

Since the acquisition of Replay Technologies, Intel has used its now-subsidiary to set up Intel Studios, which is dedicated to the production of virtual reality (VR) and AR content. The technology is being used by Intel to capture and deliver high-definition 3D content from sporting events. Some of Intel’s other recent ventures including building an immersive VR experience with The Smithsonian American Art Museum and partnering with Epic Games and Nvidia on the 2018 Unreal E3 Awards.

Speaking to ctech, Aviv Shapria mentioned how “From childhood, every one of us dreams of flying,” and with the work that him and his team at XTend will now be carrying out, this dream will soon become a reality for many users globally. VRFocus will be sure to bring you all the latest on XTend in the future so stay tuned for more.