Newsletter Archive
Labvanced releases quarterly newsletters covering new features, platform improvements, library additions, and published research highlights.
Table of Contents
Q2 2026
The Q2 2026 newsletter covers AI-powered study content translation directly from the Texts & Translate tab, a dedicated Timer Object with programmatic controls and event triggers, and the ability to replay audio and video recordings across tasks within a study. Platform improvements include an ensemble model upgrade for emotion detection adding valence and arousal outputs, a redesigned event wizard with one-step trigger selection, and automatic physiology recording activation when adding physiology-based triggers. Several data-quality fixes address eye-tracking calibration stalls, group balancing counts for returning participants, and collaborator invitation restrictions.
Q1 2026
The Q1 2026 newsletter covers the successful rollout of Labvanced's new license structure, including the application of loyalty discounts for existing customers, dedicated teaching and campus license options for institutional users, and the formalization of additional services such as study building, subject recruitment, and dedicated support. Multi-member licenses have been updated with primary domain assignment for clearer account organization.
On the features side, Emotion Detection is now available, using standard webcams to capture facial expressions and translate them into continuous emotional data streams in real time. All processing occurs client-side, with no facial data transmitted or stored externally, ensuring full GDPR compliance. HD Video Recording has also been introduced, supporting full 1080p resolution with configurable bitrate settings and both .mp4 and .webm output formats.
Platform improvements include enhanced controls for remote heart rate detection (rPPG) — with options to initialize on study start and wait for confidence thresholds before proceeding — improved video conferencing access with automated join/leave events, and better workflow tools including duplicatable object properties and labeled Action Groups. The library welcomes an IAT template and an Emotion Detection demo study.
Q4 2025 + Q1 2026
This combined newsletter covers a complete restructuring of Labvanced's licensing model, with rollout targeted for early 2026. The new structure introduces feature tiers and predefined recording limits in place of unlimited recordings, giving researchers more flexibility to match their license to their actual needs. A loyalty programme was introduced offering a 5% discount per year of continuous licensing, up to 30% after seven years. Existing quotes were confirmed as valid and honored through the transition.
New features include Pulse Detection for remote heart rate measurement via rPPG without additional hardware, and Block Import for study creation — allowing researchers to assemble studies from a library of pre-built components including consent forms, cognitive tasks, and questionnaires in a single setup step.
Improvements span generative AI handling for long-running and complex requests, the addition of Japanese as a documentation language, and a significant consolidation of study editor tabs — merging Description and Sharing into Settings, renaming Run to Launch & Participate, and renaming Translate to Texts & Translate. The library highlights include the Simon Task, Flanker Arrows, and a 2-player Stock Market Game.
Full Q4 2025 + Q1 2026 newsletter →
Earlier Releases
- 2025 — Video conferencing, OpenAI integrations, text transcription, Task Wizard CSV import, desktop and phone app launch
- 2024 — Gamepad input, Participants tab, SVG eye tracking AOIs, ChatGPT integration, Android mobile beta
- 2023 — Peer-reviewed eye tracking publication, REST API, canvas drawing, desktop app preview, ELISE funding
- 2022 — Eye tracking major upgrade, Action Groups, Shared Variables, new Public Experiment Library