Weekly XR Update (2024.11.12): Surge in Smartglasses Popularity, Meta Reduces Game Funding, and More!

The Chinese Singles’ Day has just passed (and here’s a cheerful nod to any single readers celebrating!), while the weather on my side of the world is getting brisk. Settling in with a warm drink, I’m excited to dive into the most compelling XR news of the week for you!

Top News of the Week

The Smartglasses Frenzy is On

The excitement surrounding smartglasses seems unstoppable. Following the triumph of Ray-Ban Meta, it looks like every tech giant is jumping on the bandwagon. Apple’s internal endeavor into smartglasses is taking shape, with ambitions to rival Ray-Ban Meta by 2027, as reported by Mark Gurman. Although details are scarce, it’s speculated these glasses will be AI-powered, capable of sensing their environment. Apple’s entry into this space could stir things up significantly—while Meta partnered with fashion powerhouse Luxottica, Apple’s brand alone could draw a sizeable crowd to this new tech.

Meanwhile, Samsung, Google, and Baidu are also rumored to be working on their smartglasses, with Baidu possibly unveiling theirs at the upcoming Baidu World event in Shanghai. Their version is expected to feature built-in cameras and voice interaction via Baidu’s Ernie foundation model. Furthermore, Meta is expanding its Ray-Ban Meta line, setting up pop-up stores to elevate the brand’s fashion status through "experiential retail." These include engagements like comedy shows, workshops, and more, transforming the shopping experience into a cultural event. Are we witnessing a new era where smartglasses become a staple, or is this merely a fleeting trend? Only time will reveal.

Other Exciting Developments

Meta’s Shift Away from Gaming Content

According to a scoop by The Information, Meta is changing its focus from gaming to lifestyle XR content. This pivot resulted in budget cuts, leading to layoffs at some partner studios like Monks in the Netherlands and Altas V in France. This shift in Meta’s strategy, though unfortunate for the impacted developers, aligns with its broader goal to capture the everyday utility market rather than solely the gaming sector. Meta aims to dominate future technological platforms akin to a smartphone rather than just a gaming console.

For more information on these updates, links and resources are available throughout this piece.

News Highlights

DIY AR Glasses by Miroslav Kotalík

Ingenious innovator Miroslav Kotalík has constructed his own pair of AR glasses, named Zero, using a Raspberry Pi Zero. His creation can handle video playback, image display, music, and text. For the next iteration, he plans to incorporate a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, potentially adding YouTube and Spotify functionality. For those intrigued by this venture, you can follow his updates on his social media.

Apple’s Vision Pro Gets an Ultra-Wide Virtual Display

The VisionOS 2.2 beta introduces an ultra-wide virtual screen on Apple’s Vision Pro, emulating the workspace of two 4K monitors. This development is particularly appealing for designers, providing the expansive display experience without the need for actual monitors. The community is eager to see how productivity can benefit from this tech, notwithstanding the current lack of compatible window management tools on the Mac.

Exciting News from Quest and VR

LIV has launched its Creator Kit for Quest, introducing a Unity SDK for recording VR footage without needing a PC. This empowers developers to add recording features to apps with ease. Additionally, EgoTouch has unveiled an interface allowing your palm to act as a touchscreen, further enhancing VR’s haptic realism.

Scent “Teleportation” and Other Surprises

Osmo claims to have achieved "scent teleportation," digitizing and transmitting scents between locations. Though the process is currently limited and costly, the potential for VR applications is immense.

As you browse through the PlayStation Store, take advantage of the ongoing sale, offering discounts on many PSVR 2 games. And don’t miss the buzz around Metro Awakening, praised for its atmospheric environments and accessibility updates.

DJ Experience Now on Meta Quest

Djay by Algoriddim, renowned for mobile and Vision Pro, makes its way to Meta Quest, allowing users to DJ with a virtual twist. With extensive track support and streaming compatibility, it offers a fresh musical dimension for VR enthusiasts.

Quick Content Bites

• Alien: Rogue Incursion’s Quest release delayed to next year.
• Human Within, an interactive VR film exploring AI’s impacts, launches in January.
• New games like Heroes Battle: Darksword, and experiences like Vivarium and Wall Town Wonders, are enriching the VR landscape.

For further details and to explore these stories, links are provided alongside each segment.

Reviews and Impressions

• Human Fall Flat VR is adored for its engaging physics and multiplayer fun.
• Dumb Ways: Free for All captivates with humor, despite repetitive minigames.
• Living Room charms with adorable virtual pets but needs more activities.
• Underworld Overseer delivers a Dungeon Keeper-inspired VR experience, longing for a richer narrative.

Additional Tidbits

Photon has released a new sample focusing on multiplayer collaboration in mixed reality. Meanwhile, a petition advocating open source for WMR is gathering traction, albeit slowly. Julie Smithson takes the helm as CEO of METAVRSE, highlighting the ongoing dynamism in the XR industry.

Community and Events

Join me at MatchXR on November 19th in Helsinki for a gathering of the Nordic XR community. Or explore new VR horizons at the VR Jam with DeoVR in Slovenia, featuring an exciting lineup of activities and discussions.

A Lighthearted Break with XR Fun

Explore the lighter side of XR with amusing insights and funny links sprinkled throughout this section, offering a chuckle as you explore the world of virtual reality.

Support Beyond Tech

This week, I encourage you to support the Red Cross and its efforts addressing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Thank you to all the patrons and supporters who continue to back this endeavor.

For links, further reading, and to share these stories, stay connected and keep exploring the vibrant world of XR!