The XR Weekly Roundup (December 16, 2024): Android XR Launch, Samsung Headset Reveal, and More!

This has been an exciting week for me as I gear up for my debut attendance at CES this coming January! I’m in the midst of planning my trip and lining up meetings to explore the latest AR/VR glasses. If you’re planning to be there, drop me a line! Also, any tips on getting the most out of CES would be greatly appreciated. I’m champing at the bit to share all the insights and experiences with you. For now, though, let’s dive into the top XR news of the week and don’t miss out on a giveaway we have in store!

Top News of the Week

Google Unveils Android XR

This week brought a significant announcement from Google: the launch of Android XR. This is a big deal, set to power all kinds of XR devices, including mixed reality headsets and AR glasses. The first device that’s compatible is in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, known as Project Moohan. Partners like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are also in the loop, working on their devices. A highlight of this system is the integration of Gemini AI, which keeps up with your real and virtual interactions, ready to assist when necessary. Imagine holding up a restaurant’s business card and asking Gemini to give you a virtual tour of the place via Google Maps! However, there’s a possible downside with privacy concerns, though the nifty features might outweigh the risks. Other notable features include automatic 3D conversion of photos and videos, alongside versatile input options. While only a few content pieces have been announced, developers can already start tinkering with a preview development environment. As for Project Moohan, detailed specs remain hush-hush, but it looks to blend aspects of the Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro, with a planned release in 2025. Google’s entry signifies a strong endorsement of the XR sector, which is promising for everyone involved. Let’s just hope this venture doesn’t join Google’s list of discontinued projects!

For deeper insights, check out my detailed roundup on Android XR and Ben Lang’s editorial comparing Android XR to Horizon OS.

Other Relevant News

Quest’s Latest Update: What’s New?

Meta just launched the runtime v72 update for Quest, crammed with exciting features:

• The hand tracking now at v2.3 enhances responsiveness, especially in confined spaces typical of travel mode.
• Windows Mixed Reality Link is now live, allowing seamless connection between your headset and a Windows 11 PC.
• Experience a big virtual screen display with this PC link, improving productivity, although still not quite at Apple’s level.
• New passthrough features allow keyboards to be tracked and displayed.
• Introducing a new Media Gallery app to enjoy device media better.
• VR home environments can now be entered with assumed static boundaries, streamlining the setup process.

My personal favorite is the Windows 11 connectivity—it rivals the praised Mac-Vision Pro connection, and I can’t wait to see it in action.

For more info, check out the detailed updates on Meta Quest runtime v72 from Road To VR and Upload VR, or learn how to connect Quest with Windows 11.

News Worth a Mention

Omdia Predicts Rough 2025 for XR

Industry analysts at Omdia have shared a gloomy forecast for XR in 2025. After a 10% decline in headset sales in 2024, further decline is expected the following year before a predicted rebound in 2026. Despite this, I personally believe the sector is gradually strengthening again from 2023, evidenced by positive developments such as the success of Ray-Ban Meta and the launch of Android XR.

Explore more through the Financial Times post and industry discussions on LinkedIn.

Behind the Success of Gorilla Tag

XR investor JP Minetos offers a fascinating look into how Gorilla Tag became a massive sensation. Key elements like the game’s social mechanics, unique locomotion, and its viral nature all contributed to its meteoric rise. Dive into the details on Road To VR.

Attractive Deal Alert: Quest 3S

For potential buyers, the Quest 3S (256 GB) is being offered at a discounted $400 on Amazon US, with an added $30 Amazon credit—a sweet deal running until Christmas. Grab one while you can!

And the Best VR/AR Game Award Goes To…

At The Game Awards, Batman: Arkham Shadow by Camouflaj bagged the Best VR/AR Game Award, an unsurprising victory given its stellar performance and impact. Check out the video of the award presentation and Meta’s celebratory blog post.

Some News About Content

• Fallout London VR is on its way to delivering VR support for the expansive ‘Fallout: London’ DLC.
• Path of Fury: Episode I — Tetsuo’s Tower is an upcoming VR action game launching in early 2025, inspired by classic ’80s Kung Fu movies.
• Bridge Constructor comes to XR, priced at $10.
• The VR sequel Clone Drone in the Hyperdome is now available for purchase.
• Realize Music: Sing promises a unique blend of singing, wellness, and VR, launching January 2025.

And much more, with detailed information on each available through the links provided.

A Few Perspectives on Reviewed Content

• Metamorphosis VR—an intriguing concept marred by a lack of polish.
• Action Hero—delivers a fresh spin on SuperHot mechanics suitable for newcomers and veteran players alike.
• Home Sports—offers fun sports compilations but lacks depth.
• Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon—a comical take on the worn-out theme of zombie hordes.

Other News and Developments

Rob Cole shared a comprehensive review on the Pimax Crystal Light, complemented by a quick dive into recent advancements in smartglasses and AR glasses.

In other news, Apple just released the Ultrawide Virtual Display feature for Vision Pro in VisionOS 2.2, and Unity opened applications for its Humanity 2025 grant. Meanwhile, NeoGrip offers affordable DIY VR controllers, and Into The Scaniverse brings immersive, 3D-reconstructed global locations to WebXR users.

Partner and Friend Updates

Vitruvian Virtual Reality has launched a crowdfunding campaign, inviting you to join their innovative journey with as little as €250. Check out my review to see what makes them stand out.

Meanwhile, Iron Rebellion, a homage to classics like Titanfall, has been released, and we’ve got a couple of Steam keys up for grabs. Hurry, they’re first-come, first-served!

A Bit of XR Entertainment

Enjoy some light-hearted XR humor with these amusing takes on Quest 4 camera setups, a comic with chickens, and a quirky virtual reality twist on Fight Club.

Contribute to Those in Need

As we wrap up, I urge you to consider donating to the Red Cross to support those affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. While your support for my work via Patreon is invaluable, aiding humanitarian efforts is equally important. Thank you to all my patrons listed here for your generous backing.

Here’s the link for Red Cross donations in Ukraine.

(Header photo courtesy of Google)

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