This week, there’s been a whirlwind of updates from some of the biggest names in tech, including Apple, Meta, Google, and Valve. With so much happening, we’ve gathered the most noteworthy news, including a giveaway later on for a mixed reality game. Be sure to stick around for the details! If you have some extra time, you might want to check out my latest piece on the XR ecosystem in China, as well as details about my impending trip to Shanghai.
Highlights of the Week
Potential for XR Headsets to Dodge U.S. Tariffs
The U.S. tariff drama continues to unfold, and it’s keeping the XR industry on its toes. The current uncertainty means companies are holding off on decisions until the dust settles. However, Pimax and BigScreen have already made moves to buffer against these tariffs. BigScreen plans to fully absorb the costs, while Pimax will implement a minor surcharge for American buyers. They’re striving to keep costs manageable, especially since the XR market is so price-sensitive. Encouragingly, most electronic devices were recently exempted from tariffs. According to Upload VR’s insights, this includes XR headsets, which is fantastic news for consumers. Yet, let’s not get ahead of ourselves—as we still need confirmation and to watch for any new tariffs on electronic chips.
Further Insights
- Pimax absorbing tariff impacts
- BigScreen and tariffs
- Electronic device tariff exemptions
- Potential lifting of XR headset tariffs
Other Notable News
Apple Vision Pro 2 Rumors and AR Glasses Ambitions
Since the release of Apple’s Vision Pro, speculation has shifted to the Vision Pro 2. New buzz suggests the Vision Pro 2 might already be in production, with components being mass-produced by certain companies. Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple is crafting not one, but two headsets: an updated Vision Pro with a possible M5 chip, and a second tethered model for Mac integration. Yet, what’s truly intriguing is the race between Tim Cook and Meta to unveil AR glasses, which although years away, seem to be a priority for Apple’s CEO.
Valve’s Secretive Moves Toward Deckard
Reliable sources indicate that Valve is importing equipment to manufacture VR headset components stateside. This suggests that Valve’s new headset, Deckard, is moving toward production, fueling excitement that its launch (or announcement) is imminent. The anticipation is palpable.
More Key Developments
Google & Samsung’s 2026 XR Glasses Target
The collaboration between Google and Samsung is heating up, with plans to release XR glasses by 2026. After scrapping earlier designs, the new project aims to integrate advanced features like displays and AI capabilities, positioning them competitively against upcoming releases from Meta.
AltspaceVR Gets a New Lease on Life
In a surprise twist, AltspaceVR is being revived by Danny McLellan. He’s rebuilding the beloved social VR platform with enthusiasm and an open-source toolkit. While it’s still early days, many are excited to see how this reboot pans out and what it means for content creators and the community.
Quick Mentions
- Meta’s VR In-flight Entertainment Expansion: Following a successful trial on Lufthansa, Meta is expanding its VR entertainment to more airlines, making in-flight journeys more engaging.
- Varjo’s Focus on Enterprise: It seems Varjo is not returning to the consumer market anytime soon, with their current success in B2B.
- Pico’s New Waist Tracker: ByteDance’s Pico introduces a waist tracker for improved body tracking, available for €50/£40.
- Innovations in XR Typing: Researchers have developed the XR TEXT Trove, showcasing over 170 XR text entry techniques.
- Horizon Worlds Drama: Meta has made Horizon Worlds uninstallable, forcing users to keep it around even amid criticism.
- New Motion Sickness Solution: A novel 100 Hz sound frequency could reduce motion sickness after being tested with both mice and human volunteers.
- Spring Sale on Meta Quest 3S: With discounts running until April 26th, the 128GB model is priced at $270, raising questions about sales performance.
Content Updates & Reviews
Several exciting content releases and updates are worth noting, including the arrival of ‘Besiege’ on Quest and new expansions for ‘Dimensional Double Shift’ and ‘FastHands’. Other titles like ‘GORN 2’ and ‘Silent North’ are making waves with upcoming releases and current early access.
Closing Thoughts
As the tech landscape keeps evolving, these developments in XR and gaming are just a glimpse of what’s on the horizon. Stay updated by signing up for my newsletter—and consider supporting those affected by conflicts worldwide through donations to organizations like the Red Cross. Your contributions can make a real difference.
