This week has been a whirlwind at work, but luckily in the most thrilling way possible. Just when I thought my schedule was jam-packed, Meta decided to roll out camera access for Quest, which I simply had to dive into! Now, let’s unpack the most compelling XR news of the week—there’s a lot to cover! Stick around until the end for an exciting giveaway!
Top Stories of the Week
Niantic Offloads Gaming Division to Scopely
Big news came as Niantic announced the sale of its entire gaming arm, including Pokémon Go, to Scopely for a whopping $3.85 billion. This means Pokémon Go changes hands to an entity under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. With this move, Niantic is doubling down on its geospatial technology ventures through a new spin-off, Niantic Spatial, which starts with $250 million backing.
This is a bold gamble. While $3.85 billion is no small amount, parting with such a cash cow as Pokémon Go for unproven tech is inherently risky. Niantic is betting on AR becoming profitable in the near future. I applaud John Hanke’s daring shift toward XR, even though it feels like they’re jumping without a parachute. Though if AR adoption doesn’t pick up quickly, Niantic might find itself in precarious waters. Kudos to Hanke for making such a bold move. Respect.
(Links for more information: Road To VR, Upload VR)
Meta Introduces Passthrough APIs for Quest 3/3S
In a significant update, Meta has launched Passthrough APIs, granting developers access to camera frames for creating MR applications that interact with a user’s environment. This rollout includes tools in both the SDK and runtime of Quest and Quest 3S, along with samples for getting started. I’ve penned a detailed blog post myself on how to begin tinkering with passthrough camera access.
Following Google’s lead with Android XR, applications will request user permission to access cameras via established functionalities, facilitating cross-platform app development. Although this is an Experimental feature presently barred from the Horizon Store, Meta has a habit of lifting such restrictions over time.
(Various links discussing camera access and developers already exploring this feature)
Exciting Updates from VR Games Showcase March 2025
As always, the VR Games Showcase, led by Jamie Feltham, brought a slew of intriguing updates in VR gaming. While there weren’t earth-shattering revelations, several pleasant announcements were made. Let me highlight a few standout ones:
- “Stay: Forever Home” is set to launch on Quest in April, featuring adventures with a virtual dog companion.
- A fresh trailer for Hitman: World of Assassination for PSVR 2 looks promising, building anticipation for its release on March 27.
- The eerie survival horror “Memoreum” targets a Quest release in September, boasting an engaging trailer.
- “Slender: The Arrival VR” expands its scares to PS VR2, PC VR, and Quest this spring.
Check out all the exciting updates from the showcase!
(Links to various game announcements)
Ultraleap Faces Sale and Layoffs
In disappointing news, Ultraleap is being sold in parts. Renowned for its pioneering work in haptics and hand tracking, the company is parting ways with its hand-tracking division to musical instrument firm Roli and laying off staff. The sale of Ultraleap’s intellectual property concerning its haptics tech to SIM IP will conclude in March.
Despite their silence, this generally confirms the report. It’s upsetting to see such innovative talent dissipated; perhaps a strategic corporate acquisition earlier might have guaranteed a more stable outcome for them.
Samsung’s Upcoming Headset to Feature Motion Controllers
Samsung is reportedly developing proprietary motion controllers for its Project Moohan headset, according to SamMobile. This move suggests Samsung isn’t fully embracing hand tracking, unlike Apple, and the controllers may or may not be included in the headset box.
This development is favorable as it eases the adaptation of existing content from platforms like Meta Quest, potentially accelerating the growth of Samsung’s XR content library.
Challenges with Meta’s Horizon Worlds
A report from New World Notes highlights some glaring issues with Meta’s Horizon Worlds. Ironically, the very developers tasked with creating this virtual world seem unenthusiastic about it. Allegedly, some employees even taped their headsets to fake usage instead of genuinely engaging with the platform.
Horizon Worlds comes across as a disjointed project with a team lacking passion, as evidenced by the leader needing assistance to use the headset even months into their role. It’s perplexing why Meta continues to bet on it over bolstering the overall Quest ecosystem.
(Links for more detailed information)
News Worth Mentioning
Google Eyes AdHawk Acquisition
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Google’s intent to purchase AdHawk Microsystems for $115 million, a company specializing in non-optical eye-tracking technology. While less precise than conventional systems, AdHawk’s tech is less intrusive and more power-efficient—demonstrating Google’s serious interest in the XR space.
Valve’s Wireless Dongle Developments
Datamining uncovered Valve’s new “SteamVR Link Dongle,” promising a dedicated Wi-Fi connection to enhance wireless PC VR reliability, believed to be developed for the upcoming Deckard headset. Valve is also looking to expand SteamVR’s reach to more devices, which could diversify the availability of VR content.
Meta Unveils Gesture Recognition Capabilities
Apart from camera features, Meta now allows its SDK to detect microgestures. These small finger movements enable effortless interactions with MR applications, opening new possibilities for intuitive control schemes.
Announcements and Happenings
SXSW 2025 is showcasing groundbreaking immersive storytelling, and you won’t want to miss what’s on offer at this year’s event. Meanwhile, VR sales on Steam and Quest are slashing prices, with Half-Life: Alyx now at an attractive 70% off.
Partner and Community News
Mythic Realms Giveaway!
Excited about Mythic Realms? Today’s your chance to grab the game for free with these keys! Miss out? Consider buying to support the developers through the Horizon Store!
Remember to consider donating to humanitarian causes like the Red Cross effort in Ukraine—every bit helps. Finally, thanks to all my Patreon supporters who keep the content flowing!
(Link to donate to Red Cross in Ukraine)
(Header image by Niantic)
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