As March comes to a close on this lovely day, I’m taking the chance to dive into some of the most fascinating updates from the AR and VR world this week. Plus, I can’t ignore the buzz around the “Studio Ghibli” AI.
This Week’s Highlights
Samsung on the Verge of XR Innovation
Word on the street is that Samsung might introduce their XR glasses before the year wraps up. If the scoop from Korean outlet ETNews pans out, we’re in for something intriguing. Although details are sparse—are they AR or just smartglasses?—it’s clear they’re designed for comfort and equipped with nifty cameras and sensors. Known internally as "Haen," these glasses could herald a smart comeback for Samsung in 2025, especially if they pair this with their much-anticipated Project Moohan MR headset.
Vivo Joins the XR Fray
In another splash of tech excitement, smartphone titan Vivo is stepping into the mixed reality arena. They’ve teased the design of their upcoming headset, appropriately dubbed the Vivo Vision, hinting at some major XR action by mid-2025. It’s quite a nod to Apple’s Vision Pro, in name and design!
Meta’s Curvy Path
Chris Pruett’s insights at GDC continue to stir discussions, primarily about how the Meta Quest is evolving. With a surge of users more interested in media consumption than hardcore gaming, Meta might just pivot more to entertain this growing audience demographic—largely comprising 30-something males who seek top-notch movie and TV experiences on their headsets. Such shifts portend potential rivalries with Apple’s Vision Pro, suggesting that Meta Quest’s future iterations could embrace these media-centric preferences.
Quick News Bites
-
Apple’s WWDC Announcement: Mark your calendars for June 9. Rumors are swirling about visionOS 3 unveiling some intriguing updates.
-
Pimax Crystal Super on Its Way: Starting April 7, Pimax’s new high-resolution headset hits the market—a win for enthusiasts of wide field-of-view experiences.
-
PlayStation’s Spring Extravaganza: Until April 23, Sony’s Spring Sale boasts over 60 exciting PlayStation VR2 titles.
- Honors in WebXR: The Polys have spotlighted top talents in WebXR this year, highlighting an evolving tech realm brimming with potential.
Valves’s Vacant VR Efforts
David Heaney penned a thought-provoking critique on Valve’s seeming XR negligence post-Alxyx. With their substantial influence and resources, it’s puzzling why Valve isn’t driving more VR content, particularly given their robust position in the gaming industry.
Innovative Camera Experiments
Creators are pushing Quest’s new camera access to new heights, experimenting with real-world visual elements seamlessly merging with VR environments. Each demonstration is fascinating, bringing innovative twists to VR interactions.
Content Highlights
Exciting game announcements are aplenty. From ILM and Lucasfilm’s fresh Star Wars narrative promising mixed reality podracing adventures, to the new chapters in well-loved franchises like Hitman and System Shock 2—each teaser presses our eager gaming buttons. However, disappointment lingered with Meta scrapping funding for some VR projects, reflecting a potential shift or strategic reevaluation.
Upcoming Releases and Updates
Expectations are building with HARD BULLET heading to Quest 3, and other big name titles adapting for VR platforms from Quest to PlayStation VR2. No Man’s Sky is ready to plunge into alien archaeology, while F1 fans anticipate further immersive race thrills.
Thought-Provoking Articles
Infinite Reality’s acquisition of Napster aims to innovate virtual music experiences, while Pico 4 Ultra’s updates promise heightened digital interactivity. The shifting XR landscape continues to challenge developers and engage users in new, exciting ways.
Sign Off Support
A special plea for support: instead of contributions to my blog, consider aiding those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crises through donations to the Red Cross. This act of kindness is deeply appreciated during these tumultuous times.
To my Patreon backers and readers—thank you for standing by. Your encouragement powers my passion for gaming and XR innovation.
[Donate to the Red Cross]
(Header image courtesy of Vivo)
Disclaimer: This blog sustains itself through ads and affiliate links, which means I earn a tiny commission if you purchase through a click. Thanks for helping out!
Let’s keep the conversation alive and shared among fellow innovators.
