This week turned out to be quite thrilling for me because I’ve just announced my very first trip to CES in January! I’m in the thick of planning the travel details and scheduling some exciting sessions to try out AR/VR glasses. If you’re going to be there, reach out! I’d also love to hear any tips you might have to make the most of CES. I’m already looking forward to sharing all my experiences with you. In the meantime, let’s dive into some of the most exciting pieces of XR news from this week… and there’s even a giveaway waiting for you!
Top News of the Week
Image by Google
Google Announced Android XR
This week’s blockbuster update, and arguably one of the year’s top announcements, is Google’s official reveal of Android XR. This operating system is set to revolutionize XR devices across the board, from mixed reality headsets and AR glasses to sophisticated smart glasses. The pioneering device to run this OS is the unique mixed-reality headset co-developed by Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm, dubbed Project Moohan. However, companies like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are also on board, designing new devices compatible with Android XR.
Google offered a select preview of their OS to the press, demonstrating its capabilities on Project Moohan, along with both monocular and binocular smart glasses. Central to Android XR is Gemini AI, an assistant seamlessly integrated to monitor and assist in both the physical and digital realms. Want details on a restaurant’s business card? Simply ask, and Gemini will conjure its location on a 3D Google Map. Can someone in another language converse with you? Your smartglasses will translate on the fly.
Though smart and efficient, such features do raise privacy concerns. Android XR presents other fascinating tools, like auto-converting photos and videos to 3D, and offers multi-modal input methods – whether you’re using controllers, hand gestures, eye movement, or voice commands. While the initial content lineup includes G-suite apps and a few games like Demeo and Vacation Simulator, expect more to come. Developers have access to a preview of the environment for Unity, WebXR, and native development.
As for Project Moohan, details remain under wraps, though rumors hint at a blend between the Quest Pro and Apple’s Vision Pro, with an external battery and high-definition screens. The device, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2, is expected to hit the shelves by 2025, complete with controllers.
Google entering the XR space adds substantial validation and competition, which is a boon for the industry. Let’s hope this project doesn’t meet Google’s infamous product graveyard.
For further details, check out my comprehensive Android XR roundup with several reference links, or read Ben Lang’s editorial comparing Android XR and Horizon OS.
Other Notable News
Image by Meta
Latest Quest Update Upgrades Hand Tracking, Windows 11 Pairing, and More
Meta is introducing runtime v72 for Quest, bringing noteworthy updates:
- Hand tracking is now at v2.3, offering faster, more responsive tracking, especially in compact spaces like travel mode.
- Windows Mixed Reality Link debuts, allowing Quest 3 and 3S users to easily eye-link to their Windows 11 PCs, akin to Vision Pro’s connectivity with Macs, facilitating seamless big-screen virtual productivity.
- The system’s passthrough functionality can now visualize all kinds of keyboards for ease of use.
- A new Media Gallery app lets you manage your media effortlessly.
- A predefined static boundary minimizes setup hassles for VR home environments.
Some minor tweaks include adding Instagram direct messages functionality.
The Windows 11 integration is my favorite – many have lauded Mac connectivity with Vision Pro, and I’m enthusiastic about testing it on PC.
Find more info through the Meta Quest runtime v72 updates on Road to VR and Upload VR, or learn how to connect Quest with a Windows 11 PC.
News Worth Noting
Image by Apple
Omdia Predicts a Tough 2025 for XR
Omdia’s latest XR market report paints a bleak picture, with expected headset sales dropping by 10% to 6.9 million units in 2024, down from 7.7 million in 2023, and projects this decline to persist in 2025. A turnaround, however, is predicted for 2026. I somewhat concur with the 2025 forecast but have observed an industry uptrend since 2023, with successes like Ray-Ban’s meta glasses and Android XR debuting recently.
To delve deeper, check out the Financial Times post and LinkedIn post regarding Omdia’s report.
The Rise of Gorilla Tag
JP Minetos, an XR investor, sheds light on Gorilla Tag’s meteoric rise on Road to VR. The secret? A prefect blend of social mechanics, innovative movement, effortless gameplay, and meme-culture appeal.
Quest 3S Deal Alert
Grab the 256 GB Quest 3S on Amazon US and other regions for $400, with an extra $30 digital Amazon credit. The offer is valid until Christmas – don’t miss out!
Batman: Arkham Shadow Triumphs at the Game Awards
Camouflaj’s Batman: Arkham Shadow took home this year’s Best VR/AR Game Award at The Game Awards, a well-deserved recognition given its remarkable impact on the VR community.
For more insights, watch the award video and check the Meta blog post celebrating this win.
Content Updates
- Fallout London VR: Anticipate VR support mod for ‘Fallout: London’ DLC.
- Path of Fury: Episode I: This ’80s Kung Fu-styled VR game to release on Quest 2/3/Pro in early 2025 for $9.99.
- Bridge Constructor: Experience XR arch-building for $10.
- Behemoth: A major patch resolves bugs and adjusts combat mechanics which previously received mixed reviews.
- Clone Drone in the Hyperdome: Available on Steam and Meta at $20 now.
- Realize Music: Sing: Merging rhythm gaming with wellness, available on Meta Quest on January 23, 2025.
- Panic Room MR: Face spiders and demons in a mixed-reality horror experience on Quest 3 & 3S, priced at $5.
- X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm: Dive into this Contra-themed shooter crossover on Horizon Store and Steam for $20.
- Crystal Commanders: This strategy title arrives on Quest come February 27, 2025.
- Mecha Force: Inspired by popular anime, this VR mech early access is now on Quest with a free demo.
- DodgeCraft: Test reflexes in this new VR sports game now available on Quest.
- Beyond Blue: After the Storm: Embark on an oceanic standalone VR journey.
- Human Fall Flat VR: Beta test the first-person game mode on Steam now.
- XR News Round-Up: Minor XR industry updates compiled by Upload VR.
For more details on these releases, dive into each linked information.
Review Round-Up
- Metamorphosis VR: Intriguing concept but lacks polish.
- Action Hero: A refreshing take on SuperHot mechanics, ideal for both new and seasoned VR players.
- Home Sports: Fun virtual sports collection though with superficial gameplay depth.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon: A light-hearted, family-friendly angle on zombie-slaying.
Catch the comprehensive reviews through the provided links.
Additional News
- Rob Cole delivers a comprehensive review of the Pimax Crystal Light.
- Norman Mueller outlines the latest in smart and AR glasses advancements.
- Apple unveils Ultrawide Virtual Display for the Vision Pro in VisionOS 2.2.
- NeoGrip launches affordable, open-source custom controllers for VR headsets.
- Unity opens applications for its Humanity 2025 grant.
- Explore the globe digitally through Into The Scaniverse via WebXR.
Discover more through the linked information.
News from Partners (and Friends)
Got a passion for VR? Consider investing in Vitruvian VR! This startup has launched a crowdfunding initiative offering a fascinating body-movement simulator built for space-like freedom. Understand the allure by checking out my review linked below.
Join the Iron Rebellion excitement! If mecha adventures are your style, Iron Rebellion, described as a blend of Titanfall and Hawken, has launched on Quest and Steam. I’ve secured some Steam keys – first come, first served!
Potential spare codes:
RBQ6Q-5LEEE-C0BW2
7HWWY-M8K6E-9W0EF
If you miss the keys, consider purchasing the game on Quest or Steam to support the developers. More about Iron Rebellion can be found in the link.
Enjoy a Fun XR Moment
Discover some light-hearted XR fun with these links on camera setups for Quest 4, a VR chicken comic, and a humorous Fight Club nod.
Support a Good Cause
As we wrap up, I’d like to veer from asking for blog support to urging donations for those affected by war. Contributing to the Red Cross efforts in Ukraine could aid the urgent humanitarian situation. A thank you goes out to all my Patreon patrons who’ve supported my endeavors. Here’s the link to lend your support to the Red Cross in Ukraine:
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
Header image by Google.
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