I’ve just returned from an exhilarating time at AWE Europe! If you’re curious about my experiences there, feel free to check out some of my detailed articles.
Now, let’s dive into the most intriguing XR news from the past week!
Top News of the Week
Google Gears Up for XR with Play Store Updates Ahead of Samsung Headset Launch
According to a report by Android Authority, Google is quietly rolling out XR support on the Play Store. By sifting through the store’s code, data scrapers discovered an XR headset icon among the list of compatible devices, along with a mention of compatibility with XR headsets. This feature isn’t public yet, but it’s a sign that Google is setting the stage for enhanced XR headset support. With no partnership with Meta on the horizon, it’s evident these updates are aimed at the new headset Google is co-developing with Samsung and Qualcomm. Google’s Play Store enhancements indicate the headset’s release is approaching, a claim seemingly backed by Samsung’s recent earnings call mentioning XR device goals for 2025. However, as cautious enthusiasts, we’re reminded that timelines can shift—2024 had previously seemed like the target date.
More details: Google Play adding XR support – Road To VR Samsung headset potential 2025 launch
Other Relevant News
Meta Reality Labs Financials: Revenue Rises, But So Do Losses
Meta’s financial results for Q3 2024 were recently unveiled, and they offer a mix of insights. Notable is the exclusion of Quest 3s sales, with revenues at $0.27 billion and losses at a staggering $4.7 billion. Interpretations of these figures vary: some dismay at the hefty losses, while others, like Upload VR, underscore a revenue increase from Q3 2023’s $0.21 billion—an encouraging sign for VR’s growth. Meanwhile, Yahoo pointed out revenues fell short of the $0.31 billion estimate. Discussions like these spring up every time Meta shares its financials, questioning the sustainability of these investments. On the flip side, we’re witnessing Meta’s unwavering commitment to the XR landscape, despite potential areas for cost optimization. The upcoming Q4 results will be telling, especially with the Quest 3S’s performance during the holiday season.
More details: Meta Reality Labs financial results – Upload VR Yahoo’s take on Meta’s financials
Potential Delay for Apple’s Affordable Vision Pro Headset
Ming-Chi Kuo, an esteemed Apple analyst, reports that the budget version of the Apple Vision headset might be pushed past 2027. Apple aims to significantly cut costs on these devices, a process anticipated to take time as new technologies mature. This delay seeks to balance the cost against meaningful use cases justifying consumer investment. Currently, only a refreshed Vision Pro, the M5 chipset, is on the horizon for 2025. While Kuo’s track record as an Apple analyst garners credibility, predictions should be met with skepticism. The XR community’s growing impatience highlights the slow journey towards an economically viable Apple XR ecosystem. Learning from industry trends, patience and diversified strategies remain key.
More details: Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions Community reactions to Apple rumors
Oasis: The Pioneer AI-Powered Open World
Oasis emerges as an ambitious attempt to craft an AI-driven multiplayer Minecraft experience, bypassing traditional game engines. In Oasis, AI—trained from exhaustive Minecraft gameplay—spontaneously generates the game world and players’ experiences without code. It’s a groundbreaking research endeavor, probing AI’s potential to redefine computing paradigms by eliminating development processes from application creation. DecartAI spearheads this project, with Sequoia Capital backing it. Sequoia’s promotional video drew a blunt critique from Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, sparking a lively debate. While today’s iteration may seem rudimentary, pondering how AI might evolve over a decade offers exciting possibilities. Could AI eventually emulate programs seamlessly? The jury’s still out.
More details: Oasis AI-powered world Tim Sweeney’s response
Mention-Worthy News
Meta Boosts Quest 3 GPU for Improved Performance
Meta’s treating developers and users with a festive surprise—raising the Quest 3 and Quest 3S maximum GPU speed by 16%, from 545MHz to 599MHz, promising a smoother gaming experience.
More details: Learn More
Niantic Introduces Compressed Format for 3D Gaussian Splats
Niantic has released SPZ, a new open-sourced compressed format to efficiently store Gaussian Splats. Seen as the JPEG of Splats, contrasting the PNG-like PLY standard, this MIT-licensed format is applicable for both free and commercial use. A Unity plugin is already harnessing it, suggesting potential to become an industry standard.
More details: SPZ format details
ARM and Qualcomm Head to Court
A legal showdown looms between ARM and Qualcomm. ARM, whose designs underpin most mobile chips, is attempting to revoke Qualcomm’s license to use its designs, accusing them of breaching licensing terms. Qualcomm contests these allegations as they brace for the December trial. Given Snapdragon’s prevalence in VR headsets, the case’s outcome is crucial.
More details: Learn More
Meta Horizon v71: A Wealth of New Updates
The v71 update for Quest is noteworthy, though no single feature is game-changing. With system design updates, AI-enhanced mic audio for facials, smoother passthrough, Dolby audio support, and more, these small tweaks cumulatively improve the headset experience.
More details: Learn More
Somnium VR1 Begins Shipping
Somnium Space has started delivering its VR1 headset, fulfilling its promise. Kudos to the team!
More details: Learn More
XR Highlights at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024
SIGGRAPH always shines with cutting-edge research. The XR showcase at the Asia chapter didn’t disappoint, offering a glimpse into the future of tech.
More details: Learn More
VR Game Spotlight at Comic Con London 2024
Comic Con London’s VR Game Spotlight revealed upcoming VR titles from diverse developers, primarily indie studios. Check out a trailer of all their presentations.
More details: Learn More
Content Highlights
Several media outlets have praised "Alien: Rogue Incursion" for its compelling Alien horror and engaging storytelling, with intelligent aliens posing real threats. Meanwhile, Skydance Interactive’s new "Behemoth" trailer teases fresh gameplay details. Vertigo Games unveiled a captivating sneak peek of "Metro Awakening," arriving on major VR headsets this week.
More info: Alien: Rogue Incursion – Road To VR Behemoth details Metro Awakening preview
Content Announcements
- Sight Unseen: Breakthrough VR puzzle game featuring a detachable robotic eye for problem-solving.
- VAIL VR: Transitioning to free with a social hub, while shooter content becomes a $30 DLC "Vail Combat." Currently on sale with a P Diddy-inspired discount.
- Last Stand: Launching November 14, this mixed reality PvP shooter enters early access.
- Songbird: A new VR karaoke experience arriving on Meta Quest this November.
- Dino Hab: Soon you’ll nurture and interact with dinosaurs on Quest.
- Gargoyle Doyle: Blending mixed reality museum tours with comedic VR narrative, now available on Quest.
- Pulsargeist: A horror mixed reality game for Apple Vision Pro.
- Ghost Town: A supernatural VR puzzle adventure coming to Quest, Steam, and PS VR2.
- Underworld Overseer: Play as a deity defending against human invaders in VR on Quest and Steam, priced at $20.
- Triangle Strategy: A turn-based tactical RPG from Square Enix now available on Quest for €27.
- Wolvic Chromium 1.1: Adds WebXR AR support to the open-source XR browser.
- Bridge Constructor Studio: A new physics-based challenge, landing on Quest December 5 for €10.
More info: Sight Unseen Vail VR’s strategy Last Stand early access
Content Reviews
- Phasmophobia on PSVR 2 can unsettle with its scary atmosphere, despite some technical hiccups.
- Blade and Sorcery Nomad‘s new campaign nearly matches its PC counterpart, enhancing an already popular title.
More info: Phasmophobia review Blade And Sorcery: Nomad
Additional Tidbits
- Canon’s Spatial Lens: Launching this November at $449.99.
- MeganeX Superlight 8K: Ben Lang praises its comfort options.
- Meta Orion: Marques Brownlee’s hands-on impressions.
- Winter Showcase Returns: Upload VR’s festive event is back.
- VR Interaction Research: An insightful PhD thesis offering deep dives.
Partner and Community News
MindPort’s AIXTRA project, selected for the VOXReality call, aims to improve VR training by overcoming language barriers and integrating AI-based virtual training partners. VOXReality focuses on advancing AI models for future XR experiences. Meanwhile, ONTOP’s "Devil’s Purge" AR game debuts on iOS, mixing action with roguelike elements.
A Little XR Fun
- Check out the quirky moments in "Sexy Time in Batman: Arkham Shadow."
- Experience punk vibes as VR gets edgy.
- Fiverr’s latest ad might surprise you—it’s worth a laugh.
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