Hey there! Just got back from an incredible time at AWE Europe, and if you’re curious about my adventures, I’ve penned down a few articles you might enjoy. Now, let’s dive into some of the coolest XR news from this past week.
Top News of the Week
Google Prepares Google Play Store for Samsung Headset with XR Support
A fascinating scoop from Android Authority reveals that Google Play Store is gearing up to support XR, presumably in anticipation of a new Samsung headset. Code sleuths found hints like an XR headset icon and compatibility strings in the backend. Although hidden from general view, these clues suggest that Google’s getting its Play Store all set for XR headsets, likely focusing on the headset co-developed with Samsung and Qualcomm. Considering Samsung’s recent earnings call hinting at XR device goals for 2025, it seems the launch might be nearer than we thought.
For more details:
- Google Play adding support for XR — Road To VR
- Google Play adding support for XR — Upload VR
- Samsung headset may be launched in 2025
Other Relevant News
Meta Reality Labs: Growing Revenues, But Losses Persist
Meta’s Q3 2024 financial report is out, and it paints an intriguing picture. Even without the Quest 3s launch, Meta reported $0.27B in revenues and a $4.70B loss this quarter. Folks online are buzzing about what these figures mean. On one hand, some underline the massive $4.4B loss, while others note that revenue growth from Q3 2023’s $0.21B is a positive VR growth sign. It’s the same old debate at Meta’s quarterly earnings: massive investments despite losses. Personally, while some money could be spent more efficiently, this is a long-term play for XR’s future. I’m really looking forward to Q4 2024 numbers to see how the Meta Quest 3S will perform this holiday season.
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Apple Delays Cheaper Vision Pro Until After 2027
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports a potential delay in releasing a more affordable Apple Vision due to Apple rethinking cost and use-case strategies. This means a new Vision Pro with the M5 chip might be the main event in 2025 instead. While Kuo is usually spot-on, it’s wise to take these predictions with skepticism. The delay has ruffled some feathers, given this could slow down the Apple XR ecosystem’s growth. My advice? Don’t pin all hopes on a single brand or prediction.
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Introducing Oasis: The First AI-Driven Open World
Oasis, an experimental twist on multiplayer Minecraft, forgoes traditional game engines, relying entirely on AI. Trained on a plethora of Minecraft gameplay, AI now orchestrates in-game events without any coding required. This groundbreaking research by DecartAI, with Sequoia Capital backing, challenges computer science norms. Not everyone is thrilled though, Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney didn’t hold back his criticism. While today the AI evolution is comedic, where stones morph into sheep, the next decade could be revolutionary.
For more details:
News Worth Mentioning
Meta Boosts Quest 3’s GPU Performance
Meta just made gamers happy by enhancing Quest 3’s GPU clock speed by about 16%, from 545MHz to 599MHz, promising smoother gaming experiences.
Niantic’s New Format for 3D Gaussian Splats
Niantic is releasing a new format, SPZ, as a more efficient alternative to PLY for storing Gaussian Splats. This open-source format may soon become the go-to standard.
ARM vs. Qualcomm Legal Battle
ARM is challenging Qualcomm over licensing terms, aiming to stop Qualcomm from using ARM designs. With Qualcomm chips powering most VR headsets, this lawsuit could bring big changes.
Meta Horizon v71 Update Is Packed
This massive v71 update for Quest includes interface enhancements, AI-generated facial expressions, Dolby audio support, and even more. Expect a better user experience all around.
Somnium VR1 Begins Shipping
Hats off to Somnium Space for fulfilling their promise, as their VR1 headsets are now shipping.
XR Highlights at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024
Don’t miss SIGGRAPH Asia’s XR showreel, highlighting cutting-edge research projects. A big shoutout to Ivan Aguilar for the heads up.
VR Game Sneak Peeks at Comic Con London 2024
EGX & MCM Comic Con showcased some awesome indie VR games coming soon. You can catch a glimpse of them through an exciting trailer available online.
Content Highlights
Aliens have inspired a new wave with “Alien: Rogue Incursion,” offering up the classic terror fans love. Plus, Skydance Interactive teases Behemoth’s gameplay, and Vertigo Games gives us our first look at Metro Awakening, set to hit all major VR platforms soon!
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More Content News
"Sight Unseen" challenges puzzle solvers with a robotic twist. "VAIL VR" takes a bold move, going free with new social features, while core content shifts to a paid DLC format. Other exciting titles include "Last Stand," "Songbird," and dinos with "Dino Hab." Features like "Gargoyle Doyle" blend reality and humor in VR. Spooky scares come from "Pulsargeist" for the Apple Vision Pro, and more adventures await in "Ghost Town." "Underworld Overseer"—a godly VR strategy game—is here, with "Triangle Strategy" bringing tactical battles to VR. WebXR enthusiasts can rejoice over improvements in "Wolvic Chromium 1.1," and bridge-building enthusiasts prepare for "Bridge Constructor Studio."
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Reviews Corner
Over on PSVR 2, "Phasmophobia" brings the chills, albeit with some tech hiccups. Meanwhile, "Blade and Sorcery Nomad" is nearly as good as the PC version, now featuring an engaging campaign.
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Other News
Exciting advances come with Canon’s new lens for spatial videos and insight from experiences like Ben Lang’s with MeganeX Superlight 8K, and Marques Brownlee’s with Meta Orion. Plus, look out for a Winter Showcase from Upload VR.
Partners (and Friends) News
LEFX and MindPort’s project, AIXTRA, selected for VOXReality, aims to overcome language barriers in VR training and integrate AI for virtual training partners. Meanwhile, ONTOP launches "Devil’s Purge," a roguelike AR game on iOS.
XR Fun
For some lighthearted fun in XR, check out a punk rock VR experience and a Fiverr ad that might just make you chuckle.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
This week, instead of donations for the blog, I encourage you to help the Red Cross’s efforts in Ukraine. While we’re here, a heartfelt thanks to my Patreon supporters, whose contributions keep this journey going.
Thank you for your generosity! Here’s the link to donate to the Red Cross in Ukraine: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
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