As the chill begins to creep in with the arrival of colder weather and the recent celebration of Singles’ Day in China, I find myself cozying up with a warm drink. It’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the week’s most intriguing XR news. So, grab your favorite hot beverage, and let’s dive into what’s been making waves!
Top News of the Week
The Hype for Smartglasses Continues
The world of smartglasses is buzzing with excitement. Following the success of Ray-Ban Meta, it seems every major company is jumping into the smart eyewear arena. A recent report by Mark Gurman reveals that Apple is developing its own version to rival Ray-Ban, with plans to launch by 2027. Gurman’s insights suggest these glasses will be AI-enabled, offering environmental awareness to users. Apple’s entry into this market is particularly intriguing given its reputation for cool, trendy products. It’s not just Apple stepping up; Samsung and Google are also exploring smartglasses. Meanwhile, Baidu, China’s answer to Google, is poised to unveil its own pair at the upcoming Baidu World event in Shanghai, featuring built-in cameras and voice interaction capabilities. Meta isn’t slowing down either. They’re expanding their Ray-Ban Meta line with pop-up stores in Los Angeles and soon in Phoenix, Arizona. These shops aim to blend retail with experiences, offering events like comedy shows, podcasts, and creative workshops. The big question remains: Is this a fleeting craze, or are smartglasses here for the long haul? Only time will tell.
Other Relevant News
Meta Reportedly Reducing Gaming Content Funding
According to a piece from The Information, Meta seems to be pivoting away from funding XR gaming content, instead choosing to focus on lifestyle applications. As a result, some studios reliant on those funds are facing layoffs, with Monks in the Netherlands and Altas V in France reportedly halving their workforce. It’s a tough situation for these businesses who may have been banking on that support. However, diversifying from a purely gaming focus may be a strategic move for Meta, especially if it aims to capture the everyday tech platform market akin to smartphones rather than gaming consoles.
News Worth a Mention
Creating AR Glasses on a Budget
Miroslav Kotalík has amazed many by designing and crafting his own AR glasses using a Raspberry Pi Zero. Named Zero, this prototype can handle tasks like playing videos, music via Bluetooth, and displaying images and text. He plans to upgrade to a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 for more advanced capabilities like streaming YouTube and Spotify. For those curious about his journey, he regularly updates his X account, sharing insights on this ambitious project.
Apple Introduces Panoramic Display for Vision Pro
With the beta release of VisionOS 2.2, users can now experience their Mac in a whole new way on Vision Pro via a virtual UltraWide screen. This feature, which emulates two side-by-side 4K displays, was promised by Apple earlier this year and is proving valuable for users, especially considering the high price of physical ultra-wide monitors. While initial feedback is positive, some adaptation is needed due to macOS’s lack of native ultrawide monitor support.
LIV Launches Creator Kit for Quest
LIV has rolled out a Unity SDK that allows developers to incorporate third-person recording capabilities in VR apps on Quest. Users can generate a tablet within the VR environment to capture themselves without needing a PC. This feature is fantastic for apps wanting to enhance shareability, such as Gorilla Tag, which has already announced its integration with the kit. By offering this tool, LIV is saving developers significant development time.
EgoTouch: Turning a Palm into a Touchscreen
EgoTouch is an innovative approach to providing tactile feedback in VR. By placing virtual buttons on your palm, EgoTouch offers a realistic haptic response when pressing buttons. It distinguishes between mere touches and pressures, enhancing the reliability of interactions and providing a nuanced user interface right on your arm.
Osmo Ventures into "Scent Teleportation"
Osmo, a company focused on digital scent technology, claims a breakthrough in "scent teleportation." By capturing a scent’s unique fingerprint and transmitting it remotely, they can recreate its aroma elsewhere. Although currently slow and limited, the potential applications for virtual reality are fascinating and could revolutionize experiences in VR in the future.
Huge PlayStation Store Sale
Gamers rejoice! The PlayStation Store is hosting a substantial sale, with discounts exceeding 40% on many PSVR 2 titles. If you’re a PSVR 2 owner, now’s a great time to expand your collection.
Metro Awakening: The Game of the Moment
Metro Awakening has captured the spotlight this week. Despite some minor issues, the game is earning praise for its immersive environments and engaging mechanics. The developers even implemented an arachnophobia mode, highlighting their commitment to accessibility and enhancing the player experience.
Djay Brings Spatial DJing to Meta Quest
Algoriddim has made waves by bringing its popular djay app to the Meta Quest, immersing users in a dynamic DJ experience. With the ability to connect real DJ equipment, this app offers an exciting avenue for music enthusiasts to get creative in a virtual environment. With 5,000 free tracks and integration with major streaming services, djay is set to offer rich and innovative musical experiences.
Content Highlights and Reviews
- Alien: Rogue Incursion faces a delay for its Quest release, while other versions remain on schedule.
- Human Within promises a replayable sci-fi VR film exploration coming in January.
- Heroes Battle: Darksword debuts as a free 1v1 VR strategy game.
- Nevrosa Rescape reimagines 2017’s horror puzzles for Quest.
- Vivarium and Wall Town Wonders showcase innovative mixed reality experiences.
- Zombie Army VR postpones to next year, and Squingle prepares for a refreshed edition.
Lastly, there’s talk of engaging arcade and puzzle titles offering varied experiences worth checking out.
Other News
- Photon introduces a free sample for multiplayer collaboration in mixed reality.
- A petition pushes for WMR to become open-source, but interest is modest.
- Julie Smithson steps into the role of METAVRSE CEO.
News from Partners and Friends
Join MatchXR in Helsinki!
Set for November 19th, this event during Helsinki’s Slush week invites Nordic XR enthusiasts to connect and explore new possibilities in immersive tech. If you’re around, it’s a wonderful chance to network and share insights.
DeoVR’s VR Jam in Ljubljana!
On November 13th, DeoVR hosts a VR Jam in Slovenia, showcasing advanced VR devices and fostering discussions with industry pioneers. It seems like a riveting event if you’re nearby.
Today, I’m simply enjoying life’s moments. If you’re feeling generous, think about supporting those in need, especially in Ukraine. The Red Cross could use your assistance to address ongoing humanitarian challenges. Here’s how you can help:
- Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image by Miroslav Kotalík)
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