I’ve just returned from an unforgettable trip to AWE Europe! If you’re keen to hear more about my adventures there, feel free to check out some articles where I’ve shared my experiences.
For now, though, let’s dive into this week’s most captivating XR news!
Top News of the Week
Google Prepares Play Store for XR with Samsung Headset on the Horizon
A fascinating report from Android Authority reveals that Google is gearing up for XR compatibility in its Play Store. Data analysis has uncovered an XR headset icon and a string referencing XR compatibility in the store’s new versions—features that are still under wraps for the public. This move indicates Google’s preparations for supporting XR headsets, likely aligning with the upcoming release of a headset developed in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm. Samsung’s recent mention of 2025 XR goals during an earnings call suggests a launch might not be far off—possibly even sooner than anticipated in 2024.
For more on this, check out the details on Google Play’s XR update and the potential Samsung headset.
Other Relevant News
Meta Reality Labs: Rising Revenues but Mounting Losses
Meta shared its Q3 2024 financials, showing $0.27B in revenue against $4.70B in losses, excluding Quest 3s’ launch. Opinions vary on these figures, with some highlighting the substantial quarterly loss and others noting revenue growth compared to Q3 2023. The debate around Meta’s financial strategy resurfaces every quarter as millions are funneled into this evolving ecosystem. Although spending cuts could be beneficial, sustained investment might pay off big when XR gains mainstream traction. The Q4 2024 results will be telling following the Quest 3S release this holiday season.
Read more about Meta’s financial situation and Yahoo’s take.
Rumored Delay for Cheaper Apple Vision Pro Until After 2027
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple may postpone the release of an affordable version of its Vision headset beyond 2027. The delay stems from Apple’s search for cost-reducing strategies and additional use cases. Kuo predicts a 2025 update with the M5 chipset for the Apple Vision Pro. While Kuo’s predictions should be taken cautiously, this potential delay has left Apple enthusiasts pondering the future economic viability of Apple’s XR ecosystem.
Find more details on Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions and the discussion around Apple’s strategy.
Oasis: A Glimpse into the First AI-Powered Open World
Oasis stands out as an ambitious project, aiming to create a multiplayer Minecraft version without traditional game engines, relying solely on AI. Trained on extensive Minecraft gameplay, this AI autonomously generates the game environment and events without any coding. DecartAI, backed by Sequoia Capital, plans to revolutionize computer science by eliminating the need for conventional app development. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, expressed his critical view of this innovation, sparking discussions on its potential future implications.
Explore more about Oasis, the gameplay video, and Tim Sweeney’s reaction.
News Worth a Mention
Meta Boosts Quest 3s’ GPU Clock Speed
Meta offers an early gift by enhancing the GPU speed for Quest 3 and Quest 3S, boosting it to 599MHz from 545MHz, promising better game performance.
Check out more info here.
Niantic Introduces New Compressed 3D Format
Niantic introduced SPZ, an open-source format for efficiently storing Gaussian Splats, offering MIT licensing for free and commercial use. A community-built Unity plugin suggests adoption potential.
Learn more about the Niantic SPZ format.
ARM and Qualcomm Headed to Trial
A legal battle looms as ARM sues Qualcomm over ARM design licenses, crucial to most Android and XR device chipsets. The trial is set for December, setting the stage for significant industry implications.
Discover more here.
Meta Horizon v71: A Feature-loaded Update
Meta’s v71 update promises many enhancements, including a system interface refresh, AI-driven facial expressions, travel mode, Dolby enhancements, a first-party calendar, and more nuanced app functionalities.
For more on this update, check here.
Somnium VR1 Now Shipping
Somnium Space finally starts delivering the VR1 headset, fulfilling its promises—a significant milestone for the company.
Get more info here.
XR Highlights at SIGGRAPH Asia and Comic Con London 2024
SIGGRAPH Asia and EGX & MCM Comic Con London 2024 featured groundbreaking XR projects and VR games. These events spotlighted indie developers and upcoming releases.
Find out more on SIGGRAPH Asia and Comic Con London.
Exciting XR Content Announcements
- Alien: Rogue Incursion is impressing critics with its horror narrative and intelligent alien adversaries.
- Skydance Interactive unveils gameplay in their new Behemoth trailer.
- Metro Awakening launches attached with a first-look trailer, coming to major VR headsets this week.
Check out more on Alien: Rogue Incursion, Behemoth, and Metro Awakening.
Content Highlights to Note
- Sight Unseen introduces a unique VR puzzle game concept where you navigate by detaching a robotic eye.
- VAIL VR transitions to free-to-play, offering a paid DLC alternative for shooter fans.
- Last Stand, a mixed reality shooter, and other innovative VR games such as Songbird, Dino Hab, and Gargoyle Doyle set to light up the VR scene soon.
Discover more with these links: Sight Unseen, VAIL VR, and various VR game announcements.
In-depth Content Reviews
- Phasmophobia on PSVR 2, while technically flawed, manages to deliver genuine chills.
- Blade and Sorcery Nomad‘s campaign now rivals the PC version, adding depth to an already popular title.
Read more on Phasmophobia and Blade and Sorcery Nomad.
Other Updates
- Canon releases a cutting-edge lens system for spatial videos, set to retail at $449.99 in November.
- Interesting developments continue with MeganeX Superlight 8K, Meta Orion, and Upload VR’s Winter Showcase on the horizon.
- Explore academic insights through an intriguing PhD thesis focusing on VR interactions.
Learn more on Canon’s lens system, insights on MeganeX, Meta Orion, and the Winter Showcase.
News from Partners and Friends
MindPort’s AIXTRA Project Advances with VOXReality
MindPort and LEFX’s AIXTRA project, an AR training initiative, receives recognition via the VOXReality call, aiming to break language barriers in VR training through AI, with seamless in-VR translations and an AI training partner for realistic interactions.
Uncover further details on MindPort AIXTRA.
Devil’s Purge Debuts on iOS
ONTOP unveils Devil’s Purge, an engaging AR game blending action shooting with roguelike elements, now available for iOS.
Learn more about Devil’s Purge.
Have Some XR Fun
- Dive into the quirky side of XR with fun XR-themed links, including a cheeky joke about VR in the realm of Batman and punk transformations.
For a laugh, explore these funny moments.
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