This week has been quite exciting for me because I’ll be attending CES for the first time this January! I’m deep in the throes of trip planning and setting up appointments to check out some AR/VR glasses. If you’re going to be there too, drop me a line! And hey, if you have any tips for making the most out of CES, I’m all ears. I can’t wait to share my experiences with you. But for the present, let’s dive into this week’s top XR news… and I’ve got a giveaway too!
Top News of the Week
(Image by Google)
Google’s Big Reveal: Android XR
This week’s headliner—and arguably one of the most pivotal announcements of the year—was Google unveiling Android XR, a new operating system designed to power everything from smart glasses to mixed-reality headsets. The first device to boast compatibility is Project Moohan, a mixed-reality headset developed with Samsung and Qualcomm. Additionally, other tech giants like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are already crafting gadgets to run on this system.
Google gave select journalists a sneak peek, demoing Android XR with Project Moohan and some smart glasses. The standout here is the deep integration of Gemini AI into the OS. This AI assistant is on hand to navigate both real-world and virtual scenarios for you. Imagine scanning a restaurant business card and asking Gemini AI to find it on Google Maps—voilà, a 3D map pops up. Further, it can perform live translations through your smart glasses, and even recall events from the last 10 minutes, which is both remarkable and a bit worrying from a privacy standpoint.
Among the other nifty features is the ability to auto-convert photos and videos into 3D. You can also control it using various inputs like hand gestures, voice commands, and more. Currently, only G-suite and a few games like Demeo and Vacation Simulator are available, but more content is expected soon. Developers can already preview the development environment for native, Unity, and WebXR.
Details on Project Moohan remain sparse, describing it as a sort of blend between the Quest Pro and the Apple Vision Pro, notably featuring an external battery and high-definition displays. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2, with the controllers slated for release in 2025 when the headset is scheduled to ship.
With Google stepping onto the XR scene, there’s new energy and competition, potentially beneficial for the market. Let’s hope it doesn’t end up on the tech graveyard list.
For more details, check my detailed roundup on Android XR or Ben Lang’s editorial on Android XR vs Horizon OS.
Other Relevant News
(Image by Meta)
Quest Update: Elevating Hand Tracking and More
Meta has begun rolling out Quest’s runtime v72, bringing in some captivating updates:
- Hand tracking upgrades to v2.3 enhance responsiveness, particularly useful for enclosed spaces like travel mode.
- With Windows Mixed Reality Link, users can now easily connect Quest 3 and 3S to their Windows 11 PCs in a manner reminiscent of Vision Pro’s pairing with Macs.
- The system now tracks keyboards, which are displayed through passthrough.
- A new Media Gallery app is also introduced for managing device media.
- No more boundaries need to be set to enter the VR home environment, creating a seamless entry.
- Additional smaller updates include direct messaging through Instagram.
My favorite feature here is the Windows 11 connection. Many rave about how well Vision Pro connects with Macs, and I’m eager to experience the PC version.
Full details available in the articles from Road To VR and Upload VR.
Noteworthy Mentions
(Image by Apple)
Omdia’s 2025 XR Market Forecast: Gloomy But Promising
According to Omdia’s latest report, the XR market isn’t looking bright for 2025, with a 10% decline in headset sales expected in 2024 from the previous year. However, they anticipate a recovery in 2026. While I agree with their short-term prediction, based on trends since 2023 (like the success of Ray-Ban meta and the Android XR announcement), I believe the industry is slowly but surely growing.
For more insights, refer to the Financial Times and LinkedIn discussions.
The Rise of Gorilla Tag
XR investor JP Minetos detailed the explosive success of Gorilla Tag in a Road To VR article. Its unique social mechanics, locomotion, and viral appeal have cemented its hit status.
Quest 3S: A Sweet Holiday Deal
If you’re eyeing the Quest 3S, Amazon US has it on sale at $400 for the 256 GB version, along with $30 in digital Amazon credit—a deal worth considering till Christmas.
Batman: Arkham Shadow Triumphs
At the Game Awards, Batman: Arkham Shadow by Camouflaj won the Best VR/AR Game Award, a win well-deserved given its ground-breaking impact within the VR community.
Content News
Here’s a quick roundup of content making waves:
- Fallout London VR aims to support VR for its expansive DLC.
- Path of Fury: Episode I—Tetsuo’s Tower, scheduled for 2025, will combine ‘80s kung-fu flick ambiance with VR action.
- Bridge Constructor introduces a $10 XR version of its popular series.
- Clone Drone in the Hyperdome, priced at $20, continues its VR adventure on Steam and Meta.
- Realize Music: Sing will land on Meta Quest as a wellness-themed rhythm game on January 23, 2025.
- Panic Room MR, available for $5, brings a mixed-reality horror experience to Quest 3/3S.
For more info on these and other titles, refer to the linked articles.
Content Reviews
Recently reviewed games include:
- Metamorphosis VR, which boasts a unique idea but lacks polish.
- Action Hero offers a fresh spin on SuperHot’s mechanics for both newcomers and seasoned players.
- Home Sports presents fun yet shallow sports games for shared virtual experiences.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon, a family-friendly twist on zombie battles.
Dive deeper into reviews through the provided links.
Miscellaneous News
- Pimax Crystal Light’s comprehensive review by Rob Cole is out.
- Stay updated with Norman Mueller’s summary on the latest in smart and AR glasses.
- Apple’s Vision Pro gains an Ultrawide Virtual Display feature with VisionOS 2.2.
- NeoGrip introduces affordable DIY VR controllers.
- Unity has launched applications for its Humanity 2025 grant.
For more insights, follow the ‘Learn more’ links.
News from Partners and Friends
Get in on the action with Vitruvian VR! This startup, known for its immersive 6DOF simulator, is crowdfunding and you can join in with a minimum investment of €250.
Also, if you’re a fan of mech games, try your hand at winning free Steam keys for Iron Rebellion—a game reminiscent of Titanfall and Hawken—recently launched for Quest and Steam. Hurry, it’s first come, first served!
Some XR Fun
Check these out:
- Potentially humorous Quest 4 camera setups.
- A comical comic featuring chickens and VR.
- An amusing nod to the first rule of Fight Club.
Donate for Good
This week, instead of asking for donations to my blog, I encourage you to support those affected by the war. Please consider donating to the Red Cross to aid humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. A heartfelt thanks to all my Patreon supporters—your contributions mean the world.
Follow this link to support the Red Cross in Ukraine.
(Header image by Google)
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