This week, the tech world buzzed with exciting tidbits from industry giants like Apple, Meta, Google, and Valve, and there’s so much to cover! Stick with me until the end, where you might just snag a key for a cool mixed reality game. And if you’re curious about XR trends in China and my upcoming Shanghai adventure, check out my latest article!
Top Stories of the Week
Reprieve for XR Headsets from US Tariffs?
Navigating the ever-changing landscape of US tariffs feels like playing a never-ending game of guessing. It’s still uncertain how XR headsets might be affected, so companies are in a wait-and-see mode. However, Pimax and BigScreen have taken a commendable step by pledging to mitigate any tariff impacts. BigScreen promises to absorb the tariffs entirely, while Pimax aims to cushion the blow with a slight surcharge for US customers. The silver lining for us all is potential tariff exemptions on electronic devices, XR headsets included, as reported by Upload VR. This development hints that we might not see a price hike on headsets like Quest anytime soon. While this is definitely a reason to be hopeful, complete clarity on exemption specifics is awaited. Additional tariffs on electronic chips, though, loom on the horizon, which could still stir up challenges.
[Read more about Pimax and BigScreen’s responses and the possible exemption details here.]
Other Noteworthy Developments
Apple Vision Pro 2 and the Race to AR Glasses
The release of Apple’s Vision Pro surely silenced wild speculations, but as the product matures, rumors about its successor, the Vision Pro 2, are all the rage. Rumors from a Chinese publication suggest it’s already in production, while a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman teases not just one, but two headsets in the works. With one likely a Vision Pro uplift featuring a stronger chip (perhaps the M5), the other could be a tethered, Mac-connected headset aimed at offering expansive virtual screens. While the idea seems a bit redundant, the promise of a cheaper, lighter device intrigues. More thrilling is Gurman’s insight into Apple possibly pushing the envelope on AR glasses, with Tim Cook seemingly obsessed with getting them to market before Meta does. The race is on!
[Dive deeper into the rumors and Apple’s potential AR ambitions here.]
Valve’s Secretive Advances with Deckard
Valve might be gearing up to bring their Deckard headset to life. Industry insider Brad Lynch notes Valve’s recent imports of equipment for producing VR headset facial interfaces, hinting at a ramp-up for Deckard’s assembly in the U.S. All signs point to a looming announcement or launch this year, marking an exciting chapter for Valve.
[More about Valve’s manufacturing moves and the anticipated timeline for Deckard here.]
The Collaborative Vision of Google and Samsung for 2026
Google and Samsung are in cahoots, working together on Android XR-powered devices. Among their upcoming releases, the Project Moohan headset is set to debut soon. However, more eyes are on their plan for XR glasses, now reimagined from their earlier Ray-Ban Meta style to advanced specs. Slated for a 2026 launch, these glasses promise built-in displays, cameras, and AI integration. As Meta gears up to release similar products this year, Google’s pivot to a more feature-packed alternative could be strategic genius.
[Find out more about Google and Samsung’s evolving XR strategy here.]
AltspaceVR’s Anticipated Rebirth
And in a delightful twist, AltspaceVR is reportedly on its way back! An unexpected Reddit post by Danny Mac (Danny McLellan) announced plans to revive Altspace using the open-source Basis VR. While many details remain under wraps, the thought of this cherished community buzzing back to life is genuinely heartwarming. I’ll keep ears to the ground and provide updates—make sure you’re on the newsletter list!
[Catch the initial announcement and follow the reboot journey here.]
Quick Mentions
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Meta’s High-Flying VR Entertainment: After a successful trial with Lufthansa, Meta’s VR in-flight entertainment sees expansion plans, promising an elevated journey experience across more airlines.
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Varjo’s Enterprise Focus: Varjo continues its enterprise success, prioritizing training simulations, especially in the military and aeronautical sectors, and holding back on consumer products for now.
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Pico’s New Tracker: Pico introduces a waist tracker for enhanced body tracking, expanding their ecosystem’s precision for just €50/£40.
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XR Text Input Project: Researchers unveil XR TEXT Trove, a compendium of over 170 XR text input methods—a valuable tool for designers and researchers alike.
- Meta Quest 3S Spring Discount: Until April 26th, grab the Meta Quest 3S at a discounted rate, complete with some additional perks!
[Explore more about these quick updates and developments here.]
Latest in VR Gaming and Content
- Exciting releases include ‘Besiege’ heading to Quest, ‘GORN 2’ making it to multiple VR platforms, and the anticipated ‘Civilization VII VR’ now available for Quest 3. Reviews are highlighting games like ‘Beatable’ for its innovative interface and ‘Aces Of Thunder’ for its robust WW2 simulation.
[A comprehensive guide to all these gaming updates can be found here.]
Stay Informed and Contribute
Wrapping it up, I move beyond just news; I invite you to make a positive impact. Consider contributing to the Red Cross in support of those affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. I owe a heartfelt thanks to all my Patreon supporters who make this exploration possible.
[Join me in making a difference—donate here.]
Thank you for joining this week’s gaming industry insights. Stick around for even more updates, and make sure to share these nuggets with fellow enthusiasts!
