This past week has been nothing short of a whirlwind for me at work, but luckily, the buzz was all positive. Just as I thought my plate was full, Meta dropped a surprise by unveiling camera access for the Quest, and I couldn’t resist diving in. So, let’s unpack all the significant XR updates from this week—a jam-packed collection worth your time. And don’t miss the giveaway at the end!
Highlights of the Week
Niantic’s Major Game Division Sale to Scopely
Niantic made headlines by selling its entire gaming division, including the crowning gem, Pokémon Go, to Scopely for a hefty $3.85 billion. With Scopely now under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the iconic game essentially changes allegiance to the Saudi kingdom. Niantic’s focus shifts towards its geospatial tech amalgam, Niantic Spatial, starting with a $250 million fund. While the sale rakes in significant cash, it’s a risky gamble considering Pokémon Go was its primary revenue stream. Betting on XR’s promising future may pay off, but it’s akin to taking a leap without a parachute if AR adoption lags. Regardless, hats off to John Hanke for daring to pivot so drastically.
More About This Sale
Meta’s Release of Passthrough APIs for Quest 3/3S
Meta has launched Passthrough APIs, granting developers access to camera frames on Quest devices, facilitating mixed reality (MR) applications to better interact with real-world surroundings. This revelation, embedded within the SDK, allows community enthusiasts to explore new developmental potentials. It’s a boon that aligns with Google’s forthcoming Android XR approach, simplifying cross-platform application development. Despite its current "experimental" status barring Horizon Store releases, patience could soon reward awaited access.
Dive Deeper
- Roberto Coviello’s Announcement
- Upload VR’s Detailed Report
- Developer Studios Experimentation
- Dilmer Valecillos’ Demonstration
- Tutorial on Camera Access with Unity 6
VR Games Showcase: March 2025’s Revelations
This year’s VR Games Showcase, orchestrated by Jamie Feltham, brimmed with updates, even if no groundbreaking announcements stole the limelight. Here are a few handpicked highlights:
- "Stay: Forever Home" is arriving on Quest this April, featuring a VR adventure alongside a virtual canine companion.
- A new trailer for "Hitman: World of Assassination" on PSVR 2 raised hopes of a quality hit by its late-March release.
- Sci-fi horror "Memoreum" is launching on Quest this September, with an enticing new trailer out now.
- "Slender: The Arrival VR" is scaring its way to PS VR2, PC VR, and Quest this spring.
Stay informed with these links:
- VR Games Showcase Announcements
- Psytec Games’ Titan Isles
- Triangle Factory’s Announcement of Forefront
- FLAT2VR Studios’ New Ventures
- Roboquest VR’s Co-op Gameplay Reveal
- Stay: Forever Home Trailer
Ultraleap’s Dismantling
Ultraleap, a former trailblazer in haptics and hand-tracking, is being dismantled and sold for parts. Roli is acquiring the hand-tracking tech, while SIM IP clinches the corresponding intellectual property, affecting 54 employees. This turn of fate might highlight missed opportunities in mergers earlier on.
Further Reading
Samsung’s Headset and Motion Controllers
Reports suggest Samsung plans to introduce first-party controllers for its Project Moohan headset, notably absent of any all-in hand-tracking feature akin to Apple’s approach. While packaging inclusions remain uncertain, controller support indicates smoother content transitions from Meta’s devices to Samsung’s lineup.
Read More
Issues Plaguing Horizon Worlds
A disheartening report reveals internal sentiments towards Horizon Worlds at Meta, highlighting a distinct lack of passion among its developers. With employees faking usage to meet benchmarks and interfaces resembled more web than VR, one wonders why Meta persists without enhancing its Quest ecosystem.
Additional Insights
Additional Tidbits
Google’s venture into acquiring AdHawk Microsystems for improved, non-camera eye-tracking technology suggests its commitment to pushing XR boundaries. Meanwhile, Valve’s development of a SteamVR Link Dongle could significantly enhance PC VR’s wireless capabilities, promising wider accessibility.
Meta’s microgestures release invites innovative, nuanced MR interactions, while Immersed faces turmoil with its Visor headset. Delays compound financial uncertainties, shadowed by community concerns over communication transparency.
Moreover, with Phaser Lock’s closure and People’s Can Fly’s VR exit, the industry grapples with economic challenges despite persistent efforts, likely due to decreased investments from leading VR hardware platforms.
Curious Experiments
Two astounding experiments this week left us in disbelief: a debut deployable biological computer and an investigation into dream-induced communication channels.
Stay informed through these avenues:
Special Thanks
Shout-out to all my Patrons for unwavering support, including folks like Alex Gonzalez VR, Jonn Fredericks, and Raghu Bathina among many others. If you resonate with this cause, consider extending help to the Ukraine humanitarian efforts via the Red Cross.
Contribute and Connect
Feel free to share this curated roundup with fellow pioneers as we continue navigating XR’s evolving landscape, together!
