The XR Weekly Digest (11/12/2024): Surge in Smartglasses Popularity, Meta Reduces Game Funding, and Other Highlights

Hope all you singles had a delightful Chinese Singles’ Day! As the chill begins to settle in, I’m cozying up with a warm drink and ready to share the week’s most intriguing XR news with you!

Exciting Developments This Week

The Smart Glasses Buzz Continues

It seems we’re in the midst of a smart glasses renaissance post-Ray-Ban Meta’s success. Mark Gurman has unveiled that Apple is set to launch its own smart glasses by 2027, aimed squarely at competing with Ray-Ban Meta. Though details are scant, it’s suggested these will be AI-driven, understanding their environment. With Apple’s cool factor, it’s certain to turn heads, much like the sophisticated alliance between Luxottica and Meta. Not to be left behind, Samsung, Google, and Baidu are also venturing into this space, with Baidu rumored to reveal its smart glasses capable of snapping photos and offering AI-powered voice interactions at its Shanghai event. Meanwhile, Meta is ramping up its Ray-Ban Meta ecosystem with pop-up stores in Los Angeles and Phoenix, transforming retail into an experience, featuring everything from comedy shows to workshops. As smart glasses trend upward, one can’t help but wonder if this is a fleeting buzz or a lasting trend. Only time will reveal.

Learn more about: Apple’s smart glasses exploration | Baidu’s launch plans | Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta stores

Other Noteworthy News

Meta Allegedly Reducing Gaming Content Funding

Reports from The Information suggest Meta is pivoting its XR funding strategy towards lifestyle content, pulling back from gaming projects. This shift has led to unfortunate layoffs at studios like Monks and Altas V, who were reliant on Meta’s support. It’s a tough blow for these dev teams who faced sudden funding cuts. On the flip side, Meta’s focus shift seems sensible if they aim to dominate beyond just gaming, aspiring to control the next-gen tech platform used daily rather than a gaming console.

For more insights, click here.

Additional Stories You Shouldn’t Miss

DIY AR Glasses Built from Scratch

Innovator Miroslav Kotalík has impressively crafted AR glasses, aptly named Zero, powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero. This tech marvel handles videos, images, and music via Bluetooth. His next version promises YouTube, Spotify, and Twitter access using a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. Keep an eye on his progress via his X account if you’re intrigued!

Check it out: Reddit link | Tom’s Hardware | See the glasses in action | Follow Miroslav Kotalik

Apple’s Vision Pro Features UltraPanoramic Display

VisionOS 2.2 beta reveals a standout feature: using a Mac through Vision Pro with an ultra-wide virtual screen — equating to dual 4K monitors! This comes as a game-changer for productivity, attracting designers with its cost-efficiency. However, the lack of a native Mac window manager for ultrawide displays poses a minor hiccup, requiring third-party workarounds.

Dive deeper: Road To VR | Upload VR | First-hand experience

Exciting Tools and Releases

• LIV’s Creator Kit for Quest: Now VR creators can easily capture third-person footage directly on Quest. No need for an external PC here!
• EgoTouch Interface: This new tech turns your palm into a nuanced touchscreen, offering a distinct haptic experience.
• Osmo’s Scent Teleportation: This company claims to have achieved digital scent replication, allowing distant diffusion of accurate scents.

More information: LIV’s kit | EgoTouch | Osmo’s breakthrough

PlayStation Store Bargains & Trending Games

• PlayStation Store Sale: Grab PSVR 2 games at up to 40% off—an ideal time to expand your collection.
• Metro Awakening’s Impact: Garnering attention, Metro Awakening stands out despite some hiccups. Notably, an update enhancing accessibility with an arachnophobia mode is a commendable effort.

Read more: Metro Awakening reviews

Virtual DJing and Upcoming Releases

• Djay’s Spatial Mixing on Meta Quest: Algoriddim’s djay app lets you mix and scratch in VR, seamlessly integrating DJ hardware via USB-C.

Discover more: Djay app

Content Announcements

• Delayed and teased releases like Alien: Rogue Incursion, new VR films, and games, including the quirky CROWBAR CLIMBER, fuel anticipation.
• Squingle’s psychedelic puzzles and Zombie Army VR’s delay spark continued interest in the VR community.

Explore more: Upcoming releases

Content Reviews

• Human Fall Flat VR: A whimsical VR romp with accessible controls; it’s a pleasure, especially in multiplayer.
• Dumb Ways: Free for All: It charms with humor and energy but lacks long-lasting game depth.

Get detailed reviews: Human Fall Flat | Dumb Ways Free For All | Living Room | Underworld Overseer

Other Briefs

• Photon’s New Sample: Focuses on multiplayer collaboration in mixed reality.
• Julie Smithson as METAVRSE CEO: Takes the helm solidifying leadership.

Read on: Photon’s sample | METAVRSE leadership

News from Partners and Friends

• MatchXR in Helsinki: Join the Nordic XR scene with me on November 19th.
• VR Jam at DeoVR: Set for November 13th, experience the latest VR advancements in Slovenia.

Come join us: MatchXR Event | DeoVR’s VR Jam

No ads today, just pure insights and fun. Make sure to enjoy life!

A Little Light-Hearted XR Humor

Spruce up your mood with these exciting and humorous XR links, from cut-down development time with ChatGPT to quirky gamer stereotypes.

Donations for a Good Cause

Lastly, I encourage support for those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Please consider contributing to the Red Cross and make a difference.

Thank you to our steadfast supporters:

(List of donors)

Here’s the link to donate:

Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

(Header image by Miroslav Kotalík)

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