The XR Weekly Update (November 5, 2024): Google Play Store Readies for XR, Meta Reality Labs Financial Report, and More!

I’ve just returned from an exhilarating time at AWE Europe and wanted to share some of my experiences. If you’re interested, I’ve written a few articles detailing my adventures there. But for now, let’s dive into the most intriguing XR news from this past week!

Top News of the Week

Google to Incorporate XR Support in the Play Store for Samsung’s Upcoming Headset

Google is gearing up for the launch of Samsung’s new headset by adding XR support to the Play Store, according to a report by Android Authority. Sharp-eyed data analysts found signs of XR headset compatibility embedded in the code of the Play Store’s latest version. These features are hidden from public view, but they signal Google’s preparation to enhance XR headset support. Although a collaboration with Meta hasn’t materialized, the updates seem aimed at the forthcoming headset from Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm. Samsung recently mentioned XR devices as a target for 2025 in an earnings call, suggesting this new headset might debut then. Although, it wasn’t long ago that we speculated a 2024 release.

More details can be found in these articles: Google Play adding XR support — Road To VR, Google Play adding XR support — Upload VR, and Samsung headset may be launched in 2025.

Other Relevant News

Meta Reality Labs: Soaring Revenues Yet Mounting Losses

Meta recently unveiled its financials for Q3 2024, revealing they generated $0.27 billion in revenue but encountered a hefty $4.70 billion in losses. As expected, reactions were mixed. Some focused on the staggering quarterly loss, while others pointed out that revenues have increased from $0.21 billion in Q3 2023. On the flip side, revenues missed an anticipated $0.31 billion mark, leaving some disappointed. Meta’s strategy has long been debated, with ongoing discussions about whether these investments are worth it. I believe they could optimize expenditures, but there’s potential for these investments to yield returns once XR goes mainstream. The real test will be the Q4 2024 figures—and whether Meta Quest 3S captures holiday shoppers’ imaginations.

Additional insights are available here: Meta Reality Labs financial results — Upload VR, Meta Reality Labs financial results — Yahoo.

Apple Vision Pro’s Affordable Variant Pushed Past 2027?

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports the release of a more budget-friendly Apple Vision Pro headset may be delayed beyond 2027. Apple is supposedly looking to cut costs significantly and find more use cases to justify the device’s price point. The only expected release in 2025 appears to be an updated Apple Vision Pro featuring the M5 chipset. While Kuo is often seen as a credible source, skepticism is advised—as predictions can often vary widely from actual outcomes. An extended delay would likely unsettle the community, underscoring that the Apple XR ecosystem might be years away from achieving substantial developer engagement.

Explore more through these stories: Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions, Community reactions.

Oasis: The First Playable AI Open World

"Oasis" promises an experimental new way of playing Minecraft without traditional game engines—it’s powered entirely by AI. This venture aims to explore whether AI can completely revolutionize computer science paradigms, even abolishing the need for manual development. Spearheaded by DecartAI, and backed by Sequoia Capital, the project received a variety of responses, including a humorous jab from Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney. Although in its current form the gameplay has quirks—such as stones suddenly morphing into sheep—the future potential of AI-driven designs is significant. It’s worth pondering how this might evolve over the next decade.

For further insight, check: Oasis, AI-powered open world, Gameplay video, Tim Sweeney’s response.

Tidbits Worth Mentioning

Meta has boosted the Quest 3’s GPU clock speed by 16%, elevating its maximum frequency from 545MHz to 599MHz, enhancing gaming performance.

In other news, Niantic has open-sourced a compressed format for 3D Gaussian Splats—dubbed SPZ—allowing more efficient storage akin to how JPEGs function in image compression. A community member has already developed a Unity plugin for this format.

Moreover, ARM and Qualcomm are entering a legal battle over licensing terms for ARM designs, a situation that could have implications for Snapdragon-powered VR headsets.

Also noteworthy is Meta Horizon’s v71 update, offering a slew of small but meaningful enhancements, from a refreshed interface and facial expression conversions to Dolby support and improved passthrough.

In market news, Somnium Space is emerging with shipments of its VR1 headset. Congratulations are in order for fulfilling delivery expectations.

Meanwhile, SIGGRAPH Asia and Comic Con London 2024 have been showcasing fascinating XR projects and the latest VR game developments, focusing heavily on indie titles.

Content Highlights

Several outlets tried “Alien: Rogue Incursion,” praising its classic Alien horror essence with an engaging story and intelligent alien adversaries. Skydance Interactive has unveiled a breathtaking “Behemoth” trailer, while Vertigo Games previewed the first seven minutes of “Metro Awakening,” set for release this week on major VR platforms.

For more reviews: Alien: Rogue Incursion — Road To VR, Alien: Rogue Incursion — Upload VR, Behemoth, Metro Awakening.

Content News

New titles and updates in VR have emerged—from Sight Unseen’s intriguing puzzles to VAIL VR’s transition to free-to-play. Upcoming releases include Last Stand and Songbird, while dinosaur-enthusiasts can anticipate Dino Hab. Additionally, Gargoyle Doyle and several others have hit markets or are debuting soon across multiple platforms.

Find more details here: Sight Unseen, Vail VR, Last Stand, Songbird, Gargoyle Doyle.

Reviews

Phasmophobia on PSVR 2 delivers spine-chilling tension despite technical hiccups, while Blade and Sorcery Nomad has advanced its campaign, bringing it close to its PC counterpart’s allure.

For reviews, visit: Phasmophobia, Blade And Sorcery: Nomad.

Other News

Canon’s new lens system for creating spatial videos will hit the market in November for $449.99. Additionally, Ben Lang appreciated the comfort of the MeganeX Superlight 8K, Marques Brownlee tested Meta Orion, and Upload VR announced a forthcoming Winter Showcase. Also, a PhD thesis delves into VR interactions, adding academic flavor to industry discussions.

Partner Updates

MindPort’s AIXTRA was a standout selection for VOXReality’s initiative, focusing on overcoming language barriers and offering AI-driven virtual training solutions—exciting advances for enterprise applications.

In gaming, ONTOP has unveiled Devil’s Purge, now available on iOS—a thrilling AR encounter combining action shooter mechanics with roguelike elements.

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