This past week has been quite the whirlwind for tech enthusiasts, with buzz surrounding tech giants like Apple, Meta, Google, and Valve. As usual, there’s a lot to digest, so buckle up and stick around until the end, where a lucky few might snag some keys for an exciting new mixed reality game! And if you haven’t already, check out my latest deep dive into the XR landscape in China and the details of my upcoming trip to Shanghai!
Top News of the Week
Possible Tariff Relief for XR Headsets
The tariff drama involving US trade policy continues to fluctuate, leaving us in suspense about its true impact on XR headsets. It seems companies are taking the wait-and-see approach. Meanwhile, proactive moves by firms like Pimax and BigScreen are in place. Pimax plans to mitigate the tariff costs by imposing a moderate $75-$95 surcharge on their Pimax Super products for US customers. In contrast, BigScreen promises to fully absorb these costs. Despite these efforts, it looks like tariffs on XR headsets might soon be lifted entirely. News has surfaced that most electronics, thanks to strategic exemptions by the US administration, will avoid additional costs. Upload VR insiders suggest XR headsets are included in this exemption, sparing headsets like Quest from potential price hikes. However, before we pop the champagne, we need confirmation, as looming tariffs on electronic chips could present fresh hurdles.
More Info: [Pimax absorbs tariffs impact] [BigScreen absorbs tariffs impact] [Tariffs lifted on electronic devices] [Tariffs lifted on XR headsets]
Other Relevant News
Apple Vision Pro 2: On The Horizon?
The Apple Vision Pro rollout quashed many swirling rumors about Apple’s potential headset. Yet, as months pass, fresh speculation on the Apple Vision Pro 2 is brewing. A Chinese publication suggests key components of this successor are already in production, signaling possible new launches. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has another take, claiming Apple is crafting two distinct headsets—a Vision Pro refresh and a Mac-tethered headset to boost virtual screen space. Nevertheless, the buzz that truly excites is about Apple’s AR glasses. Gurman reports that CEO Tim Cook is energetically racing to achieve this innovation before competitors like Meta, indicating an emerging AR race.
More Info: [Apple Vision Pro 2 production] [Apple’s two headset projects]
Valve’s New Moves with Deckard
According to Brad Lynch, Valve is making strategic moves, importing equipment for manufacturing VR headset interfaces stateside, likely for the anticipated Valve Deckard. This could imply Deckard is edging closer to market readiness, possibly revealing its features later this year.
More Info: [Valve’s facial interface production]
London to Asia: Google & Samsung’s XR Ambitions
Chatter has it that Google and Samsung are jointly eyeing a big leap with their XR devices. Notably, Project Moohan, an Android-powered mixed reality headset, might debut soon, with more advanced XR glasses anticipated in 2026. This delay gives them time to enhance features ahead of Meta’s plans, making it potentially worthwhile.
More Info: [Google & Samsung’s XR glasses]
An AltspaceVR Revival?
AltspaceVR is making a surprising comeback, thanks to entrepreneur Danny Mac. He’s committed to reviving the spirit of this beloved social VR space using an open-source framework. Though it’s early days, this initiative could redefine social VR by offering fresh opportunities for creators.
More Info: [Reddit post on Altspace reboot] [AltspaceVR website]
Worthy Mentions
- Meta is expanding its in-flight VR entertainment, following success with Lufthansa, paving the way for broader VR engagement in air travel.
- Varjo is solidifying its focus on enterprise markets, leaving a consumer-level return uncertain for now.
- Pico introduces a waist tracker to enhance full-body tracking accuracy, a positive step for immersive experiences.
And on the innovation front, researchers are cataloging over 170 text entry techniques for XR, an essential step for usability advancements.
Odds and Ends
Meta’s recent updates have been controversial, especially with users no longer able to uninstall Horizon Worlds, despite complaints about its intrusive presence on the Quest platform. Plus, in their latest update, Meta introduces a device identifier for advertisers, sparking further debate within the community.
More Info: [Meta VR entertainment on airlines] [Varjo’s market focus] [Pico’s waist tracker]
Updates on intriguing developments like a novel approach to combatting motion sickness and enticing discounts on the Meta Quest 3S make this spring particularly compelling for VR enthusiasts. Games and content updates across genres keep the gaming landscape vibrant and ever-changing.
Wrapping Up
In light of recent events, consider supporting those affected by ongoing global conflicts. I stand by aiding the Red Cross in their Ukrainian efforts and encourage your contributions. This roundup is made possible with incredible support from our patron community—thank you all for fueling the journey. Discover more about these topics in the provided links, and don’t forget to enter our giveaway for a chance to enjoy an entertaining mixed reality game right in your living room!
More Info: [Support The Red Cross in Ukraine]
(Image credit: Pimax)
