The XR Weekly Update (November 12, 2024): Surge in Smartglasses Popularity, Meta Reduces Game Funding, and More!

The recent Chinese Singles’ Day just wrapped up (happy holiday to all the single folks in China!), and as the chill sets in here, I’m cozying up with a hot drink to share some of this week’s most intriguing XR news with you!

Top News of the Week

(Image by Ray-Ban)

The Smart Glasses Buzz Keeps Growing

Since the success of Ray-Ban Meta, it seems like everyone is jumping on the smart glasses wagon. Mark Gurman’s latest report suggests that Apple is quietly developing its own version, aiming to rival Ray-Ban Meta by 2027. Details are thin, but Gurman notes these glasses should intelligently interpret the user’s surroundings, suggesting some AI wizardry. Apple’s entry into this space is worth watching; while Meta has partnered with a fashion powerhouse like Luxottica, Apple’s brand alone could entice many to don its specs. Samsung and Google are also reportedly working on similar tech, and there’s chatter that Baidu, known as China’s Google, will unveil its own smart glasses at this week’s Baidu World event in Shanghai. This gadget is expected to feature cameras for snapping photos and videos and voice interactions powered by Baidu’s robust Ernie model. Meanwhile, Meta is expanding its Ray-Ban Meta line, opening pop-up stores in Los Angeles and soon in Phoenix, Arizona, aiming to make these glasses not just tech gear but a fashion statement. These stores promise more than shopping; they’re hosting events like comedy nights with Desi Banks and cooking classes with Cassie Yeung. Are smart glasses a short-lived trend or here to stay? Only time will unravel this mystery.

More Info: Apple and Smart Glasses, Baidu’s Upcoming Smart Glasses, Meta’s Ray-Ban Pop-Up Stores

Other Relevant News

(Image by Meta)

Meta Reportedly Scaling Back Gaming Content Funding

The Information reveals a shift in Meta’s focus from gaming to lifestyle XR content. This pivot has reportedly led to funding cuts for certain gaming partners, causing layoffs at studios like Monks in the Netherlands and Altas V in France. It’s a tough situation for these studios, having relied on Meta’s support only to face sudden funding withdrawal and job cuts. On the other hand, perhaps Meta’s move is strategic, aiming to dominate not just gaming but everyday tools and utilities. Gaming is thrilling, but it’s broad utility usage that ensures a tech platform’s success.

More Info: Meta’s New Content Strategy

News Worth Mentioning

(Image by Miroslav Kotalík)

Homemade AR Glasses by Miroslav Kotalík

Miroslav Kotalík crafted his own AR glasses, complete with custom lenses, calling them "Zero." These glasses are driven by a Raspberry Pi Zero, capable of playing videos, displaying images, and streaming music via Bluetooth. Kotalík plans to upgrade to a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, enhancing capabilities to include YouTube and Spotify interactions. Follow his progress on X, where he shares updates on this audacious DIY project.

More Info: Kotalik’s Self-built AR Glasses on Reddit, Kotalik on Tom’s Hardware, Kotalik’s X Account

Apple’s Panoramic Display Feature on Vision Pro

In the latest VisionOS 2.2 beta, you can now manage your Mac via an ultra-wide virtual screen on Vision Pro. Unveiled in June, the feature offers a wraparound display equivalent to using two side-by-side 4K monitors. Ideal for creatives not wanting to splurge on physical ultra-wide monitors. Early reviews praise this feature for boosting productivity, although integrating it smoothly with Mac’s window manager may require third-party help.

More Info: Panoramic Display on Road to VR, Upload VR Review

LIV’s Creator Kit for Quest

LIV’s new Unity SDK, when used in apps, lets VR users on Quest capture their gameplay from a third-person perspective, all without needing an external PC. This tool is perfect for apps aiming to give users an edge in creating social media content, with Gorilla Tag already announcing plans to integrate. Based on my previous work with similar tech, LIV significantly cuts development time for creators.

More Info: LIV’s Creator Kit Insights

EgoTouch Turns Your Palm into a Touchscreen

Setting new grounds in haptics, EgoTouch allows you to use your hand as a clickable interface, distinguishing between a simple touch and intentional pressure. This innovation enhances realism by directing tactile sensations through the body. Thanks, Ivan Aguilar, for the tip!

More Info: EgoTouch Details

Osmo’s "Scent Teleportation"

Osmo has revealed a method they term as "scent teleportation," where a scent profile is captured, digitized, transmitted, and replicated elsewhere with a similar-smelling compound. Although the process is currently complex and costly, Osmo’s work on smells could revolutionize scent integration in virtual reality.

More Info: Osmo Scent Technology

Discounted Content on PlayStation Store

The PlayStation Store is currently offering significant discounts—up to 40%—on various PSVR 2 games. It’s an opportune time to expand your gaming library if you have a PSVR 2!

More Info: PlayStation Store Sale

Metro Awakening: A New Favorite

This week, Metro Awakening has captured players’ hearts, receiving accolades for its atmospheric worlds and immersive experience. It isn’t without flaws, featuring some awkward item retrieval mechanics and late-game monotony, but it remains a standout title. A special nod to the developers for incorporating an arachnophobia mode, enhancing accessibility.

More Info: Metro Awakening on Road To VR, Metro Awakening on Upload VR

Spatial DJing with djay on Meta Quest

Algoriddim brings its well-known djay app to Meta Quest. DJ enthusiasts can now remix tracks in mixed reality, using their real DJ equipment plugged into Quest via USB-C. With over 5000 tracks and multiple streaming service integrations, it’s an immersive leap for onboarding DJ fans into VR. Full disclosure: I’ve worked with Algoriddim in the past.

More Info: djay App Details

More Content News

• Quest’s Alien: Rogue Incursion delayed, but PCVR and PSVR releases are expected on December 19.
• Human Within, a thought-provoking sci-fi interactive VR film on AI and humanity, is set for Quest in January.
• Heroes Battle: Darksword, a strategic 1v1 VR tabletop game, debuts in early access for Quest.
• Nevrosa Rescape, a reimagining of a 2017 horror puzzle game, drops next year on Quest.
• Vivarium, bringing virtual flora and fauna to your living room, is now on the PICO Store.
• Wall Town Wonders, launching as a Quest 3 exclusive, arrives on November 21.
• Zombie Army VR’s release has been postponed to the following year.
• Squingle’s new edition is out on November 21, offering a psychedelic puzzle experience.
• CROWBAR CLIMBER lets you scale walls with crowbars; available now on Horizon and Steam.
• Strike Rush is available with a hefty 90% discount using code SR-233289 on the Meta Quest Store.
• Upload VR rebrands its XR weekly roundup, now called "XR News Bytes."

More Info: Alien: Rogue Incursion, Human Within, Heroes Battle: Darksword, Nevrosa Rescape, Vivarium, Wall Town Wonders, Zombie Army VR, Squingle, CROWBAR CLIMBER, Strike Rush, XR News Bytes

Reviews in Focus

• Human Fall Flat VR delights with its wacky physics and smooth controls, especially fun in multiplayer.
• Dumb Ways: Free for All serves up laughs with its arcade-style antics but falters with its unvaried minigames.
• Living Room enchants with its adorable virtual critters; more content diversity would elevate the experience.
• Underworld Overseer sires evil yet charismatic gameplay. An enhanced narrative could perfect it.

More Info: Human Fall Flat, Dumb Ways: Free For All, Living Room, Underworld Overseer

Extra Tidbits

• Photon launches a new free sample on multiplayer mixed reality collaboration.
  Learn More
• A modest petition seeks to open-source WMR, tallying just over 3300 signatures.
  Learn More
• Julie Smithson steps into the role as METAVRSE’s new CEO.
  Learn More

Partner (and Friend) News

Join Us at MatchXR!

Happening in Helsinki on November 19, MatchXR’s event in the Slush week showcases the Nordic XR scene. Attendees get a chance to meet and network—see you there if you can make the trip!

Learn More

Calling All for DeoVR’s VR Jam!

Taking place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on November 13, DeoVR hosts a jam-packed event filled with the hottest VR tech, including the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3S. Engage in discussions and VR gaming sessions while experiencing the atmosphere with like-minded enthusiasts.

Learn More [DeoVR is a Patron of this blog]

Take a Break

No commercial plug today, just a reminder to take it easy and enjoy life!

A Bit of XR Fun

• Could developing with ChatGPT save time? Here’s a chuckle-worthy link Funny link
• Using VR for a hairstyle fix Funny link
• VR gaming stereotypes for laughs Funny link
• The potential killer apps in VR and AR Funny link

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[List of Patreon donors omitted for brevity]

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(Header image by Miroslav Kotalík)