XR Weekly Recap (2024.12.16): Unveiling of Android XR, Samsung Headset Debuts, and More!

Let me tell you, this week has been fantastic, because I just announced that I’m heading to CES in January—it’s going to be my first time there! I’m already in the thick of planning the trip, lining up appointments to try out some AR/VR glasses. If you’re planning to be there, let’s connect! And if you’ve got any tips on making the most out of CES, I’m all ears. I’m looking forward to sharing all the cool experiences with you. But for now, let’s dive into the top XR news of the week… plus, there’s a giveaway waiting for you!

## Top News of the Week

Google has made waves this week with one of the year’s biggest announcements—they’ve officially unveiled Android XR. Android XR is set to be Google’s go-to operating system for all XR devices, ranging from mixed reality headsets to AR and smart glasses. The first device to support this OS will be Project Moohan, a mixed-reality headset Google is collaborating on with Samsung and Qualcomm. Other partners like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are also in the process of developing devices that will run on Android XR.

During a showcase to selected press members, Google demonstrated Project Moohan, monocular, and binocular smart glasses. The standout feature of Android XR is its integration of artificial intelligence, specifically the Gemini AI. This AI assistant keeps tabs on your activities both in the physical and virtual worlds, ready to assist whenever needed. For instance, if you show the AI a restaurant’s business card, Gemini AI can pull up the 3D location in Google Maps, allowing you to visually explore the establishment and ask further questions. While it’s incredibly helpful, some might find the constant monitoring a bit concerning from a privacy standpoint.

Android XR boasts other impressive features, such as automatically converting photos and videos to 3D and supporting multimodal input—accepting commands via controllers, hands, eyes, or voice. Initially, the only available content includes the G-suite and a few games like Demeo and Vacation Simulator, but more offerings are on the horizon. Developers can already access an early preview of the development environment for native, Unity, and WebXR.

Regarding Project Moohan, details remain sparse. It appears to blend elements from Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro, featuring an external battery, high-res displays, and enhanced passthrough. It will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 chip, and we can expect controllers in 2025, coinciding with the headset’s release. Google’s entry into the XR market is exciting, bringing new validation and competitiveness, which benefits all of us in the long run. Here’s hoping this project won’t end up in Google’s infamous graveyard of canceled endeavors.

For more in-depth information on Android XR, including reference links, check out my detailed roundup.

## Other Relevant News

### Latest Quest Update Boosts Hand Tracking and More

Meta is rolling out version 72 of its runtime for Quest, introducing some notable enhancements:

– Hand tracking has been upgraded to v2.3, providing better performance and responsiveness, especially in enclosed environments like travel mode.
– With the release of Windows Mixed Reality Link, Quest 3 and 3S users can easily connect to their Windows 11 PC by simply looking at it, initiating a prompt to connect just like the Vision Pro with Macs. This seamless integration is fantastic for productivity, although Apple’s version still slightly edges ahead.
– The system now tracks all keyboards and displays them via passthrough.
– A new Media Gallery app has been added for media viewing on your device.
– You can now enter your home VR environment without having to set up a boundary, streamlining the experience.
– Plus, there are smaller updates, like Direct messages in Instagram.

The Windows 11 integration is my personal favorite; many applauded Apple’s Vision Pro-PC connection, and I can’t wait to test the Windows counterpart.

For more details, check out Meta Quest runtime v72 on Road To VR and Upload VR.

## News Worth a Mention

### Omdia Predicts a Downward Trend for XR in 2025

A report from market analysis firm Omdia paints a less-than-rosy picture for the XR market. They state that headset sales decreased by 10% in 2024, dropping to 6.9 million units from 7.7 million in 2023, with a continued decline expected in 2025. However, a rebound is anticipated by 2026. Although I concur with their prediction for a challenging 2025 and a rebound later, from my perspective, the industry has been on a gradual upswing since 2023, as evidenced by successes like Ray-Ban Meta and the release of Android XR. It’s all about how you interpret the data, I suppose.

For comprehensive insight, check out Financial Times’ post about Omdia’s report and another post on LinkedIn discussing it.

### The Rise of Gorilla Tag

XR investor JP Minetos penned an intriguing piece for Road To VR on how Gorilla Tag emerged as a smash hit. Key factors include its sociality mechanics, unique locomotion style, ease of play, and how effortlessly it lends itself to meme culture.

For further reading, head over to Road To VR.

### Get a Great Deal on Quest 3S

You can grab a Quest 3S (256 GB) on sale at Amazon US and other regions for $400, which includes a $30 digital Amazon credit. If you haven’t picked up a Quest 3S yet, this is an enticing deal that runs through to Christmas.

For more details, check out the deal on Amazon.

### Batman: Arkham Shadow Clinches Best VR/AR Game Award

At The Game Awards, Batman: Arkham Shadow by Camouflaj was honored with the Best VR/AR Game Award of the year. Given the game’s awesomeness and its significant impact on the VR community, this comes as no surprise.

For more on this accolade, watch the award video and read the Meta blog post celebrating the success.

### Fresh Content News

– Fallout London VR aims to add VR support for the vast ‘Fallout: London’ DLC.
– Path of Fury: Episode I—Tetsuo’s Tower—an on-rails VR action game inspired by ’80s Kung Fu films—is set to launch in early 2025 on Quest 2/3/Pro for $9.99.
– Bridge Constructor’s XR variant of the popular bridge-building game is priced at $10.
– Behemoth’s first major patch addresses numerous bugs and rebalances combat, stirring mixed reactions from the community.
– Clone Drone in the Hyperdome, a VR sequel by Doborog Games, is now available on Steam and Meta for $20.
– Realize Music: Sing, a “singing-for-wellness app,” melds rhythm game mechanics with meditative self-care and VR sensibilities. It launches on Meta Quest on January 23, 2025.
– Panic Room MR introduces a mixed-reality horror experience with spiders and demons on Quest 3 & 3S for $5.
– X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm, a Contras: Operation Galuga and VR hero shooter crossover, is out now for $20 on Horizon Store and Steam.
– Crystal Commanders, a real-time strategy game playable in VR and mixed reality, arrives on Quest on February 27, 2025.
– The VR mech game Mecha Force, drawing inspiration from Shin Getter Robo and Gurren Lagann, is in early access on Quest, accompanied by a free demo.
– DodgeCraft challenges your reflexes with a new VR sports training game, available now on Quest.
– Beyond Blue: After the Storm offers an aquatic narrative VR adventure that lets you explore oceans.
– Human Fall Flat VR’s experimental first-person game mode is in beta on Steam.
– Upload VR has released its regular XR News Round-Up, filled with minor XR news highlights.

For more details on each content update, refer to the links provided in the original article.

### Reviews on New Content

– Metamorphosis VR stands out with its compelling concept and visuals, but feels a bit rough around the edges.
– Action Hero is a skillfully balanced game that provides a fresh take on SuperHot, appealing to VR newcomers and offering seasoned players an engaging campaign.
– Home Sports compiles sports games to enjoy with friends in virtual or mixed reality, though some games feel a tad superficial.
– Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon adds a humorous, family-friendly angle to the worn-out zombie horde theme.

For more information on these reviews, check out the relevant links.

## Other News

– Rob Cole has published an in-depth review of the Pimax Crystal Light—worth a read!
– Norman Mueller has compiled the latest updates on smartglasses and AR glasses.

For more information, follow the links in the original article.

## News from Partners and Friends

You can now invest in Vitruvian VR! This startup is making waves with its innovative 6DOF simulator controller, which gives you the sensation of being in outer space. They’ve launched a crowdfunding campaign, inviting investments starting from €250. Check out my review to see why this project is so exciting.

For more information and to invest, visit the crowdfunding page and read my review of Vitruvian.

Plus, I’m giving away keys for Iron Rebellion—a love letter to mecha games like Titanfall and Hawken. The game is now out on Quest and Steam. Here are two Steam keys for eager fans: RBQ6Q-5LEEE-C0BW2 and 7HWWY-M8K6E-9W0EF. Remember, it’s first come, first served! If you miss out, consider supporting the developers by purchasing the game.

## Some XR Fun

Need a laugh? Check out these funny takes on Quest 4 camera setups, a comic with chickens exploring VR, and a cheeky nod to the first rule of Fight Club.

## Support for a Good Cause

Instead of asking for donations to keep this blog running, this week, I’m urging you to support those impacted by the ongoing conflict. Please consider donating to the Red Cross to assist with relief efforts in Ukraine. A huge thank you to my Patreon supporters who continue backing me:

[List of Patreon supporters]

You can find the donation link below. Let’s make a difference together.

[Support The Red Cross in Ukraine]

Thank you for being part of this journey, and here’s to another week of XR excitement!