Hope you enjoyed Singles’ Day celebrations, especially if you’re single and Chinese! It’s getting chilly on my end, so while I sip on a hot drink, let’s dive into the intriguing world of XR and explore this week’s standout stories.
Highlights of the Week
The Buzz Around Smart Glasses Continues
With Ray-Ban Meta making waves, it seems like smart glasses are the new frontier everyone’s exploring. According to Mark Gurman, Apple is internally working on its version of smart glasses, which could hit the market by 2027. While details remain fuzzy, these glasses are expected to be AI-enhanced, understanding their environment. Apple’s entry could be significant. While Meta teamed up with fashion giants Luxottica, Apple’s brand itself is a major draw. With Samsung, Google, and possibly Baidu joining the fray, it appears we’re entering a new era for smart wearables. Meanwhile, Meta isn’t sitting idle; they’re expanding their Ray-Ban Meta range with new pop-up stores in LA and Phoenix, featuring unique events to draw in the fashion-conscious crowd. Will these smart glasses be a lasting novelty or a fleeting trend? Only time will tell.
Meta’s Pivot from Gaming to Lifestyle Content
In a strategic shift, Meta is reallocating funds towards lifestyle content over gaming, according to The Information. This move has led to funding cuts for certain gaming studios, causing layoffs in companies like Monks and Altas V. While it’s unfortunate for those affected, Meta’s logic seems aimed at courting everyday utility users rather than purely gamers, aiming to become less of a gaming console leader and more of a smartphone replacement.
Additional Noteworthy Developments
DIY AR Glasses
Miroslav Kotalík crafted low-cost AR glasses, calling them ‘Zero’, using a Raspberry Pi Zero. This fascinating DIY project currently lets you view images and videos, play music, and display text. Future iterations could potentially support YouTube and social media apps.
Apple’s Vision Pro Gets a Panoramic Update
Apple has released a new feature for its Vision Pro that allows you to use a virtual ultrawide screen with your Mac. This update, part of the VisionOS 2.2 beta, offers a groundbreaking display experience equivalent to using two 4K monitors side by side, without cluttering your desk.
VR Innovations and Announcements
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LIV’s Creator Kit for Quest: A new SDK for Unity enables VR application developers to facilitate third-person video captures directly on Quest devices.
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EgoTouch’s Interactive Palm Technology: EgoTouch offers a novel way of using your palm as an interactive interface, enhancing haptic feedback and tactile interactions.
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Osmo’s Scent Teleportation: This company is pioneering the digital transmission of scent, opening thrilling possibilities for multisensory VR experiences.
- PlayStation Store Sale: A noteworthy sale is underway, offering PSVR 2 games at discounts over 40%.
Standout Game: Metro Awakening
Metro Awakening is making waves following the success of Batman: Arkham Shadow. Despite some minor flaws, the game is praised for its immersive environments.
New Virtual Reality Experiences
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‘djay’ Hits Meta Quest: Algoriddim brings the popular DJ app to Meta Quest, expanding music mixing capabilities in VR.
- Various Game Updates: Multiple VR games see updates, delays, or launches, from ‘Zombie Army VR’ to ‘Wall Town Wonders.’
Industry Tidbits
There’s a surge of activities, including community-engaging events like MatchXR in Helsinki and a VR Jam in Slovenia. These gatherings promise insights into cutting-edge VR technologies and networking opportunities.
Fun and Philanthropy
As a lighthearted note, explore humorous VR takes and contribute to worthy causes like the Red Cross. Your support can make a difference.
Finally, a heartfelt thanks to my Patreon family for your continued support. Your contributions help me keep sharing insights with the world. If you’re interested, consider joining and helping sustain this journey.
That’s a wrap on the fascinating XR developments this week. Stay curious and keep exploring the augmented realms!
