XR Weekly Roundup (March 31, 2025): Samsung’s Possible XR Glasses Launch, Vivo Unveils Vision Headset, and More!

As we close out March on this lovely day, I’ve just wrapped up a project, making it the perfect time to dive into this week’s most captivating AR and VR news. And yes, I’ll also touch on the buzz around the "Studio Ghibli" AI phenomenon.

Weekly Highlights

(Image from the web)

Samsung Eyeing a Late-Year XR Glasses Reveal

Word from the Korean magazine ETNews suggests that Samsung might launch their XR glasses later this year. The specifics on whether these are AR glasses or smartglasses remain fuzzy, but they’re described as easy to wear, with cameras and sensors for tracking the user or environment. The project, mysteriously named Haen—meaning "coast" in Korean—adds flavor to the tale. This isn’t Samsung’s first XR rodeo, which builds anticipation for what they might officially introduce and when. Should they unveil both Project Moohan (MR headset) and Haen (XR glasses) within the year, 2025 could mark Samsung’s stylish return to the XR scene.

More info: [Samsung XR glasses — Road To VR]
More info: [Samsung XR glasses — Android Authority]

Other Important Tidbits

(Image by Vivo)

Vivo’s New Vision Headset Unveiled

The phone giant Vivo has announced plans for a mixed reality headset, albeit keeping the details scarce. We’ve only seen the exterior, which draws a striking resemblance to the Vision Pro—even sharing the name, Vivo Vision. It’s set to take center stage in mid-2025. Another player has entered the XR arena!

More info

Meta’s Audience Shift: Quest Users Digging Media Consumption

Reflecting on Chris Pruett’s recent GDC talk, the Meta blog revisits the same, shedding light on an emerging demographic—the adults who favor media and entertainment on Quest. Unlike the VR Elite, these 30-something enthusiasts see their headset as a premium viewing tool, valuing high-quality visuals for movies and shows.

They represent a fast-growing sector that by 2027 could become prominent, shifting the focus away from meme games. This trajectory hints that Meta might gear Quest 4 towards enhanced movie experiences, potentially challenging Apple’s Vision Pro in the process. Given these shifts, developers face tough questions on content focus amid a constantly evolving ecosystem. How do we predict what Meta will back next? Games or movies? This uncertainty is a challenge to navigate.

More info

News Worth Noting

(Image by Apple)

WWDC Scheduled for June 9

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is slated for June 9th. Rumors suggest they’ll unveil visionOS 3 packed with enticing enhancements for Vision Pro. It’s a bummer this clashes with AWE—following both won’t be easy.

More info

Pimax Crystal Super Ships April 7

Pimax from China is prepping to dispatch their Pimax Crystal Super, featuring a wide FOV and high-res specs, on April 7. Props to Pimax for managing timely delivery.

More info: [Pimax Crystal Super shipping update]
More info: [VooDoo’s hands-on the device]

PlayStation Spring Sale Offering Temptations

Sony’s PlayStation Spring Sale, running until April 23, promises thousands of games on sale, including 60+ PS VR2 titles. It’s an excellent time to snag some new games.

More info

WebXR’s Brightest Honored at The Polys

The Polys, now in its fifth year, recognized top WebXR accomplishments, showcasing this somewhat nascent tech with immense promise. Bravo to the organizing team. Check out the winners below.

More info

Valve’s Game Drought in XR: A Critic’s Take

David Heaney pens a thought-provoking piece questioning Valve’s role in the XR space—especially its lack of content following Alxyx five years ago. While Meta often faces criticism, Valve’s revered status seems to shield it from similar scrutiny. Yet it possesses both resources and motivation to fuel VR gaming on Steam, leaving many puzzled about its current approach.

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Exploring Creative Experiments with Quest’s New Camera Access

Since Quest’s camera access release, inventive devs have been busy. Among their feats: a real-world element copy-paste, dynamic environment lighting, and a vision filter system—my own creation, actually. Check them out below!

More info: [Copy-paste from the world]
More info: [Dynamic lighting on virtual elements]
More info: [3D image filters on Quest]

Some Noteworthy Content Developments

• ILM and Lucasfilm team up for Star Wars: Beyond Victory, a Quest-exclusive mixed reality set with podracing elements, set in the "Solo" era.
• Hitman World of Assassination lands on PS VR2 for $10 with positive feedback.
• Meta cancels System Shock 2 VR amid broader funding cuts—the reimagined classic will still arrive on Steam this June.

And that Robocop VR game from weeks back? Apparently, rights issues mean it isn’t happening—quite the blunder!

More info: [Star Wars: Beyond Victory]
More info: [Hitman World Of Assassination]
More info: [System Shock 2 VR]
More info: [Robocop VR mishap]

Content Highlights Ahead

• HARD BULLET, a shooter sandbox, joins Quest 3 this spring.
• Orion Drift expands with a ‘Capture the Beacon’ update.
• Elements Divided, channeling Avatar: The Last Airbender vibes, promises action for Quest and PC VR on April 23.

Plus: No Man’s Sky: RELICS expands with alien paleontology and more awaited VR content—details below.

More info: [Hard Bullet]
More info: [Orion Drift]
More info: [No Man’s Sky: Relics]

Reviews Round-Up

• Pinball FX VR is a standout MR/VR pinball experience with arcade control compatibility.
• Boxed Out delivers engrossing Tetris-inspired puzzles.
• Final Fury, a fighting game, surprises with its embodiment focus.
• Roboquest VR, still evolving, hints at a well-crafted flatscreen adaptation.

More info: [Pinball FX VR]
More info: [Boxed Out]
More info: [Final Fury]

Other Headlines

Infinite Reality shells out $200M for Napster to craft a new social music platform featuring virtual concerts. If I’d only had that budget back in my virtual concert days…

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Quest’s Horizon OS may soon support 2D window sharing capabilities.
Pico 4 Ultra’s major upgrade offers nifty features, like 3D photo conversion.

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Friends and Partners’ Tidbits

Discover Chrono Craft, a bus tour blending digital stories and real-world settings with AR at Yuanmingyuan Park in Beijing.

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A Few Chuckles in XR

• Better think twice about humanizing robots—here’s why.
• The Studio Ghibli buzz, summarized in a cheeky link.
• Clever online remarks that’ll make you grin about VR.

Giving Back

Just like last week, I’d rather direct this closing passage to urge donations for those affected by war. Please consider supporting the Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine—a cause that truly matters. Special thanks to my loyal Patreon supporters, who help make this possible.

Keep innovating and exploring—there’s so much out there to discover!