The XR Weekly Roundup (November 19, 2024): Meta Unveils Project Aria Research Kits, Surge in Chinese Smartglasses, and More!

Greetings from Finland! I’m penning this newsletter while traveling across this beautiful country, from the bustling city of Helsinki to the serene landscapes of Lapland. As always, it’s been quite an adventure here; meeting Santa Claus, feeding reindeer, and indulging in the local cuisine. I’m particularly excited for the upcoming MatchXR event, a significant gathering for XR enthusiasts in Nordic Europe. I’ll be sure to share my experiences with you soon. But before we dive into this week’s news, I’d like to dedicate this edition to the late Daniel Dyboski-Bryant. I had the fortune of meeting him a few times, both at events like AWE US and in virtual environments on ENGAGE. Daniel was a genuinely kind soul, passionate about utilizing VR for educational purposes and the betterment of humanity. Those of us who knew him will forever cherish his legacy. Farewell, Daniel, your spirit continues with us.

Top News of the Week

Meta Opens Applications for Project Aria Research Kits

A while back, Meta introduced Project Aria, a precursor to its envisioned Augmented Reality (AR) glasses. These glasses, devoid of a display, were packed with sensors like cameras and microphones. Initially, they were limited to Meta staff and select partners to gather behavioral data, mirroring potential AR functionality. However, this week marks a shift as Meta has unveiled the Project Aria Research Kit. Research institutions from both academia and industry can now apply for these devkits via Meta’s designated webpage. The chosen projects will receive not just the glasses but also access to a comprehensive development ecosystem, including a companion app, SDK, and extensive cloud services. The services offer data storage and environment reconstruction, among other features. This initiative presents a groundbreaking chance for research in the realm of AR glasses. Meta has showcased examples from renowned universities like the University of Bristol and Carnegie Mellon University to fuel inspiration. If you’re part of a research institution, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

For more information, click here.

Other Relevant News

A New Wave of Smart Glasses Is Coming from China (and Beyond)

It’s been a busy week in the smart glasses sector. Following the success of the Ray-Ban Meta, there’s a noticeable surge in activity, highlighted by the introduction of three AI-enhanced smart glasses from China. According to 36kr, Xiaomi may soon release a competitor to the Ray-Ban Meta, possibly partnering with Goertek, known for manufacturing Quest headsets. These glasses might make their debut in Q2 2025, possibly aligning with the Mi Fan Festival. In a similar vein, Baidu just introduced the Xiaodu AI Glasses, sporting a lightweight design and a suite of AI functionalities, set for release in early 2025. Meanwhile, Rokid’s latest offering, powered by Snapdragon AR1, features unique payment capabilities via Alipay integration. Notably, all these developments highlight Luxottica’s openness to collaborations in the Chinese market.

Additionally, Amazon is reportedly developing smart glasses codenamed "Amelia," aimed at enhancing delivery efficiency for drivers via integrated displays. All these innovations signal exciting times ahead for smart glasses technology.

For more information, click here.

Meta For Education Launched in Beta

A few months ago, Meta hinted at an educational package for its Quest headsets, and it’s finally here. The Meta For Education program is now in Beta, empowering educators to tap into a range of tools for efficient classroom management. This program boasts participation from universities like Arizona State and Imperial College London, who are providing valuable feedback to refine these offerings. Meta has also teamed up with VictoryXR to develop "metaversities" across Europe, blending physical and digital learning spaces. This strategic move into education aims not just to generate revenue, but to normalize XR technology among future generations.

For more information, click here.

Meta Teases Orion Operating System

In a recent video, Meta unveiled glimpses of the interface for its upcoming Orion glasses. The varying UI designs suggest Meta is still testing different approaches, which makes sense given the unique challenges AR glasses present compared to VR and MR systems. Developer Alex Coulombe has noted that these are the same interfaces he experienced firsthand.

For more information, click here.

News Worth a Mention

bHaptics Revamps Its Lineup of Devices

Korean haptic tech leader bHaptics has unveiled updates to its popular product line. The TactSuit Pro, their flagship haptic vest, comes in at $499. The more budget-friendly TactSuit Air, which offers fewer haptic motors, is priced at $249. The new and improved TactSleeve is available for $199. Preorders run until November 26th, and these are compatible with a robust range of VR experiences across various platforms.

For more information, click here.

Horizon Worlds Is Getting Its Currency

In selected regions, Horizon Worlds has begun introducing Meta Credits, marking a significant step in developing a self-sustaining virtual economy. As creators can now sell digital items within the platform, it will be intriguing to observe how this shapes the Horizon Worlds community.

For more information, click here.

Ekto VR Announces Its First Batch of Shoes

After extensive development, Ekto VR is launching its first set of VR walking shoes, known as Genesis. Limited to an initial release of just 10 units, these shoes offer pioneering navigation in virtual spaces, priced between $2000-3000, with shipments expected in March 2025.

For more information, click here.

MeRCURY Diving Mask Is Now on IndieGoGo

The MeRCURY headset aims to transform standard pools into immersive XR environments. Now on IndieGoGo, this device is priced starting at €1250, indicating its primary focus on business applications.

For more information, click here.

Apple Releases Two New Immersive Videos

Apple has introduced two fresh immersive videos: a new music video from The Weeknd, and the latest in their ‘Concert For One’ series featuring Raye, enriching the diversity of content available to immersive media enthusiasts.

For more information, click here.

Some Info About Content

• Ember Souls, an upcoming VR hack-and-slash title, is set to launch on Quest on November 21st for $25, with a preorder discount available.
• Gadgeteer receives an update enhancing its mixed reality capabilities on Quest.
• Beat Saber introduces the eagerly awaited Monstercat Mixtape 2 DLC.
• Clone Drone in the Hyperdome offers a sequel experience priced at $20 with a preorder discount.
• Gears & Goo, a tower defense game by Resolution Games, is slated for an early 2024 release on Vision Pro.

For more detailed information, click here.

Some Reviews About Content

• Triangle Strategy from Square Enix transitions well into XR, offering a familiar yet engaging experience.
• DIG VR impresses with its vibrant world and humorous gameplay, despite some campaign tedium.
• EXOcars strikes a balance between realism and entertainment, promising great fun in VR.

For more detailed reviews, click here.

Other News

• Sony discontinues the original PSVR adapter for PS5.
• Pico introduces notable updates to its OS.
• Apple Final Cut Pro now supports editing of Spatial Videos.
• Wired provides an insightful piece on the current demographic trends in Meta Horizon Worlds.
• Quixel megascans assets have been made freely accessible on FAB, courtesy of a tip from Ivan Aguilar.
• The Vive Ultimate Tracker now offers compatibility with third-party headsets, thanks again to Ivan Aguilar’s tip.

For more in-depth insights, click here.

News from Partners and Friends

• XR Design Challenge, a thrilling hackathon for XR enthusiasts, is being organized by Immersive Insiders and partners—an opportunity to compete for a USD 10,000 prize pool.
• Story, a tool for crafting spatial content on Vision Pro, offers an effortless way to blend different media for immersive storytelling.
• Advertising opportunities are available on this blog for those seeking to reach a dedicated AR/VR audience.

For more details, click here.

Some XR Fun

Check out the original PCVR Funny link for a good laugh.

Donate for Good

Once again, I’d like to finish by urging you to support those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Your donation to the Red Cross can make a real difference. My gratitude goes out to all my Patreon supporters; you make this work possible:

For links to donation and additional support, click here.

(Header image by Meta)

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