I’ve just returned from AWE Europe, and what an incredible time it was! If you’re curious about my experiences there, feel free to check out some articles I’ve penned on the event.
Now, let’s dive into the most fascinating XR news from this week!
Top news of the week
Google is adding XR support to Play Store in preparation for the launch of the Samsung headset
Android Authority recently pointed out that Google’s Play Store is getting ready for the XR era. By digging through the latest versions of the store’s code, data scrapers stumbled upon an XR headset icon among compatible devices and a reference to XR headset compatibility. While these updates aren’t publicly visible yet, they clearly signal that Google is gearing up its Play Store for broader XR headset support. Without a partnership with Meta, it appears these upgrades are intended for a new headset that Google is collaborating on with Samsung and Qualcomm. This illustrates that the headset’s debut might not be too far off, further corroborated by Samsung’s recent financial call highlighting XR devices as a focus for 2025. Although many speculated the release might have been in 2024, it now seems 2025 is more likely on the horizon.
Other relevant news
Meta Reality Labs increase its revenues, but also its losses
Meta’s financials for Q3 2024 are out. Despite the absence of Quest 3s’ sales in this period, the company pulled in $0.27 billion in revenue against a hefty $4.70 billion loss. Opinions online varied widely—while some voiced concern over the staggering quarterly loss, others, like those at Upload VR, saw the revenue increase from $0.21 billion in Q3 2023 as solid growth for VR. Yahoo, contrastingly, pointed out the revenue didn’t meet the $0.31 billion predictions, labeling them lackluster. This kind of debate surrounds every Meta earnings call as it continues to invest heavily in the XR space. While the debate continues over whether Meta is spending wisely, the real question remains: Will XR become mainstream before these funds dry up? The upcoming Q4 2024 figures will be telling as they will include sales of the Meta Quest 3S during the holiday season.
The cheaper Apple Vision Pro may have been delayed beyond 2027
Ming-Chi Kuo, the well-known Apple analyst, recently hinted that Apple won’t roll out a more affordable Vision headset until after 2027. The delay stems from Apple’s desire to slash production costs and identify more solid consumer use cases that justify the headset’s price. Instead, we may only see a refresh of the current Apple Vision Pro, possibly sporting an M5 chipset by 2025. While Kuo’s predictions have been praised in the past, they should always be consumed with a pinch of skepticism. The XR community is feeling a bit of a letdown, realizing it might be a while before Apple’s XR ecosystem gathers enough momentum to entice developers. The lesson many of us have learned over the years is this: “Everything takes longer than we expect.”
Oasis is the first playable AI open world
DecartAI has come up with an experimental project, Oasis, which showcases a version of Minecraft completely driven by AI—no traditional game engines involved. The AI, trained on countless Minecraft sessions, independently generates gameplay events and visuals. This cutting-edge research explores the possibility of AI redefining computer science by possibly eliminating coding from app development. Even if today Oasis seems primitive—with stones transforming into sheep without notice—who knows where AI-driven gaming could be in a decade? Tim Sweeney, Epic’s CEO, didn’t hold back his disdain, exclaiming, “Wow! Every single thing about this sucks!” when Sequoia Capital shared the project’s video. It’s certainly a contentious venture, but also a glimpse into the potential future of gaming development.
News worth a mention
Meta increased Quest 3s’ maximum GPU clock speed
In a welcome move for developers and users alike, Meta has cranked up the maximum GPU speed on both their Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets by about 16%. This upgrade enhances gaming experiences with a boost from 545MHz to 599MHz.
Niantic opensources new compressed format for 3D Gaussian Splats
Niantic has open-sourced SPZ, a new format designed for compressing Gaussian Splats, likened to being the JPEG equivalent in this context, whereas PLY is more akin to PNG. Released under MIT license, SPZ can be utilized in both free and commercial capacities. The XR community is already buzzing, with a Unity plugin already created for it. We’ll see if SPZ catches on as a new standard.
ARM is entering a litigation with Qualcomm
A legal battle is heating up between ARM and Qualcomm. ARM accuses Qualcomm of license agreement violations, seeking to revoke its permissions to use ARM designs. Considering almost all VR headsets rely on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, this case scheduled for December could have significant implications.
Meta Horizon v71 is bringing a lot of updates
The upcoming v71 update for Meta Horizon is packed with improvements. While no single feature redefines the experience, the collection of tweaks promises a more enriched interaction with the headset. Key updates include a refreshed system interface, AI-generated facial expressions, crisper passthrough visuals, added support for Travel Mode, and a volume mixer for app and call integration, among others.
Somnium VR1 is shipping
A round of applause for Somnium Space—they’re making good on their promise and beginning the shipment of their VR1 headset. Kudos!
XR at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024
SIGGRAPH never fails to showcase cutting-edge research projects. The XR reel from its Asian chapter offers a glimpse into these innovative advancements. (A special shoutout to Ivan Aguilar for the tip!)
XR at Comic-Con London 2024
During EGX & MCM Comic Con London 2024, the latest VR Game Spotlight presented new VR games and updates from indie developers. You can catch the trailer with all the presentations linked below.
Some important news about content
Several outlets had the chance to test "Alien: Rogue Incursion," praising its quality and engaging storyline filled with heart-racing Alien horror. Meanwhile, Skydance Interactive’s new Behemoth trailer reveals an exciting new boss and gameplay details. Lastly, Vertigo Games released the first seven minutes of Metro Awakening gameplay, now launching across major VR headsets this week and looking stunning in action.
Some news about content
- Sight Unseen presents a VR puzzle game where you detach a robotic eye for problem-solving.
- VAIL VR is transitioning to a free model featuring a social hub and minigames. The current shooter content will become a $30 DLC named "Vail Combat."
- Last Stand, a new PvP mixed reality shooter, hits early access on November 14.
- Songbird, VR karaoke fun, sings its way to Meta Quest this November.
- Dino Hab promises a dino-raising adventure soon on Quest.
- Gargoyle Doyle, blending mixed reality museums with comedic storytelling, is newly launched on Quest.
- Pulsargeist, a horror MR game for Apple Vision Pro.
- Ghost Town unveils a supernatural VR puzzle adventure coming to Quest, Steam, and PS VR2.
- Underworld Overseer places you as a deity defending against human invaders—now available on Quest and Steam for $20.
- Triangle Strategy, a strategic RPG from Square Enix, gets a VR adaptation for Quest, now out for €27.
- Wolvic Chromium 1.1 introduces WebXR AR support to its open-source XR browser.
- Bridge Constructor Studio brings hectic bridge-building fun to Quest on December 5 for €10.
Some reviews about content
- Despite technical glitches, Phasmophobia on PSVR 2 delivers a spine-tingling atmospheric experience and effective jumpscares.
- Blade and Sorcery Nomad enriches a successful formula with a new campaign, nearing parity with its PC counterpart.
Other news
Canon is gearing up to release a new lens system for capturing spatial videos, available this November for $449.99.
Ben Lang explored the MeganeX Superlight 8K, enjoying its comfort-focused features.
Marques Brownlee had a firsthand experience with Meta Orion.
Upload VR is set to return with a new Winter Showcase.
An intriguing PhD thesis explores VR interactions.
News from partners (and friends)
MindPort’s AIXTRA project has been selected by VOXReality. Designed for enterprise customers, it features AI-powered in-VR translation for overcoming language barriers and an AI-based virtual training partner to facilitate human-like interactions during VR training sessions.
ONTOP launches Devil’s Purge, an AR game blending roguelike mechanics and real-world action shooting, now on iOS.
No sponsored content today—take a moment to do something kind for yourself. 😊
Some XR fun
- Dive into some humor with Sexy Time in Batman: Arkham Shadow [funny link].
- A dash of VR punk [funny link].
- Check out this amusing ad from Fiverr [funny link].
Donate for good
Instead of donations to my blog, I ask you to support those enduring the impacts of conflict. Please consider donating to the Red Cross to aid the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. I’d also like to express gratitude to my generous Patreon supporters—you know who you are!
[Support The Red Cross in Ukraine]
Lastly, just a reminder: This blog contains affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these, I earn a small commission. You can view my full disclosure here.
Share this with fellow innovators.
