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Greetings from Finland! I’m writing to you from somewhere between Helsinki and the enchanting Lapland. I’m having a delightful time here as usual—I’ve met Santa Claus, had the chance to pet reindeers, and indulged in some delicious local dishes. Soon I’ll be attending MatchXR, one of the key XR events in Nordic Europe, and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you. But before diving into this week’s news, I want to take a moment to dedicate this edition of my newsletter to Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who recently passed away. I had the privilege to meet Daniel several times, both in person at AWE US and in virtual worlds while attending events on ENGAGE. Daniel was a genuinely kind person, and his passion for using VR to benefit humanity, especially in education, inspired many. He will be sorely missed by all who had the fortune to know him. Farewell, Daniel—your legacy will live on in all of us.
Top News of the Week
Meta Opens Applications for Project Aria Research Kits
Meta’s Project Aria, introduced a couple of years back, was designed to pave the way for future augmented reality glasses. While these glasses didn’t have displays, they came equipped with a variety of sensors, like cameras and microphones, to gather data. Originally, these were limited to Meta employees and close partners to study user behavior, aiding in the development of future AR technology. This week, Meta announced that they’re opening up Project Aria beyond internal use. Now, research centers from universities or corporations can apply for a Project Aria devkit via a dedicated webpage on Meta’s site. Selected research centers will receive not just the glasses, but a complete development environment, including a companion app, an SDK, and cloud services. These services offer features like environment reconstruction from the glasses’ point-cloud data and face or license plate obfuscation in videos. Meta’s website features inspiring case studies from reputed universities to enthuse potential applicants. If you’re at a research center, this could be a fantastic opportunity to explore.
More info
Other Relevant News
A New Wave of Smartglasses Coming from China (and Beyond)
This week has been bustling with activity in the smart glasses arena. The Ray-Ban Meta’s success has sparked a rush, and three notable AI-powered smart glasses have emerged from China. According to a report by 36kr, Xiaomi might be working on smartglasses to compete with Ray-Ban Meta’s. Xiaomi’s history with showcasing smartglass prototypes means this isn’t surprising. Partnering with Goertek, known for manufacturing XR devices like Quest headsets, Xiaomi is targeting a launch in Q2 2025, possibly coinciding with the Mi Fan Festival in April.
Meanwhile, Baidu has released the Xiaodu AI Glasses, weighing a mere 45 grams and featuring a 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera with AI stabilization. It also boasts a four-microphone array, open-ear speakers, and a lengthy battery life, supporting six main functions, including real-time Q&A and calorie recognition.
Rokid, one of China’s major AR manufacturers, unveiled the Rokid Glasses, featuring a Snapdragon AR1, monochrome green display, and integrated camera for photos, videos, and visual searches. In collaboration with Bolon, a Luxottica group member, these glasses facilitate QR code payments through Alipay integration, raising questions about Luxottica’s potential global collaborations.
Additionally, Reuters reports Amazon’s venture into smartglasses, "Amelia," designed for internal use to aid delivery drivers with on-the-spot navigation, with consumer-model enhancements projected for 2026. It’s a thrilling time for innovations in smartglasses!
(Thanks to DannieVR for the Rokid tip!)
More info (Xiaomi glasses) More info (Baidu glasses) More info (Rokid glasses – Reddit post and comments) More info (Rokid glasses – WeChat post in Chinese) More info (Amazon glasses)
Meta For Education Launched in Beta
A while back, Meta hinted at an educational offering for its Quest headsets targeting universities, and last week, Meta For Education debuted in Beta. This initiative allows educators to access specific apps and features while managing multiple Quest devices simultaneously. Already piloted by prestigious institutions including Arizona State University and University of Michigan, Meta is fine-tuning the program with feedback from these campuses, aiming for a comprehensive release this winter. Partnering with VictoryXR, Meta is also developing digital twin "metaversities" at European universities to enhance remote learning experiences. It’s evident that Meta is strategically investing in the educational domain, potentially setting the stage for broader XR headset adoption as students become acquainted with the technology.
More info (Meta for education launched in Beta – Upload VR) More info (Meta for education launched in Beta – Official article) More info (Meta creating metaversities)
Meta Teases Orion Operating System
Meta recently showcased the UI of the Orion glasses through a newly released video. Various UIs shown suggest ongoing experiments to discover the best interface for these AR glasses, which necessitate new interaction paradigms distinct from current VR or MR models. Alex Coulombe, who tried Orion at Meta Connect, confirmed the video depicted interfaces he personally experienced.
More info
News Worth a Mention
bHaptics Revamps Its Lineup of Devices
Korean innovator bHaptics, renowned for its XR haptic vests, has unveiled an updated lineup:
- TactSuit Pro: A high-end haptic vest priced at $499
- TactSuit Air: A budget-friendly model at $249, with fewer haptic motors
- TactSleeve: An enhanced version of the arm-based haptic device priced at $199
Preorders are open until November 26. bHaptics devices are compatible with over 270 VR titles across Quest, PSVR 2, and SteamVR, promising plenty of virtual thrills.
More info (New bHaptics devices) More info (Launch trailer of the new bHaptics devices)
Horizon Worlds Introduces Its Currency
Horizon Worlds is starting to roll out Meta Credits, its virtual currency, in select regions. This is a critical development, enabling the virtual economy within the platform and allowing users to purchase digital goods from creators. Monitoring the effects of monetization on Horizon Worlds will be intriguing.
More info
Ekto VR Announces Its First Batch of Shoes
Following years of R&D showcased at various XR events, Ekto VR is finally releasing its first batch of Genesis shoes. Limited to just 10 early adopters, these innovative VR shoes range in price from $2000 to $3000, with shipping anticipated by March 2025.
More info
MeRCURY Diving Mask Now on IndieGoGo
Introducing MeRCURY, an extraordinary XR headset for underwater experiences, transforming ordinary pools into thrilling virtual reality environments. Now available on IndieGoGo with a starting price of €1250, it’s primarily aimed at B2B markets.
More info (MeRCURY on IndieGoGo) More info (MeRCURY trailer)
Apple Releases Two New Immersive Videos
Apple has dropped two fresh immersive videos:
- "Open Hearts" Music Video by The Weeknd, in a captivating immersive format
- A new "Concert For One" video featuring acclaimed singer Raye
More info (The Weeknd) More info (Raye)
Some Info About Content
- Ember Souls, an anticipated VR title, releases on Quest November 21st, priced at $25 with a 16% preorder discount available.
- Gadgeteer’s Quest update brings mixed reality permits.
- Beat Saber welcomes the Monstercat Mixtape 2 DLC.
- Clone Drone in the Hyperdome, VR sequel to Doborog’s hit, debuts at $20 with a 10% preorder cut.
- Within 2024, Resolution Games will unveil a fresh tower defense game named Gears & Goo on Vision Pro.
- Spatial Ops, a Vision Pro mixed reality multiplayer shooter priced at $20, is out now.
- Little Cities: Diorama, the refined version of a beloved VR title, heads to Vision Pro through Apple Arcade on December 5th.
- Exercise Your Demons, blending fitness with mythology, arrives December 12 for $20.
- Last Stand, integrating mixed reality with PvP shooters, is now in Early Access on Quest.
- Starship Troopers: Continuum, a VR co-op shooter adaptation, is available on Quest for €18.
- Developed by VRSO, Boxing Underdog emerges on Quest as a boxing-centric battler.
- Check out Road To VR’s bite-sized news roundup with XR News Bits and the XR News Round-Up.
More info (Ember Souls) More info (Gadgeteer) More info (Beat Saber) More info (Clone Drone in the Hyperdome) More info (Gears & Goo) More info (Spatial Ops) More info (Little Cities) More info (Exercise Your Demons) More info (Last Stand) More info (Starship Troopers: Continuum) More info (Boxing Underdog) More info (XR News Bits) More info (XR News Roundup)
Some Reviews About Content
- Square Enix’s Triangle Strategy stands out in XR, though closely resembles its flatscreen variant.
- DIG VR shines with vibrant visuals, humorous minigames, albeit slightly weighed down by certain campaign points and interaction quirks.
- EXOcars offers an exhilarating racing journey in VR, balancing realism with engaging play.
More info (Triangle Strategy) More info (DIG VR) More info (EXOcars)
Other News
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Sony ceases the PS5 adapter for original PSVR use.
Learn more
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Pico enhances Pico OS with a recent update.
Learn more
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Apple Final Cut Pro now supports Spatial Video editing.
Learn more
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A Wired article reveals Meta Horizon Worlds’ increasing child user base.
Learn more
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Numerous Quixel megascans assets are freely available on FAB, thanks to Ivan Aguilar’s tip.
Learn more
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Vive Ultimate Tracker now supports third-party headsets, hats off to Ivan Aguilar.
Learn more
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Niantic’s newly unveiled Spatial Platform aspires to transform spatial intelligence use, though its essence remains somewhat cryptic.
Learn more
News from Partners and Friends
XR Design Challenge – A New Cool XR Hackathon
In collaboration with Met, ShapesXR, and IDEO, Immersive Insiders is hosting the Global XR Design Challenge. From December 2 to January 13, the online event allocates a USD 10K prize pool for outstanding XR design concepts, participation is free, why not join?
Learn more
Story Enables Spatial Content Creation on Vision Pro
With Story, unleash your creativity across Vision Pro using an integrative immersive interface supporting diverse media types like 2D/3D models, VR180/VR360, and more. Get started now!
Learn more about Story / 1 Learn more about Story / 2
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Some XR Fun
Enjoy some classic PCVR humor:
Original PCVR Funny link
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