This week has been quite an exciting one for me as I announced my upcoming trip to CES in January—my first-ever attendance! I’m already deep into planning the details and lining up some appointments to test out some AR and VR glasses. If you’re planning to be there, do reach out, and I’d love to hear any tips you might have for making the most of CES. I’m eagerly looking forward to sharing all the exciting experiences with you. But for now, let’s dive into the top XR news of the week… and a giveaway!
Top News of the Week
Google Unveils Android XR
The big headline this week—and arguably one of the biggest of the year—came from Google with the official unveiling of Android XR. This new operating system is set to power a range of XR devices, including mixed reality headsets and AR glasses, along with smart glasses. The first gadget to feature this system will be a mixed-reality headset Google is developing in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, under the project name Moohan. Meanwhile, companies like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are also working on compatible devices.
Google recently showcased Android XR and its capabilities to a select group of journalists using Project Moohan as well as some monocular and binocular smart glasses. A major focus has been on its integration of artificial intelligence, particularly Gemini AI, which offers real-time assistance both in the real and virtual spaces. Imagine having a restaurant’s business card in view and asking Gemini to explore the location; it would immediately display the spot in a 3D map. The assistant can also help you gather details about buildings and even translate conversations in real-time.
Other nifty features include automatic conversion of photos and videos to 3D and flexible inputs via controllers, hand gestures, eye tracking, or voice commands. As for available content, Google has announced platform support for G-suite applications and a few games, with more to come. Developers can already get an early look at the SDK for native, Unity, and WebXR.
Regarding Project Moohan, details remain scarce, but it’s slated to resemble a hybrid of the Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro: featuring an external battery, high-resolution displays, and impressive passthrough features. It will leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 chipset, with controllers expected in 2025 when the headset is set to launch.
Google’s entry into the XR space brings much-needed validation and competition that could benefit everyone, but let’s hope Project Moohan doesn’t find itself among Google’s abandoned efforts.
More info: My detailed roundup on Android XR. More info: Ben Lang’s editorial about Android XR vs Horizon OS.
Other Relevant News
Latest Quest Update Enhances Hand Tracking and Adds Windows 11 Pairing
Meta has rolled out runtime v72 for Quest, bringing some intriguing new features:
- Hand tracking has improved to version 2.3, offering better responsiveness and enhanced performance in enclosed spaces.
- Windows Mixed Reality Link has been introduced, allowing Quest 3 and 3S users with Windows 11 PCs to connect seamlessly by simply looking at their PC.
- The system now can identify all keyboards and display them using passthrough.
- A new Media Gallery app has been added to enhance media enjoyment on your device.
- Entering the home VR environment now doesn’t require a boundary setup due to an assumed static one, making entry smoother.
- Plus, there are minor updates, including Direct messaging capabilities within the Instagram app.
Personally, the Windows 11 connectivity feature has me most eager; I’ve heard rave reviews about Mac integration with Vision Pro, so I’m excited to see the PC equivalent unfold.
More info: Meta Quest runtime v72—Road To VR, Upload VR, and how to connect Quest with a Windows 11 PC.
News Worth a Mention
Omdia Predicts a Downturn for XR in 2025
Market analyst firm Omdia has published a report with a rather gloomy forecast for the 2025 XR market. According to them, sales volumes for headsets are anticipated to fall by 10% in 2024, with further declines expected in 2025. However, a bounce-back is projected for 2026. While I think the report captures a potential short-term dip in 2025, I’ve witnessed a slow but steady growth in the industry since 2023—particularly with successful launches like Ray-Ban’s Meta glasses and Google’s new Android XR.
More info: Financial Times post on Omdia’s report, LinkedIn post about the report.
The Success Story of Gorilla Tag
XR investor JP Minetos has shared a fascinating article on Road To VR detailing the rise of Gorilla Tag. The game became a smash hit thanks to its social mechanics, unique locomotion style, frictionless gameplay, and meme-worthy appeal.
Exciting Deal Alert: Quest 3S
If you haven’t yet got your hands on the Quest 3S, here’s a deal for you: the 256 GB model is on sale on Amazon US and other regions for $400, and it comes with a $30 digital Amazon credit. This offer lasts until Christmas, so don’t miss out!
Batman: Arkham Shadow Wins Best VR/AR Game Award
At The Game Awards, Batman: Arkham Shadow nabbed the Best VR/AR Game Award of the year. This comes as no surprise given the game’s excellence and its significant impact on the VR community.
More info: Video of Batman: Arkham Shadow being awarded, Meta blog post celebrating this success.
Content News Highlights
- Fallout London VR: A mod aiming to deliver VR support for the expansive ‘Fallout: London’ DLC.
- Path of Fury: Episode I: Slated for release in early 2025, this on-rails VR action game is inspired by 80s Kung Fu films.
- Bridge Constructor: An XR version is now available for $10.
- Behemoth: The first major patch addresses bugs and adjusts gameplay balance.
- Clone Drone in the Hyperdome: Available on Steam and Meta for $20.
- Realize Music: Sing: Launching on Meta Quest next year, this app combines rhythm games with VR for a wellness experience.
- Panic Room MR: A horror mixed reality game from Quest 3 & 3S priced at $5.
- X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm: This game is priced at $20 and available on Horizon Store and Steam.
- Crystal Commanders and Mecha Force: Both games are poised for release on Quest.
- DodgeCraft: Out now on Quest, this game offers two gaming modes to test your reflexes.
- Beyond Blue: After the Storm: An aquatic VR narrative that lets players explore the ocean.
- Human Fall Flat VR: A beta version of a new first-person mode is now on Steam.
More info on these games and updates can be found through their individual links.
Reviews Round-Up
- Metamorphosis VR: Though it’s built around a unique concept with strong visuals, the game feels unpolished.
- Action Hero: A fresh take on SuperHot mechanics that appeal to both newcomers and veteran VR players.
- Home Sports: A fun sports mix to play in virtual or mixed reality, but the games may feel a bit underdeveloped.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon: A quirky, family-friendly game turning the classic zombie apocalypse theme on its head.
Check out detailed insights through the linked content reviews.
Other News
- Rob Cole has released an in-depth review of the Pimax Crystal Light.
- Norman Mueller shared the latest updates on smartglasses and AR glasses.
- Apple debuts Ultrawide Virtual Display for Vision Pro in VisionOS 2.2.
- NeoGrip controllers now offer an open-source custom option for standalone VR headsets.
- Unity’s Humanity 2025 grant applications are now open.
- Into The Scaniverse lets users explore real-world places through WebXR.
News from Partners (and Friends)
Invest in Vitruvian VR!
Vitruvian Virtual Reality, known for its ambitious 6DOF simulator controller, is launching a crowdfunding campaign. If you’re fascinated by this innovative venture, you can join by investing a minimum of €250.
Learn more: Crowdfunding page, my review of Vitruvian.
Iron Rebellion Keys Giveaway!
For mecha gaming fans, Iron Rebellion—a homage to Titanfall and Hawken—has launched on Quest and Steam. I’ve got a few Steam keys to share, and here they are: RBQ6Q-5LEEE-C0BW2, 7HWWY-M8K6E-9W0EF. Remember, it’s first come, first served! If you miss out, consider purchasing the game to support its developers.
Learn more: Iron Rebellion on Steam and Horizon Store.
Some XR Fun
Check out these links for a bit of humor in the XR world:
- Potential camera configurations for Quest 4.
- A virtual reality-themed comic featuring chickens.
- A humorous take on the first rule of Fight Club.
Donate for Good
As you wrap up your reading, I’d like to encourage you to donate not just to my blog, but more importantly, to those in need—particularly those affected by war. The Red Cross is actively engaged in humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, and they could use all the support they can get. Below is the donation link. A sincere thank you to all my Patreon supporters for their incredible encouragement:
[List of Patreon donors]
And here’s the link to support The Red Cross in Ukraine: [Donation Link]
(Header image by Google)
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