This week, there’s a flurry of exciting developments from the tech giants: Apple, Meta, Google, and Valve. We’ve got plenty to cover, so stick around till the end for your chance to snag some keys for a thrilling mixed reality game! Also, don’t miss my latest piece on the XR scene in China and my upcoming trip to Shanghai.
Headsets and the US Tariffs
The ongoing narrative around US tariffs remains tangled, evolving almost daily. The question mark still hangs over how XR headsets might be impacted, with many companies holding their breath for a more stable policy. Yet, some companies have already stepped forward. Pimax and BigScreen have announced plans to shield users from these tariffs’ effects. BigScreen aims to fully absorb the costs, while Pimax will partially offset them by introducing a $75-$95 surcharge on US buyers of the Pimax Super. It’s a relief to see companies endeavoring to maintain affordability in this price-sensitive XR market. Even more reassuring is the news that tariffs on XR headsets may actually be lifted. The US administration recently exempted many electronic devices from these tariffs, likely to ease the potential strain on companies like Apple that manufacture extensively in China. According to Upload VR’s insiders, XR headsets now enjoy this exemption. However, before we celebrate too much, let’s wait for confirmation and stay alert to potential new tariffs on electronic components that could still pose challenges.
Apple Vision Pro Developments
The Apple Vision Pro’s unveiling has finally quashed years of wild speculation surrounding Apple’s headset initiatives. Yet, the Vision Pro’s launch has sparked fresh rumors about a successor, the Vision Pro 2. This week, two noteworthy rumors stand out. Firstly, a Chinese publication suggests that Apple has already begun production, citing ongoing manufacturing of key components. Meanwhile, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple may be developing not one, but two headsets: an upgraded Vision Pro with improved specs, and a lighter, tethered version for use with Macs. Gurman’s insights also highlight Apple CEO Tim Cook’s ambitious focus on launching AR glasses ahead of Meta. With allusions to Apple’s intensive research efforts, the AR race is evidently heating up.
Valve’s Deckard Moves Closer to Reality
Brad Lynch offers fresh updates from Valve, revealing that the company is importing equipment to produce VR headset facial interfaces domestically. The supplier, Teleray Group, has history with Valve’s gear, suggesting these parts are for the anticipated Deckard headset. If true, this brings Deckard one step closer to release.
Google and Samsung’s XR Vision
In partnership, Google and Samsung continue to explore XR devices, including the intriguing Project Moohan mixed reality headset expected soon. Speculation around XR glasses has shifted, with recent reports suggesting a delay to 2026. This strategic pause allows time for enhancements like integrated displays and AI, potentially positioning Google and Samsung as formidable competitors to Meta.
AltspaceVR’s Surprising Rebirth
In a twist this week, AltspaceVR is making a comeback. Entrepreneur Danny Mac has acquired its branding and plans a fresh start using open-source tools. There’s limited detail currently, but Mac seems committed to reviving the beloved social platform’s spirit of community and creativity.
Extra Tidbits
- Meta is expanding its successful VR in-flight entertainment scheme to more airlines.
- Varjo finds its niche in enterprise, with little likelihood of returning to the consumer market.
- Pico introduces a new waist tracker to elevate full body tracking accuracy.
- The XR TEXT Trove launches as a resource for XR text entry techniques, benefiting both researchers and designers.
- A surprising update from Meta makes Horizon Worlds uninstallable, doubling down on pushing its content.
- Researchers are exploring unique sound frequencies as a novel approach to combating motion sickness.
- The Meta Quest 3S sees a price drop amid the spring sale; a curious move for a supposedly strong seller.
Stay tuned for more content nuggets:
- ‘Besiege’ heads to Quest soon, and ‘Dimensional Double Shift’ exits beta with new offerings.
- The innovative ‘FastHands’ and the awaited ‘GORN 2’ are set to debut, alongside other anticipated releases like ‘Silent North’ and ‘Starvault VR’.
- Economic shifts see games like ‘Walkabout Mini Golf’ updating their pricing models to include DLC inherently.
- A curious anomaly sees a shoddy Microsoft Flight Simulator clone topping charts in European markets.
Review Highlights
- Beatable enjoys praise for its inventive use of haptics.
- ‘The Midnight Walk’ draws attention with its standout visual style.
- ‘Train Sim World VR’ offers a comfortable experience for newcomers, while ‘Crystal Commander’ finds its footing in mixed reality.
- ‘Harpagun’ marries engaging narrative with visceral gameplay, despite needing polish.
What’s Next?
- DaVinci Resolve supports Apple Immersive Video editing.
- Hyperfy emerges as a notable WebXR world-building platform.
- Daniel Eckert begins a thoughtful series examining enterprise VR challenges.
- The US Army gears up for an AR-focused future with Soldier Borne Mission Command.
Community Giveaways & Fun
Don’t miss the chance to score a free copy of ‘Alex And The Jets’, a dogfighting mixed reality game. Also, for some amusing XR-themed laughs, check out the fun links sprinkled throughout.
Lastly, as we wrap things up, I urge you to consider donating to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine through the Red Cross. A heartfelt thank you goes to my supportive Patreon community for their backing. Here’s to tech that brings us all a little closer together.
