XR Weekly Overview (July 21, 2025): Bytedance’s Possible MR Headset, HTC’s New Tease, and More!

Here’s a messy and human-like version of the article:

Okay, so it’s time for another wild ride through the AR and VR universe. Buckle up, friends, because this week’s news is… sorta interesting? Maybe more than last week? Definitely some twists. Plus, I’m giving away a little something just for hanging around. Seriously, keep going – there’s a key that might change your day. Oh, and if you missed my chat with the folks behind Animal Company, go check it out. It’s got juicy details on building cool XR games and some hints at a fresh game mode coming soon. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.

Top Stories That Might Matter

Pico’s Got Something Cooking
So, Bytedance (yep, that Bytedance) is putting together a new headset. Forget Pico 5 – it’s out. Now, we’ve got this new tech, codenamed “Swan.” It’s this super light mixed reality thing, tethered to a puck. Yeah, a puck. What’s with tech folks and bird names, huh? Also, is it just me or do these lightweight headsets sound like something Meta’s whispering about too? Could be a coincidence. Or not. Who even knows! Remember when they teased us with that? Small headsets could make mixed reality our new normal, but I still think having a puck is like having an extra arm. Annoying. Anyway—wait, where was I? Right, let’s see what happens when these hit stores.

More stuff here if you’re so inclined to read it.

Stuff That’s Also Happening

Meta Shows Off Some Futuristic Goggles
Meta, not surprisingly, is back with XR research just in time for SIGGRAPH. They’ve got this headset prototype with “high-curvature reflective polarizers.” Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Eye-rolling aside, it’s got a 180-degree view. That’s like seeing with fish eyes but cooler. Cameras shoot at 80MP – another fancy number. Don’t hold your breath waiting for this to drop on shelves, though. It’s all a big maybe.

Learn more if you dare.

HTC Vive Cryptic Messages
HTC teased something on social media. Coordinates to Taipei 101, no less. Google Maps even, if you’re feeling adventurous. Is it a headset? Software? Beats me, but it better be thrilling. Or at least decent.

Guess we wait for more breadcrumbs.

Random News Bits Worth a Glance

Brazen Blaze Goes Free-to-Play
And yet another game goes free. Is this a smart move? Kids love freebies, granted. But is it sustainable? The VR world’s small. We’ll see what happens. Maybe it’ll catch fire; maybe it’ll fizzle. Here’s hoping Meta’s backing these crazy ventures.

Alex And The Jets Adds VR Fun
Mixed reality’s having a moment, but Alex And The Jets is now playable entirely in VR. With Quest 2 ruling, this pivot makes some sense. Mixed reality’s growth feels stunted, doesn’t it? Could be wrong, but that’s my take.

Hey Look, New Glass Tech
Coray launched fancy glasses called Air2. Silicon Carbide magic. Brightness of 6,000 nits? Sounds like new-age sunglasses. Oh, irony alert: It’s a Chinese brand breaking into this space with material that’s restricted export-wise. Should we buy? Maybe wait for reviews?

Content Galore – Games, Modes, and Demos

There’s a lot happening. From Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles new concepts to Survivor Games launching soon. Feeling adventurous? Dive into Mystery Mazes on Quest.

Bigscreen’s Fancy Purple VRChat Headset
Fans of VRChat, this one’s for you. Same headset, now in purple. Costs a smidge more but hey, you get some exclusive swag.

PlayStation Sale Alerts
Who doesn’t like a good sale? PlayStation’s throwing discounts at you until late July. Grab those VR titles while they’re hot.

Gossip and Goodies

The Sneaky Stuff
Meta might poke around the medical sector. Exciting? Maybe. Plus, FreeAim VR shoes hit funding goals on Kickstarter. And Varjo’s making changes. Meanwhile, The New Yorker’s pondering if AI could cure loneliness. (Spoiler: Definitely not.)

Giving Back and Gratitude

Got a key for anyone itching to try Squishies on Quest. First come, first saved. Also, shoutout to Dilmer Valecillos for making XR courses free. Do check them out – free knowledge is golden.

And hey, if you’ve got some extra coin, maybe think about the folks in Ukraine. The Red Cross is doing important work there.

That’s a wrap, folks. Stay techy, stay curious!