The XR Weekly Overview (December 16, 2024): Unveiling Android XR, Samsung Headset Display, and More!

This week has been pretty exciting for me, as I have something special to share—I’m heading to CES this January, marking my first attendance at this premier tech event! Currently, my plans are in full swing, as I’m busy arranging my travel and booking appointments to try out some AR/VR glasses. If you’re planning to attend, do reach out! I’m also open to tips that could enhance my CES experience. I can’t wait to bring you along on this journey with all the stories and insights I gather. But for now, let’s dive into this week’s top XR news—and there’s a giveaway, too!

Top News of the Week

The spotlight this week shines brightly on Google’s official unveiling of Android XR. This groundbreaking operating system from Google is set to power a range of XR devices, including mixed reality headsets and AR glasses. The first product to support Android XR will be a mixed-reality headset that Google is developing in conjunction with Samsung and Qualcomm, known as Project Moohan. Other tech giants like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are also lined up with new devices compatible with this system. Google offered select members of the press a preview on Project Moohan and both monocular and binocular smart glasses.

A significant element of Android XR—and its demos—centers on artificial intelligence. Gemini AI is seamlessly woven into the operating system, ready to assist you both in the real world and virtual environments. For instance, imagine holding a restaurant’s business card in front of you and asking Gemini AI to explore it—suddenly, a 3D version of Google Maps with the restaurant’s location pops up. Or, when you’re donning smart glasses, Gemini can perform live translations of foreign languages. Its ability to recall events from the last 10 minutes is incredibly handy, although it does raise privacy concerns.

More intriguing features include the ability to convert photos and videos to 3D automatically, support for multimodal input that lets you command your device using controllers, hands, eyes, or voice. Currently, only G-suite and some games like Demeo and Vacation Simulator are announced as available, but further developments are anticipated. Developers already have access to a preview of the development environment for native, Unity, and WebXR.

Details about Project Moohan remain scarce, but it appears to blend elements from devices like Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro, possibly sporting features such as an external battery, high-definition displays, and sophisticated passthrough capabilities, and utilizing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 chipset. Controllers are planned for release in 2025, when the headset will officially launch.

Google’s foray into XR adds weight and competition to the industry, a boon for everyone involved. Let’s hope this ambitious project doesn’t become one of Google’s unfortunate tech casualties.

For more insights (Check my detailed Android XR roundup, complete with reference links) For further reading (Ben Lang’s take on Android XR versus Horizon OS)

Other Relevant News

Meta is rolling out its Quest runtime v72, and it introduces a bunch of nifty features:

Hand tracking gets an upgrade to version 2.3, making it more responsive, particularly in enclosed spaces like Travel mode.

The Quest 3 and 3S now support Windows Mixed Reality Link. Following a simple setup, users can gaze at their Windows 11 PC for the headset to prompt a connection automatically—similar to Vision Pro with Mac computers—enabling you to utilize your PC on a large virtual screen. While beneficial for productivity, Apple still seems to have the upper hand.

The system can now recognize all keyboards and present them through passthrough.

Also, a new Media Gallery app lets you explore your media, adding a fresh touch to your VR experience.

Entering the home environment in VR no longer requires boundary setup—a static boundary is assumed for seamless entry.

There are myriad other minor updates, including direct messages in the Instagram app.

My personal favorite is the Windows 11 connectivity—I’ve heard rave reviews about the Mac integration with Vision Pro and am thrilled to test the PC equivalent!

For more info (Meta Quest runtime v72 — Road To VR) For more details (Join the discussion on Meta Quest runtime v72 — Upload VR) Learn how to link your Quest with a Windows 11 PC

News Worth a Mention

Omdia, an analyst firm, recently published an analysis of the XR market with a somewhat gloomy forecast. The report suggests headset sales are down from 7.7 million units in 2023 to 6.9 million in 2024—and predicts a similar downturn for 2025—though a recovery is anticipated in 2026. While I agree with the projected rebound, my sense is that the industry is slowly gaining momentum since 2023, showcased by successes like Ray-Ban meta and Google’s Android XR release.

For more information (Financial Times post on Omdia’s report) View additional perspectives (LinkedIn post discussing Omdia’s report)

How Gorilla Tag Became a Huge Hit

JP Minetos, an XR investor, penned an intriguing article about the success of Gorilla Tag on Road To VR. The game’s embedded social elements, unique locomotion, ease of play, and meme-worthy qualities have made it enormously popular.

Discover more

Great Deal on Quest 3S

If you’re eyeing a Quest 3S, Amazon US and other regions have it on sale for $400 (256GB version) alongside a $30 digital Amazon credit. Seize this fantastic offer running until Christmas!

More on this deal

Batman: Arkham Shadow Wins Best VR/AR Game Award

At The Game Awards, Batman: Arkham Shadow took home the Best VR/AR Game Award—a well-deserved honor for its groundbreaking impact on the VR community.

For the reaction (Watch Batman: Arkham Shadow being awarded) More on the celebration (Read Meta’s blog post on this achievement)

Content Updates

Fallout London VR aims to integrate VR into the expansive ‘Fallout: London’ DLC.

Path of Fury: Episode I — Tetsuo’s Tower, promises a thrilling on-rails VR action experience with ’80s Kung Fu vibes, launching in early 2025 for Quest 2/3/Pro at $9.99.

Bridge Constructor introduces an XR adaptation of its classic bridge-building application for $10.

Behemoth’s initial large patch addresses numerous bugs and rebalances combat—an aspect that sparked debates among players.

Doborog Games unveils Clone Drone in the Hyperdrome sequel for VR enthusiasts on Steam and Meta, priced at $20.

Realize Music: Sing blends rhythm games, meditative self-care, and VR concepts, launching for Meta Quest on January 23, 2025.

Panic Room MR offers mixed reality horror featuring spiders and demons on Quest 3 & 3S for $5.

X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm, a paid crossover engaging Contra fans, now sells for $20 on Horizon Store and Steam.

Crystal Commanders, bringing real-time strategy to both VR and mixed reality, hits Quest February 27, 2025.

Mecha Force, influenced by Shin Getter Robo and Gurren Lagann, is now in early access on Quest with a demo available.

DodgeCraft offers a VR sports training twist with dual gameplay modes, now live on Quest.

Beyond Blue: After the Storm invites immersive oceanic exploration in standalone VR.

Human Fall Flat VR launches its experiment-fueled first-person game mode in beta on Steam.

Find the latest info (Fallout London VR) Catch up on Path Of Fury and others (Details on Bridge Constructor, Behemoth, Clone Drone) See more content (Panic Room, Realize Music: Sing)

Content Reviews

Metamorphosis VR introduces an intriguing concept with impressive visuals, but suffers from a lack of polish.

Action Hero revitalizes SuperHot mechanics, delivering enjoyable gameplay for newcomers and veterans alike.

Home Sports presents a vibrant sports compilation for multiplayer VR or mixed reality, yet lacks depth.

Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon adds a comedic, family-friendly spin to the usual zombie-horde gaming experience.

Further insights (Metamorphosis VR review) Analysis (Action Hero review) More reviews (Home Sports, Rogue Piñatas)

Other News

Rob Cole provides an in-depth look at the Pimax Crystal Light.

Learn more

Norman Mueller summarizes the latest advancements in smartglasses and AR technology.

Get the details

Apple releases an Ultrawide Virtual Display feature for Vision Pro in the new VisionOS 2.2.

Discover more

NeoGrip, open-source, cost-effective custom controllers for standalone VR headsets, is now available.

Find out more

Unity is calling for applications for the Humanity 2025 grant.

Learn more

Into The Scaniverse lets users explore digitally reconstructed locations using WebXR.

Check it out

News from Partners and Friends

Vitruvian VR invites investment!

Vitruvian Virtual Reality, famed for its adventurous full-body simulator controller that offers an authentic outer-space movement experience, has launched a crowdfunding drive. A minimum investment of €250 allows you a stake in this innovative startup. Check out my review of the simulator’s immersive capabilities to see why it’s a worthwhile venture. Get more insights (Crowdfunding page) Further readings (My review of Vitruvian)

Iron Rebellion Keys Giveaway!

For mecha game aficionados, Iron Rebellion—a homage to Titanfall and Hawken—is available on Quest and Steam. I’ve got some Steam keys to share with you: RBQ6Q-5LEEE-C0BW2 7HWWY-M8K6E-9W0EF Remember, first come, first served! If you missed out, consider supporting the developers by buying the game on Quest or Steam. Learn more (Iron Rebellion launch on Steam and Horizon Store)

Some XR Fun

Here’s a quirky look at potential Quest 4 camera setups. Check this funny link.

A silly comic involving chickens and virtual reality awaits. Funny read here.

Do you know the first rule of Fight Club? Check out this humorous take.

Donate for Good

This week, my final thought isn’t about supporting my blog but rather about aiding those heavily affected by the ongoing war. Please consider donating to the Red Cross to help manage the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Here’s how you can donate:

Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

I also want to express gratitude to my Patreon supporters for their unwavering help:

[Here follows the recognition of patrons]

And now, here is the donation link:

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