The XR Weekly Rundown (November 12, 2024): Growing Smartglass Momentum, Meta Reduces Game Funding, and More!

The Chinese Singles’ Day has just passed (hope you had a great one if you’re celebrating!), and with colder weather settling in, it’s a perfect time to cozy up with a warm drink and dive into this week’s most intriguing XR news!

Top News of the Week

Image by Ray-Ban

The Hype for Smartglasses Continues

Following the success of Ray-Ban Meta, the interest in smartglasses has skyrocketed among tech companies. A recent report by Mark Gurman reveals that Apple is secretly working on smartglasses slated for release by 2027, aiming to rival Ray-Ban Meta. Although details are limited, these glasses are expected to feature AI-powered environmental awareness. Apple’s entry into the market is particularly fascinating—while Meta teamed up with Luxottica for style, Apple’s brand appeal stands strong on its own, likely attracting many users. Samsung and Google are also venturing into smartglasses, and rumors suggest Baidu might unveil its version at their Baidu World event in Shanghai. The anticipated features include built-in cameras and voice interactions powered by Baidu’s Ernie foundation model.

Meta isn’t resting either; it’s expanding the Ray-Ban Meta ecosystem with pop-up stores in LA, offering more than just retail. Customers can experience events like stand-up comedy, live podcasts, and interactive workshops, all designed to enhance the brand’s fashionable appeal. As the smartglasses trend surges, it begs the question: is this just a passing fad, or are smartglasses destined to become a staple? Only time will tell.

If you’re curious about these developments, check out further information on Apple’s exploration into smartglasses, Baidu’s impending release, and Meta’s pop-up initiatives.

Other Relevant News

Image by Meta

Meta Shifts Focus Away from Gaming Content

A report from The Information reveals that Meta is reallocating its XR content funding, leaning towards non-gaming lifestyle content at the expense of gaming projects. This decision has unfortunately led to layoffs in studios such as Monks in the Netherlands and Altas V in France, who were previously reliant on this funding.

The layoffs are indeed unfortunate, highlighting the uncertainty in ventures dependent on external support. One wonders if Meta could have managed this transition differently. On the flip side, diversifying beyond pure gaming could be a strategic move for Meta to gain traction in daily utility platforms akin to smartphones, rather than gaming consoles.

For more insights, check out additional information.

News Worth a Mention

Image by Miroslav Kotalík

Homemade AR Glasses: A Creative Feat

Meet Miroslav Kotalík, who crafted his own AR glasses, fittingly named Zero, using a Raspberry Pi Zero unit. Capable of streaming videos, showing images, playing music, and displaying text, he’s now moving to Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 for improved functionalities like YouTube access. Updates are chronicled on his social media, offering an inspiring glimpse into DIY tech innovation.

Get more details on this fascinating DIY project from various sources.

Apple’s Vision Pro Takes a Step Further

Apple’s VisionOS 2.2 Beta introduces an UltraWide virtual screen for Macs via Vision Pro—simulating two 4K monitors. As priced ultra-wide monitors are coveted, this feature offers a spacious digital alternative for designers and professionals. Despite its potential, users may need third-party software to simulate ultrawide windows on Macs.

Learn more about this innovative feature from several tech sources.

LIV’s Exciting New Creator Kit for Quest

With a new Unity SDK, LIV enables developers to allow users to capture VR experiences on Quest. Notably, it requires no external PC, making it a boon for developers and social media enthusiasts seeking viral content.

Interesting Developments in Interactive Interfaces: EgoTouch

EgoTouch is redefining virtual button interactions by offering nuanced touch recognition directly on the body, providing a truly tactile experience for users.

Osmo’s “Scent Teleportation”: A New Sensory Frontier

Osmo claims a remarkable breakthrough in digitizing scent, a feat that could potentially revolutionize sensory experiences in virtual reality. While currently in its infancy, it’s an exciting avenue to watch.

Scoop on Gaming Deals and Highlights

There’s an ongoing sale on the PlayStation Store, slashing prices on many PSVR 2 games. Now’s an ideal time to expand your library with enticing discounts. This week also shined a spotlight on "Metro Awakening," a game that’s gaining positive traction for its immersive environments, despite some minor gameplay bugs. The community is buzzing about its accessibility features, particularly the arachnophobia mode.

For gamers interested in virtual music immersion, Algoriddim’s djay app brings an exciting spatial DJing experience to Meta Quest, further enriching the VR music scene.

Content Updates in XR Worlds

From unexpected delays to exciting new game releases, there’s plenty stirring: the much-anticipated "Alien: Rogue Incursion" faces a delay while new interactive experiences like "Human Within" await to captivate VR audiences.

If you’re craving updates and more insights, explore the detailed links provided for all the latest.

Other News Tidbits

• Photon has released a free sample for multiplayer collaboration in mixed reality.
• There’s a growing push to open-source Windows Mixed Reality, though support is still building.
• Julie Smithson has taken the helm as the new CEO of METAVRSE.

News from Partners (and Friends)

Don’t miss out on MatchXR in Helsinki on November 19th—Nordic XR’s premier gathering during Slush Week. Or, if you’re near Slovenia, swing by the VR Jam hosted by DeoVR on November 13th for a firsthand look at pioneering VR experiences.

Some XR Fun

Before we wrap up, here’s some light-hearted VR humor to brighten your day, from humorous development hacks to creative uses like VR hair-combing.

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(Header image by Miroslav Kotalík)

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