As we move past Singles’ Day in China, a fitting occasion for those unhitched, it’s getting brisk over here. With a warm drink in hand, I’m eager to dive into the most fascinating XR news from this week!
Top News of the Week
The Smartglasses Craze Continues
The buzz around smartglasses is showing no signs of cooling off. After Ray-Ban Meta’s success, companies are eagerly jumping on board. A new report from Mark Gurman reveals that Apple is indeed crafting its own smartglasses, aiming for a 2027 release to rival Ray-Ban Meta. Although details are sparse, Gurman mentions the inclusion of AI functionalities to perceive the environment, which we’ve come to expect in these gadgets. Apple’s entry into the smartglasses arena would be thrilling. Imagine pairing Apple’s sleek branding with everyday wearables—no doubt it would attract many fashion-forward tech enthusiasts.
Not to be left behind, Samsung and Google are both reportedly making strides in the smartglasses sector. Meanwhile, Baidu, China’s equivalent to Google, is set to unveil its own version at the upcoming Baidu World event in Shanghai. With features like built-in cameras and voice interactions powered by Baidu’s Ernie, they’re definitely aiming high.
Meta is also expanding its horizons. It’s opened a pop-up store in Los Angeles dedicated solely to Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses, open until the year’s end. A similar concept is set to launch in Phoenix, Arizona, in January. These stores aim to enhance the smartglasses’ appeal through unique experiences—offering events such as stand-up comedy with Desi Banks, a live podcast with Madeline Argy, and a range of other activities like cooking classes and workshops. Are smartglasses here to stay or just another tech fad? Only time will tell…
Additional Resources: [Apple’s Smartglasses Exploration] – [Baidu’s Upcoming Smartglasses] – [Ray-Ban Meta Pop-Up Stores]
Other Noteworthy Stories
Meta’s Shift in XR Content Strategy
Meta seems to be recalibrating its XR content strategy by cutting back on gaming-focused projects, leaning instead towards non-gaming lifestyle content. According to The Information, this shift resulted in reduced funding for certain gaming partners, forcing studios like Monks and Atlas V to downsize. It’s unfortunate seeing such impacts, especially for studios banking on this support. However, considering Meta’s ambition to rule the next-gen tech platform beyond gaming, seeking everyday utility might just be the logical approach.
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DIY Affordable AR Glasses
Miroslav KotalÃk has taken it upon himself to create affordable AR glasses. Built around a Raspberry Pi Zero, his prototype, aptly named Zero, can already handle videos, images, and music. With plans to upgrade to a more powerful module, Miroslav aims to incorporate platforms like YouTube and Spotify. It’s a fascinating personal project worth following on his socials.
Additional Resources: [Reddit Discussion] – Tom’s Hardware – [Demo Video] – [Miroslav Kotalik’s Social Updates]
Apple’s Panoramic Display on Vision Pro
Apple’s VisionOS 2.2 beta packs in a stunning Panoramic Display feature, now offering Mac users a virtual UltraWide screen when using Vision Pro. Announced in June, this allows the equivalent of two 4K monitors side by side, making it a cost-effective alternative to pricey ultra-wide setups. However, some limitations in Mac’s window management may urge users to explore third-party solutions.
Additional Resources: [Road To VR’s Review] – [Upload VR’s Insights] – [Hands-On Impressions from Road To VR]
LIV’s Creator Kit for Quest
LIV has released a Unity SDK aimed at elevating VR experiences on Quest by enabling creators to capture dynamic in-game footage without any PC. By spawning a recording interface in VR, apps like Gorilla Tag have announced upcoming integration, promising fresh, social-media-ready content. With my past experience on a similar tool, I see LIV saving developers weeks of work.
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EgoTouch Innovation
Introducing EgoTouch, an innovative interface leveraging your own palm as a tactile screen. By distinguishing between touches and pressures, it offers a realistic haptic interaction, ensuring more precise click detection.
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Osmo’s Scent "Teleportation"
Osmo is pioneering digital scent technology by successfully simulating "scent teleportation." This involves encoding a scent into data and reproducing it elsewhere. While still in its infancy, the potential applications for virtual reality are just tantalizing.
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PlayStation Store Offers Big Savings
For those with PSVR 2 setups, the PlayStation Store is offering generous discounts, some over 40%. It’s an ideal time to expand your gaming catalog.
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Metro Awakening’s Moment of Fame
Metro Awakening is making waves following Batman: Arkham Shadow’s buzz. Despite minor issues, the game is celebrated for its immersive environments and has garnered a thriving community discussion online. Kudos to the developers for also including an arachnophobia-friendly update.
Additional Resources: [Road To VR Review] – [Upload VR Review] – [Arachnophobia Update Details] – [Developer Interview]
Djay App Lands on Meta Quest
Algoriddim’s djay app offers a rich DJ remixing experience on Meta Quest. Seamlessly integrating with existing DJ gear, it comes packed with countless free tracks and streaming service support—all ideal for both casual players and pros.
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Content Lineup Updates
A few noteworthy pieces of news include:
- Alien: Rogue Incursion: Delayed for Quest 3/3S, with other versions on track for December.
- Human Within: A choice-driven VR film exploring AI’s impact is set to release on Quest soon.
If you’re a fan of strategic VR tabletop gaming or mixed reality town builders, keep an eye out for recent and upcoming releases like Heroes Battle: Darksword and Wall Town Wonders. Meanwhile, prepare for a Squingle: Legacy edition as new releases like Zombie Army VR and Nevrosa Rescape have been postponed until next year.
Reviews in the XR Space
Human Fall Flat VR brings the original’s chaotic charm to VR with intuitive controls. Amid its fun multiplayer sessions, some find its replay value lacking. Other reviewed titles demonstrate mixed results, balancing unique thematic experiences with opportunities for improvement.
Additional Resources: [Human Fall Flat VR] – [Dumb Ways Free For All] – [Living Room] – [Underworld Overseer]
Other News Highlights
Photon unveiled a free multiplayer collaboration sample for mixed reality, and a community petition is pushing to make WMR open-source. Additionally, Julie Smithson steps up as the new CEO of METAVRSE. Explore further developments and stories shaping the XR landscape.
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Upcoming Events Worth Your Attention
Curious about exploring the Nordic XR ecosystem? Join me at MatchXR in Helsinki on November 19th—it’s free! Or, if Slovenia is more your gig, immerse yourself in VR at DeoVR’s VR Jam in Ljubljana, featuring exciting interactive sessions and networking opportunities. Both events promise a chance to connect with innovators and experience the latest XR tech firsthand.
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A Touch of Humor in XR
Work smarter, not harder—AI might just save you development time! Explore humor-laden anecdotes from the VR world, including how virtual reality might revolutionize your daily routine or debunking gamer stereotypes. Who knew XR could be a source of laughs?
Giving Back to Those in Need
This time, I’m steering my request away from blog support and encourage donations to the Red Cross for the Ukraine humanitarian crisis. Here’s the donation link, along with a heartfelt thanks to all my dedicated Patreon supporters:
[List of Patreon Supporters]
Donate Here: [Support The Red Cross in Ukraine]
(Header image by Miroslav KotalÃk)
Note: This content is peppered with sponsored links to support the blog, with affiliate links earning a small commission from any purchases. Enjoy the read and maybe grab a great deal in the process!
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