The XR Weekly Recap (November 5, 2024): Google Play Store Embraces XR, Meta Reality Labs Reveals Financials, and More!

I’m back from AWE Europe and had an incredible experience there! If you’re curious about what I got up to, feel free to check out some of the pieces I’ve penned on the subject.

Let’s dive into the most engaging XR news from the past week!

Top News of the Week

Google Steps Up for Samsung’s Upcoming Headset Launch

According to Android Authority, Google is preparing the Play Store for XR support. Code analyses of recent updates have revealed an XR headset icon and compatibility references within the device lists. Though these features are not yet available to the public, it’s clear Google is gearing up the Play Store for XR headsets. While a partnership with Meta was not pursued, the updates seem aimed at the forthcoming headset collaboration between Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm. This aligns with Samsung’s recent earnings call that highlights XR devices as a 2025 target, although an earlier launch date was initially expected.

For more details, check out Google Play’s XR updates on Road To VR and Upload VR.

Other Relevant News

Meta Reality Labs: Revenue Soars but Losses Mount

Meta has unveiled its financial results for Q3 2024, showing a revenue of $0.27 billion but losses amounting to $4.70 billion. This has sparked various online interpretations. Some focus on the massive $4.4 billion loss, while others like Upload VR highlight the revenue growth compared to Q3 2023, viewing it as a good omen for VR. However, Yahoo critiques the shortfall against an estimated $0.31 billion, painting a less rosy picture. This conversation resurfaces each quarter, but let’s appreciate Meta’s investment in the ecosystem, even if there’s room to optimize spending. The real test will be in Q4 2024 to see the impact of Meta Quest 3S during the holiday season.

Discover more about Meta’s financials on Upload VR and Yahoo.

Apple Vision Pro’s Cheaper Model Delayed?

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple might push back its more affordable Vision Pro model until after 2027. Apple aims to cut down device costs and establish more substantial use cases. We’re likely to only see an update to the current model with an M5 chip by 2025. While Kuo’s reliability is noted, history advises us to treat these forecasts cautiously, as such timelines often extend. These rumors have left Apple’s XR ecosystem enthusiasts feeling uneasy. It’s a reminder not to bank solely on speculative market projections.

Further insights are available through Ming-Chi Kuo’s perspectives and community reactions.

Oasis: A Glimpse Into AI-Driven Gaming Worlds

Oasis presents an ambitious prototype—a Minecraft-inspired multiplayer game powered exclusively by AI, bypassing traditional game engines. This venture by DecartAI, backed by Sequoia Capital, raises intriguing questions about AI’s potential to redefine computing paradigms by eliminating development phases. Upon its introduction, the gaming community, including Tim Sweeney from Epic, expressed skepticism. While currently imperfect—imagine rocks morphing into sheep—its evolution could be game-changing.

Check out what’s happening with Oasis on various platforms and hear from stakeholders like Tim Sweeney.

News Worth Mentioning

• Meta Elevated Quest 3’s GPU Clock: Meta gifts developers and users with a 16% GPU speed increment for Quest 3 and 3S.
• Niantic’s 3D Splat Format Goes Open Source: With the new SPZ format, now available under MIT licensing, efficient 3D data storage could see broad adoption.
• ARM in Legal Dispute with Qualcomm: The outcome of ARM’s challenge to Qualcomm’s licensing practices, crucial to Snapdragon-based headsets, is eagerly awaited.

Exciting Content News

• Alien: Rogue Incursion impresses early testers with its intense horror narrative and clever alien AI tactics.
• Behemoth and Metro Awakening tease fans with thrilling gameplay previews.

Explore more about these promising releases and other updates in VR gaming on platforms like Road To VR and Upload VR.

Content Updates and Reviews

Phasmophobia on PSVR 2 might have its flaws but scores high on the scare factor, while Blade and Sorcery’s campaign addition enriches its popular Nomad version.

Visit for more detailed impressions on Phasmophobia and Nomad.

Other News Highlights

• Canon’s Spatial Lens Release: Rolling out at $449.99, this spatial video lens heads to market in November.
• Explore New Devices and Events: Check out Ben Lang’s review of MeganeX Superlight 8K, Marques Brownlee’s hands-on with Meta Orion, and upcoming VR showcases.

Delve deeper into these newsworthy items through various tech platforms.

Partner Updates and Friendly Collaborations

MindPort’s AIXTRA, honored in the VOXReality call, innovates enterprise VR by transcending language barriers and introducing AI-assisted training. Meanwhile, ONTOP debuts AR game Devil’s Purge on iOS, blending shooting with roguelike elements.

Take a look at these engaging initiatives and more about the VOXReality efforts.

Have Some Fun and Make a Difference

Take a moment for a laugh and check out quirky, XR-inspired content that’s making the rounds. And feel good while doing good: consider donating to the Red Cross, supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Your contributions can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Lastly, a big shoutout to my Patreon supporters who boost this journey—a heartfelt thanks to each of you. If you’re inclined to support the Red Cross, please do so through the provided link. Stay informed, stay inspired!