This past week has been buzzing with developments from tech giants like Apple, Meta, Google, and Valve. There’s a lot to dive into, so stay with me as I break down all the key events. Plus, don’t miss out on the mixed reality game keys giveaway at the end! And hey, if you’re intrigued about XR in China, my latest piece on that and my upcoming Shanghai adventure might pique your interest too.
Top Highlights of the Week
XR Headsets vs. US Tariffs: What’s the Deal?
The ongoing US tariffs debacle remains a puzzle, with the landscape shifting often. As it stands, the impact on XR headsets is still up in the air. Companies like Pimax and BigScreen are stepping up, promising not to pass on the tariff burden to customers: BigScreen plans to absorb the full impact, while Pimax will add a modest regional surcharge for US buyers. In an interesting turn, electronic devices, including XR headsets, might be exempt from these tariffs, sparing the likes of the Quest from price hikes. However, the celebration may be premature as tariffs on electronic chips could still be problematic for our field.
Apple Vision Pro 2 Rumors: Reality or Speculation?
Rumors about Apple’s next headset iteration have kicked into high gear. A Chinese magazine claimed this week that key components of the Apple Vision Pro 2 are already being mass-produced. Meanwhile, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that Apple might be crafting two headsets: an updated Vision Pro and a tethered Mac-connected version offering a large virtual screen. The latter’s purpose remains puzzling unless it’s significantly more affordable. More intriguingly, Gurman highlights Apple CEO Tim Cook’s alleged fixation on beating Meta to launch AR glasses. If true, this pursuit could shake up the entire ecosystem.
Valve’s Deckard: On the Horizon?
Brad Lynch reports that Valve has been sourcing equipment for manufacturing VR headset facial interfaces in the US, supplied by Teleray Group—known for their work on the Valve Index. This suggests that Valve could be gearing up for the production phase of the Deckard headset. With rumors building, it seems plausible that an announcement or even a launch could happen this year. And if you’re curious about Deckard’s release, a website now helps you track its status!
Google and Samsung’s XR Glasses Plans
Google and Samsung’s collab on XR devices, powered by Android XR, is gradually unfolding. Their mixed reality headset, Project Moohan, may debut this year, but the more ambitious XR glasses project has been slated for 2026. These new glasses aim to feature a display, cameras, and AI integration—quite an upgrade from earlier simpler designs. It seems they’re wisely waiting to match or outdo the forthcoming Meta spectacles, which are anticipated to launch soon.
AltspaceVR’s Unexpected Revival
In a surprising twist, AltspaceVR is getting a second life. Danny McLellan, now at the helm, is revamping the beloved platform known for its community vibes. He’s starting fresh with open-source framework Basis VR, aiming to empower creators while resurrecting AltspaceVR’s charm. While the project’s blueprint is still sketchy, the prospect of AltspaceVR’s resurgence is exciting. Stay tuned for more details as I dig deeper into this development.
Briefs Worth Your Attention
Meta’s In-Flight VR Entertainment Expansion
Following a successful pilot with Lufthansa, Meta plans to bring its VR experiences to more airlines. Passengers in Business Class enjoyed an array of entertainment options, leading to accolades from APEX. Expect this trend to elevate VR exposure as travelers find new reasons to embrace virtual reality.
Varjo’s Focus on B2B Success
Varjo, the Finnish VR company, is thriving within the enterprise sector, especially in military and aeronautics training. Their Chief Product Officer suggested that, given their focus, a return to the consumer market seems unlikely.
Pico Introduces Waist Trackers
ByteDance has released the Pico Motion Tracker Waist Version, priced affordably, promising enhanced full-body tracking accuracy. A worthy investment for those seeking better immersive experiences.
Exploring XR Text Input Innovations
A consortium of researchers unveiled XR TEXT Trove, a repository detailing over 170 XR text entry techniques. This treasure trove is invaluable for designers and researchers aiming to improve XR usability.
Meta’s Horizon Worlds Moves and Updates
Meta recently faced criticism for pushing Horizon Worlds, leading to user frustrations. In response, they’ve removed the uninstall option for Horizon Worlds, raising concerns over user choice in the Quest environment.
Tuning Out Motion Sickness
Innovative research indicates that unique sound frequencies might reduce motion sickness. These findings, based on studies involving mice and humans, propose a potential breakthrough in comfort for XR experiences.
Meta Quest 3S: Spring Sale Savings
Meta has cut down prices on the Quest 3S for Spring, bundling free games and subscriptions. However, the quick discount raises questions about how sustained their initial sales success has been post-holidays.
Content Updates and Reviews
Here’s a snapshot of what’s new in XR content:
- ‘Besiege’ heads to Quest in May.
- Dimensional Double Shift releases its first major DLC.
- ‘FastHands’ bringing parkour thrills, launching in May.
- ‘GORN 2’ creeps onto Quest & PC VR soon.
- Silent North, launching in Early Access.
- Walkabout Mini Golf consolidates its DLC offerings and adjusts pricing.
- Amidst playful releases like Placid Plastic Duck VR, there are power-packed titles like Civilization VII VR, albeit with reported technical hitches.
Reviews on games such as Beatable and Aces Of Thunder highlight engaging mechanics and innovative design elements that are resonating well within the community.
Additional Tidbits
From DaVinci Resolve 20 supporting Apple Immersive Video editing to the US Army considering a new AR project after IVAS, there’s ongoing momentum in various corners of the tech landscape. Also, platforms like Hyperfy are making waves with their WebXR performance.
Partner News and Giveaways
Get your hands on Alex And The Jets—a whimsical mixed reality experience right in your home. For a limited time, grab one of the free codes to enjoy this charming game.
A Little Humor in XR
Indulge in some light-hearted XR fun—whether it’s coding mishaps or meme creations, these will surely brighten your day.
Call for Compassion
While I appreciate the ongoing support from my Patreon community, this week I urge you to direct your generosity towards the Red Cross’s efforts in Ukraine. Every bit helps in alleviating the humanitarian crisis.
And there you have it—a packed week full of fascinating shifts and updates in the XR world. Stay connected for more insights and giveaways, and don’t forget to spread a little kindness where you can. If you’d like to support the ongoing efforts or my blog, you know where to find the links.
(Header image by Pimax)
