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While the XR space might not be buzzing at its peak, this week’s roundup has certainly stirred things up a bit, thanks to some intriguing developments and a good dose of April Fool’s fun. So, let’s dive in and ensure you’re up to speed with all that’s been happening in the XR world this week!
Highlight of the Week
Meta’s Potentially Costly Smartglasses
Bloomberg has recently shed light on what could be Meta’s next big move in the smartglasses sector set for release this year, and it’s quite surprising. According to reports, the new glasses, codenamed Hypernova, are essentially a bulkier version of the Ray-Ban Meta models, featuring a single display for one eye. The design is strategic, placing visuals in the lower field of view, requiring a glance downwards to see notifications. Control will be possible via capacitive temples or a companion neural wristband. You can also expect a camera akin to the iPhone 13’s. Plans for a dual-display version are on the horizon for 2027.
However, what’s unexpected is the branding change. Dropping the stylish Ray-Ban logo for Meta seems contrary to popular preference, potentially risking the appeal carried by the Ray-Ban and Essilor Luxottica partnership. Plus, a $1000–$1400 price range is steep for glasses primarily designed for viewing notifications and taking media. Such costs might be justified if they had an Apple insignia, but otherwise, it’s a tough sell.
Ultimately, apart from Meta enthusiasts and die-hard tech fans, these glasses might primarily attract developers keen on pioneering hardware, but even that avenue seems unlikely since apps are heavily curated by Meta. Let’s hope there are modifications to this report since, honestly, it’s hard to envision a broad market for such a costly piece of tech when cheaper and more functional options abound.
Explore More:
- Hypernova Glasses Reports: Road To VR, Upload VR, Forbes
Other Intriguing News
April Fool’s Antics in the XR Community
April Fool’s Day brought an amusing wave of jokes across the XR landscape, a welcome change from years past when it was just a handful of us stirring the pot. Highlights included my announcement of "Decagear," and Sebastian Ang humorously declaring himself the new Pimax CEO in a cheeky MRTV video. Ndreams teased a Google Cardboard exclusive, and Voodoo DE flaunted futuristic tech.
Tech sector pranks weren’t just confined to XR. Razer’s fictitious launch of the Skibidi headset caught my attention, allegedly translating Gen Z speak—a lifesaver for anyone jumping into the loud world of Gorilla Tag!
Explore More:
- April Fool’s Jokes Selection: More details on antics and laughs
Economic Concerns: Tariffs & Headset Pricing
Currently, the introduction of new U.S. tariffs has financial markets in turmoil. If these tariffs are a long-standing measure rather than a negotiation tactic, the repercussions for electronics, including XR headsets, could be significant. Products will likely face increased manufacturing costs, forcing companies to adjust prices to maintain margins. This scenario threatens to raise the Quest 3S’s cost once Meta’s current inventory sells out.
The affordability of devices like Quest 2 and 3S has been pivotal in their success. Raise their prices, and sales may falter at a time when XR’s mainstream momentum is already delicate. Let’s hope the trade situation is short-lived for the sake of the industry.
Explore More:
- Tariff Impacts: Discuss how tariffs may affect XR, Impacts on the technology sector
In Other News
Apple Rolls Out Vision Pro Updates
Vision Pro users received the 2.4 version of VisionOS, which includes exciting new features:
- The broader release of Apple Intelligence, offering tools for text editing and image creation
- Spatial Gallery for immersive photography and video
- A new companion app for Vision Pro
- Enhanced guest features customizable via the companion app
Explore More:
- VisionOS updates: Road To VR, Upload VR
Market Trends: Quest’s Mixed Bag
Despite some standout successes on Quest—like the massive popularity of games like Gorilla Tag and Animal Company—the ecosystem also faces challenges. Some developers see revenue decline amidst reported layoffs. Meta’s claimed $2B spend on the Horizon Store, unchanged from a previous announcement, suggests a slowdown in revenue growth, possibly due to a new wave of younger, free-to-play gamers.
Explore More:
- Quest Market Overview: Analysis of current revenues, Game success stories
Nintendo Labo’s Compatibility Issue
Switch 2 has stirred conversation, but XR fans received bad news: due to its larger display, Nintendo Labo isn’t compatible, and no updates from Nintendo suggest a new Labo version is on the horizon.
Explore More:
- Switch 2 and Labo Insights: Read more here
Innovative Developments: PSVR 2 Eye Tracking on PC
The development community is experimenting with PSVR 2 tech. Handle “whatdahopper” is pioneering eye-tracking capabilities for PC, collaborating with iVRy. If successful, PSVR 2 may become the most economical headset with this feature, benefiting VRChat enthusiasts and research bodies alike.
Explore More:
- Eye Tracking Advancements: Development updates
Cutting-Edge Experiments with Quest
The Quest developer community continues to outdo itself with imaginative camera access projects, including voxelizing environments, 3D scanning, and ball tracking. Another developer has managed to create a mixed reality drone simulation offering users a unique virtual photo opportunity.
Explore More:
- Quest Innovations: Voxelization Demo, 3D Scanning Demo
Emerging XR Technology: Synthetic Haptic Skin
A significant advancement in haptic feedback technology presents a slender synthetic skin designed to replicate touch via inflating and deflating structures on fingertips. While market realization may be distant, its potential is unmistakably exciting.
Explore More:
- Synthetic Skin Research: Research breakdown
The Ruff Talk VR Gaming Showcase
In a neat event by Ruff Talk VR, several budding VR indie games were spotlighted, hinting at an intriguing future for VR gaming.
Explore More:
- Gaming Showcase Rundown: Event highlights
Game Launch Announcements
A flurry of announcements included the release of "Civilization VII VR" exclusively for Quest, “Velociblaster” and its wishlisting option, “Train Sim World” for realistic train driving, and many more exciting titles coming to XR platforms.
Explore More:
- Upcoming VR Titles: Civilization VII, Velociblaster
Game Reviews
Here’s a slice of the latest reviews: "Pinball FX VR" delivers solid pinball engagements and diverse machine options, while "Wanderer: Fragments Of Fate" impresses with its puzzles despite needing a polish. "Hitman World Of Assassination" is confirmed as a standout addition for PSVR 2.
Explore More:
- Game Review Insights: Pinball FX VR, Wanderer Fragments Of Fate
Partner News
ACE’s partnership with SIG SAUER results in a Quest controller that simulates a real gun’s weight. Meanwhile, the Squid Game VR experience amassed over $30M, Virtual Desktop introduces virtual monitor support for Mac, and a study suggests modern kids adapt better to VR-induced motion sickness. Plus, HTC marks Vive’s 9-year milestone!
Explore More:
- Industry News & Updates: ACE and Sig SAUER collaboration
Donations and Final Thoughts
This week, instead of supporting this blog, consider donating to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine through the Red Cross. A heartfelt thank you to all patron supporters for empowering the continuous sharing of XR developments and insights.
Support the Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image credit: Razer)
