Hey everyone! Exciting news to kick off the week—I’m heading to CES in January for the very first time! I’ve already begun planning my trip and lining up meetings to explore some incredible AR/VR glasses. If you’re attending too, let’s connect! And if you have any tips on maximizing the CES experience, please share them. I’m eager to bring you all the updates from my adventure. But for the moment, let’s dive into the standout XR news of the week, plus there’s a cool giveaway ahead!
Top News of the Week
Google Unveils Android XR
The most buzz-worthy announcement of the week, not to mention the entire year, is Google’s introduction of Android XR. This is set to be Google’s operating system tailored for all XR technologies, from mixed reality headsets and AR glasses to smart glasses. It’s debuting on the mixed-reality headset, a collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, dubbed Project Moohan. Additionally, partners like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are developing devices that will run on this new OS.
Some lucky members of the press got a sneak peek, and they were shown just what Android XR can do on Project Moohan, as well as on both monocular and binocular smart glasses. A major highlight is its robust integration with artificial intelligence through Gemini AI, which shadows your activities in both the real and virtual worlds, ready to assist as needed. Imagine holding a restaurant’s business card in view and having Gemini AI pull up the location on a 3D Google Maps model. It could even give you a virtual tour or translate conversations from different languages right before your eyes. While undeniably handy, there’s a bit of a privacy concern to ponder.
Other fascinating features include automatic 3D conversions of photos and videos, and various control methods including hand, eye, or voice commands. So far, the G-suite and games like Demeo and Vacation Simulator are the only announced content, but more is on the horizon. Developers can now access a preview development environment for native, Unity, and WebXR projects.
As for Project Moohan’s specifics, details are scarce. Think of a blend of the Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro, with an external battery, high-quality displays, and detailed passthrough capabilities. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 chip, and controllers are expected by 2025, coinciding with the headset’s release date.
Google has stepped into the XR scene, bringing renewed legitimacy and fostering competition, which is great news for everyone. Let’s hope this project doesn’t end up in the infamous Google graveyard a few years from now.
For more details, check out my extensive coverage on Android XR, including numerous references. Also, explore Ben Lang’s editorial comparing Android XR and Horizon OS.
Other Relevant News
Quest’s Latest Update: Boosts in Hand Tracking and Windows 11 Pairing
Meta has begun rolling out runtime v72 for Quest, packed with welcome upgrades:
- Hand tracking is now at version 2.3, offering improved responsiveness, particularly in enclosed environments like travel mode scenarios.
- Windows Mixed Reality Link is introduced, automating the pairing of Quest 3 and 3S with Windows 11 PCs, akin to the Vision Pro’s ease with Macs. It transforms your PC into a grand virtual display—perfect for productivity. However, Apple’s version does hold a slight edge.
- The system now recognizes all keyboards, displaying them through passthrough.
- A new Media Gallery app has been added for easy media enjoyment on your device.
- No more need to set up a boundary to enter VR home spaces, as a static setup suffices, making entry effortless.
There are also minor yet interesting tweaks, like the introduction of direct messages to Instagram within the app.
The Windows 11 linkage is a game-changer in my book—many have celebrated the Mac connection via Vision Pro, and I’m eager to test its PC counterpart.
For further insights on the Meta Quest runtime v72, check out Road To VR and Upload VR’s detailed articles or learn how to link the Quest to a Windows 11 PC.
News Worth Mentioning
Omdia Predicts A Tough 2025 for XR
Omdia, a market analysis firm, released a report with a dim view on XR’s future. The report indicates a dip in headset sales of 10% in 2024, dropping to 6.9 million units from 2023’s 7.7 million. This downward trend is expected to continue into 2025, but with signs of revitalization in 2026. While I agree a rebound is likely later on, I feel the industry has been incrementally growing since 2023, as seen with the success of Ray-Ban Meta and the rollout of Android XR. It seems the perspective varies.
For more on Omdia’s projections, see the Financial Times’ article or a LinkedIn post discussing the report.
Gorilla Tag: A Massive Success Story
XR investor JP Minetos penned a fascinating Road To VR article on how Gorilla Tag became a phenomenal hit. Key to its success were its social gameplay mechanics, distinctive movement style, effortless gameplay, and viral potential.
Quest 3S Deal Alert
Grab the Quest 3S (256 GB) at a discounted price of $400 on Amazon US and other regions, with a $30 digital Amazon credit. This offer is valid through Christmas, making it a great chance to snag a Quest 3S if you haven’t yet.
Batman: Arkham Shadow Earns Best VR/AR Game Award
At The Game Awards, Batman: Arkham Shadow by Camouflaj deservedly won the Best VR/AR Game Award. Given its exceptional gameplay and significant impact on the VR community, this win did not come as a surprise.
For a glimpse of Batman: Arkham Shadow’s victory, watch the award presentation video or read Meta’s blog celebrating this milestone.
Content Update
Here’s a roundup of fascinating XR content in development:
- Fallout London VR: This mod aims to bring a VR twist to the massive ‘Fallout: London’ DLC.
- Path of Fury: Episode I — Tetsuo’s Tower: An on-rails VR action game inspired by ’80s Kung Fu films, set for an early 2025 release on Quest 2/3/Pro at $9.99.
- Bridge Constructor: Now available in an XR version for $10.
- Behemoth’s first patch addresses multiple bugs and recalibrates combat, following mixed community feedback.
- Clone Drone in the Hyperdome VR: Doborog Games’ sequel is out now on Steam and Meta for $20.
- Realize Music: Sing: A "singing-for-wellness app" merging rhythm game and meditative self-care, launching on Meta Quest January 23, 2025.
- Panic Room MR: A horror game with a mixed reality experience on Quest 3 & 3S, priced at $5.
- X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm: A paid crossover of Konami’s Contra with X8, priced at $20 on Horizon Store and Steam.
- Crystal Commanders: A real-time strategy game in VR/mixed reality, coming to Quest February 27, 2025.
- Mecha Force: A VR mech game inspired by Shin Getter Robo and Gurren Lagann, now in early access on Quest, with a demo available.
- DodgeCraft: A reflex-testing VR sports game, available now on Quest.
- Beyond Blue: After the Storm: An aquatic narrative VR experience exploring the ocean.
- Human Fall Flat VR: New beta mode available now on Steam.
- Check out Upload VR’s XR News Round-Up for more updates.
Content Reviews
- Metamorphosis VR: A game with a unique concept and impressive visuals but lacking polish overall.
- Action Hero: A fresh spin on SuperHot mechanics, suitable for VR newbies and more seasoned players seeking a thrilling campaign.
- Home Sports: A fun collection of sports to play with friends in VR/mixed reality, though lacking depth in some areas.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon: A humorous, family-friendly twist on zombie survival games.
Other News
- Rob Cole’s comprehensive review of Pimax Crystal Light.
- Norman Mueller’s smartglasses and AR glasses updates.
- Apple introduces the Ultrawide Virtual Display feature for Vision Pro in VisionOS 2.2.
- NeoGrip offers open-source custom controllers for standalone VR headsets, affordable and accessible.
- Unity is accepting applications for its Humanity 2025 grant.
- Into The Scaniverse’s WebXR tool lets users explore globally reconstructed places with Gaussian Splats.
News From Partners
Investment Opportunity with Vitruvian VR
Vitruvian Virtual Reality has launched a crowdfunding campaign for their innovative full-body simulator, offering a unique 6DOF experience. You can be part of this groundbreaking project with a minimum investment of €250. Check out my review to see why this simulator is a game-changer!
Iron Rebellion Giveaway
If you’re crazy about mecha games, Iron Rebellion might be right up your alley. It’s been released on Quest and Steam, and I’ve managed to get a few Steam keys to give out. Here are two: RBQ6Q-5LEEE-C0BW2 and 7HWWY-M8K6E-9W0EF. First come, first served! But even if you miss out, consider supporting the developers by purchasing it on Quest or Steam.
Fun in XR Space
Don’t miss these light-hearted XR moments:
- Dive into potential camera configurations for Quest 4—Hilarious take here.
- A whimsical comic about chickens and VR—Comic link here.
- One funny take on the Fight Club—Check it out!
Contribute to a Good Cause
Instead of supporting my blog directly this week, I urge you to help those affected by war. Please consider donating to the Red Cross to assist in the Ukraine humanitarian crisis. I’ll leave the link below for you to show your support.
Also, a massive shoutout to my Patreon supporters—you guys rock:
- Alex Gonzalez VR
- DeoVR
- GenVR
- Eduardo Siman…
(and many others, thank you all!)
Here’s how to donate: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
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