The XR Weekly Recap (November 12, 2024): Surge in Smartglasses, Meta Reduces Game Funding, and More!

As we wave goodbye to China’s Singles’ Day—hope our single friends had a great time celebrating!—the chill in the air is starting to bite, and I’m cozying up with a warm drink. It’s the perfect moment to dive into some of this week’s most intriguing XR news!

## Top news of the week

### The Excitement Around Smart Glasses Intensifies

The buzz around smart glasses is far from fading. Following Ray-Ban Meta’s success, the industry seems to be in a competitive frenzy. Recent insights from Mark Gurman indicate that Apple is secretly developing its own smart glasses, aiming for a grand introduction in 2027. Although details are few, these glasses are likely to feature advanced AI capabilities to recognize user surroundings. Apple’s entrance could shake things up in a market already featuring fashionable players like Luxottica and Meta, given Apple’s own cool brand appeal. Not to be left out, Samsung and Google have their eyes on this space, and Baidu is expected to reveal their own version at the Baidu World event in Shanghai, showcasing glasses capable of photo, video capture, and voice interaction through their Ernie model.

Meanwhile, Meta is doubling down on its Ray-Ban Meta initiative by rolling out a pop-up store exclusively for these smart glasses in Los Angeles, which will remain open through year’s end. Another is anticipated in Phoenix come January. These pop-ups aim to glamorize the brand further, transforming retail spaces into experiential hubs where events like stand-up comedy, live podcasts, and creative workshops take the stage. Only time will tell if smart glasses are a fleeting trend or a permanent fixture in our lives.

Curious to learn more about Apple’s smart glasses exploration? Check this out. Interested in Baidu’s latest smart glasses move? More here. For a look at Meta’s pop-up stores, click here.

## Other Significant News

### Reports Suggest Meta is Scaling Back Gaming Content Funding

Fresh out of The Information is news that Meta is shifting its focus away from gaming content in the XR space. The company appears to be favoring lifestyle content, resulting in reduced funding for gaming-focused partners. This unexpected pivot has unfortunately led to significant layoffs, affecting teams at both Monks in the Netherlands and Altas V in France, among others. The fallout is tough, particularly for companies blindsided by funding cuts and forced into layoffs.

While this situation is unfortunate, moving beyond gaming could be a prudent long-term strategy for Meta, especially if it aims to lead the next-generation platform akin to a multifunctional smartphone rather than a mere gaming console.

### AR Glasses Built Single-Handedly by an Innovator

Miroslav Kotalík has taken DIY to the next level by creating a pair of AR glasses from scratch, named Zero. Currently powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero, these glasses can handle media playback and Bluetooth audio. Next, Kotalík plans to upgrade to a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 for even more capabilities, such as streaming YouTube and browsing social media. Intrigued by this ambitious project? Be sure to follow his updates on his X account.

### Apple’s Vision Pro Unveils Its Panoramic Display Feature

Apple’s VisionOS 2.2 beta now allows you to project your Mac onto a massive virtual ultrawide screen using Vision Pro, essentially granting the effect of dual 4K monitors. This release is a fantastic solution for professionals who use expensive ultra-wide monitors, especially designers. However, as noted by Road to VR, it does have a few hurdles, like the lack of a native windows manager for ultrawide compatibility, necessitating third-party apps.

### LIV Unveils a Creator Kit for Quest

LIV is making waves with its Unity SDK, which allows developers to enable third-person VR footage capture on the Quest, sans the need for a PC. This development could be a game-changer for apps wanting to go viral on social media, with Gorilla Tag already adopting it. From personal experience with similar tools, this SDK is a major time-saver for developers.

### EgoTouch Introduces Body-as-Interface Technology

Meet EgoTouch, a unique project that uses your own hand as a virtual interface. This tech accurately differentiates between mere touch and pressure, thus providing a dependable input method for wearable interfaces. (Hats off to Ivan Aguilar for the tip!)

### Scent Teleportation, the Next Frontier?

Osmo has ventured into uncharted territory by claiming to have achieved “scent teleportation.” They digitize a scent’s signature, transmit it remotely, and re-create it, allowing the scent to be experienced miles away. Although it’s a slow and costly process, the implications for virtual environments are tantalizing. (Thanks, Gianni Rosa Gallina, for the heads-up!)

### PlayStation Store’s Sweet Deals

Attention PSVR 2 owners! Huge sales are ongoing at the PlayStation Store, making this the perfect time to expand your gaming collection with discounts reaching up to 40%.

### Metro Awakening Grabs the Spotlight

Metro Awakening has recently been igniting conversations within the gaming community. While ambiently rich and receiving high praise, it’s not without its hiccups, such as item retrieval issues and a somewhat repetitive second half. On the plus side, a commendable update offers an arachnophobia mode, enhancing accessibility.

### djay Comes to Meta Quest

Algoriddim brings its popular djay app to Meta Quest, enabling VR DJing. With USB-C connectivity for real DJ gear, this app—already boasting numerous free tracks and streaming integration—promises an immersive experience. (Note: I’ve collaborated with Algoriddim professionally.)

### Content Updates and Releases

* Alien: Rogue Incursion has postponed its release on Quest 3/3S to next year, while other platforms aim for a December launch.
* Human Within, a narrative-driven VR film for Quest arriving January 9th, explores AI’s impact on humanity with variable endings.
* Heroes Battle: Darksword introduces 1v1 VR tabletop strategy, now in early access on Quest.
* Nevrosa Rescape, revamping a 2017 horror puzzle game for Quest, is expected next year.
* Vivarium offers virtual plant and pet nurturing, now on PICO Store.
* Wall Town Wonders brings town-building to real-life spaces, debuting on Quest 3 November 21st.
* Zombie Army VR postpones its release on all platforms until next year.
* Squingle launches a new edition on November 21st, maintaining legacy support.
* CROWBAR CLIMBER, an entertaining wall-climbing game using crowbars, is available on Steam and Horizon Store for €6.
* Strike Rush offers a 90% discount on Meta Quest Store; use code SR-233289.
* XR News Bytes, Upload VR’s rebranded news roundup, provides recaps of minor XR developments.

### Reviews and Impressions:

* Human Fall Flat VR immerses players in the quirky physics of its predecessor while benefiting from VR’s intuitive controls.
* Dumb Ways: Free for All shines with its humor but could benefit from more captivating minigames.
* Living Room delights with adorable MR animals, though it lacks engaging activities.
* Underworld Overseer stands as a polished Dungeon Keeper-inspired VR game, albeit with limited narrative depth.

## Additional Updates

* Photon has released a free mixed reality collaboration sample.
* A petition for making WMR open-source has garnered over 3,300 signatures.
* Julie Smithson is appointed the new CEO of METAVRSE.

## Partner Updates:

### Join the XR Enthusiasts at MatchXR

If you’re near Helsinki, make plans for MatchXR on November 19th! This Nordic XR event promises insightful experiences, and I’ll be there too, ready to chat.

### Take Part in DeoVR’s VR Jam

Taking place on November 13th in Ljubljana, this jam promises an exploration of revolutionary VR tech and sessions with industry experts. It’s a must for anyone wanting a sneak peek at the latest innovations. (Note: DeoVR supports this blog.)

Finally, no sponsor shoutout today—let’s just savor the moment.

## A Touch of XR Humor:

From VR hair grooming to gamer stereotypes, there’s plenty of lighthearted XR content this week. Dive into the fun with these links.

## Finish on a Generous Note:

As we wrap up, I’d like to use this space to encourage contributions to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine through the Red Cross. Your generosity makes a difference. Special thanks to my Patreon supporters for their continued backing.

Help those in need: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

(Header image by Miroslav Kotalík)