This week has been quite thrilling for me as I’ve just announced my attendance at CES this upcoming January— a first for me! I’m in the throes of planning the trip, setting up meetings to explore AR/VR glasses. If you’ll also be there, I’d love to connect! And of course, any tips on how to make my CES experience even more fabulous would be greatly appreciated. I’m eager to share every detail of my journey with you. But for now, here’s a rundown of the standout XR news of the week… and even a little giveaway!
Top News of the Week
Google announced Android XR
The biggest headline this week, and perhaps one of the year’s most significant, is Google’s unveiling of Android XR. This operating system by Google is set to power a range of XR devices, from mixed-reality headsets to AR glasses and beyond. The first device to utilize it is the mixed-reality headset crafted in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, known by its codename Project Moohan. Other companies like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are also developing devices to work with this OS.
Google gave the media a sneak peek of Android XR on Project Moohan, along with monocular and binocular smart glasses. The standout feature? Integration with artificial intelligence. Their Gemini AI assistant is integrated into the system, seamlessly assisting you in both real and virtual realms. For instance, place a restaurant’s business card within your view, and Gemini AI can pull up its location in a 3D rendition of Google Maps. Using smart glasses, Gemini handles live translations from foreign languages—handy yet a tad concerning on the privacy front.
The operating system also wows with its ability to automatically convert photos and videos into 3D, features multimodal input options, and can be operated with controllers, hands, eyes, or voice. While G-suite and games like Demeo and Vacation Simulator are among the announced content, there’s more to come. Developers already have access to a preview of the development environment for native, Unity, and WebXR.
Project Moohan specifics are sparse: it reminds one of a cross between the Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro, featuring an external battery, high-definition displays, and advanced passthrough capabilities. It houses the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 chip, with controllers set to launch in 2025 alongside the headset. Google’s entry brings fresh credibility and competition to the XR space, which is fantastic news for everyone involved. Fingers crossed it won’t follow the path to oblivion.
More info: (Detailed roundup on Android XR) (Ben Lang’s editorial about Android XR vs Horizon OS)
Other Relevant News
Latest Quest Update Boosts Hand Tracking, Windows 11 Pairing, and More
Meta is rolling out v72 for the Quest, offering some exciting new features:
- Hand tracking has been updated to v2.3, enhancing responsiveness and usability, especially in confined spaces, like while traveling.
- Windows Mixed Reality Link is now available, allowing Quest 3 and 3S users to easily connect with their Windows 11 PCs just by looking at their screens, emulating the seamless Mac-Vision Pro integration. Once connected, you can work on a vast virtual screen—great for productivity—but Apple’s version still takes the cake.
- The update enables tracking of all keyboards, showcasing them via passthrough.
- A new Media Gallery app has been introduced for enjoying device media.
- Entering your VR home doesn’t require a boundary setup anymore; it now assumes a static one, making your VR home experience smooth and barrier-free.
My favorite feature? The Windows 11 connection. Much-loved for its Mac integration with Vision Pro, I can’t wait to test the PC version.
More info: (Meta Quest runtime v72 — Road To VR) (Meta Quest runtime v72 — Upload VR) (How to connect the Quest with a Windows 11 PC)
News Worth a Mention
Omdia Forecasts a Challenging 2025 for XR
The analyst firm Omdia has shared a somewhat gloomy outlook for the XR market. They predict a 10% dip in headset sales volumes in 2024, down to 6.9 million units from 7.7 million in 2023, with a continuing slump in 2025 but a bounce-back in 2026. While I agree that 2025 may not be bright, I’ve felt that since 2023, there’s been modest growth in the industry with hits like Ray-Ban Meta and the launch of Android XR. But perspective is everything.
More info: (Financial Times post about Omdia’s report) (LinkedIn post about Omdia’s report)
The Rise of Gorilla Tag
XR investor JP Minetos wrote an intriguing piece on Road To VR explaining Gorilla Tag’s rise to fame. Its social features were pivotal, but its unique motion style, easy accessibility, and meme potential also played a role.
More info
Bargain on Quest 3S
You can snag the Quest 3S (256 GB) for $400 on Amazon US and other regions, plus a $30 digital Amazon credit. This offer is valid till Christmas—a great deal if you haven’t bought it yet.
More info
Batman: Arkham Shadow Wins Big
At The Game Awards, Batman: Arkham Shadow by Camouflaj clinched the Best VR/AR Game Award. Considering its incredible impact on the VR space, this is no shocker.
More info: (Video of Batman: Arkham Shadow receiving the award) (Meta blog about the win)
Content News Highlights
- Fallout London VR aims to bring VR to the expansive ‘Fallout: London’ DLC.
- Path of Fury: Episode I – Tetsuo’s Tower, inspired by ’80s Kung Fu films, is set for an early 2025 release on Quest 2/3/Pro for $9.99.
- Bridge Constructor now available in XR for $10.
- Behemoth’s significant patch fixes several issues and adjusts combat following mixed community reviews.
- Doborog Games’ VR sequel, Clone Drone in the Hyperdome, is on Steam and Meta for $20.
- Realize Music: Sing merges rhythm gaming, self-care, and VR, launching January 23rd, 2025, on Meta Quest.
- Panic Room MR, a mixed-reality horror game with creepy crawlies, is $5 on Quest 3 & 3S.
- X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm, merging Konami’s run-and-gun classic and free-to-play VR hero shooter X8, available for $20 on Horizon Store and Steam.
- Crystal Commanders, a strategy game playable in VR and mixed reality, hits Quest on February 27, 2025.
- Mecha Force’s early access lets you pilot VR mechs, influenced by Shin Getter Robo and Gurren Lagann.
- DodgeCraft, a VR sports training game, tests reflexes with two modes, available now on Quest.
- Beyond Blue: After the Storm offers a VR underwater narrative adventure.
- Human Fall Flat VR’s first-person experimental mode is in beta on Steam.
- Upload VR’s latest XR News Round-Up shares additional updates.
More info: (Path Of Fury) (Bridge Constructor) (Behemoth) (Clone Drone in the Hyperdome) (Realize Music: Sing) (Panic Room) (X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm) (Crystal Commanders) (Mecha Force) (DodgeCraft) (Beyond Blue: After the Storm) (Human Fall Flat VR) (XR News Round-Up)
Content Reviews
- Metamorphosis VR: An intriguing concept, visually impressive, but needs more polish.
- Action Hero: A fresh take on SuperHot mechanics, user-friendly for newcomers, yet challenging for seasoned players.
- Home Sports: Offers enjoyable sports games in VR or mixed reality, though they may lack depth.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon: A fun, family-friendly spin on fighting off hordes of zombies.
More info: (Metamorphosis VR) (Action Hero) (Home Sports) (Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon)
Other News
- Rob Cole’s in-depth Pimax Crystal Light review.
- Norman Mueller outlines the latest on smartglasses and AR.
- Apple introduces Ultrawide Virtual Display for Vision Pro in VisionOS 2.2.
- Affordable open-source NeoGrip controllers for standalone VR headsets.
- Unity opens applications for its Humanity 2025 grant.
- Into The Scaniverse offers WebXR access to globally reconstructed places using Gaussian Splats.
News from Partners and Friends
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Invest in Vitruvian VR: Participate in this exciting startup’s crowdfunding campaign with a minimum investment of €250. They’re creating a large, 6DOF simulator controller for a space-like experience. Here’s my review for more insight. (Crowdfunding page) (My simulator review)
- Iron Rebellion Keys Giveaway: Love mecha games? Iron Rebellion, a tribute to Titanfall and Hawken, just launched on Quest and Steam. I have a couple of Steam keys for the quickest among you: RBQ6Q-5LEEE-C0BW2, 7HWWY-M8K6E-9W0EF. If you miss out, consider supporting the developers by purchasing on Quest or Steam. (Iron Rebellion on Steam and Horizon Store)
Some XR Fun
- Theoretical camera setups for Quest 4 – Funny link
- A lighthearted comic featuring chickens in VR – Funny link
- The first rule of Fight Club is… – Funny link
Donate for Good
As I wrap up, I’d like to gently remind you to consider donating to help those affected by the war. The Red Cross is doing incredible work in handling the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and every little bit helps. Thank you to my Patreon supporters for their unwavering backing:
- Alex Gonzalez VR, DeoVR, GenVR, Eduardo Siman, Jonn Fredericks, and many more incredible backers.
Here’s the link to donate:
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image by Google)
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