XR Weekly Recap (November 19, 2024): Meta Unveils Project Aria Research Kits, Surge of Chinese Smartglasses, and More!

Greetings from Finland! As I travel from Helsinki to the enchanting Lapland, I’m having an incredible time. It’s been a wonderful experience meeting Santa Claus, getting up close with reindeers, and savoring the local cuisine. Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to attend MatchXR, a prominent event in the XR scene of Nordic Europe. I’ll be sharing all about my adventures shortly. However, before diving into this week’s news, I’d like to dedicate a moment to remember Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who sadly passed away recently. I had the pleasure of interacting with Daniel on several occasions, both face-to-face at AWE US and virtually on platforms like ENGAGE. He was a genuinely kind-hearted individual and a pleasure to be around. Daniel was passionately driven to harness the potential of VR for the benefit of humanity, particularly in education. He’ll be sorely missed by all of us fortunate enough to have known him. Farewell, Daniel, your legacy will certainly live on.

Top News of the Week

Meta Opens Applications for Project Aria Research Kits

A few years back, Meta introduced Project Aria, a set of smart glasses designed as a precursor to future Augmented Reality glasses. Unlike typical AR glasses, Project Aria contains no display but is equipped with sensors including cameras and microphones. These glasses were initially for Meta’s internal use, designed to help gather data from the wearer’s point of view for training AI/ML systems—essentially a sandbox for future AR developments. This week, Meta has announced something exciting: Project Aria Research Kits are being opened up to research centers worldwide! Universities and corporations can apply through a dedicated page to receive a devkit from Meta, which includes not just the glasses, but a suite of development tools: a companion app, the SDK, and cloud services. These services provide such functionalities as face and license plate obfuscation or environmental reconstruction from point clouds collected by the glasses. This opportunity can significantly push forward research into the next generation of AR technology. Meta has shared examples of existing projects by prestigious institutions, like the University of Bristol and Carnegie Mellon, to inspire potential participants. If you’re involved in a research center, it’s definitely worth your consideration.

Other Relevant News

A New Wave of Smartglasses is Coming from China (and Beyond)

The realm of smartglasses is quite abuzz this week. Following the success of Ray-Ban Meta, there’s been a surge of activity—a veritable gold rush. Just this week, three Chinese companies have unveiled new AI-powered smartglasses. According to a report by Chinese publication 36kr, Xiaomi is potentially developing a model to rival the Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses. Given Xiaomi’s history with smartglasses prototypes, this development is no shock. Partnering with Goertek, a major XR manufacturer, Xiaomi’s glasses may make their debut in Q2 2025, possibly during the Mi Fan Festival in April.

Meanwhile, Baidu launched its Xiaodu AI Glasses last week, weighing in at just 45 grams and featuring a robust 16MP camera with AI stabilization, plus a range of other tech-savvy features. They are expected to hit the market in the first half of 2025 for an estimated ¥2,100 ($290).

Rokid, one of China’s key AR manufacturers, announced its Rokid Glasses, featuring a Snapdragon AR1, weighing 49 grams, and boasting a vibrant monochrome display. These are integrated with Alipay for convenient QR code payments—a staple in China—and enhanced with AI-powered digital assistant capabilities. Collaborating with BOLON, a Chinese fashion brand, these indicate Luxottica’s growing involvement with China’s XR industry.

In addition, Reuters reports that Amazon is also speculating about its own brand of smartglasses, codenamed "Amelia," primarily intended for driver navigation. Slated to roll out in 2026, these developments mark a fascinating time in the smarglasses space.

(Special thanks to DannieVR for the tip on the Rokid glasses!)

Meta For Education Launched in Beta

Meta’s long-anticipated "Meta For Education" program has officially entered beta! Aimed at universities, the program promises to assist teachers and students with managing educational content on Quest headsets. With schools like Arizona State University and the University of Michigan already on board, the initiative is gathering steam, incorporating user feedback to refine its offerings. This program is part of Meta’s strategic investment in education, which not only positions them as a key player in the sector but encourages the adoption of VR in daily student life.

In collaboration, Meta is also working with VictoryXR to create digital twin "metaversities," allowing students across Europe to explore and engage with replicas of their campuses.

Meta Teases Orion Operating System

Meta released a teaser video showing glimpses of the user interface for their upcoming Orion glasses. Various iterations of the UI indicate ongoing development, but it points to Meta’s innovative approach to creating user experiences for AR glasses, a significant leap from current VR interfaces.

News Worth a Mention

bHaptics Revamps Its Lineup of Devices

Korean-based bHaptics, pioneering in haptic feedback technology, unveiled an updated range of haptic gear:

• TactSuit Pro: Their latest torso piece at $499
• TactSuit Air: A cost-effective version at $249
• TactSleeve: An enhanced haptic experience for the arms at $199

Preorders are open until November 26th. Considering the compatibility with over 270 VR titles, these devices are a worthwhile addition to your immersive experience repertoire.

Horizon Worlds is Getting Its Currency

Exciting times for Horizon Worlds as the platform begins rolling out its digital currency, Meta Credits, in selected regions. This opens up new economic pathways within the virtual world, allowing users to purchase digital goods directly from creators.

Ekto VR Announces Its First Batch of Shoes

Big news from Ekto VR—they’re finally set to ship their first shoes for VR enthusiasts after extensive research and development. Dubbed "Genesis," they’re available for just 10 early adopters, priced between $2000 and $3000, with shipping slated for March 2025.

MeRCURY Diving Mask is Now on IndieGoGo

The MeRCURY XR headset, designed for underwater exploration, is now live on IndieGoGo. Offering VR experiences across various settings, it’s currently priced at €1250, hinting at a largely B2B market focus.

Apple Releases Two New Immersive Videos

Apple rolled out two new high-profile immersive videos:

• Open Hearts by The Weeknd: Available in an immersive format
• Concert For One featuring Raye: A continuation of Apple’s unique concert series

Some Info About Content

• Sacred VR title Ember Souls releases on Quest this November 21st.
• A fresh Gadgeteer update introduces mixed reality on Quest.
• Beat Saber adds the highly anticipated Monstercat Mixtape 2 to its lineup.
• Clone Drone in the Hyperdome launches as a follow-up to its successful predecessor.
• New game Gears & Goo to be released by Resolution Games for Vision Pro users.

Some Reviews About Content

• Triangle Strategy: Offers a solid XR experience although resembling its flat-screen version.
• DIG VR: Combines humor, vibrant mini-games, although hampered by some campaign monotony.
• EXOcars: Balances realism with enjoyment, delivering a thrilling VR racing experience.

Other News

• Sony phases out the original PSVR adapter for PS5.
• Pico reveals a promising update to Pico OS.
• Apple’s Final Cut Pro now supports Spatial Videos.
• An insightful Wired article reports on children populating Meta Horizon Worlds.
• A treasure trove of Quixel megascans is available for free on FAB.
• The Vive Ultimate Tracker gains compatibility with third-party headsets.
• Niantic launches a Spatial Platform promising enhanced spatial intelligence.

News From Partners and Friends

The XR Design Challenge offers a new and exciting hackathon, perfect for those geared towards innovative design concepts. Running from December 2 to January 13, the challenge is free to join, with substantial prizes for the best ideas.

For creating spatial media content, Story on Vision Pro promises an immersive experience that bridges reality with digital realms, enabling the integration of various media formats.

Some XR Fun

This is the original PCVR Funny link.

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(Header image by Meta)

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