XR Weekly Recap (November 5, 2024): Google Play Store Prepares for XR, Meta Reality Labs Financials Revealed, and More!

Hey everyone, I’m back from AWE Europe, and what an incredible experience it was! If you’re curious about my adventures there, I’ve penned a few articles detailing the highlights. Feel free to check them out!

Now, let’s dive into the latest and most intriguing XR news from this week!

Top News of the Week

Google Steps Up with XR Support Ahead of Samsung Headset Launch

Android Authority recently revealed that Google is gearing up for XR support on the Play Store. Data miners discovered an XR headset icon nestled within the device compatibility list, hinting at the potential for app installation on these devices. These details hint that Google is aligning its Play Store for a resurgence in XR headset compatibility, just in time for the headset they’re co-developing with Samsung and Qualcomm. Samsung’s recent earnings call hinted at XR goals by 2025, suggesting that might be the year we see this headset, although 2024 seemed plausible for a launch just a few months back.

For those keen on more details: [Road To VR](More info) | [Upload VR](More info) | [Samsung’s 2025 Headset Ambition](More info)

Other Relevant News

Meta Reality Labs: More Revenue and More Losses

Meta unveiled its financial report for Q3 2024—excluding the Quest 3s launch. The company reported $0.27 billion in revenue against a staggering $4.70 billion loss. Reactions were varied: some pointed to the financial hemorrhage, while others noted an increase compared to Q3 2023’s $0.21 billion. Disappointment stemmed from revenues not hitting the $0.31 billion estimate. Every quarter brings similar debates: should we applaud Meta’s hefty investments in our beloved VR space? My take: we should appreciate their gamble but critique where efficiency could help cut costs. I’m primarily interested in seeing the Q4 2024 numbers to see if Meta Quest 3S dazzles during the holiday season.

For more insight: [Upload VR](More info) | [Yahoo Finance](More info)

Budget-Friendly Apple Vision Pro Could Face Delays

According to renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple might postpone the cheaper Vision headset beyond 2027. They’re exploring cost-reducing strategies for the device and seeking more consumer-use cases to justify the price before release. Kuo forecasts a refreshed Vision Pro with an M5 chip for 2025. While Kuo’s track record isn’t flawless, his predictions should be approached with caution. As the news ripples through the community, many developers worry that Apple’s XR ecosystem might not rapidly become a viable platform. From my decade-plus in the field: Never bank on a single prediction or company to come to the rescue.

Curious? Check out Kuo’s [predictions](More info) and community responses [here](More info).

Behold Oasis: The First AI-Driven Open World

Oasis is a groundbreaking venture that aims to recreate Minecraft’s multiplayer experience sans traditional game engines. It showcases an AI-driven world where game events and visuals come to life automatically, no coding required. This venture, powered by DecartAI and backed by Sequoia Capital, explores whether AI can revolutionize software creation. Tim Sweeney, Epic’s CEO, humorously expressed disdain: "Wow! Every single thing about this sucks!" While initial results are quirky at best, who knows how AI will shape gaming over the next decade.

Find out more: [Oasis Project](More info) | [Gameplay Video](More info) | [Tim Sweeney’s Reaction](More info)

News Worth a Mention

Speed Boost for Meta’s Quest 3 GPUs

In a move that helps developers and users, Meta has ramped up the Quest 3 and Quest 3S GPU speeds by 16%. The max frequency now hits 599MHz, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

Niantic Shares a New Format for 3D Models

Niantic’s now open-source 3D Gaussian Splats format, SPZ, is likened to JPEGs in the world of Gaussian Splats, replacing the PNG-like PLY standard. Whether SPZ will gain widespread adoption remains to be seen.

ARM vs. Qualcomm Legal Showdown

ARM is taking Qualcomm to court over allegations of breaching licensing terms. The outcome of this dispute, set for a December trial, could heavily impact Snapdragon chipsets—a staple in Android devices and VR headsets alike.

Meta Horizon v71: A Slew of Updates

Meta’s Quest v71 update brings a delightful mix of quality-of-life improvements. These range from a redesigned system interface to AI-translated facial expressions and enhanced multimedia support. No game-changers, but definitely an upgrade in user experience!

Somnium VR1 Begins Shipping

Kudos to Somnium Space as they commence shipping their VR1 headsets! It’s always refreshing to see companies uphold their promises.

XR at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024

SIGGRAPH always showcases fascinating research, and this year’s XR reel from its Asian chapter is no exception. Dive into some of these cutting-edge projects. Thanks, Ivan Aguilar, for the heads-up!

XR at Comic Con London 2024

Comic Con London 2024 was the stage for the latest VR Game Spotlight, introducing exciting new indies. Don’t miss the trailer capturing all the presentations!

Exciting Updates on Content

Numerous media outlets have praised "Alien: Rogue Incursion" for its high-quality and gripping storyline. Aliens are cunning, and navigating through their threats requires strategy akin to battling Velociraptors. Skydance Interactive’s new "Behemoth" trailer, complete with a new boss, promises thrilling gameplay. Meanwhile, Vertigo Games offered a sneak peek into "Metro Awakening," which looks set to captivate players on all major VR platforms.

For more, visit: ["Alien: Rogue Incursion" Road To VR](More info) | [Upload VR on "Alien: Rogue Incursion"](More info) | ["Behemoth"](More info) | ["Metro Awakening"](More info)

Content Highlights

"Sight Unseen" introduces a VR puzzle experience where you use a robotic eye for solving puzzles.
VAIL VR transitions to a free-to-play model with the core shooter game spun into a standalone DLC, "Vail Combat."
"Last Stand," a mixed reality PvP action title, enters early access on November 14.
"Songbird," a VR karaoke experience, hits the Meta Quest platform this month.
"Dino Hab" promises a delightful experience of nurturing dinosaurs on Quest.
Today’s release, "Gargoyle Doyle," blends mixed reality museums with comedic VR storytelling.
Apple Vision Pro’s "Pulsargeist" promises chilling horror in a mixed reality setting.
"Ghost Town," a supernatural VR puzzle, heads to Quest, Steam, and PS VR2 soon.
Fight human invaders in "Underworld Overseer," a dungeon VR strategy game, now on Quest and Steam.
"Triangle Strategy," a classic turn-based RPG, launches its VR adaptation on Quest.
Wolvic Chromium 1.1 offers WebXR AR support, enhancing its usability as a XR browser.
"Bridge Constructor Studio" joins the Quest lineup on December 5, engaging users in physics-based engineering challenges.

Reviews Round-Up

Phasmophobia on PSVR 2 delivers spine-chilling scares, despite some technical glitches.
With its new storyline, Blade and Sorcery: Nomad’s VR campaign almost matches its PC counterpart.

For detailed reviews: [Phasmophobia](More info) | [Blade And Sorcery: Nomad](More info)

Miscellaneous News

Canon launches a new spatial video lens this November, retailing at $449.99.
Ben Lang shares his take on the comfort features of the MeganeX Superlight 8K.
Marques Brownlee offers a hands-on with Meta Orion.
Upload VR gears up for another Winter Showcase.
A compelling PhD thesis explores VR interaction dynamics.

Updates from Our Partners and Friends

MindPort’s AIXTRA makes a splash with its selection in the VOXReality call. AIXTRA aims to enhance VR training by overcoming language barriers with AI-based translation and creating an AI virtual training partner for more seamless multi-user sessions. Here’s more about VOXReality’s role in developing immersive XR AI models.

Meanwhile, the AR game Devil’s Purge, blending real-world interaction with roguelike action, is now available on iOS.

Take a deep breath today and indulge in something wonderful for yourself. There are no sponsored messages, just a simple reminder to take care of you.

XR Fun Tidbits

A Batman: Arkham Shadow humor moment [Funny link]
Punk takes on VR [Funny link]
Fiverr’s ad that probably wasn’t made on Fiverr [Funny link]

Donate for a Good Cause

This week, as last, I encourage you to reach out and help those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Please consider donating to the Red Cross to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Before wrapping up, I’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to all my Patreon supporters:

Among them are Alex Gonzalez VR, DeoVR, GenVR, Eduardo Siman, Jonn Fredericks, Jean-Marc Duyckaerts, and countless others who fuel our continuous journey in XR.

To those interested in supporting, here’s how you can help the Red Cross in Ukraine.

Blog Disclaimer: This content may include affiliate links generating commission. Boring full disclosure available elsewhere.

Thanks for joining me on this week’s XR journey! Share the knowledge with fellow innovators and let’s keep pushing the frontier of what technology can achieve together.