As Singles’ Day wraps up, particularly for our single friends in China, and the chilly weather creeps in here, it’s the perfect time to grab a hot drink and dive into the week’s most intriguing XR news!
Weekly Highlights
Smartglasses Are Making Waves
The buzz around smartglasses just doesn’t seem to fade. Following Ray-Ban Meta’s success, more companies are jumping on the bandwagon. According to Mark Gurman, Apple is developing its own smartglasses aiming for a 2027 release, equipped with AI features for environmental awareness. Apple’s entry could really shake things up, especially as it’s such a revered brand. We’ve already seen Samsung and Google moving in this direction, while Baidu, often referred to as China’s Google, is reportedly launching its version at the Baidu World event in Shanghai. These will feature cameras for multimedia capture and voice interactions powered by Baidu’s Ernie model. Meanwhile, Meta isn’t slowing down, with plans to expand the Ray-Ban Meta line, opening pop-up shops in Los Angeles and Phoenix to make these smartglasses even more fashionable. Will this trend endure, or will it fizz out? We’ll have to wait and see.
Need more details? Check out the updates on Apple’s exploration of smartglasses, Baidu’s launch plans, and Meta’s pop-up stores.
Other Big News
Meta Reduces Gaming Content Funding
The Information has reported a shift in Meta’s strategy concerning XR content funding, favoring lifestyle over gaming content. This pivot has unfortunately led to layoffs at studios like Monks and Altas V as financial backing dwindles. The situation seems grim for these developers who had relied on this support. While it’s a tough shift, focusing on broader utility could be a smart move for Meta, aligning with its goal to innovate the next tech platform beyond gaming.
Curious for more? Dive deeper into Meta’s strategic changes.
News To Note
Do-It-Yourself AR Glasses
Miroslav Kotalík has crafted his own set of affordable AR glasses, known as Zero, using a Raspberry Pi Zero. They currently support basic functions like video playback and text display, with plans for expanded features in future iterations. Follow his journey on X for more updates.
Apple Unveils Panoramic Display for Vision Pro
In the VisionOS 2.2 beta, Apple introduces a new feature allowing Mac users to utilize an ultra-wide virtual display on their Vision Pro. This innovation creates a screen space equivalent to two side-by-side 4K monitors, offering a promising avenue for productivity tasks. While initial reactions are positive, some tech adaptations are needed for optimal use.
LIV’s New Creator Kit for Quest
LIV’s Unity SDK now empowers developers to add third-person capture capabilities to their VR applications on Quest. This tool provides a seamless way for players to document their VR experiences without needing a PC—a significant boon for social media enthusiasts and developers alike.
For details on how these updates are shaping the tech landscape, delve into the respective articles about Miroslav’s AR project, Apple’s Vision Pro feature, and LIV’s Creator Kit.
Additional Highlights
EgoTouch, a novel project, offers a unique twist on haptic feedback by letting you use your palm as an interactive slate. Meanwhile, Osmo claims advancements in "scent teleportation," a tantalizing potential for VR experiences.
The PlayStation Store is running a hefty sale on PSVR 2 games—an ideal time for new acquisitions. Metro Awakening is currently the hot topic in gaming, praised for its immersive environments, despite a few quirks. Plus, djay has brought its spatial DJing feature to the Meta Quest, enriching music remixing in VR.
Want to explore these exciting developments further? Check out the individual reports on EgoTouch, Osmo, the PlayStation sale, Metro Awakening, and the djay app on Meta Quest.
Content News
Several exciting VR projects are either delayed or debuting soon, covering a range of genres from interactive films to strategy games and horror puzzles. Highlights include the delays of Alien: Rogue Incursion and Zombie Army VR, while Human Within and Wall Town Wonders are set to captivate audiences shortly.
Content Reviews
Some standout VR experiences include Human Fall Flat VR’s engaging take on the original’s wacky platformer concept, and the amusing and sometimes repetitive minigames of Dumb Ways: Free for All. Living Room offers joy with room-spawning animals, while Underworld Overseer delivers a polished VR twist on dungeon management.
Learn more about these titles by reading the detailed reviews linked above.
Miscellaneous News
Photon has released a free sample showcasing multiplayer collaboration in mixed reality. There’s a campaign rallying for open-source WMR, with budding support. Julie Smithson steps up as the new CEO of METAVRSE, marking a notable leadership change in the industry.
To participate in these developments or lend your voice, check out the relevant petitions and announcements.
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss MatchXR in Helsinki on November 19th—a great chance to connect within the XR community. If you’re nearer to Slovenia, consider the VR Jam in Ljubljana on November 13th, for hands-on experiences with cutting-edge VR tech.
Both events offer unique opportunities for networking and exploring new XR tech. If you can, these gatherings are not to be missed!
Thoughts and Farewells
With no sponsors today, it’s a moment to relax. Let’s remember those in need by supporting organizations like the Red Cross, especially in regions such as Ukraine facing ongoing hardships. A heartfelt thanks to all Patreon supporters for their ongoing contributions and kindness.
Thinking about the potential of XR technology can spark dreams and ideas. If any of the links made you smile or think, it’s mission accomplished. Stay curious, stay connected, and keep imagining the future!
