This week has been buzzing with big news from the tech giants—Apple, Meta, Google, and Valve. We’ve got a lot to break down, so stick around till the end for a chance to snag some keys for a cool mixed reality game! Also, don’t miss my latest piece on the XR ecosystem in China and my upcoming adventure to Shanghai!
### Top news of the week
Headsets might sidestep the US tariffs rollercoaster. While the tariff situation feels like a constant whirlwind, there’s confusion about their impact on XR headsets. Many companies are holding their breath for clarity, but some have made moves. Pimax and BigScreen plan to cushion the tariff blow for users. BigScreen is absorbing it entirely, whereas Pimax imposes a modest $75-$95 charge on US buyers of the Pimax Super. It’s promising that these companies are striving to keep costs down, especially since the XR market thrives on affordability. Excitingly, there’s news suggesting these tariffs on XR headsets might be erased. The U.S. recently excluded many electronics, likely to protect manufacturers like Apple, which could otherwise suffer devastating blows due to heavy tariffs. Reports indicate XR headsets, including Quest, might also be spared. But let’s hold our applause—we need confirmation and to brace for possible chips-related tariffs.
### Other relevant news
Could Apple’s Vision Pro 2 already be rolling off the production line? The company’s fresh developments might include more than just the Vision Pro 2—we’re hearing whispers about a tethered headset offering a massive virtual screen experience with Mac connectivity. While the Vision Pro can already link to Macs, this potential new device seems aimed at providing an affordable, lighter alternative—an exciting prospect for consumers. Interesting to note, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook is reportedly laser-focused on launching AR glasses ahead of Meta, marking the commencement of an AR race.
Valve may be getting its groove on with the Deckard headset. Recent chatter from Brad Lynch suggests Valve is bringing equipment into the U.S. to produce VR facial interfaces, likely for its anticipated Deckard headset. This points to manufacturing kicking off, hinting at a possible debut soon—perhaps even this year.
Speculation swirls around Google and Samsung potentially unveiling XR glasses in 2026. Though their mixed reality headset, Project Moohan, might drop by year’s end, it seems plans for XR glasses have shifted. Rather than mimicking the Ray-Ban Meta, their new glasses are expected to feature screens and cameras, plus AI elements, likely pushing the release to 2026.
The week delivered a cheerful surprise with AltspaceVR’s revival by Danny Mac. Danny, leveraging an open-source framework, aims to rekindle the welcoming community that AltspaceVR was known for, giving creators new freedom to engage and innovate.
### News worth a mention
Meta is on the move, expanding its VR entertainment to more airlines following a successful trial with Lufthansa. By enabling passengers to enjoy immersive content during flights, VR is poised to become a mainstay of in-flight entertainment, broadening its user base significantly.
Varjo seems uninterested in revisiting the consumer market anytime soon, choosing instead to thrive in B2B arenas like simulation training for military and aeronautics.
Pico introduces a new waist tracker, promising better full-body tracking for VR enthusiasts. Meanwhile, The XR TEXT Trove offers a comprehensive catalog of over 170 text entry methods for XR, a boon for researchers and UX designers alike.
Meta’s latest update enforces the presence of Horizon Worlds on Quest headsets, stirring user frustration. In tandem, a new advertising feature promises targeted ads across Meta Horizon OS—rather puzzling priorities, if you ask me.
Exciting research suggests sound stimulation of the inner ear could combat motion sickness, reducing symptoms for hours after a brief exposure. Intriguing prospects for the VR world, indeed.
In a sweet Spring Sale, Meta slashes the price of the Quest 3S, bundled with bonuses like Batman: Arkham Shadow and a Quest+ subscription. Such discounts post-holiday season do raise eyebrows—could it be a hint at slowing sales?
### Content spotlight
Mark your calendars for April 17—’GORN 2′ spills into Quest & PC VR. And for a quirky VR experience, check out ‘Placid Plastic Duck VR’—because sometimes you just need more ducks in your life.
### Reviews roundup
‘Beatable’ is drumming up praise with its physical haptics, while fans of classic simulation might enjoy ‘Train Sim World VR’, balancing realism with user-friendly tweaks. Meanwhile, ‘Harpagun’ offers a gripping narrative, though there’s room for polish.
### Other news
DaVinci Resolve 20 now hops on the Apple Immersive Video bandwagon, and Hyperfy introduces a robust world-creation platform with WebXR capabilities.
The U.S. Army’s embarked on another AR endeavor post-IVAS, labeled Soldier Borne Mission Command, aiming to push the boundaries in military tech.
### A shoutout to friends and partners
I’d love for you to try ‘Alex And The Jets’, an engaging mixed reality game that turns dogfights into living room fun. Lucky readers can snatch it for free with the codes provided—happy flying!
### Some XR fun
Laugh along with some XR antics. From coding misadventures to quirky memes and more, there’s plenty of light-hearted fun to keep you entertained.
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