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Back from my trip to Italy, and though a bit exhausted, I’m delighted to reconnect with everyone. I trust you celebrated a lovely Valentine’s Day with your loved ones and are in good spirits. What’s got me beaming lately? My recent article on Android XR’s approach to managing camera frame permissions has gained attention from significant publications like Road To VR, Upload VR, and Android Authority! It feels great to enjoy a splash of the spotlight every now and then 😉. With that joy in my heart, let’s dive into this week’s juiciest XR updates!
Top news of the week
Ray-Ban Meta reaches a milestone with 2 million units sold
EssilorLuxottica’s CEO, Francesco Milleri, shared a compelling update during the company’s Q4 2024 earnings call. The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have been a triumph, moving 2 million units! Word on the street from some well-placed sources in the supply chain seemed to back this up, revealing strong user retention, a hallmark of thriving product success.
Given the upbeat sales trajectory, Luxottica is planning an expansion, targeting a production figure of over 10 million units annually by the close of 2026. The buzz around Ray-Ban Meta certainly stoked the flames of the smartglasses craze. At CES, I noticed a surge of startups unveiling AI-driven smartglasses, with whispers about major brands like Apple and Samsung cooking up their own devices.
However, let’s not get carried away just yet. The selling point here is primarily Ray-Ban’s branding and design, plus EssilorLuxottica’s expansive distribution network, rather than Meta’s influence. It’s uncertain whether other tech companies will recreate such a success. Given Luxottica aims to ramp up production to 10M yearly, albeit notable, it’s still a gradual path compared to smartphones. Fingers crossed these devices will truly gain widespread traction, pending further market validation in the coming months.
Other relevant news
Meta reportedly delves into humanoid robots
In intriguing news, Bloomberg reports suggest Meta’s Reality Labs—the division known for XR headset development—is knee-deep in creating humanoid robots. Focused on household chore efficiency, these AI-enabled robots will leverage data from AR headsets and Project Aria glasses for sophisticated training.
Interestingly, Meta isn’t looking to manufacture these robots directly. It seems their XR hardware ventures taught how challenging and pricey it is to tackle hardware production. Instead, Meta aims to perfect core technologies—for instance, AI systems, sensors, and software—that other companies can use for their robotic creations.
I find this rumor a tad perplexing. For a company already navigating tough challenges in XR, opening another uncertain product line seems dicey given its ongoing financial woes. It remains to be seen whether this is a prudent or precarious move.
Apple to enhance Vision Pro with Apple Intelligence
On another front, Bloomberg unveiled Apple’s plan to integrate its Apple Intelligence into the Vision Pro headset. This update, expected by April, will include refined guest modes and a new spatial content app. A developer beta might be on the horizon, and whispers include a broader AI collaboration in China with candidates like Tencent and Bytedance.
These updates could signify a strategic enhancement with an impending Vision Pro iteration powered by an M5 chipset. Integrating Apple Intelligence into Vision Pro could sharpen Apple’s competitive edge against Google, which boasts the Gemini integration as a standout feature. The race among giants like Meta, Apple, and Google to refine their offerings continues to heat up.
AugmentOS aims to simplify smartglasses app development
Mentra has debuted AugmentOS, specifically designed to facilitate smartglasses application creation. Its SDK allows developers to craft single applications compatible across diverse smartglasses, including Vuzix Z100 and more. Although support for Ray-Ban Meta remains questionable, the project promises potential in navigating the current fragmented ecosystem, where apps are often tailored for specific devices.
Final adoption remains uncertain, yet AugmentOS seems a promising step toward cohesive app development across varied hardware.
News worth mentioning
PSVR 2 sees stellar holiday sales thanks to price cuts
The PSVR 2 enjoyed a sales surge this holiday season, thanks to a price drop from $550 to $350. Viewing Amazon US’s sales data, sales spiked during 2024’s holiday period, achieving five times the volume seen in 2023. Though still trailing behind Quest’s figures, these results are noteworthy. Speculation suggests a permanent price reduction could further boost this trajectory.
Anduril steps in on the IVAS project
Anduril, the defense company led by Palmer Luckey, has taken the reins of the IVAS project from Microsoft. While Microsoft will provide Azure cloud services, Anduril will handle hardware and software production. It seems aligning with Palmer Luckey’s assertion about designing a new military headset was more than just talk. With lofty promises, Luckey now faces high expectations to deliver on these bold claims.
Specialized hosting arrives for WebXR apps with Wonderland Cloud
Create Worlds ventures into hosting with Wonderland Cloud, intended for WebXR applications. The service not only hosts but also supports multiplayer and voice chat functionalities, potentially easing WebXR development processes significantly.
RTX 5090 shows its edge over RTX 4090
Tech enthusiasts scrutinized performance bursts between NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 and RTX 4090, underscoring the newer model’s superior prowess in VR scenarios.
Exploring the lively VR communities for 50+ age group
An eye-opening article by Bobby Carlton sheds light on the vibrant VR communities composed of adults aged 50 and above. Despite the current generational focus on Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha, older demographics remain actively engaged, especially in fitness and social VR applications.
NBA matches now more engaging with Apple Vision Pro
Imagine watching an NBA game on your desk! The Apple Vision Pro’s new Tabletop feature offers a neat illusion—a diorama-scale virtual field of live gameplay brought right to your table. Thanks to specialized NBA stadium cameras, while visually stunning, traditional screen viewing arguably still trumps immersion.
Huge discounts await on the Horizon Store
The Quest Store has rolled out an exciting sale lasting until February 23, featuring reduced prices on games like Among Us VR, Ultrawings 2, and LEGO Bricktales.
PlayStation introduces hand-tracked games for PSVR 2
Without much ado, Sony introduced hand-tracking for PSVR 2, with “Waltz Of The Wizard” being the first game to implement it. Endless hand-tracked interactions seamlessly complement its magical combat system, showcasing superior PS5-powered tracking quality over Quest’s capabilities.
Key updates in content
Skydance upgraded Behemoth with general fixes, while Alien Rogue Incursion’s launch experienced lighting setbacks, awaiting imminent patching. Into The Radius 2 is set for Early Access on Quest by Q2 2025 at $39.99. Each of these titles brings fresh excitement to the XR landscape.
Unseen masterpieces and upcoming releases
Hidden gem: Ready At Dawn was crafting a groundbreaking VR game when Meta ceased operations. Given their past titles, this was likely another compelling lost opportunity thwarted by budget concerns.
Upcoming releases include The Midnight Walk, Five Nights at Freddy’s: Secret of the Mimic, and numerous others spanning genres from RPGs to puzzle adventures. Keep an eye on these for fresh VR experiences.
Spotlight on quirky and innovative apps
“Stupid Cars,” a simple yet enjoyable game directing traffic, offers surprising fun. Meanwhile, “TouchDesk” lets you unleash creativity directly on your desk with Apple Vision Pro, running seamlessly alongside other experiences.
Other intriguing tidbits
Did you know John Carmack lobbied for Doom and Quake community port recognition? Dbrand surprised with an original faceplate for Apple Vision Pro, while Crytek and Unity announced layoffs. Horizon Worlds served up fantastical avatars, and Godot’s universal VR mod emerged for the modding community. Meanwhile, an inventive tool lets Blender models spring to life in Quest 3’s mixed reality.
News from partners
Prima Immersive elevates video quality for Apple Vision Pro
The Spatialists, known for their immersive video craftsmanship, introduces “Sessions,” a VR music video series. Featuring a groundbreaking encoder, Prima delivers unmatched video quality. Available for the U.S. audience, Apple Vision Pro users should take note.
Aviar simplifies VR training in aviation with a ready-to-use kit
Aviation training meets practicality with Aviar’s all-in-one VR setup. From unboxing to launching, it takes users from zero to hero swiftly and efficiently.
A nod to Kickstarter creativity
While not VR-centric, Vivian Chazen’s captivating puzzle book on Kickstarter, designed for those navigating heartbreak, offers light-hearted solace.
A touch of XR fun
Seek out alternative Valentine’s Day celebrations, humorous VR motion gags, entertainingly disastrously Horizon Worlds ad spoofs, and comical financial VR blunders—laughs galore!
Support efforts in Ukraine
Echoing last week’s call to action, I urge everyone to consider a donation to the Red Cross for Ukrainian humanitarian aid. Thanks extend to my Patreon supporters whose generosity continually fuels this journey.
If you’re inspired to assist, here’s the Red Cross donation link.
(Header image courtesy of Meta)
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