XR Weekly Update (2024.11.05): Google Play Store Preps for XR, Meta Reality Labs Financials Unveiled, and More!

Just returned from AWE Europe, and wow, what an experience! If you’re interested in hearing more about it, I’ve penned a few articles you might enjoy.

Now, let’s dive into this week’s most captivating XR news!

Top News of the Week

Google to Add XR Support to Play Store Ahead of Samsung Headset’s Release

Android Authority has reported that Google is gearing up the Play Store for XR support. Digging into the recent store updates, data scrapers found clues about XR compatibility, including an XR headset icon. Although hidden for now, these features hint at preparations for a new Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm headset. Considering Samsung’s recent earnings call highlighting XR goals for 2025, this launch may still be a bit off, although we were previously hopeful for 2024.

For more details, check Road To VR or Upload VR.

Other Noteworthy News

Meta Reality Labs Q3 2024 Financial Update

Meta released its Q3 financials, showing $0.27B in revenue against $4.70B in losses—despite not including the Quest 3s launch. Some see the $4.4B loss as staggering, while others consider the increase from last year’s Q3 revenue a sign of VR growth. The debate around Meta’s investments and losses is ongoing, but it remains clear that the returns on this investment may emerge as XR technology becomes mainstream.

Explore more results on Upload VR and Yahoo.

Cheaper Apple Vision Pro Delayed Past 2027

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the launch of a more affordable Apple Vision headset might be postponed beyond 2027. Apple aims to cut production costs and broaden its use cases, driving this delay. For now, look forward to the 2025 update featuring the M5 chipset. But take these predictions lightly; the road to mainstream Apple XR is long.

Learn more about Kuo’s predictions and community reactions through various sources.

Oasis: A New AI-Driven Open World Experiment

Oasis seeks to transform the gaming world by creating an AI-driven version of Minecraft, eliminating the need for traditional game engines. Developed by DecartAI and funded by Sequoia Capital, this project raises questions about AI’s role in future game development. Not all feedback is positive; Epic’s Tim Sweeney notably criticized the project. While currently unconventional, the potential evolution of this technology is worth watching.

Watch the Oasis gameplay video and read Tim Sweeney’s thoughts.

News Worth a Mention

• Meta’s Quest 3 GPU Speed Boost: Meta upped the GPU speed for the Quest 3 series by about 16%, enhancing game performance.
• Niantic’s SPZ Format Release: Niantic unveiled SPZ, a new compressed format for 3D Gaussian Splats, likened to a JPG for such data.
• ARM vs. Qualcomm Litigation: ARM seeks to block Qualcomm’s chip use over licensing disputes; a court date is set for December.

Interesting Updates and Releases

• Meta Horizon v71 Improvements: An update brings subtle but impactful enhancements to the Quest v71 system.
• Somnium VR1 Begins Shipping: Somnium Space has started delivering its VR1 headsets after sustaining its release timeline.
• Exciting Shows and Conferences: Discover cutting-edge XR advancements at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024, and check out the latest VR Games presented at Comic Con London 2024.

Game Content Highlights

• "Alien: Rogue Incursion" Reviews: The game is receiving accolades for its intense horror sequences.
• New Trailers: Skydance Interactive and Vertigo Games unveiled intriguing new footage for "Behemoth" and "Metro Awakening."

For additional insights, check sources like Road To VR and Upload VR.

Reviews and Other News

• Phasmophobia on PSVR 2: Delivers chills despite some technical hiccups.
• Blade and Sorcery Nomad Update: The campaign addition nearly matches its PC counterpart.
• Canon’s New Lens System: Set for release at $449.99, offering spatial video enhancements.

To explore more, check out links provided for each topic.

News from Partners and Friends

LEFX and MindPort’s AIXTRA, an enterprise-focused XR project, was selected for VOXReality. This project aims to overcome language barriers in VR training through AI translation and introduce AI virtual partners to enhance user experience.

• VOXReality Goals: Develop innovative AI models to improve XR interactions. Learn more about VOXReality.

ONTOP’s AR game, Devil’s Purge, has debuted on iOS. Dive into the real-world action shooter with roguelike elements available for your device.

• Download Devil’s Purge.

Some XR Fun

• Enjoy lighthearted moments, like catching VR taking a punk spin, or delightful ads that question their origin on Fiverr!

Donate for Good

Instead of donating to this blog, consider supporting those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Contributions to the Red Cross can make a difference during this humanitarian crisis. A heartfelt thanks to my Patreon supporters for their continued help in keeping this blog alive.

• Support The Red Cross in Ukraine.

That’s all for now. Stay tuned, keep immersed, and find something special to enjoy in your world today!