What an exciting week it’s been! I’m thrilled to share that I’ve announced my attendance at CES this coming January — a first for me! With the plans already in the works, I’m eagerly lining up appointments to test out some AR/VR glasses. If you’re also going to be there, or if you’ve got some CES veteran tips, hit me up! I’m really looking forward to documenting the experience and breaking it all down for you. But until then, let’s dive into this week’s most exciting XR updates, plus a giveaway you’ll love!
Top News of the Week
Google Unveils Android XR
Perhaps the biggest news not just of the week but potentially the whole year is Google’s official announcement of Android XR. This new operating system is set to power a range of XR devices, covering mixed reality headsets, AR glasses, and even smart glasses. The first product to feature this technology is a mixed-reality headset, currently in development with Samsung and Qualcomm under the codename Project Moohan. Additionally, other manufacturers like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are on board to produce devices compatible with Android XR.
The focus of Android XR is on integrating artificial intelligence, specifically their Gemini AI assistant, which seamlessly operates within both the real and virtual worlds. Imagine having a restaurant’s business card displayed right in front of you, and asking Gemini to analyze it, leading to a 3D Google Maps experience. It even offers live translations through your smart glasses. One of the privacy concerns, however, is that it remembers interactions from the last 10 minutes, which could be both incredibly handy and a bit unnerving.
In terms of extra features, this operating system can automatically convert photos and videos into 3D and supports various input methods, including hand, eye, and voice commands. Presently, announced content includes Google apps and games like Demeo and Vacation Simulator, with more to be added. Developers can start exploring the development environment preview for native, Unity, and WebXR apps.
Project Moohan, drawing comparisons with Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro, is characterized by high-def displays, a detailed visual passthrough, an external battery, and utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 chip. Set to launch in 2025, it will debut alongside a pair of new controllers. Google’s entry into XR promises to bring a wave of competition and innovation to the field, benefiting everyone involved. Hopefully, it’ll be a lasting endeavor, unlike some of their past projects.
For more info, check out this detailed summary on Android XR or read Ben Lang’s editorial comparing it with Horizon OS.
Other Relevant News
Latest Update for Quest Enhances Hand Tracking and More
Meta is improving users’ experience with the new runtime v72 update for Quest, featuring several noteworthy improvements:
- The hand tracking system is now at v2.3, offering better responsiveness and performance, particularly in confined spaces like when on-the-go.
- Windows Mixed Reality Link is here. Once configured, Quest 3 and 3S headsets can establish a connection with a Windows 11 PC simply by looking at it, mimicking how Vision Pro pairs with Macs.
- Every keyboard is now trackable within the system, displayed using passthrough.
- A fresh Media Gallery app is available to savor the media on your device.
- You can now enter your VR home without the need to set up a boundary — just walk in as the system assumes a static one.
Smaller updates like Instagram now supporting Direct messages add a nice touch, too.
Personally, the ability to connect with a Windows 11 PC smoothly is the real game-changer here. With so much buzz about Apple’s Vision Pro’s Mac linking, trying out its PC equivalent just got a lot more tantalizing.
Catch more details about the Meta Quest update over at Road To VR and Upload VR, and learn how to connect Quest with a Windows 11 PC.
News Worth a Mention
Omdia Predicts XR Might Sputter in 2025
In a recent report by Omdia, the outlook for the XR market isn’t quite rosy. The firm reports a 10% dip in headset sales volumes for 2024, down to 6.9 million from the previous year’s figure. This downward trajectory might persist into 2025, but a bounce-back is on the horizon in 2026. While I agree with most of Omdia’s analysis, I can’t help but notice a slow but steady industry growth since 2023 — evident in the traction gained by Ray-Ban’s meta, and now with the Android XR launch.
Find more in-depth insights from Omdia’s report on platforms like the Financial Times and LinkedIn.
The Rise of Gorilla Tag
JP Minetos, an XR investor, has curated an insightful piece on Road To VR examining how Gorilla Tag became a blockbuster hit. Factors like its social elements, unique locomotion mechanics, accessibility, and meme-friendly nature contributed significantly.
Deals & Awards
- The 256 GB Quest 3S is currently available for a great deal on Amazon US, priced at $400 with an additional $30 in digital credits. It’s a nice holiday offer, valid until Christmas.
- At The Game Awards, Batman: Arkham Shadow rightfully nabbed the Best VR/AR Game Award of the year. An outstanding game that’s made waves across the VR landscape.
You can watch the award ceremony and read Meta’s blog celebrating this win.
Content Highlights
- Fallout London VR aspires to bring virtual reality to the expansive ‘Fallout: London’ DLC.
- Upcoming VR action game ‘Path of Fury: Episode I’ is set to launch in 2025. Its retro ’80s Kung Fu charm is bound to pull you in.
- For builders, Bridge Constructor prices its XR edition at $10.
- Behemoth recently got a significant patch addressing bugs while adjusting combat mechanics.
- ‘Clone Drone in the Hyperdome’ by Doborog Games is now up for grabs on major platforms for $20.
- If singing is your thing, ‘Realize Music: Sing’ will debut on Meta Quest in January 2025.
- The creepy ‘Panic Room MR’ joins Quest’s MR titles for just $5.
Check these out and more, like Mecha Force’s early-access debut and DodgeCraft’s sports training challenges.
Reviews Round-Up
- ‘Metamorphosis VR’ stands out with a captivating idea and visuals, yet remains a little rough around the edges.
- ‘Action Hero’ refreshes the SuperHot gameplay style, making it both welcoming for new users and challenging for veterans.
- ‘Home Sports’ delivers an engaging selection of games across virtual or mixed reality, though depth might be lacking for some.
- Calling all zombie slayers: ‘Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon’ offers a light-hearted alternative to the usual undead carnage.
Dive deeper for full reviews of these games, including more like ‘Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon’.
Other News
- Rob Cole released an insightful review of the Pimax Crystal Light.
- Norman Mueller provided an update summary on smart and AR glasses.
Stay informed on these and other tech highlights, such as Apple’s latest ambitious Vision Pro feature , or Unity’s Humanity 2025 grant opening.
Partner Updates
Excitingly, Vitruvian VR is welcoming investors as they crowdfund their avant-garde body-motion simulator. I’ve included a link to my review of their immersive setup so you can see why it’s such an intriguing project.
Plus, Iron Rebellion — a homage to Titanfall and Hawken — is available now, and I’ve generously got a couple of keys on hand for you!
Fun Bits
Laugh along with some humorous XR-related content, like speculative Quest 4 camera designs and a quirky comic strip featuring virtual-reality chickens, plus some giggles from VR Fight Club jokes.
Donate for Good
Once again, in place of asking for donations to my blog, I humbly request your generosity towards those affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Please consider donating to the Red Cross’ efforts to provide aid. I’ve included the link for your convenience.
Lastly, a huge thanks to my committed Patreon supporters. Your encouragement means the world to me:
- Alex Gonzalez VR
- DeoVR
- GenVR
- …and many more dedicated patrons on this journey with me.
Below, you’re welcome to contribute to the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine:
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image courtesy of Google)
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