The XR Weekly Recap (Nov 19, 2024): Meta Launches Project Aria Research Kits, Surge of Chinese Smartglasses, & More!

Greetings from Finland! I’m writing this newsletter on my journey from Helsinki to Lapland. As always, I’m savoring the experience here—meeting Santa Claus, petting reindeers, and indulging in some delicious local dishes. Soon, I’ll be heading to MatchXR, which is one of the most exciting XR events in Nordic Europe, and I can’t wait to share my adventures there with you.

But before diving into this week’s updates, I want to take a moment to remember Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who sadly passed away recently. I was fortunate to meet Daniel a few times, both in person at AWE US and in various virtual environments like ENGAGE. He was not only incredibly kind but also deeply committed to leveraging VR for educational purposes to benefit humanity. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, Daniel—we will continue to forward your vision.

Top News of the Week

(Image by Meta)

Meta Opens Applications for Project Aria Research Kits

Some time ago, Meta introduced us to Project Aria, a bold step towards future Augmented Reality glasses. These initial glasses didn’t feature displays, just an array of sensors including cameras and microphones, designed primarily for internal use by Meta and its close associates. Their purpose? To collect data from users’ perspectives to enhance AI/ML systems for future AR applications. However, things have taken an exciting turn. Meta has announced that they’re opening up the Project Aria Research Kit to external research centers, inviting applications from universities and corporations via a dedicated webpage. Selected projects will receive the glasses alongside a comprehensive development ecosystem, complete with companion apps, SDKs, and cloud services for data collection and environment reconstruction. This development opens incredible opportunities for innovative research in AR glasses, with inspiring case studies from esteemed institutions like the University of Bristol and Carnegie Mellon University already showcased on Meta’s site. If you’re part of a research center, this is definitely an opportunity worth exploring.

Other Relevant News

(Image from Reddit user AR_MR_XR)

A New Wave of Smartglasses is Coming from China (and Beyond)

This week in smartglasses has been nothing short of extraordinary. Following the Ray-Ban Meta’s success, there’s been a surge, with three AI-powered smartglasses emerging from China alone. Reports from 36kr suggest that Xiaomi is potentially readying a rival to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, building on previous prototypes. Partnering with Goertek, Xiaomi aims to launch these glasses by Q2 2025, possibly coinciding with the Mi Fan Festival in April.

Meanwhile, Baidu has launched the Xiaodu AI Glasses, promising a lightweight design with advanced features like a 16MP wide-angle camera and impressive sound technology. Rokid, another major player, revealed its Rokid Glasses, collaborating with fashion brand BOLON, indicating potential partnerships beyond the Chinese market. On a different front, Amazon is reportedly developing "Amelia," smart glasses intended for internal use by delivery drivers, aimed at enhancing their delivery efficiency. The landscape for smartglasses is rapidly evolving, with plenty to anticipate.

Meta For Education Launched in Beta

A significant announcement from Meta introduces the "Meta For Education" program, aiming to revolutionize university learning environments using Quest headsets. This program, now in beta, enables access to specific educational apps and multi-device management, aligning closely with the needs of universities already utilizing this technology. Partnered with VictoryXR, Meta is also enabling European universities to create "metaversities," virtual campus environments offering immersive learning opportunities. It’s a strategic move with great potential benefits for Meta and the XR industry, as students introduced to VR are likely to continue using it outside the educational context.

Meta Teases Orion Operating System

Meta has unveiled a teaser showing off potential UIs for its upcoming Orion AR glasses. The video displays various interface concepts, suggesting that Meta is still in the experimental phase, which is natural given the novel nature of AR versus current VR and MR interfaces.

Noteworthy Mentions

(Image by bHaptics)

bHaptics Revamps Its Lineup of Devices

Korean company bHaptics has unveiled a new array of haptic vests designed for immersive XR experiences:

• The TactSuit Pro, their premium haptic vest, priced at $499
• The TactSuit Air, a more affordable version at $249
• The TactSleeve, for arm-based feedback, priced at $199

With preorders open until November 26th, these devices promise compatibility with numerous VR titles across multiple platforms, offering an engaging experience for users.

Horizon Worlds Introduces Its Currency

Horizon Worlds is now rolling out Meta Credits, its virtual currency, in selected regions. This move is pivotal as it enables the development of an in-platform economy, facilitating transactions for digital goods within the immersive environment.

Ekto VR Launches Its First Shoe Batch

Ekto VR has reached a milestone with the first shipment of its innovative VR shoes, Genesis. Aimed at a select group of early adopters, these high-tech shoes, priced between $2000–3000, mark significant progress in VR mobility solutions.

MeRCURY Diving Mask on IndieGoGo

For those interested in underwater XR, MeRCURY’s diving mask offers a unique experience, creating VR environments in pools. Now available on IndieGoGo, though its hefty starting price of €1250 suggests it’s targeted at businesses.

Apple Unveils New Immersive Videos

Apple has expanded its immersive content offerings with two standout releases:

• An immersive version of The Weeknd’s music video "Open Hearts"
• A video from the ‘Concert For One’ series featuring Raye

Exploring Content

Several exciting updates and releases have hit the XR scene:

• "Ember Souls," a VR hack-and-slash, debuts on Quest with preorder discounts.
• "Gadgeteer" brings mixed reality to its Quest experience with a new update.
• "Beat Saber" expands with the much-anticipated Monstercat Mixtape 2 DLC.
• "Clone Drone in the Hyperdome," a sequel to a popular indie VR game, launches with a preorder discount.
• Resolution Games is preparing to launch "Gears & Goo" on Vision Pro, a new tower defense game.
• "Spatial Ops," a mixed reality shooter, is now available, adding new layers of excitement to home-based gaming.
• Upcoming releases like "Little Cities: Diorama" and "Exercise Your Demons" promise more engaging XR interactions.

Content Reviews

A quick look at some content reviews indicates diverse experiences across platforms:

• Square Enix’s "Triangle Strategy" fits well in XR but may feel too familiar.
• "DIG VR" offers fun, albeit with bouts of tedium in its campaign.
• "EXOcars" delivers enjoyable racing in VR, blending realism with entertainment.

Other News Highlights

• Sony drops support for the PSVR adaptor on PS5, signaling a push towards newer technologies.
• Pico introduces a new update to its operating system, enriching user experiences.
• Apple Final Cut Pro now supports editing spatial videos, stepping up the creative game for users.
• A Wired article highlights the influx of young users in Meta Horizon Worlds, raising new community concerns.
• Exciting news for developers: many Quixel megascans assets can now be availed for free.
• Vive enhances compatibility, allowing its trackers to work with third-party headsets.
• Niantic reveals its enigmatic Spatial Platform, promising untapped potential in spatial intelligence.

Partner and Friend Updates

Join the XR Design Challenge, a global competition offering a healthy prize pool for innovative XR design concepts. Similarly, "Story" on Vision Pro is worth checking out for those interested in creating captivating spatial content.

Join the Cause

As we wrap up, a heartfelt reminder to consider supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine through donations to the Red Cross. A big thank you to those who continuously support my efforts, enabling such content creation. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.

(Header image by Meta)

Disclaimer: This blog may contain ads or affiliate links, supporting its operating costs. Clicking on them could also earn me a small commission. Sharedaddy facilitated this social sharing function.