The XR Week Update (November 5, 2024): Google Play Store Gears Up for XR, Meta Reality Labs Financials Revealed, and More!

I just got back from the AWE Europe event, and let me tell you, it was an absolutely fantastic experience. For those interested in reading more about my adventures and insights from the event, I’ve penned down some articles that you might find worth a read.

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

Top News of the Week

Google Stepping Up for XR on Play Store with Samsung Headset in Sight

According to Android Authority, Google’s Play Store is getting ready to embrace XR technology. Recent analyses of the store’s updates reveal an XR headset icon and mentions of XR compatibility. While these details remain hidden from the public for now, they clearly point to Google gearing up for a substantial XR push, especially with the Samsung and Qualcomm collaboration on a new headset. During Samsung’s recent earnings call, 2025 was outlined as a key target year for XR devices, hinting that the headset launch is approaching sooner than many anticipated. Initially, 2024 was considered the launch year, but it seems the timeline has shifted slightly.

For more info:

• [Google Play and XR Support – Road To VR]()
• [Samsung’s Upcoming Headset Details – Upload VR]()

Other Significant News

Meta Reality Labs’ Financial Ups and Downs

Meta’s latest financial disclosure for Q3 2024 showcased $0.27B in revenue and $4.70B in losses, a common debate topic among analysts. Some focus on the significant loss, while others highlight the year-over-year increase in revenue as a positive sign for VR’s growth. Despite not meeting revenue estimates of $0.31B, Meta’s ongoing investments are seen as crucial for the XR ecosystem’s long-term potential. I’m eagerly awaiting Q4 2024 results to see how the Meta Quest 3S performs during the holiday season.

For more insights:

• [Meta’s Q3 Financial Breakdown – Upload VR]()
• [Diverse Reactions to Meta’s Financial Results – Yahoo]()

Delay in Cheaper Apple Vision Pro

Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports a delay in the more affordable Apple Vision headset, potentially beyond 2027. Apple is purportedly working on cost-reduction strategies and seeking more user-friendly applications before launching a budget-friendly version. The postponement has left many within the Apple XR community frustrated, underscoring the long road ahead for XR’s mass appeal.

Learn more:

• [Ming-Chi Kuo’s Analyses]()
• [Community Reactions to Apple’s Plans]()

Oasis: Groundbreaking AI-Powered Open World

A fascinating new project called Oasis aims to craft a multiplayer Minecraft-esque game powered entirely by AI, without using a traditional game engine. This bold experiment, funded by DecartAI and with backing from Sequoia Capital, demonstrates AI’s potential to redefine development processes. Although skepticism from industry veterans like Epic’s CEO underscores the tech’s current limitations, Oasis hints at an intriguing AI-driven gaming future.

Discover more:

• [Overview of the Oasis AI Project]()
• [Gameplay Sneak Peek and Tim Sweeney’s Remarks]()

News Worth Mentioning

• Meta Boosts Quest 3’s GPU Power: Meta announced a 16% increase in the GPU clock speed for Quest 3 and Quest 3S, enhancing game performance on these devices.

• Niantic’s Format Innovation: Niantic has released a new, efficient storage format for 3D Gaussian Splats called SPZ. This open-source format is expected to revolutionize both free and commercial applications.

• Legal Battle Between ARM and Qualcomm: ARM is taking Qualcomm to court over alleged breaches in licensing agreements. This litigation could impact the Android and XR chip landscape significantly.

Additional Information:

• [Meta’s GPU Update]()
• [Details on Niantic’s SPZ Format]()
• [ARM vs. Qualcomm Legal Disputes]()

Exciting Content Updates

Here’s a roundup of notable releases and trailers that have got the gaming community buzzing:

• High Praise for "Alien: Rogue Incursion": Critics are impressed with its captivating horror elements and strategic gameplay.
• Behemoth and Metro Awakening Trailers: Both games have unveiled engaging previews that spotlight thrilling new content.

Find out more:

• [Alien: Rogue Incursion Impressions – Road To VR]()
• [Updated Trailers for Behemoth and Metro Awakening]()

Content Innovations and Releases:

• "Sight Unseen" offers a unique VR puzzle experience.
• VAIL VR’s Shift to Free-To-Play: The game now emphasizes social interactions, with core content as optional DLC.
• Upcoming Titles: Look out for "Songbird," "Dino Hab," and "Ghost Town" on major platforms.

For further details:

• [Sight Unseen Puzzle Game]()
• [VAIL VR’s New Strategy]()
• [Upcoming VR Releases]()

Review Snippets

• Phasmophobia: Despite technical glitches, it delivers classic horror vibes on PSVR 2.
• Blade and Sorcery Nomad: The new campaign enriches the already popular game, closely aligning with its PC counterpart.

More reviews:

• [Phasmophobia Experience]()
• [Blade And Sorcery: Nomad Updates]()

Community Highlights

Here’s a spotlight on exciting products and projects:

• Canon’s New Lens System: Ready for November launch, priced at $449.99.
• Ben Lang’s Take on MeganeX: A brief review detailing the 8K headset’s comfort features.
• Marques Brownlee and Meta Orion: A hands-on exploration worth watching.

Explore further:

• [Canon’s Spatial Video Lens Announcement]()
• [MeganeX Superlight Review]()
• [Marques Brownlee’s Insights on Meta Orion]()

And don’t forget to check out the fun section for some hilarious XR-related antics and the option to donate to those affected by ongoing conflicts. Your contributions can make a significant impact, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my Patreon supporters who have kept this journey alive. If you’re interested, donating to the Red Cross in Ukraine can help on the humanitarian front.

Finally, don’t forget to check back next week for a fresh roundup of XR news and analysis!