The XR Weekly Recap (November 12, 2024): Surge in Smartglasses Popularity, Meta Reduces Game Investments, and More!

The festive cheer from China’s Singles’ Day has just passed—so if you’re single and Chinese, hope you enjoyed it! Meanwhile, the weather’s dipping here, making it the perfect backdrop to sip on a warm drink and delve into this week’s hottest XR news.

Top News of the Week

The buzz around smart glasses is refusing to die down. Following the splash made by Ray-Ban Meta, other tech giants are diving in. According to Mark Gurman’s latest report, Apple is steadily working on their own version, aiming to rival Ray-Ban Meta with a launch potentially in 2027. Though details are thin, it’s expected that these glasses will have advanced environmental awareness, hinting at AI capabilities. Apple’s entry into this arena could shake things up; unlike Meta’s tie-up with Luxottica for a fashion boost, Apple’s innate brand appeal could make their eyewear instantly tempting. Meanwhile, Google and Samsung are tinkering with their versions, and whispers suggest Baidu might soon reveal a model at its Shanghai event. Its glasses might feature cameras and cutting-edge voice tech. Meta isn’t resting either, expanding its Ray-Ban Meta line with a trendy pop-up shop in Los Angeles, running through the year, with a new spot in Phoenix come January. These shops aren’t just stores—they’re experiential spaces hosting events with personalities like Desi Banks and Tinashe. This wave of developments begs the question: are smart glasses a fleeting trend or here to stay? Only time will decide…

Curious for more? Here’s the scoop on Apple and Baidu eyeing smartglasses, and Meta’s pop-up stores.

Other Relevant News

Meta’s Strategic Shift Away from Gaming

Reported by The Information, Meta seems to be realigning its XR content strategy, apparently pulling funding away from gaming to pump resources into lifestyle content. As a result, gaming studios like Monks from the Netherlands and Altas V from France are feeling the pinch, leading to significant layoffs. It’s painful to see these employment cuts, especially when studios might have budgeted based on expected funding. Could Meta have handled the transition more gracefully? Perhaps. Yet, there’s logic to broadening the focus beyond games—aiming to be the next smartphone, not just the next gaming console, demands versatility in everyday utilities.

For more insight, click here.

Worthwhile Mentions

Innovative Build: DIY AR Glasses

Miroslav Kotalík has shown incredible DIY prowess by creating AR glasses from scratch, featuring a Raspberry Pi Zero. They currently support videos, music, and text display, with plans underway to enhance capabilities with a new module. Follow Miroslav on X for updates on this fascinating project.

Apple’s Panoramic Display is Here

With VisionOS 2.2’s beta release, Mac users can now enjoy a virtual UltraWide screen via the Vision Pro headset. Apple’s vision of a seamless, expansive digital workspace becomes a reality. Early reactions have been positive, praising this leap in productivity, although some tweaks are needed for a perfect ultrawide experience without relying on third-party window managers.

Discover more about Panoramic Display.

LIV’s Spectator Mode Empowerment

LIV has launched a Creator Kit for Quest, allowing developers to embed a smooth tool for capturing VR content without needing a PC. It’s a dream for social media sharers, already getting traction with games like Gorilla Tag.

For additional details, click here.

Fun Innovations in XR

• EgoTouch: Transform your palm into an interactive touchscreen. Unlike simple touch detection, it goes further by distinguishing pressure, making it a practical interface right at your fingertips.

• Scent Teleportation by Osmo: Osmo claims a breakthrough in scent technology by digitizing smells for transmission, creating intriguing possibilities for virtual reality’s sensory spectrum.

For the latest on EgoTouch and Osmo’s project, click here.

Sales, Games, and Experiences

• PlayStation Store Discounts: PSVR 2 games are available at enticing discounts, with some up to 40% off. Enhance your library while the offer lasts!
• Metro Awakening: After Batman: Arkham Shadow’s spotlight, Metro Awakening is the new talk. Despite a few quirks, its immersive world is winning hearts, and a recent update enhancing accessibility for arachnophobes is earning praise.

Explore more about the PlayStation sale and Metro Awakening.

More Games Announcements

Titles like Alien: Rogue Incursion, Human Within, and Wall Town Wonders are stirring excitement with various release updates and game redesigns. There’s also a notable discount on Strike Rush for those hunting bargains.

For more game launches and deals, click here.

In XR Fun and Giving

Before wrapping up, let’s remember to support global causes. Consider donating to the Red Cross to aid those affected by the war in Ukraine. It’s a small gesture with a big impact.

For charity info and to donate, click here.

Stay tuned for more articles, and if you enjoyed this roundup, consider sharing it with other XR enthusiasts!