The XR Weekly Update (July 28, 2025): Quest’s New Features Revealed, Brilliant Labs’ Smartglasses Launch, and More!

Y’know, summer’s rolling in, and I’m all about soaking up these lazy days. So, I figured, why not dive into some funky XR news that’s been buzzing around? Also, there’s a sweet giveaway tucked in here somewhere—more on that later.

## Big Stuff This Week

### Meta’s Sneaky Peek

So, here’s the weird bit. Luna—or maybe it was someone else—dropped some juicy, though unofficial, tidbits on Upload VR about changes coming to Quest. I mean, it’s not carved in stone or anything, but here’s what’s swirling:

First off, Horizon Home’s getting a facelift. Imagine your static home—I know, right?—turning into a mini social universe like Horizon Worlds. They’re throwing in 2D windows and portals. Just your average Tuesday, I guess. And apparently, you might spot your place in the sky when you’re off adventuring in these virtual worlds. Wild.

Oh, and remember that Hyperscape thing? It’s evolving into this app called Horizon Photoreal. Sounds like social media for places, right? People can scan spots with their phones. I dreamt this up way back, no joke.

But hey, don’t get too married to these ideas. Could be a big reveal at Meta Connect, or it might just float away like vaporware. Who even knows?

### Peek at New Smartglasses

Brilliant Labs—ever heard of ‘em? They’re up to something big again with smartglasses, launching July 31st. I mean, if their previous stuff like Monocle was anything to go by, this should stir up some excitement. Open for developer magic like always. Oh, catch Bobak Tavangar on Reddit around the launch; spill all your questions there.

### Odds and Ends

#### Sharp’s VR Glove Thingy

Somehow Sharp’s cooking up a VR controller that’s half-glove, half-contraption. Frankly, no one asked for it, but here it is—priced neat at around $680. Those tactile finger things could spice up VR, I guess. Curious to see who’ll bite.

#### Meta’s EMG Wristband Sneak

Meta’s teasing out more about their future EMG wristband. Ideal gestures like finger-writing and thumb swipes sound intuitive. Think about it: a wristband adapting to your movements? It’s like voodoo tech at work.

#### Google’s Fancy Glasses… or Not?

So, here’s a twist—those slick demos Google flaunted might’ve been laboratorial prototypes. Yep, using Raxium microdisplays with a crazy low success rate. One out of 100, can you believe it? Google’s tight-lipped, though.

### Shoutout: VR Game Showcase

Slated for August 12th. Promising some big unveilings. They’ll toss in a pre-show of indie stuff that might get overshadowed, but hey, more VR goodness doesn’t hurt.

### Summer Sales & Easy Golf at Home

Pico’s dropping discounts of up to 50%—grab those deals till August 10th. Meanwhile, Putt Window’s insane. Play real golf, pretend-ish in your living room—just don’t break stuff.

### Studio Heartbreak

Sad trombone for TxK Gaming Studios; they’re closing shop. Their toolkit’s now free. It’s a kind gesture but also a stark reminder about Kickstarter oversights, y’know? Funds fell short—a common tale in VR land. Making these tech dreams is, well, pricey and sometimes heartbreaking.

## Bits and Pieces

Some fresh gigs and content creeping into XR, from Billie Eilish’s 3D concert antics to a relaxing audio journey called Sound Bath—perfect for when you wanna chill.

## Tidbits from Around

Smartglasses getting brighter, VR file managing getting smoother—random tech updates that might just interest a handful of you out there.

Oh, hey! Beatable’s ready for grabs out of Early Access with a sprinkle of cool features. See if you can snag it free before it’s gone!

## Partner Shoutouts

Caught wind of a VR camera that’s all grandiose with 12K filming. Sounds too good, honestly, but it’s packing some serious specs.

## Random Lolz & Red Cross Shoutout

Had a chuckle about removing clothes in VR. No context, just a funny note. And, oh—while you’re here, maybe think of lending a helping hand to folks in need, like, say, those affected by war. I’ve slapped in a Red Cross link down below. It’s good karma. Promise.

(Header by Luna from Upload VR. And, yeah, classic disclosure: there’s affiliate links sprinkled in for blog survival!)