XR Weekly Roundup (2024.11.05): Google Play Store Gears Up for XR, Meta Reality Labs Financial Report, and More!

I just got back from AWE Europe, and what a trip it was! If you’re curious about what I experienced, feel free to check out a few of the articles I’ve penned about the event.

Now, let’s dive into this week’s most fascinating XR news!

Exciting News of the Week

Google Prepares for Samsung Headset Launch with XR Support in Play Store

According to Android Authority, Google is sneaking in XR support into the Play Store. Code explorers discovered an XR headset icon in the new version, suggesting app compatibility for such devices. Although hidden from the public for now, this signals Google’s readiness to support upcoming XR headsets, likely the result of their collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm. Samsung’s executives hinted at XR focusing on a 2025 goal during a recent earnings call. So while 2025 looks promising for this launch, remember—we were betting on a 2024 debut not long ago…

Further reading: Road To VR and Upload VR

More Noteworthy News

Meta Reality Labs: Rising Revenues and Growing Losses

Meta’s latest financial results show $0.27B in revenue alongside a hefty $4.70B in losses for Q3 2024. Reactions have varied, with some noting the loss, while others see the revenue increase over Q3 2023’s $0.21B as a hopeful sign for VR progress. But regardless, the ongoing debate returns with each earnings report—Meta’s substantial financial commitment to the XR ecosystem comes with mixed feelings about its efficiency and long-term potential. Personally, I’m waiting for Q4 2024 numbers to see if the Meta Quest 3S shines during the holiday season.

More insights: Upload VR and Yahoo

Apple Vision Pro’s Cheaper Model Pushed Beyond 2027?

Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple analyst, speculates that Apple might delay its affordable Apple Vision headset’s launch past 2027, as they work on cutting costs and finding more compelling use cases. For now, we can expect the revamped Apple Vision Pro with an M5 chipset in 2025. While Kuo’s predictions can be hit-and-miss, this news has caused some upset within the Apple XR community. But let’s face it, in this industry, things always take longer than anticipated! Diversify your bets; relying on a single brand or prediction is not wise.

Dive deeper: Predictions and Community Response

Oasis: Pioneering AI-Driven Open World Experience

Oasis is shaking up the gaming world by crafting a Minecraft-styled multiplayer game entirely powered by AI, without a traditional game engine. It’s an exhilarating exploration of AI’s potential to revolutionize development. The company DecartAI, with backing from Sequoia Capital, showcased this project but not without controversy. Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, voiced his unenthusiastic opinion, but regardless, this technology’s evolution will be something to watch. Today, it’s imperfect, like stones morphing into sheep, but who knows what the future holds?

Find out more: Oasis Project, Gameplay, Tim Sweeney’s Take

Brief Mentions

• Meta’s GPU Boost for Quest 3 Models: In a pleasant boost for developers and gamers, Meta has increased the GPU speed for Quest 3 and 3S by 16%, enhancing gaming performance.

• Niantic’s New 3D Format: Niantic has open-sourced a new compressed format for 3D Gaussian Splats, known as SPZ. Think of it as the JPEG of Gaussian Splats, bringing more efficiency and flexibility to developers.

• ARM vs. Qualcomm Legal Tensions: ARM and Qualcomm are heading to court over licensing disputes. With Snapdragon processors crucial to many VR headsets, this could have significant implications for the industry.

• Meta Horizon’s v71 Update: Expect a major update in the Quest v71, brimming with small, yet enriching features for a better user experience.

• Somnium VR1 Arrival: Hats off to Somnium Space for beginning shipments of the long-awaited VR1 headset.

For more on each topic, check out: ARM vs. Qualcomm, Meta Horizon v71

Latest Content Highlights

• The blend of horror and story in "Alien: Rogue Incursion" has impressed reviewers with its smart AI-driven gameplay.

• Skydance Interactive’s "Behemoth" and Vertigo Games’ "Metro Awakening" have released enticing new trailers, setting the stage for thrilling experiences this week.

For more exciting content: Alien: Rogue Incursion, Behemoth, Metro Awakening

Content News Updates

• Sight Unseen offers a unique VR puzzle-solving experience.

• VAIL VR is shifting to a free-to-play model with premium DLC content.

• Last Stand, the mixed reality PvP shooter, hits early access on November 14.

• New titles like Songbird, Dino Hab, and Gargoyle Doyle bring fresh, engaging content to the VR scene.

Further info on these and others: Sight Unseen, VAIL VR, Last Stand

Reviews Corner

• Phasmophobia on PSVR 2: Despite a few technical quirks, it captivates with a chilling ambiance.

• Blade and Sorcery Nomad: The new campaign enhances its already acclaimed VR prowess.

For detailed reviews: Phasmophobia, Blade and Sorcery: Nomad

Other Bits of Interest

• Canon’s spatial video lens system launches in November for $449.99.

• Upload VR gears up for a fresh Winter Showcase.

Find more details: Canon, Upload VR Winter Showcase

Community & Projects News

• MindPort’s AIXTRA, a VR training solution, continues to break language barriers in training environments.

• ONTOP’s AR game, Devil’s Purge, offers thrilling real-world gameplay, now available on iOS.

Discover more: AIXTRA, Devil’s Purge

A Bit of XR Fun

• Check out some humorous XR links, from Batman shenanigans to punk VR moments.

Giving Back

Instead of supporting my blog this week, please consider donating to help those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Your contributions to the Red Cross go a long way in supporting humanitarian efforts. Below is the link to donate:

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Thank you to all my Patreon supporters for your continuous encouragement and contributions:

A List of Supporters

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