The XR Weekly Roundup (April 15, 2025): Potential Tariff Removal on XR Headsets, Vision Pro 2 Production Updates, and More!

This week has been packed with intriguing updates from the big guns like Apple, Meta, Google, and Valve. If you’re into the tech scene, you’ll definitely want to stick around for the full scoop—and don’t miss the exciting giveaway for an awesome mixed reality game by the end! Oh, and if you haven’t caught it yet, check out my latest piece on the XR scene in China and my plans for an upcoming trip to Shanghai.

## Top News of the Week

### Headsets Could Dodge US Tariffs

The whole saga around US tariffs is a bit of a headache, twisting and turning by the day. How this affects XR headsets is still a bit of a mystery, with many companies likely waiting for some clarity before acting. Nonetheless, Pimax and BigScreen have stepped up, pledging to take on the tariff costs themselves. BigScreen plans to completely absorb any tariff impact, while Pimax will impose a minor regional surcharge on their US-based customers. It’s heartening to see companies striving to keep prices manageable since lower prices naturally lead to broader adoption in the XR community. The standout news is that it looks like tariffs on XR headsets have been lifted altogether, as most electronic items recently got exempted. The US administration seemingly backed down from imposing heavy tariffs that could potentially cripple companies like Apple due to their manufacturing ties with China. If Upload VR’s sources are correct, XR headsets are in the clear, which is music to the ears of anyone eyeing a Quest purchase. But don’t break out the champagne just yet; some uncertainties remain around tariffs on electronic chips, which could still pose a threat.

### Apple Vision Pro 2 and the AR Glasses Race

The Vision Pro reveal silenced a slew of baseless rumors, but whispers have re-emerged with the prospect of an Apple Vision Pro 2. Thanks to a Chinese publication and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, we’ve got a swirl of speculation about Apple working on potentially two new headsets. One is rumored to be a Vision Pro refresh, promising a more potent, cost-effective, and lightweight option. The other is a tethered model aimed at enhancing screen real estate via a Mac connection. While these rumors are exciting, what really caught my attention is Gurman’s claim that Tim Cook is fully invested in winning the AR glasses race against Meta. Although practical AR glasses are still several years out, this newfound competition is thrilling news for the XR world.

### Valve’s Deckard in the Works?

Speculation around Valve’s new headset, dubbed Deckard, has reached a fever pitch following revelations from Brad Lynch. Valve has been busy importing machinery to the US to manufacture VR headset facial interfaces, and the most logical assumption is that this is for the upcoming Deckard. If true, production is ramping up, hinting at a potential release soon. Given the buzzing rumor mill, we might see Deckard launch or at least be unveiled this year. Stay tuned!

### Google & Samsung Eyewear Set for 2026

Google and Samsung are elbow-deep in a joint venture for Android XR-powered devices, including a mixed reality headset known as Project Moohan. Seen as a precursor to XR glasses scheduled for a 2026 launch, these new spectacles promise more sophistication than earlier plans. Rumor has it the duo shifted gears from cloning Ray-Ban Meta and into creating eyewear that integrates AI, displays, and cameras. Strategic timing, given Meta’s anticipated glass display release later this year, suggests delaying a lesser model makes sense for Google. Though details are sparse, Google’s presentation of a new prototype hints at promising capabilities.

### AltspaceVR’s Revival

This week’s big surprise came from the unexpected announcement of AltspaceVR’s revival. Reddit’s gaming community buzzed when Danny McLellan posted about his plans to reconstruct Altspace, sticking to its community-centric roots and putting creators at the forefront. By leveraging the Basis VR open-source framework, the goal is to recapture that beloved vibe. Though we’re in the early stages, it’s a promising sign for virtual social spaces. I’ll be digging deeper into this developing story, so keep your eyes peeled for updates on this platform’s new chapter!

## Highlights Worth Noting

### Meta’s VR Ambitions at 30,000 Feet

Meta’s foray into VR-enabled in-flight entertainment seems to have landed well with travelers. After a successful trial with Lufthansa serving 4,000 passengers, the tech giant is set to extend this program to other airlines. This could fuel widespread VR adoption by exposing more people to immersive tech while traveling.

### Varjo Sticking to Enterprise Roots

Currently, Varjo is seeing success in enterprise VR, particularly in training simulations for sectors like defense and aerospace. As such, they appear unlikely to shift back toward consumer markets anytime soon, remaining focused on high-stakes, B2B applications.

### Pico’s New Waist Tracker

Pico’s latest gizmo, the Motion Tracker Waist Version, offers enhanced full-body tracking by adding a tracker to your waist—available now in Europe. A nifty upgrade for immersive experiences.

### Innovations in XR Text Input

The XR TEXT Trove is a notable new resource cataloging 170 text entry methods for XR environments. This initiative promises to help UX designers refine usability in XR settings, potentially transforming how we interact in these augmented worlds.

### Meta’s Horizon Worlds: Now a Mandatory Download

If you’ve been trying to ditch Horizon Worlds for more premium experiences, tough luck—Meta’s new update makes it impossible to uninstall. Alongside this “feature,” they’re rolling out a unique device ID for targeted ads. Here’s hoping these changes lead to substantive improvements.

## Content-Related News

– The much-loved sandbox game Besiege arrives on Quest in May.
– Dimensional Double Shift is prepping its first DLC, ushering in a Texas theme.
– GORN 2 hits Quest and PC VR on April 17, PSVR 2 in the summer.
– Silent North is now in early access, delivering shooting action at $20.
– Walkabout Mini Golf is raising its price as it folds DLCs into its core offering.
– The VR sphere also boasts newcomers like FastHands, a parkour title with unique locomotion, set for a May release.
– An intriguing piece: Microsoft Flight Simulator’s VR market knock-off topped European charts. Who knew?

In reviews, Beatable garners applause for its engaging rhythm mechanics. Meanwhile, Train Sim World VR strikes a balance between authenticity and accessibility, but Crystal Commander’s strategic gameplay feels a tad light. Aces Of Thunder looks poised for success as a promising WWII sim, while Harpagun mixes shooter mechanics with compelling storytelling, albeit with room for improvement.

## Other Updates

– DaVinci Resolve 20 now caters to Apple Immersive Video editing.
– Hyperfy emerges as a competitive world-building platform featuring robust WebXR support.
– And for enterprise VR enthusiasts, Daniel Eckert’s article series tackles the platform’s core challenges.
– The US Army prepares for another AR try with Soldier Borne Mission Command.

## Partners’ News

Got an itch for aerial combat? Alex And The Jets, a fun mixed reality dogfight game, comes to life in your living room, and we’ve got a giveaway just for you. Dive in, check out the details, and if you’re quick, snatch up a free download code for the Quest!

## A Moment for Fun

Why not unwind with some XR humor? We’ve got a selection of laugh-worthy links for you to explore—from coding memes to AI shenanigans.

## Give Back

As a reminder, while we dig into these tech adventures, let’s not forget the hardships around the globe. Consider supporting the Red Cross to aid those affected by the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Together, our contributions can make a real difference.

Lastly, I want to extend a wholehearted thank you to my amazing Patreon supporters. Your encouragement keeps this journey vibrant and worthwhile!

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