The XR Weekly Digest (December 16, 2024): Launch of Android XR, Unveiling of Samsung Headset, and Beyond!

I had an exciting revelation this week—I’m heading to CES in January for the very first time! I’m already diving into trip prep and lining up appointments to explore AR/VR glasses. If you’re planning to be there, drop me a line. I’d love some tips on making the most of CES, if you have any to share. I can’t wait to bring back tales of my adventures. In the meantime, let’s dive into this week’s big XR news, plus a bonus giveaway!

Top News of the Week

Google Unveils Android XR

The headline this week, and perhaps one of the big highlights of the year, is Google’s reveal of Android XR. This is Google’s new operating system designed to power all XR devices, from AR glasses to mixed reality headsets. The first gadget to join the club is the mixed-reality headset codenamed Project Moohan, a collaboration involving Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm. Heavyweights like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are not far behind with their own Android XR-compatible tech.

In a sneak peek, Google demoed its operating system to select press members using Project Moohan and smart glasses—both monocular and binocular. What makes Android XR stand out is its integration with artificial intelligence, notably Gemini AI. This assistant is your digital shadow, providing guidance in both the real and virtual realms. Imagine pointing at a business card and Gemini AI pulling up the restaurant’s location in an interactive 3D Google Maps view. It can even translate conversations on the fly when you’re abroad. And here’s the kicker: Gemini remembers what happened in the last 10 minutes, which is handy though a tad concerning regarding privacy.

Other nifty features of the OS include automatic 3D conversion of photos and videos, as well as multimodal input adaptability (think controllers, hand gestures, eye-movement, or voice commands). At present, the announced applications are limited to the G-suite and a handful of games, including Demeo and Vacation Simulator, with more promised. Developers eager to dive in can already access a preview development environment across native platforms, Unity, and WebXR.

As for Project Moohan itself, details are scarce. It’s rumored to bring a mix of Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro features: external battery, high-def displays, and detailed passthrough. Under the hood is the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2 chip, with controllers anticipated in 2025—the target year for headset release. With Google’s entry, the XR space is sure to gain fresh validation and competitive dynamism. One can only hope this venture avoids becoming yet another tech graveyard project for Google.

For more details, check out my comprehensive Android XR roundup with plenty of references. You can also dive into a compelling editorial by Ben Lang about the Android XR versus Horizon OS debate.

Other Important Developments

Quest Update Boosts Hand Tracking and More

Meta’s latest update, runtime v72 for Quest, brings a slew of enhancements:

• Hand tracking has been upgraded to v2.3, bringing smoother and more responsive tracking, even in confined spaces like travel mode.
• Windows Mixed Reality Link has arrived. After a straightforward setup, Quest 3 and 3S users can effortlessly connect to their Windows 11 PC by simply looking at it, much like Vision Pro does with Macs. This is a fantastic productivity boost, though Apple’s version still edges ahead.
• You can now view all keyboards through passthrough.
• A Media Gallery app lets you enjoy media on your device.
• No more boundary setup for entering the VR home environment—a static boundary is presumed, making entry seamless.

Smaller updates include adding Direct messages to Instagram on Quest.

The Windows 11 connection feature is particularly exciting. Many have praised the Mac connection with Vision Pro, so I’m eager to try its PC counterpart!

For more on this update, check out Road To VR and Upload VR coverage, plus a guide on connecting Quest to a Windows 11 PC.

News Highlights

Omdia’s Grim XR Market Forecast for 2025

Analyst firm Omdia’s latest report paints a bleak picture of the XR market, with headset sales expected to decline by 10% in 2024 to 6.9 million units, down from 7.7 million in 2023. This trend seems poised to persist into 2025, although a rebound is predicted for 2026. While I understand the forecast for a sluggish 2025, I see slow growth in the industry since 2023, exemplified by the Ray-Ban Meta’s success and Android XR’s release, suggesting varying perspectives.

Gorilla Tag’s Meteoric Rise

JP Minetos, an XR investor, dives into the surprising success of Gorilla Tag in his Road To VR article. The game’s social mechanics and unique locomotion, combined with a seamless user experience and meme-worthy content, have driven its popularity.

Score a Deal on Quest 3S

The Quest 3S (256 GB) is currently on sale—for $400 on Amazon US and elsewhere. The deal comes with a $30 digital Amazon credit and runs until Christmas, so don’t miss out!

Batman: Arkham Shadow Wins Big

At The Game Awards, Camouflaj’s Batman: Arkham Shadow snagged the Best VR/AR Game of the Year award—a well-deserved honor given its significant impact on the VR scene.

Content Updates

Here are some intriguing upcoming VR experiences and games:

• Fallout London VR aims to add VR support to the massive ‘Fallout: London’ DLC.
• Path of Fury: Episode I — Tetsuo’s Tower is set to launch in early 2025 on Quest 2/3/Pro for $9.99.
• Bridge Constructor offers an XR variant of the popular bridge-building game for $10.
• Behemoth’s first major patch addresses many bugs and combat balancing.
• Clone Drone in the Hyperdrome, Doborog Games’ VR sequel, is now available on Steam and Meta for $20.
• Realize Music: Sing is a "singing-for-wellness app" launching on the Meta Quest platform on January 23, 2025.
• Panic Room MR mixes reality horror on Quest 3 & 3S, priced at $5.
• X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm is a crossover VR experience available on Horizon Store and Steam for $20.
• Crystal Commanders, a real-time strategy game, hits Quest in February 2025.
• Mecha Force, a VR mech game, is now in early access on Quest with a free demo.
• DodgeCraft, a VR sports training game, is out now on Quest.
• Experience the ocean in Beyond Blue: After The Storm in standalone VR.
• The first-person game mode for Human Fall Flat VR is available in beta on Steam.

Head to each game’s info page for more details.

Content Reviews

Some recent game reviews include:

• Metamorphosis VR has engaging visuals but feels raw around the edges.
• Action Hero impresses with a fresh take on SuperHot’s mechanics, welcoming newcomers and offering veterans a thrilling campaign.
• Home Sports is a fun VR/mixed reality sports compilation, though its offerings feel somewhat lacking in depth.
• Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon adds a humorous spin to the classic zombie-horde concept.

Additional News

• Rob Cole provides an in-depth look at the Pimax Crystal Light.
• Norman Mueller summarizes recent updates in smartglasses and AR glasses.
• Apple releases the Ultrawide Virtual Display feature for Vision Pro in VisionOS 2.2.
• NeoGrip is developing affordable open-source controllers for standalone VR headsets.
• Unity’s Humanity 2025 grant applications are now open.
• Into The Scaniverse lets you explore globally reconstructed locations via WebXR.

Partner and Friend Updates

Jump on the Vitruvian VR bandwagon! This startup, with its unique body-motion simulator controller, has launched a crowdfunding campaign. A minimum investment of €250 opens the door to being part of their journey. Check my simulator review for why this is a must-watch project.

We’re also giving away Iron Rebellion keys! This mecha game pays homage to Titanfall and Hawken and is available on Quest and Steam. I’m sharing here two Steam keys—grab one quick!

XR Fun Corner

Explore some lighthearted XR moments:

• Check out possible Quest 4 camera configurations [Funny link]
• Enjoy a VR-themed comic strip with chickens [Funny link]
• Relive a humorous take on the iconic Fight Club settings [Funny link]

Giving Back

This week, I urge you, instead of contributing to my blog, to consider helping those affected by war. Support the Red Cross’s efforts in Ukraine by donating below. Let me extend a heartfelt thanks to my Patreon supporters for their unwavering encouragement:

[List of Patron Supporters]

Here’s where you can donate to the Red Cross:

Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

(Header photo courtesy of Google)

Note: This blog post features advertisements and affiliate links to support itself. Clicking these may earn me a small commission. You can read the full disclosure here.