The XR Weekly Overview (November 5, 2024): Google Play Store Gears Up for XR, Meta Reality Labs Financials Unveiled, and More!

I just got back from AWE Europe, and let me tell you, it was an incredible experience! If you’re curious about what went down, feel free to check out some of the articles I’ve penned about my journey there.

But now, let’s dive into the most intriguing XR headlines from this past week!

Top News of the Week

Google is gearing up to enhance its Play Store with XR support. According to a piece from Android Authority, hints of XR integration are popping up in the latest store updates. In the store’s code, there’s an icon of an XR headset on the list of installable devices, along with a mention of XR compatibility. These elements aren’t visible to the public yet, but they indicate Google’s intention to support XR headsets. Since a Meta partnership didn’t pan out, it’s likely these updates align with Google’s collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm on an upcoming headset. This is in line with Samsung’s earnings call hinting at XR devices as a 2025 goal, indicating the launch may happen that year. Originally, we thought it might arrive in 2024, but such timelines can shift.

More details on Google Play adding XR support can be found on sites like Road To VR and Upload VR, along with insights into Samsung’s potential 2025 headset launch.

Other Important News

Meta’s Reality Labs reported increased revenues alongside greater losses in Q3 2024. The earnings call didn’t include the Quest 3s launch yet they posted $0.27 billion in revenues and $4.70 billion in losses. Upload VR saw a year-over-year revenue rise, while Yahoo cautioned that revenues fell short of the $0.31 billion estimate, sparking familiar debates around Meta’s spending in XR. Despite losses, ongoing investment might eventually reward Meta if XR goes mainstream. I personally await Q4 2024 results to gauge Quest 3S’s impact, especially during the holiday season.

You can dive deeper into Meta’s financials through Upload VR and Yahoo.

An update from Ming-Chi Kuo reveals the launch of a more affordable Apple Vision Pro is likely pushed beyond 2027. Apple appears to be strategizing for cost reductions and exploring further use cases to justify the headset’s price. Meanwhile, only an Apple Vision Pro refresh with an M5 chip is anticipated in 2025. While Kuo is a trusted analyst, it’s crucial to approach his predictions critically. As the Apple XR community reacts, this delay hints at a maturing XR landscape that may still need time to thrive fully. My advice? Don’t solely depend on analyst forecasts; stay adaptably diverse.

For more insights, you can refer to sources discussing Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions and community reactions.

The experimental Oasis project aims to recreate a Minecraft-like open world sans any game engine, powered entirely by AI trained on gameplay logs. Sequoia Capital backs the project led by DecartAI. While Epic CEO Tim Sweeney expressed skepticism over Oasis’s current state, the AI’s potential to reshape development remains to be seen. Consider this an experiment that may or may not revolutionize programming paradigms.

Sequoia’s video of Oasis and Sweeney’s commentary provide further information on this developing story.

Mentions Worth Noting

Meta has upped Quest 3 and Quest 3S’s GPU speed by 16%. Limited previously to 545MHz, the clock now reaches 599MHz, enhancing gaming performance.

Niantic is open-sourcing their SPZ format, a compressed method for storing 3D Gaussian Splats, akin to a JPEG, providing an MIT-licensed resource for developers. Early adopters have created a Unity plugin for SPZ, showing promising adoption.

ARM and Qualcomm are in the legal trenches over license agreements, with a December trial looming. Given Qualcomm’s Snapdragon dominance in VR headsets, this spat could reverberate through the XR world.

Meta Horizon v71 is packed with features like improved system interface, audio-to-expression AI models, and Dolby integration, refining the overall metaverse experience.

Somnium Space has begun shipping its VR1 headset, meeting anticipated timelines for delivery.

XR advancements were showcased both at SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 and London’s Comic Con 2024, highlighting VR’s growing influence across various sectors.

Content Highlights

"Alien: Rogue Incursion" has impressed those fortunate to try it, promising a captivating horror experience. Skydance Interactive’s new "Behemoth" trailer reveals more about its boss mechanics and gameplay depth. Vertigo Games’ "Metro Awakening" preview offers an enticing glimpse of upcoming VR adventures.

In VR news, "Sight Unseen" promises unique puzzling, while "VAIL VR" transitions to a free-to-play model. New games are lining up with "Last Stand" entering early access, "Songbird" bringing karaoke to Meta Quest, and "Dino Hab" offering dino-TLC on the platform. An eclectic mix of VR content awaits, from horror with "Pulsargeist" to comedic storytelling with "Gargoyle Doyle."

Phasmophobia’s PSVR 2 version thrills but has kinks, while Blade and Sorcery: Nomad plays nearly on par with its PC counterpart, thanks to a campaign update.

Other Updates

Canon’s new spatial video lens system hits shelves this November. Tech personalities like Ben Lang and Marques Brownlee continue to explore the latest XR gear. Stay tuned for Upload VR’s Winter Showcase and enriching academic findings on VR interactions.

From Friends and Partners

LEFX and MindPort’s AIXTRA project, meant for VR training and AI translation, catches attention. They’re also working on dynamic AI training assistants to scale VR’s accessibility.

A fresh iOS game, "Devil’s Purge," now offers AR action by ONTOP, wrapped in roguelike dynamics.

For escapism or introspection, remember to invest in self-care moments this week.

Time for Some XR Fun

Check out quirky VR moments: Batman’s ‘sexy time,’ VR punk aesthetics, and an ad for Fiverr with a suspected non-Fiverr origin.

Giving Back

This week, let’s focus on a cause that transcends virtual worlds. Consider donating to the Red Cross to assist those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. Thanks to all my Patreon donors for their unwavering support.

Here’s a link to donate to the Red Cross in Ukraine.

Remember, this blog sustains itself through affiliate links, so feel free to support it by checking those out if something catches your eye!

This revised version maintains the original information while delivering it in a way that feels relatable and engaging, ensuring a reader gets comprehensive insights with a human touch.