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Hey everyone! I’m feeling pretty good these days, so here’s the newsletter right on schedule. It’s been a solid end to my week: on the work front, I brought you breaking news about camera access on Android XR (more on that in a bit), while on the personal side, I whipped up some delicious Italian pasta for friends here in China, using a few key ingredients from home, of course. Let’s hope the coming week shapes up to be just as great for all of us!
Top News of the Week
The Meta Quest Ecosystem’s Delicate Balance
Henry Stockdale at Upload VR has crafted an insightful piece about the challenges facing the Horizon Store. Since merging with App Lab and upgrading the UI of Meta Horizon OS and its mobile app, the emphasis seems heavily skewed toward Horizon Worlds. This shift has left Quest game developers in a tight spot, as their creations are harder for users to find, dragging down revenue by as much as 50-80% compared to past performance in 2023. Developers have been calling for a revamp from Meta, but so far, the main response has been a blog post highlighting gains for Quest 3 and Quest 3S, as well as noting a demographic shift—more kids are now using Quest. Meta seems committed to catering to these younger users favoring free-to-play games. Surprisingly, even though XR’s popularity with kids signifies future growth potential, there’s a real need for a balanced store that serves all creators. Without change, popular developers may look to emerging platforms like Android XR. The community is voicing support, encouraging purchases of premium games and suggesting a boycott of Horizon Worlds for better search results. Meanwhile, amid management changes, Mark Rabkin, Meta’s XR VP, has left the company, complicating an already urgent situation.
If you’re interested in reading more about this situation, check out these articles from Upload VR and Road to VR.
Other Relevant News
Andrew Bosworth’s 2025 Prognosis: Make or Break for XR
Andrew Bosworth’s recent memo to Meta employees has generated buzz, casting 2025 as a pivotal year for XR. While it reads as a rallying cry for employees to double down on efforts, it also sparked speculation about Meta’s commitment. Critics view it as preparing for possible failure, while others suggest a shift towards smart glasses. Yet, with Meta’s billion-dollar investment aimed at the future, my take is that the timing is more about morale than reality. The stated launch of multiple wearables hints at a diversifying portfolio despite concerns from thinkers like John Carmack, who believes Meta’s focus is straying too far from core VR.
Apple and PSVR 2 Controller Integration Continues
According to Marc Gurman, Apple is advancing the integration of PSVR 2 controllers with the Apple Vision Pro. If this partnership solidifies, it could expand gaming options significantly. We’re looking at potential announcements around June’s WWDC.
Android XR Promises Open Camera Access
Google has assured that the Android XR OS will allow camera use akin to smartphones, pending user consent. This function holds great promise for developing genuine mixed reality experiences. It’s refreshing to see Google prioritizing user control in this burgeoning field.
News Worth a Mention
Quest Game Optimizer Hits Major Milestone
In a positive turn, Quest Game Optimizer, an app for tweaking Quest performance settings, has reached 100,000 users despite not being on the official store. Congratulations to its creator for such an impressive feat!
John Carmack Compares Beat Saber’s Impact to Half-Life: Alyx
Reflecting on VR’s impact, John Carmack highlighted how Beat Saber outshines Half-Life: Alyx in terms of adoption. While Half-Life: Alyx showcased VR’s immersive potential, Beat Saber has been a game-changer for VR’s widespread appeal.
Ray-Ban Meta’s Super Bowl Ads Miss the Mark
Meta’s Super Bowl ads for their Ray-Ban smart glasses, featuring big names like Chris Hemsworth, missed the mark for some viewers. Despite this, hopefully, they’ll help raise awareness for smart glasses.
Spatial.io Game Development Update
After multiple pivots, Spatial.io is finding its footing with "Animal Company," a game inspired by Gorilla Tag. It’s great to see the company finding success after its various transformations.
Civilization VII’s VR Debut
The iconic Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is heading to Meta Quest, offering both MR and VR experiences. It brings nostalgia to many, including myself!
Content News
- Synth Riders is celebrating with a Kendrick Lamar feature on Apple Vision Pro.
- Gorilla Tag marks its fourth anniversary with a special event.
- Harpagun debuts in early access on Quest on February 13th.
- Project Aeroes lands on Quest, free until March 5th with a temporary trial.
- Boxed Out launches on Quest in March.
Review Corner
COLD VR, reminiscent of SUPERHOT, warrants attention though some levels need fine-tuning.
Other News
- Steam alerts players about stagnant early access games.
- Stereopsia and AWE Europe have unified into UnitedXR in Brussels.
- Meta is exploring a "Desk Mode" for its AI; however, its release remains uncertain.
Partner News and Support
Our XR developers deserve support in these challenging times. Consider supporting them through purchases, reviews, and spreading the word. Every bit helps sustain creativity and innovation in this exciting field.
A Bit of XR Fun
Here’s a light-hearted look at why folks are using the UEVR universal mod. The online banter is quite entertaining as well!
Donate for a Good Cause
Wrapping up, I encourage donations to assist those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Your support can make a real difference.
Big thanks to my Patreon supporters who make this blog possible:
(A list of donors follows)
Here’s the link if you wish to donate: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
Thank you for being a part of this community, and let’s look forward to great strides in XR!
