The XR Weekly Update (November 5, 2024): Google Play Store’s XR Preparations, Meta Reality Labs’ Financial Report, and More!

I’ve just returned from AWE Europe, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! If you’re curious about it, feel free to check out the articles where I’ve shared my adventures there.

Now, let’s dive into the most intriguing XR news from this past week!

Top News of the Week

Google is Revamping Play Store with XR Support Ahead of Samsung Headset Launch

Android Authority recently revealed that Google is stepping up its game by integrating XR support into the Play Store. A quick peek into the latest store code uncovered an XR headset icon among compatible devices, hinting at a significant update that’s on the way. While it’s under wraps for now, it’s a move that clearly signals Google’s preparation for greater XR compatibility, likely in anticipation of their upcoming headset collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm. With Samsung hinting at XR devices as a focus for 2025 in a recent earnings call, many speculate that we could see this new device hit the market sooner than expected, possibly within the next year or so.

For more details, check out: Google Play adds XR support — Road To VR, Google Play adds XR support — Upload VR, Samsung headset launch in 2025.

Other Relevant News

Meta Reality Labs Sees Revenue Growth, but Losses Persist

Meta has unveiled their Q3 2024 financial report, and the numbers tell an interesting story. Despite the Quest 3s not being part of this period, Meta brought in $0.27 billion in revenue, yet faced losses of $4.70 billion. This significant loss led to various interpretations. Some focused on the sheer size of the financial hit, with $4.4 billion lost in one quarter alone. Meanwhile, outlets like Upload VR saw a silver lining, noting an increase in revenue from Q3 2023’s $0.21 billion. On the flip side, Yahoo pointed out that the real revenues fell short of the expected $0.31 billion, adding a layer of complexity to the debate surrounding Meta’s quarterly results. It’s a polarizing topic every earnings call, leaving us to ponder Meta’s extravagant investments in XR. While I appreciate their efforts to push the industry forward, optimizing operations could curb financial waste. I’m eagerly waiting for Q4 2024 figures to see if the Quest 3S strikes gold this holiday season.

Explore further with: Meta Reality Labs financial results — Upload VR, Meta Reality Labs financial results — Yahoo.

Delayed Anticipation: A Cheaper Apple Vision Pro in the Distant Future?

The latest insights from notable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that Apple’s budget-friendly Vision headset might not hit the shelves until after 2027. This delay appears rooted in Apple’s quest to cut manufacturing costs while also identifying sufficient use cases to justify lower pricing. For now, we can expect a refresh of the Apple Vision Pro, equipped with the M5 chipset, projected for 2025. While Ming-Chi Kuo is a respected figure in Apple forecasting, it’s wise to remain cautious as predictions can evolve or even completely change. The XR community is understandably uneasy, facing a prolonged wait before Apple’s XR ecosystem becomes viable for developers. One thing that remains consistent in my 10+ years in this space is the realization that progress often takes longer than anticipated. Being adaptable and preparing for unforeseen changes are crucial as we navigate this still-emerging domain.

For more on this story: Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions, Reactions about Apple’s strategy.

The Arrival of an AI-Driven Open World: Welcome to Oasis

‘Oasis’ brings a fresh twist on the multiplayer ‘Minecraft’ experience, designed entirely without a traditional game engine. By harnessing AI, this project empowers users to delve into an unpredictable world, where game dynamics and visuals are prompted by trained behavior models rather than programming. The ambition is to fundamentally rethink how games can be created, potentially erasing the development phase from future applications. The developers, DecartAI, secured backing from Sequoia Capital, prompting industry reactions. Notably, Epic’s Tim Sweeney wasn’t thrilled, expressing his strong disapproval on social media. While today’s version of Oasis might seem a bit quirky—where stones morph into sheep with time—the tech’s ramifications in a decade are unpredictable yet fascinating. Could AI genuinely reach a point where it dynamically creates any experience on-demand? My skepticism persists, but the future, as always, holds surprises.

Discover more: Oasis, an AI-powered open world, Gameplay video of Oasis, Tim Sweeney’s comment on the project.

News Worth Mentioning

Meta Boosts Quest 3’s Graphics Capabilities

In a move sure to please both developers and consumers, Meta has increased the GPU speed of the Quest 3 and Quest 3S by 16%. The graphics processing boost from 545MHz to 599MHz will enhance game performance, potentially offering smoother and more immersive experiences.

Niantic’s New Format Could Revolutionize 3D Graphics

Niantic has launched an innovative format for 3D Gaussian Splats called SPZ, aimed at more efficient data storage similar to how JPEGs revolutionized image compression. The MIT-licensed format is ready for free and commercial use, promising more streamlined processes in VR content creation. Some developers have already started creating Unity plugins for it, and there is curiosity within the community about whether it might become a new standard.

Qualcomm and ARM Gear Up for Legal Battle

A simmering conflict between ARM and Qualcomm is now heading to court, as ARM seeks to revoke Qualcomm’s license due to alleged breaches. Given Qualcomm’s significant role in powering the majority of VR headsets via their Snapdragon chips, the outcome of this legal tussle could ripple across the mobile and XR industries.

Meta’s Horizon v71 Update Brings Numerous Changes

The upcoming v71 update for Meta Horizon is packed with numerous improvements, even if none are revolutionary. Highlights include a revamped system interface, AI-backed facial expression rendering, enhanced passthrough visuals, travel mode refinements, audio enhancements like Dolby Atmos, and much more, ultimately leading to a more refined user experience.

Somnium VR1 Begins Shipping

Somnium Space has started shipping its long-awaited VR1 headsets. Kudos to the team for fulfilling their promises and bringing their device to market.

For more detailed information, you can explore the full update list at Upload VR.

Other Exciting Events and New Game Announcements

SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 is showcasing fascinating XR research, thanks to a tip from Ivan Aguilar. Meanwhile, Comic Con London 2024 featured the VR Game Spotlight, highlighting upcoming indie VR games.

In content updates, “Alien: Rogue Incursion” has received rave reviews for its captivating horror experience. Other notable releases include Skydance Interactive’s new trailer for "Behemoth," and Vertigo Games’ preview of "Metro Awakening."

As for strategic game shifts, VAIL VR is set to become free, supported by a social hub integrating minigames, with its primary shooter content spinning off as a separate DLC. This bold move is sure to draw attention, with some now taking advantage of an unusual discount code inspired by P Diddy.

In the coming months, expect diverse titles like the VR Karaoke game, “Songbird,” the anime-inspired, “Last Stand,” and "Ghost Town," a new supernatural VR adventure. Each new release and update continues to expand the vibrant world of VR.

To stay on top of more updates, check different segments on more titles like Alien: Rogue Incursion, Behemoth, Metro Awakening, and others.

Content Reviews

• "Phasmophobia" on PSVR 2 lives up to its chilling promise despite some technical hiccups.
• "Blade and Sorcery Nomad" adds a campaign, nearly matching its PC counterpart’s richness.

Visit the respective links for Phasmophobia and Blade and Sorcery: Nomad for more reviews.

Additional News Bits

In gadgets, Canon is releasing a spatial video lens system priced at $449.99 this November, while Ben Lang recently reviewed the MeganeX Superlight 8K and highlighted its comfort.

Upload VR gears up for a new Winter Showcase, a must-watch for enthusiasts, and Marques Brownlee has shared his hands-on insights with Meta Orion.

Lastly, a noteworthy PhD thesis on VR interactions has surfaced for those interested in academic perspectives on VR advancements.

Updates from Partners & Friends

MindPort’s AIXTRA earned a spot in the VOXReality call, emphasizing VR’s potential to transcend language barriers and AI’s role in training simulations. Meanwhile, ONTOP unveils “Devil’s Purge,” a dynamic AR game that’s now live on iOS.

Take a moment to relax and reflect; there’s magic in small, beautiful moments.

Exciting XR Fun Moments

• Check out some humorous XR takes with "Sexy Time in Batman: Arkham Shadow" and "When VR becomes punk," among others.

A Call for Generosity

I encourage you to consider supporting those impacted by conflict. Last week and this week, I’m dedicating this section to requesting donations to the Red Cross for their work in Ukraine. Your contributions can make a significant difference.

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all my Patreon supporters; your backing means the world to me.

Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

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Thank you for being part of this journey, and let’s keep the XR world vibrant and connected!