This past week has been a whirlwind of exciting news from the usual tech giants like Apple, Meta, Google, and Valve. You’re going to want to stick around until the end of this roundup for a chance to win some keys to an exciting mixed reality game! (And don’t forget to check out my latest write-up on the XR ecosystem in China and my upcoming journey to Shanghai!)
Top News of the Week
Headsets May Escape US Tariffs
The situation with US tariffs is still pretty convoluted, with changes unfolding every few days. Many XR companies are in a holding pattern, waiting for clearer skies. However, Pimax and BigScreen have already stated they’ll shoulder the tariff costs themselves to keep prices stable for consumers. Pimax is tacking on a modest $75-$95 fee for U.S. buyers of the Pimax Super, but BigScreen plans to fully absorb the costs. Keeping prices low is key in our price-sensitive XR market, so this is great news. Moreover, reports suggest that XR headsets might actually be free from tariffs, thanks to recent exemptions for electronics, mainly to protect major players like Apple from exorbitant costs. While this sounds promising, we must wait for official confirmation to toast the news. Meanwhile, potential tariff changes on other electronics like chips could still pose challenges.
More info: Pimax Tariff Info, BigScreen Tariff Info, Tariff Lifting for Electronics
Other Relevant News
Apple Vision Pro 2 Rumors
The Apple Vision Pro stirred excitement, swiftly quashing years of speculative gossip about its existence. Enter the Apple Vision Pro 2 and the rumor mill is back in full swing! A Chinese outlet claims the headset is already rolling off production lines, specifically its panels and shells. Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman hints that Apple is updating the Vision Pro and working on a second, tethered headset connected to Macs for a larger virtual display. Yet, if AR glasses become Apple’s next big product push, as Gurman asserts, we’re on the cusp of an AR standoff against Meta. Tim Cook is allegedly devoted to releasing AR glasses as soon as possible, which could spell major developments for us all in the XR world.
More info: Apple Vision Pro 2 Rumors, Apple’s Two Headsets, AR Glasses Race
Valve’s Deckard Developments
Rumor has it from Brad Lynch that Valve is gearing up to produce VR headset facial interfaces stateside, sparking speculation about their new Deckard headset. This is an indicator we might see a launch or announcement sooner rather than later. Keep an eye out for any news—there’s even a site now dedicated to checking Deckard’s status!
More info: Valve Manufacturing Info, Track Deckard’s Launch
Google and Samsung’s XR Glasses Plans
Word on the street is that Google and Samsung are collaborating on some Android XR gadgets, with Project Moohan, a mixed reality headset, tentatively debuting this year. However, their collaborative XR glasses—initially set for this year—are now aiming at a 2026 launch, aligning with the latest tech and feature upgrades. This seems tactical, considering Meta’s rumored display glasses release.
More info: 2026 Glasses Launch, Google Prototype at TED
AltspaceVR Revival
Fans were hit with a surprise announcement of a reboot for AltspaceVR. The old platform’s charm is set for a comeback thanks to Danny Mac’s initiative, who’s starting anew on Basis VR, an open-source VR framework. While details are slim, the idea is to revive the welcoming community vibe AltspaceVR was known for. As more information becomes available, I’ll be sure to keep you updated.
More info: AltspaceVR Reboot Details, AltspaceVR Website
News Worth a Mention
Meta Expands VR Entertainment to Airlines
Through a successful pilot with Lufthansa, Meta has showcased the potential of VR as a unique in-flight entertainment solution, bagging an award for it! Expect more airlines to adopt VR, enhancing onboard experiences and contributing to a wider acceptance of VR headsets.
More info: Meta In-flight VR Expansion, Meta’s Award with Lufthansa
Varjo and Pico Updates: Varjo remains committed to enterprise solutions, while Pico is rolling out its Pico Motion Tracker Waist Version for better body tracking accuracy.
More info: Varjo Business Focus, Pico Tracker Release
New Typing Methods in XR
A fascinating collaboration among researchers has led to the creation of the XR TEXT Trove, a repository featuring over 170 techniques for XR text entry. This is set to be a valuable resource for designers and developers in the XR space.
More info: XR TEXT Trove
Updates, Discounts, and More
From Meta’s Horizon Worlds controversial updates to sound waves addressing motion sickness, or discount prices for the Meta Quest 3S during the Spring Sale, these stories and more highlight an active period in VR advancement. Whether it’s reviewing a new content release or eyeing a product update, this well-rounded batch of tech developments looks promising for VR enthusiasts.
More info: Horizon Worlds Update, Motion Sickness Solution, Quest 3S Spring Deal
Content Highlights and Reviews
From innovative games like ‘FastHands’ to immersive experiences like ‘Besiege,’ we’ve got news about the latest additions and updates in VR content. The gaming community has plenty to look forward to with new titles on the horizon and existing ones receiving new expansions. Previews have sung praises for games like ‘Aces Of Thunder’ and ‘Train Sim World VR’ for their attention to detail and engaging gameplay.
More info: Besiege, FastHands, Gorn 2, and more
Other Noteworthy Mentions
The tech landscape continues to buzz with developments—from enhancing AR with the US Army’s new venture to refining content creation tools like Hyperfy, enabling efficient virtual world generation.
More info: DaVinci Resolve 20, Hyperfy Details
News from Partners
Alex And The Jets Giveaway!
Experience a different kind of aerial combat with ‘Alex And The Jets,’ a charming mixed reality game that offers a glimpse into flying cartoonish dogfights right in your living room. First-come, first-served on those free codes, so don’t wait!
Learn more: Alex And The Jets on the Meta Store, Road To VR on Alex And The Jets
Light-Hearted XR Fun
Need a break? Check out some humorous takes on the XR industry, from funny memes to ironic insights—there’s always something to chuckle at.
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(Note: Header image by Pimax)
