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

I’m back from AWE Europe and I had a fantastic time there! If you’re curious about my experience, I’ve penned a few articles that you might enjoy checking out.

Now, let’s dive into some of the week’s most intriguing XR news!

Top news of the week

Google ramping up Play Store with XR support ahead of Samsung headset launch

It seems Google’s gearing up the Google Play Store for XR, as noted in a report by Android Authority. By sifting through the latest store code, data scrapers have uncovered a new XR headset icon, indicating device compatibility. These updates, not yet visible to the public, suggest Google is paving the way for new XR technologies, likely linked to its collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm. Given Samsung’s recent financial briefing pointing to XR devices as a 2025 goal, the launch of this new headset appears imminent.

For more detailed insights, do visit these links: Google Play adding XR support on Road to VR, Google Play’s XR push on Upload VR, and Samsung’s potential 2025 headset launch news.

Other relevant news

Meta Reality Labs increases revenue and losses

Meta’s Q3 2024 financial report is out, revealing $0.27 billion in revenue and $4.70 billion in losses, excluding the Quest 3s launch. Opinions vary widely online about these numbers. While some focus on the hefty loss, others see the revenue increase from Q3 2023 as a sign of growth in VR. Others find the numbers underwhelming given prior expectations. This debate recurs with each of Meta’s quarterly calls as they continue to invest heavily in the XR ecosystem. Let’s keep an eye on Q4 2024 data, which should show how well the Quest 3S performs during the holiday season.

Discover more details on Meta Reality Labs financial results by checking Upload VR and Yahoo.

The affordable Apple Vision Pro might be delayed until after 2027

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that the cheaper Apple Vision headset might not appear till post-2027. Apple is reportedly working on significant cost reductions and exploring more justifiable consumer use cases, which they believe needs time. As it stands, Kuo suggests a refreshed Apple Vision Pro with an M5 chipset is expected in 2025. While Kuo’s previous predictions often miss the mark, it’s wise to be cautious with these estimates. Ultimately, the XR ecosystem’s growth could take longer than anticipated, so be ready to adapt and diversify.

For more details, explore Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions and reactions to Apple’s strategy adjustments.

Oasis emerges as the first AI-driven open world

Oasis is pioneering an AI-based multiplayer world within Minecraft, operating independently of any conventional game engine. The AI builds the world dynamically based on learned game patterns, eliminating traditional coding needs. This experimental venture could revolutionize how software applications are developed, with DecartAI leading the charge backed by investments from Sequoia Capital. While it may seem whimsical today, the project’s implications for the next decade are anyone’s guess. Could AI evolve to emulate any software seamlessly? Only time will tell.

Learn more through Oasis’s AI-powered world details, catch a gameplay video, and see Tim Sweeney’s candid thoughts on the concept.

News worth a mention

Meta boosts Quest 3’s GPU speed

Meta has gifted developers and users by upping the maximum GPU speed of its Quest 3 and Quest 3S by 16%, enhancing performance levels significantly.

Niantic’s new compressed 3D format goes open source

Niantic unveiled an open-source 3D format dubbed SPZ, aiming to efficiently store Gaussian Splats, akin to how JPGs compress images. The MIT license allows free and commercial use – potentially setting a new standard.

ARM’s legal tangle with Qualcomm

A legal battle is brewing between ARM and Qualcomm, focusing on licensing disagreements. With ARM forming the backbone of most mobile and XR devices and Qualcomm as a major chipset provider, the outcome could reverberate through the tech sphere.

Meta Horizon’s v71 soars with updates

The Quest’s v71 update promises an array of enhancements, from system interface tweaks to new AI-driven features. Expect smoother user experiences and improved functionalities.

Shipping news: Somnium VR1 goes public

Somnium Space has started dispatching its VR1 headset, staying true to their shipping promises.

XR highlights from SIGGRAPH Asia 2024

The XR segment of SIGGRAPH Asia unveils innovative projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Don’t miss these compelling insights courtesy of Ivan Aguilar.

XR at Comic Con London 2024

At the recent Comic Con London, the latest VR Game Spotlight offered previews of upcoming VR titles, spotlighting creative efforts primarily from indie developers.

Significant content scoops

Several outlets have experienced "Alien: Rogue Incursion," praising its quality. The game delivers classic Alien horror vibes with intelligent, pack-working aliens. Skydance Interactive offered a new Behemoth trailer, showing a new boss and more gameplay. Vertigo Games showcased the first seven minutes of Metro Awakening, slated for imminent release.

Content news briefs

From unique game experiences like "Sight Unseen," to VAIL VR’s shift to a free model, the upcoming launch of "Last Stand," and more – there’s a wide range of exciting projects and updates to dive into.

Highlight reviews

Despite technical hiccups, Phasmophobia on PSVR 2 offers plenty of eerie moments. Meanwhile, Blade and Sorcery: Nomad’s campaign brings it closer to the PC original, enriching an already popular game.

Canon’s spatial lens set to launch

Canon unveils a new spatial video lens launching in November for $449.99. Learn more about its features.

Takeaways from MeganeX Superlight 8K

Ben Lang shares insights on the comfort options of the MeganeX Superlight 8K. Discover more.

Marques Brownlee evaluates Meta Orion

Catch Marques Brownlee’s hands-on experience with Meta Orion. More insights await.

Winter showcase by Upload VR is back

Upload VR returns with its Winter Showcase. Stay in the loop for more information.

Innovative PhD thesis on VR interactions

Explore a fascinating PhD thesis delving into VR interactions. Learn more.

Updates from partners and friends

MindPort’s collaborative project, AIXTRA, gets selected for the VOXReality call, aiming to blend AI with VR training for language barriers and blended training scenarios. Additionally, ONTOP releases "Devil’s Purge," a thrilling AR game blending roguelike mechanics, now on iOS.

And remember, sometimes it’s nice to take a moment for yourself.

Some XR fun

Have a chuckle with some VR humor, from exploring the quirky to clever ads with a twist.

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