XR Weekly Insights (Nov 19, 2024): Meta Unveils Project Aria Research Kits, Surge of Chinese Smartglasses, and More!

Greetings from Finland! As I pen this newsletter, I’m traversing the picturesque landscapes between Helsinki and Lapland. It’s been quite an adventure here — I’ve had the joy of meeting Santa Claus, petting reindeer, and savoring the delightful local cuisine. Soon, I’ll be heading to MatchXR, one of the Nordic region’s foremost XR events. Stay tuned for my tales from there!

Before diving into this week’s updates, I’m dedicating this newsletter edition to Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who has recently passed. I had the honor of meeting Daniel on several occasions — both physically at AWE US and in virtual spaces, especially during ENGAGE events. Daniel was a remarkable individual, filled with kindness and a deep drive to harness VR for the betterment of education. His departure is a significant loss to our community. Farewell, Daniel; we will continue to carry your legacy forward.

Top News of the Week

Meta Launches Applications for Project Aria Research Kits

A while back, Meta introduced Project Aria — glasses designed as a precursor to their future Augmented Reality glasses. While lacking a display, these glasses were equipped with various sensors and were intended for Meta’s internal use to gather data. This week, Meta opened up applications for its Project Aria Research Kit, allowing universities and corporate research centers to apply for these glasses and the accompanying development tools. This initiative presents a unique opportunity for innovative research into the future of AR. Meta has showcased current case studies from renowned institutions like the University of Bristol and Carnegie Mellon University, covering diverse realms from accessibility to skill acquisition.

If you’re part of a research center, it’s worth exploring this opportunity.

Learn More

Other Relevant News

New Wave of Smart Glasses Emerging from China (and Beyond)

This week has been bustling with announcements in the smart glasses arena. Following the success of Ray-Ban Meta, the industry is seeing a surge, notably with three new AI-powered Chinese smart glasses hitting the headlines. Reports suggest Xiaomi is collaborating with Goertek to potentially launch their AR glasses by Q2 2025, possibly coinciding with the Mi Fan Festival in April. Meanwhile, Baidu unveiled the Xiaodu AI Glasses featuring an ultra-light build and impressive functionalities like AI stabilization and sound capture.

Additionally, Rokid announced its new glassware in collaboration with BOLON, marking its foray with a fashionable twist. Talks are also circulating about Amazon’s project, Amelia, meant to assist their delivery drivers with integrated displays showing navigational instructions.

We’re witnessing a remarkable buzz in the smart glasses domain…

Meta For Education Beta Launch

In a push towards educational integration, Meta unveiled its Beta program, Meta For Education, offering educational apps and a management system for Quest headsets in classroom settings. This pilot, involving top universities, allows Meta to refine and craft a program tailored to educational institutions’ needs. Additionally, Meta’s collaboration with VictoryXR aims to develop digital twin "metaversities" across Europe, enabling remote education within immersive environments.

This is a smart investment in education, ensuring future generations recognize XR’s value early on.

Meta Teases Orion Operating System

Meta released a video showcasing the UI of its anticipated Orion glasses. Interestingly, the video presents various interface designs, suggesting Meta is exploring multiple directions to perfect AR glasses’ unique interface, distinct from current VR or MR solutions.

News Worth a Mention

bHaptics Updates Its Device Lineup

Korean firm bHaptics, renowned for its XR haptic vests, has rolled out a revamped lineup:

• TactSuit Pro, the flagship vest, priced at $499.
• TactSuit Air, offering fewer haptic motors, priced at $249.
• TactSleeve, an updated arm haptic device, at $199.

With compatibility across multiple VR platforms, these devices promise an enriched immersive experience.

Horizon Worlds Introduces Currency

Horizon Worlds is rolling out Meta Credits, establishing an internal economy for digital transactions. This critical step in monetization marks a pivotal moment in the ecosystem’s evolution.

Ekto VR Ships Its First VR Shoes

After long development, Ekto VR is shipping its revolutionary shoes, Genesis, allowing immersive navigation in virtual environments, slated for March 2025.

MeRCURY Diving Mask on IndieGoGo

MeRCURY, designed for underwater XR experiences, is now crowdfunding on IndieGoGo. It’s primarily geared towards B2B audiences, enhancing aquatic VR encounters.

Apple Debuts Two Immersive Videos

Apple launched two standout immersive videos featuring The Weeknd and Raye, adding to its treasure trove of high-quality VR content.

Some Information About Content

• Ember Souls is set to launch on Quest on November 21st at $25.
• Gadgeteer’s Quest versions received a mixed reality update.
• Beat Saber unveils its Monstercat Mixtape 2 DLC.
• Clone Drone in the Danger Zone introduces a VR sequel.
• Upcoming titles like Gears & Goo promise engaging releases next year on Vision Pro.
• Various mixed reality and VR games are scheduled for exciting releases, including Little Cities: Diorama and Starship Troopers: Continuum.

Content Reviews

• Square Enix’s Triangle Strategy is engaging in XR, albeit not a groundbreaking shift from traditional formats.
• DIG VR delivers humor and charm, though it faces minor interaction hiccups.
• EXOcars balances realism and entertainment, offering a compelling VR racing experience.

Other News

• Sony halts PSVR adapter production for PS5.
• Pico OS receives a significant update.
• Apple Final Cut Pro now supports Spatial Video editing.
• Wired highlights that Meta Horizon Worlds is becoming more frequented by children.
• Quixel megascans assets are now freely available on FAB.
• Vive Ultimate Tracker gains compatibility with third-party headsets.
• Niantic’s new Spatial Platform hints at profound spatial interactions.

News from Partners and Friends

The XR Design Challenge offers an innovative hackathon opportunity with a $10,000 reward pool. Likewise, Story enables immersive content creation on Vision Pro, catering to a wide range of media.

If you’re looking to spotlight an XR product, consider advertising on this platform for a dedicated audience.

Some XR Fun

Here’s a fun link from the PCVR community to tickle your XR curiosity.

Donate for Good

This week, rather than appealing for blog donations, I urge you to consider supporting those affected by the ongoing conflict. The Red Cross is actively working to provide relief in Ukraine, and your support can make a difference. Below is the link for donations.

A heartfelt thank you to all my Patreon supporters for their unwavering support:

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Here’s where you can make a contribution:

Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

(Header image by Meta)

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Stay innovative,

[Author’s Name]