Hey from the snowy stretches of Finland! I’m writing this note on my journey from the bustling streets of Helsinki to the tranquil beauty of Lapland. The trip has been a delight so far; I’ve had the chance to meet Santa, pet a few curious reindeer, and savor some mouthwatering local delicacies. In just a short while, I’ll be diving into the exciting world of MatchXR, an amazing XR event here in the Nordics. I’ll be sure to share all the juicy details with you soon. But before jumping into this week’s news, I want to take a moment to honor Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, a person who left us too soon. I crossed paths with Daniel several times, both in person at AWE US and in virtual settings like ENGAGE. He was genuinely kind-hearted and passionate about using VR for the educational advancement of humanity. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Daniel, rest in peace, and may your legacy inspire us all.
News Highlights This Week
Meta is making waves by taking Project Aria a step further. They initially launched this intriguing set of glasses, without displays but loaded with sensors like cameras and microphones, to gather real-world insights internally. Now, research centers, whether part of universities or businesses, can apply to get their hands on these Project Aria research kits. Meta promises not only the glasses but a complete suite of development tools, including SDKs and innovative cloud services for managing recorded data. This move opens up avenues for groundbreaking research in AR technology. Meta is keen to inspire interest and has shared some cool case studies from prestigious institutions like the University of Bristol and Carnegie Mellon, highlighting projects that range across various fields such as accessibility and skill development. If you belong to a research center, this could be a fantastic opportunity to consider.
Other Key News
The landscape of smart glasses is buzzing with activity. As Ray-Ban Meta glasses create ripples in the market, companies from China, including tech giant Xiaomi, are hot on their heels exploring new possibilities. Xiaomi, reportedly teaming up with Goertek, is planning a new smart glass device expected in early 2025, possibly aligning with their Mi Fan Festival. Meanwhile, Baidu has launched its Xiaodu AI Glasses, packed with innovative features like AI stabilization and real-time Q&A functionality. Another player, Rokid, introduced its lightweight Rokid Glasses with snap-happy features and Alipay integration, forging collaborative ties with BOLON, a member of EssilorLuxottica. And not to be left out, Amazon is reportedly working on its own smart glasses, focusing primarily on aiding their delivery drivers with navigation tasks. The energy and enthusiasm in the smart glasses arena are truly palpable.
Meta is also venturing into education with its recently announced Meta For Education program, now in beta. Designed for universities, it promises a suite of education-specific apps and features, allowing educators to manage multiple Quest devices efficiently. Prestigious institutions are already test-driving this initiative, and Meta is poised to fine-tune their offerings based on feedback to deliver a robust program soon. Moreover, Meta has struck a partnership with VictoryXR to develop ‘metaversities’ across Europe, bringing virtual education experiences to campuses in the UK, Spain, and Germany.
The pipeline of innovations doesn’t stop there. Meta has tantalized the tech world with glimpses of the Orion operating system for their AR glasses, indicating their ongoing explorations in user interface designs suited for AR environments. Developer Alex Coulombe has validated some of Meta’s showcased UI concepts, which hints at exciting developments ahead.
Tech and Product Updates
bHaptics, famed for its haptic hardware, has refreshed its lineup. Their latest offerings include the TactSuit Pro for the torso, the more budget-friendly TactSuit Air, and a revamped TactSleeve for the arms. Compatible with numerous VR games and platforms, these devices promise an engaging and immersive XR adventure.
Horizon Worlds, the burgeoning metaverse from Meta, is introducing in-world currency called Meta Credits, paving the way for an ecosystem where creators can sell digital goods. This move is crucial for building a sustainable economy within virtual communities.
Ekto VR has unveiled its much-anticipated Genesis shoes, designed to enhance virtual reality navigation. Aimed at the pioneering tech enthusiasts keen on experimental gear, these innovative VR shoes are a leap towards more immersive gameplay experiences.
MeRCURY, an imaginative XR device for underwater scenarios, has made its debut on IndieGoGo. With a starting price point suggesting B2B applicability, this could redefine how VR is experienced in water-based environments.
Apple is enriching its multimedia content with two fresh immersive videos, showcasing high-impact performances from acclaimed artists like The Weeknd and singer Raye, adding more layers to the way we experience music.
In the world of XR gaming, here’s some news to keep you entertained:
- Ember Souls, with its Prince of Persia-inspired vibe, is gearing up for a Quest release this November.
- Gadgeteer introduced MR gameplay with its latest Quest update.
- Beat Saber fans can rejoice with the release of Monstercat Mixtape 2.
- The VR sequel to Clone Drone in the Danger Zone is now available, promising some intense arena battles.
- From Resolution Games comes Gears & Goo, set to arrive on Vision Pro.
- Spatial Ops and Little Cities are spreading their MR magic across platforms.
- More groundbreaking games and updates are on the horizon, keeping the momentum in XR gaming vibrant and dynamic.
Other tidbits include updates from Sony, Pico, and Apple Final Cut Pro, with exciting advancements in content creation and device compatibility. Plus, Niantic announced a mysterious Spatial Platform, further advancing spatial tech integration.
Community and Opportunities
Not to overlook, the XR Design Challenge is an exciting hackathon to watch out for, inviting innovative XR design solutions with attractive prizes. Also, for those in pursuit of creative content development, Story on Vision Pro presents a novel platform for spatial media creation.
If you’re looking to highlight your XR achievements and reach a passionate audience, there’s an opportunity to advertise on this blog. Explore the possibilities and take advantage of this excellent visibility channel.
Supporting a Cause
As always, a special note at the end. This week, I want to spotlight an urgent call – extending a helping hand to those affected by conflict. Consider supporting the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine via the Red Cross. Your generosity makes a real difference.
And lastly, immense gratitude goes out to all of my Patreon supporters. Your backing is invaluable and deeply appreciated. Each contribution fuels further exploration, coverage, and insights into the XR realm. Thank you for being part of this journey.
(Header image by Meta)
