The XR Weekly Snapshot (11/05/2024): Google Play Store Gears Up for XR, Meta Reality Labs Financials Unveiled, and More!

I’ve just returned from AWE Europe and it was an absolute blast! If you’re curious about what I got up to, feel free to check out some of the articles I’ve penned about the event.

Now, let’s dive into the latest and most intriguing updates in the world of XR this week.

Top News of the Week

Big news: Google is gearing up to bring XR support to the Play Store, paving the way for the upcoming Samsung headset. According to a report by Android Authority, developers have discovered an XR headset icon and mentions of XR compatibility hidden within the latest store updates. Although these features aren’t visible publicly just yet, it’s a clear sign that Google’s Play Store is getting ready for an influx of XR headsets. With no partnership with Meta taking shape, it’s apparent that these enhancements are aimed at supporting the new headset that Google is developing in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm. Samsung’s recent earnings call mentioning XR goals for 2025 makes it look like the launch could be around that year, though a few months back we anticipated it might be 2024…

Want to know more? Check out these sources: Road To VR and Upload VR. Updates about the possible 2025 Samsung headset launch are also available.

Other Relevant News

Meta Reality Labs has released its financials for Q3 2024, revealing $0.27B in revenue and a whopping $4.70B in losses, excluding the launch of Quest 3s. This sparked varied interpretations online. Some focused on the $4.4B quarterly loss, while Upload VR noted the year-on-year revenue increase as a positive sign for VR’s growth—despite the earnings falling short of predictions. These discussions reoccur with every Meta earnings report, criticizing the company’s ongoing massive investments in the ecosystem. On one hand, we should be appreciative of the investment; on the other, perhaps efficiencies could reduce these losses. The real interest lies in Q4’s data to see if the Meta Quest 3S performs well over the holiday season.

For detailed insights, visit Upload VR and Yahoo.

• Apple’s Affordable Vision Pro Pushed Past 2027?: Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that a cheaper version of Apple’s Vision headset may face delays beyond 2027. Apple is allegedly seeking cost-reduction strategies and although they aim for an updated Vision Pro by 2025, take these predictions with a grain of salt. Historically, accuracy varies widely, reminding us that tech rollouts often take longer than expected. The uncertainty has left developers wary of diving into the Apple XR ecosystem, lest it take years to gain traction.

Check out related analyses and community reactions here.

• Oasis: The First AI-Created Open World: Oasis is an exciting, AI-driven project attempting to run a dynamic multiplayer Minecraft world without a traditional game engine. Conceived by DecartAI, with backing from Sequoia Capital, Oasis leverages extensive AI training to autonomously render gameplay scenarios. Though early results are primitive (think in-game rocks spontaneously becoming sheep), this venture probes whether AI could someday replace conventional software development. Tim Sweeney of Epic Games stirred a social media storm with his blunt critique of the project, sparking debate about AI’s future roles in gaming.

Find out more and catch Tim Sweeney’s colorful critique here.

• Meta’s GPU Boost and Niantic’s New Format: Just in time for the holiday season, Meta boosts the Quest 3 and 3S GPU speeds by 16%, promising smoother gaming experiences. Simultaneously, Niantic open-sourced SPZ, a format for 3D Gaussian Splats, analogous to a JPG’s efficiency for graphics.

Dive deeper into Meta’s update and Niantic’s contributions here.

• ARM vs. Qualcomm and Meta Horizon Updates: In an industry-shaking move, ARM has filed litigation against Qualcomm over chipset design licenses, setting the stage for a December court showdown. Meanwhile, the upcoming Quest v71 brings numerous quality-of-life improvements, from UI updates to Dolby support and AI-driven facial expression mapping.

Check out more details about these legal and technical developments here.

• Somnium VR1 Ships and Upcoming Events: Cheers to Somnium Space for fulfilling its VR1 headset shipping promise. Meanwhile, SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 continues to spotlight innovative XR research, and Comic Con London offers a glimpse into the future of VR gaming.

Stay updated with more here.

Noteworthy Content Launches

Discover the excitement with “Alien: Rogue Incursion,” appreciated for its gripping gameplay and intelligent AI opponents. Skydance Interactive offers a new “Behemoth” trailer, showcasing intense boss battles. Meanwhile, Vertigo Games unveils the thrilling opening of “Metro Awakening” as it debuts across major VR platforms.

For trailers and insights into these titles, explore more here.

Additional Notable Releases

Highlights include "Sight Unseen", a unique VR puzzle game, and "VAIL VR", now adopting a free-to-play model with new content strategies. "Last Stand", a PvP mixed reality shooter, hits early access soon, and "Songbird", a VR Karaoke experience, joins Meta Quest.

Get all the release specifics here.

Content Reviews

• Phasmophobia on PSVR2: Despite some technical quirks, this game delivers scares in spades.
• Blade and Sorcery: Nomad: With the recent campaign addition, Nomad inches closer to matching its PC counterpart.

Peruse more reviews here.

Additional Snippets

Canon debuts a $449.99 lens system for spatial video this November. Ben Lang investigates MeganeX Superlight 8K’s comfort, and Upload VR preps for a Winter Showcase return.

Dig into more details here.

Community and Fun

MindPort’s VR initiative AIXTRA stands out, having been selected for the VOXReality call, offering AI-driven VR training innovations. Meanwhile, the AR game "Devil’s Purge" is now on iOS, offering action-packed, roguelike thrill in your surroundings. On a lighter note, chuckle through funny VR ads and escapades linked below.

Stay informed with the latest VR quirks and projects here.

Giving Back

Lastly, a heartfelt plea to contribute to the Red Cross to aid those affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The impact of your donation will be deeply felt by those in need.

Consider donating and find further details here.

Thank you for being part of our XR journey and for supporting our cause. Let’s continue to shape the future of immersive technology together!