Alright, here we go. Chatting about summer and some funky XR updates—kinda random but hang tight, it’s worth it.
Big News First:
You know Luna? Over at Upload VR? Yeah, super snooper-style found cool stuff about Quest. I’m talking new Horizon Home fun. They’re ditching the old digs, making it more hangout-friendly. Like, you can slap some portals to worlds or pin apps. It’s going all social dynamics—fun, huh?
Also, Horizon Worlds is getting a face-lift—yep, changing the plaza and UI stuff. Kinda neat? Oh, and they’re linking your home space to wherever you roam. Something about connecting worlds. Events Arena is popping up too, gonna be packed with happenings.
Remember that demo? Horizon Hyperscape? Now it’s gonna be a real-deal app called Horizon Photoreal. You snap spots with your phone, upload, and boom—social media for places. Wild!
Luna did some mad digging for these tidbits, so maybe they’ll show at Meta Connect—or maybe not. Who knows.
On the Spectacles Front:
Brilliant Labs is about to drop some new smartglasses. Already wowed folks with Monocle and Frames. They’ve got a knack for open, developer-friendly stuff. Bobak Tavangar’s doing an AMA on Reddit. So note July 31st, 10 am PT. Keep tabs if you dig smart tech.
Oddball Gadgets:
Sharp has this…VR glove-thing-controller? Not sensors, vibrations instead. Costing about a small fortune in Japan. Curious what first users will say.
Meta’s EMG Wristband—it’s all about those wrist movements. Spells out gestures like a thumb swipe equals a mouse click. Handy? Maybe.
Also, Google’s smartglasses? Rumor mill says it’s more lab prototype than ready-to-wear gear. Only a 1% yield with those microdisplays. Just a big ol’ maybe on that rollout.
Game Alerts:
VR Games Showcase is right around the corner—August 12th! Exciting titles, juicy updates. ‘Nuff said.
Oh, there’s a Pico Summer sale. Discounts! Don’t you love saving money? Up to 50% off until August 10. Go grab some deals.
Plus, there’s this new game, Putt Window, lets you golf at home for real. Just don’t smash any windows, okay? Sounds cool, though.
Studio News—Bittersweet:
Dungeon Full Dive creators, TxK Gaming Studios, are calling it quits. They’re generously making their GM Edition free before bowing out. But this story’s all too familiar. Kickstarter campaigns pushing games without enough funding? Ends up a trust-breaker for the community. Building VR games ain’t cheap, folks.
Other Cool Stuff:
- The Pirate: Republic of Nassau—Yarr, pirate VR!
- Dreams of Another—Unique VR storytelling.
- Elsewhere Electric—Mystery-solving fun, tweaks needed.
- Clone Drone—Action-packed game, new mode for spice.
Random Bits:
- Viture’s brighter smartglasses.
- Xiaomi’s AI glasses review.
- Fun with VR Android File Manager—no dev mode needed.
- Pimax Crystal Light promo.
- The cool FM DUO VR camera.
Friend Zone:
BEATABLE rhythm game is officially live and kickin’. New song editor, visual perks, more tunes. Want a crack at it? Snatch a free key if you’re quick.
Mehdi Sam’s dropping some Unity magic tricks. Shader stuff bending the 3D world around you. Give him a thumbs up.
Help Out:
I’m wrapping it with a big ‘THANK YOU’ to my Patreon gang. Seriously, couldn’t keep rolling without ya. And hey, consider helping the Red Cross with the Ukraine situation. Every bit counts.
(Header pic creds go to Luna, Upload VR)
That’s it. Chaotically carved out for you—happy exploring!
