Greetings from Finland! I’m penning this newsletter somewhere between Helsinki and the magical Lapland. As always, I’m having a delightful time, enjoying the chance to meet Santa, get up close with some reindeer, and savor the local cuisine. Soon, I’ll be diving into MatchXR, a significant XR event in Nordic Europe, and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences there with you. Before we dive into the news for this week, I’d like to take a moment to dedicate this newsletter edition to Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who recently passed away. I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Daniel on several occasions, both in person at places like AWE US and virtually during events on ENGAGE. Daniel was a wonderful person to be around, incredibly kind and passionate, particularly about using VR for educational purposes. His absence will be deeply felt among all who knew him. Farewell, Daniel, your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Top News of the Week
Recently, Meta made an exciting move by opening applications for its Project Aria research kits. Initially introduced a couple of years ago, Project Aria involves a set of glasses designed to gather data, crucial for the development of future Augmented Reality glasses. These glasses lack a traditional display but are packed with cameras and microphones, capturing interactions to enrich AI/ML systems. Originally limited to internal use, the project is now extending to research centers worldwide. Universities and corporations can apply for a Project Aria devkit on the official webpage, with selected projects receiving not just the glasses but a comprehensive development package, including an SDK, companion app, and cloud services. Meta has highlighted existing research endeavors at renowned institutions like Carnegie Mellon and the University of Bristol to inspire potential applicants. If you’re part of a research center, this could be a golden opportunity to contribute to the future of AR.
Other Relevant News
The buzz around smartglasses continues to intensify, propelled by the success of Ray-Ban’s Meta glasses. In the past week alone, three new smartglasses from China have been announced, each with AI-enhanced capabilities. According to 36kr, Xiaomi is reportedly working on a competitor to Ray-Ban’s offering. Although Xiaomi dipping its toes into smartglasses isn’t new, this partnership with Goertek, a leading XR manufacturer, suggests significant progress. These glasses might debut around April 2025, potentially aligning with the Mi Fan Festival. Meanwhile, Baidu has unveiled the Xiaodu AI Glasses, sleek and lightweight at 45 grams, complete with a 16MP camera, multiple microphones, and smart features like object identification and real-time Q&A. Set for a mid-2025 release, they’ll cost around $290. Additionally, Rokid, a major Chinese AR player, has introduced the Rokid Glasses, compatible with Alipay for digital transactions and powered by a Snapdragon AR1 chip. Lastly, Reuters suggests that Amazon is quietly developing glasses, aimed not at consumers, but to aid its delivery drivers. This internal project, codenamed "Amelia," builds on the Echo Frames concept, with added display screens expected by 2026. There’s a lot happening, and it’s thrilling to see this wave of innovation in smartglasses!
Meta For Education Launched in Beta
Launching in Beta, Meta For Education marks a pivotal step for the Quest headsets in academia. Initially hinted at months ago, this initiative caters to educational institutions, streamlining access to relevant apps and facilitating device management. Notable universities are already testing this program, including Arizona State University and Imperial College London. Feedback from these institutions is crucial, allowing Meta to refine the offering with genuine insights from educators. Moreover, through a partnership with VictoryXR, Meta is crafting digital twin metaversities for several European universities. These immersive environments mirror real campuses, enhancing virtual learning experiences. By investing heavily in education, Meta is not only tapping into a lucrative sector but also fostering future XR adoption among students.
Meta Teases Orion Operating System
Meta recently shared a video teasing the user interface of its Orion glasses. The footage suggests various UI designs are under consideration as the company continues to explore different possibilities for AR interactions. As Alex Coulombe, a developer who experienced Orion firsthand at Meta Connect, confirmed, the video showcased varying UI elements he recognized from his trial.
News Worth a Mention
- bHaptics Update: Korean company bHaptics has overhauled its line of haptic devices. The TactSuit Pro, priced at $499, leads among vests designed for the torso. For $249, the TactSuit Air offers a budget-friendly alternative with fewer haptic motors. The new TactSleeve, aimed at arm-based feedback, is available for $199. Preorders are open until November 26. Compatible with numerous VR titles, these devices promise immersive experiences across Quest, PSVR 2, and SteamVR headsets.
- Currency in Horizon Worlds: Meta’s Horizon Worlds is introducing Meta Credits, its virtual currency to enhance the economy within the platform. The rollout in select regions marks a key step in developing Horizon Worlds’ in-world marketplace.
- Ekto VR Shoes: Ekto VR, after years of development, is ready to ship its Genesis VR walking shoes to a select group of early adopters. With a price tag between $2000 and $3000 depending on features, these innovative shoes aim for a March 2025 release.
- MeRCURY Diving Mask: Designed for underwater VR experiences, the MeRCURY XR headset is now on IndieGoGo. While expensive, starting at €1250, its intended primarily for business-to-business usage.
- Apple Releases Immersive Videos: Apple has debuted two new immersive videos, including a musical experience with The Weeknd and a "Concert For One" featuring Raye.
Content Insights
- Upcoming Releases: Amber Souls is arriving on Quest on November 21 for $25. In mixed reality, Gadgeteer’s latest update hits Quest 3, and Beat Saber fans can now enjoy the Monstercat Mixtape 2 DLC. Meanwhile, Clone Drone in the Hyperdome, a VR sequel, is now available, alongside a new title, Gears & Goo, set for early next year for Vision Pro.
Content Reviews
- Triangle Strategy and More: Square Enix’s Triangle Strategy translates well to XR, though it mirrors a typical flat-screen experience. DIG VR blends humor with gameplay but experiences some campaign hiccups. EXOcars offers a fun balance between realism and entertainment in VR racing.
Other News
- PSVR and Pico Updates: Sony is discontinuing its PSVR adapter for PS5 users, while Pico has introduced notable enhancements to its OS. Apple’s Final Cut Pro now supports editing Spatial Videos, and according to Wired, Meta’s Horizon Worlds is becoming increasingly popular with younger audiences.
And let’s not forget, our XR Design Challenge is here! It’s a fantastic opportunity hosted by Immersive Insiders and leading XR organizations, offering a prize pool for innovative XR design submissions. Running online until January 13, let your creativity flow!
Support and Donation Call
As we wrap up, I won’t be asking for blog contributions this time, but instead, I encourage you to support those affected by war by making a donation to the Red Cross. Here’s the link: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine. I extend heartfelt gratitude to all the Patreon donors aiding me continually. Your support means the world.
(Header image by Meta)
