The XR Weekly Roundup (December 16, 2024): Unveiling Android XR, Samsung Headset Highlights, and More!

This week has been an exciting milestone for me because I’ve just announced my attendance at CES in January for the very first time! I’m in the midst of organizing the trip, arranging appointments to check out some AR/VR glasses. If you’re planning to be there, give me a shout! And if you have any tips to enhance my CES experience, please share them! I’m eagerly looking forward to bringing you all the details of my adventure. But for now, let’s dive into this week’s top XR news highlights… and a special giveaway!

Top News of the Week

Google Announced Android XR

This week’s most significant announcement, possibly even the year’s, is Google’s reveal of Android XR. This will be Google’s operating system for all XR devices, covering everything from mixed reality headsets to AR and smart glasses. The first device to support it is a mixed-reality headset, dubbed Project Moohan, which Google is developing with Samsung and Qualcomm. Other collaborators like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are also crafting devices compatible with this new OS. Android XR received its debut presentation to select press members on Project Moohan, alongside monocular and binocular smart glasses. A standout feature of Android XR is its deep integration with AI, particularly Gemini AI, which is a proactive assistant connecting both real and virtual experiences. Imagine holding a restaurant’s business card up to your eyes, and asking Gemini AI to open its location in a 3D Google Maps view—you could even request additional information about it. With smart glasses, Gemini offers live translations of foreign languages spoken to you. Gemini AI also retains memory of recent activities, effectively recalling information from the past 10 minutes. While these innovations are impressive, they do raise some privacy concerns. Other intriguing features include automatic 3D conversion of photos and videos, and its multimodal input accepting commands from controllers, hands, eyes, or voice. At present, the announced content includes the G-suite and some games like Demeo and Vacation Simulator, with more expected. Developers can now access a preview of the dev environment for native, Unity, and WebXR development. Regarding Project Moohan’s details, there isn’t much yet; it seems akin to the Quest Pro combined with Apple’s Vision Pro, featuring an external battery, high-definition displays, and detailed passthrough. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen2, with controllers anticipated in 2025—the year the headset officially launches. Google’s foray into XR signals a fresh wave of competition, ultimately beneficial for the industry. Let’s hope this isn’t another fleeting venture destined for Google’s notorious project graveyard.

For more in-depth coverage, check out my detailed Android XR roundup and Ben Lang’s editorial contrasting Android XR and Horizon OS.

Other Relevant News

Latest Quest Update Improves Hand Tracking, Windows 11 Pairing, and More

Meta has released Quest runtime v72, packed with exciting updates:

• Hand tracking rises to v2.3, providing smoother and more reactive tracking, even in confined spaces like travel mode.
• The introduction of Windows Mixed Reality Link allows Quest 3 and 3S users to glance at their Windows 11 PC, triggering an automatic connection similar to how Vision Pro pairs with Macs. This setup lets you leverage a massive virtual screen for computing purposes, though Apple’s option currently has an edge.
• The system now tracks all keyboards, displaying them in a passthrough view.
• The new Media Gallery app enhances enjoyment of your media stored on the device.
• Entering the VR home no longer requires boundary setup since a default stable boundary is now presumed, ensuring seamless access to your VR environment.

Additional smaller updates, like direct messages within the Instagram app, are included.

Among these, I’m particularly excited about the Windows 11 connection feature. Many users have lauded Apple’s approach, and I can’t wait to try out the PC version.

For more details: Meta Quest runtime v72 – Road To VR | Meta Quest runtime v72 – Upload VR | How to connect the Quest with a Windows 11 PC

News Worth a Mention

Omdia Forecasts a Negative 2025 for XR

The analyst firm Omdia has published its XR market report, which casts a shadow over the immediate future. It indicates a 10% dip in headset sales in 2024 with sales at 6.9 million units, down from 7.7 million in 2023, with the sluggish trend predicted to persist into 2025, expecting a recovery by 2026. While the report might be accurate regarding the downturn in 2025 and a rebound following, I honestly feel the industry’s needle is slowly ticking upwards since 2023, particularly noting the triumph of Ray-Ban meta and the Android XR launch. I guess it’s all a matter of perception.

Learn more: Financial Times on Omdia’s report | LinkedIn on Omdia’s report

How Gorilla Tag Became a Huge Hit

In a fascinating piece on Road To VR, XR investor JP Minetos dissects Gorilla Tag’s meteoric rise to success. Social mechanics are a key player in its popularity, but the unique movement mechanics, straightforwardness, and viral nature have all contributed.

A Good Deal on Quest 3S

For those still on the lookout for a deal, the Quest 3S (256 GB) is going for $400 on Amazon US and abroad, with an additional $30 Amazon digital credit. This offer is available through Christmas.

Batman: Arkham Shadow Steals the Best VR/AR Game Award

The Game Awards saw Batman: Arkham Shadow by Camouflaj clinch the Best VR/AR Game Award, an expected win given its exceptional reception and influence within the VR scene.

Additional info: Batman: Arkham Shadow at the Awards | Celebration by Meta

More on Content

• Fallout London VR plans to bring VR compatibility to the expansive ‘Fallout: London’ DLC.
• Path of Fury: Episode I – Tetsuo’s Tower, an upcoming VR action game with a nod to ‘80s Kung Fu films is set to land in 2025 on Quest 2/3/Pro for $9.99.
• Bridge Constructor now boasts an XR variant of its classic bridge-building activity, priced at $10.
• Behemoth rolls out its initial major patch, fixing several issues and rebalancing combat, which sparked mixed opinions.
• Clone Drone in the Hyperdome, a sequel by Doborog Games, is out on both Steam and Meta for $20.
• Realize Music: Sing, marrying rhythm gaming, meditation, and VR, will launch for Meta Quest on January 23, 2025.
• Panic Room MR, the mixed-reality game summoning creatures into your home, is $5 on Quest 3 & 3S.
• X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm, a premium crossover between Contra: Operation Galuga and free VR hero shooter X8, is now on Horizon Store and Steam for $20.
• Crystal Commanders, a real-time strategy game with VR and mixed reality modes, arrives on Quest come February 27, 2025.
• Mecha Force, VR mech game inspired by Shin Getter Robo and Gurren Lagann opens early access on Quest, with a demo available.
• DodgeCraft presents VR sports training with two play modes, available now on Quest.
• Beyond Blue: After the Storm offers an aquatic storytelling experience for solo VR play.
• Human Fall Flat VR prototype game mode is now in beta on Steam.

Info references: Fallout London VR | Path Of Fury | Bridge Constructor | Behemoth | Clone Drone in the Hyperdome | Realize Music: Sing | Panic Room | X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm | Crystal Commanders | Mecha Force | DodgeCraft | Beyond Blue: After the Storm | Human Fall Flat VR | XR News Round-Up

Content Reviews

• Metamorphosis VR features an intriguing concept with captivating visuals but lacks polish.
• Action Hero presents a balanced refreshing take on SuperHot mechanics, accessible for newcomers with an engaging campaign for seasoned players.
• Home Sports offers enjoyable sports for friends in VR or mixed reality, but the experiences feel somewhat superficial.
• Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon delightfully flips the script on the mundane zombie hoard idea with humor suitable for families.

Further details: Metamorphosis VR | Action Hero | Home Sports | Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon

Other News

• Rob Cole provides a comprehensive review of the Pimax Crystal Light.
• Norman Mueller summarizes the recent updates on smartglasses and AR glasses.

Learn more: Pimax Crystal Light review | Smartglasses updates

• Apple unveils its Ultrawide Virtual Display feature for Vision Pro in VisionOS 2.2
• NeoGrip introduces affordable custom open-source controllers for standalone VR headsets.

Keep informed: Vision Pro update | NeoGrip controllers

• Unity’s Humanity 2025 grant applications are open.
• Explore global sites reimagined with Gaussian Splats through Into The Scaniverse in WebXR.

Find out more: Humanity 2025 grant | Into The Scaniverse

News from Partners (and Friends)

You now have the opportunity to invest in Vitruvian VR!

Vitruvian Virtual Reality, known for its striking and somewhat eccentric 6DOF body simulator, has launched a crowdfunding campaign. You can join this thrilling venture with a minimum investment of €250. Here’s a review of the simulator to understand why this project is unique. Check out: Crowdfunding page | My review of Vitruvian

Iron Rebellion Keys Giveaway!

Mecha game enthusiasts are in for a treat with Iron Rebellion, inspired by fan-favorite titles Titanfall and Hawken, now available on Quest and Steam. Thanks to the developers, I’m thrilled to share a couple of Steam keys:

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First come, first served! If you miss these, consider supporting the developers by purchasing the game on Quest or Steam. Further info: Iron Rebellion on Steam and Horizon Store

Some XR Fun

• Could these be the camera setups for Quest 4? Funny link
• A comic strip featuring chickens and virtual reality. Funny link
• The first rule of Fight Club is… Funny link

Donate for Good

Just like last week, I’m using this space to encourage donations to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Your support for the Red Cross can make a difference in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Below is the link for donations. I’m profoundly grateful to all my Patreon supporters for their constant backing:

(List of supporters)

Here’s where you can lend a helping hand:

Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

(Header image by Google)

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