XR Weekly Update (Nov 19, 2024): Meta Unveils Project Aria Research Kits, Surge in Chinese Smartglasses, and More!

Greetings from Finland! As I journey through this beautiful country, from Helsinki to the picturesque Lapland, I’m delighted to share that my experience here has been, as always, wonderful. Meeting Santa Claus, enjoying time with friendly reindeer, and trying out the local cuisine has been a treat. Soon, I’ll attend MatchXR, one of the top XR events in Nordic Europe, and I promise to share all about it. But before diving into this week’s news, I want to dedicate this newsletter to Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who recently passed away. Having had the chance to meet Daniel several times, both in person at events like AWE US and virtually on platforms like ENGAGE, I remember him as an incredibly kind and driven individual. His dedication to advancing VR for educational purposes and the betterment of humanity was inspiring. He touched many of us, and his absence is deeply felt. Farewell, Daniel, your legacy will continue to inspire.

Top News of the Week

A recent highlight is that Meta has opened applications for its Project Aria research kits, an initiative initially launched to explore the future of Augmented Reality through data-gathering glasses equipped with sensors like cameras and microphones. These glasses, initially for internal use within Meta and its close associates, are now available for external research purposes. Institutions, whether from academia or private sectors, can apply through Meta’s dedicated portal. Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive development kit, including the glasses, an app, SDK, and cloud services. These services offer advanced features, such as facial and license plate obfuscation and environmental reconstruction via point clouds. Meta is encouraging innovation by showcasing successful case studies from prestigious universities, indicating a strong push towards advancing AR technology. If you’re involved in a research institution, it’s worth considering this chance.

Other Relevant News

The race in smartglasses technology continues to heat up, with significant activities this week alone. The popularity of Ray-Ban Meta has sparked a wave of announcements, notably three new Chinese AI-powered smartglasses. For instance, Xiaomi is reportedly entering this arena, potentially positioning itself against Ray-Ban Meta’s offerings. In collaboration with Goertek, these glasses are expected by Q2 2025, possibly debuting at the Mi Fan Festival in April. Similarly, Baidu recently introduced the Xiaodu AI Glasses, featuring a 16MP ultra-wide camera, effective sound capturing microphones, and an impressive array of AI-driven functionalities. Rokid, another major player, has unveiled new glasses boasting high brightness and quality, with seamless integration for digital payments in a uniquely Chinese style. Meanwhile, Amazon is discretely developing glasses internally for its drivers, not for public sale, showcasing the extensive potential applications in logistics. This surge in innovation reflects the dynamic future ahead for smartglasses. Thanks to DannieVR for sharing insights on the Rokid glasses!

Meta For Education Launched in Beta

Meta has also rolled out its much-anticipated Meta For Education program, now in beta, aiming to enhance learning environments with its Quest headsets. The program allows educators smoother access to curated educational content and easier device management, an initiative that several prestigious universities have already joined. The feedback from these early adopters will be pivotal in refining the program to better meet academic needs. Additionally, Meta’s collaboration with VictoryXR seeks to develop some of the first "metaversities" in Europe, which could substantially alter remote learning landscapes by mirroring real campuses in virtual environments. It’s strategic movement aligns with Meta’s vision of fostering XR familiarity among students.

Meta Teases Orion Operating System

Meta recently released a video showcasing various user interface designs for its upcoming Orion glasses, indicating ongoing experimentation towards crafting an optimal AR interface. Alex Coulombe, an XR developer who experienced these interfaces, corroborates the video’s authenticity. Developing an effective UI is crucial as AR represents a novel paradigm in tech interaction.

News Worth a Mention

• bHaptics has revamped its line of haptic devices, including the high-end TactSuit Pro and the more affordable TactSuit Air and TactSleeve.
• Horizon Worlds is rolling out its own virtual currency, Meta Credits, signifying a major step towards creating a thriving digital economy on the platform.
• After significant anticipation, Ekto VR is finally ready to ship its first batch of innovative virtual reality shoes for select early adopters.
• The underwater XR headset, MeRCURY, promising unique VR experiences, is now available on IndieGoGo.
• Apple has released two immersive videos, capturing vivid storytelling experiences in XR.

Notable Game Releases

• Ember Souls, a Prince of Persia-inspired VR hack-and-slash, is slated for a November 21 release.
• Gadgeteer has been updated for Quest, adding mixed reality elements to its gameplay.
• Beat Saber’s eagerly awaited Monstercat Mixtape 2 is now live.
• Clone Drone in the Hyperdome aims to captivate players with thrilling arena battles.
• The tower defense game Gears & Goo is set to arrive on Vision Pro next year.
• Additional releases include Little Cities: Diorama and Exercise Your Demons, both bringing innovative gameplay to VR enthusiasts.

Some Reviews About Content

• Triangle Strategy from Square Enix offers a satisfying XR experience, despite similarities to its flatscreen version.
• DIG VR impresses with its engaging presentation, despite some interaction challenges.
• EXOcars strikes a perfect balance between immersion and excitement, providing excellent VR racing thrills.

Other News

• Sony is discontinuing the PSVR adapter for PS5.
• Pico has released a noteworthy Pico OS update.
• Apple’s Final Cut Pro now supports Spatial Video editing.
• A Wired article highlights the growing youth presence on Meta Horizon Worlds.

News from Partners and Friends

• Don’t miss out on the XR Design Challenge, a virtual hackathon organized by Immersive Insiders and other partners, offering a substantial prize pool.

For a chance to spotlight your XR products to a keen audience, consider advertising through this platform. Donate to support those in need due to ongoing conflict through the Red Cross, particularly focusing on the Ukraine humanitarian crisis. A heartfelt thank you to my Patreon supporters for their unwavering support: your contributions are invaluable.

(Header image courtesy of Meta)

Note: This content contains advertisements and affiliate links to sustain this blog. Clicking on them offers me a small commission, fueling the continuation of content creation.