The XR Weekly Digest (December 16, 2024): Unveiling Android XR, Samsung Heads-Up Display, and More!

This has been an exciting week as I just announced my upcoming trip to CES in January—my first time ever attending this illustrious event! I’m in the midst of planning and arranging meetings to try out some of the latest AR/VR eyewear. Heading there too? Drop me a line! Or if you have any tips on getting the most out of CES, I’d love to hear them. Once I’m back, I can’t wait to give you the inside scoop on my adventures. But until then, let’s dive into this week’s top XR headlines and a giveaway!

Top News of the Week

Google Announced Android XR

The announcement from Google this week is monumental, both for the week and the year: the unveiling of Android XR. This will be Google’s operating system specifically for all XR devices, including mixed reality headsets and AR glasses. The first device to showcase this system is the highly anticipated mixed-reality headset developed with Samsung and Qualcomm, codenamed Project Moohan. Other companies like XREAL, Sony, and Lynx are in the process of crafting new devices that will work seamlessly with this operating system.

Google offered a sneak peek to select press members, showing off demos on Project Moohan and both types of smart glasses—monocular and binocular. A standout feature of this OS is its AI integration with Gemini AI. It acts as a constant assistant, ready to help both in the physical and virtual realms. For example, you can hold up a restaurant business card in front of your eyes and ask Gemini to find it on a 3D version of Google Maps. The AI assistant will display the virtual location, and you can engage further for more details. Language translation during conversations with someone from a different country becomes real-time, letting you communicate easily. It’s a game-changer but raises some privacy concerns since the AI also tracks what happens for the past ten minutes, always ready to assist.

Android XR can automatically convert photos and videos into 3D, and it offers multi-modal control using voice, controllers, hands, or eyes. Right now, Google’s own suite and a few games like Demeo and Vacation Simulator are the only content announced, but developers can get a head start with a preview development environment for Unity, WebXR, and more.

As for Project Moohan, details remain sparse, but it appears to blend the features of Quest Pro and Apple Vision Pro with external batteries and high-definition displays. Look forward to new controllers in 2025 when it officially ships. Google entering the XR scene brings more credibility and competition, benefiting all involved. Let’s hope it doesn’t become another lineup addition to Google’s graveyard.

For more insights and opinions, check out my detailed Android XR roundup or Ben Lang’s editorial on the Google versus Meta Horizon OS debate.

Other Relevant News

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

Meta is deploying version 72 of its runtime, bringing along several interesting updates:

• Hand tracking has seen a jump to version 2.3 which boosts responsiveness, especially in confined spaces like during travel mode.
• The new Windows Mixed Reality Link feature means Quest 3 and 3S users can glance at their Windows 11 PC to make an automatic connection, similar to how Vision Pro communicates with Mac devices. From then on, your computer screen becomes a huge virtual display—a boon for productivity, although Apple still has the edge.
• The system’s ability to track keyboards now lets users see them using passthrough.
• A new Media Gallery app is available, letting users enjoy content directly on their devices.
• There’s no need to set up a boundary when entering the VR home environment anymore, thanks to a static assumption, streamlining user experience.

The standout feature for me has to be the Windows 11 connection. It mirrors what many loved about Mac’s Vision Pro link, and I can’t wait to try it out on PC.

For more details, explore Road to VR’s or Upload VR’s comprehensive takes on this update.

News Worth a Mention

Omdia Forecasts a Tough 2025 for XR

Market research firm Omdia’s latest XR market analysis is less than optimistic. They note a 10% dip in headset sales in 2024, down to 6.9 million units from 2023’s 7.7 million, expecting a continuation into 2025. Yet, a turnaround is predicted for 2026. I find these predictions plausible, though personally, I see growth since 2023 due to successes like Ray-Ban Meta glasses and Android XR’s debut. Perspectives surely vary.

For more, see the Financial Times’ report or check out the LinkedIn post about Omdia’s findings.

Gorilla Tag’s Rise to Fame

JP Minetos penned an intriguing narrative on Road To VR about Gorilla Tag’s meteoric success. It thrived due to its social mechanics, unique locomotion style, simple yet engaging gameplay, and its ability to become a viral sensation.

See the full account here.

A Deal on Quest 3S

This week, the Quest 3S (256 GB) is on discount at $400 with a $30 Amazon credit, a sweet deal available until Christmas.

Check it out on Amazon US and elsewhere.

Batman: Arkham Shadow Takes Home Best VR/AR Game Award

Camouflaj’s Batman: Arkham Shadow clinched the Best VR/AR Game award at The Game Awards, a deserving win considering its impact and acclaim.

Watch the award moment or see Meta’s celebratory blog.

Content Buzz

• Fallout London VR aims to bring VR support to the expansive Fallout: London DLC.
• Path of Fury: Episode I—Tetsuo’s Tower launches early 2025 for $9.99 on Quest 2/3/Pro, drawing inspiration from ’80s martial arts films.
• Bridge Constructor has introduced an XR version, priced at $10.
• Behemoth’s latest patch adjusts combat and fixes bugs following varied feedback.
• Clone Drone in the Hyperdome can now be played on Steam and Meta for $20.
• Realize Music: Sing, a therapeutic music app interwoven with VR, debuts on Meta Quest in January 2025.
• Panic Room MR invites terror to your home with a mixed-reality horror experience on Quest 3 & 3S for $5.
• X8 Contra: Super Wall Storm, available at $20, merges Konami’s Contra: Operation Galuga with VR, now live on Horizon Store and Steam.
• Test your strategy in Crystal Commanders on Quest, arriving February 2025.
• Mecha Force, inspired by Shin Getter Robo and Gurren Lagann, is now in early access with a free demo.
• DodgeCraft sharpens reflexes with its brand-new VR sports game on Quest.
• Dive deep in Beyond Blue: After the Storm, an aquatic VR narrative floating on its ocean backdrop.
• Human Fall Flat VR introduces a first-person experience now in Steam’s beta phase.

For more on these and more XR tidbits, check out Upload VR’s XR News Round-Up.

Content Reviews

• Metamorphosis VR boasts intriguing ideas and visuals but lacks refinement.
• Action Hero reinvents SuperHot, offering thrilling campaigns perfect for VR novices and veterans alike.
• Home Sports lets friends enjoy sports in VR, though some depth is missing from the offerings.
• Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon turns zombie-killing clichés on their head with humor.

Read more on these titles in-depth in their respective reviews.

Other Headlines

Rob Cole examined the Pimax Crystal Light in detail.

Details Here.

Norman Mueller summarized recent developments in AR and smart glasses.

Details Here.

Apple’s new feature offers an Ultrawide Virtual Display on Vision Pro.

Details Here.

The NeoGrip is an affordable open-source VR headset controller.

Details Here.

Unity’s Humanity 2025 grant applications are now open.

Details Here.

Into The Scaniverse enables exploration of globally mapped locales with Gaussian Splats via WebXR.

Details Here.

Updates from Our Partners (and Friends)

Vitruvian VR offers investments—this is a chance to jump into a promising startup! This company is behind an incredible full-body simulator controller that simulates zero-gravity environments. I’ve linked to a review and the crowdfunding page where investments start from €250.

More about Vitruvian or see my detailed take.

Iron Rebellion Giveaway

If you’re into mecha games, Iron Rebellion—a homage to Titanfall and Hawken—is now available on Steam and Quest. The developers have kindly offered some Steam keys, so grab one fast:

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If these are already snatched up, consider supporting by purchasing a copy. Discover Iron Rebellion on Steam or Horizon Store.

A Bit of XR Humor

Wonder what Quest 4’s camera setup might look like? Check this funny link.
Need a joyful comic starring chickens and VR? Find it here.
Curious about the first rule in Fight Club? Take a look here.

Contribute to a Cause

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[List of Patreon Supporters]

Here is the link for contributions:

Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

(Header image by Google)

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