Alright, let’s see if I can make sense of this chaos that is my brain right now. And I mean chaos in the best way possible. So, Wimbledon? Yeah, an Italian won it. Crazy, right? As an Italian, this makes me think I should do something big too. Like invent pasta that never overcooks. What do you think? Anyway, let’s cut to the chase—here’s my mixed bag of XR news from this week. Not sure why I’m putting it like this, but who cares, right?
Top News of the Week-ish
First off, XPANCEO is strutting around as a new XR unicorn. Heard they’re cooking up smart contacts down in Dubai. Got an investment of $250M! Unicorns in the desert… sounds magical, doesn’t it? Opportunity Venture’s got their fingers in this pie too. They’re all pumped about 2026 product launches but, I dunno, I might put my money on it being a tad later. Tricky business, these smart lenses. I played around with a few prototypes once; they fit like, well, uncomfortable but exciting potential. Good luck, XPANCEO team! And save a camel ride for me in Dubai.
Other Whatevers Worth Mentioning
Upload VR went all out with their Summer Showcase 2025. Bunch of indie games trying to elbow their way into the spotlight. Nothing huge, just your typical “hey, we exist too!” kinda deal. Maybe not headline-makers, but surely heart-takers for some gamers. “Elsewhere Electric” intrigues me. I mean, co-op puzzles via VR and a phone? Must have a release date tattooed somewhere. Let’s not forget poor old Samsung just ghosting their own Moohan at the Unpacked gig. Out of sight, out of mind, or maybe they’ve got their reasons?
Samsung’s confusion parade leaves me scratching my head. Moohan’s supposed to be their latest and greatest MR headset. The rumor mill is spinning faster than my grandma’s knitting needles. Feels like a plot twist from a soap opera, seriously! Let’s wait and see if they surprise us with a big reveal somewhere down the line.
Now, Meta. Man, they’re shaking hands with Luxottica—$3.5B thrown into this dance. Tech meets fashion? Sounds swanky!
Canon’s nudging their toes in the MR waters too. Expensive gear though, like buying fine wine with a fancy label. Talks of a consumer model linger like the smell of popcorn in a theater—inviting but teasing.
Then there’s CREAL, snagging a cool $9M. Making lightfield displays even a caveman could wear—someday soon, I hope. Fingers crossed, huh?
Lastly, some good old-fashioned chaos at a VR LAN Party. Organizing one’s a bit like herding cats, I guess. Props to Jeff Baz for pulling it off—and while making wooden chopsticks nonetheless. If this isn’t humanity’s weird and wonderful spirit, what is?
If you made it this far, congrats! You’ve survived my brain dump. Make sure to thank a teacher or something. Spread some kindness if you can, share the joy of XR, and maybe donate to the Red Cross too—I mean, we all need a little help sometimes, right? Until next time, keep being your chaotic awesome self.
