Wow, this week really kept me on my toes, but in the best possible way! Just as I was juggling multiple projects, Meta threw in another curveball by opening up camera access for the Quest. Naturally, I couldn’t resist diving into this new development. Let’s delve into this week’s most exciting XR news—there’s plenty to cover! Stick around till the end, because we have giveaways coming your way!
Weekly Highlights
Niantic’s Bold Move: Selling its Gaming Division to Scopely
In a surprising turn of events, Niantic decided to sell its entire gaming division, including the smash hit Pokémon Go, to Scopely for $3.85 billion. This decision means Pokémon Go now falls under the umbrella of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which owns Scopely’s parent company. Niantic is now shifting its focus to geospatial technology—an intriguing mix of AI, AR, spatial intelligence, and geolocation—through a newly developed spin-off called Niantic Spatial, starting with a $250 million fund.
While that selling price is substantial, the decision effectively parts ways with its chief revenue stream, Pokémon Go. Niantic is placing a heavy bet on XR’s bright future, projecting that AR could become profitable in a matter of years. Exciting as this gamble is, losing Pokémon Go does mean Niantic might face some turbulent times should AR adoption lag. Without the support of a heavy hitter like Pokémon Go, which could have been a driving factor for Niantic’s upcoming hardware, they’re certainly making this leap without a net.
Still, credit where credit is due; John Hanke’s bold pivot to XR shows immense faith in this emerging tech. Whether the gamble pays off or not, his decisive move is commendable.
Meta Enables Passthrough APIs for Quest 3/3S
Finally, Meta has unlocked its Passthrough APIs, granting developers access to camera frames on Quest devices. This enhancement allows mixed reality apps to perceive and respond to users’ surroundings intelligently. Developers can now access the SDK and runtime for Quest devices and review official samples Meta has prepared. It’s akin to a move Google teased with Android XR, and it means your apps can now span across phones and Android XR headsets seamlessly.
The downside? While it’s an experimental feature, applications using Passthrough Camera Access are currently barred from being published on the Horizon Store. However, based on previous practices, it’s likely this restriction will lift within a few months—we just need to be patient!
The VR Games Showcase 2025 Delivers Exciting Announcements
Led by Jamie Feltham, the VR Games Showcase once again brought forth a treasure trove of intriguing updates in VR gaming. While nothing revolutionary was unveiled, the showcase featured plenty of exciting developments. Here are a few standout mentions:
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"Stay: Forever Home" will launch on Quest in April, featuring an engaging VR and MR adventure alongside a loyal, virtual dog companion.
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A new trailer hyped up "Hitman: World of Assassination" for PSVR 2, arriving on March 27th—fingers crossed for a brilliant Hitman experience in VR.
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"Memoreum," a sci-fi survival horror, is set to frighten fans on Quest come September, backed by a gripping new trailer.
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"Slender: The Arrival VR" is headed to PSVR2, PC VR, and Quest this spring—prepare to be terrified!
- Flat2VR Studios is on a roll, announcing four upcoming titles, signaling a burgeoning confidence after their previous hits.
Ultraleap’s Sad Farewell
In less happy news, Ultraleap, a leader in hand tracking and haptics, seems to be parting with its assets. According to reports, Ultraleap’s hand-tracking tech is sold to Roli, a musical instrument company. With layoffs and a significant reduction in their operations, it’s heartbreaking to see a once-thriving company reduced to a shadow of its former self.
Samsung’s Project Moohan to Feature Motion Controllers
News has emerged via SamMobile indicating that Samsung’s Project Moohan headset will come with its own proprietary motion controllers, marking a different path from Apple’s hand-tracking emphasis. Though it isn’t clear if these controllers will be bundled with the headset, their inclusion is a promising sign for developers looking to seamlessly port content to Samsung’s new device.
Meta’s Struggles with Horizon Worlds
New reports from New World Notes cast a harsh light on Meta’s Horizon Worlds. Surprisingly, the developers are not as enthusiastic about virtual worlds as one would expect. Some internal reports suggest developers were mimicking headset use without actual engagement. Furthermore, the lack of virtual world expertise and passion within the development team could be potential culprits behind Horizon Worlds’ lackluster reception.
Eye-Tracking and Google’s XR Ambitions
In a power move, Google aims to acquire AdHawk Microsystems, which specializes in non-optical eye-tracking technology. While it shows slightly less precision, this tech is less demanding on privacy and power, hinting at Google’s serious investment in advancing XR.
Valve’s Upcoming Wireless Dongle
Datamining efforts have uncovered Valve’s work on a "SteamVR Link Dongle," designed to boost the wireless VR experience by offering a better connection between a PC and a headset. Rumored to accompany the anticipated Deckard headset, Valve appears committed to expanding access to SteamVR, potentially enhancing experiences across Pico and HTC devices.
Meta Innovates with Micro Gestures
More Meta news this week as they introduce microgesture detection in their SDK, allowing nuanced finger movements for more organic user interactions in MR environments.
Immersed’s Visor Faces Delays
For fans waiting on the Immersed Visor headset, more delays loom, with production pushed beyond summer. This comes amidst obscure financial revelations and communication struggles within the community. While it’s normal for hardware ventures to face hurdles, transparency could ease the concerns of eager customers.
Challenges in the VR Gaming Industry
Turbulence continues for the VR gaming market. Phaser Lock, known for Final Assault, recently closed its doors due to economic challenges. Furthermore, the publisher behind Bulletstorm VR, People Can Fly, announced the cessation of VR game publishing, likely due to a decline in investment, especially from Meta.
Wacky yet Compelling Tech Experiments
Two extraordinary experiments captured my attention this week. Cortical Labs introduced CL1, a biological computer blending human neurons with silicon at $35,000—a leap into unknown territory. Meanwhile, another baffling endeavor enabled real-time dream communication between two sleeping individuals. As tech pushes boundaries, one can only wonder what’s next.
MAGE Delivers Exceptional Physics on Quest
MAGE is stirring things up on Quest 3 with its efficient physics engine, boasting exceptional performance that traditional engines like Unity and Unreal can’t match. While currently limited to MAGE, this engine could revolutionize future physics-based applications if opened to others.
Apple’s Metallica Concert Experience on Vision Pro
Apple released an innovative immersive experience of a Metallica concert captured in 8K 3D video with spatial audio on its Vision Pro. It’s an exciting addition to the XR music scene, even if it bears a more conventional film style rather than VR-centric filmmaking techniques.
Don’t Miss Out on VR Sales
Both Steam and the Horizon Store are slashing prices on VR games. Snag standout titles like “Half-Life: Alyx” at a fantastic discount—$18 after a 70% price cut. Grab these deals while they last!
Let’s Look at Some Reviews
- On PSVR 2, "Waltz Of The Wizard" improves with hand tracking despite occasional hiccups.
- "Deep Cuts" offers a creative movie-making experience, ideal for budding directors.
- While fun, "Path of Fury" may feel reminiscent of a rhythm game under a different guise.
- Mythic Realms delivers a layered MR experience worth checking out.
- "Pixel Dungeon" satisfies with classic dungeon crawling, a gem even before its next wave of content.
Explore Unique Content
From the new rhythm game "BEATABLE," to the intriguing "Path of Fury" on Quest, discover fresh titles promising immersive narratives and thrilling mechanics.
Stay Updated
Dive into additional stories such as Vicon’s latest motion tracking tech debut or warnings about D-Link dongles for Quest Air Link. Plus, get insights on the budding smart contact lens prototypes from XPANCEO.
And don’t forget to check out our fun section for a laugh, and consider supporting the Red Cross’ humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. A big thank you to all patrons who generously support the blog!
Lastly, keep an eye out for Mythic Realms giveaway keys—be quick and you might just snag one for free! Enjoy exploring the ever-evolving realm of XR, and until next time, keep pushing the boundaries!
