The XR Weekly Digest (2025.07.28): New Features for Quest Revealed, Brilliant Labs to Debut Smartglasses, and More!

So, here we go, diving headfirst into some wild XR stuff, right in the heart of summer. Hope you’re soaking up the sun—or, you know, at least some kind of light. We’ve got a bunch of things to chat about, plus, there’s a giveaway. Yep, free stuff. Don’t miss it!

Top Bytes of the Week (Or Something Like That)

Decoding Quest’s Hidden Tidbits

Got a gem from Luna at Upload VR – datamining whispers about what Quest might be up to next. So, Horizon Home is shaking things up. Gone is the chill static home, welcoming a social and lively vibe instead. A nod to Horizon Worlds maybe? Anyway, it’s like walking into a party in your living room. Plus, you’ll have portals—how sci-fi is that?

The Plaza’s getting a makeover too. And—oh wait—I almost forgot! There’s some Events Arena happening in there… Sounds fancy. Photoreal? Yeah, it’s that wild idea of turning phone photos into virtual spaces. If that doesn’t push your geek button, I don’t know what will. Remember though, it’s all hush-hush, unofficial gossip. We may see things change, or, poof, nothing at all.

Look Who’s Talking—I Mean, Launching: Brilliant Labs’ New Smartglasses

Brilliant Labs, famous for their quirky Monocle and stylish Frames, is teasing us with some upcoming smartglasses. Mark July 31st—the reveal day. I wonder if they’ll deliver something wild or just, you know, glasses. Fingers crossed for AI and geek-friendly stuff. The founder’s doing an AMA on Reddit too, so buckle up for more juicy details.

Surprise, Surprise: Sharp’s VR Controller?

Sharp just tossed a VR controller at us. Didn’t see that coming, did you? It’s like a glove had a baby with a controller—might sound odd, but hey, if it vibrates with tactile magic, I’m in! They slapped a price of ¥100,000 on it—steep, right? Can’t wait to see who bites.

Other Snippets Worth Noting

Meta’s Wristband—Not Just a Bracelet

Meta’s been tinkering with this EMG Wristband. Published some science-y stuff about it. You can write in the air, swipe your thumb, or tap away. Feels like something out of a sci-fi flick, really. I just hope it won’t zap when I’m waving my hand around.

Google’s Smartglasses: Lab Reality?

Karl Guttag, the display guru, reckons Google’s glasses are more like lab pets than wild creatures ready for the market. If only science could make one hundred displays from Raxium without playing roulette.

VR Games Showcase: Set Your Alarms

VR Games Showcase, August 12th, 8:40 AM. More games, more reveals. My calendar’s already buzzing. But don’t forget the indie pre-show. They need love too, even if major titles steal the spotlight.

Deals, Real Life Golf, and Studio Shakeups

Pico headsets have their summer blowout, so maybe it’s time to splurge a bit. Then there’s Putt Window—real golf in a virtual world. Just watch out for the vases at home.

Dungeon Full Dive’s creators are throwing in the towel. Sad to see, but at least they’re making their stuff free. A silver lining in the VR storm, I guess.

Content Highlights (And Lowlights?)

• Sound Bath: Visual zen from the TRIPP folks.
• Eldramoor: Haven in the Mist: Raised $170K. Could it be enough? Echo of my worries…
• Billie Eilish: Captured in 3D for Meta. Cue the hype.
• Rec Room: Now with an AI buddy. Say hello to Roomie.

Reviews Are In!

• Pirate: Republic of Nassau: Feels like a swashbuckling dream.
• Dreams of Another: Storytelling with a twist—quite literally.
• Elsewhere Electric: A whodunit worth trying. Some quirks need ironing out though.
• Clone Drone in the Hyperdome: Roguelite goodness ramped up.

Quick Shoutouts and Happenings

• Xiaomi AI glasses review—DannieVR did their homework.
• Viture’s got bright smartglasses—XREAL’s contender maybe?
• Pimax pitching discounts with trade-in claims.
• Google flexing virtual try-ons from photos… That’s a thing now.

And Finally…

BEATABLE’s game giveaway. It’s fun and now packed with features. Go grab a key fast before they vanish!

My buddy Medhi Sam wrote a nifty blog post—go learn some shader tricks in Unity. Don’t say I didn’t share.

Oh, and discover FM DUO—filming VR in high-def. Zoom in on life’s details like never before.

Little Laughs and Big Hearts

Someone thought clothes were optional in VR? Internet never disappoints.

Last but not least, a heartfelt nudge: consider donating to the Red Cross for Ukraine. Every bit helps.

Thanks for hanging in there till the end. See you in the next vortex of exciting real-world-meets-digital chaos!