Greetings from Finland! As I pen this newsletter, I’m journeying between Helsinki and the breathtaking Lapland. It’s been a fantastic experience, as always. In the midst of this adventure, I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting Santa Claus, petting reindeer, and indulging in some delightful local cuisine. Soon, I’ll be diving into MatchXR, a significant XR event in Nordic Europe. I promise I’ll share all the thrilling details with you shortly.
Before diving into this week’s headlines, I want to pause and dedicate this newsletter to Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who recently passed away. I had the fortune of meeting him on several occasions, both in person at AWE US and virtually through various events on ENGAGE. Daniel was kind-hearted and a true joy to be around. His passion for using VR to benefit humanity, particularly in education, was truly inspiring. His absence will be felt deeply by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Farewell, Daniel; we’ll carry forth your legacy with us.
Top News of the Week
Meta Opens Up Project Aria Research Kits
A while back, Meta introduced Project Aria, a pair of glasses designed to pave the way for future Augmented Reality devices. While these glasses lack a display, they’re equipped with numerous sensors, including cameras and microphones, and were initially intended for internal and partner use only. Their purpose? To gather insights from everyday usage and help train AI/ML systems for more advanced AR technologies. However, in a recent development, Meta has unveiled the Project Aria Research Kit. Now, research centers at universities and corporations can apply for a devkit through a special webpage. Meta will review these applications, and selected research centers will receive not just the glasses but the entire development ecosystem, including a companion app, SDK, and cloud services.
These cloud services offer exciting features, such as environment reconstruction via point clouds recorded by the glasses, and obfuscation for faces and license plates in videos. It’s a golden opportunity for research centers to push the boundaries of AR technology. To inspire interest, Meta has highlighted existing projects developed with these kits by prestigious institutions like the University of Bristol, the University of Iowa, and Carnegie Mellon University. These studies range from accessibility innovations to advancements in driving and skills training. If your research center is keen on pioneering AR development, this opportunity could be a perfect match.
Other Relevant News
A New Wave of Smartglasses Emerging from China and Beyond
This week has been bustling with activity in the world of smartglasses. The triumphant launch of Ray-Ban Meta has ignited widespread interest, prompting the announcement of not one, but three new AI-powered smartglasses hailing from China alone. According to a report by 36kr, Xiaomi is working on a competitor to the Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses. Xiaomi, previously known for its smartglasses prototypes, is reportedly developing this new device in partnership with Goertek, a leading manufacturer in the XR space, and the force behind the Quest headsets in China. Anticipated for Q2 2025, these glasses could debut around the Mi Fan Festival in April.
In a related development, Baidu, the colossal search engine company, just launched the Xiaodu AI Glasses. These lightweight glasses take the concept of smart eyewear further with a 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera, AI stabilization, sound detection through a four-microphone array, and open-ear speakers for clear audio. The glasses aim to provide up to 56 hours of standby time and more than 5 hours of continuous audio playback. Expected to hit the market in the first half of 2025, they’re priced at under 2,100 yuan (around $290).
Additionally, Rokid, China’s prominent AR manufacturer, announced the Rokid Glasses. With a Snapdragon AR1 chip, these glasses feature a 640×480 resolution display, a 30-degree FOV, and 1000 nits brightness. Unique features include a monochrome green display for 2D info and integration with Alipay, allowing users to make QR code-based payments and use Alipay AI as a digital assistant. Collaboration with BOLON, a fashion eyewear brand, signifies LX Group’s potential partnerships with XR vendors in China.
Moreover, according to Reuters, Amazon is exploring smartglasses for internal use among its fleet of drivers, helping them navigate precisely while making deliveries. Codenamed "Amelia," these glasses build on the existing Echo Frames platform but feature an embedded display. Expected in Q2 2026, it’s all abuzz in the smartglasses sphere.
(Thanks to DannieVR for the tip on the Rokid glasses!)
More info (Xiaomi glasses) – More info (Baidu glasses) – More info (Rokid glasses – Reddit) – More info (Amazon glasses)
Meta for Education Launched in Beta
Meta recently unveiled the long-anticipated Meta For Education program for universities, now in its Beta phase. Initially teased months ago, the program is designed to empower educators with a range of education-specific apps and features on Quest headsets. By enabling easier management of multiple devices, it promises efficiency in classroom and training environments. With participation from notable universities like Arizona State and Imperial College London, Meta is actively refining the program with user feedback, promising a robust launch this winter.
Alongside Meta for Education, Meta has partnered with VictoryXR to create the first digital twin "metaversities" in Europe, enabling immersive educational experiences for several European universities. Meta’s strategic focus on education reflects its commitment to expanding XR’s reach—introducing college students to the potential of VR could spur XR adoption in personal spaces too.
More info (Meta for education Beta – Upload VR) – More info (Meta creating metaversities)
Meta Teases Orion Operating System
In a captivating video reveal, Meta showcased the Orion glasses’ user interface. Interestingly, the video displays various UI options, suggesting Meta is experimenting to find the best fit for their AR glasses. Given the novel paradigm of AR technology, it’s logical for Meta to explore diverse interfaces distinct from current VR/MR designs. Alex Coulombe, a developer who tested Orion at Meta Connect, confirmed he recognized some of the demonstrated UI elements from his hands-on experience.
News Worth a Mention
bHaptics Revamps Its Device Lineup
Korea’s bHaptics, renowned for its XR haptic vests, has unveiled an upgraded lineup:
- TactSuit Pro: The flagship haptic vest priced at $499.
- TactSuit Air: A more affordable version with fewer haptic motors, at $249.
- TactSleeve: An updated arm-based haptic device, priced at $199.
Pre-orders are available until November 26th. With compatibility across 270 VR titles, these haptics promise exciting interactive experiences.
More info (New bHaptics devices) – More info (Launch trailer)
Horizon Worlds Introduces Its Currency
In a pivotal move, Horizon Worlds has started rolling out Meta Credits, its virtual currency, to select regions. This enables the creation of an in-world economy, allowing users to purchase digital goods directly from creators. Developing monetization is a crucial step, and it will be fascinating to observe its impact on the Horizon Worlds ecosystem.
Ekto VR Announces Its First Batch of Shoes
After years of anticipation and demonstration, Ekto VR is ready to ship its first batch of virtual reality shoes, Genesis. Limited to the first 10 customers, these innovative shoes are priced between $2000–3000, with shipping slated for March 2025.
MeRCURY Diving Mask Now on IndieGoGo
MeRCURY introduces an XR headset for underwater environments, transforming pools into venues for innovative VR experiences. With a unique design, it’s now seeking funding on IndieGoGo. Though starting at €1250, it’s primarily targeted at B2B applications.
More info (MeRCURY on IndieGoGo) – More info (MeRCURY trailer)
Apple Releases Two New Immersive Videos
Apple has rolled out two new immersive video experiences:
- A music video for The Weeknd’s "Open Hearts" in immersive format.
- A new entry in the ‘Concert For One’ series featuring singer Raye.
More info (The Weeknd) – More info (Raye)
Content Update Highlights
- Ember Souls, a VR hack-and-slash inspired by Prince of Persia, launches November 21st on Quest for $25 (pre-order discount available).
- Gadgeteer gets a Quest update, introducing mixed reality gameplay.
- Beat Saber releases the Monstercat Mixtape 2 DLC.
- Clone Drone in the Danger Zone launches its VR sequel, Clone Drone in the Hyperdome, for $20 (pre-order discount available).
- Resolution Games announces Gears & Goo, a tower defense game coming to Vision Pro next year.
These are just a few highlights, and there are more exciting updates and releases to explore.
More info (Ember Souls) – More info (Gadgeteer) – More info (Gears & Goo)
Some Reviews About Content
Here’s what’s catching attention in the review circle:
- Triangle Strategy by Square Enix is worth exploring in XR, although it closely mirrors the flatscreen experience.
- DIG VR boasts an engaging presentation, humorous mini-games, and British charm, though not without some campaign and interaction hiccups.
- EXOcars strikes a balance between realism and fun, offering a thrilling VR racing adventure.
More info (Triangle Strategy) – More info (DIG VR) – More info (EXOcars)
News Snippets
- Sony stops the PSVR adapter for PS5.
- Pico unveils a noteworthy Pico OS update.
- Apple Final Cut Pro now supports spatial video editing.
- An article by Wired discusses the influx of children into Meta Horizon Worlds.
Partner and Friends’ News
Check out the XR Design Challenge, an exciting new hackathon with USD 10,000 in prizes, running December 2 to January 13.
Discover Story, a platform for creating spatial content on Vision Pro, perfect for diverse media. Advertise your XR innovations here!
If you’re feeling generous, consider donating to the Red Cross to aid those affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Your contributions can make a meaningful difference. I’ll leave you with the link below.
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image by Meta)
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