Greetings from Finland! Today, I’m penning this newsletter as I journey through Finland, traveling from Helsinki to the enchanting Lapland. My stay here is delightful as always—I’ve met Santa Claus, got the chance to pet some reindeer, and indulged in authentic local cuisine. Soon, I’ll be attending MatchXR, a significant event in Nordic Europe’s XR scene. I’ll be sure to share all about my adventures there in due time.
Before diving into the week’s news, I want to take a moment to dedicate this edition of my newsletter to Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who recently passed away. Daniel was a remarkable individual whom I had the privilege of meeting on several occasions. Sometimes we met at physical events like AWE US, and at other times, we connected in virtual settings, particularly during events on ENGAGE. Daniel radiated kindness and was always a joy to be around. He was deeply committed to harnessing VR’s potential, particularly in education, to benefit humanity. His absence will be felt by all who knew him. Farewell, Daniel. We promise to uphold your legacy.
Top news of the week
Meta opens applications for Project Aria research kits
A couple of years ago, Meta introduced Project Aria, a pair of smart glasses designed as a preliminary step toward developing future Augmented Reality (AR) glasses. These glasses, though lacking a display, were equipped with a suite of sensors, namely cameras and microphones, and were initially intended for Meta employees and tightly-knit partners. The purpose was to study behaviors by capturing data from the wearer’s viewpoint, mirroring the functionality of AR glasses. By collecting such data, Meta aimed to enhance its AI/ML systems for future AR developments. Originally for internal use, this week marks a change. Meta announced the availability of the Project Aria Research Kit. Academic institutions and corporate research centers can now apply for these devkits via a dedicated webpage. Meta will evaluate the submissions and grant the complete development environment, including glasses, a companion app, SDK, and cloud services, to selected applicants. These services feature data storage, environment reconstruction from point-cloud data captured by the glasses, and privacy-enhancing features like face and license plate obfuscation in recordings. This initiative presents a tremendous opportunity to push the envelope in AR research. To spark interest, Meta has also shared case studies from esteemed universities like Bristol, Iowa, and Carnegie Mellon, showcasing projects on accessibility and skill development. If you’re part of a research center, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
More info
Other relevant news
A new wave of smartglasses is coming from China (and beyond)
The smart glasses sector has been buzzing this week. Spurred by the success of Ray-Ban Meta, a slew of new AI-powered smart glasses, particularly from China, have been announced. According to a report by Chinese magazine 36kr, Xiaomi is potentially crafting a product to rival the Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses. Xiaomi, not a novice in this domain, has shown various prototypes over recent years. Reports suggest these upcoming glasses are being developed in collaboration with Goertek, a colossal XR manufacturer responsible for producing Quest headsets in China. The release is speculated for Q2 2025, possibly aligning with the Mi Fan Festival in April.
In a recent update, I noted that Baidu might unveil glasses soon, and it happened. Baidu’s Xiaodu AI Glasses debuted, weighing just 45 grams, equipped with a 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera, AI stabilization, a four-microphone array, and open-ear anti-leakage speakers. Their battery offers about 56 hours of standby and over 5 hours of continuous audio playback. The glasses boast six main features: real-time queries, calorie recognition, object identification via an encyclopedia, audio-visual translation, and intelligent reminders. These are expected in the first half of 2025, anticipated to retail for under 2,100 yuan (approximately $290).
Additionally, Chinese AR giant Rokid unveiled the Rokid Glasses, powered by Snapdragon AR1. These glasses feature a monochrome green display with a resolution of 640 by 480, 30 degrees of FOV, and 1000 nits of brightness, designed for 2D data display. They also have photo and video capabilities, and thanks to Alipay integration, users can make transactions merely by scanning QR codes—a prevalent practice in China. Built with BOLON, a Chinese eyewear brand under EssilorLuxottica, this signifies Luxottica’s willingness to collaborate with XR firms in China. However, how this may transcend to markets outside China remains uncertain.
It’s not just commercial advancements; per Reuters, Amazon is reportedly working on glasses codenamed "Amelia" based on the Echo Frames platform. These are meant for internal use, particularly for delivery drivers, to display directions directly in their field of view, potentially minimizing navigation errors when delivering packages. An integrated screen for upcoming Echo Frames is hinted to roll out in Q2 2026.
The smartglasses field is certainly abuzz with activity…
(Thanks DannieVR for the tip about the Rokid glasses!)
More info (Xiaomi glasses) More info (Baidu glasses) More info (Rokid glasses — Reddit post and comments) More info (Rokid glasses — Wechat post in Chinese) More info (Amazon glasses)
Meta For Education launched in beta
A few months back, Meta hinted at an upcoming education-centric offering for its Quest headsets, targeting universities. This program, Meta For Education, was finally unveiled last week and has entered the Beta phase. Initially, Meta mentioned the program would "enable educators, trainers, and administrators to access a wide range of educational apps and features, facilitating the management of multiple Quest devices in educational settings without the need for individual updates."
The details remain consistent, albeit with more promotional language. It appears (just my guess) that this initiative entails a store with educational resources along with an MDM device management solution for teachers to oversee student devices. Notably, significant institutions like Arizona State University, Imperial College London, Miami Dade College, and several others are already aboard the program. By collecting feedback from these universities, Meta aims to refine the system, committing to launch a full-service package by winter.
Furthermore, Meta has joined forces with VictoryXR to conceptualize Europe’s first digital twin "metaversities." Through these immersive platforms, students and educators at universities like Leeds and Hannover will partake in live, virtual classes, social networking, and experiential learning that mirrors their real campuses.
Meta’s efforts in education seem strategic for two main reasons: it’s a profitable sector and serves as a gateway for younger cohorts. Exposing students to VR headsets at school could familiarize them with XR’s value, fostering eventual consumer adoption.
More information (Meta for education launched in Beta — Upload VR) More information (Meta for education launched in Beta — Official article) More information (Meta creating metaversities)
Meta teases Orion operating system
In a recent video release, Meta showcased the Orion glasses’ UI. Interestingly, the video revealed multiple UIs, hinting that Meta is still experimenting with design options. Given the pioneering nature of AR glasses, it’s clear that traditional VR or MR interfaces won’t suffice, so exploring new solutions makes perfect sense. Alex Coulombe, a developer who tested Orion at Meta Connect, verified that he experienced some of the interfaces featured in the video.
More info
News worth a mention
bHaptics revamps its lineup of devices
From South Korea, bHaptics, renowned for its haptic vests in XR, has announced a refreshed suite of devices:
- TactSuit Pro: Their top-of-the-line haptic vest priced at $499.
- TactSuit Air: A more affordable option with fewer haptic motors than the Pro, costing $249.
- TactSleeve: The latest arm-based haptic gadget priced at $199.
Preorders run until November 26th. bHaptics devices support over 270 VR titles across Quest, PSVR 2, and SteamVR, promising a fun interactive experience.
More info (New bHaptics devices) More info (Launch trailer of the new bHaptics devices)
Horizon Worlds is getting its currency
Horizon Worlds recently began introducing Meta Credits, its virtual currency, in various regions. This move is pivotal as it allows Horizon Worlds to cultivate an internal economy where users can purchase digital goods from creators. Incorporating monetization on such platforms is always a notable development, and it’ll be fascinating to observe its effects on Horizon World’s ecosystem.
More info
Ekto VR announces its first batch of shoes
After years of development and event showcases, Ekto VR is finally ready to dispatch its inaugural batch of VR shoes, called Genesis. Limited to just 10 units, this release caters to enthusiasts eager to pioneer this novel hardware. Each pair costs between $2000–3000, with shipping slated for March 2025.
More info
MeRCURY diving mask is now on IndieGoGo
Turning your pool into an innovative realm for virtual experiences—that’s the promise of the MeRCURY XR headset, purpose-built for aquatic environments. Whether exploring underwater, traversing space, or visiting abstract worlds, this sleekly designed headset makes waves. Currently on IndieGoGo, it starts at €1250, suggesting it’s aimed primarily at the B2B market.
More info (MeRCURY on IndieGoGo) More info (MeRCURY trailer)
Apple releases two new immersive videos
Apple has rolled out two cutting-edge immersive videos:
- The immersive version of the music video for "Open Hearts" by The Weeknd.
- The latest in the “Concert For One” series featuring award-winning singer Raye.
More info (The Weeknd) More info (Raye)
Some info about content
- Ember Souls, a VR hack-and-slash inspired by Prince of Persia, launches on Quest on November 21st for $25, with a 16% preorder discount.
- Gadgeteer now enjoys mixed reality features with a Quest 3 update.
- Beat Saber has unveiled its much-anticipated DLC, Monstercat Mixtape 2.
- Clone Drone in the Danger Zone unveils a VR sequel titled Clone Drone in the Hyperdome, launching at $20 with a 10% preorder discount.
- Resolution Games will soon introduce a tower defense game, Gears & Goo, for Vision Pro.
- Spatial Ops by Resolution Games offers a mixed reality multiplayer shooter for $20.
- Little Cities: Diorama is prepared to debut on Vision Pro via Apple Arcade on December 5th.
- Exercise Your Demons is poised to launch on December 12 for $20.
- Last Stand, a new mixed reality PvP shooter, is now in early access on Quest.
- Starship Troopers: Continuum, a new VR co-op shooter, is available on Quest for €18.
- Boxing Underdog is the evolved version of VRSO’s boxing title, out this month on Quest.
- Road To VR has published its roundups of minor VR developments in XR News Bits and XR News Round-Up.
More info (Ember Souls) More info (Gadgeteer) More info (Beat Saber) More info (Clone Drone in the Hyperdome) More info (Gears & Goo) More info (Spatial Ops) More info (Little Cities) More info (Exercise Your Demons) More info (Last Stand) More info (Starship Troopers: Continuum) More info (Boxing Underdog) More info (XR News Bits) More info (XR News Roundup)
Some reviews about content
- Triangle Strategy by Square Enix, while great for XR, feels overly familiar to its flatscreen variant.
- DIG VR excels with its vibrant style, humorous minigames, and British wit, though hampered by some campaign and interaction issues.
- EXOcars strikes a delightful balance between realistic and entertaining VR racing gameplay.
More info (Triangle Strategy) More info (DIG VR) More info (EXOcars)
Other news
- Sony discontinues the adapter for using the original PSVR on PS5.
- Learn more
- Pico released a noteworthy update to Pico OS.
- Learn more
- Apple Final Cut Pro now supports editing of Spatial Videos.
- Learn more
- A Wired article reports that Meta Horizon Worlds now hosts an influx of children.
- Learn more
- FAB now offers numerous free Quixel Megascans assets. (Thanks Ivan Aguilar for the tip)
- Learn more
- Vive Ultimate Tracker now compatible with 3rd party headsets. (Thanks Ivan Aguilar for the tip)
- Learn more
- Niantic introduced its Spatial Platform, aiming to “unlock spatial intelligence’s potential” (admittedly vague but intriguing).
- Learn more
News from partners (and friends)
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Immersive Insiders, in collaboration with Meta, ShapesXR, and IDEO, is organizing the Global XR Design Challenge. This online competition, running from December 2 to January 13, offers $10,000 USD in prizes for the best ideas and concepts in XR design. Participation is free, so consider joining!
- Learn more
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Vision Pro’s Story app allows users to create spatial content via an immersive interface supporting multiple media types—2D photos, videos, 3D models, and more. Download now and unleash your creativity!
- Learn more about Story / 1
- Learn more about Story / 2
- Want to advertise on this blog? Showcase your XR product to an engaged audience who are passionate about AR/VR. Explore advertisement offerings and effectively promote on Ghost Howls!
- Learn more about advertisement services
Some XR fun
Here’s the link for some PCVR entertainment.
Donate for good
As with last week, I’d like to take this closing section not to ask for contributions to my blog, but to encourage donations for those suffering due to war. Please consider supporting the Red Cross’s efforts in both Ukraine and elsewhere in need. Your generosity can make a real difference. Below is the link for donations:
- Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
A heartfelt thank you to my Patreon donors for all your support:
– [List of donor names]
Additionally, here is the link for donations to the Red Cross:
- [Link to donate]
(Header image by Meta)
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