The XR Weekly Update (November 19, 2024): Meta Reveals Project Aria Research Kits, Surge of Chinese Smartglasses Expected, and More!

Hello from Finland! As I journey across this beautiful country, from bustling Helsinki to the serene landscapes of the Lapland, I’m soaking in every moment. It’s been a magical time filled with meeting Santa Claus, petting reindeer, and indulging in delicious local dishes. Soon, I’ll be diving into the world of MatchXR, one of the most important XR events in Nordic Europe. Can’t wait to share those adventures with you! But before we jump into the news, a heartfelt dedication goes out to Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who recently left us. I had the honor of meeting him on several occasions, both in person at AWE US and in virtual worlds during ENGAGE events. Daniel was a genuinely kind soul with an inspiring commitment to harnessing VR for the betterment of education. His legacy will live on with all who knew him. Farewell, Daniel.

Top News of the Week

(Image by Meta)

Meta Opens Applications for Project Aria Research Kits

A few years back, Meta introduced Project Aria, a pair of smart glasses packed with sensors but notably lacking a display. Their cutting-edge sensors, including cameras and microphones, were designed to collect data by tracking user behavior in real-time as AR glasses might. Originally intended for internal use only by Meta and its partners to enhance AI/ML systems, that exclusivity has just been lifted. Now, Meta is offering its Project Aria Research Kit to select research institutions. Universities and corporations can apply via a dedicated webpage, providing them the toolkit, including the glasses, an SDK, and cloud services. This opportunity for groundbreaking research holds the potential to shape the future of AR technology. Esteemed institutions like the University of Bristol and Carnegie Mellon are already paving the path. If you belong to a research organization, consider this endeavor!

Other Relevant News

(Image from Reddit user AR_MR_XR)

A New Wave of Smartglasses is Coming from China and Beyond

The realm of smart glasses is buzzing, sparked by the success of Ray-Ban Meta, leading to a fervent surge in development. This week, exciting announcements revealed three AI-powered smart glasses from China. Among them, Xiaomi, in collaboration with Goertek, one of the top XR manufacturers, is rumored to produce smart glasses rivalling Ray-Ban Meta by Q2 2025. Baidu has unveiled its Xiaodu AI Glasses, promising sleek functionality with a lightweight design and advanced features like AI stabilization. Meanwhile, Rokid introduced their Snapdragon AR1-powered glasses, a blend of tech and fashion, facilitating QR code transactions thanks to Alipay integration. With Amazon’s internal project "Amelia," we might soon see smart glasses aimed at enhancing logistics for their drivers. Smart glasses are an ever-evolving tech space, and it’s exhilarating to witness its growth.

Meta For Education Launched in Beta

A few months in the making, Meta’s educational initiative for university use debuted last week. The Meta For Education program provides an innovative platform for delivering tailored educational experiences on Quest headsets. Institutions like Arizona State University and Miami Dade College are at the forefront of this pilot. With ongoing feedback, Meta aims to refine this offering, ensuring it becomes a robust educational tool by winter. Moreover, Meta ventures into Europe’s digital campuses with “metaversities,” collaborating with VictoryXR to offer immersive remote learning on campuses in the UK, Spain, and Germany. This strategic move not only taps into the lucrative education market but also familiarizes a young audience with VR, spurring potential future adoption.

Meta Teases Orion Operating System

In a tantalizing glimpse into the future, Meta shared visuals of its Orion glasses’ UI, indicating ongoing explorations and iterations. The evolving interfaces underscore the challenges and innovations required to tailor AR to its distinctive platform, unlike traditional VR/MR interfaces. The developer, Alex Coulombe, has attested to the authenticity of these explorations, enriching our anticipation of what Meta’s AR glasses could become.

News Worth a Mention

(Image by bHaptics)

bHaptics Revamps Its Lineup of Devices

Known for its haptic technology, Korean company bHaptics has upgraded its lineup. Their new flagship haptic vest, TactSuit Pro, priced at $499, promises an intense haptic experience. For a budget-friendly option, TactSuit Air is available at $249, albeit with fewer haptic motors. For arm-based experiences, TactSleeve comes in at $199. Preorders are open until November 26, with compatibility across over 270 VR titles. A purchase could definitely enhance your VR gaming adventures.

Horizon Worlds is Getting Its Currency

Horizon Worlds is rolling out Meta Credits, its virtual currency, in select regions, crucial for developing Horizon Worlds’ economy. This enables users to buy virtual goods, marking a pivotal step in creating sustainable monetization on the platform. Watching how this impacts the ecosystem will be fascinating.

Ekto VR Announces Its First Batch of Shoes

After extensive development, Ekto VR is ready to ship its Genesis shoes, designed for immersive VR movement. This limited release targets early adopters willing to invest $2000–3000, paving the way for further innovations in virtual reality experiences.

Other News and Tidbits

• MeRCURY’s XR diving mask is up on IndieGoGo for underwater VR experiences at €1250.
• Apple releases immersive video experiences, featuring The Weeknd and Raye.
• New releases include Ember Souls, Gadgeteer updates, and clone drone VR sequels.
• News about content and reviews provide a deeper dive into the latest in XR gaming and devices.

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A Little XR Fun

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Donate for Good

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