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This week’s tech news had a little something for everyone, with heavyweights like Apple, Meta, Google, and Valve in the spotlight. Don’t miss any of the updates—read on and you’ll find details about an exciting mixed reality game giveaway towards the end! Also, feel free to check out my latest piece on the XR ecosystem in China and my upcoming trip to Shanghai.
Top News of the Week
Headsets and U.S. Tariffs: The Unfolding Story
The US tariffs saga continues to be a rollercoaster, leaving the XR industry on edge about possible impacts on headset costs. Companies are in a wait-and-see mode, but some are making moves. Pimax and BigScreen have reassured customers by pledging to absorb most, if not all, tariff costs. Pimax will, however, impose a $75–95 regional surcharge for U.S. buyers of the Pimax Super.
The recent developments are promising, as most electronic devices, including XR headsets, might be exempt from the tariffs. This is particularly good news for headsets like the Quest, which won’t have to undergo a price increase. But before we get too excited, it’s wise to confirm the exemption status of these headsets fully. Additionally, watch out for new tariffs on electronic chips, which could stir up fresh challenges for our industry.
Apple’s Next Big Thing: Vision Pro 2 and AR Glasses
With the release of the Apple Vision Pro, many speculative rumors were laid to rest. Yet, a fresh wave of speculation is building around the Vision Pro’s successor. This week, a Chinese publication reported that Apple Vision Pro 2 could already be in production, focusing on core components like panels and shells.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman countered with insights that Apple might be working on two headsets: a Vision Pro refresh boasting a more robust chip, potentially the M5, and a tethered version providing a big virtual screen experience linked to a Mac—although the rationale for the latter is unclear.
What truly piques my interest is Apple’s potential focus on AR glasses. Gurman suggests that Tim Cook is doubling down on beating Meta to market in this space, signaling a fascinating future battle in augmented reality.
Valve and the Deckard Speculations
Rumor has it, courtesy of Brad Lynch, that Valve has been importing equipment to produce facial interfaces for their VR headsets in the U.S., likely for the much-anticipated Valve Deckard. The move suggests that we’re edging closer to seeing this elusive headset make its debut, possibly within the year.
Google and Samsung’s XR Vision
Spearheading Android XR projects, Google and Samsung are rumored to have shifted their timeline and goals. Initially aiming for a release this year, their XR glasses—now enhanced with displays, cameras, and AI—are projected for a 2026 launch. This strategic delay seems sensible, aligning to compete against Meta’s anticipated display-equipped glasses set for later this year.
Reviving a Pioneer: AltspaceVR
In a surprising twist, AltspaceVR seems poised for a comeback. Reddit user Danny Mac, aka Danny McLellan, claims he’s rebooting the well-loved social platform using open-source framework Basis VR. While details are sparse, it stokes nostalgia for AltspaceVR’s community-focused ethos, and I’ll keep an eye out for more on this promising revival.
Mention-Worthy News
Meta’s In-Flight VR Entertainment
After a successful pilot with Lufthansa, Meta is eyeing expansion into other airlines, offering VR options like movies, games, and guided meditations for passengers. This initiative not only earned them a prestigious award but could also fuel broader consumer interest in VR technology.
Varjo’s Shift in Focus
Varjo, famed for their enterprise VR solutions, seems unlikely to pivot back to consumer markets anytime soon. Their current concentration on B2B applications in sectors like military and aeronautics has shifted their trajectory.
Explore Innovative Text Entry in XR
Researchers have built the XR TEXT Trove, amassing a repository of 170+ XR-specific text entry methods. This is a valuable asset for designers and researchers keen on improving XR usability.
Meta’s Updates: A Mixed Bag
From engagement-driven updates to Horizon Worlds—like preventing uninstallation and adding targeted advertising identifiers—Meta seems to be stirring mixed reactions among users. Whether these changes enhance the user experience or further annoy remains to be seen.
Tackling Motion Sickness
Intriguingly, researchers might have found a way to alleviate motion sickness by targeting the inner ear with specific sound frequencies. A fascinating development worth following, especially for the VR community.
Meta Quest 3S Spring Sale
In a noteworthy discount, Meta’s Quest 3S is currently on sale, offering significant savings until April 26th. It’s a golden opportunity for newcomers wanting to explore VR without breaking the bank.
Content Corner
There’s no shortage of exciting content in the XR space. Check out these upcoming and newly released games:
- Besiege is set to land on Quest in May.
- Dimensional Double Shift exits open beta with a Texas-themed DLC.
- GORN 2 hits Quest and PC VR, arriving on PSVR 2 later this summer.
- Keep an eye on FastHands, Silent North, and Starvault VR for fresh takes on VR gaming.
Reviews and Highlights
Game reviews are in, and titles like Beatable are turning heads with innovative haptic feedback elements, while The Midnight Walk dazzles with its unique artistic presentation. For those interested in VR flight simulations, both Train Sim World VR and Aces Of Thunder appear promising in providing immersive experiences.
News in Brief
From updates on DaVinci Resolve’s new video editing capabilities to tackles on enterprise VR challenges, there’s lots to explore:
- DaVinci Resolve 20 introduces support for Apple Immersive Video.
- Hyperfy emerges as a powerful tool for world-building with a robust WebXR engine.
- US Army plans new AR initiatives with "Soldier Borne Mission Command."
From Our Friends
A fun game, Alex And The Jets, offers an engaging mixed reality combat experience. Try your hand at battling planes in your living room, with free codes up for grabs!
A Little XR Humor
Need a chuckle? Check out some lighthearted takes on XR developments, courtesy of funny links shared throughout the community.
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(With thanks to Pimax for today’s highlight image!)
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