The XR Weekly Recap (November 19, 2024): Meta Unveils Project Aria Research Kits, Surge in Chinese Smartglasses, and More!

Greetings from Finland! I’m taking a moment to pen this newsletter while hopping between Helsinki and the enchanting landscapes of Lapland. The trip has been delightful—Santa Claus has been checked off my bucket list, I’ve experienced the gentle nudge of a reindeer’s antlers, and I’ve indulged in some delicious local cuisine. Soon, I’ll be making my way to MatchXR, one of the top XR (Extended Reality) events in the Nordic region. I’m eager to share all about my adventures there with you soon. Before diving into this week’s news, I wish to dedicate a few words to Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who recently passed away. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with Daniel, whether in the real world at events like AWE US or in virtual realms such as those hosted on ENGAGE. Daniel was a genuinely kind person, devoted to using virtual reality to better the world, particularly in education. His loss is felt deeply by everyone who had the fortune of knowing him. We’ll continue to honor your legacy, Daniel.

Main Headlines of the Week

Meta Invites Applications for Project Aria Research Kits

Meta unveiled Project Aria a couple of years back, a precursor to its vision for future Augmented Reality glasses. While Project Aria didn’t include a display, it was equipped with multiple sensors such as cameras and microphones. Initially, it was exclusively used by Meta’s employees or partners to capture their behavioral patterns. This data was essential for developing AI/ML systems for potential AR applications. However, this has shifted recently with the announcement of the Project Aria Research Kit. Now, research groups from either academia or industry can apply via Meta’s dedicated website to receive a Project Aria devkit. Successful applicants will be granted not just the glasses but access to a comprehensive suite including a companion app, SDK, and cloud services. These services facilitate data storage, environment reconstruction, and video data obfuscation, such as blurring out faces and license plates. This initiative presents a remarkable opportunity for pioneering research in AR glasses, with Meta providing case studies from prestigious universities like the University of Bristol and Carnegie Mellon to spark interest. If your research center is seeking to delve into AR, this is certainly worth exploring further.

For more details, click here.

Other Significant News

A New Surge of Smartglasses Originating from China and Beyond

Excitement is palpable in the smart glasses sector this week, mainly driven by the success of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Many companies seem to want a piece of the action, with three Chinese AI-powered smart glasses being announced just recently. A report by 36kr hints at Xiaomi diving into the smart glasses arena, potentially releasing a product designed to rival Ray-Ban Meta. Xiaomi, experienced with smart glasses, reportedly collaborates with manufacturing giant Goertek. These glasses could be out by Q2 2025, aligning with the Mi Fan Festival in April. Baidu, not to be left behind, rolled out its Xiaodu AI Glasses, boasting a 16MP ultra-wide camera, AI stabilization, and a four-microphone array—with features such as real-time Q&A and object identification—and are expected for a 2025 release under 2,100 yuan ($290). Then there’s Rokid, revealing their 49-gram glasses developed with Snapdragon AR1, incorporating Alipay for futuristic payment and assistance features, in partnership with BOLON eyewear. Meanwhile, Reuters reports Amazon exploring smart glasses for internal delivery use, integrating features from Echo Frames to assist its drivers. The innovation momentum in smart glasses is undeniably stimulating!

For more details on Xiaomi, Baidu, Rokid, and Amazon glasses, follow these links.

Meta For Education Hits Beta Phase

A few months ago, Meta teased an education-focused version of its Quest headsets aimed at academic institutions. The official launch of Meta For Education is now on the horizon as it enters the beta stage. The initiative provides educators and administrators with access to apps and tools tailored for educational purposes and streamlines the management of multiple Quest devices. Several universities, including Arizona State University and University of Michigan, are already utilizing the program, offering Meta valuable feedback. The final offering promises a robust educational platform, with digital "metaversities" also in development with partners like VictoryXR, mimicking physical campuses virtually. It’s clear Meta is putting significant effort into education, a wise move given the potential in both revenue and fostering early adoption among students.

Further reading on Meta For Education and its metaversities is available here.

Meta Teases the Orion Operating System

In a recent video, Meta gave a glimpse of the UI being developed for its Orion glasses. The video featured various user interface options, suggesting ongoing development and exploration of different directions for the AR interface. AR glasses present a unique interface challenge that differs from VR or MR, making Meta’s experimental approach sensible.

More information here.

Quick News Bites

bHaptics Updates Its Device Lineup

Korea’s renowned bHaptics has announced updates across its device range. Here’s the highlights:

• TactSuit Pro: Flagship vest at $499
• TactSuit Air: More affordable model at $249
• TactSleeve: New version of arm haptic device at $199

Preorders remain open until November 26th. These devices support over 270 VR titles, promising an enhanced immersive experience.

More on bHaptics here.

Horizon Worlds Introduces its Currency

In select regions, Horizon Worlds has begun rolling out Meta Credits, its new virtual currency. This significant update enables users to purchase and sell digital items within the platform, which is an essential step toward building a sustainable in-world economy.

Get more information here.

Ekto VR Launches its Initial VR Shoes Batch

Ekto VR is finally releasing the Genesis shoes for VR, marking the end of years of research and development as it ships its first limited batch to trailblazing adopters for a price between $2000 and $3000.

Read more here.

MeRCURY Diving Mask on IndieGoGo

Targeting underwater VR experiences, MeRCURY, featuring unique design elements, is now crowdfunding on IndieGoGo, priced from €1250. It appears to be more aligned with business users, transforming pools into virtual realms.

Check it out here.

Apple Unveils Two New Immersive Videos

Apple continues its foray into immersive content with new videos:

• Open Hearts video by The Weeknd
• A new entry in ‘Concert For One’ with singer Raye

Details on The Weeknd and Raye videos here.

Sneak Peeks and Reviews

Upcoming VR gem, Ember Souls, takes inspiration from Prince of Persia, set for a November 21st launch on Quest. Raymond’s beat-tastic favorite Beat Saber welcomes the Monstercat Mixtape 2 DLC. Indie wonder Clone Drone in the Hyperdome arrives with an enticing discount to boot.

Curious? Delve deeper here.

In terms of reviews, Triangle Strategy by Square Enix offers an enriching XR adaptation, while DIG VR wins hearts with its lively presentations despite a few drawbacks. Honorable mention, EXOcars, adroitly marries realism with fun in the VR racing scene.

Get insights here.

Final Tidbits and Shout-Outs

Sony is bidding goodbye to the OG PSVR adapter for PS5 use, and Pico delivered a notable Pico OS update. Apple now supports spatial video editing in Final Cut Pro, and Meta Horizon Worlds seems to have a growing youth audience. Plus, there’s news about Quixel megascans assets being shared freely and the Vive Ultimate Tracker extending compatibility. Niantic is breaking new ground with its Spatial Platform, though clarity in its practical application remains elusive.

For more on these topics, learn more here.

Community and Charity

The XR Design Challenge is making waves, supported by Immersive Insiders and co. Participation is complimentary with abundant rewards for creativity—check it out! The new tool Story offers Vision Pro users a fresh way to craft content, adding layers of media seamlessly.

Got something XR-related? Advertise here to catch attention of a wonderful AR/VR audience.

As a final note, while usually, I’d spotlight supporting this blog, right now, I’m urging support for the Red Cross in Ukraine, providing vital aid amid the ongoing crisis. Many thanks to my Patreon supporters who make my work possible; your contributions are truly appreciated.

Here’s the link to contribute to the Red Cross.

(Header photo by Meta)