The XR Weekly Update (April 8, 2025): Meta’s Next Smartglasses Priced at $1400, Concerns Over US Tariffs, and More!

It’s a quieter time in the XR space right now, but the April Fool’s pranks added some excitement to the mix this past week! Plus, there are a few noteworthy updates I’m eager to share in my latest roundup, ensuring you stay in the loop with all things XR. 🙂

## This Week’s Highlights

### Meta’s New Smartglasses Might Set You Back $1,400

Bloomberg has shed light on Meta’s upcoming smartglasses, which seem to be shaking things up this year. These glasses, codenamed Hypernova, are set to be a bulkier iteration of Ray-Ban Meta, featuring a single display visible to just one eye. The display appears in the lower part of the visual field, ensuring it doesn’t clutter your view. You can control these glasses via capacitive temples or the accompanying neural wristband. An upgraded camera, akin to the iPhone 13 from 2021, is also expected, with a version boasting two displays anticipated by 2027.

Surprisingly, these glasses won’t carry the Ray-Ban logo but will instead sport Meta branding. This move is puzzling given the popularity of Ray-Ban’s stylish image. Additionally, reports suggest the price range will be between $1,000 and $1,400, despite lacking a major killer app that might justify such an investment. They primarily handle tasks like viewing phone notifications and capturing photos or videos, which doesn’t quite warrant their hefty cost. Unless, of course, there’s an apple on it… so to speak.

Typically, early adopters like developers purchase costly, nascent devices. Surprisingly, these aren’t being marketed as devkits since the app ecosystem for the device is controlled by Meta. Therefore, it’s difficult to pin down who the target market might be if this report is accurate. Those interested in photography are better off with a Ray-Ban Meta and experimenters could choose open models from brands like Brilliant Labs. For notifications, a smartwatch remains a more economical choice.

[Read more on Hypernova glasses – Road To VR, Upload VR, Forbes]

### The XR Community’s Dive Into April Fool’s

April Fool’s was particularly lively for the XR community this year, with various prank announcements adding a layer of hilarity to the day. For instance, I jokingly announced the Decagear launch, while Sebastian Ang humorously claimed to be the new Pimax CEO. Other comedic takes included nDreams’s assertion about Synapse 2 only being available for Google Cardboard and Voodoo DE presenting a futuristic gadget preview.

The humor transcended the XR sector, pulling the whole tech world into its grasp. Razer, for instance, playfully introduced the Razer Skibidi, a headset that allegedly translates languages between adults and Gen Z, bringing a chuckle with the imagined practicality of such a device.

[Explore the April Fool’s jokes – Links included]

### Tariffs in the US and the Potential Effect on Headset Prices

There’s been quite the stir in the stock markets after the US rolled out new tariffs. This situation, still unfolding, might lead to a rise in prices for electronic products, including XR headsets, if these tariffs become a permanent feature. Companies sourcing components or manufacturing in Asia may face increased costs, potentially leading to higher retail prices for devices like the Quest 3S.

VR headsets don’t typically serve as essential everyday devices, meaning their sales are sensitive to price changes. Previously prided for their affordability, even slight price hikes could further delay VR’s mainstream acceptance, slowing an already sluggish market. Let’s hope this circumstance is temporary.

[More on the impact of tariffs – Various sources]

### Interesting Tidbits You Should Know

#### Apple Rolls Out New Features for Vision Pro

Vision Pro’s latest VisionOS 2.4 update is quite intriguing. It includes extensive Apple Intelligence features, offering tools like text proofreading and summarization as well as image generation capabilities. There’s also a curated collection of immersive photos and videos known as Spatial Gallery, alongside a companion app that simplifies guest interactions.

[Discover more at Road To VR, Upload VR]

#### Mixed Reviews from the Quest Ecosystem

The Quest platform presents a mixed bag of updates. Some titles, such as Gorilla Tag and I Am Cat, remain successful, with Animal Company generating substantial interest as it tops $100K in Quest Store sales. On the flip side, some developers report market struggles amid layoffs and a noted decline in the economic fluidity within this ecosystem. Meta recently mentioned $2B spent on the Horizon Store, marking little progress from the past year.

[Details on Quest’s financial indicators – Various links]

#### The Fun Continues with Nintendo Switch 2 and More

The eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked many conversations. Sadly, XR fans might be disappointed to hear that the larger display means that the original Nintendo Labo accessory won’t be compatible with this new console. Additionally, developers are working hard to enable PSVR 2’s eye-tracking on PC, igniting interest among VR enthusiasts and potentially serving niche markets, such as research centers.

Moreover, the ever-creative Quest developer community continues to deliver captivating prototypes, showcasing innovations like space voxelization via Quest cameras.

[Various links for further information]

### A Glimpse Into What’s Next

The gaming world remains abuzz with upcoming releases. Civilization VII VR is launching exclusively for Quest, and intriguing games such as Velociblaster and Train Sim World are making their debut. A trailblazer in its genre, someone is even striving to recreate Half-Life: Alyx on Quest, a testament to the dedication within this community.

[More about upcoming games – Various sources]

### Final Thoughts

While the XR world experiences its ups and downs, there’s never a dull moment. Whether it’s exciting new developments, stirring challenges, or just a good laugh from elaborate jokes, this field continually captivates our imaginations. Let’s keep the innovations going—who knows what the future has in store?

### Support and Thanks

In closing, if you feel inspired, consider supporting those affected by global crises through donation to the Red Cross in Ukraine. Plus, a huge thank you to all my Patreon supporters—your contributions keep this passion thriving!

[Support the Red Cross in Ukraine – Link to donate]

(Header image credit: Razer)