I’ve just returned from Italy, a bit worn out but in high spirits. I hope your Valentine’s Day was delightful and filled with joy. So, what’s been making me happy? Well, one of the highlights has been seeing my article about Android XR and camera permissions get attention from major publications such as Road To VR, Upload VR, and Android Authority. It’s nice to have a moment in the spotlight every now and then. Now, riding on this wave of positivity, let’s dive into the top XR stories of the week!
### Top news of the week
#### Ray-Ban Meta’s Impressive Sales
During EssilorLuxottica’s Q4 2024 earnings call, CEO Francesco Milleri shared some exciting news about the success of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. They’ve hit the 2 million sales mark, a figure that aligns with whispers I’d caught wind of from industry contacts. Not only are they flying off the shelves, but user retention is strong, signaling a win for the product.
Milleri further mentioned that Luxottica is so optimistic about the product that they’re planning to ramp up production to over 10 million units annually by 2026. This success seems to have sparked a growth in the smartglasses sector. At CES, I noticed numerous startups showcasing their AI-integrated smartglasses, and big names like Apple and Samsung are rumored to be exploring similar products. However, a word of caution: Ray-Ban’s success is largely due to their brand appeal and extensive distribution network. Replicating such sales figures might not be easy for others.
Furthermore, Luxottica’s ambition to produce 10 million units each year is promising, but it’s still a fraction of smartphone volumes. The journey towards mainstream smartglasses adoption continues, and only time will tell if they can become as ubiquitous.
### Other relevant news
#### Meta’s Ambitious Humanoid Robots
Bloomberg reports that Meta is quietly developing humanoid robots through its Reality Labs division, which is also behind their XR headsets. These robots, driven by AI, aim to simplify everyday chores. Interestingly, the data from their AR and VR technology could be invaluable for training these robots.
Despite this ambition, Meta isn’t looking to manufacture these robots themselves. Instead, they intend to develop the AI systems and hardware for other companies to use, likely a lesson learned from the challenges faced with XR hardware.
Personally, I find this venture puzzling. With Meta already facing challenges and quarterly losses in the XR domain, diving into another uncertain tech venture seems risky.
#### Big Updates from Apple
Apple, according to Bloomberg, is gearing up to enhance its Vision Pro headset with Apple Intelligence and plans to introduce features like a guest mode and a spatial content app as early as April. This aligns with their intent to collaborate with Chinese tech giants Tencent and Bytedance to incorporate AI into their devices.
Integrating Apple Intelligence could give Apple a competitive edge against Google’s Android XR, reinforcing the fierce race among tech giants to outdo one another in this space.
#### AugmentOS: Simplifying Smartglasses Development
Mentra’s newly unveiled AugmentOS promises to simplify the way applications are developed for smartglasses. This smartphone app allows for the creation of a single application compatible with multiple smartglasses models, including those by Vuzix. Although this technology is claimed to support Ray-Ban Meta, it seems not officially confirmed yet.
This effort to unify the ecosystem is a smart move. Currently, the fragmented nature of smartglasses SDKs makes it difficult for developers to create universally compatible apps. AugmentOS seems to address this hurdle efficiently, though its adoption will be the true test of its success.
### News worth a mention
#### PSVR 2’s Holiday Surge
Thanks to a substantial price reduction from $550 to $350, PSVR 2 experienced a remarkable sales spike over the 2024 holiday season. On Amazon US, it achieved five times its previous peak sales. While still behind Quest’s figures, it’s a promising outcome. A permanent price cut might greatly benefit Sony’s headset in the long run.
#### Anduril Takes on the IVAS Project
Defense tech company Anduril is stepping in to manage the IVAS project, previously helmed by Microsoft. Microsoft will continue supplying Azure cloud services, but hardware and software will now be provided by Anduril. This is part of Palmer Luckey’s plan to create a new military-compatible headset, emphasizing Anduril’s commitment to advancing military tech solutions.
#### Wonderland Cloud’s New Hosting Service
Create Worlds, developers of the Wonderland Engine, has launched Wonderland Cloud, a hosting service for WebXR apps. Their cloud service includes hosting, along with multiplayer and voice chat capabilities, aiming to streamline WebXR development processes.
#### RTX 5090 vs RTX 4090
Some YouTubers have been pitting NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 against the RTX 4090, especially in VR settings. Unsurprisingly, the RTX 5090 comes out on top, pushing the envelope in VR performance.
#### The Vibrant World of VR Communities
Finally, let’s not forget about the vibrant VR communities, especially those for users over 50. A fantastic piece by Bobby Carlton revisits the importance of these groups, showing that VR is cherished across generations, from fitness buffs to those seeking social connections.
### Other news
#### New Developments and Game Releases
Developers are pushing the boundaries with a slew of game updates and innovating in VR. For instance, Skydance’s game “Behemoth” has received a major update, and we have new titles like “Alien Rogue Incursion,” “Into The Radius 2,” and several others making their debut on various platforms. Plus, PSVR 2 is adding hand tracking to “Waltz Of The Wizard,” showcasing advanced interaction possibilities.
#### News from Partners and Friends
The immersive video creators at Prima Immersive are raising the bar with their first series of music videos for Apple Vision Pro, thanks to state-of-the-art video encoding. Meanwhile, Aviar is offering comprehensive VR training solutions for aviation workers straight out of the box. And for those with a comedic streak, Vivian Chazen’s new puzzle book for the heartbroken is now on Kickstarter.
Let’s not forget the importance of giving: consider donating to the Red Cross to help those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A big thank you to all my supporters who make these projects possible, and here’s to more thrilling developments in the world of XR!
