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This week in XR: Google\u2019s smart glasses are now more stylish, Apple\u2019s smart glasses are delayed until 2026, Xreal Eye introduces 6DoF to One, and Meta Quest launches a significant UI update. Here is all the essential news from the virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality sectors.<\/strong><\/p>\n Our weekly \u201cXR Update\u201d compiles crucial developments in the field of extended reality, providing succinct summaries and direct links for deeper reads. As usual, we include insightful commentary to help you interpret the news.<\/p>\n Enjoy your read!<\/p>\n Support MIXED via PayPal:<\/strong> Appreciate our work? Your contribution helps us remain independent and secure our future.<\/p>\n MIXED Sneak Peeks & Evaluations<\/p>\n First Impression: Into the Radius 2 Early Access on Meta Quest 3<\/p>\n The early access version of the survival shooter Into The Radius 2 is available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S. It\u2019s a direct port from the PC VR version, featuring around 15 hours of gameplay, 2K resolution at 72 FPS, and a two-player beta co-op mode. A tip: Quest Games Optimizer can enhance resolution while maintaining smooth performance. Until June 9, enjoy a 15% discount using the code \u201cITR2_EA-501CA6\u201d.<\/p>\n VR Experience with Trailblazer on Quest 3: Journey with Bertha Benz<\/p>\n Trailblazer offers a free, 20-minute VR interaction where you step into the shoes of automotive pioneer Bertha Benz as she undertakes her historic 1888 long-distance journey in the Benz Patent Motor Car. You\u2019ll assemble the vehicle and navigate through an old village. The interactions are basic and the finish varies, but it presents an engaging and visually appealing narrative.<\/p>\n Cosmic XR: An Exquisite Mixed Reality Exploration of the Universe<\/p>\n Cosmic XR is a remarkable mixed reality application for Meta Quest, allowing you to navigate the solar system and beyond in vivid detail. For \u20ac9, you can manipulate the Milky Way, planets, and even the black hole Sagittarius A* using just your hands. Features like adjustable passthrough transparency and soothing music enhance the immersive experience of the cosmic grandeur.<\/p>\n New Releases in XR Hardware<\/p>\n Meta Quest: Comprehensive Update Introduces New UI<\/p>\n The latest major update for Meta Quest, dubbed \u201cNavigator,\u201d replaces the previous universal menu. This redesign emphasizes the app library, highlighting recently used and pinned apps (up to ten). Update 77 also introduces several new features including an AI tool that transforms Instagram photos into 3D images, \u201cfollowing\u201d windows, toggleable spatial audio, Bluetooth LE audio support, and text-to-speech enhancements for better accessibility.<\/p>\n Xreal Eye Adds 6DoF Tracking to Xreal One<\/p>\n The newly introduced Xreal Eye camera module enhances the Xreal One and One Pro display glasses with genuine spatial 6DoF tracking. Lightweight at just 1.5 grams, it fits snugly between the lenses and supports photo and video capture up to 12MP. It starts shipping in late June for $100. Additionally, Xreal has announced that all delayed One Pro pre-orders will be shipped by the end of May.<\/p>\n Update: Apple\u2019s Smart Glasses Launch Postponed to 2026<\/p>\n According to Bloomberg\u2019s Mark Gurman, Apple has rescheduled the release of its highly anticipated smart glasses to late 2026. This year, they plan to begin prototype production with mass manufacturing of chips expected in 2025. The glasses are said to include cameras, microphones, and speakers, aiming to rival Meta\u2019s Ray-Ban smart glasses but with Apple\u2019s renowned quality. Initially, Apple targeted a 2027 launch.<\/p>\n Google\u2019s Upgraded Smart Glasses: Style, Display, and Collaboration<\/p>\n Revealed at Google I\/O, the upgraded smart glasses from Google will feature a camera, microphones, speakers, and an optional display. Fashion brands like Gentle Monster and Warby Parker are collaborating to offer stylish options, and Samsung is developing a \u201csoftware and hardware reference platform.\u201d Prototypes have already been spotted, and Xreal also hinted at \u201cProject Aura,\u201d a new Android XR-based display headset.<\/p>\n Valve Deckard: Launch Postponed to 2026, According to Lynx Founder<\/p>\n Stan Larroque, CEO of Lynx, suggests that Valve\u2019s next-generation VR headset \u201cDeckard\u201d will not be available until 2026. Having seen the device, he praises its quality but indicates it targets a different market and price point than Lynx\u2019s upcoming headset, meaning they are not direct competitors.<\/p>\n Google\u2019s Holographic Video Calls: \u201cBeam\u201d Set for 2025 Release<\/p>\n Google\u2019s innovative video chat technology, now branded as \u201cBeam\u201d (previously Project Starline), is expected to launch in 2025. Employing a specialized light field display and six cameras, Beam creates a 3D hologram of the person you are talking to, without the need for a VR or AR headset. AI processes camera data into a spatial model, with all computations handled by Google Cloud. HP will manufacture the initial units, with a debut scheduled for InfoComm in June.<\/p>\n XR Market & Business Updates<\/p>\n Tobii Teams Up with Prophesee for Advanced Eye Tracking<\/p>\n Eye-tracking leader Tobii and startup Prophesee are collaborating to develop next-generation, event-based eye tracking for VR\/AR headsets. This new tech, which only detects changes, promises greater efficiency, enhanced accuracy, and ultra-low latency. Key specs include over 1,000 Hz sampling, sub-1 ms end-to-end latency, and less than 2 mW power consumption\u2014ideal for standalone VR headsets and smart glasses.<\/p>\n Financial Difficulties Hit VR Tactical Shooter Tier One<\/p>\n Tier One: Direct Action, a tactical VR shooter released on Meta Quest in February, faces significant financial challenges. Lack of community engagement and feedback has hindered funding efforts. Niorun Studios, comprising over 20 VR experts including eight former developers from Onward, is exploring options to salvage the project. However, the Early Access version has been withdrawn from the Horizon Store for the time being.<\/p>\n What\u2019s New in VR Games & XR Apps<\/p>\n Into The Darkness VR: Advanced Graphics & Physics-Based Combat<\/p>\n The sci-fi shooter Into The Darkness VR promises impressive graphics and a physics-driven combat system that allows you to deflect missiles and dismantle robots. It features a story mode with six levels and a sandbox for unrestricted play. Early Access starts May 29 for PC VR, priced around $20. A PSVR 2 version is planned following the full PC release.<\/p>\n Maestro: Leading Hand-Tracking Rhythm Game Debuts on PSVR 2<\/p>\n Maestro hits Playstation VR 2 on June 20, making it the third game on the platform to support hand tracking. All versions will receive a Star Wars content pack featuring John Williams\u2019 \u201cDuel of the Fates\u201d and a mini lightsaber baton on launch day. A free update introduces the new \u201cFields of Fate\u201d stage, an \u201cAngels and Demons\u201d orchestra, and Sergei Prokofiev\u2019s \u201cBattle on the Ice.\u201d<\/p>\n New VR Games Announced for Meta Quest & PC VR<\/p>\n The Creature Feature VR Showcase has unveiled several new titles: Laser Dance (transforms your living room into a mixed reality laser maze, coming this fall in Early Access); Adepts Arena (an earth-magic adventure available for VR and flatscreen); Crossings by Neat Corporation (a wordless co-op journey into Nordic mythology); Deadly Delivery (co-op horror deliveries in haunted mines); and Wordbound (a mixed reality puzzle game where the entire world is made of words).<\/p>\n Syberia: Beloved Adventure Game Set for VR Release in 2025<\/p>\n The iconic adventure game Syberia, created by Beno\u00eet Sokal, is slated for a complete remaster at the end of 2025 for Playstation 5, Xbox Series, and PC, alongside a standalone VR version for Meta Quest 3 and 3S. According to Microids founder Elliot Grassiano, Syberia VR is being reimagined from the ground up as a genuine VR experience with a fresh narrative approach. Originally launched in 2002, the point-and-click classic follows lawyer Kate Walker on her surreal trek across Europe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This article requires JavaScript to be displayed. Please activate JavaScript in your browser and reload the page. 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