Hey, how’s it going? Summer treating you well? I’ve got some XR news that’ll make your week a bit more interesting, and there’s even a giveaway sprinkled in there. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Wild News of the Week
Sneaky Data Finds New Quest Features
Alright, so Luna’s been at it again, digging around to uncover some hidden gems about Quest. Check this out:
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Horizon Home is getting a facelift! Say goodbye to the boring static space and hello to a vibrant, social hangout spot. It’s like they’re turning it into an offshoot of Horizon Worlds. Wild, right? You’ll be able to toss up portals, share 2D windows with pals, and more.
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Horizon World’s main plaza? Revamped! It’s now smoother than ever, and speaking of flow, you’ll spot your home space way up in the virtual sky. So, a little piece of home is always with you. Cute or creepy? You decide.
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Events Arena is where the magic happens. Think concerts, talks, whatever. It’s like the cool community center we all wanted in high school.
- Remember that Horizon Hyperscape demo? Yeah, Meta’s turning it into Horizon Photoreal. Imagine snapping places with your phone and uploading them for all to see. Social media for places… hmm, deja vu, right?
Now, remember, these are all just rumored whispers from Luna’s sleuthing — nothing’s set in stone until Meta Connect gives the nod.
Brilliant Labs (Not a Clever Joke, Just Smartglasses)
Heads up! On July 31st, Brilliant Labs is dropping new smartglasses. Given their past hits like the Monocle and Frames, these new ones are likely to be spot-on. Perfect for developers diving into the open ecosystem. Bobak Tavangar’s even jumping on an AMA on Reddit to chat about it. Worth a look if you’re geeky about smartglasses!
Sharp Decides We Need a New VR Controller
Out of left field comes Sharp with a VR controller that kinda looks like a glove crossed with a gadget from a sci-fi movie. Those things on your fingers? Not sensors, just bits that vibrate for a more immersive feel. It’ll set you back around ¥100,000 (roughly $680). Let’s see if it actually makes it to market.
Meta’s Wristband Wizardry
Meta’s cooking up an EMG wristband, and they’ve got some ideas for gestures. You know, the usual — writing in the air, thumb swipes, etc. It’s like they want you to look effortlessly cool while interacting with the digital world.
Google’s Glasses: Real Deal or Science Fair?
There’s chatter suggesting Google’s smartglasses demos might be more lab prototype than consumer-ready. The catch? Raxium microdisplays are allegedly causing headaches with a terrible yield. So, maybe don’t hold your breath for a release just yet.
VR Games Showcase is Back!
Mark your calendars for August 12th. Major game reveals, indie spotlights — sounds like a good time if you’re a VR junkie.
Pico’s Summer Deals — Don’t Miss ‘Em
Got a Pico headset? Perfect! There are discounts up to 50% till August 10th. Time to snag some goodies.
Play Golf in Your Living Room
With Putt Window, get your real putter out and go nuts in mixed reality. Caution advised, though — windows are breakable.
A Studio Hits the End of the Road
Bad news, folks. TxK Gaming Studios is closing. But they’re being generous and giving away the GM Edition of their VR tabletop RPG toolkit. It’s heartbreaking but also a reminder — VR development needs serious cash. Kickstarter isn’t always the answer, unfortunately.
Other Tidbits
Relaxation Vibes: Sound Bath, a new meditative experience, promises tranquility.
Massive Dreams: Eldramoor’s Kickstarter ended, pulling in $170K. Here’s hoping it’s enough!
VR Music Magic: Billie Eilish might pop up on Quest headsets soon, thanks to some secret concert recordings.
Spotify Meets Quest: Groove away with Spotify’s web app now available on Meta Horizon.
Pirate Adventures: Check out “The Pirate: Republic of Nassau” for some VR swashbuckling.
Gadget Corner: Xiaomi AI glasses and Viture’s bright smartglasses might intrigue the techies among us.
Quick Note
Hey, before we wrap this up, shoutout to my pals from Patreon! Couldn’t do this without y’all. And, on a serious note, if you’re feeling generous, perhaps consider donating to help out in Ukraine. The link’s right below:
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
Till next time, stay curious and take care!
