XR weekly round-up: Batman VR rocks Gamescom, Meta delivers Quest 3 upgrade and works on new Mixed Reality glasses
Batman VR convinces on Quest 3 and Meta is apparently planning new mixed reality glasses — the week's top XR news stories.
In our weekly "XR Update" overview, you will always find the most important XR news from the past week with a brief summary. If you are interested in a particular topic, click on the link to the full article in the relevant paragraph. As usual, we provide you with background information and opinions in addition to the facts.
Have fun browsing!
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Content
XR Hardware: News on VR, AR and Mixed Reality Headsets
Meta develops ultra-compact MR headset for 2027
According to a report, Meta is working on an ultra-lightweight mixed reality glasses called "Puffin", which is set to be released in 2027. The device is said to weigh less than 110 grams and have the form factor of a chunky headset. The computing unit and battery are to be housed in a separate, wired device. The project is still at an early stage.
Multitasking upgrade for Quest 3
Meta is testing a new feature called "Seamless Multitasking" for Meta Quest 3 and Pro. It enables the simultaneous use of a 2D app in a running VR application. For example, users can watch YouTube videos or surf the browser while a VR game is running. The feature promises to make Meta Quest a more versatile computer.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 headset in the test
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5P wireless gaming headset impresses in the test as a solid accessory for Meta Quest 3. It offers a latency-free Bluetooth connection, good sound and a clever microphone. With a comfortable design and long battery life, it is well suited for VR sessions, even if the bass could be a little stronger.
Kickstarter launched for the first VR controller for Apple Vision Pro
The start-up Surreal has launched a Kickstarter campaign for VR controllers called Surreal Touch, which have been specially developed for Apple Vision Pro. The controllers can be used both in standalone mode and for PC VR streaming via SteamVR. Surreal shows how to use it with Half-Life: Alyx and Beat Saber in videos, but warns against expecting too much accuracy.
XR market and business news
Meta stops development of the Quest Pro 2 - a good sign
Meta has stopped development of the Quest Pro 2, a premium headset planned for 2027, for the time being. We see this decision as positive for the market and consumers, as Meta can focus on lowering barriers to entry and devote resources to more mass-market devices. The technologies developed for the Quest Pro 2 will be incorporated into future, more affordable headsets.
VR180 video experts in conversation with MIXED
MIXED spoke to VR180 video experts Björn Sondermann and Jérôme Lozano about their experiences with immersive media. The two produce high-quality VR content and discuss topics such as camera technology, workflow, motion sickness and the future of VR video.
VR games and XR apps: All the latest news
Batman VR impresses on Quest 3
Batman: Arkham Shadow, the first Quest 3 exclusive title from Meta, promises to be a graphically impressive VR experience. The game perfectly translates the look and feel of the Arkham series into VR and offers an innovative combat system. With a mix of combat, exploration and puzzles, Batman: Arkham Shadow could become a real VR hit.
Quest Games Optimizer: Popular tool for better performance
The Quest Games Optimizer is becoming increasingly popular among Quest users. The tool automatically optimizes games and apps for better performance and graphics. It offers numerous functions such as its own app launcher, video recording settings and access to Android settings. However, full functionality requires extensive system rights.
Fracked for Quest 3: Arcade shooter with compromises
The VR shooter Fracked is now also available for Meta Quest 3, 2 and Pro. The game offers a mixture of skiing, climbing and shooting with an innovative cover system. However, the Quest version suffers from significant graphical shortcomings compared to previous versions for Playstation VR and PC VR.
New DLC for Les Mills XR Bodycombat
The VR fitness app Les Mills XR Bodycombat is getting a new DLC called "Bodycombat 100". The additional content offers 8 new workouts, 25 new songs, new game mechanics and a new environment. The DLC is part of Odders Lab's strategy to further develop the app through regular expansions instead of switching to a subscription model.
Track Craft: One of the best mixed reality games now available as a full version
The innovative mixed reality racing game Track Craft has been officially released for Meta Quest after a successful early access phase. The full version offers new tracks, cars and features such as a multiplayer editor. Despite the launch, the studio is still asking for community feedback to improve the game.
Vivarium: Mixed reality game for creating tiny ecosystems announced
Developer studio DoubleMe has announced Vivarium, a mixed reality simulation game for Pico 4. Players can raise virtual pets, grow plants and design creative terrariums. A beta test is planned for September, the official release for the end of October 2024 exclusively on Pico 4.
Preview: Trombone Champ: Unflattened is a whimsical VR stroke of genius
Trombone Champ: Unflattened, the first VR project from Flat2VR Studios, was presented at Gamescom 2024. The music and rhythm game transfers the charm of the original to VR and promises a challenging but entertaining experience for music and rhythm fans.
New trailer for VR blockbuster Alien: Rogue Incursion shows weapons & equipment
Survios has released a new trailer for Alien: Rogue Incursion, showcasing various weapons and equipment. The VR game will be released on December 19 for Meta Quest 3, Playstation VR 2 and PC-VR via Steam.
These VR games are coming in September 2024 for SteamVR, PSVR 2 and Meta Quest
Numerous new VR games for various platforms have been announced for September 2024. Highlights include Chernobyl Again for all platforms, Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded exclusively for Quest 3, and Metal: Hellsinger VR for Meta Quest.
- All VR games in September 2024 for PC VR via Steam
- All VR games in September 2024 for PSVR 2
- All VR games in September 2024 for Meta Quest and Pico
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