XR weekly round-up: Pico 4 Ultra vs. Quest 3, Batman VR gameplay and new AR headsets by Meta & Snap
Pico 4 Ultra challenges Quest 3, Batman glides through Gotham in VR and Quest gets new features — the week's top XR news stories.
In our weekly "XR Update" overview you will always find the most important XR news of the past week with a short summary. If you are interested in a particular topic, click on the link to the full article in the relevant section. As usual, we provide you with background information and opinions in addition to the facts.
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Content
XR Hardware: News on VR, AR and Mixed Reality Headsets
Pico 4 Ultra: Specifications and comparison with Quest 3
Pico has introduced the Pico 4 Ultra, a new mixed reality headset that is technically on par with the Quest 3. Our comparison shows the technical features of both headsets. The Pico 4 Ultra features the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, more RAM and higher resolution pass-through cameras than the Quest 3. It is priced at the equivalent of $600 in China, with an international launch expected.
Pico Motion Tracker for leg tracking introduced
During the launch of the new Pico 4 Ultra, Pico also introduced the Pico Motion Tracker, a solution for leg tracking in VR. The trackers attach to the ankle, use a combination of IMU and optical tracking, and are compatible with Pico Neo 3, Pico 4 and Pico 4 Ultra. A pair costs the equivalent of about $55.
Meta Quest: New web gallery feature
Meta has introduced a new web gallery feature for Quest headsets. Users can now access, download and edit their VR-created photos and videos from any device. The feature makes it easier to access VR content without having to use a smartphone.
XR market and business News
First VR gaming chair with Meta seal of approval
The Roto VR Explorer is the first VR chair to be "Made for Meta". It features patented swivel technology, USB charging and haptic feedback. The chair is available for pre-order for $799 and supports other VR headsets in addition to Quest.
Snap and Meta plan to unveil full-fledged AR headsets
Snap and Meta will reportedly unveil new AR headsets in September. Snap's 5th generation Spectacles will offer a wider field of view and longer battery life. Meta's "Orion" is being touted as the most technologically advanced device. Both headsets remain demos due to high production costs.
VR games and XR apps: All the latest news
Batman: Arkham Shadow — Gameplay Trailer and Release Date
Meta has released the first gameplay trailer for Batman: Arkham Shadow, showing off the VR adaptation of familiar Batman game mechanics. The game will be released exclusively for Meta Quest 3 in October 2024 and has been optimized from the ground up for the headset.
Quest 3 as a 3D camera: immerGallery update
The immerGallery photo app for Quest 3 has received an update that allows users to take stereoscopic photos without Guardian restrictions. The app is now the first 3D camera app for Quest 3 without spatial restrictions, but still technically demanding to set up.
Fly for Quest 3: Google Earth VR Alternative
The VR app Fly is an alternative to Google Earth VR for Quest headsets. It allows immersive world travel with high-resolution 3D models, although the quality isn't quite as good as Google Earth VR. Fly is available for 10 Euros in the Meta Horizon Store.
Spatial Ops: Mixed Reality Shooter for Quest announced
Resolution Games has announced Spatial Ops, a mixed reality shooter for Quest headsets. The game features a two-hour single-player campaign and an arena mode for multiplayer battles in your own living room. Spatial Ops can be pre-ordered from the Meta Horizon Store.
AI generated VR Experience in Realms of Flow
The Realms of Flow meditation app for Meta Quest has received a new AI-generated VR experience called "Altered States of Mycelia". It features abstract, pulsating patterns and was created using KreaAI. The developer is planning more AI-generated experiences for the app.
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