Hello 2025!

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2025! ??

This year is already shaping up to be transformative for XR, with new devices and ecosystems gaining traction, groundbreaking advancements in gaming, and creative industries embracing XR like never before.

From innovative editing tools used in Hollywood to major expansions in cloud gaming and the rapid evolution of platforms like Android XR, immersive technology is reaching exciting new heights.

Let’s dive into the latest updates shaping the industry ??

???? 2025: A Potential Breakthrough Year for VR Gaming

• 2025 could mark a significant year for VR with major releases like Valve’s Deckard headset, Samsung's Android XR, and Meta's Horizon OS-based headsets. These could drive gaming performance improvements and offer new hardware experiences.
• The real battle for VR's future may lie in the success of VR operating systems like HorizonOS, visionOS, and Android XR. A streamlined and developer-friendly system will be crucial for attracting gamers and ensuring long-term growth.
• The year promises an exciting lineup of VR titles, including The Midnight Walk, Hitman: World of Assassination, and long-awaited projects like Zombie Army VR and Deep Cuts, fueling anticipation among gamers.
• Despite challenges, VR gaming is gaining momentum with new players entering the market and high expectations for 2025. Success will depend on delivering accessible and engaging software supported by consistent developer focus and strong storefronts.

More info: https://mixed-news.com/en/2025-could-be-vr-gamings-biggest-year-yet-if-industry-leaders-let-it/

?? Director of Wicked Embraces Apple Vision Pro for Revolutionary Editing Experience

• Jon M. Chu, director of Wicked, used Apple Vision Pro to remotely edit the film on a virtual cinema-sized screen from home.
• Chu utilized the Evercast app to coordinate with his editor and a global team of visual effects artists, making notes directly on drafts using hand gestures.
• Chu described the experience as a "revelation," emphasizing the Vision Pro's potential to revolutionize productivity and creativity in filmmaking.
• Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs' analogy, Chu likened the Vision Pro to a "rocket ship for his imagination," highlighting its cutting-edge capabilities.
• Wicked is now available in 3D and 4K HDR on Apple Vision Pro through the Apple TV app for rental or purchase.

More info: https://www.uploadvr.com/wicked-director-used-apple-vision-pro/

?? GeForce Now Cloud Gaming Expands to Quest 3, Pico, and Apple Vision Pro Web Browsers

• Nvidia's GeForce Now, a cloud gaming service for flatscreen PC games, will be accessible on the web browsers of Quest 3, Pico headsets, and Apple Vision Pro later this month.
• The service allows gamers to stream titles they already own from platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, now adding standalone XR headsets to its lineup of compatible devices.
• GeForce Now offers three tiers: Free (1080p with ads and long queue times), Performance ($10/month for 1440p and RTX support), Ultimate ($20/month for 4K HDR at up to 240FPS with advanced features like DLSS Frame Generation and Nvidia Reflex).
• On Quest devices, GeForce Now will complement Xbox Cloud Gaming, which has offered a subscription-based catalog of Xbox games since late 2023.
• While no plans exist for 3D gaming on these headsets yet, growing demand for immersive experiences could push developers to support such features as XR resolutions improve and hardware becomes lighter.

More info: https://www.uploadvr.com/geforce-now-is-coming-to-quest-pico-apple-vision-pro/

???? Goodbye Meta Quest Pro: A Limited Vision, But a Stepping Stone to the Future

• Meta Quest Pro has officially been discontinued and removed from the market, with Meta now focusing exclusively on the Quest 3 family of devices.
• The Quest Pro introduced groundbreaking features like eye and face tracking, pancake lenses, MiniLED backlit displays, and self-tracking controllers. Many of these innovations paved the way for the more successful Meta Quest 3.
• Despite its advancements, the headset faced criticism for its outdated chipset, subpar passthrough quality, limited mixed reality capabilities, and high price. Released at $1,500, the price was slashed to $1,000 within months, and some units were even given away to developers.
• Plans for a Quest Pro 2, initially slated for 2027, were canceled. Meta appears to be shifting focus away from expensive headsets, acknowledging that the market isn’t ready for them yet.
• Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, emphasized the device's role as a testbed for innovations like pancake lenses and eye tracking, which will likely feature in future products. While the Quest Pro may not be missed, its technological contributions will shape Meta's next steps in XR.

More info: https://mixed-news.com/en/meta-quest-pro-discontinued/

??Android XR Gains Traction: Sony, Lynx, and XREAL Join Google's XR Ecosystem

• Google’s Android XR operating system is gaining traction with major headset makers like Sony, Lynx, and XREAL, marking a significant shift in the XR landscape.
• Sony’s SRH-S1 mixed reality headset, focused on enterprise use, is expected to be among the first devices powered by Android XR. This move aligns with Sony’s strategy to leverage existing ecosystems rather than developing proprietary XR software.
• While the current Lynx R-1 headset won’t use Android XR, future models are expected to adopt the OS, reducing development costs and integrating with a larger content ecosystem.
• Android XR’s growing adoption by key players reflects a shift towards unified XR platforms, providing developers and users access to broader ecosystems. However, both Google and Meta retain significant control over their respective platforms.

More info: https://www.roadtovr.com/lynx-confirms-android-xr-for-next-headset-sony-xreal-also-on-board-for-googles-os/

A huge thank you to everyone who’s been part of our journey so far. We’re thrilled to have you along for what promises to be an exciting year ahead!

Stay tuned for all the latest in XR innovations and tech trends—make sure you’re signed up to catch every groundbreaking update! ??