XR Reality -18th of July Edition

We are currently in the middle of July, but XR technology doesn't seem to take any breaks!

We've got some exciting news coming this week, from a forecast about the VR headset of 2030 to how social VR players might shape the future of VR development.

And don't forget we are launching the main chess game of the XR space to mixed reality for the first time ever on the 20th of July for World Chess Day!

Let's dive in!

Meta CTO Forecasts Specs for the Quest Headset of 2031

• Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth predicts that by 2031, Meta's Quest headset will feature a resolution of 50-60 pixels per degree (PPD), a vertical field of view taller than current models, and a weight reduction of 100-200 grams.
• He foresees a refresh rate of 120Hz, similar to the Quest 3, with an integrated battery rather than an external one. Additionally, Bosworth anticipates the inclusion of closed-ear audio options.
• These predictions come as Bosworth reflects on the evolution of Meta's headsets, from the Oculus Go to the Quest 3, and envisions future advancements despite potential changes in technology and Meta's strategy.
• For more insights, the full interview is available on his podcast, Boz To The Future.
• More on: https://www.uploadvr.com/metas-cto-predicts-quest-headset-2031-specs/

Unlocking Potential: The Impact of Camera Access in VR/AR Headset

• This week, we came across this interesting article about how enabling camera access in VR/AR Headsets could change the Industry, especially with the growing trends toward MR headsets.
• Meta's CTO recently hinted at the possibility of enabling this feature in future Quest headsets, though privacy concerns have been a barrier.
• Currently, developers struggle to create dynamic MR apps due to the lack of camera access, which limits the potential for apps to react to the user's environment.
• Examples of potential MR apps that could benefit from camera access include cooking assistants, spatial vacuuming tools, and AI-assisted drawing apps. The ability to access headset cameras could unlock numerous creative and practical applications, driving innovation and significantly enhancing user experiences.
• More on: https://techvers.eu/en/how-camera-access-in-vr-ar-could-change-industry/
• And on: https://www.uploadvr.com/metas-cto-thoughts-quest-developers-raw-camera-access/

New Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Outsell Previous Version

• New Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have significantly outsold their predecessors, achieving more sales in a few months than the previous version did in two years, according to Essilor Luxottica's CEO Francesco Milleri.
• Launched last October, these glasses feature Meta AI and enable users to livestream to Facebook and Instagram, enhancing their appeal.
• While the AI feature is currently restricted to the US, Europe awaits the new Artificial Intelligence Act.
• More on: https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/new-ray-ban-meta-glasses-have-outsold-previous-version-essilux-ceo-says-2024-07-16/

Google Blocks Poised for Open Source Revival and coming to Quest, Pico & Steam

• A group that helped open-source a fork of Google's Tilt Brush abandoned VR art tool is doing the same with the 3D modeling platform Blocks.
• Google had acquired Tilt Brush for 3D drawing and launched Blocks as a 3D modeling tool for VR headsets, but as Google reduced its investment in VR technology, its creators open-sourced Tilt Brush, ensuring its "immortality."
• Now, Blocks will also live on as Open Blocks, with the Icosa Foundation preparing a modernized release for Quest, Pico, and Steam, more than six years after progress on the project stopped.
• The project will also add immersive XR features such as MR passthrough, support for glTF importing, and the Icosa Gallery, a replacement for Google’s defunct Poly platform. Meanwhile, Google and Samsung are expected to reveal their next steps in personal computing for Android XR in October, following Meta's Connect event in September.
• More on: https://www.uploadvr.com/google-blocks-set-for-open-source-rebirth-on-quest-pico-steam/

Social VR Player Might Be the Future VR Developers

• There is a new generation of VR developers is emerging from social VR platforms, with users honing their skills and transitioning into professional roles.
• Creators like Gizem "Mishi" McDuff, who marketed her fashion line in Roblox, and Benjamin Miner, who started as a modder for Iron Rebellion, exemplify this trend. Jace Fernandez, known for his VR music festival Slyfest, now works on Dance Dash for Rebuff Reality.
• The credibility of VR identities is also highlighted, with artists like Ariel Emerald and Starheart gaining recognition at the Raindance Immersive Festival. Check out this interview from the Voices of VR podcast with Ariel about how VR helped her overcome social anxiety and pursue a career in filmmaking by providing access to resources and people that would've otherwise been impossible.
• Despite concerns about the sustainability of current platforms, developers like Anton Hand emphasize the importance of VR communities and the need for technological advancements.
• This evolving landscape shows that VR development is increasingly shaped by those who actively engage and create within these immersive environments.
• More on: https://www.uploadvr.com/the-next-generation-of-vr-developers-are-social-vr-users/

Chess Club is coming to Mixed Reality on World Chess Day

• Tik Tak! Only a few days until Chess Club Mixed Reality is available on the Meta Store Page!
• What better way to celebrate World Chess Day?
• Stay tuned to our socials because we might have one more unexpected move to make!

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