XR Reality - August 16th Edition

We are in mid-August, and most of the world is on vacation, but some relevant news keeps happening this week, including some exciting news from Odders!

ICYM, we have recently announced that we are working on our first MR and Apple Vision Pro game: Make It Stable. To find out more, please check our web post.

Now, catch up with our weekly recap of #VR and # AR-related news.

Pico to Unveil New Headset on August 20th: What We Know So Far

• Pico officially announced the launch of a new product on August 20th, 2024, which is widely expected to be a refreshed version of the Pico 4 headset.
• Leaks have already revealed most of the details, including the name "Pico Ultra", and that the headset will feature a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and improved passthrough capabilities thanks to dual front cameras.
• The launch is a positive sign for Pico’s continued presence in the VR market, especially after concerns arose from Bytedance's issues with the U.S. government.
• As the official unveiling approaches, the VR community eagerly awaits to see if there are any surprises left to discover.
• More at https://www.uploadvr.com/august-20-pico-4-ultra-event-china/

HTC Slashes Vive XR Elite Price Ahead of New Headset Announcement

• HTC has reduced the price of its flagship standalone headset, the Vive XR Elite, from $1,100 to $900 in the U.S., with a similar price cut coming to the U.K., where it will drop to ￡900.
• Initially released in February 2023 as a competitor to Meta's Quest Pro, the Vive XR Elite boasted a compact design and mixed reality capabilities. However, after Meta slashed the Quest Pro’s price to $1,000, the Vive XR Elite’s appeal waned.
• This price reduction seems aimed at clearing out stock in the U.S., a key market for XR devices. HTC is also running promotions for Vive XR Elite bundles until August 31st.
• Amid these price changes, HTC has teased a new XR headset, rumored to be an iteration of the Vive Focus 3. If the leaked details are accurate, the new device could share some components with the Vive XR Elite, potentially creating competition within HTC’s own product line.
• As we wait for the official reveal, the question remains whether this new headset will deliver enough to justify its place in HTC’s lineup.
• More on: https://www.roadtovr.com/htc-vive-xr-elite-discount-focus-4-reveal/

Microsoft's XR Comeback: Rumors Point to New Mixed Reality Devices

• Recent rumors suggest that Microsoft may be reigniting its XR hardware ambitions. According to reports from Korea, Microsoft has contracted Samsung to supply micro OLED displays for "next-generation mixed reality devices," potentially launching as early as 2026 with capabilities similar to Apple Vision Pro.
• Additionally, patent analysts have noted Microsoft's growing interest in smart glasses, leading to speculation that the company might soon introduce AI-powered smart glasses similar to Ray-Ban Meta. While these developments are not confirmed, they are surprising given Microsoft's previous retreat from mixed reality after the HoloLens underperformed.
• If true, Microsoft's return to XR hardware would mark a significant shift, though it remains unclear how the company plans to regain its lost momentum in this competitive space.
• More on: https://www.xrtoday.com/augmented-reality/is-this-a-first-look-at-microsoft-co-pilot-ar-smart-glasses/

Fly: A Google Earth VR Experience for Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro

• Fly is a new app that brings the immersive experience of Google Earth VR to Meta Quest headsets and Apple Vision Pro. It allows you to explore the world in 3D without needing a PC.
• While it’s not the official Google Earth VR, Fly uses Google's new Photorealistic 3D Tiles API to render 3D terrain and buildings, making it the closest alternative on standalone devices.
• In Fly, you can navigate cities and landmarks worldwide with detailed 3D geometry. The default movement system places you inside a giant drone, using body movements to control your direction. However, for those who prefer traditional controls, you can switch to the thumbstick in the settings and even remove the drone model for an unobstructed view of the landscape.

Discover fresh insights every week, and share your thoughts on the latest news in the comments!

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