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What a whirlwind of a week it’s been on the work front! The kind of busy that’s exciting, not overwhelming. Just when I thought my plate was full, Meta dropped their latest on us—camera access for the Quest, of course I jumped right in! Let’s dive into the most captivating XR stories of this week. Be sure to stick around till the end because you might just snag something in the giveaway!
Highlight of the Week
Niantic’s Big Move to Scopely
Niantic’s gaming division, including the iconic Pokemon Go, has been sold to Scopely for a staggering $3.85 billion. Scopely’s new status is backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, effectively placing Pokemon Go under Saudi ownership. Niantic now turns its full attention to geospatial tech, creating Niantic Spatial with an initial $250 million fund. This bold decision is a gamble on XR’s future profitability, with AR expected to become lucrative in around three years. While leaving the safety net of Pokemon Go behind might seem risky, it signals Niantic’s confident pivot towards AR technology. Kudos to John Hanke for making a gutsy move!
Meta’s Cameras on Quest Take the Stage
It’s official—Meta has rolled out Passthrough APIs granting developers access to Quest and Quest 3S cameras. This capability allows MR apps to interact intelligently with real-world surroundings. Developers are already buzzing with ideas, putting together tutorials and insights, including my own detailed guide on starting with Passthrough Camera Access. This bridge between applications and camera access opens avenues for cross-platform innovation. Though it remains an Experimental feature, Meta’s historical pattern suggests wider access isn’t far off.
A Peek into the VR Gaming Future at the Showcase
Jamie Feltham’s VR Games Showcase unveiled some exciting updates. Noteworthy is "Stay: Forever Home," launching in April, which offers VR adventures with a dog-like virtual companion on Quest. Fans of Hitman will soon experience "Hitman: World of Assassination" on PSVR 2, with a much-anticipated launch set for March 27. Sci-fi survival "Memoreum" and "Slender: The Arrival VR" are also on the horizon, ready to cast their respective chills in the coming months.
Ultraleap’s Unfortunate Dismantling
Moving to a somber note, Ultraleap, which was renowned for its pioneering work in hand tracking and haptics, has been dissolved. Its hand-tracking segment will now be absorbed by Roli, alongside 24 employees. The intellectual property rights have been offloaded to SIM IP, concluding a once-promising journey.
Samsung’s New Motion Controllers?
Rumor has it, Samsung’s Project Moohan headset will include its own motion controllers. This development makes content portability from other headsets like Meta Quest more feasible, promising a rich Android XR library.
Meta Struggles to Enthuse Employees with Horizon Worlds
Reports have emerged questioning the enthusiasm behind Horizon Worlds. It seems that even within Meta, the reception isn’t as warm, with reports of developers feigning activity. If true, this casts doubt on its potential, contrasting with the efforts on broader Quest ecosystem enhancements.
Google’s Eye-Tracking Acquisition
On a brighter technological note, Google’s acquisition of AdHawk Microsystems for $115 million showcases its commitment to advancing eye-tracking tech without relying on invasive cameras.
Valve’s Wireless Leap Forward
Valve is making strides with its upcoming "SteamVR Link Dongle," aimed at enhancing wireless VR game performance. Leaks suggest an open approach will extend this capability across Pico and HTC headsets too.
Passthrough and Micro Gesture: Meta’s Innovations
Not only did Meta release Passthrough Camera Access, but they also introduced micro gesture detection. This technology enables nuanced user interactions within MR applications.
The Continuing Drama with Immersed’s Visor
Immersed’s Visor’s production has been delayed again, casting shadows over its future. With financial strategies in question, and a burn rate of around $500K monthly, transparency might be key to calming anxious supporters.
VR Market Faces More Exits
The VR sector felt a pinch this week as Phaser Lock’s shutdown and People Can Fly’s exit reflect investment cutbacks in new VR game production. Despite the shifting sands, Horizon Worlds remains Meta’s focus.
Experiments That Push Boundaries
In fascinating experiments, we’ve seen the first bio-computers combining neurons with silicon, and communication occurring between dreamers. These futuristic endeavors invite both awe and caution.
MAGE Brings Groundbreaking Physics to Quest
MAGE offers physics-driven chaos on Quest 3, boasting incredible specs unattainable by other engines like Unity. Its bespoke optimization hints at exciting possibilities for future gaming experiences.
Apple’s 8K Metallica Spectacle
Apple’s venture into delivering a Metallica concert in an immersive 8K format for Vision Pro has sparked positive buzz, despite some creative liberties with traditional film techniques.
SXSW 2025: A Festival of Immersive Storytelling
SXSW 2025 once again became a canvas for immersive storytelling, with Charlie Fink’s coverage providing a rich glimpse into the event’s highlights.
Sales and New Releases on Steam and Quest
Good news for gamers—there are major sales on both Steam and the Horizon Store, offering discounts on popular VR titles like Half-Life: Alyx.
Fresh Content to Explore
From the rhythm-centric BEATABLE launching April 10, to "Quantum Threshold’s" accessibility-led gameplay, and "Path Of Fury’s" pulse-pounding action, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming months.
Game Reviews Roll In
"Waltz Of The Wizard" on PSVR 2 and "Deep Cuts" that delves into movie magic stand out alongside "Mythic Realms," which mixes layered gameplay elements into a compelling experience for MR and VR enthusiasts.
Partner Giveaways and Support
Finally, there’s a chance to snag "Mythic Realms" through a special giveaway. Be quick to grab those keys! And as always, I salute my Patreon supporters for their unyielding encouragement.
Philanthropy Note
As always, in this space, I encourage contributions to the Red Cross in support of Ukrainian humanitarian efforts. Gratitude to my patrons for their generous support—let’s extend this generosity where it’s needed most.
Stay tuned for more adventures, and keep pushing the boundaries of innovation!
