These days, I’m keeping myself busy with a couple of projects. No trips are on sight for October, because I need to recover.
But I’m happy to announce that I’m supporting XRCC again as a media partner, because it’s one of the best hackathons we have in the AR/VR ecosystem. The new XRCC Online version is coming soon, and I suggest you check it out because:
- The organizers (led by Dinesh Punni and Anna Punni) are amazing and have always delivered a good experience for the participants
- The participants are super-talented, and every time I’ve joined as a mentor, I was ashamed to know less than some of the participants
- You can enjoy the lessons of famous mentors from the XR space
- There is money on the table: $10,000 going directly to creators
Plus, being the next edition online, you don’t need to travel to Berlin to participate, so it is much easier to join! Of course, this also means you will miss one of the big perks of the XRCC glammathon, which is the delicious food, but hey, if you win the first prize, you have enough money to pay yourself a good dinner!
Register now at this link and join this cool event!
Top news of the week
Meta launched its Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses… with some logistic issues
As promised, on September 30th, Meta officially launched its Ray-Ban Meta Display for $799. After the launch, as expected, my social media feed was filled with people sharing their impressions of the device and some videos of it. The feedback about it has been mostly as I expected: people are excited about its potentialities, are surprised by the Neural Band, but they also found enough shortcomings about it to consider it a good first version for prosumers, but absolutely not ready for mainstream adoption.
The big problem for this launch was not the device, but the launch itself. The glasses were available only in some US cities, and they sold out almost immediately. Plenty of VR journalists had to visit many shops before finding one: a pretty absurd situation, considering that I also believe that people like the Upload VR journalists should have received one for free directly in their mailboxes. The glasses require a physical demo to be bought (so the employees can find the ideal size of the glasses and the Neural band for you), and the demos are now booked until December in some places. Some people managed to get the demo, but then there were no glasses to buy. Basically, it has been a complete mess. So after the failed demos of Connect, we now have the failed logistics.
But luckily, scrolling on X, I found the solution: an XR professional claimed that she could not find the glasses anywhere, so she emailed Zuck and Boz… and in the end, she got a call from Meta with the instructions about where to find the glasses! So, my fellow XR people, from now on, every time you can not find some Meta hardware, just email Zuck and Boz, and they will sort it out. Easy peasy, no? Bonus points if you send them a selfie made in Horizon Worlds with the Eiffel Tower…
The last interesting piece of news related to the Meta glasses is that the company has declared that it will start targeting ads depending on the content in your chats with AI, including those happening inside your glasses. Do you remember when you looked at an inflatable doll and asked, “Hey Meta, what is this?”. Well, your Facebook feed is going to be more interesting from now on…
More info (Ray-Ban Meta Display available in some US Stores, if you can find them)
More info (Ray-Ban Meta Display available in some US Stores)
More info (Ray-Ban Meta Display sold-out)
More info (E-mailing Zuck and Boz will solve all your availability problems)
More info (Prescription lenses availability for the glasses)
More info (Ray-Ban Meta Display uses the optical system by Schott and Lumus)
More info (Ian Hamilton’s hands-on with Ray-Ban Meta Display)
More info (Voodoo’s hands-on with Ray-Ban Meta Display)
More info (Nathie shows the navigation feature of Ray-Ban Meta Display)
More info (Meta to sell targeted ads based on AI chats)
Other relevant news
Apple is close to launch its Vision Pro refresh and then focus on smartglasses
It’s been a week full of rumors about Apple and XR.
First of all, an FCC filing from the Cupertino company unveiled that a new device is going to be launched soon. This is most probably the refresh of the Vision Pro that should evolve the chipset to the M4 or M5 model, giving a lot more horsepower to this headset. The price and all the other features should stay the same. Maybe there could also be the launch of a “Dual Knit Band” for better comfort, but nothing more.
Another rumor is a bit more concerning: Apple seems to have scrapped its plans for a cheaper Apple Vision Pro, whose codename was Apple Vision Air, to anticipate its release of smartglasses. This move makes sense: with Meta selling glasses so well thanks to the help of Luxottica, launching Apple glasses in 2028, as it was rumored, may have meant for Apple to stay a bit too much behind. With the new rumored timeline, Apple glasses should be announced next year and released in 2027.
But the cancellation of a cheaper Vision Pro means that the AVP will stay as a prosumer headset for a long time. This would delay its consumer adoption, moving further the expected deadline for mainstream adoption of MR/VR.
More info (New Apple Vision Pro appears in FCC filings — Road To VR)
More info (New Apple Vision Pro appears in FCC filings — Upload VR)
More info (The upcoming AVP headband)
More info (Apple canceling Vision Air and focusing on smartglasses — Road To VR)
More info (Apple canceling Vision Air and focusing on smartglasses — Upload VR)
News worth a mention
The first apps for Android XR have been published
Some XR apps like TRIPP, Inc. Litesport, and XRWorkout have already launched on Google Play the Android XR version of their experience. Of course, they are not having many downloads (XRWorkout has less than 10), because only the teams with an Android XR developer kit can actually play them, and I guess they are all busy developing their experience for the launch day. The fact that these apps have already been launched makes me think that the Project Moohan launch is imminent. The rumors talked about an event around October 13th, so maybe in the next newsletter, we’ll already be talking about Samsung’s upcoming headset…
Quest 3/3S is now more popular on Steam than Quest 2
The latest Steam Hardware Survey brought an interesting statistic: for the first time after four years, the Quest 2 is not the most used headset on Steam anymore, and it has been substituted by Quest 3 and 3S. This is good news, because actually, the Quest 2 having such a large market is one of the reasons why many Quest games are not exploiting the capabilities of Quest 3 to the maximum. So the fact that Quest 3 is slowly replacing the 2 is great news.
I still don’t think there are more Quest 3/3S than Quest 2 in the wild, though. Remember that PCVR is used only by a minority of Quest users, and usually they are prosumers (like me), so they are the first ones interested in buying a new model when it is available. So this is just the first step in the substitution process: the vast majority of people, the ones that are fine with an older model as long as it works, are coming later, I guess.
Meta shares some details about its new Horizon Engine
In a recent blog post, Meta has shared some more details about its mysterious “Horizon Engine,” which it is basing its home environment and Horizon Worlds platform on. From this early description, it seems they created an engine that is not generic like Unity, but it is more tailored around the Meta ecosystem and its functionalities (e.g. Meta avatars) and Virtual Reality.
On one side, this makes sense because the more you build something that is specific to one use case, the more you can optimize it and avoid the bloatware that big engines like Unity or Unreal have become. On the other side, Unity and Unreal Engine are proven solutions, and developing a new engine is a huge effort with many potential pitfalls. Let’s see if Meta will be able to deliver it…
A game for AirPods
A mobile iPhone game called RidePods got my attention because it uses AirPods for controlling it. In this racing game, you make your motorbike steer left or right by just tilting your head: the AirPods you wear detect the motion and provide it to the game. The game does not have stellar reviews, but I still like its innovation in trying to make a mobile game a bit more immersive.
More info (A Youtuber showcasing the game)
More info (App Store page of the game)
DecartXR changes your reality with AI
Do you remember those viral videos where AI was able to change your reality around you to simulate that you were in the Middle Ages or in Santa Claus Village? Well, an AI company is trying to make this for real. The company is called DecartAI, and the product is called DecartXR. It changes the world around you thanks to Mixed Reality and camera access, and there is already a working demo for Quest. I’m going to try it soon and let you know how it works!
Some news about content
- BlackGate is a 4v1 asymmetrical multiplayer VR horror game set in a zero-gravity environment. One player takes on the role of an evolving alien, while the other four play as engineers trying to repair a space station and survive. The game is available on the Quest Store for €14
- Resolution Games announced its upcoming Dungeons & Dragons-themed version of Demeo (2021) is officially coming to all major VR headsets and flatscreen on November 20th, priced at $30
- Starlight Games, the studio behind House of Golf 2, announced they’re releasing a new mixed reality-supported entry into the mini golf series. It is called House of Golf VR, and it is going to be launched in October
- Sherlock Holmes: The Master Detective, a new Sherlock Holmes VR game where you search crime scenes and solve puzzles, has quietly launched in early access on Quest 3 and 3S for €14
- Caradise for Apple Vision Pro lets you place premium cars like Ferraris, Bugattis, Aston Martins, and more in your room at miniature or true scale
- Wreckin’ Raccoon is the debut game from nDreams Compass, asking players to impersonate a raccoon (you don’t say!) and make a mess. It is available in Early Access for €8
- Schell Games has announced Project Freefall, a new competitive skydiving tag game. It is getting a demo later this month
- Birdseed VR is a cozy photography simulator that lets you go birdwatching on Quest
- RAGER aims to blend timing-based melee combat with an electronic soundtrack across a campaign where you take down robotic enemies across short but high-energy duels. It enters early access on October 9 on PC VR and the Quest 3 family
- Maid of Sker VR by Wales Interactive is a first-person survival horror set in the late 19th century. Its story comes from Welsh folklore. It is being released in November
More info (Blackgate)
More info (Demeo)
More info (House Of Golf VR)
More info (Sherlock Holmes: The Master Detective)
More info (Caradise)
More info (Wreckin’ Raccoon)
More info (Project Freefall)
More info (Birdwatching Simulator)
More info (RAGER)
More info (Maid of Sker VR)
Some reviews about content
- According to both Upload VR and Road To VR, Thief VR: Legacy Of Shadow is a very promising game. It has amazing stealth interactions and a VR-native design that make it a pleasure to play in the headset
- My Monsters is an enjoyable adventure like Moss, but with an interesting human twist about you fighting with your inner demons. It is an interesting game, but also has some frustrating moments
- Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance Upgrade Mod gives new life to a classic game
- Dreams of Another is a creative, thoughtful effort at making a storytelling piece that makes the user think. But it seems made for flatscreen devices more than VR
More info (Thief VR: Legacy Of Shadow — Road To VR)
More info (Thief VR: Legacy Of Shadow — Upload VR)
More info (My Monsters)
More info (Star Wars)
More info (Dreams Of Another)
Other news
ProtubeVR announced an accessory for the Steam Frame, but it didn’t do it out of knowledge of the launch day of the Valve Deckard
VRChat creators found an innovative use of Quest Pro eye tracking: to move the head of bird avatars
Virbela is now available also on the web, without any installs
SideQuest made it easier to install VR game ports by Team Beef
The September 2025 edition of the XR Developer News is out
I found on LinkedIn an amazing down-to-earth post about the difficulties of implementing VR training inside traditional companies
An interesting (and a bit crazy) research project is able to transform every object you can keep in your hands into a virtual keyboard
(Thanks Ivan Aguilar for the tip)
News from partners (and friends)
Attend the Sandbox Immersive Festival!
The Sandbox Immersive Festival is back! Unluckily, I can not attend it because I have work to do, but if you can afford a trip to Beijing and are interested in XR and storytelling, you should definitely go there. This is the official description of the event I have been sent.
Sandbox Immersive Festival, Asia’s leading XR event, returns to Beijing for its fifth edition, kicking off on October 15th. This premier gathering is dedicated to showcasing the forefront of immersive storytelling, featuring a curated selection of award-winning international XR films, groundbreaking interactive experiences, and virtual performances. Beyond the exhibitions, the festival serves as a dynamic industry hub with a prestigious competition, a project market for new ventures, and a professional forum attended by field pioneers. It is the essential platform to explore the business potential of Chinese market, experience cutting-edge technology, and engage with the creators shaping the future of digital narrative.
Learn more
Join the Digital Days in Prague!
Join Digital Days at the French Institute, running alongside Signal Festival — Prague on October 16 & 18, 2025, a two-day program exploring the future of digital arts through talks, panels, and workshops on economic models, distribution, and international collaboration. Featured speakers include Mathieu Vabre (CHRONIQUES Biennial), Pavel Mrkus (Signal Festival), Annabelle Playe (Ana Compagnie), Céline Berthoumieux (HACNUM), and Paul Bouchard (Diversion). A selection of French VR works will also be showcased by Diversion during the event. Free entry with registration, and programming will be held in English.
Register now for the event
Discover FM DUO camera!
Meet the FM DUO, a VR camera that is capable of filming up to 12K @30fps, and 8K @60fps. With built-in RTMP live streaming and 5G connectivity, the FM·DUO will immerse your viewers in real time! The FM·DUO features 2 full-frame CMOS sensors, with 6000 x 6000 pixels each. This allows for high-resolution zooming capabilities. Not only can you narrow in on one subject, but you can also focus on singular details of the subject’s facial expressions, clothing textures, and a multitude of other small details, enabling a much more immersive experience of VR video.
Visit Product Website
Some XR fun
Woooow what a discount!
Funny link
Has Valve launched its headset, yet?
Funny link
Typescript is dangerous for kids, it seems…
Funny link
Donate for good
Like last week, also this week in this final paragraph I won’t ask you to donate to my blog, but to the poor people who are facing the consequences of the war. Please donate to the Red Cross to handle the current humanitarian situation in Ukraine. I will leave you the link to do that below.
Let me take a moment before to thank anyway all my Patreon donors for the support they give to me:
- Alex Gonzalez VR
- DeoVR
- GenVR
- Eduardo Siman
- Jonn Fredericks
- Jean-Marc Duyckaerts
- Reynaldo T Zabala
- Richard Penny
- Terry xR. Schussler
- Ilias Kapouranis
- Paolo Leoncini
- Immersive.international
- Nikk Mitchell and the great FXG team
- Jake Rubin
- Alexis Huille
- Raghu Bathina
- Chris Koomen
- Cognitive3D
- Wisear (Yacine Achiakh)
- Masterpiece X
- Dimo Pepelyashev
- Carol Dalrymple
- Keith Bradner
- Jennifer Granger
- Jason Moore
- Steve Biggs
- Julio Cesar Bolivar
- Jan Schroeder
- Kai Curtis
- Francesco Strada
- Sikaar Keita
- Ramin Assadollahi
- Juan Sotelo
- Andrew Sheldon
- Chris Madsen
- Horacio Torrendell
- Andrew Deutsch
- Fabien Benetou
- Tatiana Kartashova
- Marco “BeyondTheCastle” Arena
- Eloi Gerard
- Adam Boyd
- Jeremy Dalton
- Joel Ward
- Alex P
- Lynn Eades
- Donald P
- Casie Lane
- Catherine Henry
- Qcreator
- Ristband (Anne McKinnon & Roman Rappak)
- Stephen Robnett
- KaihatsuJai
- Christopher Boyd
- Don Williams
- Giuseppe Pippi
- Mark Frederiksen
- Ken Lin
- Sebastien Poivre
- Sb
- Boule Petanque
- Pieter Siekerman
- Enrico Poli
- Vooiage Technologies
- Caroline
- Liam James O’Malley
- Hillary Charnas
- Wil Stevens
- Francesco Salizzoni
- Alan Smithson
- Steve R
- Brentwahn
- Michael Gaebler
- Tiago Silva
- Matt Cool
- Mark G
- Simplex
- Gregory F Gorsuch
- Paul Shay
- Matias Nassi
And now here you are the link to donate:
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image by Meta)
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