🥽 Samsung's Vision Pro Coming THIS Year

Good morning, folks!

Your favorite XR newsletter editor is back in action after a two-week hiatus, courtesy of a pesky neck injury. Nothing says "welcome back" quite like catching up on Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event. The announcement that their Apple Vision Pro competitor was coming out this year was the second most surprising announcement of the night. The first position definitely goes to their new smartwatch and earbuds, where they blatantly copied Apple’s designs.

 — Joel Johnson, Founder & Chief Editor

Headlines for people in a hurry:

• 🌎 Samsung Confirms Android XR Headset Coming This Year

• 💰 Apple Shops for Cheaper Displays for Budget Vision Headset

• 🆕 Meta Quest v67 Update Brings Movable Panels and More

• 🥽 Somnium VR1 Launches with Eight Editions, Starting at €1,900

Read time: 3 minutes

TOP STORIES

SAMSUNG

Samsung's Android XR Headset: Coming Soon to a Face Near You

Looks like Samsung might join the mixed reality party sooner than we expected! The tech giant just dropped some not-so-subtle hints about its upcoming Android XR headset. Here's what we know:

• Samsung's mobile chief TM Roh teased a "new XR platform coming this year" at the Galaxy Unpacked event.

• Google's still very much involved, with their SVP Rick Osterloh confirming their continued partnership.

• Rumors suggest a big announcement in the second half of 2024, with a potential December launch. So hold on before you finalise your Christmas shopping list.

• The headset will be powered by Qualcomm's beefy Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip. It's pretty much similar to the Quest 3's chip if it were on Red Bull.

Why It Matters: Samsung entering the XR arena is a big deal. With Google's Android XR software and Qualcomm's high-end chip, this headset could be a serious contender to both Meta's Quest line and Apple's Vision Pro. It also signals that major tech players see XR as the next big computing platform. However, I’m personally bummed out about the fact that all they’ve showcased so far is a single PowerPoint slide with their logos coming together and nothing else. Nothing else. I’m still wondering why they would do that for a product coming out in less than 5 months. No leaks and no rumors. This does not inspire confidence at all.

APPLE

Apple's Vision SE: The Hunt for Cheaper Displays Has Begun

Looks like Apple's on the prowl for some budget-friendly eyeball real estate for its rumored cheaper Vision headset. Here's the scoop on their display shopping spree:

• Apple's reportedly sent out feelers to LG and Samsung about supplying micro-OLED displays. It's like swiping right, but for tech giants.

• The specs? They're eyeing 2-2.1 inch displays with 1700 PPI density. That's a step down from Vision Pro's ultra-crisp screens, but still sharper than your average smartwatch.

• This could mean a resolution around 2600x2300, compared to Vision Pro's eye-popping 3660x3200. Sure, your retinas might not melt, but your wallet will thank you.

• Why the change? Sony's current displays are top-notch but pricey and hard to mass-produce. Apple's trying to make "spatial computing" a little less spatially challenging for our bank accounts.

Why It Matters: This move shows Apple's serious about bringing its mixed reality tech to a wider audience. By potentially compromising a bit on display specs, they could significantly lower the entry price for the Apple Vision experience. It's a delicate balance – maintaining that premium Apple feel while making the tech more accessible. If they pull it off, we might see a lot more people walking around with Apple-branded rectangles on their faces in the near future.

META

Meta Quest v67 Update: More Panels, Less Typing

Meta's serving up a fresh plate of features for Quest owners with their v67 update. Let's dig into the details.

• Movable panels are the star of the show. Now you can arrange up to six windows in your virtual space, like a productivity ninja in the metaverse.

• Quest 3 users get a nifty Wi-Fi QR code scanner. No more fumbling with virtual keyboards to type in passwords!

• Swipe typing finally makes its way to VR. Your fingers will thank you for this smartphone-inspired feature.

• Other goodies include immersive media continuity, improved Do Not Disturb settings, and better eye-tracking for Quest Pro users.

Why It Matters: These updates show Meta's commitment to making Quest headsets more versatile and user-friendly. The improved multitasking capabilities could make VR more attractive for work and productivity, not just gaming. Meanwhile, quality-of-life improvements like swipe typing and QR code scanning address common VR pain points. As the competition heats up with Apple's Vision Pro, Meta seems determined to keep refining the Quest experience.

NEWS FLASH

SOMNIUM

Somnium VR1 Starts At €1,900 And Goes All The Way To €3,900

• 🥽 Somnium VR1 set to launch on July 12, 2024, with prices starting at €1,900.

• 🌐 Apple Vision Pro now available in the UK, Canada, Germany, France, and Australia.

• 🎨 Meta Quest 3 features new mixed reality "No Boundary" update.

• 🎮 Meta offers 1-hour weekend trials for top multiplayer Quest games.

• 🛒 Meta Quest 3 128GB model on sale with significant discounts.

• 🎮 Surreal Touch: New 6DOF tracked VR controller for Apple Vision Pro.

• 🛍️ Apple Store Vision Pro demos now use dual-loop band for enhanced fit.

• 👦 Meta Quest introduces parent-approved contacts for preteens.

BOOKMARKS

Immersive Articles From The Web

• Meta Quest in 7 Years: Meta CTO Makes These Predictions

• Lynx-R1 Production Has Been "An Absolute"Mess"—Founder

COOL APPS

ADVENTURE

Swim With The Fishes

• 🐬 Oceans of Light: Dolphins VR: Swim with wild dolphins in this VR documentary on Meta Quest.

• 🎱 Miracle Pool: Experience the excitement of pool in VR with this new Meta Quest 3 app.

• 📦 Does It Stack?: Test your stacking skills in this entertaining game for Meta Quest 3.

• 🗺️ Hold the World: Explore and interact with Sir David Attenborough in this educational VR experience.

• 🎼 Maestro: Conduct a virtual orchestra and feel the music come alive.

• 🚀 Holotanks: Engage in strategic tank battles in this new VR game for Quest 3.

• 🏛️ The House of Da Vinci VR: Solve puzzles and uncover secrets in Da Vinci's workshop.

• 🌌 Destiny 2 in Rec Room: Become a Guardian in virtual reality with this Destiny 2 experience.

• 🌠 The Infinite Inside: Explore a mysterious space station in this Quest 3 exclusive mixed reality game.

UNREAL MONEY

FUNDING REPORT

Infinite Reality Acquires Landvault for $450M & Raises $350M

Infinite Reality (iR), a company focused on AI and immersive technologies, has made significant moves to bolster its position in the spatial computing market. The company announced a $350 million minority investment from a private multi-family office, boosting its valuation to $5.1 billion. This funding is earmarked for accelerating growth and is separate from iR's planned SPAC transaction.

In addition, iR acquired Landvault, a specialist in immersive technology and digital twins, for $450 million in an all-stock deal. Landvault brings a portfolio of high-profile clients and expertise in creating virtual environments for brands and governments.

These transactions, along with iR's previous acquisitions this year, bring the company's total transaction value to $800 million in 2024. The moves signal iR's ambitious plans to lead in immersive digital environments and spatial computing.

With Landvault's team joining iR and expanding its presence in the Middle East and Europe, Infinite Reality is positioning itself as a major player in the evolving landscape of immersive technologies and AI-powered engagement tools for brands.

WRAP UP

MEME OF THE DAY

Hate To Say It, But I Agree With Thanos Here

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