XR Week Highlights (2025.07.28): Quest Unveils New Features, Brilliant Labs’ Smartglasses Launch, and More!

Hey there! Hope summer’s treating you well – here’s a mishmash of the juiciest XR news from this week. Oh, and there’s a giveaway at the end, because why not?

This Week’s Top Bits

Datamining Drama with Quest

Okay, so Luna’s been snooping around Upload VR again. She’s found some potentially cool features for Quest. Heads up:

• Horizon Home Revamp: Forget the static setup. The new home is more social, almost like Horizon Worlds. You can toss in portals to different worlds and share 2D windows with your buddies. Wild, huh?

• Horizon Worlds Shake-Up: A ninja-style overhaul for the central plaza and UI. Oh, and you’ll see your home space floating in the sky—it’s all about connection, or something like that.

• Events Arena Unveiling: New hangout for events. Simple as that.

• Horizon Photoreal: So there was this demo, Horizon Hyperscape? It’s evolving into an app. Scan places with your phone and share them. Imagine Instagram, but realistic places.

Heads up, these tidbits are just Luna’s brainchild. They could pop up at Meta Connect, or not at all. Who can say?

Brilliant Labs Is Up to Something

Brilliant Labs is stirring the pot with a new smartglasses launch on July 31st. Given their history with Monocle and Frames, this should be good stuff. If you like open ecosystems, keep tabs. Bobak Tavangar’s hosting an AMA on Reddit, so jump in if you have questions.

Sharp’s Weird New Toy

So, Sharp threw out a VR controller prototype. Imagine a glove and controller had a baby. It’s got “multi-segmented tactile elements” – fancy! These things cost $680 in Japan. Let’s see if anyone gives it a whirl. Ah, the wonders of VR evolution…

Meta’s EMG Wristband Peek

Meta’s working on a wristband, and they’ve laid down some gestures that are supposed to feel super natural. Examples?

• Painting in the air with your finger.
• Flicking the wrist to move stuff.
• Thumb swiping (not just for phones now!).
• Clicking by tapping your finger.

These moves mesh with how you groove. Cool?

Google’s Lab Antics

Word from Karl Guttag says Google’s smartglasses might be a lab prototype using Raxium microdisplays. One workable display out of a hundred isn’t gonna cut it commercially. Google hasn’t confirmed, but Guttag might be onto something.

VR Games Showcase is Back!

Mark your calendar: August 12th, 8:40 AM PT. Expect major reveals like Forefront from Triangle Factory and Reach from nDreams Elevation. There’s also a pre-show for indie devs. Let’s hope they share the spotlight!

Pico Does Summer Sales

Own a Pico headset? Discounts up to 50% on selected titles until August 10. It’s wallet-opening season, folks.

Putt Window: Real Golf, Virtual Style

Quest 3 game lets you play golf at home using a real putter and ball. Be mindful though, don’t smash a vase. The concept’s worth a peek.

Dungeon Full Dive Bids Adieu

Sad news – TxK Gaming Studios is closing shop. Their D&D game, Dungeon Full Dive, was ambitious but didn’t stick. They’re making the $50 GM Edition toolkit free. VR projects need more funding, folks. Kickstarter sizes often don’t match ambition.

Quick Shots

• Sound Bath – Relax with a new experience from TRIPP’s creators.
• Eldramoor – Raised $170k on Kickstarter for a VR MMORPG. Fingers crossed it’ll last.
• Billie Eilish Alert – She’s filming her concerts in 3D for Meta Quest. Cool.
• Rec Room Plus – Get an “AI buddy” called Roomie. Because why not?
• Beat Saber – Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso joins the song list!

Reviews and Musings

• The Pirate: Republic of Nassau – Dive into pirate-themed adventures. Yarrr matey!
• Dreams of Another – A story-driven experience using, wait for it, a gun.
• Elsewhere Electric – Mystery fun with friends, still ironing out kinks.
• Clone Drone in the Hyperdome – Combat galore, with a fresh roguelite mode.

Tidbits

• Xiaomi AI Glasses – Hands-on thoughts by DannieVR.
• Viture’s Smartglasses – Brighter than XREAL, check ’em out.
• VR File Manager – Sideload APKs without needing a developer mode.
• Crystal Light Headset Offers – Discounts if you’re switching gears.
• VR TactSuit Thoughts – Reviewed by VRgamerdude.
• Rayneo Air 3S Teardown – Curious about the innards?
• VR Training Guide – Want VR in the workplace? This’ll help.
• Google Virtual Try-Ons – A sneak peek on how it’d look on you.

Giveaway Alert!

BEATABLE’s out and ready to rock. It’s fresh out of Early Access with cool features:

• Custom tracks
• Visual extras
• 24 banging songs

Grab it for around $10 or snag a free key if you’re quick—ready, set, go!

Shoutout to Medhi Sam

A buddy of mine, Medhi, dropped a Unity tutorial on bending the world around you. It’s cool wizardry. Good luck with the blog, Medhi!

Discover FM DUO Camera

This VR camera captures up to 12K res at 30fps, offering insane immersion. Perfect for VR video zealots.

XR Giggles

Ever considered virtual clothes removal? Yeah, same here.

Do Good

Same as last week, I’m plugging donations for Ukraine via the Red Cross. Let’s lend a hand where we can.

Here’s the link to donate:

Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

Cheers to all my Patreon supporters! You’re keeping this wild ride going.