The XR Weekly Update (2025.07.28): Exciting Quest Features Revealed, Brilliant Labs Debuts New Smartglasses, and More!

Alright, so you’re sort of here, right? Stuck in the summer heat, or maybe you’re somewhere with a breeze. Doesn’t matter. Here’s a chaotic mix of XR news that might just hit the spot. Or not. Who knows. Plus, there’s a giveaway somewhere inside this mess.

Weekly Chaos in XR News

Rumor Alert: Quest’s Secret Sauce
Here’s what’s up: the ever-curious Luna digs into the whole Quest situation and spills some potential secrets. So, like, remember your static comfy VR home? Say goodbye. It’s out, replaced by something kinda more social. Basically like revamping your living room—goodbye comforting solitude. And Horizon Worlds is getting this makeover, too. Connections everywhere. Or so they say.

And, oh, Meta’s working on turning Horizon Hyperscape into a full-on thing called Horizon Photoreal. Imagine scanning places with your phone and boom, they’re in VR. Cool, right? Feels like we’re living in a sci-fi flick.

Luna’s finds might not even make it to the final cut. Meta Connect might spill more, or not.

Glassy Times Ahead with Brilliant Labs
Mark your calendars for July 31st, 10 am PT. Brilliant Labs is doing a thing. Expect some new smartglasses. They’ve done cool stuff before, like Monocle and Frames—those had a vibe. Open for devs, which is rare, I guess. Bobak Tavangar will be answering questions on Reddit. Might be worth lurking.

Not Sure Why But… VR Controllers by Sharp
Sharp dropped this VR controller thing. It looks like a glove had a baby with a controller. The price is steep (like, wow), and it’s haptic. Gives you vibes, literally. Does anyone actually want this? We’ll find out if folks start trying these out.

Meta’s Wristband Shenanigans
So Meta’s wristband. They’re playing with gesture things like finger writing or swiping like a spy. I mean, using your thumb as a button feels oddly satisfying, like clicking pens. Or maybe that’s just me.

Google’s Lab Secrets?
This comes from Karl Guttag, not me. Google might be flaunting smartglasses that are more ‘lab’ than ‘shelf’. They’re onto some prototype-level stuff. Which, on one hand, is intriguing, but why the show?

VR Games Showcase Return
Keep your eyes peeled on August 12th, 8:40 AM PT. I guess they’re revealing some big games. Expect noise from this one. If indie stuff is your jam, tune in early.

Sales and Summer Vibes with Pico
Own a Pico headset? The sale’s on. Discounts up to 50%. Imagine the smell of money burning; fills you with a kind of glee. Offers are on till August 10.

Real Golf, VR World: Putt Window
Quest 3 game lets you putt golf balls around home. Careful with vases or pizza boxes lying around though. It’s a wild mix of reality and virtual.

Sad Goodbyes to Dungeon Full Dive
A studio closing shop – TxK Gaming. They made Dungeon Full Dive. Before they knock off, they’re handing out their game master toolkit for free. It’s bittersweet. VR is expensive to make. Like, heartbreakingly so sometimes.

Snippets from the XR World

• Sound Bath: Chill vibes, don’t know why but seems relaxing.
• Eldramoor: Raised cash, not sure enough. Ah, game dev woes.
• Billie Eilish: Filming concerts in fancy 3D for Quest.
• Rec Room Goofiness: AI buddy, why not?

Some Reviews Here, Some There

• The Pirate: Republic of Nassau: It’s filled with pirate-y things. Who doesn’t like pirates?
• Dreams of Another: Feels like reading a book while using a gun. Absurdly original.
• Elsewhere Electric: Team effort mystery. Needs polish.
• Clone Drone in the Hyperdome: Rogue stuff, fight till you drop.

Peek and Poke at Tech Tidbits

• DannieVR: Has something to say about Xiaomi AI glasses. Worth a glance.
• Viture’s Bright Idea: Glasses, bright as heck. Competing with XREAL.
• VR Android File Fun: Sideloading made easier.
• Crystal Light by Pimax: Fancy yourself a headset swap? Discounts abound.

XR Tidbits from Friends

• BEATABLE: Music game tackling the rhythm genre. Hand-tracking magic.
• Unity Wizardry: My buddy Medhi unveils 3D bending tricks in Unity. Let’s wish him blog luck.
• FM DUO Camera: Super fancy. Shoots at astoundingly high resolutions.

And before we wrap up this unpredictable ride — support those in need. Consider donating to help folks in dire situations, like in Ukraine. Generosity never goes out of style.

This might have been a whirlwind, but thanks for sticking around. Now go, find a puddle to splash in, or something. Until next time.

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