Google’s AR Headset Ambitions Stymied as Company Guts Hardware Team

Google’s AR Headset Ambitions Stymied as Company Guts Hardware Team

Google is reorganizing a number of its hardware teams, which will see layoffs affecting a few hundred roles across its Devices & Services units. As reported by  9to5Google , Google’s first-party AR hardware team is taking the brunt of the blow. Hardware teams dedicated to Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit are set to be united into a

Apple Will Host in-Store Vision Pro Demos on Release Weekend

Apple Will Host in-Store Vision Pro Demos on Release Weekend

Apple quietly announced plans to host in-store demos at the launch of Vision Pro, but it isn’t clear how long they will continue. Alongside its announcement of the forthcoming pre-orders and release of Vision Pro, Apple noted in a marketing email that it plans to host demos in US stores so customers can try Vision

Apple Vision Pro Knockoffs Are Already Here

Apple Vision Pro Knockoffs Are Already Here

Apple has always been a trendsetter, with hopeful competitors copying everything from the company’s iconic marketing campaigns to its unique industrial design language. Still, we didn’t expect to see a knock-off of Vision Pro so soon. Hall-walkers at CES 2024 this week noticed a headset that looks awfully familiar. If you thought Apple was hocking

‘Rec Room’ to Roll Out Full-body Avatars in March

‘Rec Room’ to Roll Out Full-body Avatars in March

Prominent VR social app Rec Room is getting full-body avatars soon, which will let users choose to either stick with the standard floating bean-body type, or go all-in with a fully-appendaged avatar. The studio says in a blogpost that it’s bringing its new full-body avatars to the platform as a beta feature by March 2024. It’s not

Vive XR Elite Gets Face-tracking Add-on with Eye & Mouth Sensing

Vive XR Elite Gets Face-tracking Add-on with Eye & Mouth Sensing

HTC today announced the launch of a new Full Face Tracker accessory for Vive XR Elite. The device attaches to headset to capture eye and mouth movements which developers can use for a variety of purposes. HTC says the Face-tracking add-on for Vive XR Elite is available staring today, priced at $200. The device attaches

Apple’s First Vision Pro Ad Turns to Pop-culture to Make Goggles Cool

Apple’s First Vision Pro Ad Turns to Pop-culture to Make Goggles Cool

Apple is turning on the hype machine for Vision Pro, its first mixed reality headset which is set to release early next month for $3,500. Apple’s marketing department is undeniably one of the world’s strongest, but it’s attempting one of the most difficult feats with the headset’s first real advert: to make wearing goggles cool.

Xreal Announces Air 2 Ultra AR Glasses Ahead of Apple Vision Pro Release

Xreal Announces Air 2 Ultra AR Glasses Ahead of Apple Vision Pro Release

China-based XR company Xreal (previously Nreal) announced its newest pair of glasses at CES 2024, marking the company’s return to augmented reality right as Apple is prepping its $3,500 Vision Pro for its upcoming launch. Called Air 2 Ultra, the device is the first in the company’s most recent suite of glasses to incorporate inside-out