XR Industry Weekly Highlights: A Look at the Latest Developments

Introduction

As the XR industry continues to evolve rapidly, this week has seen significant developments across the globe. From major tech companies to innovative startups, the landscape is filled with exciting news and advancements. Let's take a closer look at the key events and trends shaping the XR space this week.

International Developments

Samsung's XR Headset and AR Glasses

Samsung is gearing up for the launch of its first XR headset, Project Moohan, scheduled for the third quarter of this year. The company plans to produce only 100,000 units initially. This week, Samsung revealed that it is developing first-party motion controllers for the headset, which may be sold separately rather than bundled with the device. These controllers are expected to feature wireless connectivity and motion sensors, similar to most AR/VR controllers.

In addition to the headset, Samsung has filed a patent for AR glasses that can work in tandem with televisions. The patent outlines how AR glasses can function as an advanced remote control, supporting features like screen mirroring, automatic media playback mode when the user sits in front of the TV, and even collecting viewing suggestions through a Shazam-like feature. This vision suggests that AR glasses could learn users' viewing habits and automatically recommend new content when they sit in their usual spots at home.

Apple's Shift to Smart Glasses

Apple is reportedly shifting its focus from the Vision Pro to developing standalone AR glasses. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new AR glasses will be lightweight and AI-integrated, designed for everyday use. However, it may take another three to five years before these glasses hit the market. Apple is also exploring the development of a Ray-Ban-style smart glasses product, which would feature AI, microphones, and cameras, offering a sleek and tech-savvy experience. If Apple can leverage its design strengths and integrate the glasses seamlessly with the iPhone, the product could become a market hit.

Meta's New Limited Edition Smart Glasses

Meta has announced a new limited edition smart glasses collaboration with fashion brand Coperni. The "Ray-Ban Meta x Coperni Limited Edition" features a transparent black frame and gray mirror lenses, with only 3600 units available globally at a price of $549. Although the design is upgraded, the internal configuration and functionality remain the same as the standard Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

Valve's Upcoming Headset

Valve's upcoming VR headset, Deckard, is rumored to feature a USB wireless adapter for seamless PC VR connection. The device is expected to be released by the end of 2025, with a complete package priced at $1200. The wireless connection capability could significantly enhance user convenience and ease of use.

Domestic Developments

StarJia Meizu's XR Open Platform

StarJia Meizu, known for its StarV series of smart glasses, announced the launch of an XR open platform called "Man Tian Xing" at the VisionX AI Smart Glasses Industry Conference in Hangzhou. The platform will provide developers and industry clients with an integrated development environment (IDE) and SDK tools to reduce development costs and meet a broader range of user needs. StarJia Meizu's strong performance in the AR glasses market has led to its inclusion in the "AR Glasses Five Little Dragons" by iResearch, with notable sales growth in the fourth quarter of 2024.

DPVR's AI Glasses

DPVR, a leading VR company, is set to release its AI Glasses in the second quarter of this year. The product will leverage the DeepSeek-R1/V3 series models through Baidu's AI Cloud platform, offering real-time processing of multi-modal data with millisecond-level response times. The glasses were well-received at CES 2025 for their lightweight and comfortable design.

7invensun's New Eye-Tracking Device

7invensun has launched a new eye-tracking device called aSee Glasses Plus, weighing only 50g±3g. The device can be used with contact lenses and detachable lenses, recording and analyzing over 20 types of eye movement data. The accompanying software and mobile app allow for the collection of insights into human behavior, providing valuable data for scientific research and commercial testing.

Conclusion

The XR industry is experiencing rapid growth and innovation, with significant developments from both international and domestic players. Samsung's upcoming XR headset and AR glasses, Apple's shift towards smart glasses, Meta's limited edition collaboration, and Valve's new headset all highlight the dynamic nature of this space. Domestically, StarJia Meizu's open platform, DPVR's AI Glasses, and 7invensun's eye-tracking device showcase the diverse and exciting advancements in the field. As the industry continues to evolve, the coming months and years will undoubtedly bring more groundbreaking developments and opportunities.