/glasses22hMeta's Reality Labs cuts sparked fears of a 'VR winter'Meta's recent cuts in its Reality Labs division, which focuses on virtual reality (VR), have raised concerns about a potential 'VR winter'. The company laid off 10% of its Reality Labs employees, primarily affecting VR-related projects such as the Quest VR headsets and Horizon Worlds. Meta is shifting its focus from VR to artificial intelligence (AI) and smart glasses, leading to a significant reduction in VR investments. Industry experts suggest that the VR market may be niche, with limited appeal to the general consumer, and that the industry is undergoing a major transition. Despite these changes, Meta maintains that it is still heavily investing in VR, although the pace of growth is slower than anticipated.
/glasses7dThis simple Meta Quest 3 feature just changed how I watch shows in VR — here's the trick | Tom's GuideThis article from Tom's Guide highlights a simple feature on the Meta Quest 3 that allows users to watch shows in VR while lying down, offering a more comfortable and immersive experience. The Lying Down Mode, which can be easily enabled through the headset's settings, lets users reset their view while lying in bed or any other position, transforming the VR experience into a personal cinema. This feature, though experimental, provides a unique way to enjoy VR content, especially for those who prefer watching shows in bed.
/glasses7dGlasses with an App Store? Mentra Live Open Source Smart Glasses Debut: AI Can Teach You Chess and LivestreamMentra Live, a new smart glasses product, debuts with an open-source operating system and a proprietary app store, offering unique features like an AI chess coach and live streaming capabilities. Priced at $299, it's set to ship in February with limited initial stock.
/glasses7dI went skiing and sledding with the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses — 4 reasons why they're better than GoPro (and 2 ways they fall short) | Tom's GuideThis review from Tom's Guide discusses the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses, highlighting their benefits over GoPro action cameras, such as voice commands, visual cues, and integration with Garmin watches. However, it also points out their limitations, including shorter recording times and a less immersive view.