Augmented Reality
Ongoing coverage on Augmented Reality.
Latest coverage
Moss developer Polyarc Games announces closure
Polyarc Games, the developer behind the VR titles Moss and Glassbreakers, has announced it is shutting down after 12 years of operation. The closure follows a significant layoff earlier this year due to a cancelled project and an inability to secure further funding. The studio was founded by former Bungie developers and had recently released Moss: The Forgotten Relic.
VR headset shipments are down 18% compared to this time last year, and that may not be great news for Valve
Global VR headset shipments saw an 18% year-on-year decline in Q2 2026, attributed to a lack of major game releases and rising hardware costs, impacting companies like Valve. Conversely, AR device shipments surged significantly, and VR continues to see strong demand from enterprise and government sectors for its productivity and data collection capabilities.
PS5 Action RPG Phantom Blade Zero Gets Phantom Beast XR Glasses
Viture and S-Game have partnered to release limited-edition Phantom Beast XR Glasses, inspired by the upcoming action RPG Phantom Blade Zero. These glasses, featuring a "kungfupunk" aesthetic, are available for pre-order at $599 and will ship on October 29, coinciding with the game's launch. The collaboration aims to immerse players in the game's world through advanced XR technology.
ROG Xbox Ally X20 is Out on October 15th, Priced at $1,299
ASUS Republic of Gamers has announced the ROG Ally X20 handheld gaming PC, priced at $1,299 and launching on October 15th. This anniversary model features a larger 7.4-inch OLED display and minor internal hardware upgrades over the original ROG Ally X. A bundle including ROG XREAL R1 Edition AR glasses is available for $2,499.
Don't tell Nintendo, but I turned GTA 5 into Pokémon Go using a mod
A mod for Grand Theft Auto 5, dubbed 'Pokémon Go GTA Edition,' transforms the game's world into a Pokémon-catching experience. Players can encounter and capture creatures like Geodude and Squirtle within Los Santos, though the mod's functionality may be affected by other installed modifications.
We have more details on Apple's camera-equipped AirPods and they are pretty dang weird
Apple's upcoming AirPods will feature cameras, enabling a feature called Visual Intelligence. Each earbud captures its own image, which are then synchronized for use in augmented reality applications.
RayNeo is going both minimalist and maximalist with its latest AR smart glasses
RayNeo is launching new augmented reality smart glasses targeting two distinct user groups: those seeking discrete designs and those interested in more feature-rich, 'nerdy' options. This dual approach aims to cater to a wider audience within the AR market.
Snap Opens Preorders for SPECS, Its First Pair of AR Glasses
Snap Inc. has opened preorders for its first augmented reality glasses, SPECS, priced at $2,195 with deliveries expected in Fall 2026. These lightweight glasses feature transparent waveguide technology for AR overlays and a full-color immersive display, powered by dual Snapdragon processors and Snap OS 2.0. The device offers an estimated four hours of battery life, extendable to 20 hours with its charging case, and is targeted at creators, professionals, and tech enthusiasts.
Leaked macOS Video Appears to Reveal Apple’s Camera-Equipped AirPods
A demo video found in a macOS beta release candidate appears to reveal Apple's unannounced camera-equipped AirPods. The footage shows a user asking Siri to save an image, suggesting integration with AI features for visual information processing. The design is described as thicker than AirPods Pro 3, with longer stems to house cameras, though privacy implications and the presence of LED indicators remain unconfirmed.
Little Kitty, Big City Opens Pre-Registration on Mobile with a Special AR Mode
Little Kitty, Big City is coming to Android and iOS in late 2026, with pre-registration now open. The mobile version will feature the full game content, a new control system, and an exclusive augmented reality mode. The game previously launched on Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC in May 2024.
Viture just launched a new pair of budget augmented reality glasses with a mobile dock designed for Switch 2 XR fans
Viture has launched its new Viture Pro 2 XR augmented reality glasses for $299.99, designed to project a private gaming display. The glasses are compatible with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 via an optional $99 Mobile Dock Mini, which includes a 10,000 mAh battery and is expected to ship in September.
Engadget review recap: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Meta Glasses and more
This article recaps recent reviews published by Engadget, featuring the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Meta Glasses. It provides a summary of Engadget's findings on these and other products.
Snap will show off its AR Specs at a September 16 event
Snap will provide an in-depth look at its augmented reality glasses during an event on September 16. The AR glasses are priced at $2,195.
Meta continues to insist AI spend is totally justified, potentially blowing over $8 billion on data centers
Meta reported a record second-quarter revenue of $60.80 billion, but its shares are down due to significant investments in AI infrastructure and Reality Labs. The company plans to spend between $130 billion and $145 billion on AI this year, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighting AI's positive impact on advertising revenue and potential for enterprise services.
Meta is still flinging the equivalent of a small country's annual GDP down the Reality Labs money pit each and…
Meta's Reality Labs division reported a significant income loss of $4.6 billion in the second quarter, despite a 16% year-over-year revenue increase to $431 million, driven by AI glasses sales. CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted strong sales for Meta's AI-powered glasses, though lower Meta Quest headset sales contributed to the overall loss. This continues a trend of substantial financial losses for Meta's VR and AR segment.
Facebook (META) Reality Labs lost $4.62 billion in Q2 2026
Meta's Reality Labs division reported a loss of $4.62 billion in Q2 2026, an increase from the previous quarter's $4.028 billion loss. Despite significant financial losses, Meta continues its investment in virtual and augmented reality technologies, including its Meta Glasses and VR headsets. The company's overall revenue for the quarter reached $60.80 billion.
Dragon Quest announces new collaboration with Google's Gemini for in-person event in Tokyo after DQX's controversial AI-powered companion
Square Enix and Google Gemini are collaborating on an in-person event in Tokyo called 'Gemini Quest' following the controversial launch of an AI companion for Dragon Quest X. The event will feature AR experiences with giant monster statues and offer limited edition 'mini medal' rewards for participants who complete quests.
Morning Mobilization
Samsung has announced its first Android XR glasses, boasting an impressive 9-hour battery life. The article also briefly mentions open-source firmware and software for e-readers.
What does the next 10 years hold for Pokémon Go? More mechanics, better gyms, and "multi-generational play"
Michael Steranka, vice president of product at Scopely Explore, discussed the future of Pokémon Go, outlining plans for enhanced gyms, more community events, and features to facilitate multi-generational play over the next decade. Despite a recent change in ownership from Niantic to Scopely, the development team aims to maintain the game's core experience while introducing new mechanics and fostering community engagement.
Xreal XBX a01+ review: Astoundingly bright, lightweight AR glasses for $299
The Xreal XBX a01+ are budget augmented reality glasses that are astoundingly bright and lightweight. They are considered the best pair of budget AR glasses available at their $299 price point.