Augmented Reality
Ongoing coverage on Augmented Reality.
Latest coverage
Xreal opens pre-orders for Aura Android XR glasses today
Xreal has opened pre-orders for its Aura Android XR glasses, developed in conjunction with Google and Qualcomm. These glasses are the first to run on Google's Android XR operating system, powered by Qualcomm processors and featuring compatibility with Google Gemini AI functions. The glasses boast 1200p resolution at 120Hz, Bose sound, and a lightweight design, with options for wired mirroring to PCs or consoles. Pre-order pricing ranges from $1,099 to $1,499 USD, with shipping expected in mid-November.
Owlchemy Labs Announces XREAL Aura Title Hyper Visor for Android
Owlchemy Labs has announced Hyper Visor, a new title for XREAL Aura devices running on Android. The game is slated for release in Fall 2026, before the end-of-year holidays.
Facebook Reality Labs lost $4.1 billion during Q3 2026
Meta's Reality Labs division reported a loss of $4.1 billion in Q3 2026, a slight decrease from previous quarters and years. Despite these significant losses, the company continues to invest heavily in AR, VR, and XR technologies, including acquiring patents from Sony and announcing new wearables.
Sony has sold over 40 AR/VR hardware patents to Meta in 2026
Sony has reportedly sold approximately 40 AR/VR hardware patents to Meta in 2026, indicating a further withdrawal from the virtual reality market. The patents, which include hardware for VR, AR, and XR headsets, were transferred between June and September 2026, with a larger global transfer agreement in place. This move follows the underperformance of the PlayStation VR2, which launched in 2023 and experienced low sales, leading to a price cut.
Tetris Effect: Mixed Realities to 'reinvent' the experience for Meta VR Glasses & Quest 3/S
Enhance Games announced Tetris Effect: Mixed Realities for Meta's VR Glasses and Quest 3/S models, set to launch in 2027. Developed by Resonair and Monstars, this new version promises to reinvent the immersive tetromino experience with AR/VR features that blend the real and virtual worlds.
The Meta Quest 4 isn't a Meta Quest at all - The brand's VR glasses will launch in Spring for $1,299 and…
Meta is launching its new VR Glasses in Spring 2027 for $1,299, focusing on a mixed-reality, wearable AI experience rather than being a direct successor to the Quest line. These glasses feature high-resolution displays and a lightweight design but have a limited field of view and do not include controllers, suggesting a primary focus on entertainment and spatial computing over gaming. Significant privacy concerns are raised regarding the device's always-on camera and AI capabilities.
Meta's new VR headset isn't really a headset and doesn't look like it's meant for gamers
Meta has unveiled new VR Glasses, a device significantly lighter than the Quest 3 and featuring Micro-OLED displays, pancake lenses, and a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 3 chip. Despite the VR branding, the glasses lean towards an XR experience with AI integration and hand tracking support for select games, though controllers are not included. Priced at $1,300, these glasses are positioned as a premium device rather than a direct successor to the Quest line.
Meta VR Glasses offer virtual reality experiences in a sleek form factor
Meta has unveiled its new Meta VR Glasses, a lightweight virtual reality headset weighing only 100 grams, with computing power housed in a separate puck. These glasses feature a 5K Infinite Display, Dolby Atmos and Vision, and offer gaming experiences with over 75 titles at launch, alongside Xbox Cloud Gaming integration. The device is set to go on sale in spring 2027 for $1,299.99 USD.
Pokemon GO Tour 2027 returns to Los Angeles & Taiwan to celebrate the Alola region
Pokemon GO Tour 2027 will celebrate the Alola region with in-person events in Los Angeles and Kaohsiung from February 19-21, 2027, followed by a global celebration on February 27-28. The event is themed around Pokemon Sun & Moon and Pokemon Ultra Sun & Moon.
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.
