Spatial Computing Business Newsletter, December 2024

🚀 Latest Real-world Spatial Applications 

• December 11, 2024: Marvel Studios, ILM Immersive, and Disney+ win Apple Vision Pro App of the Year with What If…? An Immersive Story. The app invites users into a world of limitless possibilities within the Marvel Universe, blending stunning visuals and immersive soundscapes to bring alternate realities to life. Read more

• December 10, 2024: Analogue launches 3D immersive collaboration app for Apple Vision Pro. The app enhances spatial workflows and collaboration, with a 3D design app, Analogue Designer, slated for release in 2025. Read more

• November 30, 2024: Niantic updates Splats with a new layer of interactivity in mixed reality for Apple Vision Pro. The update redefines location-based AR experiences with innovative spatial interactions. Read more

• November 22, 2024: Porsche showcases their showrooming process with an Apple Vision Pro experience, offering users a way to explore Porsche’s brand through immersive environments. This includes interactive 3D renderings, allowing users to view design elements and personalization features. Watch [video]

• November 20, 2024: AdventHealth introduces a surgical app for Apple Vision Pro, enabling advanced mixed-reality applications during medical procedures. The app was used during a groundbreaking surgery at their Central Florida facility. Read more

• November 20, 2024: The Weeknd: debuts Open Hearts, an immersive music experience for Apple Vision Pro. It features a 180-degree video format with Spatial Audio, immersing fans in The Weeknd's new song from Hurry Up Tomorrow, with demos available at Apple Store locations worldwide. Read more

• November 19, 2024: Microsoft launches a Windows 11 preview app for Meta Quest. The app allows users to experience a full Windows desktop environment in VR, enhancing productivity through seamless virtual integration. Read more

• November 14, 2024: Channel 4 releases its first app for Apple Vision Pro. The app brings Channel 4’s top shows and exclusive content to spatial computing, allowing for a 180-degree immersive viewing experience. Read more

📅 Launches from earlier this year…

• The YouTube app on Meta Quest now lets you watch videos with friends. Read more

• Lamborghini introduced an Apple Vision Pro experience. Read more

• Algoriddim launched its djay app on Meta Quest. Read more

• Walt Disney announced the formation of the Office of Technology Enablement. Read more 

• Vimeo rolled out its app for Apple Vision Pro. Read more 

• Webex unveiled new Cisco Spatial Meetings for Apple Vision Pro. Read more 

• CAE launched an immersive pilot training solution on Apple Vision Pro. Read more 

• Sinclair's NewsON launched a local news app for Apple Vision Pro. Read more 

• The New York Times announced the launch of the Wordle app for Meta Quest. Read more 

• JD.com unveiled its JD.Vision app for Apple Vision Pro. Read more 

• Porsche AG and MHP introduced a virtual training application using Apple Vision Pro. Read more 

• Siemens and BILT launched a spatial computing training app for electrical assembly and installation using Apple Vision Pro. Read more 

• Sharp HealthCare introduced its Spatial Computing Center of Excellence to advance patient care through spatial computing technology using Apple Vision Pro. Read more 

🛠️ Operating System & Hardware Announcements

Updates to Meta Spatial SDK

The Meta Spatial SDK introduced updates to further support both designers and developers of mobile apps in seamlessly transitioning to spatial application creation, with native Kotlin coding capabilities. Unveiled during Meta Connect, this framework simplifies the process of enhancing existing apps or developing entirely new immersive experiences for Meta Horizon OS, broadening access to spatial computing within the mobile app development community.

Learn more about the Meta Spatial SDK here

Meta Quest v72 Update

On December 9, 2024, Meta released the v72 update for Meta Quest headsets, introducing seamless Remote Desktop functionality for Windows 11 PCs, improved hand tracking for enhanced interactions, and advanced keyboard recognition. This update also includes interface refinements to elevate the overall user experience.

Learn more about the Meta Quest v72 Update

visionOS 2.2 Release

Apple released visionOS 2.2, introducing key updates for the Apple Vision Pro, including enhancements to the Mac Virtual Display feature. Users can now choose between "Wide" and "Ultrawide" modes, with Ultrawide offering the equivalent of two 4K monitors side by side for an expansive workspace. Audio playback during Mac Virtual Display sessions now routes directly through the Vision Pro, streamlining the user experience.

Additionally, visionOS 2.2 brings support for Spatial Photos within Safari, allowing users to view immersive images directly in the browser, further expanding the headset's functionality across apps and web environments.

Explore the visionOS 2.2 Release Notes 

Google announces Android XR with Samsung headsets

On December 12, 2024, Google unveiled Android XR, a next-generation platform designed for immersive experiences. The new system will debut on Samsung’s upcoming spatial computing headsets, slated for release in 2025. Android XR enables developers to create rich, immersive applications, blending advanced hardware capabilities with Google’s powerful development ecosystem.

Learn more about Android XR

🕵️‍♂️ Overheard, but not official… yet

Real Madrid and Apple Discuss Santiago Bernabéu Immersive Experience
Rumors suggest that Real Madrid and Apple are negotiating a project called "Santiago Bernabéu Infinito." The collaboration could bring a fully immersive experience to Apple Vision Pro, allowing fans to explore the stadium and match-day highlights in stunning detail.
Read more

Apple and Sony Discuss PlayStation VR2 Integration
Speculation is growing around Apple and Sony working on integrating PlayStation VR2 controllers with the Apple Vision Pro. This rumored collaboration could merge the best of both ecosystems, offering enhanced gaming experiences on Apple's spatial computing platform.
Read more

Samsung's Q3 Report Fuels Speculation on XR Projects
Details from Samsung's Q3 2024 earnings report suggest increased investment in XR technologies, further fueling rumors of their upcoming spatial computing device. While no specifics have been confirmed, industry watchers are keeping a close eye on developments.
Read the report

🚀 Keep the Conversations Going!

The responses from subscribers like you have been incredibly encouraging, and we truly enjoy learning what excites you about the future of spatial computing. Whether you’re exploring from a mobile-first perspective, experimenting with creative concepts, or have fully launched spatial applications, share your projects with us. Our goal is to feature and amplify work that advances the field, helping others learn, adapt, and innovate in this ever-evolving space.

Reach out to us anytime with ideas, suggestions, and more!