Spatial Computing Business Newsletter, January 2025

Blackmagic’s immersive camera, real-world use cases from NVIDIA, Volkswagen, Wicked, BMW, and more, alongside hardware highlights from CES 2025 and strong sales for Ray-Ban Meta, Quest 3S, and others, are driving advancements in enterprise spatial computing and showcasing the convergence of XR and mobile development.

🚀 Latest Real-world Spatial Applications 

  • January 7, 2025: NVIDIA announces GeForce Now streaming support for Safari on Apple Vision Pro, enabling seamless cloud gaming experiences. Read more

  • December 2024: Wicked's director, Jon M. Chu, reveals how Apple Vision Pro was utilized during the film's post-production, showcasing its potential for creative industries. Read more

  • January 6, 2025: NVIDIA showcases how the Apple Vision Pro can be used to train humanoid robots by capturing human motion and creating realistic simulations. Read more

  • January 5, 2025: Volkswagen collaborates with Innoactive and NVIDIA to develop XR streaming for Apple Vision Pro, pushing boundaries in enterprise spatial computing. Read more

  • December 19, 2024: Blackmagic takes orders for its first Apple Vision Pro camera, designed for immersive video production. The high-resolution camera supports Apple’s Immersive Video format and is tailored for the Vision Pro ecosystem. Read more

📅 2024 highlight releases…

  • Marvel Studios won Apple Vision Pro App of the Year. Read more

  • Porsche showcased their showrooming process with an Apple Vision Pro experience. Watch [video]

  • AdventHealth introduced a surgical app for Apple Vision Pro. Read more

  • The Weeknd: debuted Open Hearts, an immersive music experience for Apple Vision Pro. Read more

  • Microsoft launched a Windows 11 preview app for Meta Quest. Read more

  • Channel 4 released its first app for Apple Vision Pro. Read more

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

  • Lamborghini introduced an Apple Vision Pro experience. 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 Showcase Apps

Media View, 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.

Meta Quest v72 Reception

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.

Meta Quest Pro Discontinued

On January 6th, Meta officially discontinued the Quest Pro, shifting its focus to consumer-friendly devices like the Quest 3S and Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which continue to thrive in the market.

Meta Quest 3S and Ray-Ban Meta Glasses See Record Sales

Meta Quest 3S emerged as the top-selling console on Amazon for 2024, with its companion app, Horizon, also leading the Apple App Store charts in December. Additionally, Ray-Ban Meta glasses achieved record-breaking sales, highlighting strong consumer interest in Meta’s wearable technology lineup.

visionOS 2.3 Beta Release

Apple released visionOS 2.3, not long after 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 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.

Apple Vision Pro Accessory Enhances Comfort

On December 12, 2024, Apple unveiled a medically-designed accessory for the Vision Pro, aimed at improving user comfort and enhancing overall usability. This addition highlights Apple's commitment to refining the Vision Pro experience.

Apple Vision Pro Adds Enterprise XR Streaming

In January 2025, Apple announced enterprise-grade XR streaming capabilities for the Vision Pro at CES 2025. This new feature further strengthens the Vision Pro's position as a versatile tool for business applications.

Smart Glasses galore announced at CES

Halliday’s AI-Powered Smart Glasses
Halliday unveils sleek smart glasses featuring a tiny embedded display, blending cutting-edge innovation with stylish design.
Read more about Halliday’s Smart Glasses

Solos’ AirGo Vision Smart Glasses
Solos challenges Meta’s Ray-Bans with $299 AirGo Vision glasses, offering ChatGPT-powered AI integration and a detachable camera for added flexibility.
Read more about Solos’ AirGo Vision Glasses

XREAL’s AR Shades
XREAL’s AR shades shine at CES 2025, unveiling exciting partnerships and innovations that push the boundaries of augmented reality wearables.
Read more about XREAL’s AR Shades

Rokid’s Advanced AR Smart Glasses
Rokid debuts cutting-edge AR smart glasses at CES 2025, showcasing features tailored for both enterprise and consumer use.
Read more about Rokid’s Smart Glasses

🚀 Keep the Input Coming!

We’ve heard your curiosity about coverage beyond Meta, Apple, and now Google—and we’re thrilled to expand our lens while continuing to explore the business ecosystem of spatial computing. Your responses have been inspiring, and we love learning what excites you about this transformative field.

It’s especially exciting to see mobile developers and design teams signing up and engaging with the newsletter. Whether you’re experimenting with smart glasses, pioneering XR applications, or envisioning the next breakthrough in spatial computing, we want to hear from you. Our goal remains to amplify projects and ideas that advance the industry, helping everyone learn, adapt, and innovate in this rapidly evolving space.

Reach out anytime with your ideas, feedback, and suggestions—we’re here to keep the conversations alive and growing!