The closing months of 2024 are upon us. Already, the year has seen significant headset announcements and upcoming prototypes awe audiences with promises of being the next generation of computing.
As the first half of the decade closes, a new paradigm in XR is emerging, far from the Metaverse promises of the years before.
The future is AR and MR, smart glasses and headsets that blend real and virtual worlds. With an ever-increasing focus on frictionless hardware, vendors will try to turn XR wearables into the next smartphone, ushering in a similar computing revolution.
However, the industry is still working on that future, with new hurdles to overcome. However, early enterprise adopters of new technology systems are common indicators of where consumer computing products will end up.
As the market shifts into 2025, many firms will aim to lead in the immersive space race, the winner of which is yet to be decided.
Microsoft Announces “Last Time to Buy” for HoloLens 2 and Final HoloLens Gen 1 Update
Reports on social media platforms like LinkedIn state that Hololens/Microsoft Mixed Reality Partners are receiving “last time to buy” incentives for the Hololens 2 device. Additionally, it has been noted that first-generation HoloLens devices will soon receive a final update.
Microsoft is reportedly announcing a “last time to buy” period for the HoloLens 2, meaning that the company will sell its remaining units on a first-come, first-served basis. The remaining devices will only be available directly from Microsoft or through official resellers. Warranty and customer/developer support will remain unchanged following this news.
Although this news seems to signal the end for the HoloLens 2, Microsoft plans to continue supporting the device through updates that impact security and “major functionalities” until December 31st, 2027.
In addition to the last-time to-buy announcement, Microsoft has informed its Hololens/Mixed Reality Partner community that the first-generation HoloLens headset will receive its final update on December 10th, 2024. This comes after the legacy device underwent a multi-year, Long-Term Servicing state in 2021. Following the final December 10th update, HoloLens 1 devices will no longer receive security or software support. However, the device will still function, though Microsoft recommends that users upgrade to a HoloLens 2 product.
Snap’s AR Smart Glasses Edge Closer to Market
Snap is progressing in securing a trademark registration for the term “Spectacles,” which is the name of the company’s upcoming AR smart glasses. This development brings the device closer to consumers’ hands after a period of uncertainty.
Snap initially faced challenges in securing the Spectacles trademark because the USPTO considered it a generic term, initially denying the trademark in 2020. However, the company has revived its interest in AR devices, driven by the growing consumer interest in smart glasses due to the efforts of Meta and Apple. This indicates Snap’s intention to bring the device to the market after a period of minimal updates.
Recent news revealed that Snap and a federal judge in California have agreed that Spectacles is a valid trademark term for federal registration. This decision encourages the USPTO to allow Snap to trademark Spectacles, provided that Snap can demonstrate that consumers will associate the term with the company and its upcoming AR device.
While Snap has not yet fully secured the trademark, this development has generated optimism within the company.
Meta Quest 3S To Be Manufactured in Vietnam
Meta Platforms plans to start manufacturing its Quest mixed reality headsets in Vietnam beginning in 2025.
This decision was announced by Meta’s President for Global Affairs, Nick Clegg, in Hanoi, following his meeting with Vietnam’s President To Lam in New York.
Meta, the owner of Facebook, intends to increase its investment in Vietnam’s AI innovation to expand its presence in the country. Clegg confirmed the decision to move the production base for the Meta Quest.
Clegg said:
Beginning 2025, Meta will expand manufacturing of its latest Mixed Reality device Quest 3S to Vietnam.
North Dakota School Districts Sign Multi-Million Dollar VR Learning Contract
CareerViewXR has successfully deployed educational solutions in North Dakota. The company has secured a $9.9 million contract through a partnership with Bismarck State College (BSC) and the U.S. Department of Education’s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF). Their goal is to implement XR learning solutions for youth and adults with disabilities. This collaboration, known as the “XR for VR project,” aims to enhance digital vocational training. The project involves several North Dakota partners, including CareerViewXR, Impact Dakota, and ND Assistive, as well as out-of-state collaborators such as LAB Midwest, CAST.org, and Immersive Reality USA.
Doug Jensen, the President of BSC, noted that “by promoting and building the capacity of all North Dakotans to support and participate in competitive integrated employment, we will overcome critical challenges on both sides of the employment equation.”
The partnership aims to improve access to vocational training for students with disabilities through XR technologies and real-world manufacturing insights, helping them secure employment in the North Dakota region.
Alicia Uhde, the Project Director and BSC’s Dean of Automation, Energy, and Advanced Technologies, said:
XR for VR is designed to increase awareness among individuals with disabilities about available high-wage career opportunities in the manufacturing industry and educate employers about the untapped potential of this capable and eager workforce.
The immersive educational solution replicates manufacturing environments, preparing students for real-world work settings. Meanwhile, the firms state that the XR for VR project will also aim to prepare employers by showcasing an “underrepresented and underestimated talent pool.”
