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The XR industry is hitting a mature stride with companies making significant investments despite recurring reports of VR's demise. We explore how companies are embracing XR as the evolution of VR technology with broader applications and market potential.

• Meta partners with Xbox to release a branded Quest 3S bundle with Game Pass Ultimate
• Cloud streaming games over Quest headsets provides latency benefits when home network conditions are optimal
• Meta reportedly courting Disney and A24 to create high-quality immersive content for next-gen headsets
• DAZN introduces new tabletop experience for watching soccer/football with 3D rendered field visualization
• Snap announces standalone AR glasses with no external puck, targeting late 2024/early 2025 release
• XReal's Project Aura promises 70-degree field of view with external puck and Android XR compatibility
• Apple Vision OS 26 introduces PlayStation controller support and shared spatial experiences for co-watching
• Google's Android XR strategy includes monocular display glasses with real-time translation capabilities

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We explore the evolving landscape of immersive technology, from James Cameron's partnership with Meta to Blackmagic's groundbreaking new camera system. The tech world is shifting toward more integrated, powerful tools for creating and experiencing immersive content.

• James Cameron acknowledges VR headsets as the optimal medium for 3D movies, eliminating issues like crosstalk and brightness loss
• Meta's "Hypernova" smart glasses coming in 2025 ($1300-1400) with a monocular display in the lower right corner
• Apple releases Immersive Video Utility for importing and reviewing Vision Pro footage with multi-device playback capabilities
• Third-party developer Ivory enables eye tracking on PSVR2 for PC, allowing for dynamic foveated rendering
• Blackmagic unveils the $30,000 Ursa Immersive camera with dual 8K sensors, 90fps recording, and complete Apple Vision Pro integration
• The camera's metadata-driven pipeline preserves quality through the entire post-production process

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PlayStation VR 2 just received a substantial $150 price cut, bringing the headset down to $399 - a revealing move that speaks volumes about its sluggish sales. Despite quality hardware and impressive OLED displays, Sony's VR platform has struggled against Meta's dominance, with no exclusive titles released in nearly a year. The situation draws uncomfortable parallels to Sony's ill-fated PS Vita, another promising device abandoned after underwhelming market performance.

Meanwhile, excitement builds around Valve's long-rumored Deckard headset. Leaked information suggests a late 2025 launch at approximately $1,200, featuring eye-tracking technology and potentially 4K micro-OLED displays. Most intriguing is the possibility that Deckard could function as a "Steam Deck for your face," allowing users to play their entire Steam library in VR - not just dedicated VR games. Newly leaked controller designs featuring a d-pad further support this theory, potentially revolutionizing how we think about VR gaming.

On the content front, Apple's immersive video ecosystem continues expanding with Bono's upcoming feature-length documentary and Prima, a new app that claims to deliver cleaner video than Apple's own immersive format. We follow up the second half of the show with our deep-dive review of "The Human Within," a $20 interactive VR film that blends live action, 360 video, and Unity environments into a cohesive 90-minute cyberpunk thriller with multiple branching pathways. Check out our 3D Gameplay embedded in the review! It's Stereoscope-ception!

The VR landscape continues evolving rapidly, with each platform fighting for its place in this emerging medium. Whether you're a hardware enthusiast tracking the next breakthrough device or a content creator navigating these new storytelling possibilities, join us as we explore what's working, what's not, and what might define the future of virtual reality.

Want more specialized content? Check out our new companion show Z-Axis, featuring in-depth reviews with 3D gameplay footage that showcases VR experiences in their native format.

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What if the future of screens is no screen at all? We explore the revolutionary world of XR and AR smart glasses—straight from CES—highlighting innovations like the groundbreaking XR glasses scramble and cyberpunk-inspired touch boards. These technological marvels promise to transform how we interact with digital environments, offering virtual displays that hover seamlessly around us. For those looking to blend the virtual with the real, this episode reveals how these advancements are reshaping user interactions through familiar interfaces like keyboards and mice.

Join us as XR glasses scramble, covering the various XR glasses announced at CES 2025. Imagine lightweight, prescription-friendly glasses that offer turn-by-turn navigation and real-time translation, all while staying unobtrusive. We dissect the competitive landscape stirred by upcoming releases, like the Meta Ray-Ban event, and introduce you to innovative hands-free controls using a ring. These glasses are not just about seeing differently—they’re about living smarter. Get ready to appreciate how technology once relegated to sci-fi is becoming a part of everyday life. We cover the shockingly relevant Play For Dream MR, an Android headset coming from a Chinese company later this year.

We wrap up with a glimpse into the future landscape of VR and AR technology, fueled by major industry moves like Google's acquisition of HTC's VR team. Dive into Samsung's ambitious Muhan project and its challenges, while considering the broader implications of non-Meta innovations. Plus, we breakdown two "new" VR180 consumer cameras with Quoocam Ultra 3 VR180 Mod and the Slam Xcam coming VERY Soon. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a casual listener, this episode promises to keep you informed and eager for what's next in the realm of immersive technology.

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What if the world of cinema could be completely revolutionized by immersive technology? Join us as we uncover this potential with Jared Payne, the actor and co-producer of the sci-fi VR film "The Talent Stealer." Jared shares fascinating insights into the challenges and breakthroughs that come with crafting a narrative in the VR180 format, offering listeners an inside look at the cutting-edge techniques that are reshaping the film industry's landscape. Discover how his team skillfully navigated the complexities of multi-camera setups and collaborative creativity, emphasizing the vibrant spirit of the Vancouver film community.

In this milestone 10th episode of the Stereoscope podcast, we dissect the latest whispers and leaks that are stirring the VR and AR industry. From Canon's intriguing patent of AR VR glasses—which might signal a move into a full immersive camera platform—to Apple's potential integration of PSVR 2 controllers into the Vision Pro, we explore the ripple effects these innovations could have on technology enthusiasts and creators alike. Plus, we spotlight a game-changing in-headset video editing app SpatialCut, designed to enhance content creation within the Apple Vision Pro ecosystem, streamlining processes and fueling creativity.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of immersive technology, we peel back the layers of Google's collaboration with Samsung on Project MooHan and the Android XR platform. Explore the role of AI, especially Google's Gemini, and its implications for XR apps amid concerns about AI’s influence on the film industry. With Google's strategic resources like YouTube, we ponder the competitive dynamics at play as Samsung and Google position themselves against Apple's Vision Pro and MetaQuest. This episode is a captivating exploration of the technological advances and industry dynamics shaping the future of VR and AR.

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How do groundbreaking interactive video experiences like the upcoming Human Within shape the future of storytelling? Join us as we engage with Kuya Quatro to explore the fascinating evolution of immersive media. We delve into the nuances of VR storytelling and discuss how genres such as sci-fi, horror, and fantasy offer unparalleled opportunities for world-building and audience engagement. We contemplate the ongoing journey toward seamlessly blending video games with cinematic experiences.

Our conversation shines a light on Meta's innovative animation platform, Theater Elsewhere, and its transformative impact on 3D animation experiences. We discuss how tools like Quill are revolutionizing VR storytelling by blending traditional 2D painting with immersive 3D environments. Highlighting the creative potential these platforms offer, we discuss the influence they have on creators like Matt Celia and explore emerging platforms like Space Vibes, Rival, and DEOVR, which are setting new standards for interaction with VR and AR content.

Shifting gears, we dive into the art of VR180 storytelling with insights from Kuya, exploring the cultural dimensions that elevate VR180 content beyond mere technical achievements. We challenge creators to think critically about the motivations and impacts of their work, moving the focus from the 'how-to' to the 'why'. This episode promises a thought-provoking exploration of the deeper layers of creativity and cultural significance within the innovative VR180 space.

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Is the iPhone 16 revolutionizing how we capture and share our lives? Tune in to our latest episode of the Stereoscope Podcast, where we welcome our new host, Sean Tarjyoto, and dive deep into the groundbreaking advancements from the Meta Connect 2024 event. We'll unpack the incredible new features of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro, including spatial photos and videos now available across the entire lineup. Discover how the advanced MV-HEVC codec is changing the game for video compression. Plus, we unpack the weirdness surrounding the new 180-degree stereo camera from a Chinese social media company.

Ready to upgrade your camera gear? This episode's got you covered with a comprehensive look at the latest trends in camera technology. We also pit Canon's C80 against the C70, examining their sensor sizes and VR shooting compatibility. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or a tech enthusiast, this discussion on the evolving landscape of video production tools offers valuable insights and practical advice.

But that’s not all! We also traverse the whirlwind world of AR and VR with a special focus on Snap's latest Spectacles and the tumultuous story of Immersed's VR headset launch. From Snap's ambitious AR glasses with four cameras and a spatial engine to Immersed's keynote debacle, we analyze the broader implications for the industry and what these developments mean for the future of immersive technology. Wrap up the episode with our recap of the new Watch Party episode, appreciating the fantastic setup and space provided by our collaborators. Don’t miss this action-packed episode filled with the latest tech updates, expert analysis, and a touch of behind-the-scenes fun!

And don't forget to check out our VR180 Starter Pack on Amazon for some affiliate-sponsored lulz.
Hey, we have to pay the bills somehow. Do you want us to start a Patreon? Because we will. No? Then just click the Amazon link. You know you're gonna buy some socks or like, a lamp shaped like a mushroom or something.

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This episode of the Stereoscope Podcast, we’re recording from our brand-new studio space, a major upgrade from our old basement setup, and we’re diving into the hot topics of the photography and VR worlds. We start by scrutinizing the freshly released Canon EOS R5 Mark II, weighing its 45-megapixel full-frame sensor, built-in autofocus for the dual fisheye lens, and digital image stabilization against its predecessor and our current R5C cinema variant. Despite some initial performance hitches and its notorious overheating issues, we discuss how the addition of c-log2 could revolutionize dynamic range for new shooters.

Next, we tackle the evolving landscape of VR and AR devices with a spotlight on the Xreal Beam Pro + Xreal Ultra AR video glasses. We delve into the Quest 3's HDMI link feature, showing how it allows for seamless, low-latency video streaming from external devices like an Xbox console. While there’s skepticism around their effectiveness for productivity tasks, the potential to elevate media consumption is undeniable. We also dive into the practical challenges of using VR headsets with devices like the Nintendo Switch and the potential for Meta to create tailored solutions for video app usability.

Finally, we explore the cutting-edge world of VR gaming and competition in the market with the Pico 4 Ultra, a new Chinese competitor for the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro. New VR leg trackers from Pico are launching with the Pico 4 Ultra with IMUs and 12 LED lights, pushing the boundaries of immersive gaming. We weigh the advancements against traditional setups like the VIVE tracker and speculate about Meta's strategy with their upcoming Meta Horizon OS, which focuses on productivity, fitness, and gaming. What does the future hold for VR headsets, and could the rumored Quest 3S headset be the game-changer we've been waiting for? Join us as we unpack these developments, emphasizing the critical need for minimum spec standards to prevent market fragmentation and ensure a seamless VR experience for all.

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