XR Archives

XR Archives provides a chronological overview of the main news related to immersive technologies since 2022. This page documents major announcements, hardware launches, market developments and strategic trends, based on verified sources, offering a clear and well-documented view of how XR technologies have evolved over time.

Immersive technology news and monitoring

2026

01/12/2026: Event - INVELON announces a professional XR forum in Barcelona (February 4, 2026)
INVELON has announced a professional XR event in Barcelona scheduled for February 4, 2026. The forum aims to update participants on the latest XR innovations, connect industry stakeholders, and mark the opening of its new local offices. The event will take place alongside ISE 2026 and the EdTech Congress, and will feature roundtables, XR use cases, live XR demonstrations, and training sessions across multiple sectors, including industry, culture, and entertainment. Source: Ticketing platform

01/10/2026: XR Experience - Duolingo presents a mixed reality demonstration
Duolingo unveiled an experimental mixed reality demonstration integrating its educational ecosystem into an interactive spatial environment. The experience features the Duo character rendered in 3D and anchored within the user’s physical space, illustrating the potential of XR technologies for immersive language learning and educational gamification. Source: Devpost

01/09/2026: Hardware launch - LLVision introduces Leion Hey2 AR translation glasses
LLVision presented the Leion Hey2 at CES 2026, a pair of connected AR glasses designed for real-time professional translation. The device supports more than 100 languages with a reported latency below 500 ms, operates without a smartphone or earbuds, and delivers approximately 8 hours of battery life. Weighing 49 grams, the product is commercially available in the United States starting at USD 549. Source: PR Newswire

01/08/2026: Meta internal meeting - Bosworth convenes a critical Reality Labs all-hands
Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s CTO and head of Reality Labs, convened a company-wide all-hands meeting on January 14, 2026, described as “the most important of the year.” The scale of the meeting, unusual for Reality Labs, is interpreted as a signal of a potential strategic reassessment of priorities around virtual worlds and the XR division’s long-term direction. Source: Business Insider

01/08/2026: Developer tools - Meta releases Meta Spatial Simulator (Beta) for Android
Meta announced the availability of Meta Spatial Simulator (Beta), a tool that allows Android developers to design and test XR applications for Meta Quest without using a physical headset. The simulator aims to accelerate prototyping and simplify access to VR and spatial computing development. Source: Meta Developers Blog

01/08/2026: CES 2026 - Hardware launch - RayNeo unveils standalone AR glasses with integrated eSIM
At CES 2026, RayNeo introduced Project X3 Pro eSIM, AR smart glasses featuring native 4G connectivity via an integrated eSIM. The device enables connected use cases such as calls, audio streaming, and cloud services without requiring a smartphone. The manufacturer acknowledged remaining challenges related to battery life, comfort, and long-term performance. Source: Android Authority

01/08/2026: Design & reference - Goertek showcases a broad XR reference portfolio at CES 2026
Goertek presented a comprehensive XR reference portfolio at CES 2026, including multiple designs for future AR glasses and XR headsets. Notable references include:
– Rubis: full-color AR glasses reference featuring a Tri-Chip architecture and EMG-based interaction
– Spinel: ultra-light AI glasses (~35 g) with contextual recognition
– Euler 1.5: mixed reality design with a wide field of view and 6DoF interaction
These reference designs serve as engineering templates for XR manufacturers, accelerating the development of lighter, smarter, and more ergonomic immersive devices. Source: PR Newswire

01/07/2026: Industrial tool - VIAVI launches an AR solution for real-time RF signal visualization
VIAVI Solutions announced the integration of augmented reality into its RF Viewer solution within the OneAdvisor 800 Wireless test platform. Developed in collaboration with Verizon Wireless, RF Viewer enables engineers to visualize radio frequency signal strength, location, and distribution in real time, overlaid on live video, simplifying RF identification and analysis in complex environments. Source: Moomoo

01/06/2026: Hardware launch - Brelyon introduces Ultra Reality Mini at CES 2026
Brelyon unveiled Ultra Reality Mini at CES 2026, a compact display designed to deliver headset-free visual immersion. The device can render a virtual image equivalent to a 55-inch 16:9 display and supports optional acoustic wings for noise reduction. It is VESA-compatible and targets immersive entertainment and productivity use cases without head-mounted displays. Source: Brelyon

01/06/2026: Industry - Luxshare adds a new large-scale VR production line in Vietnam
Luxshare Precision Industry announced the addition of a new production line dedicated to virtual reality products at its Luxshare-ICT facility in Van Trung, Vietnam. The facility is designed to reach an annual capacity of up to 9 million units, including VR devices as well as related components such as charging cases and batteries. This expansion is part of Luxshare’s broader effort to strengthen its XR hardware manufacturing capabilities in response to demand from major international clients. Source: The Investor

01/06/2026: XR partnership - INAIR and VITURE form a strategic alliance for an open spatial computing ecosystem
INAIR announced a strategic partnership with XR brand VITURE aimed at promoting a more open and interoperable spatial computing ecosystem. The initiative positions the INAIR Pod as a universal hub for connecting AR glasses from multiple brands while accelerating Android XR through a more unified development environment and smoother cross-device experiences, potentially strengthening overall XR adoption and the application ecosystem. Source: Facebook (INAIR official)

01/06/2026: Market - RayNeo raises over 1 billion yuan from telecom investors to accelerate AR glasses development
AR glasses manufacturer RayNeo raised more than 1 billion yuan (approximately USD 143 million) in a funding round co-led by subsidiaries of China Mobile and China Unicom. The investment marks the entry of major telecom operators into the AR device sector and aims to support the development and distribution of products such as the RayNeo X3 Pro Project eSIM. Source: Caixin Global

01/06/2026: Hardware launch - VITURE unveils “The Beast” AR glasses at CES 2026
VITURE announced a new AR glasses model named “The Beast” at CES 2026, available for preorder at USD 549. The device offers a 58-degree field of view, integrated 3DoF tracking for display stabilization, and multiple levels of electrochromic tint. The model does not include built-in vision correction adjustment. Source: The Verge

01/06/2026: Partnership - Siemens and Meta collaborate on industrial AI at CES 2026
Siemens announced new technologies at CES 2026 aimed at accelerating industrial AI adoption, including a collaboration with Meta focused on immersive environments and digital twins. The initiative seeks to enhance industrial system design, simulation, and operations through AI and XR technologies. Source: Siemens

01/06/2026: Partnership & hardware launch - XREAL and ASUS ROG announce the ROG XREAL R1
XREAL and ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced the ROG XREAL R1, high-performance AR gaming glasses featuring a 240 Hz display, designed for PC and console use. The product combines XREAL’s lightweight AR optics with ROG’s gaming hardware expertise, targeting high-frequency, low-latency spatial gaming experiences. Source: XREAL

01/06/2026: Software - Meta adds teleprompter and virtual writing features to Ray-Ban Display
Meta announced new software features for its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, including a teleprompter mode and augmented reality text input. These additions aim to expand creative and professional use cases, particularly for video capture and hands-free communication. Source: The Verge

01/06/2026: Market - Meta temporarily suspends the launch of Ray-Ban Display in France
Meta confirmed a temporary suspension of the international rollout of its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, including in France. The decision is attributed to strong demand in currently available markets and supply constraints, pushing back the initial launch timeline planned for early 2026. Source: The Verge

CES 2026: Hardware launch - LLVision showcases Leion Hey2 AR translation glasses
LLVision showcased the Leion Hey2 at CES 2026, AR glasses designed for real-time professional translation. The device supports more than 100 languages with sub-500 ms latency, operates without a smartphone or earbuds, and delivers approximately 8 hours of battery life while weighing 49 grams. Source: PR Newswire

01/05/2026: Event - Apple and the Los Angeles Lakers launch an immersive NBA experience on Vision Pro
Apple announced the launch of Spectrum Front Row, an immersive experience that allows viewers to follow selected Los Angeles Lakers games in extended reality on Apple Vision Pro. The service offers multiple courtside viewing angles and spatial audio, bringing audiences closer to live NBA action. Source: Apple

01/05/2026: Market - Shiftall fully acquires the MeganeX VR headset business following Panasonic’s exit
Shiftall confirmed the full transfer of the MeganeX VR headset business, previously operated in collaboration with Panasonic. Shiftall now independently manages the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the VR headset lineup, bringing the industrial partnership to an end. Source: Shiftall

01/05/2026: CES 2026 - Hardware launch - XGIMI enters the smart glasses market with the MemoMind lineup
XGIMI, historically focused on projectors, introduced its first smart glasses lineup at CES 2026 under the MemoMind brand. Two models were announced: Memo One, featuring displays and speakers, and Memo Air, a lighter model with a single display.
The glasses rely on a multi-platform AI assistant (OpenAI, Azure, Qwen) offering translation, note-taking, summarization, and reminders. Memo One is available for preorder at USD 599, positioned for productivity and everyday use. Source: XGIMI

01/05/2026: Market - Luxshare expands VR production capacity for Meta to 9 million units per year
Luxshare, Meta’s VR assembly partner in Vietnam, announced the expansion of a dedicated production line for Meta VR headsets, targeting an annual capacity of 9 million units. The move supports preparations for Meta’s planned XR glasses launch (Project Phoenix) expected in early 2027. Source: TheInvestor.vn

01/05/2026: Market - Smart glasses - China accelerates mass commercialization of consumer AI glasses
Quark AI S1 smart glasses, already commercialized at scale in China, combine dual displays, an integrated AI assistant, real-time translation, and navigation features. Unlike Western prototypes still in experimental phases, these devices are already widely distributed, highlighting a growing gap between Asian industrial maturity and Western adoption. Source: Alibaba Cloud

01/05/2026: Entertainment & VR - Stranger Things cast experiences an immersive VR experience inspired by the Upside Down
The cast of the series Stranger Things participated in an immersive virtual reality experience recreating the Upside Down universe, highlighting the emotional and narrative potential of VR for entertainment and experiential marketing. Source: Sandbox VR

01/04/2026: Market - VRChat sets a new concurrent user record for New Year 2026
The social VR platform VRChat recorded a peak of nearly 150,000 concurrent users during New Year’s Eve 2025–2026 celebrations, surpassing previous engagement records and illustrating continued growth in immersive social environments. Source: UploadVR

01/04/2026: Partnership - Magic Leap partners with Pegatron for large-scale AR component production
Magic Leap signed a collaboration agreement with Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Pegatron to secure and accelerate industrial-scale production of components for its augmented reality devices, supporting the transition from prototyping to higher commercial volumes. Source: MarketScreener

01/04/2026: Software / SDK - Meta releases Meta XR SDK v83 with AI capabilities for Unity
Meta released version v83 of its Meta XR SDK for Unity, introducing new embedded AI capabilities such as object detection, passthrough camera access for visual recognition, and interfaces for integrating large language models (LLMs) into XR applications. Source: Meta Horizon

01/04/2026: Hardware launch - RayNeo previews standalone eSIM-enabled AR glasses ahead of CES 2026
RayNeo announced the RayNeo X3 Pro – Project eSIM prototype, described as one of the first consumer AR glasses with integrated eSIM and standalone 4G connectivity, designed to operate without a smartphone and presented ahead of CES 2026. The company also secured strategic funding from Chinese telecom operators to support development and commercialization. Source: PR Newswire

04/01/2026: VR & Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) - Sandbox VR opens a new Houston location featuring a cinematic Stranger Things experience.
Sandbox VR announces the opening of a new venue in Houston on January 23, 2026, offering ten immersive VR experiences, including Stranger Things: Catalyst, developed in partnership with Netflix. Visitors can step into the roles of characters from the series and explore iconic environments, highlighting the continued growth of licensed, franchise-driven VR entertainment. Source: Sandbox VR

04/01/2026: AR Glasses - Patent reveals Apple’s work on advanced AR smart glasses.
A recently published patent shows Apple exploring AR smart glasses integrating waveguides, optical projectors, and high-precision alignment systems, with a focus on portability and all-day comfort. These elements confirm Apple’s ongoing interest in standalone AR glasses, distinct from Vision Pro. Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office.

03/01/2026: XR Event - EuroXR 2026 confirmed in Valencia from November 3 to 6, 2026.
EuroXR confirms that its 2026 international conference will take place in Valencia, Spain, from November 3 to 6, with satellite events scheduled for November 2–3. The edition is co-organized with the Universitat Politècnica de València and the Human-Tech Institute, and will be linked to the European Alliance4XR project. Source: EuroXR

02/01/2026: VR & Entertainment - Immersive Coldplay concert released in Horizon Worlds.
Meta has released an immersive Coldplay concert available in Horizon Worlds, captured and streamed in 3D video. The initiative reflects Meta’s strategy to enrich its social VR ecosystem with large-scale cultural events accessible to a broad audience. Source: Meta Horizon

02/01/2026: Tech Events - CES 2026: AI chips, displays, and wearables—smart glasses in focus.
As CES 2026 approaches (opening January 6 in Las Vegas), the event is expected to highlight AI integration across multiple categories, including PCs and processors, smart home and robotics, and wearables. Expectations include new chipsets and increased momentum around AI-powered smart glasses and “XR-adjacent” devices. Source: The Verge

 

2025

31/12/2025: Smart Glasses - China adds smart glasses to its national consumer trade-in subsidy program.
China announces the inclusion of smart glasses in its consumer goods trade-in subsidy program, with discounts estimated between 15% and 20%. The measure aims to stimulate domestic demand and accelerate smart glasses adoption, with sales reported to be up more than 60% year over year. Source: Yicai Global

30/12/2025: Agentic AI - Meta announces acquisition of Manus to strengthen AI agent capabilities.
Meta states it will acquire Singapore-based startup Manus to integrate more advanced AI agent capabilities into its products, including Meta AI. The move highlights accelerating competition among major platforms around autonomous agents spanning consumer and enterprise use cases. Source: Reuters

27/12/2025: AR Glasses - Samsung patent describes AI- and gaze-driven contextual smart glasses.
A recently published Samsung patent details AR smart glasses combining eye tracking, object recognition, and artificial intelligence to display only contextually relevant information based on the user’s real-world environment. The approach aims to reduce cognitive overload by delivering a subtle, non-intrusive information layer. Source: World Intellectual Property Organization (patents)

23/12/2025: AR Glasses & AI - HTC adopts an open AI strategy to drive smart glasses adoption.
HTC announces an open-platform approach for its VIVE Eagle smart glasses, allowing users to choose between multiple AI models, including those from Google and OpenAI. Already launched in Hong Kong at an estimated price of USD 512, the glasses are expected to roll out across Asia, Europe, and the United States, with a strong emphasis on data privacy. Source: Reuters

23/12/2025: Platform - Meta publishes the results of the Meta Horizon Start Developer Competition 2025, a competition open to members of the Horizon Start program aimed at stimulating immersive applications and experiences on Meta Horizon OS, with a total prize pool of USD 1.5 million. The winners span multiple categories, including awards for experiences built with the Spatial SDK and the Immersive Web SDK. Source: Meta Developers Blog

23/12/2025: Legal - Xreal and Viture reach a new stage in their European patent dispute: a preliminary ruling in Germany targets certain Viture products, with a risk of the case being extended to other European countries. Viture disputes the decision and states that it will initiate opposition proceedings, while the matter directly impacts the distribution of XR glasses on the European market. Source: Android Central

22/12/2025: Platform strategy - Snapchat confirms its 2026 strategy focused on augmented reality and the creator ecosystem. The company plans a broader commercialization of its AR Spectacles, following several testing phases with content creators. At the same time, Snapchat announces the rollout of new AR- and engagement-oriented advertising formats, amid strong usage growth, with nearly 800 billion snaps exchanged in Q1 2025. Source: CB News

22/12/2025: Healthcare - Novobeing, a company specializing in therapeutic virtual reality, launches a platform allowing patients to access clinically validated VR programs directly from home. Based on trials conducted with medical institutions, the solution targets the reduction of stress, anxiety, and pain. Already used in hospital settings, the offering is now available in the United States and Canada with a preconfigured VR headset, accessories, and technical support. Source: Auganix

21/12/2025: XR Entertainment - Meta partners with Coldplay to stream an immersive virtual reality concert within Horizon Worlds. Captured at Wembley Stadium using VR 180° cameras, the performance will be available to Meta Quest users starting December 30, 2025, with a mobile version also planned. The initiative illustrates the accelerating adoption of XR in live entertainment and music experiences. Source: Digital Music News

20/12/2025: Partnership - Vuzix announces the expansion of its strategic collaboration with Collins Aerospace around augmented reality solutions for military and defense use cases. The partnership focuses on integrating Vuzix’s optical waveguide technology into a wearable system developed by Collins Aerospace, notably for field operations and drone piloting. An initial production phase is underway, with industrial scale-up planned from 2026. Source: Vuzix (press release)

20/12/2025: Event - The International Association of Immersive Technology Innovation (IAITI) opens the call for papers for the XR-Metaverse 2026 conference, scheduled for June 17–19, 2026, in Tallinn (Estonia). The event will focus on convergent realities, AI, industry, education, and inhabited virtual worlds. Source: XRM2026

19/12/2025: Acquisition - Netflix announces the acquisition of Ready Player Me, a company specializing in interoperable 3D avatar creation for VR and virtual environments. Following the deal, Ready Player Me will cease its public operations, including its online avatar creation tool, as of January 31, 2026. The technology is expected to be integrated into Netflix’s future interactive and gaming experiences. Source: TechCrunch

18/12/2025: Development - Meta rolls out version v83 of its XR SDK, introducing simplified access to the passthrough camera on Quest 3 and Quest 3S via the PassthroughCameraAccess component. This update replaces previous WebCamTexture-based methods and aims to facilitate the development of AR and MR applications leveraging real-time vision. Source: Meta XR SDK (developer communication)

17/12/2025: Strategy - Meta suspends its third-party XR headset program under Horizon OS, putting Asus and Lenovo projects on hold. Meta states it is refocusing its efforts on proprietary XR hardware and software. Source: The Verge

16/12/2025: Audio AI - Meta unveils SAM Audio, a new AI model capable of isolating and segmenting specific sounds within complex audio content using text, visual, or temporal prompts. The technology is designed to accelerate audio and video workflows, with potential applications in immersive XR content creation. Source: Meta AI Research

16/12/2025: Hardware rumors - Apple is reportedly preparing AI-focused smart glasses with no integrated display, expected around 2026. According to several industry sources, the glasses would rely on audio, AI-assisted vision, and tight integration with the iPhone, without a clearly defined XR positioning at this stage. Source: 36Kr

16/12/2025: Hardware - Scentient unveils “Escents”, a wearable digital scent diffusion device designed to integrate olfactory sensations into VR and AR experiences. It was presented at UnitedXR Europe to enhance multisensory immersion. Source: Auganix

15/12/2025: VR & Streaming - Disney+ launches on Meta Quest with Dolby Atmos and offline downloads.
Meta announces the release of the Disney+ app on Meta Quest, featuring immersive audio playback (Dolby Atmos on supported content) and an offline download option for viewing without an internet connection. This update strengthens VR use cases for mobile scenarios and environments with limited connectivity. Source: Meta

13/12/2025: Developer news - Images captured outside the official framework reveal an Android XR prototype under testing, demonstrating the progress of Android XR smart glasses with the involvement of partners such as Samsung and Xreal. This highlights the advancement of Android XR development by the end of 2025. Source: Glass Almanac

13/12/2025: Funding - Gracia AI raises USD 1.7 million to accelerate the development of its 4D Gaussian Splatting infrastructure, a comprehensive platform for producing and deploying volumetric video for XR and VFX workflows, including cloud processing and tools for Unity and Unreal. Source: Auganix

11/12/2025: AR Platforms - LOOOK.AI, an AR mirror platform developed by FFFACE.ME, is officially launched for global retail deployment. The solution transforms digital screens into interactive “AR mirrors,” offering rapid installation, centralized management, and hardware-agnostic compatibility, enabling brands and retailers to deliver measurable immersive experiences. Source: Auganix

10/12/2025: Strategy - Meta plans to increase the price of its Quest headsets (3 and 3S) and slow down the release pace of new models, while confirming work on a Quest 4 described as a “major evolution.” Source: Business Insider

09/12/2025: Social platform - HTC’s immersive platform VIVERSE reaches 1 million monthly active users, marking a significant milestone for HTC’s XR social network. The platform supports creation, gaming, and immersive social experiences accessible via browsers and XR headsets. Source: HTC Vive

08/12/2025: Platform - Google presents a new update to Android XR during “The Android Show: XR Edition,” unveiling several extended features for Android XR devices (including Galaxy XR), such as PC Connect, travel mode, and photorealistic “Likeness” avatars, as well as support for future smart glasses. Source: Google

08/12/2025 : Announcement - Google partners with Warby Parker to launch AI-powered smart glasses based on Android XR, scheduled for 2026, featuring multimodal audio and visual capabilities. Source: Reuters

08/12/2025 : Hardware - Google unveils “Project Aura”, XR glasses developed with Xreal integrating Android XR and Gemini AI, with a reported field of view of around 70° and support for native Android applications. Source: The Verge

08/12/2025 : Partnership - Google and Warby Parker announce lightweight connected glasses running Android XR and Gemini, planned for 2026 (audio-AI version and a version with in-lens display). Source: Reuters

07/12/2025 : Market - The global XR advertising market (immersive advertising) is estimated at USD 21.2 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 153.8 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of around 28%. Source: DataM Intelligence

07/12/2025 : Strategy - Meta is reportedly considering cutting up to 30% of its metaverse / XR budget for 2026, after investing more than USD 60 billion since 2021, prioritising a reallocation of resources toward AR and AI glasses. Source: Reuters

07/12/2025 : Developer ecosystem - The Meta Wearables Device Access Toolkit enters developer preview, enabling access to camera and audio from Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley smart glasses via smartphones. Source: Meta Developers

05/12/2025 : Hardware - Valve confirms that its upcoming VR headset “Steam Frame”, expected in 2026 and focused on standalone use and PC streaming, will not include automatic 2D-to-3D stereoscopic conversion at launch, a feature available on some competing headsets. Source: Tom’s Guide

03/12/2025 : Market trends - China’s connected glasses market is accelerating rapidly, with sales forecasts potentially doubling between 2025 and 2026, driven by the rise of AI-powered glasses. In this context, ByteDance is reportedly working on a high-end XR headset through its Pico subsidiary, aiming to position it against Apple Vision Pro. Source: TechXplore

20/11/2025 : Market - Meta Quest 3 establishes itself as the leading VR headset in 2025, accounting for nearly 75% of global market share. The overall XR market is expected to sustain annual growth close to 30% through the end of the decade, driven by adoption in professional use cases, training and entertainment. Source: Virtual Reality News

03/12/2025 : World generation - Meta introduces WorldGen, an AI system capable of generating interactive 3D worlds from simple text descriptions, exportable to Unity and Unreal. Source: Meta

26/11/2025 : 3D AI - Tencent launches Hunyuan 3D Engine globally, an AI solution for generating commercial 3D assets from text, images or sketches. Source: Tencent.com

26/11/2025 : 3D AI - Tencent releases five open-source models based on Hunyuan3D-2.0 to create 3D objects in under 30 seconds, targeting video games and design. Source: Reuters

24/11/2025 : World generation - Meta details WorldGen as a “walkable” 3D world generation system based on prompts, with object segmentation to facilitate editing. Source: Road to VR

12/11/2025 : Hardware - Valve stops production of the Index headset and shifts focus to Steam Frame, a new standalone headset featuring 2160×2160 resolution per eye, 6 GHz streaming and inside-out tracking. Source: The Verge

12/11/2025 : Hardware - Valve presents Steam Frame as a streaming-oriented headset featuring “foveated streaming”, rendering high resolution only where the user is looking. Source: The Verge

08/11/2025 : Android XR platform - Google showcases Project Aura, XR glasses developed with Xreal, featuring transparent lenses with integrated display, ~70° FOV, offloaded battery and compute via a wired module, and support for standard Android apps through Android XR. Source: The Verge

08/11/2025 : Android XR platform - Google confirms partnerships with Warby Parker and other brands (Samsung, Gentle Monster) for AI/AR glasses built on Android XR and Gemini. Source: Reuters

22/10/2025 : Glasses SDK - Meta details the Wearables Device Access Toolkit, an SDK enabling mobile apps to capture photos and video via Meta smart glasses and access streams for AI processing. Source: DEV Community

22/10/2025 : Hardware - Samsung unveils its Galaxy XR headset, its first high-end Android XR device, offering up to 4.3K per eye, 90 Hz refresh rate, up to 12 cameras for passthrough, and a new Qualcomm XR platform. Source: Tom’s Guide

18/09/2025 : Ecosystem - At Meta Connect 2025, Meta highlights Meta Horizon OS, the arrival of 2D Android apps on its headsets, and the preview of the Wearables Device Access Toolkit for AI glasses. Source: Developers.meta.com

05/11/2025 : Competition - Meta launches the Meta Horizon Start Developer Competition 2025, offering USD 1.5 million in prizes for new Quest apps or major updates. Source: Developers.meta.com

28/05/2025: XR & Defense - Anduril and Meta announce a partnership to develop XR devices for military applications.
Anduril and Meta officially confirm a collaboration to design and deploy a range of integrated XR products aimed at enhancing operator perception and situational awareness through advanced sensors and software. The announcement positions XR as an operational capability for defense use cases, at the intersection of AR/MR and embedded AI.
Source: Anduril (official release)

20/03/2025 : Strategy - LG shuts down its XR product division and postpones the commercial release of its headsets, while continuing R&D within its CTO division. Source: XR Today

18/03/2025 : 3D AI - Tencent releases several open-source Hunyuan3D-2.0 models capable of generating 3D objects from text or images in under 30 seconds, targeting designers and game studios. Source: Reuters

27/01/2025 : Pricing - Sony reduces the price of PlayStation VR2 from USD 549.99 to USD 399.99 (and equivalent prices in euros) following a disappointing launch, focusing on a PC adapter and expanded content. Source: The Verge

06/01/2025 : End of product - Meta officially discontinues the Quest Pro (released in 2022), redirecting users toward Quest 3 and placing the Pro line on hold for now. Source: The Verge

2024

15/11/2024 : 3D AI - Tencent presents its first Hunyuan 3D generation models, marking China’s entry into large-scale text-to-3D development. Source: Tencent

01/10/2024 : Market - The launch of Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro triggers a rebound in VR/AR headset sales in 2024 after a weak 2023. Source: VFXVoice

25/09/2024 : Hardware - Meta officially introduces the Meta Quest 3S, positioned as a more accessible XR headset with mixed reality capabilities and a starting price of USD 299.99 for the 128 GB model, designed to replace Meta Quest 2 while retaining color passthrough. Source: Meta Newsroom

10/06/2024 : International - Apple Vision Pro becomes available in additional markets: from June 28, 2024 in China (including Hong Kong), Japan and Singapore, followed by Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom from July 12, expanding its global presence. Source: Apple Newsroom

16/04/2024 : Announcement - Samsung confirms that an XR headset co-developed with Google will be detailed at Google I/O 2024, positioned as a more affordable alternative to Apple Vision Pro. Source: SamMobile

08/01/2024 : Launch - Apple Vision Pro launches in the United States, presented as a high-end “spatial computer” combining AR and VR for work, collaboration and entertainment. Source: Apple

2023

10/10/2023 : Launch - Meta releases Quest 3, a standalone mixed-reality headset based on XR2 Gen 2, priced at USD 499 for the 128 GB version, presented as the “first mass-market MR headset”. Source: Meta

05/06/2023 : Announcement - Apple unveils Vision Pro at WWDC 2023, its first XR headset, featuring the external EyeSight display and an “AR-first” positioning. Source: The Guardian

22/02/2023 : Launch - Sony releases PlayStation VR2 for PS5, featuring 4K HDR OLED displays and new Sense controllers. Source: PlayStation.Blog

2022

25/10/2022 : Launch - Meta releases Quest Pro, a high-end mixed-reality headset priced at USD 1,499, featuring pancake optics, color passthrough and eye-tracking, targeting professionals and creators. Source: Meta

18/10/2022 : Launch - ByteDance, through Pico, launches the Pico 4, a standalone XR2 headset with pancake optics and a 4K+ display, available in Europe and Asia as a competitor to Meta Quest 2. Source: UploadVR

02/11/2022 : Announcement - Sony sets the release of PS VR2 for February 22, 2023 at USD 549.99, marking the second generation of PlayStation VR. Source: PlayStation.Blog