Metaverse 💞 beyond.pictures

VRChat has revealed new user stats showing significant growth. The platform hit 158,192 record concurrent users and 100,000 daily average concurrent users, with over 250,000 active communities. Japanese user base grew 3.9x, driven by events like a February concert featuring Kaguya from Netflix anime Cosmic Princess. https://www.roadtovr.com/vrchat-key-stats-japan-growth-concurrents/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

The return of the "glasshole" label is stoking fears about smart glasses. As Meta Smart Glasses sales accelerate, a broader privacy debate is growing. Critics argue wearable cameras make covert recording easier, but others point out smartphones are already capable of the same. Meta has built in a recording LED, but concerns remain as the technology advances. https://www.uploadvr.com/do-meta-glasses-make-you-a-glasshole/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #VR headsets

OpenXR OSX enables PCVR gaming on Mac. The new runtime streams OpenXR content directly to Quest and Vision Pro headsets via a thin client, letting Mac users play SteamVR games they could not access before. Developed by long-time VR developer Yannick Comte. https://skarredghost.com/2026/05/07/openxr-osx-vr-mac/ #Metaverse #VR #Gaming

Meta Reality Labs posts another quarterly loss while VR headsets decline, but Snap's AR business grows 12 percent with sponsored lenses and Specs smartglasses looming. Meanwhile VRChat hit a record 158,000 concurrent users with 3.9x growth in Japan. https://arinsider.co/2026/05/08/ai-xr-beats-courtroom-drama-xr-earnings/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #SpatialComputing

Remakes of iconic 90s puzzle games MYST and RIVEN are finally coming to PSVR 2 this month. Both games will support flatscreen and VR gameplay, transforming original point-and-click still frames into fully explorable 3D environments. Launches May 19th, priced at 35 USD each. https://www.roadtovr.com/remakes-of-iconic-90s-puzzle-games-myst-riven-finally-come-to-psvr-2-this-month/ #Metaverse #VR #Gaming

Meta’s stock dropped nearly 9% despite strong first-quarter results, due to a 20 million user decline and a significant increase in AI spending. The company reported a $4.03 billion operating loss for its metaverse and virtual reality division, Reality Labs, which has lost approximately $80 billion since 2020. While investors are concerned about costs, Meta’s strong fundamentals and AI advancements are seen as potential positives. https://fortune.com/2026/05/01/meta-mark-zuckerberg-tech-stocks-reality-labs-metaverse/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Meta

Lucent VR is a stunning exploration experience on Quest 3 featuring seven beautiful scenes with impressive water physics and ambient sounds. One of the most technically impressive Quest titles yet. https://www.uploadvr.com/lucent-vr-is-the-prettiest-quest-3-experience-ive-ever-played/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

Snap and Qualcomm have announced a long-term partnership to develop the next generation of Specs AR glasses, due to launch later this year. The multi-year deal will see Qualcomm supply Snapdragon chips for future iterations of Snap's consumer AR glasses. https://www.roadtovr.com/snap-qualcomm-partnership-specs-2026-ar-glasses/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Hardware

Meta's Horizon Worlds is moving away from VR support on June 15, with the platform refocusing on mobile and web. Long-time users are now deciding whether to stay, move to rival platforms, or build twin maps elsewhere. Some venues are planning ahead while others consider their options. https://www.uploadvr.com/as-horizon-worlds-moves-away-from-vr-its-users-decide-their-future/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Platform

Google is holding two events in the next 10 days where we may learn more about Android XR smartglasses. The Android Show is on May 12, followed by Google I/O on May 19-20. Announcements about Samsung or Warby Parker collaborations could be revealed. https://skarredghost.com/2026/05/11/android-glasses-event-valve/ #Metaverse #VR #AR

TCL has unveiled new OLED and micro-LED displays aimed at XR headsets. The 2.24-inch OLED hits 1,700 PPI at 120Hz, claimed the highest for real RGB glass-based panels. The 0.28-inch micro-LED reaches 5,131 PPI for smartglasses. https://www.roadtovr.com/tcl-oled-micro-led-display-xr-sid-display-week-2026/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Hardware

The developer behind Vertigo is helping create the Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades sequel. Zulubo, known for their work on the acclaimed VR title, is collaborating with Rust Ltd on H3VR 2. Details on release timing are still to come. https://www.roadtovr.com/vertigo-zulubo-h3vr-sequel-reveal/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

Meta has introduced Capture Markers on Quest, showing exactly what will be in frame before you snap a screenshot or start a screen recording. The crop marks at the corners make it much easier to line things up properly. https://www.uploadvr.com/meta-quest-capture-markers-feature-screenshots-video-recording/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Quest

Apple's new New York City episode in the Elevated series for Vision Pro captures striking 180-degree views but often feels overstimulated, leaving limited room to connect with the city's spirit. https://www.uploadvr.com/can-apple-immersive-video-convey-the-spirit-of-new-york/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #SpatialComputing

Bigscreen has revealed a redesigned Halo Mount for its Beyond 2 PC VR headset, shipping from June. The new strap features a clip-on mechanism, improved flip-up design, and support for third-party accessories. Pre-orders open at 180 USD. https://www.roadtovr.com/bigscreen-new-halo-strap-release-date-price/ #Metaverse #VR

Blackmagic has unveiled the URSA Cine Immersive 100G, a VR camera system designed specifically for live Apple Immersive Video broadcasts. The camera features dual 8Kx8K sensors with up to 16 stops of dynamic range and uses 100G Ethernet to handle stereoscopic high-frame rate capture at up to 90fps. It will be available in Q3 2026 priced at 26,495 USD. https://www.roadtovr.com/blackmagic-unveils-vr-camera-for-live-immersive-broadcasts-built-specifically-for-apple-immersive-video/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #SpatialComputing

Riddlewood Manor, a spooky point-and-click VR adventure from Peanut Button, is now available in Early Access on Meta Quest. The hand-drawn game challenges players to escape a haunted estate filled with monsters, spirits and terrifying puzzles. Currently .99 on Quest. https://www.uploadvr.com/riddlewood-manor-early-access-out-now-on-quest/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

Samsung and Google have released a major software update for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, adding deep enterprise support, automatic 3D conversion for photos and videos, and five years of security updates. The 1,800 USD device now includes Android Enterprise for workplace deployments. https://www.roadtovr.com/android-xr-update-samsung-galaxy-xr-enterprise/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Enterprise

Save Muny DLC brings Austin's historic Lions Municipal Golf Course to GOLF+ VR. Opened in 1924, Muny was one of the first desegregated golf courses in the American South, now faces development pressure. https://www.uploadvr.com/golf-dlc-imagines-a-rejuvenated-muny-one-of-the-first-desegregated-golf-courses-in-the-american-south/ #Metaverse #VR #Gaming

Skyworld: Kingdom Brawl is the latest VR game to shut down, with servers going offline on July 11. Developer Vertigo Games delisted the title earlier this year after the UNET multiplayer service was discontinued. https://www.uploadvr.com/skyworld-kingdom-brawl-to-shut-down-in-july/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #VRGaming #Vertigo

AR gaming is evolving with AI-driven adaptive experiences that respond to your real-world surroundings. The latest developments suggest a shift towards intelligent, location-based augmented reality games that blend your neighbourhood with digital gameplay. https://arinsider.co/2026/04/06/ar-gamings-next-chapter-is-adaptive-intelligent-local/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

Chinese chipmaker GravityXR has unveiled what is claimed to be the smallest VR headset reference design yet. The G-X100-M0 features 4K OLED displays per eye, 90Hz refresh rate, 105-degree FOV, eye tracking and hand tracking. The company positions its chips as alternatives to Qualcomm for XR devices. https://skarredghost.com/2026/05/13/gravityxr-small-headset-impressions/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Hardware

Meta is adding nutrition tracking, WhatsApp message summaries, display recording, and expanded translation to its smart glasses. New features rolling out this spring include on-foot navigation across every US city and support for 20 languages by summer. https://www.uploadvr.com/meta-glasses-spring-summer-2026-software-updates/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Hardware

South by Southwest hosted its tenth annual XR Showcase, featuring immersive experiences that would take about 15 hours to experience. Snap Spectacles activation using Jonathan Yeos art was highlighted as a standout for its creativity and approachability. https://arinsider.co/2026/04/01/spatial-at-southby-the-debrief-from-sxsw/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #MetaverseResearch

Friendly Fire Studios has delayed the PS VR2 and SteamVR ports of A Long Survive for the second time in less than a month. The co-op horde shooter was scheduled for a May 14 release but now faces an unspecified delay due to crossplay connection issues between platforms. https://www.uploadvr.com/a-long-survive-playstation-vr2-pc-vr-delayed-again/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

Blade Runner: The Immersive Experience is heading to VR destinations in 2027. Developed by Dead by Daylight studio Behaviour Interactive in partnership with Alcon Entertainment and PHI Studios, the multisensory experience will blend dystopian environments with deep storytelling. A North American premiere is planned for 2027. https://www.roadtovr.com/blade-runner-immersive-experience-coming-to-vr-destinations-next-year-developed-by-dead-by-daylight-studio/ #Metaverse #VR #Gaming

Green Hell VR is finally coming to PC in 2026 with co-op support - the first time the full experience will be available on Steam. Players have been waiting years for this. https://www.uploadvr.com/green-hell-2026-roadmap-promises-major-pc-vr-update/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

Meta Connect returns September 23-24 with the company teasing new smart glasses. The event will focus on the latest in VR, wearables, metaverse and AI. All eyes will be on Meta to see its next moves after a year of major restructuring and shifting priorities in XR. https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-connect-2026-date-announcement/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #XR

Polyarc Games is porting VR puzzle-platformer Moss to flatscreen consoles and PC following the cancellation of a major project last month. The studio cut its workforce by two-thirds in April, with Meta also pulling funding from third-party VR projects. https://www.roadtovr.com/moss-vr-flatscreen-port-project-cancellation/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

Wrath: Aeon of Ruin VR brings the classic boomer shooter experience to headsets, but translation challenges hold it back. The retro combat and dual-wielding feel great in VR, though the fast-paced original design sometimes struggles with the medium. 15 maps across three hub worlds, gesture-based reloading, and a powerful blade weapon offer depth despite pacing issues. 19.99 USD on Quest, Steam and PS VR2. https://www.uploadvr.com/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-vr-brutal-edition-review/ #Metaverse #VR #Gaming

Plasmaborne is an ambitious Doom-inspired roguelite shooter now available on Meta Quest, but rough balancing and tedious enemy encounters hold it back from standing out in the crowded VR roguelite space. https://www.uploadvr.com/plasmaborne-impressions/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

Sky Legends: An Aeropostal Epic is an aerial adventure game for Meta Quest 3 launching May 18. Players investigate an air mail transport company in the early 1900s, with the story spanning ten years of history. The game supports motion controllers and hand tracking. A PC VR version is also in development. https://www.uploadvr.com/sky-legends-an-aeropostal-epic-takes-off-on-quest-3-next-week/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

TaVRn's Takedown brings the chaotic Naheulbeuk fantasy universe to VR as a physics-based brawler where you punch through orcs, goblins and more. Available on Meta Quest and SteamVR for 19.99 USD. https://www.uploadvr.com/tavrns-takedown-naheulbeuk-review-punching-orcs-has-never-felt-so-good/ #Metaverse #VR #Gaming

Meta has reportedly laid off around 700 staff from its Reality Labs division as it pivots away from the metaverse toward AI, according to a new report. The cuts represent the latest chapter in the company's strategic shift. https://gizmodo.com/meta-lays-off-700-in-pivot-from-metaverse-to-ai-2000738234

Meta has unveiled a major update to its open-source Immersive Web SDK, adding AI-powered agentic workflows that let developers build VR experiences using tools like Claude Code and Cursor - without writing code. The company rebuilt a gardening demo in just 15 hours that previously took tens of thousands of lines of custom code. Over one million monthly users already access WebXR content on Quest. https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-immersive-web-ai-agent-toolkit-2026/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #AI

#Roblox will require #ageverification for users aged nine and older to access certain games. This change is part of the rollout of new #RobloxKids and #RobloxSelect accounts, which have different levels of protections for different age groups. https://www.theverge.com/games/910218/roblox-age-verification-check-games-kids-select-accounts?Metaver.se #Metaverse #VirtualWorlds #XR #VR #MR #AR #BeyondPictures

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel will deliver the opening keynote at AWE USA 2026 in Long Beach, California from June 15-18. This is the second consecutive year Snap has headlined the XR conference, and comes as the company prepares to launch its first consumer AR glasses. The keynote is titled "Making Computing More Human". https://www.roadtovr.com/snap-ceo-evan-spiegel-keynote-awe-usa-2026-specs-ar/ #Metaverse #VR #AR

Snap is laying off around 1,000 employees, cutting 16% of its workforce as it pivots towards profitable growth. The AR glasses subsidiary Specs Inc. remains unaffected and is slated to add staff ahead of the sixth-gen Specs AR glasses launch expected this autumn. https://www.roadtovr.com/snap-mass-layoffs-specs-ar-glasses/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #XR

Crepe Master is a magical girl-inspired brawler for Meta Quest 3 where players fight enemies using gesture-based spells. The game draws inspiration from titles like Sailor Moon, offering a whimsical two-hour adventure aimed at younger players. https://www.uploadvr.com/crepe-master-hands-on-short-and-sweet/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

Snap is cutting jobs while pushing ahead with its AR glasses. The company is spinning out Specs as a separate entity, betting on next-generation AR spectacles due in 2026. The device will cost over 1,000 USD and will be the only see-through XR system available after Magic Leap and Microsoft HoloLens sunsetted their headsets. https://www.roadtovr.com/snap-mass-layoffs-specs-ar-glasses/ #Metaverse #VR #AR

Synth Riders developer Kluge Interactive has suffered major layoffs, with around half of staff cut. The studio had been creating games for Horizon Worlds and Roblox, but Meta's withdrawal from VR support for Horizon Worlds funding was cited as a key reason. https://www.roadtovr.com/synth-riders-studio-layoffs-2026/ #Metaverse #VR #Gaming

Samsung reportedly to debut first smart glasses at Galaxy Unpacked on July 22nd in London. The company is working with eyewear brand Gentle Monster on design, running Google Android XR system. https://www.roadtovr.com/samsung-reveals-smart-glasses-unpacked-gentle-monster/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #XR

Star Trek: Infection brings survival horror to Meta Quest 3 and PC VR, taking the sci-fi franchise's darker moments into virtual reality. The game centres the fear that has always lurked on the fringes of Trek in a way that feels especially potent in VR. https://www.uploadvr.com/star-trek-infection-review-survival-horror-at-the-final-frontier/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

A sequel to the beloved VR shooter Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades is coming to Quest 3 and Steam. Developer Rust Ltd promises a full extraction shooter with realistic gun models. Release expected 2026. https://www.roadtovr.com/h3vr-2-quest-steam-release-date-trailer/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

Creature Feature & Friends VR Showcase revealed new VR games including open-world flight adventure Compass (Quest 3/3S, Steam May 28), viral language puzzler Wordbound, terraforming adventure Janet's Planets, and beat 'em up Crepe Master (May 7). https://www.roadtovr.com/creature-feature-vr-showcase-2026-games/ #Metaverse #VR #Gaming

Meta and Unity have extended their multi-year partnership to power next-generation VR experiences. The collaboration dates back to the early Oculus Rift era, with Unity now committed to providing continued support for Meta's VR platform. https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-extends-commitment-xr-development-meta/ #Metaverse #VR #AR

Asobo Studio has confirmed Microsoft Flight Simulator has passed Sony certification and could release PSVR 2 support as early as this week. The game will support all 125 aircraft including Sense controller-supported cockpits. https://www.roadtovr.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-psvr-2-update-release/ #Metaverse #VR #AR #Gaming

TaVRn's Takedown - Naheulbeuk is a physics-based VR brawler that stands out for its gorgeous cartoonish fantasy visuals, punchy combat, and excellent voice acting, though repetitive boss fights and limited enemy variety hold it back from greatness. Available on Meta Quest and SteamVR for 19.99 USD. https://www.uploadvr.com/tavrns-takedown-naheulbeuk-review-punching-orcs-has-never-felt-so-good/ #Metaverse #VR #AR

Meta is raising Quest 3 and Quest 3S prices from April 19th amid a global memory chip shortage. Quest 3S (128GB) rises to $350, the 256GB model to $450, and Quest 3 (512GB) to $600. The price hikes follow similar increases in 2022. https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-raises-quest-3-3s-prices-memory-shortage/ #Metaverse #VR #AR