Meta Horizon+ adds Xbox Game Pass Starter to Quest subscription

techedt.com Jul 22, 2026

Meta Horizon+ adds Xbox Game Pass Starter to Quest subscription

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 22, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Meta has integrated Xbox Game Pass Starter into its Horizon+ subscription service for Quest headsets, eliminating the need for a separate purchase. This partnership grants users access to over 50 games and monthly cloud gaming sessions directly within the virtual reality environment. The integration aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to expand Xbox content availability beyond traditional consoles to diverse devices. Subscribers also gain online multiplayer support for cloud and PC gaming, alongside the ability to stream owned titles and earn Microsoft Rewards. To enhance the user experience, Meta offers various virtual screen sizes, including a 26-foot display option, and an immersive Xbox-themed environment. Users can currently play with Bluetooth-compatible controllers. Additionally, Meta confirmed that Quest Touch controllers will soon emulate Xbox gamepads, simplifying gameplay for those without external hardware. This move strengthens the Quest ecosystem by providing a more connected and accessible gaming experience without requiring additional subscriptions or specialized equipment for basic play.

💡 Why It Matters

· Bundling Xbox content directly into Horizon+ removes friction for VR gamers seeking premium titles without extra costs.
· It validates cloud gaming as a viable primary distribution method for high-quality console experiences on standalone headsets.

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Public distrust in smart glasses will be a challenge for Apple Glass

Apple plans to unveil its first smart‑glasses, dubbed Apple Glass, at the 2027 WWDC event, with a consumer rollout later that year. The timeline reflects Apple’s cautious approach to privacy, a concern amplified by public wariness of Meta’s existing smart‑glasses, which have been criticized for invasive recording capabilities. Apple’s Vision hardware team is reportedly developing on‑device processing, avoiding facial‑recognition and “super‑sensing” features, and pledging not to use captured footage for AI training or third‑party review. Prototypes may even omit cameras, limiting visual input to AI‑driven contextual assistance rather than photo or video capture. By giving developers early access, Apple hopes to build an ecosystem while demonstrating a privacy‑first design that differentiates it from rivals for mainstream adoption across global users.

💡 A privacy‑first AR platform could reshape user expectations, forcing the entire wearable sector to prioritize data protection over raw capability.

space.com · Jul 26

I’m not an astronaut, but I went to the International Space Station…

A science journalist recounts his first “trip” to the International Space Station via the virtual‑reality exhibit “Space Explorers: The ISS Experience” at Manhattan’s Eclipsio. Wearing a VR headset, he navigates a life‑size, translucent model of the ISS, guided by floating hand‑trackers that mimic his movements. The experience blends real footage—such as clips of astronauts in the cupola and a training session with Artemis II specialist Christina Koch—with interactive orbs that trigger location‑specific videos. Although the digital interior is not a perfect replica, its scale matches the actual station, allowing visitors to float past the robotic arm, view Earth through the cupola’s windows, and feel the station’s vast solar panels. The exhibit, produced by Félix Lajeunesse’s Felix & Paul Studios, required roughly two years of preparation and on‑orbit camera work to capture authentic visuals.

💡 By turning authentic ISS footage into an immersive, affordable VR walk‑through, the exhibit democratizes space exposure, turning a once‑exclusive experience into a public educational tool.

analyticsinsight.net · Jul 25

Top 10 VR Games for Beginners Without Motion Sickness

Comfort‑focused virtual‑reality titles are easing newcomers into immersive gaming by eliminating the motion‑sickness that often deters first‑time users. The article lists ten beginner‑friendly games that rely on stationary play, teleport‑based locomotion, or slower pacing. Rhythm hit Beat Saber keeps players rooted while they slash blocks to music, and third‑person adventure Moss lets users guide a mouse from above, reducing visual drift. Walkabout Mini Golf offers realistic physics and teleport movement for long, comfortable sessions, while Job Simulator confines interaction to arm’s reach. Escape‑room style I Expect You To Die emphasizes observation over reflexes, and Tetris Effect: Connected delivers puzzle fun with no simulated motion. Free social hub Rec Room and shooter‑rhythm hybrid Pistol Whip round out the list, each featuring optional comfort settings.

💡 By showcasing games that prioritize comfort, the guide lowers the barrier to entry, accelerating mainstream adoption of affordable VR headsets.

wpbf.com · Jul 25

Inside Port St. Lucie police’s new state-of-the-art training facility

The Port St. Lucie Police Department officially opened a nearly $30 million, 54,000-square-foot training center on Friday, marking a significant upgrade to local law enforcement capabilities. City leaders and police officials attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the facility, which officials describe as one of the most advanced in the nation. The center features an indoor firing range, a tactical shoot house, virtual reality simulators, and classrooms designed for scenario-based, hands-on instruction. Police Chief Leo Niemczyk stated that the cutting-edge technology will help officers prepare for real-world field situations. The city-funded project aims to strengthen decision-making and de-escalation skills through realistic, high-stress training environments. Mayor Shannon Martin emphasized that better-equipped officers benefit the entire community. Officers began transitioning their training operations to the new facility this weekend, replacing previous methods with modern, immersive educational tools to enhance officer readiness and public safety outcomes in Port St. Lucie.

💡 The integration of virtual reality and tactical simulations shifts police training from theoretical instruction to immersive, high-stress rehearsal. This technological leap aims to reduce real-world errors by conditioning officers to make split-second decisions in controlled, realistic environments before facing actual emergencies.

thenorthernecho.co.uk · Jul 25

Colour, light and augmented reality bring Durham Cathedral’s stained glass to life

Durham Cathedral has launched the "Colour and Light" exhibition to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its iconic Rose Window. Running until mid-September, this special event aims to reveal the stories, artistry, and faith embedded within the cathedral’s stained glass windows. Notably, the exhibition introduces the site’s first-ever augmented reality experience, allowing visitors to scan QR codes with smartphones for interactive historical insights. Located in the North Aisle, the illuminated display explores selected windows’ narratives and design histories. Andrew Usher, chief officer of visitor experience, highlighted the goal of bringing these admired features to life through new technology. In addition to the AR component, the cathedral offers guided tours throughout the summer. Local artist Rita Griskonyte leads creative workshops where participants can craft their own stained and fused glass artwork. Free family activities are also provided to help younger visitors uncover hidden meanings. Dean Philip Plyming emphasized that stained glass has long served as a medium for reflecting on spiritual stories through color and light.

💡 Integrating augmented reality into a historic religious site bridges the gap between ancient artistry and modern digital engagement. This approach transforms passive observation into an interactive educational experience, potentially attracting a younger demographic to heritage tourism.

techedt.com · Jul 23

Samsung reveals more details about upcoming smart glasses

Samsung unveiled key specifications for its forthcoming smart glasses at the Unpacked event, revealing a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 processor with an on‑device Hexagon NPU for AI tasks. The glasses promise up to nine hours of battery life, with a charging case offering seven additional charges. AI features include visual search and real‑time translation, while the device relies on a smartphone for display. Privacy safeguards feature a visible LED indicator and software that disables the camera if the LED is obstructed. Release date and pricing remain undisclosed.

💡 By integrating on‑device AI and robust privacy controls, Samsung positions its glasses as a competitive, user‑trustworthy option in the emerging AR market.