I can attest that the infamous CES sickness is quite real, and unfortunately, it doesn’t just vanish when CES ends. But, my determination to keep you in the loop triumphs over this bothersome cold. So, brace yourself for a collection of XR news that you won’t want to miss!
Top News of the Week
The Autumn of XR Continues
The landscape for immersive realities isn’t exactly flourishing at the moment. The market feels stagnant, making it challenging for businesses to thrive. While we all agree that AR and VR are technologies of the future, right now, they’re still largely niche interests. I delved into this topic in a previous piece that assessed the current state of our industry.
This past week brought several pieces of news that reinforced my earlier findings:
- The creators of PowerWash Simulator VR have halted updates just 14 months after its launch due to development costs outweighing revenues.
- Soul Assembly, the team behind Drop Dead: The Cabin and Just Dance VR, has cut 15% of its workforce.
- Analysis by Omdia and Sensor Tower reveals that Meta Horizon app downloads dropped by 27% on Christmas Day 2024 compared to 2023, signaling a decline in VR holiday sales this year. Possible reasons include Quest 2 users not feeling compelled to upgrade to newer models.
- According to Counterpoint Research, the global VR market declined by 4% in Q3 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- Shuhei Yoshida, a former Sony executive, expressed regret during an interview for being incorrect about PS VR2.
- F.Reality podcast wrapped up its run after seven glorious years.
The developer behind LOW-FI, Blair Renaud, took to X to share his frustrations and uncertainty about the future. He’s not alone in feeling like he’s adrift on an unstable ship, and he certainly won’t be the last.
Despite the challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope:
- Forbes published an article celebrating the metaverse and highlighting how younger generations prefer socializing within it over traditional social media.
- A Counterpoint report indicates that Apple Vision Pro shipments exceeded initial IDC estimates, particularly for international markets.
- Beat Saber is on the verge of reaching 10 million copies sold on Quest alone.
It’s crucial that we all come to terms with the reality that the upcoming years will be tough. CES didn’t showcase anything to suggest a change in the technological trends of AR/VR, aside from smart glasses. I included some uplifting news to remind you that there’s hope and things will improve, albeit gradually. For now, our focus should be on staying afloat.
Learn more: [Analysis of XR in 2024] [Powerwash Simulator Development Ends] [Soul Assembly’s Layoffs] [Analysis of Quest Sales] [Counterpoint Research on XR Market] [Shuhei Yoshida on PSVR 2] [Closure of F.Reality Podcast] [Blair Renaud on the VR Ecosystem] [Forbes on the Metaverse] [Apple Vision Pro Shipments] [Beat Saber Sales]
Other Relevant News
Microsoft is Enforcing the Windows 11 24H2 Update
The moment has arrived for those who tried dodging the dreaded 24H2 update for Windows 11. Microsoft is enforcing this update on all systems it controls, like the Home versions of the OS. This update essentially eliminates Mixed Reality support, reducing all Windows Mixed Reality headsets to mere collectibles. Users with WMR devices have postponed this update as long as possible, but it’s becoming increasingly challenging to avoid it now. There are still ways to block the update if you own a Pro version or a company device, but Home edition users face a tougher battle. My heart goes out to everyone with WMR headsets seeing their devices turn useless.
Learn more
ASUS Raises Interest with New AirVision M1 Glasses Trailer
ASUS has dropped an exciting new trailer for the AirVision M1 smart glasses. While these aren’t fresh out of the lab (I stumbled upon mentions from CES 2024), they caught my attention now, and I’m thrilled to share. These 3DOF glasses give you a virtual screen right before your eyes. They boast 1100 nits of brightness, 60% lens transparency, TÜV Rheinland certification, and built-in speakers. They’re compatible with Windows PCs and Rog Ally handheld consoles, weighing a mere 87g. With their companion software, you can enjoy a virtual multi-screen setup. However, be prepared to shell out $700, a bit pricier than the $600 XREAL One Pro.
Learn more: [AirVision M1 Trailer] [ASUS Shop Page]
News Worth a Mention
Palmer Luckey Teasing a New VR Announcement
Responding to Blair Renaud’s earlier frustration-laden post, Palmer Luckey hinted, "Wait till you see what I’m announcing in a few weeks and see if you still think I’m out of the game." This suggests another VR-related announcement is on the horizon, possibly linked to the military-focused VR headset he teased at AWE, or perhaps the much-talked-about Quest Pro. Color me curious!
Learn more
Somnium Space Sets New Headset Pricing
Facing the complexities of producing top-notch headsets, Somnium Space has increased prices by a steep €5–700. Here’s the current pricing:
- Somnium VR1 Visionary Edition: €3000 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Titan Edition: €3400 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Ultimate Edition: €4300 + VAT
Learn more
Meta Unveils High-Efficiency Red MicroLED Display
Meta and Plessey unveiled what they claim is "the world’s brightest" red microLED display for AR glasses. Boasting 6M nits and exceptional energy efficiency, this display is perfect for AR glasses designed for outdoor use. Since blue and green are more efficient and vibrant, achieving this with red is a significant leap, prompting Plessey’s CEO, Dr. Keith Strickland, to call it "a major breakthrough in the development of AR technology."
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Using Ray-Ban Meta Glasses to Master Chess
Innovative young developers, Caden Li and Eddy Xu, harnessed the capabilities of Ray-Ban Meta glasses to enhance chess prowess. The glasses’ camera captures the chessboard and transmits it to a chess-playing AI that recommends optimal moves, relayed to the player via the device’s speakers. This ingenious setup allows anyone to play like a grandmaster! This demo highlights the transformative power of integrating AI with smart glasses. We need open, programmable smart glasses so more solutions like this can flourish.
Learn more: [Chess Demonstration Video] [Advocating for Open Smart Glasses]
Jayden Daniels: A Sports Star Thanks to Virtual Reality
American quarterback Jayden Daniels is all the rage lately, especially after leading the Washington Commanders to their first NFL playoff victory since 2006. He explained his daily training and match preparation involve VR headsets, further proving VR’s effectiveness in sports training.
Learn more
Some News About Content
- The Rust-inspired survival game GRIM now has early access on Quest and SteamVR.
- Tablecraft promises a free, mad science-themed VR sandbox allowing users to experiment with chemical elements; it’s available in early access on Quest.
- Lovesick, a VR puzzle game where players embody a burnt-out bassist, will launch for Meta Quest on March 6.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon will land on Meta Quest on February 6, followed by a spring release on Steam.
- Despite its developer shutting down, PSVR 2’s team shooter Firewall Ultra received a surprise update.
- Upload has compiled its usual XR News Round-Up post with additional XR news snippets.
Learn more: [GRIM] [TableCraft] [Lovesick] [Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon] [Firewall Ultra] [XR News Round-Up]
Some Reviews About Content
- An Upload article praises Iron Rebellion for striking the right balance in mech simulation gameplay, combining usability with the sensation of operating a bulky machine.
- Despite its vibrant visuals and rewarding combat, Arken Age offers engaging gameplay.
- Assetto Corsa EVO launched in Early Access but remains plagued with issues.
- The Thrill Of The Fight 2 provides an intriguing multiplayer boxing experience.
- Human Within serves as a less exemplary model of branching story execution.
Learn more: [Iron Rebellion] [Arken Age] [Assetto Corsa EVO] [The Thrill Of The Fight 2] [Human Within]
Other News
- Meta removed the headset app that displayed achievement progress, leaving developers and users disgruntled.
- Discover quirky details about the little LED near the Quest 3S cameras.
- The mystery surrounding the Visor headset persists amidst glowing reviews and users being banned from Discord for asking about its release.
- Michael Gschwandtner explores the realm of crafting affordable AR glasses compatible with Nintendo Switch.
Learn more: [Achievement App Removal] [Quest 3S LED Mystery] [Visor Enthusiastic Review] [Visor Discord Controversy] [Affordable AR Glasses with Nintendo Switch]
News from Partners and Friends
Join a Workshop in the Musical Metaverse!
During the IEEE International Symposium on the Internet of Sounds, scheduled from October 29 to 31 in L’Aquila, Italy, a special workshop on the musical metaverse will take place on October 30. This event aims to unite academics and industry professionals to advance systems at the intersection of Musical XR and networking, as well as to comprehend human perception in immersive, networked contexts. If you’re working on topics like “Musical XR systems for networked interactions” or “Digital twins for musical applications,” submit your work and connect with others in the field!
Learn more
Some XR Fun
- A humorous take on Meta hardware vs. Meta software
- A comical depiction of doing business in XR
- A new quality assurance test needed for future Quest devices
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[Contributor List]
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