Returning to Italy after an incredible adventure at CES has been a whirlwind. I still can’t quite wrap my head around attending such a massive event. Sure, I’m back home nursing sore feet and a tired body, but my heart is full. It was exactly what I hoped for as a blogger, enthusiast, and entrepreneur. There’s no doubt CES will dominate the conversation in this week’s roundup, but there were other intriguing developments outside of it too. Let’s dive in! (And apologies for the late newsletter – coming back from Las Vegas, I had quite a bit to catch up on…)
Top News of the Week
CES is undoubtedly the tech event of the year, and it’s exciting to see XR carving out its own space there. The dedicated XR area was hopping with enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, highlighting the sector’s growth. Smartglasses were the stars, many integrated with AI like the Ray-Ban Meta or the Halliday glasses with their petite displays. Plus, Goertek showcased new smart and AR glass designs, hinting at more products on the way.
While we didn’t see any groundbreaking XR reveals at CES, giants like NVIDIA and Sony had some noteworthy announcements. NVIDIA is rolling out its RTX 50 graphics cards. These will boost PCVR capabilities further, keeping prices mostly in line with the 40 series – except for the hefty $2000 5090. NVIDIA also revealed that Geforce Now will bring cloud gaming to Quest, Pico, and Apple Vision Pro, offering MR users a massive virtual screen for flat games.
Meanwhile, Sony unveiled XYN, a suite of XR tools for creatives, though details were sparse. They hinted at a new headset iteration and tools for body tracking and object scanning, yet integration remains hazy. Still, it’s uplifting to see Sony’s dedication to the XR space. HDMI is also pushing boundaries with its new 2.2 standard, raising questions about whether headsets might revisit this port type.
On the blogging front, I’ve penned several pieces about the gadgets I tested at CES, from the Shiftall MeganeX SuperLight 8K to the Ray-Ban Meta. My standout favorite? The Play For Dream headset – it’s getting rave reviews and a write-up from me soon. Meeting the acclaimed Amanda Watson and hearing her praise for the headset was a highlight. Check out my CES XR area walkthrough video if you missed the action. While not the most mind-blowing CES for XR, it had its bright spots.
Other Relevant News
In a surprising move, Meta’s Quest 3S has topped the Amazon US sales charts in 2024, not just in the VR section but across all gaming consoles – and that’s after launching in October. Its holiday success parallels the popularity surge of the Meta Horizon app on Apple’s App Store and an upswing in Batman Arkham Shadow players during the festive season. While VR isn’t mainstream yet, it’s gaining ground with each influx of new users.
Meta Discontinues the Quest Pro
In a turn of events, Meta has shelved the Quest Pro. You can no longer buy it on their site, though its Touch Pro controllers remain available for other Quest models. The Quest Pro didn’t live up to expectations, perhaps rushed due to competition fears, resulting in a high-priced yet underwhelming product. Interestingly, just days after this discontinuation, a leak suggested that ASUS’s upcoming headset might feature eye and face tracking, hinting at continuity for the Horizon ecosystem.
News Worth a Mention
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ASUS ROG VR Headset Leak: A new leak teases face and eye tracking for the ASUS ROG VR headset, codenamed Tarius, equipped with either QD-LCD or micro OLED screens.
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Infinite Reality’s Big Break: Infinite Reality snagged a staggering $3 billion investment for its ambitious WebXR project. The news raised eyebrows given the investor’s singular commitment and the startup’s relatively low profile.
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Walking in VR – While Lying Down? A bizarre research project lets users pedal in a supine position to "walk" in VR. It’s an intense ab workout with a puzzling purpose.
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DotLumen’s Vision for the Blind: DotLumen’s innovative headset helps visually impaired individuals navigate their environment, potentially transforming lives.
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Meta’s New Quest Discount: Meta’s slashing $50 off the 256GB Quest 3S edition, which could be an effort to bolster sales after the holidays.
- Sanzaru Moves On: With Asgard’s Wrath 2 receiving its last update, Sanzaru Games hints at an exciting new project, possibly with a Meta mixed reality twist.
Content Updates
From "Boneworks" coming to Quest 3 to "Synth Riders" 80s Mixtape Side B addition, it’s an exciting time for VR content. New releases like "Shardfall: FitQuest VR," "Detector VR," and "Chrono Weaver" promise diverse experiences for players. Meanwhile, "I Am Security" is climbing the sales charts post-update, and "Dawn of Jets" enters early access. VR’s creative landscape continues to expand with each new launch.
Reviews Snapshot
- Epyka shines as a short yet gripping puzzle adventure.
- Pirates VR: Jolly Roger impresses visually but stumbles in design.
- Shardfall: FitQuest VR offers a solid exercise routine.
- Gears & Goo provides strategic entertainment on Apple Vision Pro with responsive controls.
Other Tidbits
- A nifty Oculus Touch controller add-on enhances VR combat experiences.
- "Exit 8" game-inspired movie production is underway.
- First impressions of Surreal Touch controllers are up.
- Minecraft goes VR with over 100 mods, including full body tracking, offering a novel experience.
News from Partners and Friends
Show Tyriel Wood some love! My CES buddy has got some fantastic XR content on his YouTube channel that shouldn’t be missed.
Some XR Fun
From driving a truck in mixed reality to a kid’s heartwarming VR moment, these links are sure to bring a smile.
Donate for a Good Cause
Lastly, if you can, please consider donating to the Red Cross to support those impacted by the Ukraine crisis. A heartfelt thank you to my Patreon supporters who make my blog possible.
