Hello there! I’ve just returned to China for a brief visit and finally got to witness the traditional street show featuring the iconic dragon and tiger to celebrate the New Year. It’s been a bit of an indulgence in terms of food, and I jokingly fear that I might just burst from over-eating soon – not a bad way to go, though! As we usher in the year of the Snake, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of you. Now, let’s dive into the exciting XR highlights of the past week! (Quick note: this newsletter is appearing a bit later than planned as I unexpectedly fell ill for a couple of days right after drafting half of it—though not from the food, I assure you. Finally feeling better today, I managed to get back to my computer to wrap it up. It was amusing reading my own cheery intro after a couple of rough days. Apologies for the hold-up, and I hope you’ll still enjoy it!)
Top news of the week
(Image by Meta)
Meta had a great Q4 2024
Meta’s financial results for the last quarter of 2024 are out, and they are impressive—though they give us some food for thought too. The big headline? Reality Labs has achieved a stunning record of $1.08 billion in quarterly revenue—the highest ever for that division. Q4 is always a strong period for Meta, boosted by the holiday season where Quests make for popular gifts. This year was particularly promising, with Meta Quest’s companion app topping the iOS store, one million players diving into Batman Arkham Shadow, and the Quest reigning as Amazon’s best-selling console of 2024. But despite these successes, the MR/VR sector hasn’t hit its stride fully, so this achievement was somewhat unexpected. Perhaps an oversight was not considering the impact of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses in the revenue equation. Zuckerberg excitedly announced over 1 million units sold, bringing in over $300M. Even if Meta retains just 30% of that revenue, it’s still a significant chunk of change. Excluding Ray-Ban-related earnings, Quest revenues might not be as high compared to last year. This situation reiterates a couple of trends: while the MR/VR realm isn’t fading away and waits for big innovation to shake things up, the smartglasses market is burgeoning, but perhaps a bit overhyped. Zuck’s optimism for Ray-Ban Meta is unshaken, predicting future editions may sell anywhere between 2 to 5 million units—a noticeably ambitious target. Additionally, Zuck is bullish on Horizon Worlds, asserting its growth trajectory and visual progress will continue to climb, driven by the Horizon OS’s user attraction strategy—a boon for Meta, less so for developers competing in their store. Lastly, despite solid revenue figures, Meta’s hefty Q4 costs, notably $6.05 billion, highlight significant expenditures. Investments in consumer AR glasses and underpriced device selling largely contributes. Road To VR notes, “Meta has invested $69 billion in Reality Labs since Q4 2020 while earning $9.19 billion.” Meta foresees continued, even increased, spending with returns expected in the 2030s.
For more details: Meta Q4 2024 Financials | Leaked Memo on Meta Reality Labs | Reality Labs’ Record Revenues and Losses | Batman Arkham’s Popularity | Ray-Ban Meta Sales | Horizon Worlds’ Future
Other relevant news
(Image by iDrop News)
Apple is still finding its best strategy for glasses
As always, Marc Gurman reports, Apple remains interested in AR glasses but hasn’t nailed its strategy just yet. They scrapped a concept for tethered AR glasses meant for the iPhone due to battery drain issues. A pivot to Mac connection didn’t fare well in early tests, leading to cancellation. But all isn’t lost. A specialized team based in Santa Clara is purportedly developing microLED displays for future AR glasses. These displays promise advances for XR, though any potential Apple AR glasses might not see the light of day before 2028, if not later. Gurman also hints at internal unease within Apple’s Vision Products Group due to direction ambiguity, affecting team morale. Innovation is rarely straightforward, and while frustrating, it often rewards the tenacious.
For more: MicroLEDs | Cancellations and Strategic Changes
Apple Vision Pro is one year old!
Scrolling through my X timeline, I noticed everyone celebrating the first anniversary of the Apple Vision Pro. I couldn’t help but join in the festivity: Happy Birthday, Apple Vision Pro! Thanks for shaking up the XR space and pushing competitors to accelerate their plans!
For more: Anniversary Celebrations | Birthday Tributes | Community Reactions | Industry Impact
News worth a mention
(Image by VRChat)
VRChat introduces age verification
VRChat has rolled out age verification for VRC+ subscribers through Persona, a privacy-centric platform. It requires either official ID or a selfie, though it’s optional. Verification grants access to adult-only spaces and a badge signaling user age. VRChat is the first major social VR platform implementing this. While it promises to refine user experiences by mitigating disturbances from younger users, the privacy trade-off—sharing personal data with a third party—remains a crucial question. Also intriguing is whether this feature will prompt world creators to limit access to age-verified participants. Time will undoubtedly reveal these outcomes. P.S., when I suggested a similar tactic at VRROOM, many dismissed it, not wanting to share personal data, and I’m eager to see if they were justified in their skepticism.
For more: Additional Information
XReal One or Apple Vision Pro?
Scott Stein’s review of the XReal One glasses has me pondering. Though I’m usually hesitant to pit different device types against each other, the XReal One impresses with its affordable, stellar movie-watching capabilities. Given Apple initially marketed the Vision Pro for its big-screen experience, why not opt for a significantly less expensive device that nails that purpose? Of course, there are trade-offs with FOV and color, plus the Vision Pro’s wider applications, but perhaps it’s worth considering.
For more: Further Details
Viture releases Pro XR glasses
Viture’s latest Pro XR glasses, boasting 1920×1080 micro OLED displays, 46° FOV, 49 PPD, and 120Hz refresh rate, are now available for $459, with a $50 introductory discount.
For more: Additional Information
The Logitech Pen is a good tracker for the Meta Quest
In lieu of a Vive Tracker for Meta Quest, developers have resorted to using Quest controllers for tracking. But enter Logitech’s MX Ink pen as a new contender. This week’s videos showcasing the pen in action for object tracking—while simultaneously using Quest controllers—were fascinating. This dual-tracking capability certainly opens doors for innovative applications in the XR community.
Links courtesy of Rob Cole and A.K.: Weapon Controller with Logitech Pen | Educational Experimentation using the Pen
Haptikos aims to be a new contender in the XR haptics scene
Startup Haptikos, from Sunnyvale and Athens, emerges from stealth mode, showcasing a prototype hand exoskeleton. Part of the Haptik OS ecosystem, this device blends hardware and software, promising haptic feedback and finger-tracking to realistically emulate touch textures. Currently priced at $2500, it’s expected to drop to $1000 by 2026—affordable compared to other XR gloves. My brief experience with the gloves months ago already proved impressive.
For more: Further Information
Meta aims at firing all leakers
Meta is taking a hard stance against leaks, warning of terminations for anyone responsible. Mark Zuckerberg expressed frustration over leaks stemming from his transparency. Ironically, these comments were themselves leaked.
For more: Further Information
Integrating Quest passthrough and ChatGPT
The same innovator who optimized Quest passthrough access is set to link Meta Quest 3’s camera with OpenAI GPT-4. This marriage of passthrough and AI promises robust functionality, and I can’t wait to see it in action.
For more: Additional Information
New bad news for VR
Three pieces of negative news stir concern for VR’s current climate. Orbus VR, dating back to 2017 as the first VR MMO, is shutting down. Fast Travel Games, a successful studio, is cutting 30 jobs due to lackluster 2024 sales. Additionally, Vertigo Games is selling its arcade platform, Springboard VR, to Synthesis VR for organizational optimization.
For more: Orbus VR Closure | Fast Travel Games Layoffs | Springboard VR Sale
Some news about content
- COLD VR has a fresh release date: February 11
- PSVR 2 and PC VR will welcome the aerial combat game Aces of Thunder in 2025
- Demeo teams with Dungeons & Dragons for an all-new game, BATTLEMARKED (not a DLC)
- Cave Crave, a claustrophobia-inducing, Climb-inspired spelunking sim, is up for preorder on Horizon Store for $13
- Actress Daisy Ridley stars in Trailblazer: The Untold Story of Mrs. Benz, slated for March on Quest
- Beyond Blue: After the Storm, a VR sequel to 2020’s flat-screen game, invites ocean exploration, available on Meta Store for $15
- E McNeill’s VR classic Darknet makes the leap to Quest with Darknet: Remastered, priced at $9.99 on Horizon Store
- Create an aquatic milieu in your space with Craftrium on Apple Vision Pro, free
- Synth Riders offers a Kendrick Lamar Experience exclusive to Apple Vision Pro, marking Super Bowl LIX
- Farming Simulator VR arrives on Horizon Store on February 28, marking a new farming adventure
- Owlchemy Labs discounts: Vacation Simulator and Cosmonious High now permanently $19.99 across Meta, Steam, Pico, and Apple
- Ahoy!, a poignant storytelling piece debuts on Apple Vision Pro
- Upload VR‘s latest XR News Round-Up features miscellaneous updates
For more: COLD VR | Aces of Thunder | Demeo | Cave Crave | Trailblazer | Beyond Blue | Darknet | Craftrium | Synth Riders | Farming Simulator VR | Owlchemy Labs | Ahoy! | XR News Round-Up
Some reviews about content
- Path of Fury: Episode I – Tetsuo’s Tower, previewed by Road To VR, promises an engaging rail-following experience reminiscent of 80s action—plus bonus workout vibes!
- StageTime VR emerges as an enticing multiplayer karaoke title. While still nascent, features like spatial audio hint at a bright future.
For more: Path of Fury: Episode I | StageTime VR
Other news
- VR Games Showcase returns in March, teasing its biggest XR lineup yet
- Mindshow introduces enterprise-ready virtual animation tool
- XR4Europe highlights XR developments across European nations
- XR Bootcamp compares all available smartglasses, offering insight into market options
- Quest’s v74 takes the challenge of optimizing the UI and manages to make it even less user-friendly than ever before
- Samsung trademarks “Beyond”, though it remains unlikely to overlap names with another headset
- Astronauts credit HTC’s headset for enhancing well-being in outer space
News from partners (and friends)
Google Blocks is back in action as Open Blocks! Icosa Foundation, known for transforming TiltBrush into Open Brush, now revives Google Blocks. Open Blocks is available free on Horizon Store and GitHub. A new 3D object-sharing platform, Icosa Gallery, aims to continue where Google Poly left off. Kudos to Icosa for their persistent efforts!
For more: Reddit Discussion on Open Blocks | Launch Announcement by Upload VR
Some XR fun
This "cave simulator" might entertain with its ambiguous context… Check it out
Donate for good
Before closing, a heartfelt plea: if you can, contribute to the Red Cross to aid those affected by conflict in Ukraine. Though I am grateful for all my Patreon supporters, this week I appeal for your kindness towards those more in need:
[List of Patrons]
And here’s how you can help: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image by Meta)
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