I can definitely attest to the CES bug everyone seems to catch—it’s real and, unfortunately, sticks around even after CES wraps up. Yet, despite this cold, I’m more determined than ever to bring you the latest XR updates that you won’t want to miss!
Top News of the Week
The Downturn in XR Continues
Right now isn’t exactly the golden age of immersive technologies. The market is sluggish, making it tough to thrive in business. While we all believe AR/VR will be pivotal in the future, currently, they still cater to a niche audience. I covered this topic in a previous piece where I assessed our current landscape.
Recent news only bolsters my previous comments:
- The creators of PowerWash Simulator VR have announced they’re halting updates just 14 months following its debut due to costs outweighing earnings.
- Soul Assembly, known for Drop Dead: The Cabin and Just Dance VR, is reducing its workforce by 15%.
- Omdia and Sensor Tower’s analysis reveals Meta Horizon app downloads dropped 27% on Christmas Day 2024 compared to 2023, implying a weaker VR holiday market this year. This could be due to many Quest 2 users not finding enough motivation to switch to a Quest 3 or 3S.
- The global VR market is down 4% in Q3 2024 from the same quarter in 2023, according to Counterpoint research.
- Former Sony exec Shuhei Yoshida expressed regret over misjudging PS VR2 in a recent interview.
- After a solid seven-year run, the F.Reality podcast has come to an end.
Given the strings of gloomy updates, Blair Renaud, the developer behind LOW-FI, took to X to express concerns over the volatile state of things and his uncertainty of what lies ahead. He’s not alone in feeling adrift but knows he won’t be the last.
Thankfully, not everything is bleak:
- Forbes published an article that highlights how younger generations are increasingly favoring the metaverse for social connections over traditional social media.
- The Counterpoint report also predicts more Apple Vision Pro shipments than formerly assumed, particularly globally. If these shipments translate into sales, the numbers would match Apple’s initial estimations.
- Beat Saber might soon hit the 10 million sales mark solely on the Quest platform.
It’s clear we need to brace ourselves for a challenging few years ahead. My experience at CES didn’t reveal anything ground-breaking that could shift the current AR/VR trends—except perhaps in smartglasses. I’ve included the silver linings here because I believe there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. But changing the tides will take time, and we need to hang on.
Other Noteworthy News
Microsoft Enforces Windows 11 Update
It’s time to face the music if you’ve been avoiding the notorious Windows 11 24H2 update. Microsoft is being firm, pushing this update to all devices it can—particularly the Home editions of the OS. Why does this matter for XR enthusiasts? The update ditches Mixed Reality support in Windows 11, effectively turning all Windows Mixed Reality headsets into mere collectibles. Users have been delaying this update for as long as possible, but Microsoft’s latest move makes it tougher. If you’ve got a Pro version or an enterprise setup, you’re somewhat in luck. Those with Home edition, however, might be finding themselves in a tricky spot. Sending virtual hugs to all those WMR device owners hanging on.
ASUS Teases AirVision M1 Glasses
ASUS has just unveiled a captivating new trailer for its AirVision M1 smart glasses. Although they’ve been around since CES 2024, I figured they were worth mentioning. These glasses offer a 3DOF experience, with a virtual screen hovering 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 just 87g. Through their accompanying software, you can create a virtual multi-screen setup on your PC. They’re priced at $700, a tad higher than the XREAL One Pro’s $600.
News Worthy of Mention
Palmer Luckey Teases Future Announcement
Responding to Blair Renaud’s X post, Palmer Luckey hinted, “Wait till you see what I am announcing in a few weeks and see if you still think I am out of the game.” It seems like he’s gearing up to announce something in VR, possibly the teased VR headset for military applications previewed at AWE, or the explosive Quest Pro shown in the image above. Whatever it is, consider me intrigued.
Somnium Space Updates Headset Pricing
Recognizing the intricacies of producing top-tier headsets, Somnium Space has increased their headset prices by €5–700. Here are the new prices:
- Somnium VR1 Visionary Edition: €3000 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Titan Edition: €3400 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Ultimate Edition: €4300 + VAT
Meta Unveils Bright MicroLED
Meta and Plessey have developed what they describe as "the world’s brightest" red microLED display intended for AR glasses. It offers a stunning 6M nits of brightness with minimal power draw, making it ideal for use in outdoor AR glasses. This achievement is notable since red displays typically don’t reach the efficiency levels seen in blue and green displays. Dr. Keith Strickland, Plessey’s CEO, claims it’s “a major breakthrough in the development of AR technology."
Chess with Ray-Ban Meta
In a unique twist, developers Caden Li and Eddy Xu have turned Ray-Ban Meta glasses into a chess player’s secret weapon. Using the glasses, players can stream their chessboard to an AI, which then provides move suggestions via the device’s speakers. This clever use highlights the potential of smart glasses in conjunction with AI, emphasizing the need for open, program-ready smart glasses to expand creative solutions like this.
Jayden Daniels Credits VR for Sporting Success
Quarterback Jayden Daniels recently shared how VR training significantly contributed to his breakthrough this NFL season, helping his team, the Washington Commanders, secure their first playoff win since 2006. It’s a testament to VR’s potential in sharpening athletic performance.
Content Updates
- GRIM, inspired by Rust, entered early access on Quest and SteamVR.
- Tablecraft promises a "mad science" VR sandbox experience, releasing in early access on Quest.
- Lovesick is set to land on Meta Quest headsets by March 6.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon hits the Meta Quest platform on February 6, with a Steam release in the spring.
- Surprise update for PSVR 2’s Firewall Ultra, despite the studio’s shutdown late last year.
For more XR news, including reviews and updates, check out Upload’s XR News Round-Up.
Reviews
- Iron Rebellion earned praise on Upload for its effective mech emulation.
- Arken Age is noted for its rich presentation and engaging combat.
- Assetto Corsa EVO launched in Early Access but has its fair share of issues.
- The Thrill Of The Fight 2 offers an intriguing multiplayer boxing experience.
- Human Within is critiqued for its poor execution of a branching story.
Other Tidbits
- Meta removes the feature to view achievements inside the headset, sparking discontent among users and developers.
- Eavesdrop on curious info regarding the Quest 3S’s odd camera LED.
- Ongoing mystery surrounds the Visor headset, with mixed feelings from enthusiastic reviews to Discord bans for release date inquiries.
- Michael Gschwandtner experiments creating approachable AR glasses linked to his Nintendo Switch.
News from Partners
Join the buzz at the IEEE International Symposium on the Internet of Sounds in L’Aquila, Italy, featuring an insightful workshop on the musical metaverse. This October 30th, the event invites you to explore the intersections of Musical XR and networking, alongside human perception in immersive networks. They’re calling for papers on topics like "Musical XR systems for networked interactions," so if you’re deep in research on these themes, consider submitting your work.
XR Fun and Donate for Good
- Discover the humor in Meta hardware vs. Meta software. Funny link
- A comical peek at XR business challenges. Funny link
- A new Quest device QA: ready for next-gen? Funny link
Lastly, instead of contributions to my blog, I urge you to consider helping those affected by conflict through donations to the Red Cross, particularly to support the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. For further details, click the link below.
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image derives from a Microsoft illustration)
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