I can definitely attest that the "CES bug" is real, and it unfortunately doesn’t just vanish once the event wraps up. Despite battling this cold, my drive to keep you informed trumps all. So, brace yourself for an exciting round-up of XR news that you absolutely can’t miss!
Top news of the week
The autumn of XR continues
Right now isn’t exactly the sunny season for immersive tech. The market feels sluggish, and turning a profit is a steep climb. We all believe AR and VR will be game-changers in the future, but for now, they’re more like niche players. I’ve covered this more in-depth in a previous piece where I delved into the current landscape.
Here’s a glimpse of this week’s updates backing my earlier insights:
- The creators of PowerWash Simulator VR announced they’re ceasing updates, just 14 months post-launch because it’s draining more cash than it’s making.
- Soul Assembly, known for Drop Dead: The Cabin and Just Dance VR, is cutting 15% of its workforce.
- Omdia and Sensor Tower reported a 27% drop in Meta Horizon app downloads on Christmas Day 2024 compared to 2023. It seems VR gift-giving has diminished this year, possibly because folks with Quest 2 didn’t see a reason to upgrade to a Quest 3 or 3S. A similar trend hit Black Friday sales on Amazon.
- According to Counterpoint research, the global VR market dipped 4% in Q3 2024 relative to the same period in 2023.
- Former Sony exec Shuhei Yoshida expressed regret over being "mistaken" about PS VR2.
- The F.Reality podcast wrapped up after a successful 7-year run.
Given this gloomy backdrop, Blair Renaud, the mind behind LOW-FI, took to X to air his concerns about the industry’s future. He’s far from alone in feeling adrift on this uncertain voyage.
Yet, there’s a silver lining with some uplifting stories:
- Forbes wrote a glowing piece about the metaverse, highlighting how younger demographics are opting for it over traditional social media.
- Counterpoint’s analysis also noted that Apple Vision Pro shipments exceeded prior IDC estimates, especially globally. Assuming shipments equate to sales, units sold align closely with Apple’s initial forecasts.
- Beat Saber is reportedly nearing the milestone of 10 million copies sold on Quest alone.
It’s crucial we all brace for a couple of challenging years ahead in this space. At CES, nothing radically shifted my view on AR/VR trends, except maybe the potential of smart glasses. However, the bright spots mentioned are here to remind us there’s always hope on the horizon, and eventually, things will turn around. For now, it’s all about weathering the storm.
Other relevant news
Microsoft is forcing the Windows 11 24H2 update
The dreaded day is upon us—Microsoft is now mandating the infamous Windows 11 24H2 update for systems it controls, like the Home editions. In our XR community, this matters because the update eliminates the Mixed Reality feature from Windows 11, effectively turning all Windows Mixed Reality headsets into mere relics. While there are some workarounds for Pro or enterprise systems, Home edition users have little choice. My heart goes out to all WMR enthusiasts seeing their headsets suddenly becoming obsolete.
ASUS releases new trailer for AirVision M1 glasses
ASUS has just dropped a slick trailer for their AirVision M1 smart glasses. They caught my attention, even though they emerged during CES 2024. These 3DOF glasses project a virtual screen before your eyes, boasting 1100 nits brightness and 60% lens transparency, TÜV Rheinland certification, plus built-in speakers. They sync with Windows PCs and Rog Ally handheld consoles, weighing in at just 87g. Their software lets you create a virtual multi-screen experience. Priced at $700, they’re slightly more than the $600 XREAL One Pro.
News worth a mention
Palmer Luckey says he’s announcing something soon
Responding to Blair Renaud on X, 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.” We’re likely in for a VR-related surprise, perhaps involving the military-focused VR headset he teased earlier. Either way, I’m all ears.
Somnium Space raises headset prices
Somnium Space has upped its headset prices by €5–700 due to the challenges of producing high-caliber devices. Here’s the updated list:
- Somnium VR1 Visionary Edition: €3000 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Titan Edition: €3400 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Ultimate Edition €4300 + VAT
Meta announces high-efficiency red MicroLED
Meta, teaming up with Plessey, debuted what they call the world’s brightest red microLED display for AR glasses. It’s designed to be energy-efficient and ultra-bright, a crucial feature for augmented reality wearables meant for outdoor use. Plessey’s CEO, Dr. Keith Strickland, described this as a "major breakthrough."
Ray-Ban Meta used for playing Chess
Caden Li and Eddy Xu developed a way to elevate your chess game with Ray-Ban Meta glasses. By using the glasses’ cameras, an AI can analyze the board and advise players through the device’s speakers, turning anyone into a master strategist. This demo is a testament to the potential of integrating smart glasses with AI. Open and programmable smart glasses could pave the way for more innovations like this.
Jayden Daniels credits VR for sports success
NFL quarterback Jayden Daniels is in the limelight for leading his team, the Washington Commanders, to a playoff victory—their first since 2006. He revealed that daily VR simulations help him train and strategize, demonstrating VR’s growing role in professional sports training.
Content Highlights
- The Rust-inspired survival game, GRIM, is now on early access for Quest and SteamVR.
- Tablecraft offers a free "mad science" VR sandbox out this week in early access on Quest.
- Lovesick, a VR puzzle, will hit Meta Quest headsets on March 6.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon arrives on Meta Quest February 6, with a Steam release planned for spring.
- PSVR 2’s shooter Firewall Ultra got an update despite its studio closure last year.
- Check out Upload’s XR News Round-Up for more tidbits.
Reviews on Content
- Upload lauds Iron Rebellion’s mech simulation for nailing both usability and immersion.
- Arken Age stands out for its rich visuals and gratifying combat.
- Assetto Corsa EVO launches on Early Access but struggles with issues.
- The Thrill Of The Fight 2 offers an engaging multiplayer boxing experience.
- Human Within might serve as a cautionary tale for flawed branching stories.
Additional Updates
- Meta removed the in-headset achievement tracking app, causing frustration among developers and users.
- Discover something quirky about the Quest 3S’s little LED.
- The Visor headset saga remains murky, with rave reviews tangled in Discord-banning controversies.
- Michael Gschwandtner enjoys crafting budget-friendly AR glasses for his Nintendo Switch.
News from Partners (and Friends)
Get involved in a workshop about the musical metaverse! As part of the IEEE International Symposium on the Internet of Sounds in L’Aquila, Italy, from October 29-31, you can explore how music intertwines with XR and tech networks. Academics and industry experts will join forces to advance this niche and improve our understanding of immersive musical experiences. There’s an ongoing call for papers, so consider submitting your work and meeting others in this unique field!
Some XR Fun
- Meta Hardware vs. Meta Software [Funny link]
- A lighthearted take on XR business challenges [Funny link]
- An amusing new QA test idea for Quest devices [Funny link]
Donate for Good
In wrapping up this piece, once again, I urge you to reach out and support those impacted by the ongoing conflict. Consider donating to the Red Cross to help with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. A big thank you to all my Patreon donors for their unwavering support:
- [List of Donors]
And here’s the link to make a difference:
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image derived from a Microsoft image)
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