The final day of the year is upon us! As we say goodbye to another year, it’s a fitting time for reflection. I’ve penned a couple of thoughtful articles pondering where XR technology might head in 2024. They delve into my experiences from various XR events this year and analyze the XR landscape, highlighting both its ups and downs. If you haven’t yet, I recommend taking a look at those posts. Besides catching up on my thoughts and updates, I hope you spend this day enjoying the company of loved ones as you celebrate the year’s end. Here’s to a spectacular 2025! 😊
Top Stories of the Week
Some Meta Quest Headsets Bricked Over Christmas
It seems some Meta Quest users faced unexpected issues this Christmas, as the latest v72 update reportedly bricked several headsets. The majority of affected devices hadn’t seen an update in quite some time and were required to install a cumulative update. Users were greeted with a concerning boot screen message indicating their device was corrupt, rendering it unusable. Unfortunately, this mishap affected headsets given as Christmas presents or those intended for holiday gatherings with family. The online community understandably reacted with frustration. Initially, Meta was slow to respond, as the update issue occurred over a holiday period when staff availability was limited. Initially, customer support also turned away those with out-of-warranty devices. However, following a surge of complaints, Meta addressed the glitch, released a fix, and guided users on restoring their devices, regardless of warranty status. Most impressively, those still dealing with bricked headsets can request a free Quest 3S, including some Horizon Store credits. While it’s reassuring Meta ultimately handled the situation, this isn’t the first instance of such issues. Perhaps it’s time for greater caution regarding rollout times for major updates, avoiding launches so close to vacations when support can be sparse.
Additional Details: Bricked Quest Issue, Cursed Boot Screen, Community Complaints, Issue Resolution by Meta, Replacement Headsets Offered
Other Relevant News
Pimax Unveils the Dream Air Compact Headset
True to form, Pimax has announced yet another new gadget—the Dream Air headset. Set apart from their typically hefty devices, Dream Air is designed for those interested in smaller models like the BigScreen Beyond or MeganeX. Boasting features such as hand tracking, eye tracking, automatic IPD adjustment, and a new self-tightening strap for added comfort, it’s packed with functions. An external puck accessory, called Cobb, can convert this headset into a pseudo-standalone device, powered by a battery and Snapdragon XR2 chip.
Dream Air Specifications via Road To VR:
- Displays: 2 micro-OLEDs with 100% DCI-P3 colors
- Resolution (per eye): 13MP (3,840 × 3,552)
- Max Refresh Rate: 90Hz
- Optics: Pancake
- Field-of-View: 102° horizontal
- Passthrough View: Black & White
- Optics Adjustments: Automatic IPD, Optional Prescription Lenses
- Connectors: DP 1.4/USB-C, USB-C Accessory Port
- Input: Dream Air Controllers, Hand Tracking
- Audio: In-strap Speakers
- Microphone: Dual mic setup
- Weight: 200g
- Tracking: Inside-out and optional SteamVR tracking
Priced at $1,900 with a peculiar upfront payment tied to a "two-year subscription," the device is to release by mid-2025. Pimax is hopeful about meeting this deadline, thanks to shared components with the Crystal Super. However, considering historical delays, it’s wise to remain cautious. Reactions have been mixed, from excitement over new tech to curiosity about Pimax’s continuous stream of releases. Japp, the company’s PR expert, is calmly fielding questions across forums, highlighting that Pimax listens closely to the PCVR community’s needs, responding with enriched features, competitive pricing, and swift delivery. It’s fierce competition, and while timelines might not always hold, the approach has certainly kept attention from competitors, particularly making the Pimax Crystal Light a standout in the PCVR market. Dream Air may well be Pimax’s answer to products like MeganeX SuperLight 8K. As its focus shifts to clarity and comfort, it might attract a new crowd within the prosumer segment. Time will tell how the Dream Air fares. Fingers crossed for a timely and successful rollout—stay tuned for updates.
More Information: Dream Air Announcement, Launch Video, Product Page, FAQ & Specs, Pimax Strategy Analysis
Meta Might Add Displays to Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
With the success of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses in 2024, Meta is reportedly developing a new version incorporating displays for user notifications and AI feedback. Although Meta’s interest in smart glasses with display capabilities isn’t new, the inclusion of such technology in collaboration with Luxottica, despite previous reservations over added bulk, is noteworthy. This potential partnership could leverage Luxottica’s style and expansive distribution, greatly enhancing the product’s market potential.
More Information: Learn more
Anticipated Announcements at CES
The upcoming CES—a major tech event—is almost here and promises exciting XR-related announcements from major players like Sony with its "Create Infinite Realities" pitch and DPVR’s unveiling of a "mystery product." NVIDIA might reveal the RTX 50 series cards. With countless other exhibitors present, it’s shaping up to be an exhilarating week, and I’ll be there to bring you exclusive ground reports!
More Information: DPVR Announcement, Sony’s Teaser, NVIDIA’s Keynote
News Worth Noting
Meta Horizon App’s Holiday Popularity
The Meta Horizon app saw a significant download surge during the winter holidays, landing it among the most downloaded apps across various app stores, and topping charts in some regions. This continued popularity for the third consecutive year hints at solid holiday sales for Quest headsets—a promising trend for Meta.
More Information: Learn more
Pico’s SecureMR Ensures Privacy with Passthrough APIs
During a recent event, Pico discussed their innovative SecureMR solution, designed to offer passthrough capabilities while safeguarding user privacy. By processing Machine Learning models within Pico’s OS rather than exposing camera feeds to developers, it promises user protection. Developers supply visuals and rules to overlay on detected outputs, maintaining user privacy—although it may seem limiting compared to the typical developer preference for full camera access. As Meta introduces its own passthrough APIs, SecureMR’s future relies on its adoption and capability to balance user privacy and developer flexibility.
More Information: Learn more
Imminent Deactivation of Magic Leap One
Magic Leap’s planned server shutdown means Magic Leap One headsets will become unusable, turning these once groundbreaking devices into pricey keepsakes. This development is particularly disheartening for creators who invested heavily, only to see cherished XR experiences vanish.
More Information: Learn more
Access LiDAR Data Globally
Following Tokyo municipality’s release of its city’s point cloud data, an exciting wave of interest spread. Other countries have made similar datasets available, which could prove invaluable for organizations in VPS, digital twin applications, and more. It’s a useful treasure trove for those in need of geospatial data.
More Information: Viral Post by Jess, LiDAR Programs Discussed
Road To VR’s Game Selections
Road To VR, a leading XR publication, has shared their top games of the year. Unsurprisingly, Batman: Arkham Shadow took the crown as the best Quest game, though other categories might surprise you.
More Information: Learn more
Fanatical’s New VR Game Bundle
Fanatical’s "Build your own Quest VR Bundle Winter Edition" offers enticing deals for VR gamers. Tailor your selection from various titles and enjoy offers like two games for $17.99, four for $34.99, or seven for $59.99!
More Information: Learn more
Noteworthy Content Updates
- Warpfrog, famous for "Blade & Sorcery," is developing a new, highly moddable physics-based game.
- "Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable" launched its complete edition, gaining a warm reception from fans, if not from the XR press.
- Game Night, designed for local multiplayer on Quest, is a promising party hit that mixes brainy challenges with energetic fun.
More Information: Warpfrog Details, Attack on Titan, Game Night
Additional News
Samsung’s XR headset integrates Google’s Find My Device feature.
More Information: Learn more
An intriguing discovery revealed that the Quest’s boot animation is not just a playback but an animated 3D model.
More Information: Learn more
Messages from Partners and Friends
Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season! No special requests from friends this week, so take this opportunity to enjoy some holiday magic.
A Little XR Humor
AI’s unexpected hiccups might not be those you’re anticipating… Funny Link
Techies can indeed be a riot at parties at times. Funny Link
The quirks of Meta Horizon Worlds in full display. Funny Link
Pimax unveils its latest “unique” design. Funny Link
Check out the latest from Damo’s newspapers. Funny Link
Has Zuck really transformed? The secret sauce might be responsible… Funny Link
Christian Steiner’s meme captures a secret desire shared by many XR pros. Funny Link
Donating to my Patreon grants you an air of sophistication. Whatever that means! Funny Links / 1, 2, 3
Donate for a Good Cause
Instead of donating to my blog this week, I urge you to support charities aiding those in Ukraine’s dire humanitarian situation. The Red Cross is one such organization providing crucial assistance. See the donation link below.
And with immense gratitude, I thank my Patreon supporters for their invaluable backing:
- Alex Gonzalez VR, DeoVR, GenVR, Eduardo Siman, Jonn Fredericks, Jean-Marc Duyckaerts, Reynaldo T Zabala, Richard Penny, Terry xR. Schussler, Ilias Kapouranis, Paolo Leoncini, Immersive.international, Nikk Mitchell and the great FXG team, Jake Rubin, Alexis Huille, Raghu Bathina, Chris Koomen, Cognitive3D, Wisear (Yacine Achiakh), Masterpiece X, Dimo Pepelyashev, Carol Dalrymple, Jennifer Granger, Jason Moore, Steve Biggs, Julio Cesar Bolivar, Jan Schroeder, Kai Curtis, Francesco Strada, Sikaar Keita, Ramin Assadollahi, Juan Sotelo, Andrew Sheldon, Chris Madsen, Horacio Torrendell, Andrew Deutsch, Fabien Benetou, Tatiana Kartashova, Marco “BeyondTheCastle” Arena, Eloi Gerard, Adam Boyd, Jeremy Dalton, Joel Ward, Alex P, Lynn Eades, Donald P, Casie Lane, Catherine Henry, Qcreator, Ristband (Anne McKinnon & Roman Rappak), Stephen Robnett, KaihatsuJai, Christopher Boyd, Sb, Pieter Siekerman, Enrico Poli, Vooiage Technologies, Caroline, Liam James O’Malley, Hillary Charnas, Wil Stevens, Francesco Salizzoni, Alan Smithson, Steve R, Brentwahn, Michael Gaebler, Tiago Silva, Matt Cool, Simplex, Gregory F Gorsuch, Paul Shay, Matias Nassi
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image courtesy of Pimax)
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