I caught a nasty cold from CES, but I’m determined to bring you a roundup of XR news that you’ll find intriguing, despite feeling under the weather.
Top Stories of the Week
XR Faces Challenging Times
The immersive tech industry isn’t seeing its most vibrant days at the moment. While AR and VR hold promise for the future, they’re currently in a bit of a holding pattern, remaining niche. I delved into this in a previous article that looked at our sector’s current status.
Here’s what’s been happening this week:
- The developers of PowerWash Simulator VR are halting updates because costs outstrip profits after just over a year since launch.
- Soul Assembly, known for Just Dance VR and Drop Dead: The Cabin, is reducing its workforce by 15%.
- Meta Horizon’s app downloads plummeted by 27% on Christmas Day compared to the year before according to Omdia and Sensor Tower reports, possibly due to users not feeling the need to upgrade their Quest devices.
- Global VR market fell by 4% in Q3 2024 from the previous year’s quarter, according to Counterpoint.
- Former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida expressed apologies for misjudging PS VR2.
- The F.Reality podcast ended after a successful seven-year run.
Developer Blair Renaud candidly shared his frustrations about the state of the industry on social media, likening it to being adrift on a tumultuous sea. He’s not alone in feeling uncertain.
On the upside, we’ve got some encouraging developments:
- A Forbes article highlighted how the younger generation favors the metaverse for social interactions over dwindling social media platforms.
- Despite the mixed market, the Apple Vision Pro exceeded initial shipping expectations, per Counterpoint, especially internationally. Sales appear strong if shipments equal sales.
- Beat Saber is nearing the milestone of selling 10 million copies on Quest.
It’s clear the next few years will be challenging for XR. CES didn’t suggest any dramatic shifts, save for potential in smart glasses. I included some positive news to remind us all that while we must brace ourselves for tough times, there’s optimism that things will eventually improve. Meanwhile, let’s focus on staying resilient.
Additional Noteworthy News
Image courtesy of Microsoft
Windows 11’s Unwanted Update
Microsoft is pushing the 24H2 update for Windows 11, even on devices like Home editions that don’t typically get much say in updates. Why does this matter for XR enthusiasts? The update drops Mixed Reality support, relegating various headsets to obsolete status. There are ways to hold off on the update, but they’re limited to Pro users or certain enterprise systems. It’s a difficult situation for those still using Windows Mixed Reality headsets, now forced to face their newly minted irrelevance.
ASUS Unveils a New AirVision M1 Glasses Trailer
ASUS gave us a fresh look at its AirVision M1 smart glasses, showcased previously at CES 2024. These glasses, with 3DoF and a virtual screen capability, boast 1100 nits brightness, 60% transparency, TÜV certification, built-in speakers, and compatibility with Windows PCs and ROG Ally consoles, and weigh only 87 grams. They’re priced at $700, a bit more than their competitor’s $600.
News Highlights
Palmer Luckey Teases an Upcoming Announcement
Engaging with Blair Renaud’s previous comments, Palmer Luckey hinted at an announcement due soon that might prove he’s still in the VR game. Whether it’s about the military VR headset teased earlier or something new like the Quest Pro, the anticipation is high.
Somnium Space Adjusts Headset Prices
The complexity of producing its high-end headsets has led Somnium Space to hike their prices by €500–700. Here’s the new pricing:
- Somnium VR1 Visionary Edition: €3000 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Titan Edition: €3400 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Ultimate Edition: €4300 + VAT
Meta’s Advanced Red MicroLED Technology
In a significant leap, Meta and Plessey collaborated to create what they claim is the world’s brightest red microLED display for AR glasses. These displays deliver 6 million nits with low energy consumption, crucial for outdoor AR glasses. This breakthrough, especially with typically less bright red displays, is seen as major progress in AR tech development.
Chess Reinvented with Ray-Ban Meta
Developers Caden Li and Eddy Xu have made playing chess smarter by using Ray-Ban Meta glasses. They created a demo where the glasses use AI to suggest moves, allowing anyone to play like a grandmaster. It’s a brilliant example of smart glasses paired with AI showcasing enormous potential.
Jayden Daniels: An Athlete Empowered by VR
Jayden Daniels, the quarterback who led his team to a significant NFL victory, credits virtual reality for enhancing his training and game preparation. It’s a testament to VR’s prowess in athletic training.
Content News Updates
- GRIM, a survival game inspired by Rust, has entered early access on Quest and SteamVR.
- TableCraft offers a “mad science” VR sandbox out this week, providing hands-on chemistry fun.
- Lovesick, slated for Meta Quest headsets on March 6, will let players explore the life of a washed-up bassist.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon launches on Meta Quest this February, with a Steam arrival later.
- Despite its studio’s closure, PSVR 2 team shooter Firewall Ultra received a surprise update.
Reviews: What’s Hot and What’s Not
- Iron Rebellion gets high marks for its mech emulation experience.
- Arken Age is celebrated for its engaging gameplay and colorful design.
- Assetto Corsa EVO enters Early Access with some kinks to work out.
- The Thrill Of The Fight 2 offers a fresh twist on multiplayer boxing.
- Human Within might not set the best example for branching narratives.
Other Developments
Meta’s removal of the in-headset achievement app isn’t sitting well with users and developers. Keep an eye out for Jayden Daniels’ growing acclaim due to VR training, and note the strange LED near Quest 3S cameras, which has been turning heads.
Workshops and Community Events
Interested in the intersection of music and XR? A vibrant workshop at the IEEE International Symposium in L’Aquila, Italy, awaits. Engage with academics and industry leaders in discussions about musical XR and network interactions.
XR Humor Section
A few light-hearted takes on XR happenings are always great: think Meta’s hardware vs. software skits, and the ever-necessary QA checks for future Quest releases.
Support and Donate for a Good Cause
Rather than seeking donations for my work, I urge you to consider supporting the Red Cross’s ongoing efforts in Ukraine. A heartfelt thank you to my supporters on Patreon for their continued encouragement:
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Here’s the link to make a meaningful contribution:
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
