I’ve experienced firsthand that pesky CES bug making its rounds, and let me tell you, it sticks around even once the show wraps. Yet, my dedication to keeping you in the loop outweighs any sniffles and sneezes. So, dive into this exciting batch of XR news that’s sure to catch your interest!
Top News of the Week
The Autumn of XR Lingers
Times are tough for immersive technologies right now. Although we believe AR and VR will become a cornerstone of future tech, they’re currently more of a niche interest. I touched on this in a recent article where I evaluated the current landscape of our field.
This week, various updates confirmed my earlier sentiments:
- The team behind PowerWash Simulator VR has announced that no further updates are planned a mere 14 months post-launch, citing high costs overshadowing the earnings.
- At Soul Assembly, the creators of Drop Dead: The Cabin and Just Dance VR, there’s been a 15% reduction in staff.
- Analysis from Omdia and Sensor Tower shows that downloads of the Meta Horizon app dropped by 27% on Christmas Day 2024 compared to 2023. This reflects a smaller surge in VR holiday sales this year, possibly due to current Quest 2 owners not finding compelling reasons to upgrade to a 3 or 3S. A similar downward trend was observed during Black Friday sales on Amazon.
- Counterpoint Research reported a 4% global decline in the VR market in Q3 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
- Shuhei Yoshida, a former Sony executive, admitted in an interview that he regrets being "wrong" about PS VR2.
- After seven successful years, the F.Reality podcast has come to a close.
In light of this string of news, Blair Renaud, the creative mind behind LOW-FI, took to X to express his doubts and frustrations about the current situation and the unpredictable future of VR. He’s one among many developers who feel like they’re adrift on an uncertain sea.
Despite the grim updates, there are glimmers of hope:
- Forbes shared an article highlighting how younger generations are turning to the metaverse for socializing rather than traditional social media.
- The earlier referenced Counterpoint report indicated that Apple Vision Pro shipments have exceeded initial IDC projections, especially internationally, suggesting sales numbers are aligning with Apple’s estimates.
- Beat Saber is reportedly on the verge of hitting 10 million copies sold exclusively on Quest.
We need to acknowledge that the coming years may present challenges. From what I witnessed at CES, with the exception of smart glasses, AR/VR’s current tech trends appear stagnant. I included positive notes here to remind you that there is potential for improvement down the line. It will require patience and resilience. Surviving is our immediate task now.
For more insights:
- [My analysis of XR in 2024]
- [The end of development of Powerwash Simulator]
- [Soul Assembly’s layoffs]
- [Omdia’s analysis of Quest sales]
- [Counterpoint Research’s analysis on the XR market]
- [Shuhei Yoshida’s apology about PSVR 2]
- [The F.Reality podcast closing]
- [Blair Renaud discussing VR’s challenges]
- [A promising article about the metaverse on Forbes]
- [Apple Vision Pro exceeding IDC’s expectations]
- [Beat Saber nearing 10M sales]
Other Relevant News
(Image by Microsoft)
Windows 11 24H2 Update Mandate
The inevitable has happened: those trying to dodge the notorious 24H2 update for Windows 11 are out of luck. Microsoft has begun enforcing the update on all systems under its control, such as Home versions. What’s the big deal for us in the XR community? This switch erases support for Mixed Reality on Windows 11, essentially turning all WMR headsets into high-tech doorstops. While some WMR headset owners managed to hold off for a while, avoiding this update is now much tougher. Options do exist, like using a pro or enterprise version OS, but it’s tricky if you’re on Home. Sending heaps of virtual hugs to those affected users.
Learn more…
ASUS Debuts AirVision M1 Glasses
ASUS dropped an impressive teaser for their AirVision M1 smart glasses. Although not new (references dating back to CES 2024), they’ve just hit my radar, and I’m eager to share details. The AirVision M1 offers a 3DOF experience with a virtual screen that appears right before your eyes. These nifty specs include 1100 nits brightness, 60% lens transparency, TÜV Rheinland certification, and integrated speakers. They’re compatible with Windows PCs and Rog Ally handhelds while weighing in at just 87 grams. With their accompanying software, users can enjoy a virtual multi-screen setup. Listed at $700, they’re slightly pricier than XREAL One Pro at $600.
Find out more about [ASUS AirVision M1 glasses trailer] and [shop page].
Noteworthy Mentions
Palmer Luckey’s Upcoming Announcement
In response to Blair Renaud’s X post, Palmer Luckey hinted at an upcoming reveal that might reignite his role in the VR space. Whether he’s unveiling the military VR headset teased at AWE or the much-speculated explosive Quest Pro, I’m all ears.
Seize the details…
Somnium Space’s Headset Price Hike
Realizing manufacturing complexities for their high-quality headsets, Somnium Space is increasing prices by €5–700. The new pricing scheme is as follows:
- Somnium VR1 Visionary Edition: €3000 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Titan Edition: €3400 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Ultimate Edition: €4300 + VAT
Find out more…
Meta’s Breakthrough Red MicroLED Announcement
Collaborating with Plessey, Meta has introduced what they call “the world’s brightest” red microLED display tailored for AR glasses. Capable of reaching 6M nits while maintaining low-power usage, this innovation is crucial for outdoor AR glasses. Opting for red, which typically lags behind in efficiency and brightness compared to blue and green, marks a significant milestone, described by Dr. Keith Strickland, Plessey’s CEO, as “a major breakthrough in AR technology.”
Learn more…
Ray-Ban Meta for Chess
Caden Li and Eddy Xu have harnessed the power of Ray-Ban Meta glasses to elevate the chess-playing experience. By streaming the chessboard view through the glasses’ camera to an AI for strategic suggestions delivered through the device’s speakers, every player can essentially play like a pro. This demo showcases the potential that arises when smart glasses work in tandem with AI. It highlights the necessity for open, programmable smart glasses to foster similar innovations.
Watch the [Video of the solution] and explore [The devs advocating for open smartglasses].
Jayden Daniels: VR in Sports Training
The spotlight is on American quarterback Jayden Daniels as he propelled the Washington Commanders to a significant NFL playoff victory. His secret? Routine training with VR headsets. His story adds another substantiation of VR’s effectiveness as a tool for athletic preparation.
Learn more…
Content Updates
- GRIM, a survival game inspired by Rust, debuted in early access this week for Quest and SteamVR.
- Tablecraft announced their free VR sandbox title “mad science,” available on Quest early access this week.
- Lovesick, where you become a weary band bassist, will launch for Meta Quest headsets March 6th.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon arrives on Meta Quest February 6th, with a Steam release this spring.
- Despite the developer studio shutting down last year, PSVR 2 team shooter Firewall Ultra received an unexpected update.
- Be sure to catch Upload’s regular XR News Round-Up featuring some lesser-known updates.
Get the details on [GRIM, TableCraft, Lovesick, Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon, Firewall Ultra,] and the [XR News Round-Up].
Recent Content Reviews
- Upload lauded the mech immersion in Iron Rebellion for striking a balance between ease-of-use and the authentic mech experience.
- Arken Age offers a vibrant game with rewarding combat.
- Assetto Corsa EVO’s early access launch is hindered with a plethora of issues.
- The Thrill Of The Fight 2 presents an engaging multiplayer boxing experience.
- Human Within missed the mark on executing a branching narrative.
For the full scoop, check out reviews of [Iron Rebellion, Arken Age, Assetto Corsa EVO, The Thrill Of The Fight 2,] and [Human Within].
Additional News
- Meta’s decision to remove the app for viewing achievements within their headsets didn’t sit well with developers and users alike. Learn more.
- Here’s an intriguing tidbit from the week—a curious little LED near the Quest 3S cameras. Learn more.
- The saga of the Visor headset rolls on, with positive reviews getting overshadowed by Discord bans for those inquiring about its release. Catch an [enthusiastic review of Visor] and learn about [Discord bans].
- Michael Gschwandtner is having fun crafting affordable AR glasses compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Learn more.
From Partners and Friends
Don’t miss the workshop on the musical metaverse!
Coinciding with the IEEE International Symposium on the Internet of Sounds in L’Aquila, Italy (October 29th-31st), a special workshop on October 30th promises to delve into the synthesis of Musical XR and networking, examining human perception in immersive, networked settings. With an open call for papers, topics such as “Musical XR systems for networked interactions” or “Digital twins for musical applications” are on the agenda. If you’re working in these fields, consider submitting your work and engage with like-minded peers! Learn more.
An XR Laugh
- Meta hardware versus Meta software—here’s a laugh. [Funny link]
- Business dealings in XR, hilariously summarized. [Funny link]
- Speculations for a new QA test for future Quest devices. [Funny link]
Donate for a Good Cause
This week, instead of asking for your support for my blog, I urge you to consider donating to those affected by the ongoing war. A contribution to the Red Cross could make a significant difference for those facing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Find the link to donate below.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my loyal Patreon supporters for their continued encouragement:
[List of Patreon Donors]
And here’s the donation link for The Red Cross in Ukraine.
(Header image modified from a Microsoft image)
Note: This blog maintains itself through advertisements and affiliate links. Clicking on an affiliate link might earn me a small commission, and you can read my full (boring) disclaimer here.
Share this with fellow innovators
