I’ve come down with the notorious CES bug, which lingers frustratingly long after the event ends. Yet, my commitment to bringing you the latest in XR news prevails over this unwelcome cold. So, let’s dive into this rundown of updates that I know you’ll find intriguing!
Top News of the Week
It seems like tough times continue for the XR industry. The market is stagnating, and making strides is no easy feat right now. While we all believe AR and VR are game-changers for the future, they remain niche for the time being. I’ve written previously about the current state of our industry, and this week, a slew of developments reaffirmed those insights:
Firstly, the creators of PowerWash Simulator VR announced they are ceasing updates just 14 months after launch because costs are outweighing revenue. Soul Assembly, known for Drop Dead: The Cabin and Just Dance VR, is letting go of 15% of its workforce. Reports from Omdia and Sensor Tower show a 27% drop in Meta Horizon app downloads on Christmas Day 2024 compared to 2023, suggesting a lower peak in holiday VR sales. This might be due to users of Quest 2 not finding compelling reasons to upgrade to 3 or 3S models. Moreover, Counterpoint research indicates the global VR market shrank by 4% in Q3 2024 year-over-year. Also noteworthy is former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida’s admission of being “wrong” about PS VR2. Moreover, the popular F.Reality podcast is ending after seven successful years.
Amidst these challenges, developer Blair Renaud voiced his frustrations on X about the uncertain landscape, echoing the sentiments of many who feel adrift in these turbulent times.
But, there are glimmers of hope! An article on Forbes highlighted the metaverse’s rising popularity among younger generations as a social platform, edging out traditional social media. Additionally, the same Counterpoint analysis pointed out that Apple Vision Pro shipments have exceeded IDC’s initial forecasts, especially internationally, suggesting robust sales. It looks like Beat Saber is also on the verge of hitting 10 million copies sold on Quest alone.
Realistically, the next couple of years will be tough. Despite the challenges showcased at CES, smartglasses seem to be the one area with potential to buck the trend. By sharing these positive notes, I aim to assure you that there is indeed a silver lining and better times are ahead, though patience will be key. The focus right now is on staying afloat until those brighter days arrive.
Other Relevant News
Microsoft has commenced the rollout of its 24H2 update for Windows 11, and there’s no dodging it anymore if you own a Home version of the OS. This update spells the end of the road for Mixed Reality support, effectively turning WMR headsets obsolete. It’s a blow to those who have clung onto their WMR devices, delaying this upgrade as long as they could. While circumventing this is somewhat feasible for Pro or enterprise users, it’s a tough situation for others. I send my sincerest sympathies to those affected.
On a brighter note, ASUS has unveiled a new trailer for their AirVision M1 smart glasses. These nifty 3DOF glasses transform your view into a virtual screen, boasting 1100 nits of brightness and built-in speakers. They’re a light 87g and compatible with Windows PCs and Rog Ally handhelds. Priced at $700, they’re a bit pricier than the $600 XREAL One Pro. But the possibilities they offer are quite exciting!
News Worth a Mention
Palmer Luckey stirred interest by teasing an announcement in response to Blair Renaud’s earlier post. Speculation suggests it might be about a military-focused VR headset he hinted at during AWE, or perhaps the much-anticipated Quest Pro. Whatever it may be, I’m eagerly waiting to see what’s in store.
Somnium Space has reconsidered their pricing strategy after realizing the complexity involved in producing their high-quality headsets, resulting in a notable price hike of €5-700. Here are the updated prices: Visionary Edition at €3000 + VAT, Titan Edition at €3400 + VAT, and Ultimate Edition at €4300 + VAT.
In technological breakthroughs, Meta and Plessey have unveiled what’s billed as the “world’s brightest” red MicroLED display meant for AR glasses. With 6M nits of brightness and low power consumption, this could be a significant advancement for AR eyewear, which needs to thrive even under bright conditions.
Meanwhile, young developers Caden Li and Eddy Xu are empowering chess play using Ray-Ban Meta glasses linked to an AI. The glasses identify the chessboard and communicate the optimal moves via built-in speakers, making anyone wearing them feel like a grandmaster. This integration of AI and wearables is inspiring, highlighting the innovative potential when smart glasses are open to development.
Sporting Achievements in XR
In the sporting world, Jayden Daniels, the NFL quarterback, credits VR training for his recent playoff success with the Washington Commanders. This underscores VR’s effectiveness as a training device not just for gaming, but for enhancing real-world skills.
Content Releases and Reviews
A slew of new games made their debut this week: the Rust-inspired GRIM entered early access on Quest and SteamVR, while the mad science VR sandbox, Tablecraft, is also live in early access on Quest. Fans should look out for Lovesick, a musical VR puzzle game arriving on Meta Quest on March 6, and the quirky Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon landing on Meta Quest February 6, followed by a Steam launch in the spring. Despite the shutdown of its creating studio, PSVR 2’s Firewall Ultra team shooter has a surprise update.
Industry reviews have surfaced too: Upload commended Iron Rebellion for its mech simulation, while Arken Age impressed with its engaging gameplay and combat. However, Assetto Corsa EVO seems plagued with early access woes. The Thrill Of The Fight 2 shows promise in multiplayer boxing, while Human Within might illustrate some pitfalls in crafting branching narratives.
Other Tidbits
Meta has upset its community by removing the app that lets you check achievements from within the headset. Meanwhile, curiosity surrounds the tiny LED near the Quest 3S cameras, along with the ongoing mixed reactions to the Visor headset amid Discord bans for eager queries. Michael Gschwandtner is exploring cool possibilities by creating low-cost AR glasses for the Nintendo Switch.
From Our Partners
This month, the IEEE International Symposium on the Internet of Sounds is hosting a workshop dedicated to the musical metaverse in L’Aquila, Italy. Scheduled on October 30th, the session aims to merge academic and industrial efforts to evolve Musical XR and investigate human perception in immersive contexts. If your work involves Musical XR systems or digital twins for music apps, consider submitting a paper and connecting with peers.
A Light-Hearted Ending
On a lighter note, explore some playful XR humor and tidbits. Whether it’s about the next-gen Meta hardware versus software showdown, or envisioning quality assurance tests for future Quest models, there’s plenty to chuckle over.
Support a Good Cause
While supporting this blog is appreciated, I encourage everyone to lend a hand to those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. By donating to the Red Cross, we can collectively help improve the humanitarian situation there. Many thanks to all my patrons for their support. Here’s the link to make your donation count: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine.
Thank you for taking this journey through the latest in XR news with me. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring the immersive world around you!
