As the year comes to a close, it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on what’s transpired, especially in the XR world. I penned a couple of insightful reflections on my 2024 XR experiences that you might find interesting if you missed them: the first post recounts my adventures at various XR events throughout the year, while the second delves into the current state of XR in 2024—spoiler alert: it’s a mixed bag with both highs and lows. Beyond catching up on those posts and today’s news, I hope you’re able to ring in the New Year having a blast with those you cherish. Here’s to an incredible 2025! 🎉
Top Stories of the Week
Some Meta Quest Headsets Glitched Out This Christmas
In an unfortunate turn of events, the latest v72 update for Meta Quest has caused issues with some headsets, particularly those that hadn’t been updated in a while. The update led to a dreaded boot screen error, leaving users unable to access their devices. This bug couldn’t have come at a worse time, with some headsets serving as Christmas gifts or being used for holiday fun. Initially, responses from Meta were lackluster, partly due to the holiday season. Support was sparse, especially for devices out of warranty. After multiple complaints, Meta addressed the bug, offering guidance on restoring the affected headsets, including those out of warranty. The latest is that Meta is now offering a free Quest 3S replacement with additional Horizon Store credits for those still facing issues. Meta’s eventual response was commendable, but hopefully, they’ll be more cautious with future updates. It makes you wonder who thought it was wise to release a major update right before the holidays—a time when tech teams are often on break.
For more detailed information, check out these links:
- Bricked Quest Issue
- Boot Screen Error
- Community Complaints
- Meta’s Fix
- Quest Replacement Program
Other Noteworthy News
Pimax Unveils the Dream Air Compact Headset
Continuing its tradition of frequent launches, Pimax has announced the Dream Air headset. Unlike its bulky predecessors aimed at a wide FOV, this model is more compact. It caters to the same market as BigScreen Beyond and Visor, but with added features like hand and eye tracking, automatic IPD adjustment, and an innovative automatic strap tightening feature—something we haven’t seen before.
Dream Air can be equipped with an additional external puck, named Cobb, which adds standalone capabilities with a battery and Snapdragon XR2 chip. Here are some specs courtesy of Road To VR:
- Display: Two micro-OLEDs with full DCI-P3 color
- Per-eye Resolution: 13MP (3840 × 3552)
- Refresh Rate: Up to 90Hz
- Optics: Pancake lenses
- Field of View: 102° horizontal
- Pass-through: Black & white
- Adjustments: Automatic IPD, optional prescription lenses
- Connections: DP 1.4 (PC) to USB-C, and a USB-C accessory port
- Input: Includes controllers and hand-tracking
- Audio: In-headstrap speakers
- Microphone: Dual mic setup
- Weight: 200 grams
- Tracking: Inside-out and optional SteamVR tracking with external beacons
Priced at around $1900, with the usual peculiar preorder structure involving a "two-year subscription," it’s expected mid-2025. Although Pimax claims the Dream Air shares its optical engine with the Crystal Super, potential delays are on everyone’s minds, as is typical with Pimax launches. The community response is divided: some are thrilled with the new offering, while others question Pimax’s rapid product release cycle. The strategy of outmaneuvering competitors by offering feature-rich devices at competitive prices continues, with Dream Air potentially competing against MeganeX SuperLight 8K. It will be exciting to see how Dream Air progresses!
For more detailed insights:
- Dream Air Announcement
- Launch Video
- Product Page
- Pimax Strategy Analysis
Rumors of a New Display for Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Meta’s Ray-Ban line has been a fan-favorite in 2024, and it appears they’re working on an upgrade. Allegedly, a new model will feature a small display for notifications and AI responses. This rumor suggests an evolution in their collaboration with Luxottica. If Luxottica embraces the bulkier design with a display, it could secure a fashionable and widespread release via their robust distribution channels.
Learn more about forthcoming changes and industry reactions.
Anticipation Builds for CES Announcements
CES, a monumental event in the tech calendar, kicks off next week, and I’ll be there to capture the excitement firsthand. Expect announcements from companies like Sony, which is teasing a "Create Infinite Realities" keynote on the 6th, and DPVR’s unveiling of a mystery product. NVIDIA may reveal the RTX 50 series, and there’s bound to be much more from other exhibitors. Stay tuned here for exclusive CES coverage!
For updates, see:
- DPVR’s Mystery Reveal
- Sony’s Keynote Teaser
- NVIDIA’s Expected Announcement
Newsworthy Mentions
Meta Horizon App Gaining Popularity
The Meta Horizon app has dominated download charts this winter, which bodes well for Quest headset sales. It even reached the top spot in several countries. This three-year streak speaks volumes about the device’s holiday appeal.
Pico’s SecureMR: Privacy-Focused Passthrough APIs
Pico has unveiled SecureMR, a solution that promises passthrough functionality without compromising user privacy. Developers provide ML models for the Pico OS to execute, without direct camera access. It’s innovative but might prove restrictive for creators used to greater control. Pico will release it soon for early access, but Meta’s rumored passthrough APIs could outshine it if they offer more freedom.
Magic Leap One Set to Become Obsolete
In a bittersweet end for Magic Leap One, the shutdown of related servers will render these headsets obsolete. It’s a sad end for a once-promising device that captured the imagination of many creators.
Exploring Global LiDAR Data
Following the release of Tokyo’s citywide point cloud, it’s emerged there are numerous international LiDAR data sources available for public use. They might not all measure up to Tokyo’s accuracy, but they’re invaluable for projects like digital twins or VPS.
For further details, explore these resources:
- Viral Post by Jess
- International LiDAR Programs
Road To VR’s Top Games Picks
Road To VR, renowned in the XR community, has announced its game picks for the year, including Batman: Arkham Shadow as the top Quest game. Check out their list for more surprises.
Fanatical’s VR Games Bundle Deal
Fanatical is running a fantastic deal with their "Build your own Quest VR Bundle Winter Edition". Get a great selection of games at discounted prices: 2 for $17.99, 4 for $34.99, and 7 for $59.99.
Content Highlights
- WarpFrog is crafting a new game with modding and physics-based interactions at its core.
- "Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable" launched its Complete Edition and met with varied reactions—tepid from press but applauded by fans.
- "Game Night" promises engaging local multiplayer fun on Quest, blending cerebral and physical challenges.
Additional Tidbits
- Samsung’s XR headset to include "Find My Device"
- Quest boot-up animation discovered to be 3D, not a video.
News From Partners
While no partner updates this week, I wish you all an enjoyable holiday season. Follow this for a little festive magic.
A Bit of XR Humor
Here’s a light-hearted collection of XR mishaps and memes that might leave you smiling—thank goodness for humor in tech!
Support a Worthy Cause
In the spirit of giving, consider donating to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Red Cross link is included below.
A big thank you to all my Patreon supporters for your continued encouragement!
Donate to The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image by Pimax)
