Once again, CES has passed, and with it comes the notorious CES sickness—yet another "gift" from the tech event. This post-event cold won’t stop me, though. I’ve gathered some exciting XR news that you won’t want to miss.
Top Stories of the Week
A Tough Season for XR Technology
The current climate for immersive technologies like AR and VR is far from rosy. The industry seems to be in a holding pattern, struggling to break into the mainstream despite strong beliefs in its future potential. You might remember my previous article diving into the current challenges we face in this field.
Recent events have only reinforced this lackluster situation:
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The creators of PowerWash Simulator VR announced they will cease game updates just 14 months post-launch; development costs outweigh earnings.
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At Soul Assembly, the team behind titles like Drop Dead: The Cabin and Just Dance VR, 15% of staff are set to be laid off.
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An Omdia and Sensor Tower analysis found a 27% drop in Meta Horizon app downloads on Christmas Day 2024 compared to 2023, signaling weaker VR sales this holiday. Factors include current Quest 2 owners not finding enough reasons to upgrade.
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Counterpoint research reported a 4% global VR market decline in Q3 2024 versus Q3 2023.
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Shuhei Yoshida, a former executive at Sony, openly lamented his misplaced optimism about PS VR2.
- The F.Reality podcast wrapped up after seven years.
Developer Blair Renaud, of LOW-FI fame, turned to X to air his frustrations with the industry’s volatile nature—his sentiment echoes that of many developers who feel adrift in uncertain waters.
Yet, amidst the challenges, some glimmers of hope emerged:
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Forbes highlighted how younger generations prefer socializing in the metaverse over dwindling traditional social media.
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While Counterpoint research pointed to sluggish growth, Apple Vision Pro shipments exceeded expectations, suggesting potential market resilience.
- Beat Saber is on the verge of selling 10 million copies on the Quest platform.
The road ahead won’t be easy, especially with nothing at CES offering much promise of a shakeup in AR/VR trends, save perhaps smartglasses. I included some positive notes in this piece to remind us that hope exists and in time, things will improve. Until then, we must persevere.
For more info on each story: Previous XR analysis, Powerwash Simulator developments, Soul Assembly layoffs, Omdia’s Quest sales insights, Counterpoint’s XR market analysis, Shuhei Yoshida’s interview, F.Reality’s conclusion, Blair Renaud’s critique, Forbes metaverse feature, Apple Vision Pro figures, Beat Saber’s imminent milestone.
Other Significant News
Microsoft Mandates Windows 11 24H2 Update
Resistance is futile for those holding out against the 24H2 Windows 11 update. Microsoft is enforcing the update on machines it manages, like Home versions. What’s at stake for XR enthusiasts? This update eliminates Windows Mixed Reality support, turning devices into figurative paperweights. While those with pro versions or enterprise-linked PCs might dodge it, Home edition users face a tougher battle. My heart goes out to those left with inoperable WMR devices.
ASUS Teases AirVision M1 Glasses
ASUS dropped an engaging trailer for the AirVision M1 smart glasses, a product I’ve just discovered despite being talked about since CES 2024. These 3DOF glasses produce a virtual screen in your view, boasting 1100 nits brightness, 60% lens transparency, TÜV Rheinland certification, and integrated speakers. They’re compatible with Windows PCs and the Rog Ally handheld, with a light 87g frame. Priced at $700, they slightly surpass the XREAL One Pro’s $600.
For more: ASUS AirVision M1 trailer and shop page.
Also of Interest
Upcoming Revelation from Palmer Luckey
In response to a comment from Blair Renaud on X, Palmer Luckey hinted at a new announcement coming soon, possibly related to a VR military headset teased at AWE or the mysterious Quest Pro. Whatever the announcement, it has piqued my interest.
Price Hikes for Somnium Space Headsets
Manufacturing complexities have led Somnium Space to hike its headset prices by €5-700—a significant adjustment:
- Somnium VR1 Visionary Edition: €3000 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Titan Edition: €3400 + VAT
- Somnium VR1 Ultimate Edition: €4300 + VAT
Meta Unveils High-Efficiency Red MicroLED
Meta and Plessey have crafted what they call "the world’s brightest" red microLED display for AR glasses, delivering a staggering 6M nits while being power-efficient—critical for wearable AR tech, especially in outdoor environments. CEO Keith Strickland of Plessey hails this green advancement as a "major breakthrough."
Using Ray-Ban Meta for Chess
Developers Caden Li and Eddy Xu gave the Ray-Ban Meta glasses a unique chess-playing ability. The device’s camera visually captures the chessboard and communicates with an AI to suggest optimal moves, relayed audibly to users. It’s a fascinating demonstration of smart glasses integrated with AI.
For more: Video demonstration and advocacy for open smartglasses.
Jayden Daniels’ VR-Enhanced Path to Stardom
American quarterback Jayden Daniels garnered attention by leading the Washington Commanders to an NFL playoff victory, credited in part to daily VR training. This highlights VR’s growing effectiveness as a training tool.
For more: Additional details on featured content.
Other XR Tidbits
A look into some updates on XR content offerings, including early access launches and surprising updates:
- Rust-inspired GRIM enters early access on Quest and SteamVR.
- Tablecraft, a mad science VR sandbox game, debuts in early access on Quest.
- VR puzzle game Lovesick arrives on Meta Quest in March.
- Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon debuts soon on Meta Quest, with a Steam release to follow.
- Despite its studio’s closure, PSVR 2’s Firewall Ultra received an unexpected update.
- Upload VR’s XR News Round-Up provides additional tidbits.
Content Reviews
- Iron Rebellion earns praise for its perfect blend of usability and immersive mech emulation.
- Arken Age combines vibrant visuals with gratifying combat mechanics.
- Assetto Corsa EVO stumbles in early access due to existing issues.
- The Thrill Of The Fight 2 delivers an intriguing multiplayer boxing experience.
- Human Within demonstrates poor branching story execution.
Other Notices
Meta’s removal of an achievements viewing app leaves many developers and users disgruntled.
Oddity of the week: the LED next to Quest 3S cameras.
The ongoing drama over the Visor headset is marked by rave reviews and Discord bans over release date inquiries.
Michael Gschwandtner is enjoying crafting budget AR glasses for his Nintendo Switch.
Community Engagement: Partners and Friends
Join an exploration of the musical metaverse at the IEEE International Symposium on the Internet of Sounds in L’Aquila, Italy, from October 29-31. The event aims to bring together academics and industry experts to push forward Musical XR and networking systems development. If you’re working on related topics, consider participating in the workshop.
A Lighthearted XR Moment
Enjoy a few humorous takes on hardware vs software challenges, and more musing on XR business nuances.
Donate for a Cause
Instead of seeking support for my blog, I’d like to encourage donations to aid those afflicted by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Red Cross is doing vital work in handling the humanitarian situation there—support them if you’re able. I deeply value the support of my Patreon donors, whose names follow:
[List of Donors]
Thank you all immensely. Here’s the link to donate to the Red Cross:
[Support The Red Cross in Ukraine]
(Note: The main image is derived from a Microsoft source.)
