I can definitely attest to the notorious CES sickness; unfortunately, it doesn’t just vanish when CES ends. Despite battling this pesky cold, my passion for sharing juicy XR news with you surpasses any discomfort. So, grab a cozy blanket and dive into this exciting roundup of XR developments that you won’t want to miss!
Top News Highlights of the Week
The XR Autumn Scene Persists
It’s clear that we’re in a tough spot for immersive realities—industry momentum is faltering, and business is tough. While we all foresee a bright future where AR and VR take center stage, right now, these technologies remain niche. I touched on this in an earlier piece, detailing the current state of our field.
This week’s news echoes my earlier observations:
- The creators of PowerWash Simulator VR have thrown in the towel on updates just 14 months post-launch; the costs have outweighed the revenue.
- Soul Assembly, famous for Drop Dead: The Cabin and Just Dance VR, is trimming its workforce by 15%.
- Omdia and Sensor Tower’s analysis shows a 27% drop in downloads for the Meta Horizon app on Christmas Day 2024 versus 2023. This suggests a dip in VR sales this holiday season, possibly because Quest 2 users see little incentive to upgrade to versions 3 or 3S.
- Reportedly, the global VR market saw a 4% decline in Q3 2024 compared to the same quarter in 2023, according to Counterpoint research.
- Former Sony exec Shuhei Yoshida expressed his regret over being mistaken about PS VR2’s success in a recent interview.
- The F.Reality podcast has concluded a successful seven-year run.
All of this leaves developers like Blair Renaud of LOW-FI expressing their frustrations online, feeling akin to sailors aboard a rickety ship.
Despite these challenges, there’s a silver lining with some uplifting developments:
- A Forbes article extolled the virtues of the metaverse, noting that younger generations increasingly prefer it as their social playground over traditional social media.
- Counterpoint’s previously mentioned analysis highlights that Apple Vision Pro’s shipments exceeded expectations, especially internationally.
- Beat Saber is on track to sell 10 million copies on Quest soon.
It’s undeniable—the next few years will be trying. At CES, I didn’t witness any significant shifts in the current AR/VR trends, except perhaps in the sphere of smart glasses. I sprinkled some positive news throughout to remind us that hope remains and, eventually, conditions will improve. For now, survival is key.
Other Noteworthy News
Microsoft Mandates the 24H2 Update for Windows 11
Microsoft is imposing the 24H2 update on all devices it has control over, such as the Home versions of Windows 11. This is significant for those of us in the XR community because it ends support for Mixed Reality on Windows 11, rendering many Windows Mixed Reality headsets obsolete. For those using the Pro version or corporate systems, the update is avoidable, but it’s challenging for Home edition users. Heartfelt support goes out to those whose devices are suddenly useless.
ASUS’s New Teaser for AirVision M1 Glasses
ASUS has released a captivating trailer for their AirVision M1 smart glasses, despite these not being brand new (I stumbled across info from CES 2024). These neat 3DOF glasses project a virtual screen in front of your eyes, exhibiting features like 1100 nits of brightness and 60% lens transparency. Priced at $700, they’re slightly more than the $600 XREAL One Pro.
News Worth Mentioning
- Palmer Luckey responded to a post by Blair Renaud, hinting at an upcoming VR-related announcement.
- Somnium Space has adjusted the pricing of its high-end headsets, revealing new, higher costs.
- Meta and Plessey’s announcement about the world’s brightest red microLED display marks a significant AR advancement.
- Clever young developers utilized Ray-Ban Meta glasses for an AI-aided chess experience, showcasing the potential of this tech.
- Quarterback Jayden Daniels credits VR training for his rise in NFL prominence.
XR Content Updates and Reviews
- Titles like GRIM, lovesick, and Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon are on the horizon, promising fresh experiences for gamers.
- Reviews reveal Iron Rebellion’s mech emulation as top-notch, and Thrill Of The Fight 2 brings a unique multiplayer boxing angle.
Miscellaneous News
Meta’s removal of the achievement view app stirred discontent, intriguing rumors swirl around the Visor headset, and innovation grows with Michael Gschwandtner’s AR glasses linked to a Nintendo Switch.
Community and Events
The IEEE International Symposium on the Internet of Sounds in Italy hosts a workshop delving into the musical metaverse. It aims to bridge academia and industry in exploring immersive auditory experiences.
In times like these, let’s channel our efforts for the greater good. I encourage you to consider donating to the Red Cross in support of those facing urgent Humanitarian needs due to conflicts. Also, immense thanks to my generous Patreon supporters for their continuous encouragement.
Conclusion
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