The XR Weekly Recap (December 2, 2024): Leak of Valve Roy Controllers 3D Models, Black Friday VR Deals, and More!

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to my American pals! While Thanksgiving isn’t a tradition here in Italy, I know it’s a cherished holiday in the U.S., Canada, and a few other nations. I hope everyone who marks the occasion had an enjoyable time with loved ones. For those who didn’t partake, I hope you snagged some amazing deals on Black Friday! I managed to pick up some cool items myself, most significantly a new phone. My old one was practically falling apart, and not at all fit for work anymore. A friend in Helsinki even joked about setting up a donation fund after seeing its sad state! Before I dive into this week’s XR highlights, a quick update: I’ve joined Bluesky! Feel free to follow me there if you’re on the platform. I’ve noticed it’s been increasingly challenging to reach genuine engagement on X, so I’m giving Bluesky a try. We’ll see how this unfolds! For now, though, I’m not leaving X, so you can still find me there as well.

Top news of the week

Dataminers have discovered 3D models of the Valve Roy controllers buried in the SteamVR files, following leaks from recent weeks. This suggests that Valve is close to the final stages of developing these controllers, hinting that the Deckard headset might launch soon. With these models already integrated into SteamVR, one could speculate a full headset kit release might be on the horizon for 2025.

The models affirm what earlier leaks had indicated: the controllers boast bumpers, a D-pad, thumbsticks, buttons, index triggers, grip triggers, and system buttons, essentially mirroring a full gamepad. This setup enables gamers to utilize the Roy controllers for navigating Steam’s entire game library via the headset.

A bit of datamining also uncovered that Valve is employing Arcturus Technologies’ methodology for inside-out tracking. Back in 2020, Arcturus’s technology demonstrated its impressive capabilities in providing reliable tracking and stereo-corrected passthrough. This discovery gives us confidence that the Deckard headset could offer robust mixed reality passthrough.

Other relevant news

The VR bargains from the Black Friday/Cyber Monday extravaganza are still up for grabs! I’ve gathered a list of links below so you can check them out, covering both hardware and software:

• PSVR 2 has dropped to an incredible $350 in a bundle that includes the thrilling Horizon Call Of The Mountain game.

• The Pico 4 Ultra is being bundled with Pico Motion Trackers, three games, and a month of VRChat Plus.

• Certain retailers in the U.S. are pricing the Quest 3S at just $299.99, even throwing in a $75 gift card.

• HTC is also giving discounts on its gear: the Vive Focus Vision now comes with a complimentary DisplayPort adapter and has 4–5 games bundled together.

Code ‘BFCM24’ on the Horizon (Quest) Store grants up to 40% off select games, and you can use this code repeatedly.

More info: [details on VR discounts across various platforms]

Apple may have been experimenting with XR since 2008

We’ve long known that Apple dedicated around seven years to developing the Apple Vision Pro before its launch. Such a timeline suits Apple’s strategy of not being first but striving to be the best. Yet, Apple’s XR efforts might date back even further. A Mac World journalist dug up a patent filed by Apple in 2008. This patent discussed a VR headset, whose rough design sketch bears a faint resemblance to the Vision Pro. It mentioned a wearable display capable of creating virtual experiences, equipped with sensors to track head and eye movements, adjusting the display to enhance user immersion. While companies often secure patents for diverse strategic reasons, this finding implies that Apple was contemplating immersive tech way back, even pre-Oculus Rift.

VRChat introduces age verification

To address a longstanding community request, VRChat is now trialing age verification. In collaboration with Persona, VRChat will allow users to verify their age using government ID and a camera. Verification isn’t mandatory everywhere on the platform; it’s needed for accessing certain ‘Age Verification’-enabled instances. Users who verify as adults can also choose to display an optional ‘Verified 18+’ badge on their profiles.

The rollout will be gradual, starting with select groups to ensure any kinks are worked out early on. VRChat is also teaming up with a few event organizers to conduct trials for age-verified events. This initiative is significant, addressing appeals for age-appropriate interactions and content on the platform. However, it remains to be seen how many will opt into this verification, given privacy concerns.

News worth a mention

• Pimax is now taking orders for its new Crystal Super headset, promising unmatched resolution. The headset features an interchangeable optical system, eye-tracking, and automatic IPD adjustment. The community, however, is buzzing with confusion over the accompanying Pimax Prime subscription, questioning its necessity and clarity.

• XREAL is preparing to unveil its new AR glasses on December 4th, but details on their capabilities remain scant.

• Researchers at Flinders University have set up a tiny VR system for insects to study their behavior, offering intriguing insights into animal research.

• A new virtual lollipop experiment mimics various flavors, including sugar and the famously pungent durian, showcasing advancements in sensory VR research.

• Tom Emrich has unveiled his latest book, "The Next Dimension," rich with insights for leveraging AR in business contexts.

• A new mod enables you to play the iconic Halo: Combat Evolved campaign in VR, with full motion controls on PC.

Other news

• Miroslav Kotalík released Zero V2, the next version of his open AR glasses.

• ANNAPRO A2’s strap significantly boosts comfort for the Apple Vision Pro.

• Latest reports show the PCVR market is either stagnant or only experiencing marginal growth.

News from partners (and friends)

GroKit Core, from 3lbXR, is a low-code Unity library simplifying XR application development by automating intricate backend processes like physics and multiplayer, allowing developers to focus on high-level coding.

Some XR fun

For a laugh, check out these Black Friday promotions, VR bloopers, and a compilation of XR fails. Enjoy the humor!

Donate for good

This week, I urge you to donate to the Red Cross to support those affected by the war in Ukraine. A heartfelt thanks to all my Patreon supporters for their generous backing. Here’s the link to contribute to the Red Cross in Ukraine.

(Header image by Upload VR)

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