As we bid farewell to the year, it’s that time when we look back and reflect on the experiences that shaped our journey. I’ve penned a couple of thought-provoking posts about my adventures in XR throughout 2024. They’re packed with insights, capturing the highlights from the many XR events I attended to reflections on the technological ups and downs in XR this past year. If you haven’t checked them out yet, I’d recommend giving them a read. Beyond the wrap-up and the news I’m about to dive into, I sincerely hope you’re surrounded by loved ones today, enjoying the festivities as we usher in 2025. Here’s to a fantastic new year filled with exciting opportunities!
Top News of the Week
Some Meta Quest Headsets Bricked Over Christmas
Unfortunately, the v72 update for Meta Quest turned out to be a holiday spoiler for some, effectively bricking several headsets. The issue primarily affected devices that had skipped recent updates, forcing them into a tricky cumulative update. Users faced a rather unsettling boot screen error, essentially labeling the device as unsafe and leaving no room for regular use. As you can imagine, this glitch brought about quite a stir online, particularly among families eager to enjoy their new Christmas presents during the break.
Initially, Meta’s response was sluggish, likely due to the holiday period delaying their reaction. Customer service initially refused assistance for those out of warranty, exacerbating frustration. However, following numerous complaints, Meta acknowledged the problem, corrected the bug in subsequent updates, and even offered guidance on restoring devices. On top of that, they generously provided free replacements in the form of Quest 3S headsets, complete with store credits. It’s commendable how Meta handled the fallout eventually, though it serves as a gentle reminder that pushing major updates right before holidays might not be the wisest move.
Other Relevant News
Pimax Announces the Dream Air Compact Headset
In true Pimax fashion, they’ve announced yet another device—the Dream Air headset—hardly two weeks since their last unveiling. This time, they’re stepping away from their typical bulky designs to offer something that targets a different segment—the compact headset market. Dream Air promises features like hand and eye tracking, automatic IPD adjustment, and a fascinating auto-fitting strap mechanism for enhanced comfort.
Uniquely, Pimax introduces the Cobb external puck, aimed at transforming the headset into a kind of a standalone device with its built-in battery and Snapdragon XR2. With advanced specs and a few novel features, it’s priced at an expected $1900 with availability planned around mid-2025, though there’s always skepticism about timelines given Pimax’s history.
The community’s reaction to this launch was a mixed bag. While some welcomed the innovation, others questioned the company’s rapid-fire headset releases. As conversations continue on forums, Pimax’s PR team remains steadfast, and those intrigued by market strategies might find interest in analyses suggesting these launches are strategic moves to capture attention and outperform competitors.
Meta Rumored to Add a Display to Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Following the success of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses this year, rumors swirl about an upcoming iteration featuring a display for notifications and AI responses. This pivot is intriguing, especially given Luxottica’s past hesitations about bulkiness. If this collaboration remains, we could see a fashionable, widely distributed smart glasses line, enhancing their appeal.
New Device Announcements Expected at CES
Get ready for a tech fiesta as CES kicks off next week! There’s eager anticipation for XR-related announcements like those teased by Sony with their "Create Infinite Realities" keynote on January 6. DPVR and NVIDIA are also set to reveal exciting developments, with NVIDIA possibly unveiling new RTX 50 series cards. It’s all teed up to be an exciting event, and I’ll be there to bring you the latest insights!
News Worth a Mention
Meta Horizon App’s Popularity Soars
The Meta Horizon app, essential for configuring Quest devices, ranked as one of the most downloaded apps this winter holiday, reflecting strong sales for the headsets during this festive period. This marks the third consecutive year of such success—encouraging news indeed!
Pico’s SecureMR Ensures Privacy with Passthrough APIs
At a recent event, Pico introduced SecureMR, a system offering passthrough functionality while ensuring user privacy. Developers provide machine learning models to run on the device’s camera inputs, helping render visuals without camera access. It’s an intriguing approach, though if Meta debuts a more open API allowing full camera access next year, SecureMR might face tough competition.
Magic Leap One Approaching Discontinuation
Magic Leap One is set to become obsolete as servers are deactivated, a tragic turn for users who invested significantly in what was once a promising creative platform. With servers down, these headsets will be rendered nonfunctional, causing a great loss of well-crafted experiences.
Global LiDAR Data Availability
Recently, I shared news about Tokyo’s open point cloud city data, which gained traction on social media. Interestingly, many countries maintain active LiDAR programs, offering data useful for various tech projects. This resourceful data can support ventures in virtual positioning, digital twins, and beyond.
Road To VR’s Game Picks of the Year
Road To VR, a reputable XR magazine, revealed its top game selections for the year. Unsurprisingly, Batman: Arkham Shadow snagged the title of best Quest game, while other categories might hold interesting surprises for you to explore.
Fanatical’s New VR Games Bundle
Fanatical is rolling out its "Build your own Quest VR Bundle Winter Edition," letting gamers select from a variety of titles at discounted rates. Prices range from $17.99 for two games to $59.99 for seven—a great deal for VR enthusiasts!
Content Updates
- Warpfrog is crafting a new game focusing on customizable, physics-based interactions akin to their hit "Blade & Sorcery."
- "Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable" released its Complete Edition, pleasing fans with its new chapters.
- "Game Night" emerges as a delightful party game for Quest with its blend of trivia and physical challenges.
Other News
- Samsung XR headset plans to integrate Google’s Find My Device functionality.
- The startup animation for the Quest is unveiled to be a real-time 3D model.
News from Partners and Friends
Happy Holidays! This week, I simply wish everyone joy and peace as we conclude the year. Whether you’re with family or friends, may your time be filled with warmth and laughter.
Some XR Fun
Here’s a bit of humor for your enjoyment! Check out these whimsical XR-related links and memes from the community. They showcase a light-hearted take on our tech-driven lives.
Donate for Good
As we enjoy our holidays, let’s not forget those impacted by troubling events worldwide. Please consider supporting the Red Cross for current humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Your help is invaluable. Big thanks to all my supporters who continue to back the blog, and here’s a reminder to aid those in need.
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image by Pimax)
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