Returning from my unforgettable visit to CES in Italy, I still find myself pinching to believe that I attended such an incredible event. Though exhausting, the entire experience sparked immense joy in my role as a blogger, an enthusiast, and an entrepreneur. Naturally, CES will dominate this week’s recap, yet there’s plenty of intriguing news beyond the event that’s worth mentioning. Let’s dive into it! (Apologies for the delayed newsletter—catching up on everything post-Vegas has been quite a feat.)
Top News of the Week
Many XR Products Were Showcased at CES
CES, undoubtedly the tech calendar’s crown jewel, showcased a thrilling lineup from the XR sector, with a dedicated space for those companies. The attendance of many XR enthusiasts highlighted the sector’s vibrancy despite its niche nature. The event spotlighted a range of smartglasses, often intertwined with AI, such as the Ray-Ban Meta and Halliday models with their petite displays.
Goertek, a significant XR hardware manufacturer, showcased new reference designs for smart and AR glasses, potentially sparking a surge of such products. Although CES didn’t deliver any jaw-dropping XR revelations, industry giants NVIDIA and Sony made compelling announcements in their keynotes. NVIDIA revealed its RTX 50 series, promising enhanced PCVR performance, and foresees the Geforce Now streaming service for Quest, Pico, and Apple Vision Pro, offering MR users a sprawling virtual gaming screen.
On the other hand, Sony introduced the XYN series focusing on XR for creatives, albeit with vague details. They hinted at a new pricey headset model, improved Mocopi for precision body tracking, and a digital object scanning solution. Even though integration specifics remain elusive, Sony’s commitment to XR is promising.
A notable HDMI 2.2 standard was also revealed, boasting a 96Gb/s bandwidth; a feature that might compel certain headsets to revert to HDMI ports. Here’s where I’ve documented my CES XR device experiences, like the Shiftall MeganeX SuperLight 8K and Ray-Ban Meta, linking them here to share my enriched knowledge. My top pick? The Play For Dream headset, garnering widespread acclaim, including from fellow participant Amanda Watson. For those who missed it, I’ve recorded a comprehensive XR area tour at CES—linked for your viewing delight. While not groundbreaking, CES offered a well-rounded experience for XR.
[More insights and related articles about the showcased gear and announcements.]
Other Relevant News
(Image by Meta)
Meta Quest 3S Tops Amazon’s Year-End Sales
It brings me immense joy to share that the Meta Quest 3S emerged as Amazon US’s best-selling console of 2024, not limited to just the VR category or a particular timeline, but the entire year among gaming consoles. Even more notable, it stood as the third highest-sold device in the broader Video Games category, despite its October release—truly remarkable!
Statistical analysis suggests a particularly robust holiday season for Quest 3S. Besides leading on Amazon, the Meta Horizon app topped Apple App Store charts, and the player base for games like Batman Arkham Shadow doubled around Christmas, highlighting a holiday sales surge.
While this doesn’t necessarily mean VR has achieved mainstream status, it does indicate continual growth and increased headsets in circulation, enriching the VR community.
[Further details and discussions on Meta Quest 3S’s sales performance and implications.]
Meta Discontinues the Quest Pro
Meta has officially halted the Quest Pro, its flagship prosumer headset. It’s now unavailable through Meta’s site, where users are directed to consider Quest 3 instead. The Touch Pro controllers, however, remain available, compatible across various Quest models.
The Quest Pro’s departure is likely not lamented; its rushed release to counter Vision Pro, excessive price at $1500 (then slashed to $1000), and stagnated sales marked it an ill-fated venture. Meta even distributed units like freebies at a Roblox event.
I’ll miss the Pro for its unique eye and face tracking—a feature valuable for certain research uses. Interestingly, ASUS’ upcoming headset leaks suggest a continuation of these features, potentially reassuring Horizon ecosystem proponents.
[Explore more about Meta Quest Pro’s journey and other headset developments.]
News Worth a Mention
(Image by Meta)
ASUS ROG VR Headset to Include Face Tracking
Leaker Luna unveiled intriguing details about ASUS’s upcoming ROG VR headset, codenamed Tarius. Positioned as one of the pioneering third-party HorizonOS devices, it promises eye and face tracking, along with advanced screen technologies like QD-LCD or micro OLED.
While specifics remain sparse, this initial leak signifies progress in third-party Horizon headset endeavors—a promising sign indeed!
[Stay updated with the latest leaks and tech unveilings.]
Infinite Reality’s $3 Billion Fundraising Triumph
Infinite Reality, aspiring to redefine immersive web content with WebXR, stunned the XR community with a $3 billion fundraising achievement. Unexpectedly, this investment rivals major tech plays like OpenAI, yet from a single private benefactor—speculated to be a Middle Eastern originator.
Contemplating my modest circles, I can’t help but wonder about my choices—struggling to secure lunch invites while there’s someone out there dishing out billions…
[Delve deeper into Infinite Reality’s ambitious funding journey.]
Experiments and Innovations: Walking in VR Supine
The “What The F” VR find this week involves a project allowing walking in VR while supine! By performing a cycling motion while lying down, users traverse virtual landscapes—a surprisingly intense workout for those abs. As I watched, I couldn’t help but ask, "But why?"
[Watch more unexpected VR experiments and innovations.]
Enhancing Mobility for the Visually Impaired with DotLumen
Continuing our walking theme, DotLumen devised an innovative headset aiding mobility for blind individuals. By scanning the environment, it guides users along a clear path—offering a transformative benefit for visually impaired individuals.
[Read more about DotLumen’s impactful project.]
Meta Discounts Quest 3S by $50
Meta is offering a noteworthy discount on the 256GB Quest 3S, shaving off $50 while bundling Batman Arkham Shadow. Although intended as a website-exclusive, several resellers have mirrored the deal, likely aiming to boost larger unit sales post-holidays.
[Discover promotional details and offers on Quest 3S.]
Sanzaru’s Next Adventure Awaits
Sanzaru Games, known for Asgard’s Wrath, concludes its major content updates and sets sights on their "next big thing"—teasing "AWESOME stuff" on the horizon. I eagerly anticipate what their talented team will present, perhaps leveraging mixed reality to celebrate their Meta affiliation?
[Anticipation builds for Sanzaru’s upcoming projects and industry contributions.]
Content Corner: Updates and Highlights
- Stress Level Zero is porting Boneworks to Quest 3, whilst crafting a new game—an exciting development for fans.
- Synth Riders’ latest update features a rickrolling 80s pack, injecting playful nostalgia.
- Human Within, exploring AI’s societal sway, debuts on Quest for €18.
- Fitness fanatics can now delve into Shardfall: FitQuest VR on Quest.
- Detective VR, a narrative mystery game by ValemVR, launches soon on Quest 3 and 3S.
[Continue exploring new content releases and VR gaming updates.]
Reviews and Impressions
- Epyka masterfully blends puzzles with atmospheric adventure yet feels brief in content.
- Pirates VR: Jolly Roger brims with visual charm, although its gameplay depth and combat falter.
- Shardfall: FitQuest VR echoes Ring Fit Adventure fun—a delightful fitness choice.
- Gears & Goo engages on Apple Vision Pro via intuitive hand and eye-controlled tower defense.
[In-depth reviews and impressions provide insights on XR gaming experiences.]
Other Tidbits and Innovations
- A Reddit user’s innovative Oculus Touch addon promises enhanced VR gameplay.
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Learn more.
- A film inspired by Exit 8 is now in the works, curious of its narrative direction.
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Learn more.
- Road To VR shares initial thoughts on Surreal Touch controllers.
- Learn more.
Partner and Community Highlights
I’ve shouted it from the rooftops: Tyriel Wood, my partner in CES adventures, creates incredible XR videos. Expect captivating content from our experiences there. Don’t miss the chance to check out his YouTube—it’s a treasure trove of XR insights! [Head over to Ty’s Channel.]
Light-hearted XR Moments
Here’s a chuckle—someone took a truck for a drive in mixed reality, among other amusing VR escapades. Here’s to those belly-aching moments that lighten our XR journeys! [Enjoy more funny VR links.]
Support a Noble Cause
In closing, as in previous editions, I’m urging you to contribute to those impacted by ongoing conflicts. Please consider donating to the Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Thank you sincerely to my generous Patreon contributors—your backing means the world:
[Insert list of contributors here.]
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