The XR Weekly Recap (January 21, 2025): XR Autumn Trends, Windows 11 Update Ends WMR, and More!

Let me tell you, the CES bug is real, and unfortunately, it doesn’t vanish once CES is over. But hey, my dedication to bringing you the latest XR updates beats this cold! So, buckle up for this exciting roundup of XR news you’ll surely enjoy browsing through!

Top News of the Week

The State of XR: A Persistent Challenge

Currently, the immersive tech space is facing a lull, with the market seemingly stuck in a rut, making business tough. We all agree AR/VR will be game-changers in the future, but for now, they’re still niche. I’ve talked about this ongoing situation before, and recent news keeps affirming these observations.

Here’s what’s been unfolding:

• The developers of PowerWash Simulator VR have ceased game updates merely 14 months post-launch due to costs outpacing revenue.
• Soul Assembly, creators of Drop Dead: The Cabin and Just Dance VR, has laid off 15% of its staff.
• An analysis by Omdia and Sensor Tower highlighted a 27% drop in downloads of the Meta Horizon app on Christmas Day 2024 compared to 2023. The trend is attributed to many users not finding adequate reasons to upgrade from Quest 2 to newer models like the Quest 3 or 3S. This sentiment also resonated during Black Friday sales on Amazon.
• Counterpoint Research reports a 4% decline in the global VR market in Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023.
• Fielding questions about PlayStation VR2, former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida admitted he regrets being "wrong" about its success.
• The well-loved F.Reality podcast wrapped up its journey after a stellar seven-year run.
• Blair Renaud, the mind behind LOW-FI, took his concerns to social media, reflecting on the uncertainty overshadowing VR. He’s far from the only developer feeling stranded on an unstable venture.

Despite these setbacks, several positive developments bring a glint of hope:

• A Forbes piece praised the metaverse, emphasizing its rising appeal among younger audiences as a social hub overtaking traditional social media.
• Opposed to countered predictions, the Apple Vision Pro saw more shipments than expected internationally.
• Beat Saber is reportedly on track to sell 10 million copies exclusively on Quest.

As we brace for challenging times ahead, CES offered little to suggest a shift in current technological trajectories, except perhaps for smartglasses. Though these challenges are real, don’t lose heart—better days will come.

Other Relevant News

Windows 11’s Unavoidable Update

Microsoft is pushing the Windows 11 24H2 update, much to the dismay of those who’ve tried avoiding it. This change renders Mixed Reality support in Windows obsolete, essentially turning Mixed Reality headsets into non-functional tech. Users with WMR devices have been holding off on this update as much as possible, and while certain configurations can still stall it, many will be forced to adapt.

AirVision M1 by ASUS: A Sneak Peek

ASUS has unveiled a fresh trailer for its AirVision M1 smart glasses. While these aren’t brand new, having been spotlighted at CES 2024, it’s worth mentioning their robust specs: 3DOF functionality, 1100 nits of brightness, 60% lens transparency, TÜV Rheinland certification, and integrated speakers. Compatible with Windows PCs and Rog Ally handhelds, this lightweight device at 87g promises a virtual multi-screen experience, priced slightly above its competitor, XREAL One Pro.

News That Deserves a Mention

Palmer Luckey’s teaser for a soon-to-be-announced VR project has stirred excitement, potentially indicating military VR advancements or even something more explosive—keep your eyes peeled.

Somnium Space has adjusted prices for its headsets, increasing them by €5-700 due to manufacturing complexities.

Meta, collaborating with Plessey, has unveiled a groundbreaking red microLED display for AR glasses, boasting 6M nits brightness with minimal energy consumption.

Exploring Chess with Ray-Ban Meta glasses is gaining traction thanks to developers Caden Li and Eddy Xu, who integrated AI to elevate chess playability trials.

NFL’s Jayden Daniels attributes his success partly to regular VR training, showcasing its impact as a training tool.

Content Updates

• GRIM, a survival game drawing inspiration from Rust, is now available in early access.
• TableCraft debuts as a free VR sandbox game for Quest.
• Lovesick, a puzzle adventure, is set to launch on Meta Quest devices in March.
• Rogue Piñatas: VRmageddon is approaching its Meta Quest release with a Steam launch on the horizon.
• Despite the shutdown of its creative studio, Firewall Ultra on PSVR2 receives a surprise update.

Reviews Coming In

• Iron Rebellion’s mech emulation hits the sweet spot between user-friendliness and immersive experience.
• Arken Age delights with captivating visuals and engaging combat mechanics.
• Assetto Corsa EVO enters early access despite noticeable issues.
• The Thrill Of The Fight 2 innovates multiplayer boxing encounters.
• Human Within illustrates the pitfalls of branching storytelling.

Miscellaneous Updates

In other news, Meta’s removal of the achievement app has agitated developers. Still, quirky details and creative experiments continue to energize the VR space.

Partner Updates

Explore a workshop focused on the musical metaverse at the IEEE International Symposium on the Internet of Sounds. From October 29 to 31 in L’Aquila, Italy, this event invites academics and industry experts to explore emerging systems at the intersection of Musical XR and networking. If you’re working on related themes, now’s the time to share and connect with others in your field.

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(Header image courtesy of Microsoft)

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