Weekly XR Update (02/12/2024): Leak of Valve Roy Controllers 3D Models, Black Friday VR Specials, and Other Highlights!

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to my American friends! While we don’t celebrate it in Italy, I know it’s a significant holiday in the US, Canada, and a few other countries. I hope those of you who celebrated had a fantastic time with family. And for those who didn’t, I hope you snagged some great deals on Black Friday! I managed to grab a few items myself, most notably a new phone. My old ones were beyond repair, and frankly, not up to the tasks I needed. A friend in Helsinki even joked about starting a donation fund for me, given the state of my old phone, haha. Before diving into the latest XR updates of the week, I want to share another bit of news: I’ve joined Bluesky! If you’re on that platform, come say hi. I’ve noticed engagement on X has decreased significantly, so I’m trying Bluesky to see if it’s more lively. Don’t worry though, I’m still on X too.

Top News of the Week

Roy Controllers 3D Models Found in SteamVR Files

Dataminers recently uncovered 3D models of Valve’s Roy controllers in SteamVR’s code, hinting at their nearing completion in development. This discovery suggests the Deckard headset could soon follow. With these models available, it seems plausible for a full headset release around 2025. The models confirm prior leaks: the controllers include bumpers, a D-pad, thumbsticks, buttons, index triggers, and grip triggers. Together, they function as a complete gamepad, allowing users to enjoy Steam’s gaming library on a screen via the headset. The datamining also revealed Valve’s adoption of Arcturus Technologies’ impressive inside-out tracking technology, which was demonstrated in a 2020 video showcasing reliable tracking and passthrough capabilities. This news bodes well for the Deckard headset’s mixed reality features.

Other Relevant News

Explore Cyber Monday Deals!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday VR discounts are still in the spotlight! Here are some notable deals I found:

• PSVR 2 is reduced to $350 and comes bundled with the fantastic “Horizon Call Of The Mountain.” It will be fascinating to see the sales boom with this discount, as previous reductions caused a significant spike.
• Pico 4 Ultra includes Pico Motion Trackers, three games, and a month of VRChat Plus in a comprehensive package.
• Quest 3S is available for $299.99 in some US stores, including a $75 gift card.
• HTC is offering reductions across its lineup: Vive Focus Vision includes a free DisplayPort adapter and several games; Vive XR Elite gets a $100 discount, or $150 with three Vive Ultimate Trackers; Vive Pro 2 sees a hefty $400 discount for the full bundle or $200 for just the headset.
• On the Horizon (Quest) Store, the promo code ‘BFCM24’ gives up to 40% off select games, and it’s reusable.

Apple’s Long-standing XR Experimentation

It’s no secret that Apple invested about seven years developing the Apple Vision Pro before its release. Apple’s strategy isn’t typically about being the first but about delivering the best. However, it seems they might have been experimenting much earlier. A Mac World journalist rediscovered a 2008 Apple patent for a VR headset that bears some resemblance to the Vision Pro. While large companies often file patents for various reasons, this does hint that Apple considered immersive reality long before the Oculus Rift entered the scene.

VRChat’s Age Verification Initiative

VRChat is embarking on an innovative partnership with Persona to verify users’ ages through ID checks. Not mandatory across the platform, age verification will be requested for specific instances with the ‘Age Verification’ setting. Verified users can choose to display an “Verified 18+” badge on their profile. This feature will be incrementally rolled out to address any bugs early. Selected event organizers will trial age-verified events. This is a pivotal step for social VR, addressing long-standing calls to separate age groups, allowing adults to converse meaningfully and letting kids enjoy basic fun. The option to restrict 18+ activities to age-verified users is a significant advantage. The success of this initiative hangs on how many users opt for verification, especially given privacy concerns. The decision to make verification optional and only for certain areas is wise, ensuring user comfort.

Noteworthy Mentions

Pimax Launches Crystal Super and Prime Subscription

Pimax, a prominent Chinese VR company, has opened orders for its high-resolution Pimax Crystal Super headset. Here are the specs:

• Interchangeable Optical System
• Weight: 815g (with headstrap)
• Resolution: 3840x3840x2 with 57 PPD
• Refresh Rates: 72Hz/90Hz
• FOV: 120° (Horizontal)
• Display: QLED+MiniLED with Local Dimming
• Eye-tracking, Dynamic Foveated Rendering

The 57 PPD suggests close-to-retina clarity, offering potentially very realistic VR. Its interchangeable optical system allows for easy lens/display swaps. Pimax’s past innovations were marred by delivery delays, so hands-on reviews will be key before drawing conclusions about its actual performance. At around $1700, it’s a beast likely needing a top-tier GPU. You can pay $999 upfront and $32.99/month for 24 months as part of a Pimax Prime subscription. This payment plan is stirring up some confusion within the community, especially regarding the subscription for software use and its terms during returns.

XREAL to Unveil New AR Glasses

XREAL is gearing up to reveal new AR glasses on December 4th at 10:00 AM EST. While details are scarce, the teasers hint at 6DOF AR glasses for an immersive augmented reality experience.

Insect Virtual Reality Getup

This week, I stumbled upon a fascinating research project where insects get to experience VR. Researchers at Flinders University devised a mini CAVE-like VR setup to study insect behavior in controlled environments. This innovative approach may illuminate new aspects of animal behavior.

Experience Flavor in VR with a Virtual Lollipop

True to my fascination with VR’s multi-sensory potential, I discovered a project creating a virtual lollipop. Researchers from the University of Hong Kong engineered a lollipop with hydrogels carrying flavor chemicals. Through iontophoresis, these flavors—ranging from sugar to, surprisingly, durian—can be released, delivering varied tastes when licked.

Tom Emrich’s AR Guidebook Hits Shelves

AR pioneer Tom Emrich has released a book, "The Next Dimension: How to Use Augmented Reality for Business Growth in the Era of Spatial Computing." It offers insights from brands across sectors, showcasing AR’s marketing value. Given Tom’s track record with AR predictions, this book promises valuable insights for entrepreneurs eyeing AR technology.

Modders Bring Halo to VR

Thanks to a mod available on GitHub, the entire Halo: Combat Evolved campaign is now playable in VR. This mod introduces full 6DOF motion controls and customizable settings, making the VR experience immersive. Enthusiastic Reddit posts confirm the community’s excitement.

Content Highlights

• Home Sports by Resolution Games, reminiscent of Wii Sports, arrives on Meta Horizon Store on December 11 for $20.
• The official Premier League Player game, powered by Rezzil, launches on December 3 on Meta Quest.
• Trivia Crack World, a VR multiplayer game testing your knowledge, is available on Quest for $10.
• Spatial Web Shooter is an engaging Vision Pro experience that lets players shoot webs like Spider-Man.
• Upload VR shares its XR News Round-Up, capturing minor yet significant industry updates.

Content Reviews

• “Trombone Champ: Unflattened” adapts the original game’s charm to VR, offering a delightful experience.

Other Industry Tidbits

• Miroslav Kotalík unveils Zero V2, his enhanced open AR glasses.
• ANNAPRO A2 strap enhances the comfort of Apple Vision Pro.
• PCVR market statistics indicate stagnation or slow growth.

Partner and Friend Updates

GroKit Core offers a low-code platform for rapid XR app development using Unity. It simplifies interactions, physics, and multiplayer features, allowing developers to focus on high-level coding. Check out Grokit Core for more details and tutorials.

XR Fun and Community

• Grab a Quest at an unbeatable price this Black Friday! (Humorous link)
• Trust me, they’re identical headsets! (Humorous link)
• It’s been too long since our last XR fail compilation. Enjoy! (Humorous link)

Charity Spotlight

While I’m not asking for blog donations this week, I encourage helping those affected by war. The Red Cross is aiding humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, and you can support them through the link below. Thank you so much to my Patreon supporters for your continued backing:

• [List of Patrons]

If you’d like to help, here’s where you can donate: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

(Header image courtesy of Upload VR)

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