The XR Weekly Roundup (January 15, 2025): XR Devices Stand Out at CES, Quest 3S Tops 2024 Console Sales, and More!

Returning to Italy after an unforgettable journey to CES, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the grandeur of the event. My entire body might be aching from all the hustle and bustle, but the thrill of the experience keeps me invigorated. As a tech enthusiast, blogger, and entrepreneur, every aspect of me has been thoroughly satisfied. Naturally, CES will dominate this week’s update, but there’s also other intriguing news not directly tied to the event. Let’s dive into it! (Also, apologies for the slight delay in getting this newsletter out—I got swamped with tasks upon returning from Las Vegas.)

Top News of the Week

Exciting Showcases of XR Technology at CES

CES stands as arguably the pinnacle of tech events each year, and it was invigorating to see a dedicated section for XR companies. Numerous figures from the XR sphere attended as well, highlighting the vibrancy of this niche industry. Among the showcased devices, smartglasses stole the spotlight, often featuring AI integrations, such as the Ray-Ban Meta or the Halliday glasses, which sport an impressively compact display. Goertek, a leading XR device manufacturer, unveiled new reference designs for AR and smart glasses, signaling more similar products from various companies. While there wasn’t any groundbreaking news unveiled at CES, significant announcements from industry giants like NVIDIA and Sony caught attention. NVIDIA introduced the RTX 50 graphics cards that promise to enhance PCVR performance, maintaining similar pricing to the 40 series, aside from the $2000 priced 5090. Additionally, NVIDIA’s GeForce Now cloud streaming service is coming to Quest, Pico, and Apple Vision Pro, allowing MR users to play flatscreen games on a massive virtual display.

On the other hand, Sony’s announcement of the XYN line—a suite of XR software and hardware aimed at creators—was somewhat vague. They introduced a new headset evolved from their previous enterprise model (now priced over $4000), but it was not available for public trials. The company also discussed dual Mocopi setup for precise body tracking and a fresh approach to scanning real-world objects for digital integration. Although the integration of these technologies remains unclear, Sony’s dedication to XR and digital worlds remains encouraging. HDMI also unveiled the new 2.2 standard with a staggering 96Gb/s bandwidth—perhaps a reason for headsets to reconsider utilizing this port type. I’ve penned quite a few articles about my CES experiences, including hands-on insights into devices like the Shiftall MeganeX SuperLight 8K, Ray-Ban Meta, and Pimax Crystal Super. Play For Dream headset emerged as a standout, with an eagerly awaited review on the horizon. Amanda Watson, whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time, also lauded this device. I’ve documented the entire XR area through video as well, linked for your viewing pleasure. CES might not have been groundbreaking for XR, but it was definitely rewarding.

More Key Developments

Meta Quest 3S Dominates Amazon’s Console Sales in 2024

A piece of news that truly thrilled me was learning about Meta Quest 3S’s massive success on Amazon US in 2024, emerging as the top-selling console—not just in VR but across all gaming categories through the entire year. It even claimed the third spot in overall sales within the Video Games category, which is quite an accomplishment, especially considering it was launched in October. Analyzing statistics, it appears the Quest 3S enjoyed a fantastic holiday season. Besides clinching Amazon’s top spot, last week I mentioned the Meta Horizon companion app for phones soaring on the Apple App Store charts. Furthermore, data around in-game achievements show Batman Arkham Shadow player numbers doubled around Christmas. Given that most Quest 3S owners try this compelling free game at least once, it’s fair to conclude that the device witnessed a sales spike during the festive period. While VR hasn’t entirely broken into the mainstream during the holidays, this uptick in users reflects another positive step forward for VR—a trend reflected consistently in holiday seasons.

Meta Pulls the Plug on Quest Pro

Meta has ceased the sale of its Quest Pro headset, signaling its discontinuation. While you can no longer purchase it from Meta’s website, the Touch Pro controllers remain available as they are compatible with other Quest models. Honestly, few will lament this move. The Quest Pro, hastily brought to market in reaction to concerns over Vision Pro, arrived with a hefty price tag and underwhelming execution. Initially priced at $1500, sluggish sales prompted a quick drop to $1000, sealing its fate as a rushed endeavor. At one point, Meta even handed out Quest Pros as freebies at a Roblox event, akin to handing out inexpensive keychains. I’ll miss the Quest Pro’s unique selling points, namely its eye and face tracking capabilities, which held promise for research applications. Tellingly, news broke shortly after of an ASUS headset with similar functionality—perhaps a deliberate leak to assure users of continued features in the Horizon ecosystem.

Newsworthies

ASUS ROG VR Headset Poised to Include Face Tracking

Notable leaker, Luna, has uncovered specs for the upcoming ASUS ROG VR headset, codenamed Tarius—a third-party device running HorizonOS. It’s set to incorporate eye and face tracking, with display options including QD-LCD with local dimming or micro OLED. Although specifics are sparse, the emergence of leaks is promising—it indicates progress for third-party Horizon headset projects.

Infinite Reality Secure a Monumental $3B Investment

Infinite Reality, targeting immersive web content via its WebXR-supported engine, has raised a staggering $3 billion to further its ambitions for the internet’s next iteration. This development sent ripples through the XR community, given the immense funding, comparable to half of what OpenAI recently raised. However, while OpenAI leads the charge in current startup landscapes, Infinite Reality’s market potential remains to be seen. Moreover, this sole investment stems from a private financier, likely from the Middle East—an individual seemingly determined to propel Infinite Reality’s growth.

Innovative New Approach to VR Locomotion

The “What The F” video of the week features a groundbreaking research project enabling movement within VR while lying supine. It involves a pedaling action with feet while on the floor, propelling users forward—a workout more intensive on the abs than expected. Watching this, I couldn’t help but wonder: why?

DotLumen Revolutionizes Mobility for the Visually Impaired

Speaking of aiding mobility, DotLumen has developed an ingenious headset for the visually impaired. By scanning the user’s surroundings, the device assists in guiding them safely around obstacles—a transformative advancement for those with vision challenges.

Meta Offers a $50 Discount on Quest 3S

In a special promotional offer, Meta is slashing $50 off its Quest 3S 256GB model, still bundled with Batman Arkham Shadow. Though this offer appears exclusive to Meta’s site, similar discounts are popping up among other retailers. It seems larger storage units hadn’t fared as well over the holiday, prompting Meta’s move to stimulate sales with this discount.

Sanzaru Sets Sights on Next Major Release

Sanzaru Games, famed for the Asgard’s Wrath series, is shifting efforts from Asgard’s Wrath 2, following its last content update, towards a new venture promising “AWESOME stuff.” Excitingly, this could involve mixed reality—an intriguing possibility given its affiliation with Meta.

Content Updates and Innovations

• Stress Level Zero is heralding in Boneworks for Quest 3 and teasing their next project.
• Synth Riders is rolling out an ‘80s Mixtape Side B pack—cue Rick Astley’s guffaw-inducing involvement.
• "Human Within," a narrative game pondering AI’s impact on humanity, debuts on Quest for €18.
• The fitness-inspired "Shardfall: FitQuest VR" now graces the Quest platform.
• Upcoming is "Detective VR," a narrative-driven mixed reality game, expected February 27 for Quest 3 and 3S.
• "Chrono Weaver" brings a time-travel puzzle adventure to quest and Steam for €23.
• Following a recent update, "I Am Security" has surged into Quest’s top-sellers, building on a legacy of the indie studio’s hit, "I Am Cat."
• "Dawn of Jets," a VR aerial combat game featuring an interactive cockpit, enters early access on Quest.
• "Virtual Hunter," an expansive PC VR hunting game, reaches full release on January 15.

Content Reviews

• "Epyka" delivers an immersive puzzle-adventure experience with stellar visuals and sound, albeit somewhat short-lived.
• "Pirates VR: Jolly Roger" dazzles with vibrant adventures but falls short with gameplay mechanics.
• "Shardfall: FitQuest VR" offers a pleasing fitness experience reminiscent of Ring Fit Adventure.
• "Gears & Goo," a tower defense game on Apple Vision Pro, promises excitement with well-considered control mechanics.

Additional Tidbits

• A Redditor’s cool VR combat addon for Oculus Touch controllers deserves a nod.
• A film adaptation of "Exit 8" is underway—I’m curious how they’ll enhance the story.
• Road To VR’s first glance at Surreal Touch Controllers stirs anticipation.
• "Minecraft" with 100 mods sporting full-body tracking is a VR must-see.

Partner (and Friend) News

Massive shoutout to Tyriel Wood, my CES 2025 ally, and his must-see XR-centric YouTube channel. Stay tuned for his latest CES insights and updates!

Some Fun with XR

• Someone actually tried driving a truck in mixed reality—a truly amusing feat.
• A seemingly over-paranoid Gemini. Hilarious bit coming your way.
• Witness the ultimate VR experience every child truly deserves, without exaggeration.
• Every Steam Sale unveiling can’t escape this classic reaction. Laugh along!
• This AI’s realism will leave you in stitches. Check it out!
• Neo! We’ve seen enough. Inquire within.

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