I’m making a brief stop back in China, and I’m thrilled to have caught a street performance for the New Year featuring a classic face-off between a dragon and a tiger. The visit has been delightful, though I’m indulging in so much fantastic food that I feel like I might burst soon—a satisfying way to go, indeed! As we step into the Year of the Snake, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to all of you and share the most exciting XR news from the past week. (UPDATE: This post is going out later than planned—two days, to be exact—because I was laid low by an illness for a couple of days after writing the first half. Only today have I managed to get back to my computer, revisit this piece, and finish it up. That cheerful introduction made me smile all over again. Apologies for the delay and hope you’ll still stick with me!)
Top Stories of the Week
Meta Wraps Up Strong Q4 2024
Meta reported its financials for the last quarter of 2024, revealing some stellar yet thought-provoking figures. The bright spot is that Reality Labs hit a record $1.08 billion in revenue—a big win for Meta. The holiday season typically boosts Meta sales, with the Quest devices being popular gifts. Signs pointed to a successful quarter, with indicators like the Meta Quest app topping iOS charts, over a million users engaging with Batman Arkham Shadow, and the Quest being Amazon’s best-selling console of 2024. Yet, despite the MR/VR market’s current stagnation, the Q4 performance exceeded expectations for Meta Reality Labs.
Interestingly, we overlooked the impact of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Mark Zuckerberg announced over a million units sold in 2024, generating $300M revenue. Even a conservative estimate of Meta’s share (30%) adds over $100M in annual revenue. Subtracting Ray-Ban’s contribution leaves Quest-related revenues below or at par with the previous year (an exact comparison would require last year’s Ray-Ban revenues for context).
To me, this suggests that while MR/VR isn’t dead and shows slight growth, it’s awaiting a major innovation to truly leap forward. Meanwhile, smart glasses are gaining traction, albeit amid some hype. Zuckerberg is optimistic about the next Ray-Ban Meta models selling 2 to 5 million units—a significant increase.
Zuckerberg is also hopeful about Horizon Worlds, noting its user growth and upcoming visual enhancements. These improvements align with Horizon OS’s design, steering users to Horizon Worlds—a win for Meta’s execs but a challenge for indie developers on the Horizon Store.
A factor to weigh with Meta’s glowing numbers: their expenses were also high—$6.05 billion, marking their largest quarterly cost. This includes heavy R&D spending to lead the AR glasses market and likely selling hardware below production cost. Historically, Meta Reality Labs’ financials show that increasing sales corresponds with higher losses—a concerning trend for long-term business health.
As Road To VR highlighted, "Meta has spent approximately $69 billion on Reality Labs since Q4 2020 but earned only $9.19 billion in that period." The spending won’t taper off anytime soon; Meta is set to invest heavily, anticipating returns starting in the 2030s.
Additional Info: Meta’s Q4 financial report | Leaked memo foretold strong revenues | Record revenues and losses for Reality Labs | 1M players on Batman Arkham Shadow | Ray-Ban Meta’s milestone | Horizon Worlds’ future
Other Significant News
Apple’s AR Glasses Strategy in Evolution
According to insider Marc Gurman, Apple remains keen on AR glasses, though its strategic path forward is unclear. Gurman reports that Apple scrapped certain tethered AR glasses due to excessive battery drain when linked to an iPhone, favoring a Mac connection instead. Feedback from early tests was negative, leading to the cancellation of the initiative.
Yet, Apple isn’t stepping back from AR glasses. They have a team working in Santa Clara on microLED displays, potentially for future AR glasses. MicroLEDs hold promise for XR’s future. Apple projects a launch of AR glasses in 2028 at the earliest, perhaps later.
Despite these changes, there’s reportedly a sentiment of uncertain direction among members of Apple’s Vision Products Group, impacting morale. Navigating the realm of innovative tech is complex and sometimes frustrating—but the payoff can be significant.
Further Details: Apple’s microLED project | Cancelation of AR glasses plans
Happy First Birthday, Apple Vision Pro!
Recently, my social feed was filled with Apple enthusiasts celebrating the Vision Pro’s birthday. Feeling festive, I joined in to wish a happy anniversary to Apple Vision Pro. It’s sparked healthy competition within the XR industry and pushed other companies to ramp up their own XR initiatives!
Additional Wishes: Birthday Message 1 | Birthday Message 2 | Birthday Message 3 | Birthday Message 4
Notable Mentions
VRChat Rolls Out Age Verification
VRChat has introduced an age verification feature for VRC+ subscribers. Through Partner Persona, subscribers can verify their age using official ID documents or a facial photo. While optional, verification grants access to age-restricted areas and an “adult” badge. As the first major VR social platform to implement this, it’ll be interesting to see user reactions. An enduring complaint has been disruptive, younger players—but now that adults can be distinguished, will people share personal data with a third party to achieve this privacy, or prioritize data security? Given the limited user base for this feature, will content creators insist on age verification? Only time will reveal these outcomes.
More Insights: Explore Further
XReal One Glasses and the Apple Vision Pro
While comparing different devices can be tricky, Scott Stein’s review of the XReal One glasses did make me pause. Known for delivering a great movie-watching experience, the XReal One offers a pragmatic alternative to the much pricier Vision Pro—given Vision Pro’s marketing as an immersive screen, why spend $3500 when the XReal One, a more specialized, lightweight option, exists? Sure, Vision Pro boasts a larger field of view, vibrant colors, and versatility. But it’s food for thought!
More Info: Get More Details
Viture’s Pro XR Glasses Hit the Market
Viture has launched its Pro XR glasses, bringing you dual 1920×1080 micro OLED screens, a 46° FOV, 49 PPD, and a smooth 120Hz rate. They’re priced at $459, with a $50 discount currently available.
Purchase Details: Find Out More
Discovering the Logitech Pen for Meta Quest
Unlike the Vive Tracker, Meta Quest doesn’t have a direct tracking equivalent, and developers usually resort to using a Quest controller for object tracking. Enter the Logitech MX Ink Pen, which presents a new alternative for the Meta Quest. Recent videos showed the pen’s ability to track objects, providing a fascinating glimpse into potential applications. The Quest can simultaneously track both controllers and the pen, allowing users to hold tracked objects while retaining two controllers. Community-created innovations? Exciting times ahead!
Video Links: Weapon Tracker Video | Educational Use Video
Introducing Haptikos’ XR Haptics Entrant
The burgeoning startup Haptikos, with bases in Sunnyvale and Athens, recently emerged from stealth mode, revealing its prototype hand exoskeleton. The device is part of their Haptik OS ecosystem, encompassing integrated hardware and software for finger tracking and haptic feedback. The gloves, costing $2500 in prototype form, aim for a $1000 retail price in 2026, significantly underpricing other XR glove solutions. Having tried an early version at AWE, I can vouch for their promising trajectory.
More Insight: Learn More Here
Meta Tightens Security Against Leaks
Meta has decided to crack down on leaks, pledging to dismiss anyone caught leaking information. Zuckerberg mentioned that due to constant leaks, he’s opting for less transparency moving forward. The irony? This disclosure itself was leaked from the very meeting it was announced in.
Source Details: Click Here
Quest Passthrough and GPT-4 Integration
Jonathan, who discovered the best method for accessing Quest passthrough, is set to unveil an integration of Meta Quest 3’s camera with OpenAI GPT-4o. Utilizing passthrough coupled with AI holds immense promise; I’m eagerly awaiting its release.
Discover More: Additional Information
A Challenging Period for VR
Unfortunately, the VR sector continues to face hurdles, as evidenced by this week’s news. Orbus VR, the inaugural VR MMO dating back to 2017, is closing. Fast Travel Games, a leading developer, announced 30 layoffs due to underwhelming 2024 sales. Furthermore, Vertigo Games is parting with their arcade division Springboard VR to Synthesis VR to streamline operations.
Further Reading: Orbus VR Closure | Fast Travel Games Layoffs | Springboard VR Acquisition
Content Updates
A set of exciting updates for content enthusiasts:
- COLD VR is premiering on February 11.
- Aces of Thunder, an aerial VR combat game, is coming to PSVR 2 and PC VR in 2025.
- Demeo meets Dungeons & Dragons in a new game titled DEMEO X DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: BATTLEMARKED, separate from Demeo as a DLC.
- Cave Crave, a Climb-inspired spelunking simulator, is on pre-order for $13 from the Horizon Store and promises a claustrophobic experience.
- Daisy Ridley stars in Trailblazer: The Untold Story of Mrs. Benz, recounting Bertha Benz’s legacy. Expect it on Quest in March.
- Beyond Blue: After the Storm, a follow-up to 2020’s flatscreen game, is now on the Meta Store for $15, offering an immersive ocean exploration.
- Darknet: Remastered has upgraded from its classic Quest version, now available for $9.99 on the Horizon Store.
- Craft a spatial aquarium with Craftrium for Apple Vision Pro—for free!
- Synth Riders hosts a Kendrick Lamar Exclusive for Super Bowl LIX next month, initially an Apple Vision Pro exclusive.
- Having a new farming adventure in Farming Simulator VR, launching February 28 on the Horizon Store.
- Permanent price cuts for Owlchemy Labs’ Vacation Simulator and Cosmonious High to $19.99 across Meta, Steam, Pico, and Apple platforms.
- Ahoy!, a deeply emotional storytelling endeavor, lands on Apple Vision Pro.
Further Content Details: COLD VR | Aces Of Thunder | Demeo | Cave Crave | Trailblazer | Beyond Blue: After The Storm | Darknet Remastered | Craftrium | Synth Riders | Farming Simulator VR | Owlchemy Labs Discounts | Ahoy
Review Highlights
- Path of Fury: Episode I — Tetsuo’s Tower shows potential according to Road To VR. While it follows a set path, it provides an engaging 80s-themed workout.
- StageTime VR seems like a promising multiplayer karaoke platform. It’s still early days, but features like spatial audio make us optimistic about its prospects.
More Reviews: Tetsuo’s Tower | StageTime VR
Other News
- The VR Games Showcase is back in March, featuring an impressive lineup of XR releases.
- Animation tool Mindshow reveals a new enterprise-focused virtual animation utility.
- XR4Europe maps the XR landscape across various European nations in recent reports.
- XR Bootcamp shares an in-depth comparison of the smartglasses market.
Learn More: Showcase and Compare| Animation Tool | XR4Europe Reports | Smartglass Comparison
- The latest Quest v74 update struggles but manages to worsen the existing UI.
- Samsung trademarks the name “Beyond,” though there’s a good chance it won’t overlap with another headset’s name.
Discover More: Quest Update | Samsung Beyond Trademark
- Astronauts share how using HTC headsets helps alleviate feelings of isolation in space.
Source: Read More
Friends and Partners Updates
Hooray for Google Blocks’ rebirth as Open Blocks!
The Icosa Foundation resurrected the defunct TiltBrush under the Open Brush name, doing the same for Google Blocks now called Open Blocks leveraging its original code base. Available on the Horizon Store, it’s free, open source, and available on GitHub. And about Google Poly? Icosa is crafting a spiritual successor, Icosa Gallery. Icosa’s work is worth applause.
Explore Further: Reddit Post | Upload VR Announcement
A Bit of Fun with XR
A simulator for spelunking adventures has humorous potential. Check it Out.
Consider Donating for Good Causes
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I am eternally grateful to all my Patreon supporters. Your backing allows me to do this work:
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