As we wrap up the year, it’s a time for reflecting on what has passed and looking toward what’s to come. I’ve been musing over my experiences in XR throughout 2024 and have penned a couple of insightful pieces that I recommend checking out. In one, I delve into the diverse XR events I attended this year, while in the other, I explore the ups and downs of XR as it stands now. I hope you get a chance to ponder these thoughts and catch up on any news mentioned here. Most importantly, enjoy ringing in 2025 with those dear to you. Here’s to an extraordinary new year! 😊
Top news of the week
Some Meta Quest headsets got bricked this Christmas
This holiday season, the new v72 update for Meta Quest caused a fair bit of chaos as it led to some headsets malfunctioning. Particularly affected were those units requiring cumulative updates due to being out-of-date. Unhappily, users encountered a screen indicating the device was corrupt, just when many wanted to enjoy their new gifts or family game time during Christmas. Understandably, online forums buzzed with frustrated voices. Initially, Meta’s response was sluggish, largely because the issue struck during holidays when staff was away. Customer service initially refused help for headsets out of warranty. However, after sustained complaints, Meta acknowledged the glitch, issued a patch, and even offered support to repair affected devices, out of warranty included. Furthermore, they are providing a free Quest 3S, along with Horizon Store credits, to those still facing issues. Meta’s eventual response was commendable, though it begs the question of why such updates are released during festive times when support staff is scarce. Let’s hope this serves as a learning curve for future releases.
Pimax announces Dream Air compact headset
True to its style of frequent announcements, Pimax has unveiled the Dream Air headset this week. Unlike its other models known for bulky designs and wide FOV, Dream Air aims to attract users who appreciate compact devices like BigScreen Beyond, Visor, or MeganeX. This headset is loaded with intriguing features like hand and eye tracking, automatic IPD adjustment, and a unique self-tightening strap for optimal comfort.
Dream Air can morph into a semi-standalone gadget via an external puck called Cobb, which includes a battery and Snapdragon XR2 chip. Road To VR shares some specs: it features dual micro-OLED displays, high resolution, and an anticipated price tag of $1,900, slated for a mid-2025 release. Pimax assures a parallel production with Crystal Super, indicating they won’t delay this project, though past patterns suggest otherwise.
Reactions to the Dream Air range from excitement to skepticism. Some in the community wonder about Pimax’s penchant for swift releases. There’s an interesting theory that Pimax strategically intercepts market excitement for upcoming products by releasing competitive offerings, albeit with more features and lower prices—even if timelines often overshoot.
Dream Air might be Pimax’s answer to the burgeoning interest in MeganeX SuperLight 8K, meant to test demand among prosumers seeking clarity and convenience over raw FOV. As always, I’ll keep tabs on this development.
Meta is reportedly adding a display to its Ray-Ban Meta glasses
2024 was a triumph for the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and rumor has it that Meta is already enhancing this line with a display for quick notifications and AI interaction. Previous reports hinted at challenges, like bulkiness concerns from Luxottica, Ray-Ban’s parent company. However, if this new iteration indeed rolls under the Ray-Ban Meta brand, their style and wide distribution could foresee a significant market impact.
New devices are going to be announced at CES
CES, one of the tech industry’s mega-events, is just around the corner, and I’ll be there to soak up the latest XR innovations. With teases from Sony about ‘Creating Infinite Realities,’ a DPVR mystery product, and possibly NVIDIA unveiling RTX 50 series cards, it’s shaping up to be an exciting showcase. I’ll keep you posted right here on what unfolds!
News worth a mention
Meta Horizon app among top downloads
The Meta Horizon app, essential for setting up Quest headsets, once again soared to the top of app store charts over the holidays. It’s a promising sign of strong sales and market penetration for the Quest lineup.
Pico’s SecureMR offers privacy with passthrough APIs
Pico has introduced SecureMR, a clever solution for enabling passthrough analysis that also safeguards user privacy. While the system limits developers from direct camera data access in favor of an ML model, it offers a consumer-friendly privacy guarantee—a balancing act that’s tech-savvy yet potentially restrictive. Depending on Meta’s upcoming passthrough APIs, SecureMR’s reception and utility could pivot quickly.
Magic Leap One set to be bricked
Fans of Magic Leap One, brace yourselves as its servers are about to shut down, effectively rendering the device inoperable. This means all the innovative experiences crafted on these headsets might be lost—a poignant reminder of the risk inherent in early adoption of emerging technologies.
Worldwide LiDAR data availability
Recently, Tokyo offered public LiDAR data on its cityscape, prompting a broader discussion about similar data availability globally. Countries like the US, France, and Germany provide access to such resources, proving useful for companies in VPS and digital twin domains.
Road To VR’s game of the year picks
Road To VR has revealed its picks for the year’s standout games. Batman: Arkham Shadow clinched the best Quest game spot, but there are more notable mentions worth checking out.
Fanatical’s new VR game bundle
Fanatical’s “Build your own Quest VR Bundle Winter Edition” offers excellent deals on quality games. With various pricing tiers, there’s a lot here for eager gamers to snag at a good value.
Game content updates
Warpfrog revealed they’re developing a new, mod-friendly game, while “Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable” has just launched its complete edition to mixed reviews from critics but delight from franchise enthusiasts. Also, “Game Night” promises fun local multiplayer on Quest, blending mental puzzles with physical challenges.
Other updates
Among the headlines, Samsung’s XR headset features Google’s Find My Device function, and a humorous discovery shows the Quest’s startup animation is rendered live in 3D.
News from partners (and friends)
This festive season, I didn’t receive specific requests for shout-outs. Instead, I’ll use this moment to wish everyone joyful holidays. Spread cheer with this link to some holiday magic!
Fun and memes in XR
Check out some lighthearted takes from the XR community, including humorous posts about AI, parties, and Meta’s quirks, along with a tongue-in-cheek look at Pimax’s designs.
A call to donate for good
Reflecting the current global climate, I urge you to consider supporting the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine through the Red Cross. Thank you to all my Patreon contributors who make this blog possible and support these vital causes. If you wish to contribute, here’s the link:
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image by Pimax)
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