After an incredible time at CES, I’m back in Italy, brimming with excitement from the event. Attending CES was a dream come true, and while the trip left me physically exhausted, the experience was worth every ache and pain. It was a unique opportunity for me as a blogger, an XR enthusiast, and an entrepreneur. I can’t wait to delve into the main highlights of CES in this week’s roundup, along with a few other intriguing updates that caught my attention recently. Let’s dive right in! (Apologies for the newsletter delay – the post-CES rush kept me more occupied than expected back from Las Vegas.)
Top News of the Week
The tech buzz this week was predominantly centered around CES, the colossal tech event of the year. It was particularly encouraging to see a devoted space for XR companies there, with a notable presence of XR enthusiasts and innovators, underscoring the vitality of this still-niche sector. The overwhelming spotlight was on smart glasses, especially those entwined with AI. We saw futuristic entries like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses and the Halliday glasses, both providing advancements in display technology. Industry heavyweight Goertek also introduced intriguing new designs for both smart and AR glasses, signaling an uptick in innovation in this category.
While CES did not present any groundbreaking announcements for the XR field, notable mentions from tech giants NVIDIA and Sony during their keynotes stirred interest. NVIDIA unveiled its RTX 50 graphics cards, boosting PCVR performance significantly, with prices parallel to the previous 40 series, save for the premium $2000 5090 model. They also expanded their Geforce Now service to Quest, Pico, and Apple Vision Pro, enabling MR users to enjoy flat-screen games on vast virtual displays.
Sony’s announcement was both enticing and cryptic, revealing their new XYN line dedicated to creatives, with hints of advanced hardware and software offerings, though details were sparse. Their showcase included a mysterious new headset and advancements in object scanning and body tracking technologies. Although specifics remain vague, Sony’s commitment to XR and digital ecosystems remains promising.
Furthermore, HDMI’s new 2.2 standard introduces a massive 96Gb/s bandwidth. This might tempt a resurgence in its adoption for VR headsets. While at CES, I managed to get hands-on with several devices, including the Shiftall MeganeX SuperLight 8K, Ray-Ban Meta, and the Pimax Crystal Super. I must say, the Play For Dream headset particularly impressed me, earning accolades from fellow attendees like Amanda Watson. For those who couldn’t attend, I’ve recorded a comprehensive video tour of the XR area, which I’ll link below. Despite not being earth-shattering, CES proved to be a fruitful venture for XR innovations.
Other Noteworthy News
In other exciting developments, the Meta Quest 3S has clinched the title of the best-selling console on Amazon US for 2024. Astonishingly, it became the third most-purchased product in the entire Video Games category, just a few months after its October launch. The numbers suggest it had a stellar holiday sales period, marked by a surge in games like Batman Arkham Shadow, hinting at a festive uptick in Quest 3S popularity.
Meta’s decision to discontinue the Quest Pro, its pricier headset tailored for professionals, also made headlines. This wasn’t much of a shocker, seeing as the Quest Pro struggled against an ever-advancing market, showcased by its drastic price drop soon after launch. The headset, although now off the market, leaves a gap in Meta’s product line, particularly for its eye and face tracking capabilities, which were unique features of the Quest Pro.
Highlights Worth Mentioning
A leak suggests ASUS’s upcoming ROG VR headset, working under the codename Tarius, will feature cutting-edge eye and face tracking technology. Though details are few, the mere existence of such leaks is a positive indicator that this promising project is progressing well.
In the XR business realm, Infinite Reality stunned the community by raising a staggering $3 billion for their WebXR content engine, a financial feat rare outside of titans like OpenAI. The investment, curiously enough, comes from a single backer, perhaps hinting at ambitions as vast as the sum itself.
Research into virtual locomotion continues to pioneer fascinating concepts, the latest being a VR walking simulation that involves a cycling motion while lying supine. As intriguing as it is peculiar, it raises the question, “But why?”
On the topic of mobility, DotLumen introduced an inspiring initiative for the visually impaired by creating a headset equipped to guide users through obstacles, a technological leap that could vastly improve their daily lives.
Meta has also announced a $50 price cut on the Quest 3S 256GB model, bundled with Batman Arkham Shadow, offering an attractive deal likely aimed at bolstering sales.
In the gaming development scene, Sanzaru Games shifts its focus beyond the beloved Asgard’s Wrath, teasing "some AWESOME stuff" on the horizon. Speculations abound, perhaps hinting at a foray into mixed reality spaces.
Content Roundup
The content lineup brings exciting developments: Stress Level Zero is bringing Boneworks to Quest 3, and Synth Riders offers a nostalgic twist with its new ‘80s Mixtape pack. New releases like the story-driven Human Within and fitness-centric Shardfall: FitQuest VR debut on Quest, while Detective VR prepares for its February launch. Chrono Weaver, a VR time-travel puzzle, is available now alongside dynamic gaming experiences like Virtual Hunter and I Am Security topping the charts.
Miscellaneous Reviews
Among the recent reviews, Epyka delivers a captivating, albeit brief, puzzle-adventure, while Pirates VR brings colorful, albeit somewhat flawed, gameplay. The engaging fitness journey of Shardfall reminds players of titles like Ring Fit Adventure, and Gears & Goo offers an immersive tower defense experience on Apple Vision Pro with intuitive controls.
Additional Tidbits
From a VR combat addon for Oculus Touch controllers to a film adaptation of Exit 8, there’s no shortage of innovation. Surreal Touch controllers offer a promising new input method while an introduction to Lens Studio promises to enrich Unity developers exploring AR.
Partners and XR Humor
Before I sign off, a quick shoutout to Tyriel Wood, who’s been my CES buddy and a great source for XR insights. Check out his YouTube content—trust me, you’ll find his videos both informative and entertaining.
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