I’m currently visiting China and finally got the chance to catch a spectacular New Year’s street show featuring the iconic dragon and tiger performances. It’s been a delightful visit, although I’ve consumed so much food I might just burst soon—what a way to go! As we usher in the Year of the Snake, let me extend my best wishes to all of you. Now, shifting gears, let’s dive into some of the top XR highlights from the past week! (UPDATE: Apologies for delivering this newsletter a couple of days late. I had to pause because I fell ill after getting halfway through it—not food-related, I assure you. Only today did I manage to get back to my computer and wrap things up. Re-reading my cheerful intro put a smile on my face, and I hope you all forgive the delay. Thanks for sticking around!)
Top News of the Week
(Image by Meta)
Meta’s Outstanding Q4 2024 Performance
Meta has shared its financial results for the last quarter of 2024, and there’s plenty to discuss. The standout news is Reality Labs hitting an all-time high with $1.08 billion in quarterly revenue, the highest ever for this Meta division. It’s customary for Meta’s revenues to spike in Q4 as the Quests make popular holiday gifts. Many clues pointed toward a successful Q4 like the Meta Quest app topping iOS store charts, over a million people enjoying Batman Arkham Shadow, and Quest being Amazon’s top-selling console in 2024. Despite a lukewarm period for MR/VR, the performance surpassed expectations, turning it into Meta Reality Labs’ record-breaking quarter.
A crucial factor we initially overlooked was the Ray-Ban Meta. Mark Zuckerberg revealed more than a million units sold in 2024, translating to over $300 million in revenue. Though it’s unclear how this revenue is divided between Meta and EssilorLuxottica, even a conservative estimate of Meta’s share contributes over $25 million quarterly. This insight suggests Quest revenues, after adjusting for Ray-Ban Meta/Stories earnings, might not have exceeded those of the previous year.
These figures highlight two important trends: firstly, the MR/VR sector, while not booming, remains active and is awaiting groundbreaking advancements; secondly, there’s burgeoning potential in the smartglasses market, albeit amid some over-hype. Zuckerberg is optimistic about future versions of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, with sales projected between two to five million units—an exciting prospect.
Zuckerberg is also positive about Horizon Worlds, which is seeing growth and will soon boast even more impressive visuals. While this pleases Meta’s top brass, there’s concern it could disadvantage developers relying on the Horizon Store.
Despite these promising figures, Meta’s expenditures are hefty, totaling $6.05 billion—their largest ever for a quarter. A significant portion is earmarked for R&D to edge out competitors in the consumer AR glasses race, while some likely result from selling hardware at a loss. Historical trends show that Meta’s increased sales often coincide with financial losses—a worrying sign. Road To VR notes that Meta has expended an astonishing $69 billion on Reality Labs since Q4 2020, yielding only $9.19 billion in returns. The financial burn isn’t over; Meta plans to continue hefty spending, anticipating returns only in the 2030s.
For more insights: Meta’s Q4 2024 Financials, Revenue Projections, Record Revenues and Losses, Batman Arkham Shadow, Ray-Ban Meta Sales, Horizon Worlds Enhancements.
Other Relevant News
(Image by iDrop News)
Apple’s Quest for the Right Glasses Strategy
Industry insider Marc Gurman reports that Apple remains committed to AR glasses, but the best operational path isn’t clear yet. Initially, Apple planned for AR glasses tethered to the iPhone, projecting a large virtual screen. However, these designs exhausted the phone battery, prompting a shift to Mac connectivity. After unsatisfactory testing trials, this approach was abandoned.
Nonetheless, Apple hasn’t abandoned AR glasses. Their team in a secretive Santa Clara facility is advancing microLED display technology for AR glasses, a promising development for XR’s future. Gurman notes that we might see Apple AR glasses as soon as 2028, possibly later.
Uncertainty in the project’s direction reportedly affects morale within Apple’s Vision Products Group, reflecting challenges faced when working in cutting-edge technology fields.
For further details: Apple’s MicroLED Developments, AR Glasses Plans.
Apple Vision Pro’s First Anniversary
The other day, my social feeds were buzzing with Apple fans celebrating the Vision Pro’s first birthday. It was a joyous occasion, so I hopped on the bandwagon to say: Happy Birthday, Apple Vision Pro! Thanks for sparking competition in the XR sphere and pushing rivals to accelerate their own XR initiatives!
For more: Birthday Celebrations.
News Worth a Mention
(Image by VRChat)
VRChat Rolls Out Age Verification
VRChat has introduced age verification for its VRC+ subscribers, who can verify their age either by providing official documents or a facial photo via Persona. While not mandatory, this allows entry into age-restricted worlds and showcases a badge proving the user is an adult. As the first major social VR platform implementing this feature, it will be interesting to see how the community responds. For months, users have complained about younger children disrupting their VR experience. Now there’s a way to differentiate adults, albeit at the cost of sharing personal data with an external company. Will VRChat users value a kid-free experience over their privacy, and will creators limit access to verified adults only? Only time will tell.
Extra insight: Personal data considerations at VRROOM were a discussed issue internally. It’ll be fascinating to see if earlier skepticism was justified.
For further reading: VRChat Age Verification.
XReal One vs. Apple Vision Pro: A New Comparison?
I’ve often hesitated to compare dissimilar devices, but Scott Stein’s XReal One glasses review got me thinking. The XReal One, praised for excellent virtual movie display capabilities, raises the question: If your primary need is a big virtual screen, why not opt for a more affordable and lightweight device over the $3,500 Vision Pro? Sure, the Vision Pro has its perks like a broader FOV and richer colors along with other functionalities, but the thought-provoking comparison merits consideration.
Discover more: Device Comparison.
New Tech Hits the Market
- Viture Pro XR Glasses: Viture’s latest, featuring 1920×1080 micro OLED displays, a 46° FOV, 49 PPD, and 120Hz, is priced at $459, with a $50 discount currently available.
For more info: Viture Glasses.
Logitech Pen’s XR Potential
While the Meta Quest lacks a Vive Tracker equivalent, developers typically use a Quest controller for XR object tracking. Now, the Logitech MX Ink pen has emerged as a promising alternative, as showcased in two fascinating videos this week. The Quest’s capability to track both pen and controllers simultaneously could lead to innovative applications.
Gratitude to Rob Cole and A.K. for sharing these resources.
To explore further: Logitech Pen Uses, Educational Applications.
Haptikos Aspires to Elevate XR Haptics
Sunnyvale and Athens-based startup Haptikos has emerged from stealth with an innovative hand exoskeleton prototype. Part of the Haptik OS ecosystem, the exoskeleton promises integrated finger tracking and haptic feedback to imitate various textures. Though the current prototype costs $2,500, the final product (targeted for release in 2026) is expected to retail for $1,000, making it more affordable than most existing XR glove options. Given my exposure to an early version at AWE, which already showcased promising results, I believe this team is on the right track.
Learn more: Haptikos Introduction.
Meta’s Stance on Leakers
Meta is intensifying efforts to curb leaks, vowing to dismiss any employee caught leaking. As Zuckerberg points out, continued transparency is at stake due to these leaks. Ironically, this statement itself came from a leaked meeting. Oh, the irony!
Discover more: Meta’s Internal Challenges.
Quest Passthrough Integrating ChatGPT
The mastermind behind optimizing Quest passthrough is now preparing an integration of the Meta Quest 3’s camera with OpenAI’s GPT-4o. The fusion of passthrough and AI harbors potential aplenty, and I’m eagerly anticipating the ensuing innovations!
For more details: Integration Developments.
More VR News
The VR sector faces ongoing challenges, reflected in recent updates. Orbus VR, the pioneering VR MMO since 2017, is closing. Fast Travel Games, a top VR studio, is laying off 30 staff due to underperformance in 2024 sales. Vertigo Games is selling its arcade platform Springboard VR to Synthesis VR for organizational efficiency.
For in-depth coverage: Orbus VR Shutdown, Fast Travel Games Layoffs, Springboard VR Acquisition.
Content-Related Updates
- COLD VR: New release set for February 11
- Aces of Thunder: Aerial combat VR game arriving on PSVR 2 and PC VR by 2025
- Demeo: New adaptation allows crossover with Dungeons & Dragons
- Cave Crave: Climb-inspired spelunking simulator, available for $13 on Horizon Store
- Trailblazer: Starring Daisy Ridley, coming to Quest in March
- Beyond Blue: After the Storm: Dive into VR ocean exploration, now in Meta Store for $15
- Darknet: Remastered version debuts on Quest for $9.99 on Horizon Store
- Craftrium: Create a virtual aquarium with your Apple Vision Pro
- Synth Riders: Exclusive Kendrick Lamar experience on Apple Vision Pro for Super Bowl LIX
- Farming Simulator VR: New VR experience hits Horizon Store on February 28
- Owlchemy Labs: Discounts on Vacation Simulator and Cosmonious High, now $19.99
- Ahoy!: An emotional storytelling entry on Apple Vision Pro
Stay updated: COLD VR Details, Aces of Thunder, Demeo Info, Cave Crave Preorder, Trailblazer Info, Beyond Blue Details, Darknet Release, Craftrium Details, Synth Riders, Farming Simulator VR, Owlchemy Deals, Ahoy! Review, XR News Round-Up.
Content Reviews
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Path of Fury: Episode I – Tetsuo’s Tower: An intriguing workout-packed rail shooter with an 80s action vibe, receiving a favorable preview from Road To VR.
- StageTime VR: A budding multiplayer karaoke experience boasting spatial audio gains praise for its potential.
For comprehensive insights: Path of Fury, StageTime VR.
Additional News
- VR Games Showcase is returning in March, featuring the largest XR Games lineup yet.
- Mindshow unveils a new virtual animation tool for enterprises.
- XR4Europe released reports on the XR environment across Europe.
- XR Bootcamp’s smartglasses comparison highlights market options.
- Quest’s v74 update grapples with UI challenges.
- Samsung’s "Beyond" trademark raises naming speculation.
- Astronauts express HTC headset’s value during isolation.
Further reading: March Showcase, Mindshow Tool, XR4Europe Reports, Smartglasses Comparison, Quest UI Update, Samsung Trademark, HTC Headset in Space.
Partner and Friend News
Google Blocks is reborn as Open Blocks! The Icosa Foundation, known for resurrecting TiltBrush as Open Brush, now launches Open Blocks, revitalizing Google Blocks’ discarded code. Following its initial release on Steam, Open Blocks is available on the Horizon Store and open source on GitHub—free and open forever. Moreover, Icosa Gallery is set to fill the void left by Google Poly, serving as a 3D object sharing platform. Hats off to Icosa’s incredible work!
Discover more: Open Blocks on Reddit, Open Blocks on Upload VR.
XR Fun
Check out this amusing misinterpretation of a cave simulator: Funny Link.
Support a Worthy Cause
In this final paragraph, I encourage you to support those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Please consider donating to the Red Cross to aid humanitarian efforts. A heartfelt thanks to my Patreon supporters for their unwavering encouragement and generosity.
Here’s where you can make a difference: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine.
(Header image by Meta)
