It’s the final day of the year, and as the chapter of 2024 closes, it’s a perfect moment to reflect. I’ve penned a couple of thoughtful blog posts looking back on my year in XR—both are packed with insights. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking them out. The first post covers my journeys to numerous XR events throughout the year, while the second delves into the state of XR in 2024, touching on the mix of positives and challenges we’ve faced. Beyond catching up on my musings and the news I’ll be sharing today, I hope you take time to celebrate this year’s end with your loved ones. Here’s wishing you an incredible 2025! 😊
Top News of the Week
Some Meta Quest Headsets Bricked This Christmas
This holiday season, some Meta Quest users experienced an unwelcome surprise when the V72 update allegedly bricked several devices. The problem mainly hit headsets that hadn’t seen updates in a while, requiring a cumulative one. These unlucky users were greeted by a boot screen announcing their device as corrupt and untrustable, a serious hindrance especially for those who had received the headsets as Christmas gifts or planned on holiday gaming.
Frustration quickly spilled over online, particularly since Meta was initially slow to respond due to the vacation season and even refused support for out-of-warranty headsets. Following numerous complaints, Meta stepped up, acknowledged the bug, and rolled out fixes along with support for effected devices, no matter the warranty status. Moreover, users still facing issues can request a free Quest 3S replacement with bonus credits for the Horizon Store. In hindsight, Meta handled the debacle well, yet once again, it highlights the risks of updating close to holiday periods when support staff are thin on the ground. A quick heads-up for future releases: be cautious with timing!
Further Reading: More info on the bricked Quest issue, the cursed boot screen, initial responses, Meta’s fix, and replacement offers.
Other Relevant News
Pimax Announces the Dream Air Compact Headset
Pimax, known for its frequent device launches, unveiled its latest creation: the Dream Air. Unlike the hefty Pimax headsets focused on wide FOV, this compact device aims at an audience interested in headsets like BigScreen Beyond and MeganeX.
Dream Air boasts features such as hand tracking, eye tracking, automatic IPD adjustment, and a novel auto-tightening strap for optimal comfort. An optional external puck, called Cobb, enables the headset to operate standalone-like with its battery and Snapdragon XR2 chip.
Specs from Road To VR include:
- Display: 2 × micro-OLED
- Resolution per-eye: 13MP (3,840 × 3,552)
- Max Refresh Rate: 90Hz
- Optics: Pancake
- Field-of-View: 102°H
The device might be on the higher end at $1900 with a mid-2025 release anticipated. Community responses are mixed; some are thrilled, others skeptical about Pimax’s prolific launching strategy. A video analysis suggests Pimax often aligns its product releases to the buzz in the PCVR community to capture market attention.
Whether Dream Air challenges rivals like MeganeX SuperLight 8K remains to be seen, but it represents Pimax’s exploration into markets prioritizing clarity and comfort. Will the Dream Air live up to expectations? We’ll have to wait and see!
Further Reading: More info on Pimax’s announcement, launch video, official page, FAQs, and strategic analysis.
Meta is Planning a Display for Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Ray-Ban Meta marked a high point in XR devices for 2024, prompting rumors of a new model featuring a display for notifications and AI responses. According to a Financial Times report, this inclusion could integrate into the “Ray-Ban Meta” line which, if Luxottica is involved, promises style and expansive distribution.
New Devices to Debut at CES
CES kicks off next week, and it’s brimming with anticipation! I’ll be attending to catch announcements like Sony’s "Create Infinite Realities" keynote and NVIDIA’s possibly unveiling RTX 50 series cards. Stay tuned to this blog for exclusive updates from the event.
Further Reading: More info on DPVR, Sony, and NVIDIA’s CES announcements.
News Worth a Mention
Meta Horizon App Tops Winter Downloads
This holiday, the Meta Horizon app soared in downloads, securing the top spot in various app stores, which signals strong Quest headset sales once again. That’s positive news for Meta!
Pico’s SecureMR Ensures Privacy with Passthrough APIs
Pico introduced SecureMR, a solution to offer passthrough functionality while protecting user privacy. Developers can provide ML models executed by Pico OS without camera frame access. Although technical savvy, its confines might be limiting if Meta offers more flexible API access next year.
Further Reading: More info on SecureMR and insights from Ivan Aguilar.
Magic Leap One Faces Shutdown
It’s unfortunate, but Magic Leap will soon shut down its servers, effectively bricking Magic Leap One headsets. Although the news was anticipated, it’s a major letdown for users who invested heavily in what was once a vision for creators.
Further Reading: Details on Magic Leap’s server shutdown.
Worldwide LiDAR Data Availability
Tokyo’s free point cloud data release has gone viral, encouraging exploration into other global LiDAR programs. Although not all share Tokyo’s precision, they offer valuable resources for areas like VPS and digital twins. Check the provided links if you’re interested.
Further Reading: Jess’s viral post and details on international LiDAR programs.
Road To VR’s Yearly Game Picks
The folks at Road To VR shared their top games of the year, with Batman: Arkham Shadow standing out for Quest. Dive in for some unexpected choices!
Further Reading: Info on Road To VR’s game selections.
Fanatical’s New VR Games Bundle
Fanatical’s “Build your own Quest VR Bundle Winter Edition” offers select titles at amazing discounts. Grab 2 games for $17.99, 4 for $34.99, or 7 for $59.99!
Further Reading: Bundle details.
Other Noteworthy Tidbits
- Samsung XR headset with Google’s Find My Device feature.
- Quest’s power-on animation is an actual 3D model, not a video.
News from Partners & Friends
With holidays in full swing, I extend warm wishes to you all. Enjoy this time and perhaps find a bit of festive spirit!
Some XR Fun
Check out these light-hearted links capturing the quirky side of tech and XR. From AI hitting a wall to humorous Meta observations—they’re sure to bring a smile.
Donate for Good
Rather than tipping me this week, let’s extend support to those affected by the Ukraine conflict. Consider donating to the Red Cross to aid humanitarian efforts. Below is a link for your generosity.
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Header image by Pimax)
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