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I made a quick trip back to China just in time to catch an amazing street show celebrating the new year, featuring the iconic dragon and tiger figures. I’m absolutely enjoying myself here, though I might burst soon from all the incredible food I’m indulging in! Honestly, could there be a better way to go? Wishing everyone a fantastic Year of the Snake as I jump into some of the most exciting XR happenings from the past week! (UPDATE: This post is coming out a bit late, as I was stuck in bed with an unexpected illness for a couple of days after beginning the draft—not food poisoning, thankfully! Seeing this cheerful start now really lifts my spirits. Apologies for the delay, and I hope you’ll forgive me!)
Top News of the Week
Meta’s Successful Q4 2024
Meta recently revealed its financial results for the last quarter of 2024, and they’re looking fantastic. However, there are a few points worth delving into. Reality Labs hit an all-time high with $1.08 billion in quarterly revenue, which marks the division’s best performance to date. Typically, Meta’s revenue spikes in Q4, as Quests make for popular holiday presents. All signs pointed to another strong performance this Q4, with the Meta Quest app ranking as the top download on the iOS store, and over a million people diving into Batman Arkham Shadow. Plus, the Quest emerged as the best-selling console on Amazon for 2024. Still, in such a challenging moment for MR/VR, no one could predict this quarter would surpass all others for Meta Reality Labs.
A crucial factor not factored in was the success of Ray-Ban Meta. According to Zuckerberg, Meta sold more than a million units, bringing in over $300M in revenue. Although the revenue division between Meta and EssilorLuxottica isn’t clear, even if Meta claimed just 30%, it would still account for over $100 million annually, translating to more than $25 million per quarter. If you subtract the Ray-Ban Meta sales from the $1.08 billion, the Quest-related revenue doesn’t quite surpass last year’s results (a more precise calculation would also need last year’s Ray-Ban Meta/Stories results deducted).
This reveals two trends: the MR/VR market is far from dead—it’s alive and slowly growing, even if currently stagnant, awaiting groundbreaking innovation. Moreover, the smartglasses market is starting to show significant promise, despite what might be excessive hype. Zuckerberg is particularly excited about Ray-Ban Meta, predicting the next iteration might sell 2 to 5 million units, which would be remarkable.
Zuckerberg also showed optimism for Horizon Worlds, highlighting growth in its user base and foreseeing an even more visually stunning platform this year. However, this success could cause friction, as Horizon OS is designed to draw users to Horizon Worlds at the expense of third-party developers on the Horizon Store.
While the revenue figures shine brightly, Meta also faced substantial costs of $6.05 billion, marking their highest quarterly expenditure. Much of this goes to R&D, racing to develop the first consumer AR glasses, alongside selling devices at a loss. Historically, the more Meta sells, the more it loses—raising concerns about the sustainability of this business model. According to Road To VR, “Meta has spent a staggering $69 billion on Reality Labs since Q4 2020, yet only generated $9.19 billion in the same timeframe.” This high spending is set to continue and even increase, with Meta projecting returns only by the 2030s.
Want to explore further? (Meta financial report, leaked memo about revenues, Meta Reality Labs financials, Batman Arkham Shadow success, Ray-Ban Meta sales, advancements in Horizon Worlds)
Other Relevant News
Apple’s Ongoing Search for the Perfect Glasses Strategy
Apple’s persistent pursuit of AR glasses continues, but it appears they’re still ironing out the best approach, according to the ever-reliable Marc Gurman. Recently, plans for tethered AR glasses connecting to an iPhone were shelved due to excessive phone battery drainage. A switch to a Mac connection also fell flat in early testing phases, resulting in the project being scrapped entirely.
Apple remains committed to its AR glasses vision, and teams at a “secretive facility” in Santa Clara are crafting microLED displays for future XR applications. These displays promise a huge leap forward. Despite the setbacks, Apple tentatively projects their glasses might see daylight in 2028—or maybe even later.
Gurman mentions internal rumblings within Apple’s Vision Products Group over perceived lack of focus, potentially denting team morale—a testament to the challenging nature of pioneering tech development. Trust me, breakthroughs can often feel like a rough ride before they pay off!
Dive deeper into the details (Apple’s microLED focus, AR glasses cancellation)
One Year Celebration for Apple Vision Pro!
Scrolling through my X feed recently, I stumbled upon droves of Apple admirers congratulating the Vision Pro on its first birthday. I couldn’t resist hopping on the celebratory bandwagon. Happy Birthday, Apple Vision Pro! It’s because of you that the XR race has become a lot more exciting, prompting other players to quicken their pace!
Join in on the celebration (Birthday shout outs)
News Worth a Mention
VRChat Introduces Age Verification
Now, VRChat VRC+ users have the option to verify their age through Persona, by uploading an official document or a selfie. While it’s not mandatory, age verification allows access to age-restricted worlds and flaunts an adult badge.
This initiative makes VRChat the first major social VR platform to roll out such a feature, sparking curiosity about its impact. Users have long been plagued by pesky young users disrupting their experience, but so far, separating adults from kids was impossible. Now, the solution’s here—but it involves personal data sharing with an external company. Will users swap some privacy to escape disruptions? And with limited verified users, how many creators will design 18+ exclusive worlds? Only time will tell.
Personally, back at VRROOM, I pitched a similar solution, facing resistance over sharing documents merely for age verification. I’m eager to see if I gauged it correctly!
Check out more information
XReal One vs. Apple Vision Pro?
While comparing gadgets sometimes feels awkward, Scott Stein’s review of the XReal One glasses had me pondering. XReal One shines when used for movie viewing, much to the delight of reviewers like Scott Stein and Tyriel Wood. Apple’s Vision Pro is marketed precisely for having an impressive screen experience… but why not opt for a more affordable, lightweight device like the XReal One if movie-watching is your primary goal? Of course, the Vision Pro boasts a broader FOV, better color, and versatile uses, but let’s ponder this a bit…
Take a closer look
Viture’s New Pro XR Glasses Launch
Viture’s latest creation, the Pro XR glasses, boast 1920×1080 micro OLED displays, a 46° FOV, 49 PPD, and 120Hz. They’re available for $459, and buyers can snag a $50 discount if they act fast.
Learn more about the specs
Logitech Pen as a Quest Tracker
Finding a Vive Tracker equivalent for Meta Quest has been challenging until now. Enter the Logitech MX Ink Pen—an alternative that tracks objects effectively with Meta Quest. Recent videos showcased the pen tracking, with both controllers and pen manageable simultaneously, generating great interest.
It’s exciting to anticipate the creativity this inspires in our community. Kudos to Rob Cole and A.K. for providing useful video links!
More about Logitech Pen’s use (Weapon controller demo, Educational experiments)
Haptikos: New Haptics Player in the XR Game
Startup Haptikos, based in Sunnyvale and Athens, just emerged from stealth, presenting a hand exoskeleton prototype. Part of the Haptik OS ecosystem, the device enables finger tracking and haptic sensations, recreating textures where contact is made. Currently $2500, the finalized 2026 version plans to retail for $1000—definitely competitive among XR gloves.
Having tried an early model at AWE, I can vouch for its impressive capabilities—an interesting player to watch!
Find out more
Meta’s Crackdown on Leakers
Meta is cracking down on leaks, vowing to terminate anyone responsible. Zuckerberg lamented reduced transparency due to leaks, admitting, "It sucks" as even the meeting discussing this was leaked. Ah, irony at its finest.
Discover more
Quest Passthrough Meets ChatGPT
The genius behind Quest passthrough has another trick up his sleeve, aiming to integrate Meta Quest 3’s camera with OpenAI GPT-4o. This blend of AI and passthrough promises exponential potential, and I’m eager for its release!
Read more
VR’s Tough Week: More Bad News
The VR sector sees continued challenges as this week’s updates indicate. Orbus VR, a pioneer since 2017, is shutting down. Fast Travel Games is cutting 30 jobs amidst 2024 sales shortages. Vertigo Games offloads its arcade platform Springboard VR to Synthesis VR to streamline operations.
Further details available (Orbus VR closure, Fast Travel Games layoffs, Springboard VR sale)
New Game Content Announcements
COLD VR is gearing for a February 11 release.
Aces of Thunder, a VR aerial combat game, is slated for PSVR 2 and PC VR headsets in 2025.
DEMEBO X DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: BATTLEMARKED, a new adaptation, is incoming but serves as a standalone rather than a Demeo DLC.
Cave Crave, a spelunking simulation, is available for pre-order on the Horizon Store for $13.
Daisy Ridley stars in VR storytelling experience Trailblazer, arriving on Quest in March, spotlighting Bertha Benz’s automotive feats.
Beyond Blue: After the Storm, a VR exploration of the ocean, debuts on the Meta Store for $15.
Classic Darknet transitions to Quest with Darknet: Remastered, priced at $9.99 on the Horizon Store.
Craftrium offers a free spatial aquarium setup for Apple’s Vision Pro.
Synth Riders launches a Super Bowl LIX Kendrick Lamar Experience exclusively on Apple Vision Pro.
Farming Simulator VR, an original VR farming experience, hits the Horizon Store by February 28.
Owlchemy Labs permanently reduces prices on titles like Vacation Simulator and Cosmonious High across Meta, Steam, Pico, and Apple, now $19.99.
Ahoy!, an emotionally rich tale, premieres on Apple Vision Pro.
Upload VR shares another XR News Round-Up, packed with additional XR tidbits.
For deeper insights, consider these mentions (COLD VR, Aces Of Thunder, Demeo, Cave Crave, Trailblazer, Beyond Blue: After The Storm, Darknet, Craftrium, Synth Riders, Farming Simulator VR, Owlchemy Labs, Ahoy!, XR News Round-Up)
Content Reviews
Path of Fury: Episode I — Tetsuo’s Tower emerges as an appealing rail-shooter experience. As shared by Road To VR, its 80s action aesthetic could also offer a solid workout.
StageTime VR presents a budding multiplayer karaoke platform. Early stages show promise, especially with its spatial audio, hinting at interesting prospects.
Further info available (Path of Fury: Episode I, StageTime VR)
Other News
The VR Games Showcase gears up for a March return, boasting its "biggest line-up yet" of XR Games.
Further details
Mindshow introduces a virtual animation tool aimed at enterprises.
Get additional insights
XR4Europe releases multiple reports on Europe’s XR landscape.
Explore the reports
XR Bootcamp shares an in-depth smartglasses market comparison.
More detailed comparisons (Comparison spreadsheet, Comparison article)
The Quest v74 strives to make the Quest UI even simpler—bit more complex than anticipated!
More insights
Samsung trademarks “Beyond,” though it seems unlikely to share a name with an existing device.
More details
Astronauts reveal how the HTC headset aids their solace in space.
Further information
Partner News (and Friends!)
Google Blocks resurrects as Open Blocks!
Thanks to Icosa Foundation—the team that revived TiltBrush as Open Brush—Google Blocks, the low-poly creation tool, is back as Open Blocks. Upon discontinuation, Google released Blocks code, now revitalized as Open Blocks on the Horizon Store and open-source via GitHub. Free and open forever.
Plus, a spiritual successor to the Google Blocks community, Icosa Gallery, is underway. Hats off to the folks at Icosa for their dedication. Discover more (Reddit post about Open Blocks, Open Blocks launch—Upload VR)
Some XR Fun
It’s actually a cave simulator, but it could spark other interpretations… Check it out: Funny link
Making a Difference: Donate
Once again this week, instead of asking for blog donations, I’m urging support for those affected by war. Consider donating to the Red Cross to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Find the donation link below. Meanwhile, endless gratitude to my Patreon supporters who keep this blog alive:
- Alex Gonzalez VR
- DeoVR
- GenVR
- Eduardo Siman
- Jonn Fredericks
- Jean-Marc Duyckaerts
- … (and many more fantastic supporters)
Here’s the link to donate:
Support The Red Cross in Ukraine
(Image header by Meta)
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