The XR Weekly Recap (December 2, 2024): Valve Roy Controller 3D Models Leak, Black Friday VR Deals, and More!

Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all my American pals! While we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Italy, I understand it’s a big deal in the US, Canada, and some other places. So, I hope everyone celebrating had a wonderful time with family. As for the rest of you, I trust you enjoyed some serious shopping on Black Friday! I managed to snag a few items myself—most notably a brand-new phone. My old one was so beat up it was practically begging for retirement. The final nudge came when a buddy of mine in Helsinki jokingly asked if there was a donation fund to help me upgrade, haha! Before diving into this week’s XR updates, a quick note: I’ve joined Bluesky! Feel free to follow me there if you’re exploring that scene too. Engagement on X has been slowing down, so I’m giving Bluesky a shot… we’ll see where it goes! That said, I’m still active on X, so you can catch me on both platforms for now.

Top News of the Week

Roy Controllers 3D Models Found in SteamVR Files

Recently, dataminers unearthed 3D models for Valve’s Roy controllers embedded in SteamVR’s code, validating rumors from the past few weeks and hinting that Valve might be close to releasing the Deckard headset. With these models incorporated in SteamVR, a 2025 release for the complete headset kit seems plausible. The revealed features align with prior leaks—these controllers sport bumpers, a D-pad, thumbsticks, buttons, index and grip triggers, plus system buttons. Together, they create a full gamepad, enabling users to play their entire Steam library on a big screen through the headset. Furthermore, datamining hints that Valve has borrowed Arcturus Technologies’ sophisticated inside-out tracking, promising reliable tracking and solid mixed reality passthrough, which is exciting for the Deckard’s potential.

Discover Cyber Monday Deals!

The Cyber Monday savings extravaganza in VR continues! Below are some standout deals you shouldn’t miss:

• PSVR 2 Bundle: Snag it for just $350, bundled with Horizon Call Of The Mountain. Interested to see the sales spike from this steep discount.

• Pico 4 Ultra Combo: Includes Pico Motion Trackers, three titles, and a month of VRChat Plus.

• Quest 3S Offering: Some US stores have it at $299.99 and include a $75 gift card.

• HTC Deals: Discounts across their hardware are impressive, with Vive Focus Vision including a free DisplayPort adapter and game bundle, while Vive XR Elite is fetching $100–150 off, and Vive Pro 2 comes with a $200–400 discount.

• Horizon (Quest) Store: Use ‘BFCM24’ at checkout for 40% off select games, appicable multiple times!

More Info on Discounts: Complete listings for VR game and headset discounts are available across Quest, Pico, SteamVR, and PlayStation stores, among others.

Apple and XR Since 2008?

Apple’s reputation for taking its time developing products is well-known—often prioritizing perfection over speed. A fascinating find suggests Apple’s XR journey might stretch back even further than imagined. A resurfaced patent from 2008 hints Apple had conceptualized a VR headset much earlier, aligning vaguely with the Vision Pro design. This patent described a headset using clever sensors for a simulated, interactive virtual experience, aligning with Apple’s meticulous R&D tradition. Though large firms patent for various reasons, this revelation underscores Apple’s longstanding interest in immersive tech predating even the Oculus Rift—certainly piquing my curiosity.

VRChat Rolls Out Age Verification

VRChat is stepping up its game, introducing an age verification system via Persona. This involves using a government ID and a camera-enabled device to authenticate users’ ages. While not mandatory for everyone, this verification will be necessary for accessing specific age-restricted areas. A “Verified 18+” badge can also be added to profiles. To iron out bugs, VRChat will introduce this in stages, collaborating with event coordinators on trial runs. This step is seen as vital, separating age groups for a better user experience, preventing children from stumbling into spaces meant for adults, and vice versa. While making verification optional is a wise move, it remains to be seen how many will opt-in.

News Worth a Mention

Pimax Launches Crystal Super and Prime Subscription

Pimax, the Chinese tech firm, has launched the Crystal Super headset, promising dazzling specs. Here’s what it offers:

• Resolution at 3840x3840x2,
• PPD of 57 for near-retina clarity,
• QLED+MiniLED screen with local dimming,
• Dynamic foveated rendering, and more.

Controversy surrounds its Pimax Prime subscription model, requiring a software license fee alongside hardware payments, sparking debate about its necessity and handling of refunds if units are returned.

XREAL’s New AR Glasses on the Horizon

XREAL hints at a significant AR launch on December 4th. While specifics remain under wraps, clues suggest 6DOF AR glasses could be the reveal. Stay tuned!

Fascinating Insights From the Insect World

Researchers at Flinders University have set up an intriguing tiny VR setup for studying insects, offering a new frontier in examining animal behaviors through controlled virtual environments. It’s amusing to note some insects might be enjoying a better VR setup than some of us!

Sweet Sensations With a Virtual Lollipop

The University of Hong Kong introduces a novel VR lollipop packed with flavor chemicals. Using iontophoresis, it offers a taste range that includes sugar, salt, passion fruit, and the infamous durian! This kind of sensory exploration in VR certainly broadens the horizon for multisensory experiences.

Must-Read: Tom Emrich’s New Book

Tom Emrich’s latest work, "The Next Dimension," is a compelling read for AR enthusiasts and entrepreneurs looking to leverage augmented reality for business growth. It’s loaded with insights from diverse industries and data-backed cases proving AR’s value.

Experience Halo in VR

Thanks to a downloadable mod on GitHub, the entire Halo: Combat Evolved campaign is now playable in VR with motion controls, redefining the classic experience. Enthusiastic feedback hints at an exciting gameplay experience!

News from Partners and Friends

GroKit Core has simplified Unity-based XR development, proving a boon with its low-code approach, streamlining tasks like physics and multiplayer interactions. Discover how it could enhance your development journey on their official website and tutorials.

Some XR Fun

An amusing Black Friday ad for the Quest, some funny headsets mix-ups, and a humorous XR fails compilation should lighten up any tech discussions this week.

Donate for Good

Continuing from last week, I encourage everyone moved by current global affairs to consider supporting the humanitarian efforts by the Red Cross in Ukraine. Also, a heartfelt thank you to all my Patreon supporters for their continued generosity—your contributions mean the world to me.

Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

Thank you for stopping by!