Wishing all my American friends a joyful Thanksgiving weekend! While we don’t celebrate this holiday in Italy, I’m aware of its significance in places like the US, Canada, and some other countries. I hope everyone had a wonderful time with their loved ones. For those who didn’t take part, I hope you snagged some great Black Friday deals! I managed to pick up a few items myself, the most essential being a new phone since my old one was essentially falling apart. It became embarrassingly clear when a friend in Helsinki saw it and jokingly suggested setting up a donation fund for me, haha. Before diving into this week’s XR news, here’s a quick update: I’m now on Bluesky! Feel free to follow me there as well if you’re on the platform. I’ve noticed engagement on X has dwindled, so I’m giving Bluesky a shot. Let’s see how it goes! But don’t worry, I’m not leaving X, so you’ll still find me there too.
Top News of the Week
Roy Controllers 3D Models Spotted in SteamVR Files
Dataminers have unearthed 3D models of the Valve Roy controllers in the SteamVR code, aligning with recent leaks. This discovery suggests Valve is nearing the final stages of developing these controllers, hinting at the potential 2025 launch of the full Deckard headset kit. The models confirm earlier leaks: the controllers integrate bumpers, a D-pad, thumbsticks, buttons, index triggers, grip triggers, and system buttons. Together, these controllers form a complete gamepad, allowing gamers to enjoy the entire Steam library on a headset with a large screen, using the Roy controllers for gameplay. Furthermore, Valve’s collaboration with Arcturus Technologies, known for robust inside-out tracking and stereo-corrected passthrough as shown in a 2020 demonstration, makes us optimistic about the Deckard headset’s mixed reality capabilities.
Other Relevant News
Dive into Cyber Monday Deals!
The VR deals from the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend are still in full swing! Here are some standout offers I picked out for you:
- PSVR 2 sees a significant price drop to $350 and includes the fantastic game Horizon Call Of The Mountain. It’ll be interesting to monitor the sales boost after this discounted offer.
- Pico 4 Ultra comes bundled with Pico Motion Trackers, three games, and one month of VRChat Plus.
- Some stores in the US are listing the Quest 3S for $299.99 and offering a $75 gift card.
- HTC’s discounts include a free DisplayPort adapter with Vive Focus Vision and a bundle of multiple games. There’s also a price reduction on Vive XR Elite and Vive Pro 2 bundles.
- On the Horizon (Quest) Store, apply ‘BFCM24’ at checkout for up to 40% off on select games. The code can be used multiple times.
Apple’s XR Journey Possibly Began in 2008
Apple’s roadmap to developing the Apple Vision Pro might have older roots than many anticipated. While the formal product release followed approximately seven years of development, a patent from 2008 suggests Apple considered XR much earlier. A journalist from Mac World highlighted a patent draft resembling today’s VR technology, discussing wearable displays that simulate virtual environments using intelligent sensors. Although companies often file patents to expand their portfolios, this document indicates Apple’s early interest in immersive technology, predating Oculus Rift’s arrival.
Age Verification Comes to VRChat
In a pivotal move for social VR, VRChat is teaming up with Persona for user age verification using government IDs, paired with a phone or computer camera. Although not mandatory platform-wide, it will apply to specific spaces flagged for age verification. Verified adults can optionally display an “18+” badge. Initially, it will be rolled out in stages to ensure a smooth deployment, with event trials alongside partnered organizers. This feature aims to differentiate age groups for tailored interaction experiences, letting adults engage in age-appropriate content without minors unexpectedly joining. While this initiative promotes safer environments, it will be intriguing to see how many users choose to verify their age, especially given privacy concerns. Making the feature optional seems a wise choice to accommodate users hesitant about ID sharing.
News Worth a Mention
Pimax Reveals Crystal Super and Prime Subscription
Pimax is taking preorders for the Pimax Crystal Super, boasting high-end resolution specs. Here are some key details:
- Interchangeable Optical System: Available
- Weight: About 815g (with headstrap)
- Resolution: 3840x3840x2
- PPD: 57
- Refresh Rate: 72Hz/90Hz
- FOV: 120° (Horizontal)
- Mode: PCVR
- Screen: QLED+MiniLED (Local Dimming)
- Eye-tracking: Present
- IPD Adjustment: Automatic
- Foveated Rendering: Dynamic
The 57 PPD suggests a near-retina definition for a remarkably realistic VR experience. Featuring an interchangeable optical system, the headset allows for easy swapping of lenses and displays. Pimax provides two additional optical configurations—one with a broader 135° FOV and another employing micro OLEDs. Priced around $1700, potential buyers can opt for a $999 upfront payment plus a 24-month subscription at $32.99/month for the Pimax Prime service, which becomes redundant after full payment. Some confusion surrounds this subscription, particularly concerning refunds if the headset is returned, something the PC VR community is keenly discussing.
XREAL’s Upcoming AR Glasses
Set your calendars for December 4th at 10:00 AM EST, as XREAL hints at releasing new AR glasses. While specifics are under wraps, the teaser implies it could be a 6DOF augmented reality pair.
Fun Experiments: VR for Insects
Interestingly, it seems some insects might have access to VR setups more sophisticated than us! Researchers at Flinders University have constructed tiny CAVE VR systems to study insect behavior, highlighting a novel method for animal behavioral research in virtual settings.
A Taste of the Digital World: The Virtual Lollipop
In a fascinating development, researchers at the University of Hong Kong have engineered a virtual lollipop filled with flavor-infused hydrogels. These particles, released via iontophoresis during licking, generate various tastes, from sugar and green tea to durian. This proof-of-concept expands the sensory horizons of virtual reality applications.
Tom Emrich Launches His New Book
AR trailblazer Tom Emrich has published a book titled "The Next Dimension: How to Use Augmented Reality for Business Growth in the Era of Spatial Computing." It features insights from diverse industries showing AR’s value, serving as both a guide and a tribute to AR’s future visionaries. This is a recommended read for entrepreneurs keen on AR integration into their sectors.
Play Halo in VR with New Mod
Exciting news for Halo enthusiasts: the entire Halo: Combat Evolved campaign is now accessible via PC VR thanks to a GitHub mod offering full 6DOF motion controls and customizable options. The initial feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
Content Updates
- Home Sports, a multi-sports game akin to Wii Sports by Resolution Games, hits Meta Horizon Store on December 11 for $20.
- The Premier League Player game, powered by Rezzil, debuts on December 3 on the Meta Quest platform.
- Trivia Crack World pits players in a VR multiplayer quiz available on Quest for $10.
- Spatial Web Shooter for Vision Pro lets you mimic Spider-Man with mixed reality fun and engaging web-flinging action.
- Upload VR has released its customary XR News Round-Up, compiling smaller XR updates.
Content Reviews
Trombone Champ: Unflattened has succeeded in capturing the original’s charm in VR, delivering plenty of entertaining moments.
Other News
- Miroslav Kotalík rolled out the Zero V2, a groundbreaking AR glasses model.
- The ANNApro A2 strap considerably enhances the comfort of Apple Vision Pro.
- Latest metrics suggest the PCVR market is relatively stagnant or experiencing minor growth.
Partner and Friend Updates
GroKit Core emerges as a low-code platform designed by 3lbXR, facilitating the swift development of XR applications in Unity. Though not a no-code tool, it streamlines many functions, letting developers focus on higher-level coding aspects. Discover more through GroKit Core’s website and tutorials.
XR Laughs and Deals
Grab the Quest at an unbeatable price this Black Friday! These links promise a bit of a chuckle:
Do Your Bit for Humanity
Instead of supporting my blog this time, I urge you to contribute to ongoing humanitarian efforts in Ukraine through the Red Cross. Here’s to all my Patreon sponsors, your support is invaluable:
(Acknowledgments for Patreon donors)
Here’s the link to support a good cause:
Donate to The Red Cross for Ukraine
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