It’s the final day of the Carnival celebrations here in Italy, and the streets are buzzing with excitement. However, my celebration involves indulging in some of the sweet treats specific to this time of year. I also have another reason to rejoice: Feedspot has honored me with the 3rd spot on its list of the top 60 Virtual Reality websites based on authority. I find myself right behind the giants of the industry, Road To VR and Upload VR. Admittedly, the list has its quirks, like including the obsolete Oculus website. There are certainly other publications like MIXED, which I consider superior, that didn’t make the cut. Realistically, I don’t think I belong at 3rd place, or even 4th or 5th. Nevertheless, I’m going to savor this moment as a reward for my eight years of dedication to blogging. A huge thank you to all of you for your continued support on this journey!
Top News of the Week
Valve’s Deckard Rumored to Debut in 2025 at $1200:
There’s fresh gossip about Valve Deckard, and this time it’s not from our usual sources. Data miner Gabe Follower, known for his accurate leaks in the past, claims Deckard will launch in 2025 priced at approximately $1200. Gabe also hints at Valve releasing games or demos, some possibly linked to Half-Life, specifically for Deckard. The device is expected to run on SteamOS, similar to Steam Deck, and will reportedly support SteamDeck games playable on a larger VR screen due to the compatible “Roy” controllers. Even though the $1200 price tag suggests a high-end product, Gabe believes it’s still sold at a loss, pointing to its top-tier specifications.
More on Valve Deckard
Sony Cuts PSVR 2 Price:
Sony has finally slashed the price of its PSVR 2 headset permanently. As of this month, it’s priced at $400 (€450 / £400 / ¥66,980), and you can buy just the headset or opt for the bundle with Horizon Call of the Mountain game at no additional cost. Initially, the price was higher than the PS5 itself, but following a temporary discount, sales improved significantly. While the PSVR 2 lacks a large library of exclusive games, there’s a growing number of titles available, and the headset can also be used to play PC games on Steam via an adapter. At the new price, I’m hopeful the PSVR 2 ecosystem will flourish.
More on PSVR 2
Quest’s Move to Free-to-Play:
Meta has reiterated to developers targeting the newer, younger Meta Quest audience to consider the free-to-play model. In a recent post, Meta revealed that free-to-play experiences now account for over 70% of time spent on Quest. As a testament, Fast Travel Games recently made Mannequin free, and Owlchemy Labs’ free game Dimensional Double Shift hit 500K downloads. Despite the popularity of free content, I caution about revenue statistics. If engagement is high but revenue low, studios might struggle. Meta’s post was notably silent on revenue numbers, making me skeptical that income data might not favorably reflect a sustainable business model, aside from standout hits like Gorilla Tag.
More on Free-to-Play Quest Titles
Meta’s Aria 2 Glasses Overhaul:
Meta has unveiled the second-gen Aria glasses. Not meant for the public, Aria is a research device packed with an array of sensors for data collection and AI training from a user’s perspective. Aria Gen 2 boasts spec upgrades, including improved cameras, microphones, and a custom Meta chip for on-device tracking and speech recognition. Despite the tech bump, it weighs a mere 75g, with an active usage span of 6–8 hours. Currently, Aria is only available to a select few, with broader access for research centers anticipated later this year.
More on Aria Gen 2 Glasses
Meta’s Refreshed Enterprise and Education Offerings:
Meta is revamping its university and enterprise technology lineup. With Meta For Education, previously in beta, now open, schools can purchase VR headsets supplemented with device management and educational content services. Meta claims significant student engagement from VR usage in its adapted schools. Alongside this, Meta has updated its broader business options under "Horizon Managed Solutions," maintaining device management services while now permitting third-party management integration. New pricing structures offer educational institutions added value and flexibility compared to pure consumer setups.
More on Meta’s Educational Programs
Noteworthy Mentions:
HTC’s Launch of “VIVERSE Worlds”:
HTC has rolled out "VIVERSE Worlds," a web-based 3D and VR content platform purporting to be the “YouTube of 3D Content.” Seamlessly accessible via a website, this platform promises smooth performance, spotlighting its Vive Polygon Streaming technology.
More on VIVERSE Worlds
AMD’s New Graphics Cards:
AMD is launching RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT models, taking aim at NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 and possibly the 5070 Ti. Launching March 6 with competitive pricing, these cards come equipped with second-gen AI accelerators and support for DisplayPort 2.1a, promising advanced future-proof capabilities.
More on AMD’s Graphics Cards
Play Windows Games on Pico 4 Ultra:
Thanks to a fascinating demo from Virtually Real, it’s possible to use Winlator, an Android-based Windows emulator, to play classics like Crysis and Fallout 3 natively on the Pico 4 Ultra, expanding its gaming versatility.
Horizon Store’s Shovelware Problem:
Redditors are voicing frustration over Horizon Store’s lax curation, plagued by clones such as Gorilla Tag iterations. Calculations reveal a troubling glut: 57 out of 126 recent games involving “gorilla” or “tag” in titles.
Meta Discontinues Move App:
Meta is retiring the Move fitness app on Quest, citing legacy technology issues. This decision draws criticism for sidelining the once-innovative concept Meta aggressively developed by sidelining its original inventor.
Meta’s Realistic Avat3r System:
A collaboration between Meta and the University of Munich, Avat3r, uses four iPhone images to construct realistic avatars that mirror user facial expressions with striking visual results.
R&D for VR Taste Simulation:
Ohio State University is researching virtual taste interfaces, experimenting with releasing flavor particles to simulate taste, continuing advancements in multi-sensory VR experiences.
The Launch of “The VR Critic”:
VR enthusiast Dr. Luke Buckmaster has unveiled “The VR Critic,” a website filled with reviews of VR content, boasting over 100 critiques at launch. I wish him great success!
Notable New Releases and Reviews:
- Steam Next Fest brought a host of free VR demos to eager players.
- Orion Drift’s early access promises a bold metaverse vision, albeit needing polish.
- Farming Simulator VR became available on Quest.
- Stratogun, a retro-style shooter, and Symphoni, a rhythm game, are launching soon, diversifying VR offerings.
- GORN 2 teases fans with an anticipated release later this year.
Other Industry Updates:
- GTA 6’s "Project Rome" aims to redefine metaverse engagement.
- Stress Level Zero outlines the challenges of exclusively targeting PC VR gaming.
- Lumus announces a next-gen waveguide featuring high-quality optics.
- Google reportedly tests hardware for future Snapdragon XR chipsets.
Spotlight on Partners:
Cause+Christi has teamed with HTC VIVERSE to unveil SHIP HAPPENS, a WebXR powered immersive escape room, set aboard a stranded Loot Transport Ship in 3025.
Lighthearted Industry Tidbits:
Check out some humorous XR moments and quirks making the rounds online. Funny links available!
Lastly, if you feel moved to contribute during these turbulent times, please consider donating to the Red Cross to assist with the ongoing humanitarian situation in Ukraine. Special thanks to my Patreon supporters who’ve continuously backed this blog. Your generosity fuels independent journalism and meaningful discourse in emerging tech.
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(Headline image by Afference)
