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I’ve just returned to China for a brief visit and was lucky enough to catch a spectacular street performance celebrating the traditional symbols of the dragon and the tiger for the new year. The experience here is fantastic, though I’m eating so much I’m beginning to feel like I might burst—what a way to go, right? While I extend my sincerest wishes for the Year of the Snake to all, let’s dive into the top XR news from the past week. (Just a heads-up: this newsletter is a couple of days late because I ended up sick for a bit after drafting this—no, not from the food! I finally managed to get out of bed today, finish writing, and seeing my upbeat intro brought a smile to my face. Apologies for the delay, and I hope you’re still with me!)
Top News of the Week
Meta’s Stellar Q4 2024
Meta recently unveiled its financial results for the last quarter of 2024, and they look promising, yet there’s more beneath the surface to consider. Among the highlights, Reality Labs reported a record-breaking $1.08 billion in quarterly revenue, marking its highest yet. The fourth quarter tends to be vibrant for Meta sales, thanks to the Quest’s popularity as a holiday gift. Signs leading up to this included the Meta Quest app topping iOS store charts, Batman Arkham Shadow hitting a million players, and the Quest leading 2024 console sales on Amazon. Despite ongoing challenges in the MR/VR space, these numbers topped expectations.
Crucially, the impact of Ray-Ban Meta glasses became apparent. Meta reportedly sold over a million of these glasses, nearing $300 million in revenue. The exact revenue-sharing with EssilorLuxottica remains unclear, but even if Meta took a 30% cut, that still means over $100 million in annual revenue from Ray-Ban Meta alone. Adjusting for this, Quest-related revenues aren’t quite as high as they might appear.
This scenario highlights two critical trends: the MR/VR market remains alive—certainly not dead—but is eagerly anticipating a significant innovation leap; meanwhile, the smartglasses sector is burgeoning, despite perhaps too much hype. Mark Zuckerberg is quite enthused by Ray-Ban Meta, envisioning between 2 to 5 million sales for the next iteration—a promising outlook.
Zuckerberg is also optimistic about Horizon Worlds, noting its growth and anticipating enhanced visual experiences this year. While this is good news for Meta’s strategy, it’s causing a stir among developers reliant on the Horizon Store. Additionally, Meta’s upbeat revenue figures are shadowed by substantial expenses—$6.05 billion this quarter, largely due to R&D and under-cost device sales. As Road to VR points out, Meta has spent an extraordinary $69 billion on Reality Labs since late 2020, with only $9.19 billion in return. Meta’s investment phase is far from over, with major returns not expected until the 2030s.
For more info: Meta’s Q4 Financials | Reality Labs’ Record Performance
Other Relevant News
Apple’s Ongoing Quest for the Perfect Glasses
Apple remains on its journey to perfecting AR glasses, as per Marc Gurman. Recent reports note that tethered AR glasses, initially designed to connect to iPhones, were shelved because they consumed excessive battery power. Attempts to pair them with Macs didn’t fare better, leading to a project halt.
Nevertheless, Apple hasn’t abandoned AR entirely. In Santa Clara, a team operates covertly on microLED displays, showing promise for future XR products. With plans potentially stretching to 2028 or beyond, patience is required. Some within Apple’s Vision Products Group express concerns over the lack of a clear path, echoing the challenges of pioneering tech development.
For more insights: Apple’s MicroLED Development | Strategy Shifts in AR Glasses
Apple Vision Pro Turns One!
Social media recently buzzed with Apple fans celebrating Vision Pro’s first anniversary. Joining the cheerful mood, Happy Birthday to Apple Vision Pro, a device rekindling competition in the XR sector and prompting rivals to accelerate their strategies.
Explore more: Vision Pro Anniversary Messages
News Worth a Mention
VRChat’s New Age Verification System
VRChat has rolled out an age verification feature for its VRC+ subscribers. This optional process, facilitated by the firm Persona, involves users sharing ID documents or face photos, granting them access to age-restricted areas and a badge indicating adulthood.
VRChat becomes the pioneer among major social VR platforms in doing so. This move could provide a solution to the common complaint of younger users disrupting the adult experience. However, it raises questions about sharing personal data with external entities and its adoption among both users and world builders.
Read more on VRChat’s initiative here.
XReal One vs. Apple Vision Pro?
Comparing devices like the XReal One glasses and the Apple Vision Pro can spark deeper questions. Both excel in creating virtual displays but come at very different price points. While the Vision Pro offers broader functionalities and enhanced features, the XReal One may fulfill certain use cases for considerably less. Food for thought on cost versus features.
Discover more here.
Viture Unveils Pro XR Glasses
Viture has launched its Pro XR glasses, featuring impressive 1920×1080 micro OLED displays and a 46° field of view, priced at $459 with a current $50 discount.
Find out more here.
Logitech Pen as a Quest Tracker
Previously, Meta Quest developers had to repurpose their controllers for object tracking. Enter the Logitech MX Ink pen as a fresh alternative. Demonstrations show its capability to track both the pen and Quest controllers simultaneously, potentially leading to inventive applications by the community.
Videos on this can be found: Weapon Controller with Logitech Pen | Educational Uses.
Haptikos: A New Player in XR Haptics
Startup Haptikos, based in Sunnyvale and Athens, has introduced a prototype hand exoskeleton promising detailed finger tracking and haptic feedback. At $2500 currently, the expected $1000 price in 2026 could make it more accessible compared to existing XR gloves.
Learn more here.
Meta’s War on Leaks
Meta’s stance against leaks has intensified, with Zuckerberg expressing frustration over repeated breaches. Ironically, details of his internal meeting, where he vowed less transparency due to leaks, were leaked themselves.
Read more here.
Exploring Quest Passthrough and ChatGPT Integration
An exciting integration is on the horizon, linking Meta Quest 3 cameras with OpenAI GPT-4, promising powerful new applications. The future seems captivating for those in the XR community eager for innovative AI combos.
Details available here.
More Challenges for VR
The VR scene faces ongoing hurdles, with Orbus VR shutting down, Fast Travel Games cutting 30 staff due to low sales, and Vertigo Games restructuring by selling Springboard VR.
Updates: Orbus VR | Fast Travel Games
Content Updates
COLD VR releases on February 11, while other eagerly anticipated titles like Aces of Thunder and Trailblazer have new timelines. Familiar favorites like Demeo undergo spin-offs or adaptations, and unique experiences like the storytelling “Ahoy!” on Apple Vision Pro gain traction. Meanwhile, popular platforms like Owlchemy Labs offer discounts across several VR stores.
Explore new content: COLD VR | Demeo Adaptation | Beyond Blue | Ahoy!
Content Reviews
"Path of Fury: Episode I – Tetsuo’s Tower" and "StageTime VR" are sparking interest with their previews and early starts. These experiences highlight potential for fitness and social engagements in VR.
Check out: Path of Fury | StageTime VR
More News
The VR Games Showcase is set to return in March, likely boasting a robust lineup. Animation tools and new XR reports bring additional insights and comparisons within the industry.
Keep informed: Animation Tool Reveal | XR4Europe Reports
Partner and Friend News
The Icosa Foundation breathes new life into Google Blocks under the name Open Blocks. Available now on the Horizon Store and GitHub, it’s accompanied by work on an online platform, Icosa Gallery, aimed at reigniting community interest in 3D creation and sharing.
Join the journey: Open Blocks Overview
A Little XR Fun
Cave-inspired simulators can sometimes evoke unintended interpretations. Have a laugh with this amusing take: Funny link.
Donate for a Cause
Continuing from last week, I encourage donations to the Red Cross supporting those affected by conflict in Ukraine. Below, you’ll find the link to contribute. A special heartfelt thanks to all my Patreon supporters for their invaluable help.
Support the Red Cross in Ukraine here.
Thank you for sticking with me, and I hope these updates proved informative and engaging. As always, stay innovative!
