Wishing a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend to my American friends! While Thanksgiving isn’t part of the Italian tradition, I’m aware of its significance in the US, Canada, and a few other places. I hope those who celebrated enjoyed some quality time with family. As for everyone else, I trust you capitalized on those Black Friday deals! I snagged a few items myself, most importantly, a new phone since mine had seen better days. I realized the urgency for a replacement when a friend in Helsinki jokingly asked if there was a donation fund to help me get a new one!
Before we jump into this week’s XR updates, a quick announcement: I’ve joined the Bluesky community! If you’re on that platform, feel free to follow me there as well. Engaging with real people on X has become increasingly challenging, so I’m giving Bluesky a shot. But don’t worry, I’m still active on X!
Top News of the Week
Roy Controllers 3D Models Spotted in SteamVR Files
In an intriguing turn of events, dataminers have stumbled upon 3D models of Valve’s Roy controllers in SteamVR’s code, reinforcing leaks suggesting Valve is nearing the final stages of developing these controllers. It’s possible the Deckard headset is just around the corner, possibly launching by 2025. These models reveal features like bumpers, a D-pad, thumbsticks, various triggers, and buttons, offering a comprehensive gamepad experience on the headset.
Moreover, datamining highlighted that Valve is employing Arcturus Technologies’ inside-out tracking for these controllers. A 2020 demonstration by Arcturus showed promising results in reliable inside-out tracking and stereo-correct passthrough, painting a hopeful picture for the Deckard headset’s mixed reality capabilities.
Other Relevant News
Uncover Cyber Monday Deals!
The VR deals from the Black Friday/Cyber Monday frenzy just keep rolling in! Here’s a quick roundup of some standout offers:
- PSVR 2 now at $350, including the thrilling Horizon Call of the Mountain game.
- Pico 4 Ultra bundle includes Pico Motion Trackers, three games, plus a month of VRChat Plus for free.
- Quest 3S is being offered at $299.99 with a $75 gift card bonus at select US stores.
- HTC discounts include a free DisplayPort adapter with Vive Focus Vision, various discounts on Vive XR Elite, and big savings on Vive Pro 2 bundles.
Use the code ‘BFCM24’ on the Horizon (Quest) Store for up to 40% off select games.
Apple’s XR Experimentation Since 2008?
Apple’s dedication to creating the Apple Vision Pro reportedly spans seven years. However, a MacWorld journalist unearthed a patent from 2008 hinting at even earlier XR explorations. This patent described a VR headset with intelligent sensors tracking head and eye movements, a concept resonating with today’s Vision Pro.
While this doesn’t confirm Apple was actively working on the Vision Pro back then, it shows their foresight in immersive reality, even before the Oculus Rift era.
VRChat Introduces Age Verification
VRChat has collaborated with Persona for age verification, requiring users to present a government ID and utilize a camera for proof of age. While not mandatory for everyone, it will be needed for "Age Verification" instances and can opt for an "Verified 18+" badge on profiles. This gradual rollout aims at minimizing bugs by initially limiting the feature to selected groups.
This development is vital for improving social VR interactions by segregating age groups to ensure meaningful adult conversations without the worry of younger users intruding. VRChat’s optional verification for specific realms is a wise strategy, accommodating privacy-conscious users, yet it remains to be seen how many will participate.
News Worth a Mention
Pimax Unveils Crystal Super with Prime Subscription
Pimax has rolled out orders for the Crystal Super headset, boasting impressive specs like a 3840x3840x2 resolution and 57 PPD, potentially offering near-retina VR experiences. Pimax offers interchangeable optical systems, including options for wider FOVs and micro OLED displays. However, past delivery issues prompt caution until reviews reveal its actual performance, despite a tempting $1700 price tag with a unique payment plan involving a Pimax Prime subscription.
XREAL Announces New AR Glasses
XREAL plans to reveal a new AR glasses model on December 4th—speculated to be an advanced device with possibly 6DOF capabilities for immersive augmented reality experiences.
Fun XR Tidbits
- Insects in VR: Researchers are experimenting with VR setups to study insect behavior, showcasing that even tiny creatures can have state-of-the-art VR experiences.
- Virtual Lollipop Experiment: Researchers have devised a VR lollipop with hydrogel flavors, offering tastes like sugar, salt, and even durian—although the latter might be debatable!
And More…
- Tom Emrich’s New Book: A deep dive into AR’s business applications, ideal for entrepreneurs eyeing AR adoption.
- Halo in VR Mod: Play Halo: Combat Evolved in VR with full motion controls, thanks to an enthusiastic community effort.
- New Sports Game Anticipation: Stay tuned for the Home Sports mixed reality game arriving soon, capturing the spirit of classic Wii Sports games.
Finally, a quick reminder to consider donating to those in need, particularly the Red Cross efforts in Ukraine. Thank you to all my Patreon supporters for your unwavering support!
(Header image by Upload VR)
