A warm Thanksgiving weekend greeting to all my friends in the United States! While we don’t celebrate the holiday in Italy, I understand it’s an important time for family and gratitude in countries like the US and Canada. I hope everyone who celebrated had a joyful time with loved ones. For those who didn’t partake in Thanksgiving, I trust you took full advantage of the Black Friday sales! I managed to snag a few goodies myself, including a much-needed new phone. The old one was on its last legs, evident when a friend from Helsinki jokingly suggested setting up a fund for a replacement! Before diving into this week’s XR news, I have an exciting update: I’ve joined Bluesky! If you’re on that platform, come find me and say hi. Trying out Bluesky to see if I find more genuine interactions, but I’m still active on X, so you’ll catch me on both.
Top News of the Week
Roy Controllers 3D Models Appear in SteamVR Files
In an intriguing development, data miners have unearthed 3D models of Valve’s Roy controllers in the SteamVR code, indicating that these controllers are close to production. This hints at the potential launch of the Deckard headset, likely anticipated in 2025. The models reveal the inclusion of features like bumpers, a D-pad, thumbsticks, buttons, and triggers, mimicking a full gamepad experience for gaming in VR on a substantial screen. Additionally, it seems Valve is utilizing Arcturus Technologies’ innovation for robust inside-out tracking. Given Arcturus’s 2020 demo, which showcased reliable tracking and stereo-corrected passthrough, optimism around the Deckard headset’s capabilities in mixed reality is high.
Find out more about the Valve Roy controllers’ 3D models and technology from Arcturus.
Other Relevant News
Explore Cyber Monday Deals!
The Black Friday/Cyber Monday discounts roll on! I’ve sifted through numerous deals across hardware and software, and here’s what catches the eye:
- PSVR 2 is down to $350 and comes with Horizon Call Of The Mountain. It’ll be interesting to see the sales impact given previous discounts.
- Pico 4 Ultra’s bundle includes Pico Motion Trackers, three games, and a VRChat Plus month.
- Some US stores offer the Quest 3S for $299.99 plus a $75 gift card.
- HTC offers deals too: Vive Focus Vision with a free DisplayPort adapter, Vive XR Elite getting a $100 discount or $150 if bundled with three Vive Ultimate Trackers, and Vive Pro 2 seeing a $400 bundle reduction.
On the Horizon Quest Store, use ‘BFCM24’ for up to 40% off select games, usable multiple times.
Discover more about these VR deals across different platforms.
Rumors of Apple’s XR Experiments Since 2008
While Apple’s seven-year development of the Apple Vision Pro is known, it turns out that their XR journey might date back further. A journalist uncovered a 2008 patent featuring a VR headset description. Although big companies often file myriad patents, this one hints at Apple’s longstanding interest in immersive tech, predating even Oculus Rift sightings.
VRChat’s Age Verification Rollout
VRChat teams up with Persona to implement age verification using ID and a camera-enabled device. This feature will be optional and required only in certain areas, allowing adult-focused conversations or content without concerns of underage participants. It’s a significant step for social VR environments, though it remains to be seen how many users will opt in, given privacy concerns.
Noteworthy Mentions
Pimax Introduces Crystal Super and Prime Subscription
The Pimax Crystal Super, boasting a resolution worthy of the finest VR headsets, is available for order. Its standout features include 3840×3840 resolution per eye and a unique lens exchange system. Despite some delivery hiccups in the past, its paper specs offer exciting prospects for high-end VR users—if their computer can handle it!
Price starts around $1700, or via the Pimax Prime subscription path. There’s some buzz and uncertainty surrounding the subscription model though.
Find more elaborate details on Pimax’s offerings.
XREAL Set to Launch New AR Glasses
XREAL teases new glasses, potentially 6DOF AR-focused, to be unveiled on December 4th at 10:00 AM EST.
Virtual Reality Adventures for Insects
Flinders University’s innovative virtual reality setup for studying insects could reveal fascinating insights into animal behavior, employing a bespoke virtual environment.
Introducing the Virtual Lollipop
In a unique sensorial twist, researchers from the University of Hong Kong have developed a virtual lollipop, utilizing hydrogel and iontophoresis to mimic flavors like durian and cherry during taste experiments.
Exciting Releases in the Gaming Content Scene
- “Home Sports,” an engaging multi-sport mixed reality experience, drops on December 11th for $20.
- The Premier League Player game, tapping into the Rezzil platform, is set for launch on December 3rd.
- “Trivia Crack World” offers a test of wits in VR for $10 on Quest.
- Vision Pro’s “Spatial Web Shooter” lets you channel your inner Spider-Man in a mixed reality play space.
Learn more about these upcoming releases and explore their exciting potential.
A Quick Review
Here’s a shoutout to “Trombone Champ: Unflattened,” notable for its entertaining leap from flat to VR gameplay.
What’s New Elsewhere
Stay updated with Miroslav Kotalík’s Zero V2 AR glasses and learn how the ANNAPRO A2 strap enhances comfort for Apple Vision Pro users.
Community and Friends Announcements
Discover GroKit Core, a low-code development library enhancing XR experiences without heavy programming. It’s a time-saver!
A Slice of XR Humor
Grab great deals on the Quest or share a laugh with XR fail compilations.
Support for a Cause
In closing, I urge you to consider donating to the Red Cross to support those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Your generosity could make a significant difference. A heartfelt thank you to all my Patreon supporters who help keep this endeavor alive:
[List of Patrons Here]
Here’s how to donate: Support The Red Cross
(Header image by Upload VR)
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