In this article, we will discuss the latest news in the XR community. The main topics of discussion include the competition between Meta and Apple, rumors about a cheap Quest 3 headset, doubts about the success of Quest 3, and potential delays for the Apple Vision Pro. We will also cover the launch of Meta Quest 3, updates on mixed reality content, and reviews of various XR games. Additionally, we will mention news from partners and friends, share some XR fun links, and provide information on how to donate to support those affected by the war in Ukraine.
Top news of the week
New rumors hint at a cheap Quest 3 coming in 2024
Mark Gurman, a well-known Bloomberg journalist, has shared rumors about Meta’s plans for the Quest 3. According to Gurman, Meta plans to release a medium-tier Quest 3 headset and a cheaper version in 2024. These rumors align with previous leaks about Meta’s roadmap, which mentioned a new headset aimed at the VR consumer market at an affordable price point of $200. While it is unclear if the new headset will ship without controllers, the reduced price and components could make it an attractive option for the mass market.
Analysts have doubts about the success of Quest 3
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has expressed doubts about Meta’s sales projections for the Quest 3. Kuo believes that Meta’s target of selling 7 million units by the end of the year is unrealistic and has revised the estimate to 2.5 million units. Kuo’s skepticism is based on several factors, including the high price of the Quest 3, the unclear value proposition of mixed reality, and the limited audience of potential buyers who may already own a Quest 2. While Meta hopes for a successful holiday season, the actual sales figures may not meet expectations.
Apple Vision Pro may have a very slow start
Kuo also expressed doubts about the widespread success of the Apple Vision Pro. Due to manufacturing difficulties and component shortages, Kuo estimates that shipment numbers for 2024 will be in the range of 400,000-600,000 units. Furthermore, he suggests that a cheaper version of the Vision Pro, originally planned for 2025, may have been canceled, potentially leaving Apple without a more affordable option for several years.
Meta Quest 3 has started shipping!
Meta has begun shipping the Quest 3 headset. Initial reviews from the community are positive, praising the device’s clarity and mixed reality capabilities. While some users have already received their headsets, the majority are set to arrive this week. The Quest 3 is positioned as a standalone headset for PCVR and is expected to offer an immersive gaming experience.
Other relevant news
Lynx R1 pivots to enterprise (again)
Lynx, a French startup, has decided to focus on selling its R1 headset to enterprise customers. The price of the R1 has increased to $1300, aligning with its targeting of high-paying customers. This shift in strategy was likely influenced by delays in bringing the product to market and competition from the newly launched Quest 3.
Meta lays off people working on its custom chips
There are rumors suggesting that Meta is laying off employees working on its custom chips for wearables. This move may be a result of Meta’s successful partnership with Qualcomm in developing chips for its headsets. However, this consolidation of chip production raises concerns about fair competition in the XR market.
Meta is working on micro gestures
Meta is reportedly working on a feature similar to Apple’s micro gestures for controlling the interface of virtual objects. A video showcased a user navigating and interacting with mixed reality experiences using small finger movements. This development could enhance the user experience, providing more natural and intuitive interactions with Quest 3.
Jim Ryan hints at a possible PlayStation metaverse
In court documents related to the FTC vs Microsoft trial, Sony’s Jim Ryan mentioned Sony’s metaverse ambitions. Ryan referred to PlayStation Home as an early form of metaverse and revealed that Sony has a couple of projects underway to create a game-type metaverse. Ryan also mentioned that the role of PSVR2 may become more significant in the mid-term.
Resonite has been launched on Steam
Resonite, the spiritual successor to Neos VR, has been launched on Steam. This open, powerful, and geeky VR experience takes inspiration from Neos and aims to provide a successful VR platform for users.
You can now reserve your Somnium headset
Reservations are now open for the Somnium VR1 headset. This PC VR headset is expected to deliver high performance and is targeted at VR enthusiasts. Reserving a headset secures early access to the sales launch, allowing customers to order the headset ahead of others.
Steam VR stats have been pretty negative in September
The latest Steam hardware survey for September 2023 showed a decrease in the percentage of VR users, down from 1.92% in August to 1.60% in September. While fluctuations in data are normal, this decline is not a positive sign for the VR industry.
Epic layoffs people and changes the price of Unreal Engine
Epic has announced layoffs affecting 830 employees due to the lower profitability of the content creation economy based on Fortnite. Additionally, Epic is increasing the price of Unreal Engine for developers creating non-game content.
Some news on content
- Blade And Sorcery will reach version 1.0 in Q1 2024
- Demeo Battles demo is available as part of Steam Next Fest
- PowerWash Simulator VR arrives on Quest 2, Quest Pro, and Quest 3 on November 2
- Ilysia, a VR MMORPG, is expected to launch in Early Access this month
- Skydance’s Behemoth, previously known as just “Behemoth,” has been delayed until late 2024
- Propagation: Paradise Hotel arrives on PSVR 2 on October 12
Some news on mixed reality content
Several studios have released mixed reality updates to their games in conjunction with the launch of Quest 3:
- Synth Riders is launching a mixed reality update with immersive elements
- Espire 2 will feature dedicated stealth action missions that take place in real-world environments
Some reviews on content
- Upload went hands-on with a preview of Arizona Sunshine 2, praising it as a promising sequel with the addition of a dog companion
- Brazen Blaze, a brawler game, was positively reviewed for its action-packed gameplay
News from partners (and friends)
Chris Koomen, a VR professional with experience at KLM, is currently seeking new opportunities in the XR industry. If you are interested in hiring an XR professional, feel free to contact Chris Koomen.
Pico is hosting the Pico Dev Jam, an online hackathon with exciting prizes. This event is open to students and VR enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity.
Some XR fun
- A video compares the choice between buying a Quest 3 or a Virtual Boy, providing a humorous take on the decision-making process
- A series of XR-related funny links for entertainment purposes
Donate for good
As the final note, we encourage readers to donate to the Red Cross to support those affected by the war in Ukraine. Contributions will help provide much-needed humanitarian aid in the region.
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