The XR Weekly Roundup (December 2, 2024): Leak of Valve Roy Controllers 3D Models, Black Friday VR Discounts, and More!

To all my American friends, I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend! Even though we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Italy, I’m aware of its significance in the U.S., Canada, and a few other places. For those who celebrated, I hope your time with family was well spent. For everyone else, I trust you made the most of Black Friday shopping! I grabbed a few deals myself, including a new phone. My old one was falling apart, and I realized it was time for an upgrade after a friend of mine jokingly suggested setting up a donation drive when they saw my phone in Helsinki—ouch, right? Before we jump into this week’s XR news, a quick update: I’m now on Bluesky! So, if you’re on that platform, feel free to follow me. It seems connecting with real people on X is getting trickier, hence my exploration of Bluesky. Don’t worry, I’m staying put on X for now, so you can still find me there.

Top news of the week

Roy Controllers 3D models found in SteamVR files

Dataminers have uncovered 3D models within SteamVR that align with the Valve Roy controllers leaked earlier. This discovery indicates that Valve is progressing toward finalizing these controllers, perhaps hinting at an imminent release of the Deckard headset. With these 3D models readily found in SteamVR, there’s speculation that the complete headset package might hit the market as soon as 2025. The models reveal the controllers’ design: they feature bumpers, a D-pad, thumbsticks, and various buttons, emulating a gamepad setup, which will allow users to enjoy the full array of Steam games on a large screen via the headset.

Additionally, dataminers discovered that Valve is employing technology from Arcturus Technologies for inside-out tracking. A video from 2020 demonstrated that Arcturus could deliver dependable inside-out tracking and stereo-corrected passthrough, increasing our confidence that these features will be present in the Deckard headset. This prospective inclusion suggests a promising mixed reality experience.

More info on the Valve Roy controllers: 3D models in SteamVR | Usage of Arcturus technology | Arcturus 2020 showcase

Other relevant news

Discover Cyber Monday deals!

The stream of VR discounts from Black Friday/Cyber Monday continues! Check out the links below for an extensive look at offers on both hardware and software. Here are some highlights:

• PSVR 2 sees a massive price cut to $350 with an included game, Horizon Call Of The Mountain. It will be fascinating to see how this pricing impacts sales, especially given last year’s discount caused a notable sales uptick.

• Pico 4 Ultra comes bundled with Pico Motion Trackers, three games, and a month of VRChat Plus.

• Select U.S. stores are offering the Quest 3S at $299.99, plus a $75 gift card.

• HTC’s discounts include a Vive Focus Vision with a complimentary DisplayPort adapter and a game bundle, while the Vive XR Elite and Vive Pro 2 also have price cuts.

On the Horizon (Quest) Store, using code ‘BFCM24’ at checkout can secure up to 40% off select games, and this discount can be utilized multiple times.

Additional Details: Discounts on VR games | Horizon Store discount trick | VR headset Black Friday deals | Best Black Friday deals for Meta Quest | Best Black Friday deals for PlayStation VR | Best Black Friday deals for HTC Vive | Deals by KIWI Design

Apple may have been experimenting with XR since 2008

We’ve long known that Apple invested about seven years into developing the Apple Vision Pro before its release, staying true to its approach of entering the market only when fully prepared. Interestingly, evidence suggests their efforts go back even further. A journalist from Mac World recently uncovered a 2008 Apple patent that discusses a VR headset. Its design bears a faint resemblance to today’s Vision Pro. Here’s an excerpt from a 16-year-old article detailing the patent:

"A recent patent filed by Apple reveals they might be developing a wearable display, capable of simulating the experience of a virtual environment through intelligent sensors. These sensors reportedly track head and eye movement, adjusting visuals to create a realistic experience for the wearer."

While major companies often file patents for varied reasons—sometimes to bolster their portfolio—this is not direct evidence that Apple commenced Vision Pro’s development 16 years ago, but it certainly indicates interest in immersive tech even before the Oculus Rift entered the scene.

More info: Read more

VRChat introduces age verification

VRChat has joined forces with Persona for age verification, utilizing government IDs and camera devices. Verification isn’t mandatory for all users but required for access to age-restricted instances. Users achieving verification can opt to display a "Verified 18+" badge on their profiles. The rollout will begin with select groups to address bugs during limited use, and there are trials with event organizers for verified-only gatherings.

This move marks an important development in social VR. The community has desired age-segregation for meaningful conversations among adults and appropriate spaces for children to engage freely. This change allows adults to indulge in mature discussions without exposing kids inadvertently. While implementing age verification seems beneficial, it remains to be seen how many will participate. During my VRROOM days, a similar initiative faced resistance, with privacy-related concerns holding others back. However, by keeping the verification optional and relevant to specific instances, VRChat has chosen a sensible approach.

More info: Learn more

News worth a mention

Pimax launches Crystal Super and Prime subscription

The Pimax Crystal Super headset, known for its impressive specs, is now available for order. Here’s a glance at its features:

• Interchangeable Optical System: Yes
• Weight: Approx. 815g (with headstrap)
• Resolution: 3840x3840x2
• PPD: 57
• Refresh Rate: 72Hz/90Hz
• FOV: 120° (Horizontal)
• Mode: PCVR
• Screen: QLED+MiniLED (Local Dimming)
• Eye-tracking: Yes
• IPD Adjustment: Auto
• Foveated Rendering: Dynamic

Boasting a 57 PPD, this headset edges close to retina-level resolution, potentially delivering unmatched VR realism. With an interchangeable optical system, users can swap out the lens+display assembly easily. Pimax provides two additional optics options: one prioritizing a broader FOV, while the other opts for micro OLED displays.

Pimax’s journey is a mixed bag—lauded for innovation and competitive pricing, yet criticized for delayed deliveries and manufacturing confusion. Seeing thorough reviews of the Crystal Super would offer insight into its true performance. On paper, it’s impressive—if paired with an RTX 8090.

The headset is priced around $1700, with a payment structure offering $999 upfront followed by monthly installments of $32.99 for two years under Pimax Prime—Pimax’s software license for PC use. Once the 24-month term ends, the headset is fully owned without ongoing payments.

This subscription model is stirring discussions in the PC VR community due to confusion over why it’s being introduced and the handling of subscription payments in case of returns.

More info: Pimax Crystal Super announcement | Pimax Crystal Super official page | Road To VR’s thoughts on Pimax Prime

XREAL is launching new AR glasses

XREAL has teased their upcoming AR glasses set to debut on December 4th at 10:00 AM EST. The type of device is still under wraps: it might be AR glasses with basic (3DOF) media capabilities or advanced (6DOF) AR functionality. Judging by the teaser, it leans towards the latter.

More info: Learn more

Virtual Reality for insects

This fascinating tidbit came from researchers at Flinders University who study insect behavior using a compact CAVE VR setup to present virtual environments. This method offers intriguing possibilities for observing and understanding insect behavior.

More info: Discover more

A virtual lollipop

Being a huge fan of full-sensory VR experiments, I find this latest venture riveting—a virtual lollipop. Developed by researchers from the University of Hong Kong, this lollipop’s hydrogels carry flavor chemicals released through iontophoresis, letting users experience tastes like sugar, salt, citrus, cherry, passion fruit, green tea, milk, durian, and grapefruit. Though, one wonders why they selected durian, famous for its pungent aroma, among this diverse lineup.

More info: Learn more

Tom Emrich’s new book is out

Tom Emrich, a top figure in AR, has released his latest book, "The Next Dimension: How to Use Augmented Reality for Business Growth in the Era of Spatial Computing." He describes it as a blend of guidance and celebration, spotlighting people and innovations propelling AR’s future.

Tom’s expertise and annual AR predictions fuel my curiosity, ensuring this book will be insightful, especially for entrepreneurs eyeing AR integration within their industries.

More info: Read more

A new mod lets you play Halo in VR

The VR mod on GitHub lets you relive the first Halo: Combat Evolved campaign on PC VR. Equipped with full 6DOF motion controls, two-handed weapon aiming, customizable controllers, and more, this mod has gained enthusiast praise across Reddit.

More info: Halo VR mod | Reddit’s enthusiastic take

Some news about content

• Home Sports, a mixed reality sports game reminiscent of Wii Sports by Resolution Games, lands on the Meta Horizon Store on December 11th, priced at $20.
• The Premier League Player official game, powered by Rezzil, is set to launch December 3 on Meta Quest.
• Trivia Crack World challenges your trivia skills in multiplayer VR on Quest for $10.
• Spatial Web Shooter on Vision Pro allows playing as Spider-Man, leveraging mixed reality for thrilling web-slinging (shoutout to Ivan Aguilar for this tip).
• Check Upload VR’s XR News Round-Up for more XR updates.

More info: Home Sports – Road To VR | Home Sports – Upload VR | Premier League Player | Trivia Crack World | Spatial Web Shooter | XR News Round-Up

Some reviews about content

• Trombone Champ: Unflattened has delightfully adapted its original game mechanics for VR’s immersive environment.

More info: Dive deeper

Other news

• Miroslav Kotalík unveiled the Zero V2, the evolution of his open AR glasses.
• The ANNAPRO A2 strap promises enhanced comfort with the Apple Vision Pro.
• Recent stats indicate the PCVR market remains stagnant, showing only minimal growth.

Learn more about each: Zero V2 news | ANNAPRO A2 insights | PCVR market trends

News from partners (and friends)

GroKit Core simplifies XR development as a library by 3lbXR, streamlining game creation in Unity with minimal coding required. It takes care of complex elements like interactions, physics, and multiplayer, saving developers time and effort.

Discover more: Grokit Core Official Site | Grokit Core Tutorials

Some XR fun

SUPER BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! Snatch the Quest at a ridiculous discount! Funny link

They look like identical twins! Funny link

It’s time to enjoy a collection of hilarious XR fails! Funny link

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Big thanks to all my Patreon supporters for their continued encouragement:

[Patreon Supporter List]

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(Header image by Upload VR)

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