The XR Weekly Roundup (January 15, 2025): CES Showcases Numerous XR Devices, Quest 3S Tops 2024 Console Sales, and More!

I’m back from an exhilarating trip to CES in Las Vegas and now settled back in Italy. The experience was truly something special—I still can’t quite believe I attended such an enormous tech event! Though every muscle in my body is recovering, I couldn’t be happier. Each facet of my involvement—be it as a blogger, tech enthusiast, or entrepreneur—found something to celebrate. Obviously, CES was a major highlight, but there are other exciting bits of news that hit the headlines this week, so let’s dive right in! (Apologies for the delay in getting this newsletter out; there was a mountain of tasks awaiting me after my return.)

## This Week’s Top Highlights

A quick glance doesn’t do justice to the grandeur of CES, the largest tech gathering of the year. This time, amidst the hustle and bustle, it was interesting to see an entire area dedicated to XR technologies. A sign that, while still a bit niche, XR is carving out its space in the tech world. The talk of the town was smart glasses, especially those with AI features like the Ray-Ban Meta or the Halliday glasses with its tiny display. Goertek has rolled out new designs for AR glasses, giving new life to the ideas and possibilities on the drawing board for many companies.

While CES didn’t have jaw-dropping announcements for the XR sector, NVIDIA and Sony managed to stir up some conversation. NVIDIA took the stage with its RTX 50 graphics cards, promising even better PCVR performances. The price point remains quite similar to the previous series, except for the premium RTX 5090 at $2000. They also unveiled that their cloud streaming service, Geforce Now, is set to land on platforms like Quest and Pico, offering MR users a cinematic gaming experience. Meanwhile, Sony introduced XYN, a new suite of XR hardware and software aimed at creatives, featuring an intriguing, though untestable, headset. They also teased improved body tracking and digitization solutions, though how these fit together remains somewhat vague. Regardless, Sony’s commitment to XR is a plus for the digital world.

A noteworthy development from CES included HDMI’s announcement of a 2.2 standard with a whopping 96Gb/s bandwidth—and one can only wonder if this may lead certain headsets back to using HDMI ports. I’m currently crafting a detailed review of my favorite device from the expo—the Play For Dream headset, praised not just by me but also by Amanda Watson, whom I finally met, delightfully enough. For those who missed it, I’ve captured the entire XR area in a video, linked below for your enjoyment.

Overall, while CES didn’t bring game-changing news for XR, it drumrolled nicely for what’s to come.

## Other Relevant Updates

Meta Quest 3S has been a show-stealer, becoming Amazon’s bestselling console in the U.S. for 2024—not just within VR, but across all gaming consoles, which is truly impressive for a product released in October. This holiday period, the device surged in popularity, partly evident from game achievements data where Batman Arkham Shadow saw a player spike—a clear indicator of increased Quest 3S ownership. Although VR isn’t hitting mainstream status overnight, this growth is undeniably positive as more users join the virtual reality fold.

In other news, Meta discontinues the Quest Pro. It struggled to find its footing, launching prematurely in response to worries about the Vision Pro. Consequently, its hefty $1500 price was swiftly slashed, and the product is now out of stock on the Meta site. Alas, it wasn’t all doom and gloom, as it housed unique features like eye and face tracking, which could still spark interest in research circles. It’s amusingly coincidental that ASUS’s leak suggests their upcoming headset will sport similar tracking capabilities.

## Noteworthy Mentions

More thrilling leaks! Luna, a seasoned leaker, just revealed that the ASUS ROG VR headset codenamed Tarius will support HorizonOS and feature eye and face tracking. It’s a comforting hint that significant progress is underway with third-party Horizon headsets.

Then there’s the jaw-dropping figure: Infinite Reality raised a colossal $3 billion to evolve WebXR for immersive content. This development blindsided the XR community, given the sheer sum originates from a single investor. It’s a startling revelation that underscores the unpredictable nature of investment dynamics.

And in the realm of the bizarre: imagine walking through VR by merely lying down! A quirky research concept lets users pedal their way forward, tucked flat on their back—a workout for the abs, if nothing else!

For those facing walking challenges, there’s a beacon of hope. DotLumen’s groundbreaking headset aids visually impaired individuals by scanning surroundings and suggesting a safe walking path. This innovative tech could revolutionize mobility for the blind.

Meta’s slashed $50 off the Quest 3S (256GB), enticing potential buyers, while Sanzaru Games teases “awesome stuff” with its next big project. Could it align with Meta’s ambitions for mixed reality? Time will tell.

## Content Creations and Insights

In the gaming realm, new updates and releases abound. Boneworks is coming to Quest 3, and Synth Riders adds an ’80s Mixtape to its repertoire. Highlights include narrative-focused Human Within and playful titles like Detective VR. There’s a buzz around Asgard’s Wrath 2’s final content update and anticipation for Sanzaru’s next leap. But one constant: the VR world continues to expand with compelling stories, interactive adventures, and partnerships pushing technological boundaries.

## Finish with a Smile

Before we part, let’s salute my fellow explorers, constant supporters, and everyone tuned into this venture. For this week, I’m giving a shoutout to folks like Tyriel Wood, whose XR explorations complement mine perfectly—check out his channel for fascinating insights!

As we wrap up, let’s also think of others. Please consider donating to aid those impacted by conflict. Here’s a link to support the Red Cross’s efforts in Ukraine—your generosity is invaluable.

And with that, until next time!