XR weekly round-up: Quest 3S launch, PSVR 2 sales figures & Apple plans new Vision headsets
This week, Quest 3S launched, a developer gave approximate PSVR 2 sales figures, and we found out which upcoming vision headsets Apple could use to compete with Meta.
Our weekly “XR Update” provides you with the most important XR news from the past week, along with a brief summary. If you are interested in a particular topic, click on the link in the relevant section to read the full article. As usual, we provide you with background information and opinions in addition to the facts.
- We have a new format for which we need your support: MIXED reader questions — you ask, we answer
Meta Quest 3S was launched on October 15. We have put all our articles, reports and guides on the subject in a separate article:
- Click here for our collection of articles about the latest VR headset from Meta: Meta Quest 3S article collection
Content
Readers’ questions: Our answer to the last question
How realistic are VR contact lenses?
VR contact lenses are still science fiction at the moment. Technical challenges such as miniaturization and energy supply as well as lengthy medical approval processes stand in the way of development. Mojo Vision's most promising project was discontinued in 2023. Although research is continuing, VR contact lenses are likely to remain a distant vision of the future for now.
XR hardware: News on VR, AR and mixed reality headsets
Quest 3: Meta researches new, fast VR keyboard
Researchers from Meta and ETH Zurich have developed software called TouchInsight for Quest 3, which transforms any surface into a virtual keyboard. In a study, users achieved an average of 37 words per minute with an error rate of 2.9 percent - significantly better than the floating Quest keyboard and almost on a par with smartphone typing. The robust solution requires no external markers or hardware for calibration.
Playstation VR 2: 2 million devices in circulation according to VR studio
VR studio Toast Interactive estimates in a Reddit post that around 2 million PSVR 2 headsets have been shipped. Sony itself last quoted a figure of 600,000 units sold in May 2023.
XR market and business news
Meta Quest gets new Instagram and Facebook apps
New, more user-friendly versions of the Instagram and Facebook apps have been released for Meta Quest. Users can now log in without having to enter a password manually. The interface has been made clearer, but some features are still missing and there are minor bugs.
Apple wants to beat Meta with two new vision headsets
According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple is planning several new XR devices: a cheaper Apple Vision for 2,000 US dollars is set to be released in 2025, followed by an Apple Vision Pro 2 in 2026. A rival product to Meta's smart glasses and AirPods with a camera and computer vision capabilities are planned for 2027.
VR games and XR apps: all the latest news
This is what one of the most anticipated VR games on Quest 3 looks like
A new trailer shows the first gameplay scenes of the VR game Behemoth on Meta Quest 3. Compared to the PSVR 2 version, the graphics only drop slightly, despite the significantly weaker computing power of the Quest 3. Behemoth will be released on 5 December for Quest, PSVR 2 and PC-VR.
VR classic in new splendor: “Arizona Sunshine Remake” launches with action-packed trailer
The remake of the VR zombie shooter Arizona Sunshine is now available for all major VR platforms. It offers improved graphics, new gameplay mechanics such as melee combat and manual reload options as well as a more interactive game world. The remake includes all DLCs and updates from the original and costs 30 euros, with upgrade options for owners of the original version.
Forgotten VR gem celebrates mixed reality comeback on Meta Quest
The cyberpunk strategy game Augmented Empire, originally released for Oculus Go, comes in an improved form for Meta Quest 2 and 3. The new version features updated textures, improved lighting, mixed reality support and hand tracking. The turn-based tactical RPG promises 10 hours of gameplay across 26 missions.
The legendary VR concert platform Wave prepares for a comeback
Wave, a platform for VR concerts and audiovisual experiences, is returning with a closed beta. The aim is to create a virtual music festival that spans smartphones and VR devices. Several artists have already been announced for fall and winter 2024. Wave had withdrawn from the VR sector in 2021, but is now returning with improved technology.
Playstation VR 2: cult PC horror hit launches just in time for Halloween
The PC horror hit Phasmophobia will be released in Early Access for PS5, Playstation VR 2 and Xbox with cross-play support on October 29, 2024. The console version corresponds to the PC version and will receive future updates at the same time. The Halloween event “Crimson Eye” will take place at launch. In Phasmophobia, up to four players investigate ghostly apparitions in various locations as paranormal investigators.
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