I’ve taken a short trip back to China, and I got to experience the unique street performances celebrating the new year with captivating dragon and tiger figures! While it’s been enjoyable, I’ve indulged in so much amazing food that I’m jokingly sure I’ll burst. What a way to go, right? Wishing everyone prosperity for the Year of the Snake, let’s dive into the standout XR updates from this past week!
(UPDATE: This newsletter was delayed by a couple of days as I fell ill unexpectedly right after drafting half of it. Don’t worry, it wasn’t the delicious food! I just got back on my feet and finished the piece. Re-reading my optimistic intro did bring a smile to my face. Apologies for the delay, and hope you all still have my back.)
Top News of the Week
Meta’s Big Win in Q4 2024
Meta’s financials for the last quarter of 2024 are looking stellar, although there’s plenty to unpack. Reality Labs achieved record earnings of $1.08 billion for the quarter—thanks largely to the holiday popularity of Quests. Every Q4, sales peak as these make fantastic gifts. Evidence of strong performance was everywhere, like Meta Quest’s app topping the iOS charts, over 1 million players on Batman Arkham Shadow, and Amazon listing Quest as the 2024 bestseller.
Interestingly, we might’ve underestimated the success of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which Zuckerberg revealed sold over a million units in 2024 alone, bringing in more than $300 million. Even if Meta’s share was just 30%, it still contributes upwards of $100 million annually, meaning Quest-related revenue, without the Ray-Ban figures, is relatively modest compared to last year.
These figures indicate two trends: while MR/VR is very much alive, growth is slow without groundbreaking innovations; meanwhile, the smartglasses market holds promise despite possible overhyping. Zuckerberg is bullish about the potential for the next-gen Ray-Ban Meta glasses to sell between 2 to 5 million units—a significant target.
He’s equally optimistic about Horizon Worlds, foreseeing both user growth and enhanced visual appeal. Such developments delight Meta execs but disrupt businesses relying on the Horizon Store.
Not to be overlooked, impressive earnings come at a cost—$6.05 billion, marking the highest quarterly expense. Much of this is R&D aimed at launching consumer AR glasses, albeit sold at a loss. Historically, Meta’s extensive sales haven’t equated to profitability—a fact underscored by the $69 billion spent vs. just $9.19 billion earned since late 2020. Expect expenditures to rise, with significant returns projected only by the 2030s.
Other Relevant News
Apple’s Ongoing AR Dilemma
According to Marc Gurman, Apple’s journey with AR glasses is ongoing but unclear. Reportedly, they scrapped tethered glasses intended for iPhones due to excessive battery drain. Subsequent plans to connect them to Macs also fell flat leading to their cancellation. Nonetheless, Apple persists at a secret hub in Santa Clara, developing microLED displays for potential release in 2028 or later.
Such constant pivots have reportedly demoralized Apple’s Vision Products Group. Innovation is never straightforward—it’s painful but ultimately rewarding.
Apple Vision Pro Turns One
Social media timelines lit up recently with Apple aficionados celebrating Vision Pro’s first birthday. Joining the festivities: Happy Birthday, Vision Pro! You’ve spurred XR competition, urging others to speed up their development efforts!
News Worth a Mention
VRChat’s Age Verification Initiative
VRChat has rolled out an age verification feature for VRC+ members, utilizing the service from Persona—users can verify their age by submitting official documents or facial photos. Verification isn’t mandatory but offers access to age-restricted areas alongside a badge of adult status.
As VRChat pioneers this feature, it’ll be intriguing to see its consumer reception. While it mitigates disruptions from younger users, it involves sharing personal data with a third party. A decision between privacy and convenience looms, affecting how creators restrict access.
XReal One vs. Apple Vision Pro: A Point to Ponder
Scott Stein’s review of the XReal One glasses got me thinking about device comparisons. Known for its virtual-viewing prowess, XReal One’s budget-friendly price challenges Vision Pro’s costly $3500. While Vision Pro offers broader functionalities including richer colors and greater FOV, XReal’s affordability for single-use cases might give you pause.
New Entrant: Viture Pro XR Glasses
Viture has unveiled its Pro XR glasses, featuring impressive specs at $459, with an introductory discount. This release continues to highlight the competitive and innovative landscape in XR tech.
Logitech Pen as a Meta Quest Tracker
While no official Quest Tracker exists akin to Vive’s, Logitech’s MX Ink pen is stepping in. Recent videos showcase object tracking via Meta Quest with both controllers and the pen providing simultaneous tracking, hinting at creative potential within the community.
Other News
Exciting times as Google Blocks makes a comeback as Open Blocks, thanks to Icosa Foundation, who previously brought TiltBrush back to life. Open Blocks now graces the Horizon Store and is freely open-source on GitHub, forever accessible to all. Plus, Icosa is working on a spiritual successor to Google Poly called Icosa Gallery, worthy of applause!
Some XR Fun
Check out this intriguing simulator that might be mistaken for something entirely different—get ready for a hearty laugh!
Donate for Good
Instead of supporting my blog this week, I encourage donations to the Red Cross for Ukrainian aid. I’ll leave the link below and wish to express gratitude to all my steadfast Patreon supporters:
A heartfelt thanks to my amazing supporters, whose continued generosity is invaluable:
[List of Supporters]
Here’s the link to make a donation: [Support The Red Cross in Ukraine].
