The XR Weekly Snapshot (December 2, 2024): Leak of Valve Roy Controller Models, Black Friday VR Discounts, and More!

Hello to all my American friends enjoying the Thanksgiving weekend! Here in Italy, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but I’m aware of how significant this holiday is in the U.S., Canada, and a few other places. I hope everyone who partook in the festivities had a wonderful time with loved ones. For those who didn’t, I trust you scored some great Black Friday deals! I ended up purchasing a new phone myself, as my current one had reached a point of total devastation, no longer fit for work. It became pretty clear I needed an upgrade when a buddy from Helsinki jokingly asked if there was a fund to donate towards getting me a new phone, lol. Before we jump into this week’s XR news, just a quick announcement: I’m now on Bluesky! Feel free to follow me there if you’re using that platform. It’s becoming increasingly challenging to engage with real folks on X, so I’m giving Bluesky a shot… let’s see how it pans out! But for now, don’t worry, I’m still active on X as well, so you can find me on both.

Top news of the week

Roy Controllers 3D Models Found in SteamVR Files

Dataminers have recently uncovered 3D models of the Valve Roy controllers in SteamVR’s code, which had been hinted at in leaks over the past weeks. This discovery suggests that Valve is in the advanced stages of preparing these controllers for release, potentially signaling that the launch of the Deckard headset isn’t far off. With these 3D models already integrated into SteamVR, it’s plausible to anticipate the full headset kit’s release in 2025.

The 3D models underpin the leaks details, showing controllers with bumpers, a D-pad, thumbsticks, buttons, index and grip triggers, along with system buttons. Essentially, these controllers together emulate a complete gamepad setup, allowing players to enjoy the vast assortment of Steam games via a large screen on the headset, governed by Roy controllers.

Additionally, datamining has disclosed that Valve is utilizing Arcturus Technologies’ technology to enable inside-out tracking. A video from 2020 had already demonstrated the impressive reliability of Arcturus’s inside-out tracking and stereo-corrected passthrough, making us optimistic about quality mixed reality passthroughs in the Deckard headset.

More info: Valve Roy controllers 3d models found inside SteamVR, Valve Roy controllers using the technology from Arcturus, Arcturus Technologies showcase from 2020

Other relevant news

Discover Cyber Monday Deals!

The VR community is still buzzing with enticing deals as Black Friday/Cyber Monday discounts roll on! Below are some highlighted offers in both hardware and software:

• PSVR 2 is seeing a significant price cut down to $350, bundled with the outstanding game Horizon Call Of The Mountain. It’ll be intriguing to see how many units PlayStation can push with this offer, given the prior discount resulted in quite the sales jump.

• The Pico 4 Ultra bundle is now available with Pico Motion Trackers, three games, plus a month of VRChat Plus.

• Stateside, certain outlets are selling the Quest 3S for $299.99, with a $75 gift card thrown in.

• HTC isn’t slacking either, offering discounts on its range: buy a Vive Focus Vision and receive a DisplayPort adapter along with a games bundle, snag a Vive XR Elite at $100 off (or $150 in bundles), and save $400 on Vive Pro 2 bundled or $200 for just the headset.

• Enjoy up to 40% off select games on the Horizon (Quest) Store by using code ‘BFCM24’ at checkout, and feel free to use it multiple times.

More info: Discounts on VR games on Quest, Pico, SteamVR, PlayStation stores, Fun ways to explore discounts on the Horizon Store, VR headset deals for Black Friday, Top Black Friday deals for Meta Quest and PlayStation VR and HTC Vive, KIWI Design’s Black Friday offerings

Apple May Have Been Experimenting with XR Since 2008

It’s common knowledge that Apple toiled over the Apple Vision Pro for close to seven years prior to its launch. This extended timeline aligns with Apple’s strategy of prioritizing quality over being the first to market. However, it seems their ventures into XR might go back even further.

A Mac World journalist dug up a 2008 Apple patent that discussed a VR headset bearing a vague resemblance to the Vision Pro. Back in ’07, the journalist described it as a wearable display that could simulate a virtual environment with smart sensors detecting head and eye movements for real-time video adjustment, to immerse users fully.

While companies often amass patents for diverse reasons, this isn’t absolute proof Apple was actively working on the Vision Pro back then. Nevertheless, it convincingly shows Apple was contemplating immersive realities well before Oculus Rift, and some R&D definitely took place behind the scenes—fascinating insight, in my opinion.

More info

VRChat Introduces Age Verification

VRChat has teamed up with Persona for external age verification of its users using government IDs paired with a camera-enabled phone or computer. While not mandatory for all, this verification will be a requirement for specific instances tagged with an ‘Age Verification’ option. Verified users can also opt to display a "Verified 18+" badge on their VRChat profile.

This gradual rollout starts with selected groups to iron out any issues before a wider release, including partnerships with event organizers for the initial phase. This step is substantial for social VR, as the community has long asked for age separation to facilitate meaningful adult interactions while allowing kids to enjoy play with peers, keeping them away from potentially inappropriate content.

It’s sensible to see how many will engage with age verification, though. In a past role at VRROOM, I suggested similar measures met with resistance due to concerns about sharing personal information with companies. I’m curious about VRChat’s uptake. The choice to make verification optional except for certain worlds seems wise so users uncomfortable with sharing personal documents aren’t restricted from using the platform.

More info

News worth a mention

Pimax Launches Crystal Super and Prime Subscription

Pimax, the Chinese manufacturer, has officially opened orders for its Crystal Super headset, boasting stellar resolution. Here are its specifications:

• 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 an impressive PPD (Pixels Per Degree) of 57, it’s potentially a cutting-edge VR device with near-retina definition. Its interchangeable optical system allows easy swapping of the entire lens+display block. Pimax also offers two alternate optical systems: one with slightly lower PPD but a wider FOV at 135°, and another utilizing micro OLED displays.

While Pimax brings innovation and attractive pricing to the PC VR scene, its history is somewhat marred by delays and mishaps. Actual reviews are essential for a true assessment of its performance. On paper, this headset looks incredible—given you have an RTX 8090 PC to power it. 😛

With a price around $1700, the payment plan starts at $999 upfront, followed by $32.99 monthly over two years for the Pimax Prime subscription. Pimax Prime is essentially a software license to use Pimax on PC, with full ownership attained after 24 months sans subscription fees.

Confusion and concern swirl around the Pimax Prime subscription within the PC VR community. Doubt arises about its purpose, the handling of subscriptions if the headset gets returned, and what this model means going forward.

More info: Pimax announces Crystal Super headset, Official Pimax Crystal Super page, Road To VR raises concerns about Pimax Prime

XREAL Is Launching New AR Glasses

XREAL recently teased its new AR glasses, set for release on December 4th at 10:00 AM EST. Details about the type of device remain scant—whether it will be 3DOF AR glasses for media or 6DOF for augmented reality—but hints seem to favor the latter.

More info

Virtual Reality for Insects

In a surprising twist, it turns out some insects have better VR setups than many of us. Researchers from Flinders University are studying insect behavior in controlled environments by setting up tiny CAVE-based virtual reality systems to simulate various scenarios, hoping to glean insights into these creatures’ responses.

More info

A Virtual Lollipop

You all know how much I adore experiments encompassing all VR senses, so let’s talk about a new venture involving a virtual lollipop. This comes courtesy of researchers from the University of Hong Kong, who have developed a lollipop infused with hydrogels containing flavor chemicals. Through iontophoresis, these gels release particles, offering varying tastes upon licking. Current flavors include sugar, salt, cherry, passion fruit, and—oddly enough—durian. Only time will tell why durian made the cut!

More info

Tom Emrich’s New Book Is Out

Tom Emrich, a significant force in the AR industry, has launched his new book, “The Next Dimension: How to Use Augmented Reality for Business Growth in the Era of Spatial Computing.” Emrich shares insights from pioneering brands across multiple industries, like automotive and entertainment, substantiated with data underscoring AR’s value in marketing.

Being a fan of Tom’s annual AR predictions and prior monthly XR rundowns, I expect this book is brimming with actionable wisdom. If you’re a business leader pondering AR’s role in your industry, give this book a look.

More info

A New Mod Lets You Play Halo in VR

You can now fully explore Halo: Combat Evolved’s campaign through PC VR thanks to a mod accessible on GitHub. This VR transformation includes 6DOF motion controls, dual-handed weapon aiming, customizable controls, and more. Reddit buzz suggests players are thoroughly enjoying this immersive experience.

More info: VR mod for Halo: Combat Evolved, Enthusiastic Reddit feedback on the VR mod

Some news about content

• Home Sports, an anticipated mixed reality sports game reminiscent of Wii Sports from Resolution Games, lands on the Meta Horizon Store on December 11th, priced at $20.

• The official Premier League Player experience debuts on December 3 on the Meta Quest platform, courtesy of Rezzil.

• Trivia Crack World challenges your knowledge with a VR multiplayer twist, now available on Quest for $10.

• Dive into Spider-Man fandom with Spatial Web Shooter for Vision Pro, where you can unleash web-slinging in an MR setting, delivering fun moments (thanks to Ivan Aguilar for the tip).

• Upload VR has released its XR News Round-Up, covering smaller XR stories.

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

Some reviews about content

Trombone Champ: Unflattened delivers loads of fun by bringing flat-screen mechanics into a VR universe with finesse.

More info

Other news

Miroslav Kotalík reveals Zero V2, the sequel to his open AR glasses concept.

Learn more

ANNAPRO A2 strap significantly heightens Apple Vision Pro comfort.

Learn more

Recent statistics show the PCVR market remains mostly stagnant or only marginally growing.

Learn more

News from partners (and friends)

GroKit Core is a low-code development platform

GroKit Core by 3lbXR is a robust library that enables rapid XR development within Unity. It isn’t entirely code-free but simplifies the process by providing essential functionalities. This means developers only need to focus on the high-level elements for their games, as Grokit Core handles foundational work like interactions, physics, and multiplayer elements, saving valuable time and effort.

Learn more: Grokit Core — Official Website, Grokit Core — Tutorials

Some XR fun

SUPER BLACK FRIDAY DEAL! Snag a Quest at this wild price! [Funny link]

They are practically identical hilarity [Funny link]

It’s been a while since my last XR compilation of fails, so enjoy! [Funny link]

Donate for good

This week, like the last, I’m diverting from asking for blog donations to urge you to help those affected by ongoing war crises. Please support the Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. The link to donate is provided below. Many thanks to all my Patreon donors—I genuinely appreciate your support:

[List of donor names]

And here’s where you can make a difference: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

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