Welcome to this week's roundup of XR (Extended Reality) news, where the land of virtual adventures meets the wonderful world of tech updates. Buckle up for a wild ride as we dive into some noteworthy happenings—this week, the spotlight is glaring on Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update that left many Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) headset users feeling like they've been dumped in the digital void.
This decision, while certainly frustrating, is somewhat understandable from a managerial perspective. As it stands, only about 50,000 to 80,000 WMR headsets are still actively in use out of the over 400 million devices running Windows 11. That equates to a mere 0.02% of users. Thus, supporting such a small fraction starts to appear as more of a liability than an asset to Microsoft’s development team.
Moreover, even if you attempt to hold onto your outdated version, functionality will only last until November 2026, when WMR headsets will no longer receive any updates or technical support. This has led to an outpouring of dissent in the VR community, with voices like popular YouTuber Tyriell Wood sounding off against Microsoft’s decision. However, from a pragmatic lens, it’s easy to see why such choices are made, even if the situation is far from ideal.
What’s contributing to its surprisingly successful showing? The PSVR 2 boasts impressive specs, including a high resolution and refresh rate, along with the much-lauded OLED display that delivers stunning color contrasts. Despite these accolades, it still has to break the 10% market share barrier to match broader sales expectations. Currently sitting at 2.39% user share on Steam, it remains below the now-defunct WMR headsets' share, which stands at 3.55%. One wonders if the fate of these two headsets mirrors an intense competition playing out on the XR stage.
As we continue to witness the evolving narrative of XR in relation to Windows and beyond, the questions remaining are: What will be the long-term impact of Microsoft’s decisions on WMR users? And how will the competition between PSVR 2 and other helmets shape the future of virtual reality?
Let us know your thoughts below!
Source: The Ghost Howls The XR Week Peek (2024.10.08): Windows 11 update bricks WMR headsets, PSVR 2 becomes the 9th most used HMD on Steam, and more!
Microsoft Cuts Support for WMR Headsets
In an unpopular yet strategic move, Microsoft’s recent Windows 11 version 24H2 update has removed support for WMR headsets. If you own one of these headsets, the news comes as nothing short of catastrophic. Users are now faced with a daunting choice: either block the update and stick with the outdated version 23H2—potentially exposing themselves to security risks—or update and render their headsets obsolete.This decision, while certainly frustrating, is somewhat understandable from a managerial perspective. As it stands, only about 50,000 to 80,000 WMR headsets are still actively in use out of the over 400 million devices running Windows 11. That equates to a mere 0.02% of users. Thus, supporting such a small fraction starts to appear as more of a liability than an asset to Microsoft’s development team.
Moreover, even if you attempt to hold onto your outdated version, functionality will only last until November 2026, when WMR headsets will no longer receive any updates or technical support. This has led to an outpouring of dissent in the VR community, with voices like popular YouTuber Tyriell Wood sounding off against Microsoft’s decision. However, from a pragmatic lens, it’s easy to see why such choices are made, even if the situation is far from ideal.
PSVR 2: The New Player in Town
On a brighter note, the PSVR 2 has burst onto the scene, recently becoming the ninth most used headset on Steam. Surprising, isn't it? Given that it's primarily a console accessory for the PS5, its uptake on PC is nonetheless remarkable, especially since its PC adapter only dropped a few weeks ago.What’s contributing to its surprisingly successful showing? The PSVR 2 boasts impressive specs, including a high resolution and refresh rate, along with the much-lauded OLED display that delivers stunning color contrasts. Despite these accolades, it still has to break the 10% market share barrier to match broader sales expectations. Currently sitting at 2.39% user share on Steam, it remains below the now-defunct WMR headsets' share, which stands at 3.55%. One wonders if the fate of these two headsets mirrors an intense competition playing out on the XR stage.
Other Noteworthy News
Google and Samsung's Smart Glasses
In other news, tech giants Google and Samsung are quietly collaborating on a mixed reality headset and smart glasses powered by Gemini AI. While details are still scant, the trademark for “Samsung Glasses” hints at exciting new developments. Yet, with industry heavyweights like Meta already setting the pace, it remains to be seen if this endeavor will yield a worthy contender.Apple Reconsiders Its XR Course
Over at Apple, the game plan is under review following Meta’s bold Orion AR glasses reveal. The focus is shifting towards lighter, more accessible AR devices aimed at everyday use. As whispers swirl about the postponement of their anticipated smart glasses, only time will tell if this will reinvigorate Apple’s XR ambitions or lead to another round of delays.Meta's Revamped Avatars
Meanwhile, Meta has introduced a fresh line of avatars available in Horizon Worlds. Notably, the new feature allows users to create avatars based on selfies, making the personalization process quicker and more enjoyable. Coinciding with improvements in the Horizon Store, Meta appears to be restructuring its offerings to enhance user experiences.Tech Tidbits
- Lasers & Lenses: The revival of Laser Beam Scanning (LBS) technology is garnering attention. A startup claims to have addressed previous limitations in LBS tech and is now pitching to XR Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Will this create the next big wave in displays?
- Emerging Projects: Some intriguing new projects are on the horizon, like the XR-Objects initiative, which uses AI to blend real-world objects into AR environments seamlessly.
- Resonite's Rapid Growth: In the social VR domain, Resonite has surged to over 10,000 active monthly users within a year. This rapid growth underscores the demand for social interactions in virtual landscapes.
Conclusion
This week may have seemed light on activity compared to others, but the aftershocks of Microsoft’s WMR support drop and the ascent of PSVR 2 are undeniably significant for the XR landscape. As major players grapple with product support and new entries vie for the crown, it promises to be an exciting time for enthusiasts and developers alike.As we continue to witness the evolving narrative of XR in relation to Windows and beyond, the questions remaining are: What will be the long-term impact of Microsoft’s decisions on WMR users? And how will the competition between PSVR 2 and other helmets shape the future of virtual reality?
Let us know your thoughts below!
Source: The Ghost Howls The XR Week Peek (2024.10.08): Windows 11 update bricks WMR headsets, PSVR 2 becomes the 9th most used HMD on Steam, and more!
