As the final updates from CES 2023 roll out, the extended reality (XR) realm is firing back up with full force into an optimistic new year.
Many summed 2022 up as a challenging year for the immersive industry. Many major augmented, mixed, and virtual reality (AR/MR/VR) firms faced hurdles last year as stocks fell across the board, the world’s economy downturned, and US federal investigations slowed acquisitions.
This second week of 2023 reflects the tremulous times of the past year. Already the industry is seeing evolution, major technology roadblocks, and critical innovations.
The Meta Quest 3 in 2023?
Most notably, Meta teased a release window for its third Quest iteration this month.
The XR headset leader may release its Meta Quest 3 device in 2023, according to analyst Brad Lynch. In December, Reality Labs began testing its first engineering validation test (EVT) devices.
Moreover, according to Lynch’s sources, the device is in its prototype stages. Still, Meta is apparently testing its device with third-party developers in Q1, 2023 before launching consumer variants.
Meta’s Latest Innovations, Collaborations, and Cancellations
In addition to its rumoured Meta Quets 3 device, the Menlo Park-based firm also secured two critical immersive partners to scale its audience.
Last week, XR Today reported that Intel is collaborating with Meta to improve PCVR streaming across its supported immersive devices.
The firms are promoting Intel’s new AX1690 Wi-Fi chip for gaming PCs. The new component will allow users to stream PCVR titles directly to a Meta Quest device without relying on a WiFI router via a “one-hop” system.
Intel is leveraging a Double Connect Technology (DCT) system, which allows Quest 2 and Pro devices to connect directly with a PC to stream immersive content.
According to Intel, DCT-ready Quest devices offer up to 20 percent low latency connections.
Additionally, last week Meta partnered with Roblex to debut the Metaverse-lite service on Meta Quest devices later in 2023.
With subsequent updates, the deal could see the platform become a buyable title via the Meta Quest storefront. While the platform is primarily a gaming service for young audiences, Roblox has seen deepening ties to the industrial metaverse, inking several strategic deals with retailers and tech firms.
Roblox is running a massively popular Metaverse service with NIKE, which has experienced millions of users since launching in 2023. NIKELAND promotes sports across a young audience, using immersive/AR tech to encourage movement during an immersive experience. The platform also provides avenues for customers to view NIKE’s new products, enter competitions, and showcase updates from the company.
On the other hand, Meta is concluding its Meta Quest 1 journey. The firm is dropping support for its Quest 1 VR headset on March 5, 2023.
Mojo Vision Cancels AR Contact Lens
Last week, microdisplay experts Mojo Vision cancelled its hyped AR contact lens. Mojo Vision CEO Drew Parkins announced the cancellation following a highly publicized product trial the previous year.
The firm is stopping the production of AR contact lens prototypes due to a lack of capital.
Additionally, Mojo Vision is removing roughly 75 percent of its staff as the firm refocuses its direction towards MicroLED production for smart and immersive wearables.
Magic Leap 2 Gains Medical Certification
During a keynote at CES 2023, Magic Leap Company Chief Executive Peggy Johnson reported that the firm’s most recent device earned IEC 60601 certification.
The certification acknowledges that the Magic Leap AR headset has all the required standards to be an official piece of electronic medical equipment.
IEC 60601-ready devices allow surgeons and doctors to use a product in an operating room and other medical settings.
Magic Leap 2’s immersive display eliminates the need to look at computer screens by overlaying critical data as 3D visuals as an operator works.
