Latest Immersive Tech News: Curated Freshly on January 20, 2025

The early days of 2025 have brought significant developments in immersive technology and artificial intelligence. The tech landscape continues its rapid transformation from CES innovations to evolving VR/AR hardware. While some ventures show promise, others face market challenges, highlighting the industry’s dynamic nature. New AI models and smart devices emerge as companies race to define the next generation of human-computer interaction.

12 Curated News Updates on VR, AR, XR, and AI

Freshly updated on January 20, 2025. Discover the latest VR, AR, XR, and AI advancements with expertly selected news, insights, and innovations shaping the future.

1. CES 2025 Breakthroughs: What’s Hot and What’s Not

CES 2025 showcased groundbreaking technologies, including advancements in artificial intelligence, consumer electronics, and immersive experiences. Key highlights featured AI-driven devices, next-generation virtual and augmented reality systems, and sustainable tech solutions, reflecting the industry’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

2. Meta Quest 3S Sales Slip: Trouble in VR Paradise?

Recent analyses indicate a 27% decline in Meta Horizon app downloads on Christmas Day 2024 compared to the previous year, suggesting a decrease in new Meta Quest headset activations. Despite the October 2024 release of the cost-effective Quest 3S, this downturn implies that the new model did not significantly boost holiday sales.

3. Speed Meets AI: OpenAI’s o3-mini Launching Soon

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced the completion of the ‘o3-mini’ reasoning model, slated for release in the coming weeks. This model will be accessible via both API and ChatGPT, marking a shift from previous staggered launches. While ‘o3-mini’ offers faster processing speeds, it may not surpass the ‘o1 pro’ model in all aspects.

4. CES 2025: Exploring the Next Wave of VR & AR

CES 2025 showcased the latest advancements in VR and AR technology, featuring innovations from companies such as Pimax, Shiftall, Xreal, and Roto. These developments highlight progress in display quality, tracking precision, and ergonomic design, offering new possibilities for immersive experiences across gaming, enterprise applications, and consumer entertainment.

5. Grok Goes Solo: xAI’s Standalone App Debuts on iO

xAI has launched a standalone iOS app for its AI assistant, Grok, expanding access beyond the X platform. The app offers features such as image generation, text summarization, and real-time information retrieval, positioning Grok as a competitor to existing AI chatbots.

6. Reimagining Home Care with AI Integration

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into home care, enhancing patient monitoring, personalizing care plans, and streamlining administrative tasks. This technological advancement aims to improve the quality of care provided to patients in their homes, offering benefits to both caregivers and recipients.

7. Marques Brownlee’s Take on AR Glasses: A Critical Look

In this video, Marques Brownlee evaluates the current state of augmented reality (AR) glasses, focusing on their practical applications and technological advancements. He provides an in-depth analysis of the hardware and software components, offering insights into the challenges and potential of AR technology.

8. PICO Business Device Manager Review

PICO’s Business Device Manager provides a centralized solution for enterprises to efficiently oversee their XR deployments. Offering batch enrollment, remote control, and enhanced security features, the platform is designed to optimize device management workflows, improving operational efficiency and user control for immersive technology applications.

9. Oculus Founder Hints at Upcoming VR Hardware Reveal

Palmer Luckey, founder of Oculus and Anduril Industries, has hinted at an upcoming announcement in the virtual reality sector. Responding to industry concerns, Luckey indicated that he will reveal a new project in the coming weeks, suggesting his continued involvement in VR innovation.

10. Arken Age Review: Why It’s the VR Game of the Year

Arken Age, developed by VitruviusVR, is a VR action-adventure game set in the Bio-Chasm—a terraformed fantasy world created by the Grand Arborist. Players engage in full physics-based combat using Arkenite-infused swords and guns, exploring environments under siege by Hyperion’s neural corruption.

11. A Review of Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, a collaboration between Meta and EssilorLuxottica, seamlessly merge classic eyewear aesthetics with cutting-edge AI technology. This review examines their AI-driven capabilities, including the “Hey Meta” voice assistant, hands-free communication, and real-time assistance features, evaluating their impact on daily usability and immersive experiences.

12. EvenRealities G1 Smart Glasses: Mike O’Brien’s Verdict

Technology reviewer Mike O’Brien shares his insights on the EvenRealities G1 smart glasses, highlighting their potential in augmented reality and AI integration. While the glasses offer a glimpse into the future, areas such as responsiveness and feature execution present challenges that need refinement for broader adoption by immersive tech professionals.