Valve Ends Index Production as XR Hardware Shifts

Valve ends Index production with discounts as Steam Frame orders extend into 2027.

 XREAL launches brighter AR glasses at the same price, Meta fixes an unprompted recording bug on Ray-Ban glasses, and Character.AI files for bankruptcy.

The past week brought clear shifts across XR hardware and related AI platforms. 

Valve closed the chapter on its long-running Index headset while new AR glasses arrived and privacy issues surfaced on existing smart glasses. AI chatbot platforms also faced major setbacks.

Valve Closes the Index Era

Valve announced on October 13 that the Index is no longer being produced. Remaining headsets, controllers, and accessories are available at a 20 percent discount while supplies last. The headset alone lists at $399.20. Existing owners retain full support through Steam and SteamVR. The move follows the September launch of the Steam Frame, whose reservation queue now stretches into 2027. Kernel code published by Valve also contains references to a higher-resolution display variant codenamed Plano, with panel constants pointing to 3552 by 3840 pixels per eye.

XREAL Refreshes Flagship AR Glasses

XREAL launched the 1 Pro+ AR glasses on October 15 at $599, matching the prior One Pro price. Peak brightness rises to 1,200 nits from 700 nits. The glasses add AI HDR processing and increase automatic 2D-to-3D conversion from 30 to 60 frames per second. The X1 spatial chip, 57-degree field of view, and 1920 by 1080 resolution per eye remain unchanged. A revised nose pad improves comfort. The glasses require a USB-C connection to a compatible device.

Meta Resolves Smart Glasses Recording Issue

Users reported that Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses recorded conversations without the "Hey Meta" wake phrase, even when related settings were disabled. Audio and transcripts appeared in the Meta AI app. Meta confirmed the issue and stated it has been resolved. Users can review and delete voice logs in settings.

Character.AI Enters Bankruptcy

Character.AI filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 12. The company listed assets and liabilities between $50 million and $100 million. Disney agreed to serve as a stalking-horse bidder, offering $20 million for a non-exclusive perpetual license to certain intellectual property plus transition services. The former CEO had joined Disney earlier as chief technology officer.

Key Takeaways

• Valve has ended Index production and discounted remaining stock while Steam Frame fulfillment extends into 2027.
• XREAL's 1 Pro+ delivers higher brightness and faster 2D-to-3D conversion at an unchanged $599 price.
• Meta fixed an unprompted recording bug on Ray-Ban glasses, and Character.AI has entered bankruptcy proceedings.

Hashtags: #XR #VR #AR #AI #SteamFrame #XREAL #MetaGlasses

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