Facebook Prepping Smaller Oculus; Zillow House Market Projections; Apple-Virtual WWDC June 22; Self-Cleaning Transparent Mask

Facebook is reportedly prepping a new, smaller Oculus Quest VR headset. Cnet.com notes that the headset was due out this year, but is likely being pushed back to 2021 due to the coronavirus. There are apparently ‘multiple potential successors’ to the Quest, with some getting a better refresh rate for ‘more realistic content’. Facebook is also working on redesigned controllers. The newer models will still not be featherweight….according to Bloomberg, the test models weigh in at around a pound, while the original unit is 1.25 lbs. They will still run independently or be able to be connected to a computer.

allow is out with housing market projections. According to geekwire.com, the latest analysis points to real estate feeling the effects of COVID-19 until late 2021…maybe even beyond that. Interestingly, Zillow sees home sales dropping 60%, but prices only easing by 2-3%. They expect pricing to firm up by 3rd quarter 2021. They predict much more short term disruption than long term. Redfin reports that home listings are down 50% year over year, but say demand has firmed back up again after a dip in April.

Apple’s big show, the World Wide Developers Conference was cancelled, as other big tech shows, with the promise of a virtual one. Now, Cupertino has posted details on their website, The virtual WWDC will begin on June 22nd. the Apple Developer App on the Apple Developer website is free for all developers. There will be a student challenge using their Swift programming language, and of course, early access to Apple’s various operating systems. Apple says further details, including keynote, platform state of the union details, sessions and lab schedules will be shared in June on the developer website and by email.

Of late, Apple has been working on iOS to switch to password right away if Face ID detects a mask…the new normal. Now, though, Chinese tech company Huami, maker of Amazfit wearables, is working on an N95-like transparent mask! Cnet.com reports that the mask will not only allow use of facial recognition while wearing it, it’s self-cleaning! The mask features removable filters, and has a USB port for power. When you take it off, UV light built in cleans the filters! They say this allows the filters to be effective for a month to 6 weeks! It won’t be out until late this year or early next, and the company says it will be affordable…their Bip smartwatch is $80, so that gives an idea of what they mean.