Are you one of the many spectacle wearers intrigued by the immersive world of virtual reality offered by the Meta Quest 3 (formerly Oculus Quest 3)? While the Meta Quest 3 offers an unparalleled VR experience, wearing glasses inside the headset presents challenges that can hinder your enjoyment. But fear not, there's a solution: VR WAVE lenses.
As gamers who also wear glasses, one of the common questions we often have is: Can you wear eyeglasses in VR? The answer is very simple, YES -- but wearing glasses with the Meta Quest 3 can be uncomfortable and even painful. The process of fitting them into the headset is cumbersome and can result in scratches on both the lenses of your glasses and the VR headset itself. Additionally, wearing glasses inside the Meta Quest 3 decreases the field of view (FOV), limiting the immersive experience VR is renowned for.
VR WAVE lenses, the ultimate solution for spectacle wearers using the Meta Quest 3. These lenses are designed specifically to address the shortcomings of wearing glasses in VR. Let's delve into their features and benefits:
Comfortable Fit: VR WAVE lenses are ergonomically designed to fit seamlessly into your Meta Quest 3 headset, ensuring a comfortable experience even during extended VR sessions. Say goodbye to the discomfort and pain caused by wearing glasses inside the headset.
Scratch-Resistant: With VR WAVE lenses, you can bid farewell to the fear of scratching either your glasses or your Meta Quest 3 headset. These lenses are constructed from high-quality materials that are scratch-resistant, providing peace of mind and longevity to your VR accessories.
In summary, while wearing glasses with the Meta Quest 3 presents challenges such as discomfort, risk of scratches, and reduced FOV, VR WAVE lenses offer the perfect solution. These lenses provide a comfortable fit, scratch-resistant durability, and an enhanced field of view, elevating your VR experience to new heights. Say goodbye to the limitations of traditional glasses and embrace the immersive world of virtual reality with VR WAVE lenses. Unlock the full potential of your Meta Quest 3 and embark on unforgettable VR journeys with clarity and comfort.
The Meta Quest 3 offers a variety of ways to capture and share your gaming experiences. In this post, we'll dive into the details of recording gameplay using the in-headset option or improving recording quality with the Meta Quest Developer Hub on PC, and transferring your captured footage from your headset to other devices.
The Meta Quest 3 offers two ways to record gameplay directly on the headset:
Before recording, you can customize various camera settings to optimize your footage:
Go to Quick Settings (click on the time in the menu bar) > Settings > System > Camera. From there, you can choose your primary eye (left or right), amount of image stabilization, aspect ratio (square, landscape, or portrait), frame rate, and bitrate (5mbps to 20mbps).
Mixed reality combines elements of both virtual reality and the real world, creating experiences where digital objects interact with the physical environment. In mixed reality games, you can see your real surroundings while also interacting with virtual elements, blurring the line between the real and virtual worlds.
To record mixed reality footage on your Meta Quest 3, follow the same steps as in-headset recording. However, here are some additional tips to enhance your mixed reality experience and make the recording process smoother:
While in-headset recording is convenient and easy to use, the Meta Quest Developer Hub software on PC offers more advanced recording options and the ability to capture higher quality footage. By using the Meta Quest Developer Hub, you can:
To start using the Meta Quest Developer Hub for recording:
You can also record/cast wirelessly, but you will need to connect your headset to your PC via cable initially to make the connection. After your Quest 3 is recognized you can toggle the 'ADB over Wifi' toggle on. Just make sure you headset and PC are on the same network. Now you may disconnect the wire from your headset.
By leveraging the MetaQuest Developer Hub, you can take advantage of more advanced recording options and settings, allowing you to capture higher quality footage compared to in-headset recording. This is particularly useful if you plan to edit your videos or require the best possible quality for your content.
Your next step will be to actually acquire the footage you recorded. There are two different ways to do this, by connecting your Quest to your PC, or by downloading the files onto your phone.
To get your recorded footage off your Meta Quest 3 via PC:
Alternatively, you can use the Meta Quest mobile app to wirelessly transfer files:
The Meta Quest 3 provides a range of options for recording and sharing your gameplay. Whether you prefer the simplicity of in-headset recording or the advanced settings of the Meta Quest Developer Hub, you can capture high-quality footage of your virtual reality experiences. Keep this guide handy and you'll be able to record, customize, and transfer your Meta Quest 3 gameplay like a pro!
]]>With more players in the mix, the world of virtual and mixed reality headsets is more exciting than ever. Apple has entered the arena with its premium Apple Vision Pro, while Meta continues to refine its affordable Meta Quest lineup. But which one is right for you? Here’s an in-depth comparison of the key similarities and differences.
Design
The Apple Vision Pro features a sleek curved visor with anodized aluminum housing and laminated glass exterior. It has a digital crown dial for toggling between immersive (VR) and mixed reality modes. With premium materials and intricate design details, it matches the typically high-end Apple aesthetic.
The Meta Quest 3 utilizes a white plastic body with a default fabric Y-shaped headband and spacers in the back. While more functional than stylish in looks, the Quest 3 is lighter weight and more engineered for movement and activity.
Display Quality & Capabilities
Apple has packed its Vision Pro with cutting-edge micro-OLED displays having approximately 3660 x 3142 pixels per eye. That's extremely high resolution that surpasses 4K quality. The headsets also support refresh rates up to 100Hz for smooth, comfortable viewing.
But Apple goes beyond just resolution. The Vision Pro utilizes sophisticated technologies like variable focus, spatial mapping and EyeSight auto adjustments (explained more below) to enable maximum visual accuracy and comfort, especially in mixed reality modes.
Variable focus means the lenses can shift from sharp to blurry imaging just like the human eye. This gives a truer sense of depth when viewing both nearby and faraway objects.
Spatial mapping utilizes the array of external cameras to dynamically scan and construct a 3D mesh of your environment. This lets virtual objects seem to fit and interact more convincingly within real room spaces.
Finally EyeSight auto adjustments use eye-tracking cameras to automatically set the best lens spacing and display settings customized per user upon initial setup.
In comparison, the Meta Quest 3's displays offer 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye on LCD panels with a max 120Hz refresh rate. While quite sharp, the LCD technology shows some light bleed and doesn't render deep blacks as nicely as the micro-OLED alternative.
Nonetheless, smooth frame rates aid comfort in long VR sessions too. Meta further enhances graphics via technologies like fixed foveated rendering that sharpen visuals in your center gaze while reducing peripheral imagery.
While the Quest 3's visuals and displays prioritize VR gaming and entertainment over productivity, they still provide a decent window into VR, especially at this accessible price point.
Performance
The Apple Vision Pro packs serious processing power via Apple's latest M2 chip (also used in MacBooks) plus a custom Apple Reality Processor. This enables seamless integration within Apple's ecosystem for smooth performance across applications, OS, and experiences.
The Meta Quest 3 is outfitted with a cutting-edge Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip optimized specifically for VR and mixed reality rendering. While not as robust for general computing, it's extremely capable at delivering expansive, fast-loading VR landscapes and experiences with minimal latency.
Battery Life
The Apple Vision Pro offers up to 2 hours of general use before needing to be recharged. However, it relies on an external battery pack that must be carried separately. The device can be used all day when tethered to a power source like a wall outlet.
In contrast, the Meta Quest 3 builds the internal battery right into the headset itself for truly untethered use. It provides approximately 2-3 hours of battery life on average, whether you are gaming, using productivity apps, or watching media. The Quest 3 can also be directly plugged into a wall outlet for infinite use, and many 3rd party battery strap accessories exist for the Quest.
Experience
Apple is marketing the Vision Pro as a multipurpose AR/VR headset – a jack-of-all-trades suited for work, media, light gaming, and visually-rich applications. Unique experiences blending physical and virtual worlds in new ways aim to set it apart from traditional VR.
The Meta Quest 3 focuses foremost on best-in-class VR gaming, social connection and collaborative experiences fueled by the continually expanding Oculus content library. While capable of basic productivity, entertainment remains the main draw.
In the end, it comes down personal preferences and budget. The $3500+ Apple Vision Pro is ideal for early adopters who want a premium device with versatile functionality, top-tier displays and a stylish exterior they can integrate into daily life.
On a budget under $500? The Meta Quest 3 grants access to the largest ecosystem of VR games and entertainment. It can spice up your usual routine with out-of-this-world virtual adventures or be your workout partner. For most bang per buck, it can’t be beaten.
Before taking the plunge, ask yourself the following:How much does display quality matter?
The Apple Vision Pro touts best-in-class displays, while the Quest 3 trails slightly behind in pixels and use of LCD versus OLED screens.
Do you value mobile use or cross-device connectivity more?
The all-in-one, portable Quest 3 doesn’t need to be tethered to anything. But the Vision Pro seamlessly pairs with your Apple devices.
Is your eyesight compatible with either headset?
The Quest 3 is glasses-friendly, while Vision Pro requires custom prescription lens inserts. However, those needing vision correction can turn to solutions like VR Wave's lens inserts for the Quest 3 and for the Apple Vision Pro. They offer custom-made prescription lenses that magnetically attach to the headsets - adjustable focus rather than fixed. You can also add on blue light filtering for eye protection or anti glare coatings. For those already wearing glasses, the adaptable VR Wave lenses are more comfortable and practical than trying to squeeze your existing eyewear into the headsets. Now both Meta and Apple headset owners can enjoy sharp, unencumbered views inside their virtual worlds.
How tight is your budget?
You can get started in quality VR for just $500 with the Quest 3, while the Vision Pro demands a $3500 premium price tag reflecting its luxe design.
Do you plan on using it for fitness?
The Quest 3 is ideal for active VR games and workouts. Overheating concerns may limit fitness uses for the Vision Pro.
---
When it comes to purchasing one of these advanced headsets, focus on your key priorities. Those wanting the highest fidelity experiences with premium design should go for the Apple Vision Pro. Its technical capabilities stretch far beyond gaming into media, productivity and more - albeit at luxury pricing.
On the other hand, VR gaming and entertainment enthusiasts need not spend big on the Vision Pro. The Quest 3 provides excellent access to new worlds at just a fraction of the cost. You still get solid displays and performance too.
Of course these products just scratch the surface of what interactive virtual and mixed reality could become. But they give consumers a choice catering to different preferences. One thing is certain - spatial computing marks a monumental shift in how we may create, socialize and consume information in the future. Both the Vision Pro and Quest 3 offer an exciting entry point into those possibilities today.
]]>Apple's long-awaited entry into augmented and virtual reality has arrived with the Vision Pro headset - and first impressions reveal it may launch a computing revolution still in the making. Reviews of the $3,499 "spatial computer" (dubbed by Apple) are resoundingly wowed by its technological achievements yet divided on whether its practical realities align with its expensive price tag. As the Apple Vision Pro seems poised to change how we interact with computers, we rounded up thoughts from leading journalists and influencers who've experienced the Vision Pro first-hand. Read on to see if one of tech's most anticipated new devices lives up to its game-changing promises - or remains an early-adopter novelty.
Demystifying Apple's Leap into Mixed Reality
Before examining whether the Vision Pro's splashy debut aligns with expectations, let's unpack exactly what the device aims to deliver. Apple is entering the race toward mixed reality computing with an augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headset retailing for $3,499.
The Vision Pro features dual ultra-high-resolution OLED microdisplays packing 23 million pixels per eye, offering visual fidelity surpassing most 8K TVs. Powering these jaw-dropping visuals is Apple's lightning-quick M2 computing chip also found in the latest MacBooks.
Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
This spatial computer tracks eyes and hands without external controllers for what Apple calls a "revolutionary" control scheme. The goal is enabling users to tap, pinch, drag, and otherwise manipulate apps and objects overlayed through the lenses as if touchscreens floated all around you.
Apple envisions the headset especially benefiting users working in creative fields like design, filmmaking and architecture which leverage 3D modeling. The headset also aims to transport wearers into immersive entertainment like cinema-quality movie watching or interactive gaming within environments echoing real-world spaces.
Collaborators can join these experiences remotely via FaceTime, with Apple's Persona technology even animating realistic digital avatars using the onboard cameras. Staying present with surrounding people is further aided by EyeSight - an exterior display allowing others to see your eyes.
Photo by The Verge
In many ways, Apple is taking emerging mixed reality hardware and integrating it into its famed ecosystem. While still catering to early adopters ready to buy into this vision today, Apple is placing a $3,500 bet that the masses could someday perceive reality itself through its lenses as well. But do the actual experiences match the hype? Reviews reveal some mixed opinions.
Seeing the Future Through Apple's Lens
When it comes to displaying immersive digital content, nearly all the reviewers agreed that the Vision Pro's visual capabilities are unparalleled. UploadVR's Ian Hamilton called the headset's passthrough AR "night and day better than every other passthrough experience I've ever seen." He added the difference is like "using sunglasses for reading instead of having your prescription-corrected vision."
Photo by Scott Stein/CNET
CNET's Scott Stein marveled at how the micro-OLED displays make text crisper than his computer monitors and movies feel "larger than any TV in my house." Brian Tong went so far as to declare it the "largest, biggest and best gaming display in your house" given its expansive screen real estate.
The Verge's Nilay Patel noted that "the quality of the Vision Pro's displays is really obvious when you’re watching something." Though digressing to say, "you’re constantly being reminded that you’re looking at video on screens, and reality is a lot more interesting than that."
Interacting by Thought and Gesture
The intuitive control scheme elicited nearly unanimous praise. The Vision Pro forgoes conventional inputs like keyboards or controllers, relying on eye-tracking and hand gestures. Apple seems to have innovated the right touchless interface for spatial computing.
Mark Spoonauer of Tom's Guide lauded how the system's hand and eye tracking "just freaking works" with a simple pinch serving as the basic gesture. CNET's Stein summed up the experience as "flying all over the place but it's amazing."
Photo by Tom's Guide
iJustine declared using the Vision Pro feels "super easy" and "truly feels like you're witnessing a miracle." However, The Verge inserting a reality check that eye and hand controls still can't match the reliability of trusty old keyboards and mice.
Sticker Shock and First-Version Foibles
For all the Vision Pro's wizardry, it comes at a cost - beyond just its price tag. Reviewers flagged several major drawbacks that undermine real-world practicality.
The Verge's Patel emphasized the weight, saying "you’re going to feel it" after a while. Apple opted for an external battery to reduce headset bulk, but attaching a "silly battery pack" compromises comfort, in his view.
Photo by Josh Goldman/CNET
CNET's Stein also called out the lack of major entertainment apps at launch like Netflix and YouTube. Tom's Guide's Spoonauer complained about the battery pack getting in the way during intense VR sessions.
All reviewers mentioned the need for occasional breaks after 30-60 minutes before the Vision Pro's weight becomes uncomfortable. iJustine also warned that its sensory intensity can be "mentally exhausting."
Brian Tong summed up the prevailing sentiment, advising average consumers should visit an Apple store for a demo before splurging. "This is a luxury device — not priced as a headset for everyone," he assessed.
On the software side, buggy personas and hand tracking glitches revealed the Vision Pro as very much a version one product. As Next Web's Napier Lopez concluded: "It’s still more concept than must-have gadget."
A Glimpse of the Next Computing Era
For all the debate about whether Apple's headset is worth its steep entry fee, virtually every reviewer concurred on a few key points. They agreed that the Vision Pro provides a tantalizing taste of the future - with emphasis on the preview aspect.
Photo of Youtuber iJustine
In the words of The Verge's Nilay Patel, "it’s easy to lose track of where I am when I’m wearing the Vision Pro. And it’s thrilling." But he qualified that by noting the device spotlights "how young AR and VR still are” as everyday computing platforms.
CNET's Scott Stein similarly stated the Vision Pro "represents a series of really big tradeoffs" compared to current reality. Though even through that lens, he called it “Apple’s most exciting product in years” which shows the “art of the possible.”
While the Vision Pro divides reviewers on whether this headset actually realizes the full sweeping potential of spatial computing, all agree that Apple has moved the needle toward the next evolution in human-computer interaction. The company that mainstreamed personal computers, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches has now set the benchmark for fusing our digital and physical worlds through augmented reality headsets.
Only time will tell whether Apple ushers mixed reality into the tech mainstream with future Vision Pro upgrades and rumored AR glasses still in development. For now, the first-generation model stands as a technological glimpse into the imminent future that not every critic believes warrants an immediate $3,500 investment. But the Vision Pro has undoubtedly advanced the state of the art and inched much closer toward the sci-fi visions of computing we've long imagined.
---
References:
Hamilton, Ian. "Apple Vision Pro Hands-On: Way Ahead of Meta In Critical Ways." UploadVR, 31 Jan. 2023, https://www.uploadvr.com/apple-vision-pro/.
Haselton, Todd. "Apple Vision Pro Review: The Future of Computing and Entertainment." CNBC, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/30/apple-vision-pro-review-the-future-of-computing-and-entertainment.html.
Patel, Nilay. "Apple Vision Pro Review: Not Ready for Everyday Users." The Verge, 24 Jan. 2023, https://www.theverge.com/24054862/apple-vision-pro-review-vr-ar-headset-features-price.
Stein, Scott. "Apple Vision Pro Review." CNET, 29 Jan. 2023, https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/apple-vision-pro-review-a-mind-blowing-look-at-an-unfinished-future/.
Spoonauer, Mark. "Apple Vision Pro Review." Tom's Guide, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/smart-glasses/apple-vision-pro-review.
iJustine. "Apple Vision Pro - The Future Is Here!" YouTube, 28 Jan. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaWt6-xe29k.
Tong, Brian. "Apple Vision Pro Review: This Changes EVERYTHING." YouTube, 26 Jan. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPw6ScHyb4.
'Tis the season for festive fun in VR! This holiday season, top virtual reality games are delivering heaps of Christmas cheer with special seasonal updates for players to unwrap. From decorated game worlds and themed cosmetics to holiday mini-games, events and more, many popular VR titles are spreading yuletide joy throughout the metaverse.
In this roundup, we highlight the merriest VR holiday happenings across a variety of games on major platforms like the Meta Quest store, PSVR2, Steam, and SideQuest. Whether you want to deck the halls of your favorite games, unlock Santa suits, or engage in snowball fights with friends, these VR holiday treats deliver plenty of virtual holiday magic.
Disclaimer: Some links to the Meta Quest store are affiliate links, meaning the author receives $5 in store credit at no extra cost to you. Using these links provides you with 10-25% off select games, so it's a win-win!
Let's jump in and see what some of the top VR platforms and titles have awaiting under the Christmas tree this month...
Among Us VR
Among Us VR brings the popular deception game into virtual reality. For the holiday season, Among Us VR has a paid DLC with six themed winter hats including presents, candy canes, rain deer antlers, and more. The Among Us VR Festive Favorites DLC is available on Meta Quest store, PSVR2 and Steam.
Asgard's Wrath 2
Asgard's Wrath 2 is a new action RPG transporting players into distant realms to battle gods and monsters. The game features holiday themed avatar cosmetics and a Krampus armor set unlockable by completing holiday event objectives for competing in the game's Cosmic Community Conquests. Asgard's Wrath 2 is free with Meta Quest 3 purchase until January 27th 2024, otherwise purchasable on the Meta Quest store.
Bartender VR Simulator
Bartender VR Simulator teaches professional drink mixing skills across unique virtual bars. For the 2023 holiday season, the game added Christmas decorations, Santa hats, gingerbread men, and falling snow. Bartender VR Simulator is available on the Meta Quest store.
Beer Pong Basement
Beer Pong Basement is a VR party game that simulates playing the classic beer pong game. The winter update includes Christmas decorations, Santa custom avatars, and holiday movies playing in the background. Beer Pong Basement is free on Sidequest and Meta Quest's App Lab.
Breachers
Breachers is a 5v5 VR multiplayer shooter putting teams in close quarters combat. This month the game added Arctic, a new snow-covered map available across all platforms. Breachers is a cross-buy title on the Meta Quest store and Steam.
Crazy Kung Fu
Crazy Kung Fu is a martial arts fitness game combining reflex challenges with exercise. For the holidays, the game adds limited edition seasonal masks, bracers, and gameplay modifiers. Crazy Kung Fu is available on Steam and the Meta Quest store.
Devour
Devour is a horror coop survival game for desktop or VR where players perform rituals to fight off demonic enemies. The Christmas event runs until December 28th and offers holiday decorations, unlockable Santa outfits, and double XP. Devour is available on Steam.
Drakheir
Drakheir is a hand tracking spellcasting adventure game set in an enchanted world. The Christmas edition update brings a new snowball fight mini-game, holiday themed enemies, and festive music. Drakheir can be found on Meta Quest's App Lab.
Dungeons of Eternity
Dungeons of Eternity involves battling through procedurally generated dungeons in VR. The Frostbound holiday update adds Christmas decorations, themed weapons, snowballs to throw, and more. Dungeons of Eternity is available on the Meta Quest store.
Gorilla Tag
Gorilla Tag is a multiplayer VR movement game using arm swinging locomotion. The Christmas update brings snowy maps, trains to ride, themed cosmetics, and new holiday mini-games. Gorilla Tag is free on the Meta Quest store and $12.99 on Steam.
Grapple Tournament
Grapple Tournament is a VR shooter focused on vertical movement and combat. The winter holiday seasonal update includes themed cosmetics, maps, avatars, and a battle pass. Grapple Tournament is free on the Meta Quest store and on Steam.
Grokit
Grokit is a quick reaction VR party game supporting mixed reality. The winter blast update rethemes microgames for the holidays, adds festive cosmetics, and more. Grokit is available on the Meta Quest App Lab.
Horror Bar VR
Horror Bar VR is a zombie food and drink bartending VR game. This holiday the game added festive decorations like creepy trees, blood-filled stockings, and zombie gingerbread men to the bar. Horror Bar VR is available on the Meta Quest store.
House Flipper VR
House Flipper VR allows players to renovate and design virtual homes. For the 2023 holiday update, the game added over 200 decorative items like Christmas trees, lights, and wreaths to decorate properties. There is also new holiday job content and hand tracking support. House Flipper VR is available on Steam and the Meta Quest store.
Kayak VR
Kayak VR: Mirage lets players kayak through vivid environments. The game brings a holiday themed make-over of the Kings Canyon map during the holiday season. Kayak VR: Mirage can be purchased on Steam.
Kartoffl
Kartoffl is a cute VR puzzle game involving guiding potato characters through various challenges. For the holidays, the game world transforms with falling snow, Santa hat wearing potatoes, and more seasonal touches. Kartoffl is available on the Meta Quest store and Steam.
LOW-FI
LOW-FI is an early open world cyberpunk VR police simulation game. During the holidays, the game world features seasonal collectibles, decorations, and more. A PC early access build is available on Itch.io before LOW-FI's Steam launch.
Monkey See Monkey Doo Doo
Monkey See Monkey Doo Doo is a multiplayer VR adventure platformer game. The Christmas update includes snowy maps, Santa costumes, themed weapons, interactive objects, and more. It is free on Meta Quest's App Lab and $14.99 on Steam.
Outta Hand
Outta Hand is a humorous arm-swinging VR platformer game. The seasonal update between December 8th and January 3rd adds holiday theming, Santa hats, and themed achievements. Outta Hand is available on the Meta Quest store and Steam.
Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia's Holiday 2023 event involves eliminating dancing snowmen across seven different haunted location maps. Players need to gather three mysterious parts before hunting down the snowmen from December 11th, 2023 to early January 2024. Completing the holiday event rewards a special ID badge and unique trophy. Phasmophobia is available for purchase on Steam.
Puzzling Places
Puzzling Places provides relaxing 3D jigsaw puzzles in VR. For the holidays, the game adds a free Christmas 'Driving Home for Christmas' puzzle and a monthly 'Snowy Sights' DLC pack. Puzzling Places can be found on the Meta Quest store, PlayStation VR and PSVR2, and PICO headsets.
Rec Room
Rec Room provides a variety of social VR games and experiences. For the holidays, it brings back its Rec Holiday Market with themed mini-games, new cosmetics, and more. Rec Room is free across all major VR platforms.
Rogue Ascent
Rogue Ascent is a roguelike shooter designed specifically for hand tracking. Its holiday event offers double XP and festive decorations including weapon presents and edible coins. Rogue Ascent is available on the Meta Quest store.
Samurai Slaughterhouse
Samurai Slaughter House is a physics-based combat VR game set in a large open world. For the holidays, players can collect holiday spirit to earn an exclusive holiday machete. Santa hats can also be grabbed off enemies to slow time. Samurai Slaughter House is available on Steam and the Meta Quest's app lab.
Santa's Conveyor Chaos
Santa's Conveyor Chaos is a holiday-themed mixed reality game by the creators of Crazy Kung Fu. Players help Santa by grabbing gifts coming out on conveyor belts and packing them up as presents before they pile up. Santa's Conveyor Chaos is available on the Meta Quest App Lab.
Santa Simulator VR
Santa Simulator VR is a VR mini-game by the creators of Richie's Plank Experience. Players ride around in Santa's sleigh delivering presents down chimneys. Based on their gift delivery count, players can earn titles like Shopping Centre Santa, Elf Level Respect, and more. Santa Simulator VR is bundled for free with Richie's Plank Experience on Steam or can be purchased on its own.
Shave & Stuff
Shave and Stuff lets players run a barbershop and tattoo parlor in VR. While not a strictly seasonal update, the game's tools allow giving Santa a makeover. Shave and Stuff is available on the Meta Quest store and Steam.
Silhouette
Silhouette is a relaxing hand tracking puzzle adventure revolving around light and shadows. For the 2022 holiday season, the game added Christmas outfits for characters, festive island decorations, and minor improvements. Silhouette is available on the Meta Quest store.
Snow Wars
Snow Wars is an 8 player VR multiplayer shooter focused on competitive snowball battles. For the 2022 holiday season, the game revamped its lobby, added a playground area, festive decorations, themed music, and special sales. Snow Wars is available on the Meta Quest store.
Synth Riders
Santa is coming to town! See if you can spot him in some festively re-done Synth Riders maps and give yourself a holiday themed emblem. Synth Riders can be found on Steam, Quest, PSVR and Viveport.
The Break-In
The Break-In is a 4 player VR/non-VR coop burglary game. The Christmas update adds missions to deliver presents while earning holiday themed unlocks. The Break In can be found on Steam.
Walkabout Mini Golf
Walkabout Mini Golf provides realistic mini golf gameplay. For the holidays, the game adds themed avatar items, festive music, and seasonal décor across its courses. Walkabout Mini Golf is available on Steam, PSVR2, and the Meta Quest store.
---
With so many popular VR titles getting into the holiday spirit this year, there's bound to be festive fun for every virtual reality gamer this season. Whether you're looking to decorate your favorite hangouts, compete in Christmas quests and events, or simply enjoy some holiday atmosphere, these VR games are delivering cheer across platforms.
With new VR holiday content still rolling out and more on the way before 2023 comes to an end, virtual reality gamers have much to celebrate this Christmas. We'll continue highlighting the latest VR holiday happenings as more titles reveal their festive offerings over the coming weeks.
But for now, with this collection of VR holiday updates, there's more than enough virtual gingerbread, mistletoe, and Yule tide joy to go around the metaverse. Happy VR holiday gaming, everyone!
]]>
Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals have arrived, bringing huge discounts on virtual reality gear. Top VR headsets, must-have accessories and hot new games are seeing major price drops. Whether you want to try VR for the first time or upgrade your existing setup, now is the time to save big.
We've rounded up the very best holiday bargains on VR hardware, accessories and games. You can grab wireless all-in-one systems like Meta Quest 2 for less or step into premium PC VR with savings on rigs like the Pimax Crystal. Key add-ons like lenses and headphones are also on sale.
Let's dive into the savings so you can immerse yourself in VR this holiday without emptying your wallet!
This holiday season is a great time to grab deals on VR headsets, with major discounts available on top models:
The popular Meta Quest 2 VR headset has some great holiday deals right now. At Amazon, you can get bundles that include a $50 Amazon gift card with purchase. The 128GB Quest 2 bundle is just $249 after a 17% discount, saving you $50 off the regular $299 price. The 256GB bundle is $299 after a 15% price cut. Either way, if you select the holiday bundle, you'll get a $50 free Amazon credit to use on whatever you’d like.
You can also get the Quest 2 for $50 off at the Supernatural Gear Store, plus score a free Elite Strap and 50% off a one year Supernatural subscription. This limited offer ending 11/27 lets you grab the 128GB Quest 2 with a year of the popular VR workout app and the Elite Strap for more comfort, all for just $249.99.
For PC-based VR, the HP Reverb G2 is now $469 at HP, marked down $130 from its regular $599 price tag. This well-reviewed headset stands out with its high-resolution 2160 x 2160 pixel LCD displays per eye, providing stunning visuals. It also has immersive 3D spatial audio and improved Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers for a comfortable, ergonomic design. At 21% off, it's a great mid-range choice for PC VR.
The ultra high-resolution Pimax Crystal VR headset is on sale for $1,439 at Pimax, discounted from its regular $1,599 price. Bundled with the Lighthouse faceplate for precise tracking, it's $1,538. With 2880 x 2880 pixels per eye and advanced local dimming technology, the Crystal delivers unparalleled visual clarity in VR. Pimax is also offering discounted bundles on this top-of-the-line consumer VR headset for Black Friday.
HTC VIVE is offering steep holiday discounts on a wide range of VR hardware. Now is the time to grab advanced gear for less.
Some standout deals:
VIVE Pro 2 Full Kit Now: $999 (Save $400) The feature-packed prosumer headset with 5K clarity for next-level VR.
VIVE Focus 3 Business Edition Now: $1,099 (Save $500) An all-in-one headset made for business with snapdragon XR2 power.
VIVE XR Elite Now: $999 (Save $100) A lightweight convertible between all-in-one & PC VR.
VIVE Flow Now: $469 (Save $100) Fully immersive VR glasses for easy mobility and sharing.
HTC is also discounting standalone base stations, SteamVR trackers, controllers, and more accessories this holiday season.
Take your VR setup to the next level with HTC VIVE's Black Friday sale while supplies last!
Dell has an incredibly rare discount on the just-launched PSVR 2, taking $100 off a bundle with Horizon Call of the Mountain for a total of $500. This VR-exclusive Horizon title lets you experience the PSVR 2's immersive tech, like 4K displays, haptic feedback, and intuitive Sense controllers. It's a great opportunity to dive into next-gen PlayStation VR for less this holiday season.
VR Wave is offering $10 off their custom prescription lenses for Black Friday, compatible with Meta Quest, PSVR, Valve Index and many other VR headsets. Made to your exact prescription, the lenses reduce eye strain and feature premium optics like blue light filtering. With over 800 positive reviews, these are a great way to optimize visual clarity and comfort in a wide range of VR headsets this holiday season.
VR Wave also has the Deluxe Head Strap for Quest 3 on sale for $29.99, down from its regular $33.99 price tag. This comfortable and durable accessory replaces the default strap for a more adjustable and snug fit. The lightweight strap has an ergonomic design to reduce facial pressure during marathon VR sessions.
The Logitech G PRO VR gaming headset, designed specifically for the Quest 2, is now just $54.99 at Amazon, a steep $45 off its regular $99.99 price. With soft premium materials and passive noise isolation, it blocks distractions for full immersion.
For a smaller option, the Logitech G333 VR earphones are a great option at 50% off - now only $25 at Walmart, down from $49. These earphones deliver detailed, dynamic sound for lifelike VR environments.
The KAT Walk C2 Core VR treadmill is now discounted to $899 at KAT, down $100 from its standard $999 price point. This budget-friendly treadmill allows unlimited movement and active gameplay in VR spaces.
For a high-end model, the feature-packed KAT Walk C2+ is now $1,299, a $200 discount from its usual $1,499 MSRP. It adds a dynamic seat and haptic feedback for even greater immersion.
bHaptics is offering exclusive holiday savings directly on their website. You can get 25% off bundles like the FPS Pack with the feature-packed TactSuit X40 vest and Tactosy arm haptics.
The advanced X40 vest with 40 precision feedback points is now just $423, down from $529. It adds realistic physical effects to VR with vibration motors across the torso. The Tactosy arm haptics with 12 points takes immersion further.
Also on sale is the entry-level TactSuit X16 at $246.75, regularly $329. This lighter vest still packs 16 responsive feedback zones.
And expand your VR hearing with the TactVisor head haptics for $126.65, discounted from $149.
Free shipping applies on orders over $400 as well. Upgrade your VR realism this holiday season and save through December 10th direct from bHaptics.
ProtubeVR creates immersive gaming gunstocks and accessories designed for VR systems. For Black Friday, they are offering 10-30% off gear like:
Whether you have a Meta Quest, PSVR or other headset, ProtubeVR has ergonomic controllers and rifles that make FPS games more lifelike. Their advanced peripherals and sales help you aim better while amplifying the VR experience.
Upgrade your virtual arsenal this holiday season and save on ProtubeVR specialized gear built for your favorite VR worlds. But don't wait long as quantities are limited!
The Meta Quest store has discounts up to 40% off top VR titles with code BFCM23 through November 28th. Code may be redeemed more than once. Some highlights:
Green Man Gaming has hot deals on Survios VR games like:
The Steam Autumn Sale has many other notable titles on sale like:
Save Big on VR Apps & Games with Viveport:
HTC's Viveport subscription service is offering exclusive Black Friday lifetime discounts on memberships, plus free VR games.
New or extended memberships get up to 20% off forever, plus "The Break-In" game free to keep. The best-value annual plan also packs in "RUINSMAGUS" and "The Last Clockwinder" at no extra cost through February 2024.
A Viveport membership grants unlimited access to a huge library of hundreds of VR apps, games, videos and immersive experiences for all major PC VR headsets. Whether you want to create VR worlds, watch cinematic 360 films, or enjoy roomscale games, Viveport is a comprehensive channel for premium virtual content.
…and don’t forget about Humble Bundle! Where profits go to charity:
The PS Store has deals up to 95% off on PSVR1 and 2 titles including:
With huge savings on top VR games for Meta Quest, PCVR, and PSVR, it's the perfect time to expand your library and immerse yourself in new worlds. Check out these holiday gaming deals!
Gift cards are a great holiday option for VR fans, letting them choose games, apps or accessories themselves. You can buy digital codes or physical cards for Meta Quest, Steam, and PlayStation Store at retailers like Amazon, Target and GameStop. VR Wave also offers gift cards for prescription VR lenses tailored to your eyes. So if you don't know someone's exact VR preferences, a store credit or lens gift card allows them to select the perfect VR products for their needs this season.
—
Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals make this the perfect time to grab immersive VR gear at all-time low prices. Major retailers are offering deep discounts on wireless all-in-one headsets like Meta Quest 2, high-end PC rigs like Pimax Crystal, top accessories and the latest games.
We're tracking the best VR hardware bundles, accessory promotions, and gaming savings through the end of November. Between these limited-time Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events, virtual reality immersion has never been more affordable.
Take advantage of these hand-picked holiday promotions while you can. The door to expansive VR worlds is open - step through and explore new realities!
]]>Congratulations on getting your hands on the exciting new Meta Quest 3! With upgraded cameras and full color passthrough, the Quest 3 takes mixed reality to the next level. But you'll need to properly set up your playspace and tweak some settings to really take advantage of these new mixed reality capabilities.
In this post, I'll go over my recommendations for optimizing your Quest 3 for mixed reality. I'll also suggest some amazing MR games and apps to try out once you're all set up. Let's dive in!
For the best mixed reality experience, you'll want to carefully set up your guardian bounds and room layout. I suggest making your guardian area slightly larger than the actual walls of your room to give yourself some wiggle room.
When setting up your playspace, be sure to carefully scan and label key furniture like tables, chairs, doors, and walls since some MR games can interact with these real objects. You can disable the guardian system for maximum freedom of movement, but keep in mind this will make passthrough video output black if you want to record gameplay. Some games also may not function properly without the guardian bounds, so I'll provide specific advice below on optimizing each experience. Additionally, having proper lighting and clearing any obstacles is important for the headset cameras to track accurately. Take your time setting up your space - a well-optimized play area pays off in more seamless and immersive mixed reality gameplay.
Taking the time to optimize your playspace pays off with more immersive mixed reality gameplay!
Figmin XR is available for $19.99 on the Meta Quest store.
Noun Town
Noun Town uses mixed reality to make learning a new language more immersive and engaging. You can populate your real surroundings with virtual objects, animals, and characters while practicing vocabulary and conversations. With mini-games and unlockable rewards, Noun Town gamifies language learning and uses MR to bring lessons right into your home. It's a unique example of using mixed reality for education.
Noun Town is available for $14.99 on the Meta Quest store.
Drop Dead: The Cabin
Fend off zombies invading your actual house in the intense mixed reality survival horror of Drop Dead: The Cabin - Home Invasion update. Make sure to set up your guardian just outside walls for this one. With hordes smashing through doors and windows into your real room, Drop Dead: The Cabin uses MR to amp up the terror. Pick up virtual weapons to take out the undead hordes crawling through your living room in this uniquely thrilling MR experience.
Drop Dead: The Cabin is available for $24.99 on the Meta Quest store.
Demeo
Gather adventurers around a virtual tabletop in your own home with the mixed reality mode in Demeo. This RPG board game snaps its playable surface to your real tables and chairs, letting you reach out and interact naturally. Demeo's MR functionality makes it feel like you're playing an advanced futuristic board game as you take on dungeon crawls and boss battles. It's a great way to bring tabletop gaming into the mixed reality space.
Demeo is available for $39.99 on the Meta Quest store.
Synth Riders
Synth Riders is a rhythm VR game that gets even more immersive with its mixed reality update. As you grab flying notes and avoid obstacles, Synth Riders uses your real environment as the visualizer backdrop. Walls pulse to the beat and effects react to your motions for an electrifying MR dance experience. Make sure to have plenty of playspace for this energetic music game.
Synth Riders is available for $24.99 on the Meta Quest store.
Espire 2
Take on stealth missions that invade your own room in Espire 2's mixed reality mode. The objectives and NPC enemies adapt to your layout, taking cover behind real furniture for tactical shootouts. With its reactive environment and satisfying gunplay, Espire 2 is one of the best examples of an action MR game. Just be sure to have space cleared out for room-scale sneak gameplay.
Espire 2 is available for $29.99 on the Meta Quest store.
Coaster Mania
Construct an elaborate rollercoaster that weaves through your actual environment in Coaster Mania. This physics playground lets you build dizzying rides with vertical loops, sharp turns, and steep drops placed creatively around your room. Strapping into your own coaster creation for a first-person ride through the mixed reality course you built is a one-of-a-kind thrill.
Coaster Mania is available in early access for $9.99 in Meta's app lab.
I Expect You To Die: Home Sweet Home
I Expect You To Die: Home Sweet Home transports you into a hilarious escape room filled with puzzles that spill out into your actual living space. In this mixed reality mini-mission, you play as a secret agent who must thwart the evil plans of Dr. Zor right in your own home. Use x-ray vision to uncover hidden objects in your walls, dodge threats, and manipulate both virtual and physical items to solve challenges. With Quest's passthrough, you can see your surroundings for worry-free gameplay. I Expect You To Die's MR puzzles are a creative way to turn your home into an immersive escape room filled with spy gadgets and traps. Just be sure to have ample room to engage with the expanding puzzles.
I Expect You To Die: Home Sweet Home is available for free in the Meta Quest app lab.
BAM
BAM delivers intense multiplayer battles that transcend boundaries. This MR game lets you control a miniature robot fighter puppeteer-style. Set up the tabletop arena anywhere, adjust scale and rotation, then battle opponents through boxing, jetpacks, and third-person shooting. With vibrant arenas and pick-up-and-play controls, BAM redefines MR gaming. Challenge AI, worldwide players, or friends in the same room for instant fun. If you want an electrifying glimpse into the future of mixed reality gaming, BAM is a must-play.
BAM is available for $14.99 on the Meta Quest store.
Broken Edge
The fantasy sword dueling game Broken Edge recently added enhanced mixed reality support for Meta Quest 3. Tear open a rift in your actual living room and fight opponents with real-time fencing mechanics and magical powers. Embody unique historical fighters with distinctive weapons and martial arts styles. Block blows and break blades using realistic physics. Broken Edge's MR mode lets you fully immerse yourself in gripping swordfights without leaving your home. Customize the experience to suit your space. Whether you're a veteran swashbuckler or rookie swordsman, Broken Edge's mixed reality update brings lifelike swordplay right into your room.
Broken Edge is available for $14.99 on the Meta Quest store.
These are just a few of the many amazing mixed reality experiences unlocked by the Quest 3. Let me know your favorites in the comments!
---
The Meta Quest 3 opens up incredible new mixed reality possibilities. With the right play space setup and boundary tweaks, you can dive into immersive MR games and apps that seamlessly blend physical and virtual worlds.
Have fun exploring the future of mixed reality gaming on your new Quest 3! Let me know if you have any other MR recommendations or setup tips to share.
]]>
The newly released Meta Quest 3 is the latest standalone virtual reality headset from Meta. As Meta's newest all-in-one VR system, the Quest 3 provides an even more immersive and comfortable experience without needing a PC or wires.
This guide will provide an overview of getting started with the Meta Quest 3, including:
Whether you're new to virtual reality or upgrading from an older headset, read on for steps to get acquainted with Meta's remarkable new Quest 3 standalone device. With upgraded performance and technology like the Snapdragon XR2 chipset, pancake lenses, and mixed reality capabilities, the Quest 3 pushes the boundaries of autonomous VR.
Setting Up Your Meta Quest 3
The Meta Quest 3 comes neatly packaged with everything you need to get started exploring VR right out of the box. Here's what's included:
Before using your new headset, it's recommended to make sure both the controllers and headset have some charge.
The Touch controllers come ready to go with AA batteries already inserted. They don't need charging, just replace the batteries when they run low.
For the headset, plug it in with the included power adapter and USB-C cable for at least 2 hours before first use. The Quest 3 comes partially charged—just enough power to complete the initial setup process and try some apps and games. But you'll want to fully charge it to get the most play time before needing to plug it in again.
With the headset and controllers powered up, you'll be ready to complete the on-boarding process. This involves downloading the Meta Quest mobile app, connecting the headset, and configuring your new Quest 3 to your wireless network and Meta account.
Getting Started With VR
Once you've completed the initial setup, it's time to put on the headset and start exploring virtual worlds. Here are some tips for getting acquainted with your new Meta Quest 3:
Fitting the Headset
Powering On and Controllers
Connecting and Completing Setup
Setting Up The Guardian
An important step for safety and immersion is to set up your Guardian play space. This creates a virtual boundary that alerts you if you get too close to the edge of your usable area.
Taking a few minutes to accurately map your surroundings with the Guardian will enable you to explore virtual worlds safely and comfortably. The Quest 3 makes it easy to customize your Guardian boundary for roomscale or stationary play.
Getting comfortable with the menus, controls, and Guardian will help you have the best VR experience. The Meta Quest 3 makes it easy to dive in and start playing!
Downloading Apps and Games
The Meta Quest store offers an expansive library of over 500 apps and games to choose from. Here are some tips for finding and downloading great content:
Browsing the Store
Recommended Apps and Games
Some popular apps to get you started:
Managing Storage Space
The Quest 3 offers fast internal storage space of 128GB or 512GB, depending on which version you purchased. To manage storage:
With tons of immersive experiences to choose from, you'll want to check out the store to find the perfect apps and games suited for you. Downloading new content directly to your headset makes it easy to keep playing.
Using the Touch Controllers
The redesigned Touch controllers included with the Quest 3 are your key to interacting with virtual worlds. Here's an overview of the controls:
Holding the Controllers
Buttons and Functions
Interacting in VR
The intuitive controls of the Touch controllers allow you to interact with VR in lifelike ways. Pointing, grabbing, squeezing, pressing - just use natural motions with your hands. The redesigned rings and textures make the Touch even more comfortable and immersive.
Getting Your VR Legs
For new users, virtual reality can sometimes cause motion sickness symptoms like headache, nausea, or dizziness. Here are some tips to ease into VR comfortably:
It takes time to build up your "VR legs." Pace yourself, take breaks at the first sign of discomfort, and work up to longer sessions gradually. See our in-depth guide on overcoming VR sickness for more tips here.
Advanced Tips and Settings
Once you've mastered the basics, here are some advanced tips and settings to optimize your experience:
Fine-tuning Your Settings
Casting and Screen Sharing
Voice Commands
Parental Controls
Exploring the settings unlocks more ways to customize your experience. Dial in your VR environment for maximum comfort and immersion using the advanced tools and features provided.
---
And that concludes our beginner's guide to getting started with the remarkable new Meta Quest 3! We've covered everything from initial setup, downloading apps, using the intuitive controllers, avoiding VR sickness, and customizing settings for the best experience.
The Quest 3 makes diving into virtual worlds easy and comfortable right out of the box. Now that you're acquainted with the basics, you can start exploring the wide range of immersive apps and games available. Don't forget to pace yourself, take breaks, and ease into VR to avoid motion sickness as you get your "VR legs."
For more tips and help with your new Quest 3, check out Meta's official support site and community forums. Have fun on your VR journey! Let us know what your favorite Quest apps and games are, and share any other tips for new users in the comments. The Metaverse awaits!
]]>Meta unveiled its vision for the future of augmented and virtual reality at Meta Connect 2023. The annual conference (back in person this year) brought big reveals around Meta's latest VR headset, AI innovations, and teases of future AR tech.
The Meta Quest 3 headset took center stage with its upgraded specs and new mixed reality capabilities. On the software side, Meta showcased new integrations, AI projects, and virtual assistant technology. While details were slim, Meta also teased its partnership with Ray-Ban on next-gen smart glasses for livestreaming and AI assistance.
The star of Meta Connect 2023 was undoubtedly the official unveiling of the Meta Quest 3 VR headset. Set to launch on October 10th, pre-orders are now open for the next generation of Meta's popular Quest line. The Quest 3 touts a range of upgrades and new capabilities:
With its upgraded hardware, mixed reality capabilities, and expanding content library, the Meta Quest 3 aims to push VR to new heights and offer the most advanced consumer VR experience on the market.
The Meta Quest 3 aims to deliver groundbreaking mixed reality capabilities through features like passthrough video and environment mapping.
With these innovations, the Meta Quest 3 brings an unprecedented level of hybrid physical-virtual play. The possibilities span multi-dimensional games to functional virtual objects anchored in reality. Meta is paving the way for mixed reality to enhance gaming, entertainment, and productivity.
While the Meta Quest 3 took center stage, Meta Connect 2023 also brought news of various software updates to enhance the VR experience and move toward the vision of an immersive metaverse.
These software improvements show Meta's commitment to making VR experiences more immersive, social, and practical for everyday use cases. The integration of popular services like Xbox Cloud Gaming also continues Meta's push to bring third-party entertainment and gaming content into the folds of VR.
Meta announced several updates related to fitness and wellness VR apps at Connect 2023:
These additions expand the library of engaging fitness and wellness experiences available in VR. With apps like Supernatural and FitXR making workouts more fun and Headspace providing immersive mindfulness, the Quest platform is becoming a destination for healthy living.
Meta Connect 2023 also provided a sneak peek at the company's augmented reality roadmap and initiatives.
Meta unveiled significant progress in developing AI technologies to power more natural and human-like interactions:
Meta is clearly invested in developing AI that can communicate naturally, demonstrate unique personalities, and add value across both its apps and metaverse platforms. The technology has the potential to enhance how people connect with brands, virtual characters, and each other.
—
Meta Connect 2023 gave an exciting look into the future of virtual and augmented reality. With the unveiling of the Meta Quest 3, Meta has once again pushed the boundaries of consumer VR hardware and experiences. The Quest 3's upgrades like mixed reality offer new levels of immersion, while software improvements continue to enhance social interactions and bring popular entertainment to VR.
Meanwhile, Meta's AI projects illustrate how artificial intelligence can make metaverse interactions more human-like through technologies like natural language processing and computer vision.
On the AR front, details remain limited but Meta's partnership with Ray-Ban on next-gen smart glasses provides an early glimpse at the potential for stylish, wearable tech embedded with AI. Meta Connect showcased Meta's ambitious vision for bringing augmented reality mainstream.
While a fully-realized metaverse is still years away, Meta Connect 2023 took practical steps toward that future with the tangible consumer tech announced. The Quest 3 and Ray-Ban glasses will put more immersive experiences and gateways to the metaverse directly in users' hands and on their faces. As Meta continues innovating with hardware and AI, its metaverse vision is coming further into focus.
]]>Virtual reality (VR) headsets are becoming increasingly popular for gaming, entertainment, and even workplace applications. However, some people are concerned that prolonged VR use could be detrimental to eye health. In this post, we’ll explore what the current research says about how VR affects vision.
Many of us remember our mothers scolding us for sitting too close to the TV or computer screen. They worried it would ruin our eyesight. However, research shows sitting close to screens does not actually damage eyes or cause vision problems in the long-term [1][2][3][4][6].
Sitting very close to a screen can contribute to temporary eye fatigue and strain, especially in children who can focus up close without effort [2][3]. It may also be a sign of underlying nearsightedness if done frequently [3][4][6]. But there is no evidence this habit causes permanent harm. Screens also do not emit harmful radiation that can hurt eyes [5].
There are a few key differences between viewing regular screens versus VR headsets:
Some people report more eye strain and vision changes after using VR compared to traditional screens. But there is no evidence either causes permanent damage with moderate use [8].
A number of studies have looked at whether VR causes vision problems like nearsightedness, eye strain or dry eyes. The consensus so far is that VR does not seem to pose any threat to long-term eye health [2][7][12].
For example, a 2018 study [13] tested the impact of head-mounted VR displays on myopia progression and axial elongation in children. Axial elongation refers to the lengthening of the eye which contributes to nearsightedness. The study found no significant difference in myopia progression or axial length between the control and VR groups after 2 years.
However, VR can cause temporary discomforts like dry or watery eyes, eye fatigue, headaches, and nausea after prolonged use [14][15]. These effects are likely due to the fixed focal distance and vergence-accommodation conflict created by most VR headsets.
Vergence refers to how your eyes converge or diverge to focus on objects, while accommodation refers to how the lenses in your eyes change shape to focus [16]. The conflict between vergence and accommodation in VR can strain the eyes [7].
The screens used in virtual reality (VR) headsets emit blue light, similar to other digital devices like phones and computers. There is some concern that overexposure to blue light from VR can contribute to digital eye strain over time[17][18].
Additional accessories like VR Wave's prescription lens inserts can provide blue light filtering for further eye protection in VR[22].
Moderating VR usage and taking breaks can minimize eye strain regardless of blue light. But for those concerned about blue light, enabling headset filters or using blue light blocking lenses can provide extra precaution.
VR Wave offers innovative prescription lenses precisely designed for various VR headsets. Each lens is tailored to your exact prescription with thin, lightweight materials that won't scratch or touch the headset lenses. Getting lenses made specifically for your eyes and headset can take VR visuals to the next level. Check out our products today to order your customized pair!
Most experts agree that VR is safe in moderation. Here are some tips for protecting your eyes during VR play:
Research to date suggests that occasional, moderate use of VR is unlikely to cause permanent damage or long-term issues with eye health or vision in most people. However, some temporary symptoms like eye strain, headaches, nausea, and changes in vision after use are common.
To minimize eye discomfort, be sure to take regular breaks during longer VR sessions. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for device settings and fit. Use artificial tears or eyedrops to keep your eyes lubricated. Adjust ambient lighting, position, and IPD settings for maximum comfort.
VR Wave offers custom prescription lenses specifically designed for VR headsets. Their lenses feature an anti-glare coating that can help reduce eye fatigue by minimizing distracting reflections and glare. This allows for more comfortable, extended play in VR.
Overall, virtual reality is an exciting new technology that can transport us to amazing simulated worlds. With responsible use and attention to any vision symptoms, both kids and adults can safely enjoy the immersive experience of VR without compromising long-term eye health. But as with any new technology, ongoing research on the ocular impacts of extended exposure is still needed.
---
Citations:
[2] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/ask-ophthalmologist-q/can-close-tv-viewing-damage-eyes
[4] https://www.willvision.com/how-close-is-too-close-to-the-tv/
[5] https://theopticalshoppetn.com/is-sitting-too-close-to-the-tv-really-bad-for-your-eyes/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6673397/
[8] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-virtual-reality-headsets-damage-your-eyes-2019060416761
[9] https://myeyewellness.com/is-vr-bad-for-your-eyes/
[10] https://www.allaboutvision.com/computer-vision-syndrome/digital-eye-strain/vr-damage-eyes/
[11] https://www.nvisioncenters.com/education/vr-and-eye-strain/
[12] https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2761248
[13] https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2691356
[14] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0741521417303284
[15] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2767209
[16] https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/accommodative-infacility?sso=y
[17] https://www.lumenoptometric.com/blog/eye-care/vr-headsets-are-they-bad-for-the-eyes/
[18] https://youtube.com/watch?v=sGD800PSSY4
[19] https://www.vr-wave.store/products/oculus-quest-prescription-lenses-new
[20] https://www.vr-wave.store/pages/blue-light-filters
[21] https://youtube.com/watch?v=CxTAuPi10oY
[22] https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/comments/i7xisn/do_you_get_more_light_glare_with_prescription/
Roblox has finally made its way to the Quest! The massively popular online game creation platform can now be experienced in immersive virtual reality on the Meta Quest headset.
For those unfamiliar, Roblox is an online community where users can create their own games and virtual worlds using the platform's intuitive builder tools. Since launching in 2006, Roblox has become one of the largest user-generated gaming platforms in the world with over 200 million monthly active users.
Some key facts about Roblox:
While Roblox has been available in VR on PC platforms like SteamVR, this open beta marks the first official release of Roblox designed specifically for standalone VR headsets like the Meta Quest 2 and Pro. By optimizing the experience for mobile hardware, Roblox in VR can now be enjoyed completely untethered with the freedom to explore virtual worlds unhindered. This paves the way for Roblox to become a premier VR experience and showcase the creative possibilities enabled by bringing its massive community of users and developers into virtual reality.
Getting started is easy. Download Roblox from App Lab on your Quest 2 or Pro headset (requires v55 or higher). Log into or create a Roblox account using Quick Login from your computer or mobile device (account creation not yet supported directly on Quest).
Once your account has been created go to the top right of your browser and hit the cog or settings button, then select 'Quick log in' and input the code that you see from inside your headset into the box on your browser.
Once logged in, the first thing I recommend doing is loading up the 'VR Tutorial' world to get familiar with moving and interacting in VR.
You can switch between first and third person perspective by clicking the right thumbstick. Otherwise, the thumbsticks function just like other VR games - the left controls WASD-style movement while the right controls turning your view.
In the home dashboard, the Discovery tab lets you browse and find new worlds. When searching, try adding 'VR' to filter for VR-optimized experiences. Results may vary as some maps were originally made for PC VR controllers.
Clicking your player icon brings up the avatar customization menu where you can change your look with different cosmetic items, each costing Robux purchased with real money. Note that purchasing Robux in the VR beta is not currently available yet.
The Connect tab is where you can add and chat with friends. Once in a game, you'll see a UI bar with options to tweak comfort, graphics and privacy settings on the fly.
Comfort settings include enabling/disabling vignetting or smooth rotation. You can also customize your safety bubble - the invisible radius determining how close others can approach before fading out.
With these controls and settings, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the creative worlds built by the Roblox community!
Here are some popular Roblox games we recommend trying in VR:
A big thanks goes out to Youtuber Nathie for creating a fantastic curration of VR-optimized Roblox games!
Since this is an open beta, you may encounter some known issues:
The open beta allows developers to test their games in VR and gather feedback before the full launch. With 15+ million experiences and counting, there will be plenty to explore. Some experiences are already enabled for VR automatically.
We can't wait to see the creative new games and worlds the Roblox community builds with VR in mind. This open beta brings the ultimate virtual playground to life on Quest. Dive in and let us know your thoughts!
]]>
Creating your virtual identity with an awesome avatar is one of the best parts of diving into VR and the metaverse. Whether you explore worlds in VRChat, attend meetings in Spatial or create content with LIV or VSeeFace, there are many different places where having an avatar can help you stand out. But with so many avatar options out there, where should you look to find the perfect virtual you? In this post, I'll be going over some of the top places to get free avatars as well as paid avatar marketplaces where you can buy premium models.
Free avatars are great for trying out different looks and not spending any money. Sites and apps like Ready Player Me and VRoid Studio offer free customization tools and avatars. The downside is there's less variety and quality control with free avatar assets.
Paid avatars come with higher quality models, textures, and customization ability. Marketplaces like Booth.pm, the LIV Store, and Gumroad have pro avatar artists creating stylized and optimized models. These avatars are worth investing in if you want something truly unique to represent you across VR. But be prepared to spend money for quality work.
Whether you want to go free or paid, let's jump in and start exploring the best of avatar creation!
One awesome free avatar source is Ready Player Me. This web-based platform lets you create a VR-ready avatar from a single selfie photo.
After uploading your photo, Ready Player Me generates a 3D animated avatar resembling you. You can then customize hair style and color, skin tone, facial features, and more. There are also a bunch of free outfits and accessories to choose from.
Once you're happy with your look, you can export the avatar as a glTF file. This will allow it to be imported into hundreds of different apps and games. Some places your Ready Player Me avatar will work include VRChat, Spatial, Wave, and Microsoft Mesh.
Ready Player Me is a quick and easy way to get an avatar if you don't want to do much custom modeling work. The automated generation process makes it accessible for beginners too. And since it works across so many platforms, it's a good option as your go-to avatar.
If you want full control over your avatar design, check out VRoid Studio. This free 3D modeling software lets you build custom anime-style humanoid avatars from scratch.
VRoid Studio has an intuitive interface with simple tools for sculpting face shapes, hairstyles, outfits, and more. You don't need any 3D art experience to design a quality avatar here.
Once your model is complete, you can export it in the VRM file format. This makes the avatar compatible with vtuber content creator apps like LIV and VSeeFace.
The software has base model templates to choose from. But the real advantage is being able to tweak every aspect of the avatar. Adjust body type, facial features, texture colors, and hairstyle until you have your perfect virtual representation.
Add your own creative touch by designing custom skin patterns, makeup, and clothing. The possibilities are endless!
VRoid Studio is an accessible way to concept and generate detailed anime-inspired avatars and it won't cost you a penny!
If you're looking for avatars specifically tailored for Beat Saber, check out ModelSaber. This platform offers a database of free user-uploaded avatars in .avatar and .VRM formats.
Many of the avatars are optimized for recording Beat Saber gameplay or streaming. This makes them ideal for Beat Saber content creators wanting a cool avatar to represent them.
Since the avatars are user-submitted, quality may vary. But finding gems among thousands of options is part of the fun! Most avatars are anime-inspired with bright colors and flashy effects that stand out in videos.
Once you download an avatar file, importing it into Beat Saber is easy. Use ModAssistant or just drag and drop the file into the appropriate folder on your computer depending on its use case. Then select it in-game or in streaming software.
ModelSaber has a constantly growing library of free avatars to choose from. Filter by popularity or latest uploads to see what fellow Beat Saber players are rocking in their videos these days.
VRChat has its own avatar system, but you can also get free premade avatars from avatar worlds. These are spaces created by users with free avatar models available for taking.
Some popular avatar worlds to check out include:
These worlds let you browse and try on different looks before picking one to use.
Exploring avatar worlds is a fun way to discover free avatars made by creators in the VRChat community. You'll find everything from anime and furry avatars to superheroes, robots, and pop culture icons.
VRCmods is a community site and modding resource for VRChat. Along with custom worlds, props, and tools, they also offer a wide selection of free avatars.
Browsing VRCmods is a great way to discover avatar creators within the VRChat community. You can filter avatar searches by categories like anime, furry, human, mecha, etc.
Avatars downloaded from VRCmods will be optimized for use in VRChat right away. That makes the site a go-to for ready-made VRChat persona needs.
If you want to easily find free, stylish, and community-created avatars for VRChat, be sure to browse VRCmods. New designs and creators are featured daily!
The LIV app offers resources for VR content creators through their vtubing, mixed reality, and chat reading tools. Their LIV Store provides both free and paid avatar options.
Browse the LIV Store for VR-ready avatar models in formats like VRM, .avatar, and Unity asset files (.unitypackage). Many work across multiple platforms beyond just LIV software such as VRChat and VSeeFace.
For VRChat users, they have a section dedicated to VRChat-optimized avatar packages. These come with the models, expressions, and full-body tracking VRC supports.
The LIV Store also caters to content creators needing avatars for recording mixed reality videos. You can find a variety of streamer-ready VRM models here.
While the premium avatars cost money, some sellers offer a few freebies to choose from. These make great starters if you want to test things out.
The LIV Store offers more than just premade avatars - you can also request custom avatar commissions. Their artists are available to create personalized VR avatars tailored to your preferences. The LIV Store team can also help with avatar file modifications or conversions if you need existing models adapted for certain platforms. So beyond their catalogue of quality premade avatars, The LIV Store provides services for getting completely custom, optimized VR personas created just for you. Reach out to them for avatar projects requiring a personalized touch or technical fine-tuning.Booth.pm is a Japanese avatar marketplace with high quality, customizable VR avatar commissions from professional artists.
This is a go-to site for getting detailed, stylized anime avatars made specifically for you. But keep in mind - most of the site is in Japanese.
Navigating Booth can be tricky if you don't know the language. You'll need to use Google Translate or get help from someone who speaks Japanese.
However, the hassle is worth it for the level of customization and artistry Booth avatar artists provide. You can request specific features like hairstyles, outfits, eyes, etc.
Pricing varies by artist but expect to spend around $100-300 for a fully customized avatar. Lengthy commissions may cost more.
While tricky to use, Booth connects you with top Japanese VR avatar creators. For a premium, bespoke avatar made just for you, it's a great service.
Just be prepared to exercise your patience and translation abilities when ordering!
Gumroad is a platform where creators can sell various digital products directly to customers. Many VR avatar artists offer their services through Gumroad.
Browse Gumroad avatars by searching tags like "VR avatars", "VRChat avatars", "Vtubers", etc. You'll find individual artists and studios selling their work.
Pricing varies but expect to spend $50-200+ for high quality, custom Gumroad avatars. Some have ready-made options for quicker delivery too.
Advantages of Gumroad avatar commissions include direct communication with the artist and supporting indie creators. You can specify details you want for a personalized avatar.
Look through artist portfolios and reviews to find someone who matches your preferred art style. Anime, realistic, stylized - Gumroad has artists for all aesthetics.
While pricier than pre-made options, Gumroad allows you to get a one-of-a-kind custom avatar tailored to your requests.
VRCArena is a marketplace focused on VRChat content. They have an Avatar Commissions section where you can hire artists to create custom VR avatars.
On VRCArena, you can browse artist portfolios and pricing to find the right match for your vision. Styles range from anime to furry to realistic.
When you commission an avatar, you'll work directly with the artist on details like outfits, hairstyle, accessories, etc. Expect to pay $100-$300+ for quality work.
VRCArena artists are experienced with designing avatars optimized for features like VRChat's Visemes, physic bones, particle effects, and full body tracking.
You'll end up with a personalized, high quality avatar ready to import into VRChat.
While hiring an artist on VRCArena costs money, you get to work collaboratively with talents in the VR avatar creation space. It's worth the investment for a truly custom avatar.
—
Finding the perfect avatar for VR and the metaverse opens up endless possibilities for self-expression and exploration. With the many sources covered in this post, you now have several great options to choose from on your avatar journey.
For free avatars, communities like VRCMods, Ready Player Me, and VRChat avatar worlds provide awesome starting points. Paid marketplaces like The LIV Store, Booth.pm, and Gumroad give you custom, high quality avatar commissions.
Optimizing your avatar for your preferred platforms takes a bit of work. But once you have that ideal virtual representation of yourself, you can dive into VR social experiences confidently.
So get creative, personalize your avatar, and then get out there to enjoy VR apps as your virtual persona. Join multiplayer games, hang out in VR chat rooms, collab in virtual workspaces, and more.
The future of living and interacting in virtual worlds is exciting. And it all starts with finding that perfect avatar that resonates with your individuality. Hopefully this post has outlined some helpful resources to start your avatar journey today!
As we navigate the sunny days of 2023, the world of VR gaming is set to make your summer hotter with its exciting line-up of releases. Below is a roundup of the most anticipated VR games that you can look forward to this summer.
With summer in full swing, there are some exciting new VR games on the horizon that will let you escape the heat and immerse yourself in fantastic virtual worlds. From action-packed shooters to magical fantasy lands, these upcoming releases promise thrilling adventures and endless hours of air-conditioned fun.
To stay cool and comfortable while playing these hot new titles, be sure to take breaks regularly, keep a fan blowing nearby, and consider getting a VR cover or headband to absorb sweat. Staying hydrated is also key - keep a water bottle on hand and take sips between gameplay sessions. And don't forget to keep pets and kids safely out of your designated VR play space!
With the right precautions, you can fully enjoy these awesome new VR experiences while beating the summer heat. The worlds of gaming continue expanding thanks to virtual reality, letting us adventure and explore without ever leaving our (hopefully) air-conditioned homes. Stay tuned for more as these promising titles launch later this summer!
]]>Standalone headsets like the Meta Quest have brought VR into the mainstream with their affordability and convenience, but they come with limitations.
When we shift the discussion towards PCVR (PC Virtual Reality), we're entering a realm of limitless possibilities that standalone headsets currently can't match. First and foremost, PCVR offers superior graphical fidelity and performance. Powered by high-end CPUs and GPUs, a PCVR setup can deliver more detailed environments, smoother frame rates, and more immersive experiences overall. Plus, there are also a wider range of games and applications available on PC platforms.
Last but not least, a PCVR setup is modular. This means you can upgrade individual components over time, ensuring you can always stay at the cutting edge of VR technology.
Now, what components for a VR ready rig should you be looking at?
Before starting your quest, familiarize yourself with the recommended system requirements of the VR headset you'll be using. Whether it's a Bigscreen Beyond, HTC Vive, or Valve Index, each has its own set of requirements.
For instance, as of this writing, the recommended system requirements for the Oculus Quest 2 when using Airlink are:
You can find more detailed requirements for SteamVR on their store page here.
Additionally, we will incorporate the minimum specifications for the top four most popular PCVR headsets, sourced directly from the manufacturers' websites.
When building a VR-ready PC, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) plays a pivotal role and cannot be overlooked. Consider it as the brain of your computer - it's responsible for executing the instructions of every program you run, from your operating system to your immersive VR games. The CPU's role in VR is especially significant due to the need for high frame rates to avoid latency, which can break immersion and cause motion sickness.
At minimum, you'd want an Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X. However, to futureproof your rig, opt for a higher-end processor such as the Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. These CPUs deliver robust performance to handle the load of VR gaming and keep up with its rapid developments.
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is the champion behind rendering the complex, immersive visuals that define your virtual experience. Unlike traditional gaming, VR places unique demands on your GPU due to the necessity of rendering two slightly different perspectives of the same scene simultaneously—one for each eye. This stereoscopic 3D view is what gives VR its sense of depth and realism. Moreover, to maintain immersion and prevent discomfort, VR games need to run at high, stable frame rates—typically around 90-120 frames per second. This is a significant leap from the standard 30-60 FPS for conventional games, and achieving this requires a potent GPU. Simply put, a robust GPU can draw complex scenes quickly and efficiently, providing a smooth, lag-free VR experience that keeps up with your movements.
For absolute minimum VR readiness, consider at least an Nvidia GTX 1060 or an AMD Radeon RX 480. For those who aim for the best, consider RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, or higher.
Random Access Memory, or RAM, serves a fundamental role. It's your system's short-term memory where data is stored for quick access—critical for maintaining seamless gaming experiences. VR applications are known to be quite resource-intensive due to the complex environments they need to generate and maintain in real-time. With sufficient RAM, your PC can handle these demanding tasks more efficiently. It allows for faster data retrieval, reducing lag and ensuring smooth transitions and movements within the game. Additionally, having ample RAM can also aid in multitasking, allowing you to run other applications in the background without impacting your VR gaming performance.
For RAM, 8GB is the absolute minimum, but this could be stretched thin by more demanding games. A safer bet is 16GB, which provides ample headroom for intense VR experiences and multitasking. If you can afford it, 32GB can provide a buffer for future VR titles and other high-performance computing tasks.
When building a VR-ready PC, your choice of storage—where all your data, games, and operating system live—is a key consideration that impacts both your gaming and overall system performance. For VR gaming, a Solid State Drive (SSD) is strongly recommended over a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Why? The difference lies in speed. SSDs are significantly faster, reducing load times for games and applications, and providing a more responsive system overall. In VR, this speed translates to quicker game startups and less waiting around in load screens, keeping you immersed in the action.
Additionally, VR games tend to be larger in file size due to the high-resolution textures and complex environments they contain, so ample storage is crucial. A larger SSD, while more of an investment, will ensure you have plenty of space for your VR library and offer an improved gaming experience due to its speed and efficiency.
The motherboard serves as your central hub, the crucial backbone that connects all your components. It's the canvas upon which your VR masterpiece is painted, so to speak. The motherboard houses the CPU, RAM, GPU, and provides connections for your storage devices and power supply. It's essential to choose a motherboard compatible with your selected CPU and that supports the amount and speed of RAM you're planning to install.
Additionally, it needs to have enough PCIe slots for your GPU and any other expansion cards you might consider. But its role doesn't stop at merely connecting everything—your motherboard also facilitates communication between all these components, ensuring they work together seamlessly for optimum performance. In VR gaming, where smooth, lag-free experiences are paramount, this harmony is crucial. Furthermore, consider a motherboard that leaves room for future upgrades. As VR technology advances rapidly, having the flexibility to update your GPU, add more RAM, or incorporate new technologies will keep your system VR-ready for years to come.
A reliable Power Supply Unit (PSU) cannot be overstated. Acting as the lifeblood of your system, the PSU delivers the right amount of power to your PC's components. For a VR gaming system, which requires a powerful GPU and CPU, you'll need a PSU that can reliably supply enough power to keep these components running smoothly.
Undersupply can lead to system instability or even damage, while a significant oversupply can result in unnecessary power consumption and waste. It's also vital to consider a PSU that leaves some headroom for future upgrades—you don't want to be limited by your power supply when you decide to upgrade your GPU or add another storage drive.
Another aspect to consider is the efficiency rating of the PSU, often denoted by the '80 Plus' standard, followed by a descriptor such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Titanium. The higher the efficiency rating, the less power wasted as heat, and the more energy-efficient your system will be.
Calculate your overall power draw, considering all your components, and add a 20% buffer. For most VR-ready systems, a PSU between 600W-800W is usually sufficient.
The advanced components necessary for VR—such as high-performance CPUs and GPUs—generate substantial amounts of heat when operating. If not adequately managed, this heat can lead to throttling, where your PC slows down its performance to prevent overheating, or even hardware damage in severe cases.
Both scenarios can significantly impact your VR experience, causing game slowdowns or system instability just when you're about to defeat that final boss! An effective cooling solution, whether it be air or liquid cooling, helps maintain optimal operating temperatures for your components, ensuring consistent performance and longevity of your hardware.
For air cooling, consider a case that supports good airflow, with multiple case fans and a quality CPU cooler. For liquid cooling, an all-in-one (AIO) cooler can be an excellent choice for the CPU, and there are even GPUs with built-in liquid cooling available.
While the primary display for VR will be the headset, you'll still need a regular monitor for setting up games and navigating your operating system. It doesn't need to be high-end but should be capable of displaying at least 1080p.
Building a PC can be a rewarding project, and the result is a rig that's tailored to your needs and ready for the immersive world of VR gaming. Enjoy the process and then enjoy the gaming experience that follows. Happy building, gamers!
Hardware and Design:
Interaction and Control:
Software and Services:
Unique Features:
Pricing and Availability:
As we delve into the finer details of the Apple Vision Pro, the elegant marriage of hardware and design immediately stands out. Apple has broken new ground in ensuring that this VR headset is not just packed with revolutionary features, but is also comfortable for extended use. The Vision Pro comes with an external battery, a unique solution that keeps the headset light and comfortable. This detachable battery can power the device for about two hours under typical usage conditions - encompassing video playback, internet browsing, spatial video capture, and FaceTime.
What truly sets the Apple Vision Pro apart from its competitors is the array of sensors and cameras embedded in the design. This headset boasts an impressive total of twelve cameras, a TrueDepth sensor, a LiDAR sensor, and six microphones, thereby enabling a broad range of tracking and capture functions. It features a ground-breaking hand tracking mechanism so precise that it entirely eliminates the need for traditional hardware controllers.
Diving into the realm of visual prowess, the Vision Pro's dual micro-OLED panels pack an unparalleled punch with a total of 23 million pixels. This provides an ultra high-resolution visual experience, heightening the level of immersion and detail in the virtual world.
Powering this amazing piece of technology is Apple's own M2 chip. This powerhouse ensures a seamless VR experience, offering unparalleled standalone performance. Not only does it deliver potent processing capabilities, but it also maintains a comfortable temperature and runs virtually silent, providing the user with an unobtrusive and immersive experience.
Interactivity is the heart of any virtual reality experience, and the Apple Vision Pro has certainly reimagined what's possible in this sphere.
The Vision Pro comes equipped with a wealth of eye-tracking features. Apple's unique OpticID system brings iris scanning authentication to a VR headset for the first time, not only enabling quick and secure device unlocking but also facilitating Apple Pay purchases and password autofill. This feature, alongside the headset's facial tracking capabilities, also drives the creation of FaceTime Personas, Apple's take on photorealistic avatars. In a first for the industry, these avatars capture and mirror users' real-time facial expressions, making for a remarkably lifelike representation in the virtual world.
The Vision Pro introduces the concept of foveated rendering, a technology that leverages eye tracking to optimize performance. By rendering in full resolution only the small area of the display where the user is currently looking, the Vision Pro maximizes graphical fidelity while minimizing processing load.
But perhaps the most strikingly innovative control feature is the AR-VR Digital Crown. Located on the top of the headset, this dial allows users to seamlessly adjust their level of immersion, moving fluidly between AR and VR. With this, users can precisely control how they interact with their virtual and physical environments, a level of flexibility that stands to revolutionize how we think about VR experiences.
The hardware and interaction mechanisms on the Apple Vision Pro are undeniably impressive, but what truly drives the immersive experience is the device's bespoke operating system: visionOS. This custom spatial OS, designed specifically for the Vision line of devices, takes Apple's classic, user-friendly design ethos and applies it to a whole new realm of functionality.
At the heart of visionOS is the integration of well-known Apple services and apps, including Notes, Messages, Safari, Keynote, Photos, FaceTime, and Apple Music. However, these aren't just straight ports from other Apple devices. Each app has been reimagined for the spatial computing world, offering a new way of interacting with familiar software. For instance, group FaceTime calls in visionOS are transformed into an immersive experience, with each participant's webcam view becoming a floating rectangle in your virtual space and spatial audio further enhancing the sensation of shared presence.
Innovatively, visionOS extends the capability of your Mac, enabling you to transform your display into a huge, immersive virtual screen. With this, Apple has positioned the Vision Pro not just as a standalone device but also as a powerful accessory for its existing hardware ecosystem.
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of visionOS is its focus on media consumption. With the Vision Pro, you can view movies and TV shows on a gigantic virtual screen, completely transforming your viewing experience. Notably, the device supports 3D movies from Apple's extensive library, bringing a whole new level of depth to your movie nights.
Another striking feature of the Apple Vision Pro is its implementation of LiDAR sensor technology. This sensor serves a crucial role in enabling real-time 3D mapping of the user's environment, a feature that dramatically enhances the immersiveness of the VR experience. With this mapping, Vision Pro achieves an intricate understanding of physical spaces - your floors, walls, furniture, and other surfaces.
The Apple's Vision Pro also has an impressive use of advanced Spatial Audio technology. This system, described by Apple as the "most advanced Spatial Audio system ever," redefines immersive audio experiences in virtual reality. The headset comes equipped with "audio pods" on its sides, each containing dual drivers that deliver detailed, location-specific sound to your ears.
What's more, with Personalized Spatial Audio, the system can tailor the sound to your head and ear geometry, provided you have an iPhone with a TrueDepth FaceID sensor. To further elevate the immersive audio experience, Vision Pro uses Audio Ray Tracing, a technology that scans the features and materials of your space and adjusts the sound to match your environment precisely. The result? A sound experience so realistic, you'll be convinced that the sounds are originating from the world around you, not your headset.
Set to debut in early 2024, the Apple Vision Pro makes a bold entrance with its pricing. It's not for the faint-hearted, kicking off at $3500. The price point certainly reflects the cutting-edge technology and unique features packed into the headset. It places the Vision Pro in a premium category within the VR headset market, signaling Apple's positioning of the device as a high-end offering.
For eager enthusiasts who are ready to partake in this next-level VR experience, the Vision Pro will be available both online and in physical Apple Stores across the US. The availability is set to broaden to other regions soon after the initial launch, making it accessible to global tech aficionados.
---In conclusion, the Apple Vision Pro represents a significant leap in the VR landscape. It's a true testament to Apple's pioneering spirit and dedication to creating immersive, human-centered experiences. We'll keep our eyes on its journey ahead, so stay tuned for more updates and deep dives into this impressive new player in the VR world!
If you've missed the 2023 Meta Gaming Showcase, don't fret. We're here to deliver all the juicy details from the event. Buckle up, it's time to delve into an exciting future.
The most exciting announcement from the 2023 Meta Gaming Showcase was undoubtedly the Meta Quest 3, set to hit the shelves later this year. This next-generation virtual and mixed reality headset represents a significant leap forward in technology and design from its predecessor, the Quest 2. Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed that Quest 3 would have higher resolution, more robust performance, and cutting-edge Meta Reality technology, all packed into a slimmer and more comfortable form factor. The base 128GB model starts at $499.99, a value-packed price point for such a robust device, with more storage options available for those requiring extra space.
The Quest 3 is being billed as the supercharged all-in-one headset we've all been waiting for, requiring no wires and offering a massive step up in terms of both hardware and performance. It will be powered by a next-generation Snapdragon chipset developed in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies. This chipset is reported to deliver over twice the graphical performance of the Snapdragon GPU found in the Quest 2, ensuring smoother performance and incredible detail in immersive games.
Moreover, the Meta Quest 3 features a redesigned form factor, which is 40% slimmer than Quest 2, making it a more comfortable and sleeker headset. The Touch Plus controllers have also been reimagined to be more streamlined and ergonomic. TruTouch haptics have been included to provide an unprecedented sense of touch, with fully self-tracked Meta Quest Touch Pro Controllers available as an upgrade for an even more immersive experience.
All in all, the Meta Quest 3 is shaping up to be a massive step forward for VR technology, offering a slew of game-changing features and a library of over 500 games from the Quest 2 catalogue. With a powerful combination of cutting-edge hardware and software, this headset is poised to redefine our virtual reality experience.
Now, let's pivot our attention to the spectacular roster of games announced at the 2023 Meta Gaming Showcase, which are set to bring these incredible features to life and redefine our perception of virtual reality gaming.
Compatibility Galore The first and most critical piece of news is that every game showcased will be compatible with both the Meta Quest 2 and the new Meta Quest 3. How's that for a warm welcome to the new generation of VR?
Music to Your (Virtual) Ears Kickstarting the announcements was the rhythm game, "Samba de Amigo in VR", which will be hitting the store this fall. With this exciting release, Meta Quest users can soon dance to the samba beats in full immersive VR.
Puzzles and Espionage The third installment of the beloved series, "I Expect You to Die 3: Cog in the Machine", was confirmed, with a release expected later this year. Get ready for another round of challenging puzzles and thrilling espionage!
Who You Gonna Call? As a blast from the past, we're getting "Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord". Team up with friends to bust ghosts using classic gear like the Proton Pack and Ghost Trap, all while striving to protect landmarks in San Francisco.
Mech Mayhem "Underdogs" introduces a physics-based brawler where you'll pilot five-ton gorilla mechs. Fight your way to the top in New Bracka, the 22nd-century mecha capital, where losing an arm just means you've found your next weapon.
Swing Into VR "Racket Club" from Resolution Games is a brand new VR sport that will allow you to perfect your swing or face opponents from all over the world. Who's up for a virtual tennis match?
The Dark Side of Venice In "Vampire: The Masquerade - Justice", you will become a vampire judge in Venice. Using your supernatural abilities, deliver justice in the darkest shadows of the city.
Randomly Generated Adventures "Dungeons of Eternity" is a 1-to-3 player dungeon crawler that generates unique levels from hundreds of chambers. Brace yourself for never-ending adventures in this dark crypt exploration.
Classic Returns "Arizona Sunshine 2" will take you back to the popular VR game’s zombie-infested landscape for another thrilling survival adventure. Meanwhile, "Stranger Things VR" will make your nightmares come alive with its chilling psychological horror narrative.
Anime Fans, Rejoice! For all the manga fans out there, you're in for a treat with "Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable". Join the scout regiment and experience high-flying battles against Titans like never before.
Bulletstorm Reimagined "Bulletstorm VR" will let you experience the thrill of creative skill shots in a whole new way as you engage in immersive enemy take-downs.
A Virtual Leap of Faith "Assassin's Creed: Nexus" from Ubisoft is leaping into the VR world. While details are scant, expect more at Ubisoft Forward on June 12th.
Asgard's Wrath Returns And finally, the grandest announcement was saved for last - "Asgard's Wrath 2". This standalone adventure picks up from where the first game left off and takes you through new Asgardian locations like Muspelheim and ancient Egypt. With a full physics system for weapons and an expansive world filled with puzzles, quests, and battles, this is set to be a game changer in VR RPGs.
So there you have it! That's all the news from the Meta Gaming Showcase 2023. Stay tuned for more detailed insights into these upcoming games. Until next time, keep exploring those virtual worlds!
Virtual reality (VR) is an amazing new technology that allows us to experience new worlds and interact with them in ways that were never before possible. However, for some people, VR can also cause motion sickness. This is because VR can trick our brains into thinking that we are moving, even when we are not. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
If you are one of the people who gets motion sickness in VR, there are a few things you can do to help combat it. Here are some tips:
In addition to these tips, there are a few other things you can do to help reduce motion sickness in VR. First, make sure that your VR headset is fitted properly. If it is too tight or too loose, it can make you feel dizzy. Second, make sure that the lighting in the room where you are using VR is bright. Dim lighting can make it more difficult for your eyes to adjust to the VR environment. Finally, if you are still having trouble with motion sickness, you may want to try using a fan or some other form of white noise in the background. This can help to mask any motion that you may be feeling in VR.
---
I hope these tips help you to combat motion sickness in VR. Remember, everyone is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different tips and find what works best for you. And most importantly, don't give up on VR! It is an amazing technology that is worth experiencing.
As virtual reality (VR) technology continues to advance, more and more VR headsets are hitting the market. One of the latest VR headsets to make waves is the Bigscreen Beyond headset. From social movie app to headset, In this post we'll be discussing what we've learned from various YouTubers, influencers, and review sites about this headset, and what makes it stand out from other VR headsets on the market.
First, let’s go over some general specs:
The design and comfort of a VR headset are crucial to an enjoyable experience, and the Bigscreen Beyond headset delivers on both. Weighing in at just 127g (without the custom facial interface), it's the lightest PC VR headset ever made.
This headset is designed to fit a wide range of head sizes and shapes, and it's customizable to fit the user's face. The facial interface is custom-made to order, requiring users to send their IPD and do a face scan using a modern iPhone with lidar sensor. Once the user has a good fit, there is zero light leakage, which is impressive compared to other headsets.
The headset has adjustable straps that allow for a customizable fit, making it comfortable for long periods of use. Although the headset lacks face tracking, eye tracking, hand tracking, cameras, built in audio or any other feature that could add weight, the comfort and fit of the headset more than make up for it.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Bigscreen Beyond headset is its display quality. With a 4K resolution display, the headset offers a significant improvement over other VR headsets on the market.
Reviewers have noted that the OLED screens offer vivid colors and great blacks, although they may not be as bright as some other VR headsets. Despite not having "retina resolution," the headset has no screen-door effect, and everything looks sharp.
The headset features two micro OLED displays with a display resolution of 2560 x 2560 pixels per eye running at 75 or up to 90 Hertz. However, some reviewers have reported experiencing glare and some aliasing present in some geometry.
Additionally, the headset's pancake lenses may give reflections based on high contrast scenarios, leading to God Rays or glare in these only high contrast areas. While the headset's edge-to-edge clarity isn't fully present, the display quality is still impressive and immersive.
Audio
The Bigscreen Beyond headset doesn't have a built-in audio solution, but it does come with a USBC port, allowing users to plug in their favorite pair of headphones using a USBC to 3.5-millimeter headphone jack adapter.
Alternatively, Bigscreen is offering an optional premium audio strap accessory for $99 that features on-ear speakers and a more rigid head strap to replace the soft strap that comes with the headset.
According to reviews, the audio quality of the stereo microphones located at the bottom of the headset is good and could work well as a dedicated mic for online multiplayer games or video calls.
Overall, the lack of built-in audio is not a deal breaker, as the headset is compatible with a wide range of audio solutions, and the optional premium audio strap offers a compelling upgrade for those seeking a more immersive audio experience.
The Bigscreen Beyond headset is an impressive VR device that offers a number of features that set it apart from other headsets on the market.
One of these features is its compatibility with PCs using a 5-meter fiber optic cable that breaks out into two USB A's and a single display port. This allows users to connect the Beyond headset to their PC and enjoy high-quality VR gaming experiences.
The headset is compatible with SteamVR, which gives users access to a vast library of VR games. But the Beyond headset isn't just about gaming; it's also designed to enhance social experiences. Using the Bigscreen app, users can watch movies, play games, and attend virtual events with others in a virtual space. This social aspect is a unique feature that sets the Beyond headset apart from other VR devices.
The Bigscreen Beyond VR headset has generated a lot of buzz, especially due to its price tag of $999, which is higher than other VR headsets on the market.
However, it's important to remember that the Beyond is not just a VR headset, but a complete standalone system that includes a high-end PC in the headset itself. When you consider the cost of a high-end PC alone, the price of the Bigscreen Beyond becomes more reasonable.The Beyond's advanced features and capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for VR enthusiasts and professionals looking for a powerful, all-in-one VR solution.
It's important to note that the price only includes the headset itself and not controllers or base stations. Bigscreen also offers an optional $100 Audio Strap, which is a rigid headstrap with built-in speakers, and users can choose between the more basic version or the ultra-lightweight one designed for comfort and high-end audio.
Due to the size of the headset, its not practical to fit eyeglasses inside the headset. Instead, prescription lens inserts are recommended for the most comfortable experience. VR Wave will be soon launching Bigscreen Beyond VR lens inserts, stay tuned to the VR Wave newsletter to be informed when the inserts become available! Simply enter your email in the bottom bar of this website.
---
In summary, the Bigscreen Beyond VR headset offers a range of impressive features that have garnered positive reviews from early adopters and reviewers alike.
The headset's small size and lightweight design, as well as its ability to be customized to fit the user's face, make it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Its OLED screens provide a vivid and immersive experience, and its compatibility with SteamVR allows users to access a vast library of VR games and apps. The headset's social features, such as the ability to watch movies and shows with friends in a virtual cinema, also make it stand out from other VR headsets on the market.
However, its price tag of $999 may not be suitable for everyone. With the first deliveries to US customers expected in the third quarter of 2023, the Bigscreen Beyond VR headset is certainly worth considering for those looking for a high-quality and unique VR experience.
While this may seem like an obvious tip, many out there have complained of blur which in many cases can be fixed by simply making sure the PSVR2 is seated correctly.
To adjust the headset properly, follow these steps:
1. Loosen the back headband by pressing and holding the knob in the back, and place the headset on your head.
2. Adjust the front of the headset by pressing and holding the button on the front right of the headset until it sits comfortably on your forehead, making sure it is not too tight or too loose.
3. Tighten the back headband until the headset feels secure, but not too tight. You should still be able to move your head freely.
4. Adjust the distance of the lenses by scrolling the slider on the top left of the headset and sliding the lenses closer or further away until the image appears clear.
It's important to take the time to adjust the headset properly before starting any game or experience. This will help prevent discomfort and allow you to fully immerse yourself in VR.
Check for lighting: Ensure that the area where you play has adequate lighting. Avoid playing in a dimly lit or poorly lit room. This can interfere with the tracking system.
Clear any obstructions: Remove any objects that may be obstructing the tracking lights on the headset and the controllers. This can include objects such as furniture, plants, or other objects.
Keep the tracking sensors clean: Make sure that the tracking sensors on the headset are clean. You can use a microfiber cloth to gently clean them if needed.
Additionally, there is a hidden PSVR 2 setting called "Tracking Support" that adds a frame around the TV screen, which makes it easier for the VR headset to recognize and improve tracking accuracy. To get there, go to the settings menu and navigate to Accessories > PlayStation VR2 > Tracking Support.
To best protect your PSVR2, you should handle it with care and avoid placing it in areas where it can be easily knocked over, scratched, and make sure that direct sunlight can't reach the lenses. Additionally, you can purchase protective accessories such as a carrying case or silicone cover to protect the headset.
When it comes to cleaning the PSVR2, it's important to use gentle cleaning methods to avoid damaging the lenses or other components. You can use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the lenses and the rest of the headset. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can scratch or damage the lenses.
Remember to also clean the PSVR2's controllers regularly, especially the areas where your hands touch them the most. You can use a disinfectant wipe or a microfiber cloth and gentle cleaning solution to wipe down the controllers.
Motion sickness is a common issue that can occur when using VR headsets like the PSVR2. To avoid motion sickness, take breaks every 30 minutes for 10-15mins in between game sessions. This gives the body time to adjust to the virtual environment and can help reduce the symptoms of motion sickness.
Additionally, check each individual game's settings as you may be able to turn on comfort settings like tunneling/vignetting, which narrows the field of view whenever the user moves. This can help reduce motion sickness by limiting the amount of movement the user sees on the screen. Switching from smooth to teleportation movement also may help as smooth movement can make you nauseous since you are moving in VR while your real body is not.
Adjusting the headset fit and settings can also help reduce the load on the brain and alleviate some of the most common motion sickness triggers.
The PSVR2's cinematic mode allows you to see the PS5's UI through the headset, and also lets you play non-VR games and media content from a virtual cinema screen. To use cinematic mode, make sure your PSVR2 is connected to your PS5 and both are turned on. Launch any non VR game or media and, you will automatically enter cinematic mode, which should bring up the PS5's normal UI. You can also access cinematic mode through the PSVR2 settings on the home screen. Note that you will need to use your regular dualshock PS5 controller to play non VR games in cinematic mode.
The resolution of the PSVR2's cinematic mode is 1080p HDR with a max frame rate of 120Hz.
The default earbuds that come with the PSVR2 are okay, but leave much to be desired. Using headphones while playing on PSVR2 can help enhance the overall gaming experience by providing a more immersive and realistic audio experience. For example, the Playstation Pulse 3D wireless headset is of high quality and can deliver 3D audio that mimics the way sound travels in the real world. This means that you can hear sounds coming from different directions, which can help you better navigate and immerse yourself in the virtual world.
You can use other headphones however, as the PSVR2 has a 3.5mm audio jack built into the headset, or you can plug a wireless dongle into the PS5 console.
Using headphones can also help block out external noises, which can be beneficial if you are playing in a noisy environment. This can help you focus on the game and avoid distractions, which can enhance your overall gaming experience. It is worth noting that when using headphones, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and not get completely lost in the virtual world!
The PSVR2 has a built-in microphone that allows users to use voice commands to launch games and apps, as well as open certain settings pages. To use voice commands with the PS5, you need to enable the Voice Command (Preview) feature in the settings menu. Additionally, the latest PS5 beta update has added a new "Hey PlayStation!" voice command that allows users to open games, apps, and settings, as well as control movies and songs. Overall, voice input is a convenient and efficient way to interact with the PSVR2.
Here's a list of a few useful commands you can try:
There are a couple of different options available when it comes to recording or streaming PSVR2 footage.
The first is using the PS5's built in capture tools.
To record and stream PSVR2 content using the PS5's built-in recording tools, you can follow these steps:
It's important to note that some capture cards may have specific instructions or requirements, so be sure to consult the manufacturer's instructions for the specific capture card you are using. Additionally, capturing PSVR2 footage may require additional hardware or setup, such as a separate microphone for audio or a green screen for chroma keying.
The PSVR2 has a 120Hz refresh rate, which can provide a smoother and more immersive VR experience. The refresh rate of a VR headset refers to the number of times per second that the display is updated. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother and more fluid the visuals will appear, which can reduce motion sickness and make the experience feel more lifelike.
To take full advantage of the PSVR2's 120Hz refresh rate, make sure that the games you play are optimized for it. Some games may default to a lower refresh rate, so you may need to adjust the settings in the game's menu to enable 120Hz.
Additionally, using the 120Hz refresh rate may require a higher bandwidth HDMI cable. Make sure to check that your HDMI cable supports 120Hz before enabling the feature.
Overall, taking advantage of the PSVR2's 120Hz refresh rate can provide a more immersive and comfortable VR experience, so it's worth checking to see if your games and setup can support it.
While the PSVR2 was designed to be able to fit glasses inside the headset, you may find that this can cause discomfort or fogging for longer term sessions. Luckily, prescription lenses do exist for the PSVR2 and they fit in easily right over the existing, built in lenses.
Prescription lenses for the PSVR 2 can provide several benefits. The most notable benefit is improved image clarity, which can make the VR experience more immersive and enjoyable for players who wear glasses or contact lenses. Prescription lenses can also help vision-impaired players experience the full immersive gaming experience of VR. They are designed to help people with presbyopia, or the loss of eyesight that comes with aging, and provide a variety of benefits. Additionally, prescription lens inserts eliminate the need to wear glasses while using the PSVR 2, which can be more comfortable and convenient for some players.
You can easily custom order your lenses to perfectly match your prescription here.
---
We hope you found these top 10 tips and tricks for PSVR2 owners helpful and informative. With these tips, you can take your gaming experience to the next level and fully immerse yourself in the virtual world. Remember to always take breaks and stay aware of your surroundings while playing. With practice and experimentation, you'll discover even more ways to enhance your PSVR2 experience. So what are you waiting for? Grab your PSVR2 headset and start exploring!
]]>
Virtual reality (VR) gaming has become an increasingly popular and exciting form of entertainment in recent years, and with each passing year, we see even more incredible VR games being released. As we head into the spring months of March and April, we're gearing up for another round of highly anticipated game releases. From action-packed shooters to immersive simulations and puzzle games, there's something for everyone. In this post, we'll be taking a closer look at every VR game that released March and will release in April, providing a short synopsis of each game so that you can decide which games to add to your must-play list. Whether you're a die-hard VR gamer or just getting started, you won't want to miss out on these exciting new releases. So, without further ado, let's dive on in!
Before Your Eyes
Platforms: PSVR2 Price: $14.99
Before Your Eyes is a narrative-driven game that was initially released for PC in 2021 and has since been ported to PSVR2. The game uses a unique control system that allows players to progress the story by blinking their eyes using the PSVR2's built in eye tracking.
Players follow the journey of a soul named Benjamin through memories of his past as he reflects on his life in the afterlife. The game explores themes of life, death, and relationships, and offers a unique and emotional experience.
Divine Duel
Platforms: Quest, Steam (coming soon) Price: Free
Divine Duel is a multiplayer strategy game where players compete against each other using decks of cards representing various mythical creatures and spells. Players take turns deploying their cards on a battlefield to attack and defend against their opponent's forces. The game features a variety of game modes and deck-building options, allowing players to customize their gameplay experience. The ultimate goal is to defeat the opponent's main hero and emerge victorious.
Formula Retro Racing: World Tour
Platforms: Steam Price: $19.99
Formula Retro Racing: World Tour is a classic arcade-style racing game that allows players to race cars from the 40's to 90's across a variety of tracks around the world. The game features simple and intuitive controls, allowing players to focus on the thrill of the race. Players can customize their car and compete in a variety of modes, including time trials, championships, and multiplayer races. With its retro graphics and fast-paced gameplay, Formula Retro Racing: World Tour offers a nostalgic and exciting racing experience for players of all skill levels.
Galaxy Kart VR
Platforms: PSVR2, Steam (coming soon) Price: $19.99
Galaxy Kart VR is a kart racing game similar in feel to the beloved Mario Kart. Players can mix and match their kart and racer and race through a variety of tracks. The game features a variety of power-ups and weapons that players can use to gain an advantage over their opponents. Galaxy Kart also offers a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other online. With its colorful and imaginative setting, fast-paced gameplay, and variety of customization options, Galaxy Kart offers a fun and exciting racing experience for players of all ages.
Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game
Platforms: Quest 2 Price: $19.99
Ghost Signal: A Stellaris Game is a sci-fi strategy game where players lead their ship to investigate a mysterious signal from a distant star system. Players explore, gather loot, and battle to advance their goals, encountering challenges and obstacles along the way. With its immersive setting, deep gameplay, and engaging story, Ghost Signal offers a thrilling adventure for fans of rougelite and strategy games.
Guardians Frontline
Platforms: Quest 2, Steam Price: $24.99
Guardians Frontline is a team-based single game where players take on the role of guardians defending against an alien invasion. The game features a variety of weapons and vehicles, offering both a single player campaign/co-op experience and PvP modes. Guardians Frontline offers an exciting campaign experience for fans of sci-fi team-based shooters.
The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR
Platforms: PSVR2 Price: $39.99
Switchback VR is set on a thrilling virtual reality rollercoaster set inside the world of The Dark Pictures Anthology - a successor to the original PSVR title Until Dawn: Rush of Blood. Leveraging the sensory power of PlayStation VR2, Supermassive Games delivers its latest trial of terror, a reactive rollercoaster where you fight for your life against all manner of creepy beasts and calculated killers. In the ride for your life, choose your path wisely, and try to stay alive.
Not For Broadcast VR
Platforms: Quest 2, Steam Price: $24.99
Not For Broadcast VR is a VR adaptation of the popular desktop game. In this game, players take on the role of a TV broadcast editor, where they must choose which news segments to air and which to censor to manipulate public opinion. The game features multiple storylines, various characters, and a branching narrative system that allows players to make different choices and affect the outcome of the story. With its immersive live-action visuals and engaging gameplay, Not For Broadcast offers a unique and thought-provoking gaming experience.
Peaky Blinders: The King's Ransom
Platforms: Quest 2, Steam (coming soon) Price: $29.99
Peaky Blinders: The King's Ransom is a story-driven adventure game based on the TV series. Players meet the infamous Shelby family and make decisions that affect the outcome of the story. The game features a variety of gameplay mechanics, including puzzle-solving, stealth, and combat. With its authentic setting, compelling characters, and gripping narrative, Peaky Blinders: The King's Ransom offers a thrilling experience for fans of the show and players who enjoy story-driven games.
Samurai Slaughter House
Platforms: Steam, Quest 2 Price: $29.99
It's time to become the ultimate warrior that you've always dreamed of! Samurai Slaughter House was built from the ground up as a VR exclusive. Explore a large metroidvania-style open world, interact with NPCs, and engage in deadly physics-based combat. Use stealth and creativity or brute force to take on your foes in a vast physics based sandbox.
The Last Worker
Platforms: Steam, PSVR2, Quest 2 Price: $19.99
The Last Worker is a narrative-driven simulation game set in a dystopian future where most jobs have been automated. Players take on the role of a worker named Kurt who's the last living package sorter for the mega corporation known as 'Jungle'. The game features puzzle-solving, stealth, and heavy story themes that explores the impact of automation on society. With its engaging narrative, immersive setting, and thought-provoking themes, The Last Worker offers a unique gaming experience for players who enjoy story-driven games.
The Walking Dead Saints and Sinners Chapter 2: Retribution
Platforms: Quest 2, Steam, PSVR2 Price: $39.99
The Walking Dead Saints and Sinners Chapter 2: Retribution is the highly anticipated sequel to the original Saints and Sinners Chapter 1. Hunted by the seemingly unstoppable Axeman and facing off against the Tower’s latest push for total dominance, discover what connects these new threats together before it’s too late. New faces, places, weapons and gear all await you on your journey to a final showdown for the city's fate.
Vertigo 2
Platforms: Steam Price: $29.99
Vertigo 2 continues where the original left off -deep underground in the reaches of Quantum Reactor VII, you awake to finish your journey home. Vertigo 2 is a first-person shooter VR game where players explore a mysterious world. The game features puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat mechanics, with a variety of weapons and abilities. With its immersive gameplay and stunning visuals, Vertigo 2 offers an engaging and thrilling experience for all VR players.
Across The Valley
Platforms: PSVR2, Steam Price: $19.99
Across the Valley is your friendly VR farm where you really lend a hand. Care for the animals and plants with your own hands (no point and click menus) and relax in this hand-drawn paradise. Sow, water and harvest your own plants, raise adorable baby animals, milk the cows, shear the sheep and go on a truffle hunt with the pigs — all in fun mini-games. There's always something to do every day in Across The Valley.
A Knight in the Attic
Platforms: Quest 2, Steam Price: $9.99
A Knight in the Attic invites you to pull open the latch and sneak up to your grandmother’s mysterious yet cozy attic, where your curiosity will be rewarded with adventure - if you are up to the challenge! What begins as a dusty labyrinth board transforms to reveal an entire world in peril, and a willing hero, Guinevere, who needs your help. Take the world in your hands, and roll Guinevere through puzzle-filled levels, filled with strange objects that help guide you along your journey, from cranks and hammers to scrolls and an old notebook that tells the story of Camelot.
Amid Evil VR
Platforms: Quest 2, Steam Release Date: 4/19
A VR adaptation to the original Amid Evil game - Amid Evil VR is a fast-paced first-person shooter game where players fight demonic hordes to save the world. It features challenging enemies, a variety of weapons and magical abilities, and increasingly difficult levels. With its engaging gameplay and mystical setting, Amid Evil VR offers an immersive and thrilling experience for fans of FPS and fantasy games.
Breachers
Platforms: Quest 2, Steam Price: $29.99
Breachers is a tactical 5v5 VR FPS. Plan your assault or orchestrate your defense as a team through intense close-quarters combat. Whether you play as an enforcer or a revolter, master your nifty gadgetry, customize your powerful weaponry and beat your opponents in stunning environments. Climb, vault, rappel, swing, shoot and strategize your way to victory.
Everslaught Invasion
Platforms: Quest 2 Price: $24.99 ($22.49 if pre-ordered) Release Date: 4/20
Everslaught Invasion is a VR game where players fight against an invading army of monsters in a fantasy world. It features intense combat mechanics with a variety of weapons and abilities, as well as magic spells to aid players in battle. With its immersive world and engaging storyline, the game provides an exciting and satisfying experience for VR players who enjoy action-packed games.
Fruit Ninja VR 2
Platforms: Quest 2, Steam Price: $24.99
Fruit Ninja VR 2 is a virtual reality game developed by Halfbrick Studios. The game is a sequel to the original Fruit Ninja game, but this time it is specifically designed for VR devices.
In the game, players use their VR controllers to slice different fruits that are thrown into the air, avoiding bombs and other obstacles. The game features several gameplay modes, including Classic, Zen, and Arcade, as well as a multiplayer mode where players can compete with each other.
Gambit!
Platforms: Quest 2, Steam Price: $19.99
Gambit is a 4 player first person co-op game that features dozens of guns, a myriad of attachments, skins, masks, deathmatch, tournament ladders, minigames, leaderboards, climbing, graffiti, hidden rewards, the GNOP, bossfights, free updates, dedicated customer support, and so on. Play as Frank, Udo, Cody or Kevin in this borderlands-esque grungy shooter in a world full of mayhem.
Kill It With Fire VR
Platforms: Quest 2, Steam, PSVR2 (later in the year) Price: $14.99 (get an additional 25% off if you own the base game)
Kill It With Fire VR is a hilariously action-packed virtual reality game where players use a variety of household (and non traditional) weapons to hunt down and eliminate spiders. You are given the ultimate freedom to hunt and destroy mankind’s most ancient and deadly nemesis, and players must use strategy and creativity to succeed.
---
As we wrap up our coverage of the March and April VR game releases, it's clear that there's a lot to be excited about. From the thrilling action of shooters like "Breachers" and "Guardians Frontline" to the immersive worlds of "Vertigo 2" and "The Walking Dead Saints and Sinners Chapter 2: Retribution," there's no shortage of incredible experiences to be had. Whether you're a seasoned VR gamer or new to the medium, there's never been a better time to jump in and explore the many wonders out there. So gear up, grab your headset, and get ready for some unforgettable adventures!
]]>
Apple's upcoming VR headset has been the subject of much speculation and anticipation in the tech world. While Apple has yet to confirm any details about the device, rumors and leaks have provided some insights into what we can expect.
An official name for the headset hasn't been confirmed yet, but Apple has filed patents in multiple countries for the names "Reality One," "Reality Pro," and "Reality Processor."
The operating system is believed to be called rOS (or realityOS) which was revealed in Apple's code. It's been confirmed that xrOS is what Apple is calling it internally, and this name has been patented as well.
In terms of the design, reports suggest that the headset will be sleek and lightweight, with a focus on comfort and ease of use. Apple is known for its attention to detail when it comes to design, so it's likely that the headset will be visually impressive as well.
It's speculated that Apple's headset will weigh in at about 150 grams compared to 503 grams of a Quest 2 and 809 grams of a Valve Index, for reference.
It appears that the user will need wireless earbuds like airpods in order to fully enjoy spatial audio, the headset will come with speakers but be limited in their capabilities.
It will be a standalone device, meaning it won't require a separate computer or smartphone to operate (including an iPhone for initial setup). This will likely make it more user-friendly and accessible than other VR headsets on the market.
Apple's headset seems to be a premium, developer-centric product vs one aimed at consumers, and it might be a precursor for another future Apple XR product speculated: Apple Glasses.
However, other sources mention that the headset will focus heavily on gaming, media consumption and communication.
The headset will offer both augmented reality and virtual reality experiences, allowing users to interact with digital objects in real-world environments as well as fully immersive virtual worlds, and it's been reported that the transition from VR to AR will be a seamless one featuring a simple dial on the side of the headset.
Apple is said to be developing it's own XR store containing a number of exclusive games and apps for the headset, which could make it a compelling option for gamers and tech enthusiasts.
The European Patent office published a patent application for "Multi-Device Continuity for use with Extended Reality (XR) Systems." This currently works with existing apple devices allowing users to seamlessly work across various apple products such as iPhones and Macbook Pros. This means that potentially you'd be able to work from your Macbook or iPhone directly into your headset.
Users can create their own apps (without prior code knowledge) via Siri - by scanning real world objects and transform them into digital assets. Apps would still have to pass Apple's strict approval policy however.
It's expected that the headset will have a high-resolution display, with some reports suggesting that it will have up to 8K resolution (4k per eye). This would provide an incredibly immersive experience for users.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the headset will use pancake lenses, "a folded design to allow light to reflect back and forth between the display and lenses. This could allow for a headset design that's compact and lightweight."
It's predicted that the lenses will be auto adjusting for the user's IPD or Interpupillary distance - the distance between the pupils.
Apple's headset might have two displays, OLEDs or micro-LED panels in the front and one lower resolution AMOLED display on the back which would allow for foveated rendering like the PSVR2. Foveated rendering reduces the number of pixels rendered and combined with the eye tracking, only keeps clear what you are actually looking at. In turn, this reduces some workload of the headset.
There are currently no reports of refresh rate or field of view for the headset's displays quite yet.
The headset will reportedly be equipped with a high-resolution display and advanced eye-tracking technology, which will allow for more realistic and immersive experiences.
Eye tracking is expected to be used in multiple ways, from using Facetime to animate memoji, to using it as an iris scanner to detect the user wearing the headset - the same way Face ID and Touch ID are utilized on iOS devices.
There are also rumors that the headset will feature a LiDAR sensor, which would enable it to accurately map the user's surroundings and provide more accurate AR experiences. There will be an estimated 12-15 on the headset, already used with current apple products like iPhone 12 pro and iPad pro.
Ming-Chi Kuo however, contends there will be 15 cameras — eight for AR, one for environmental detection, and six for “innovative biometrics.”
There is currently no official information on what the controllers will be like for Apple's upcoming VR headset. However, there have been rumors that the headset may use a combination of hand tracking and finger devices.
Some guess that hand tracking and gestures will be used to pull a virtual overlay of an email from the iPhone display into the VR headset, or to be used to type in air on a virtual keyboard.
Others predict that while there won't be any traditional controllers, users may utilize a thimble like device on the finger. Patents have been released for VR wearables, smart rings for possible gesture control and another to detect if the users is holding an Apple Pencil.
Apple's headset may possibly contain two chips, the Apple M1 Pro chip but also an M2 chip with 16GB of RAM, and it's said to come with the same 96W charger as the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
There are multiple predictions on how Apple could handle battery life for such a potentially performant heavy yet lightweight headset:
Due to all the processing power required, an external battery pack might be required for 2 hours of battery life, similar to the Magic Leap 2 - it might be contained in a device that can be clipped into the waistband. It's predicted that this battery pack might be appropriately the size of two iPhone 14 Pro Max models stacked on top of each other. In the future Apple may also release an optional headband accessory with a larger battery pack, but comfort will have to be taken into consideration with this route.
It's also predicted that there will be Wifi 6E support allowing the headset to use a iPhone or Mac to do the heavy lifting and beam it back to the headset without the need for a cable.
The headset is expected to be released sometime in 2023, although there is no official launch date yet. Apple CTO Tim Cook is reportedly pushing the headset to be released this year but the industrial design team are trying to fight back against this decision, claiming that the headset just isn't ready yet, wanting to wait until "lightweight AR glasses become more technically feasible".
It's speculated that the headset may at least be unveiled at the WWDC 2023 event in June.
Between analysts Kuo and Gurman, it's estimated that the price could be as high as $3000 or at least upwards of $2000.
The headset may also be a bit hard to purchase as Apple may only ship about $250,000 worth of units, or one headset per retail store.
------
Overall, Apple's AR/VR headset is shaping up to be a highly anticipated and innovative device that could change the way we interact with digital content. While we don't know all the details yet, we can't wait to see what Apple has in store for us.
Virtual Reality (VR) has been gaining popularity in recent years as a new way to experience immersive games, movies, and other interactive content. There are several different types of VR headsets available on the market, each with its unique features and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the key differences between PCVR, PSVR2, and standalone VR headsets for those of you looking to purchase your first headset.
First, a few terms you might see throughout this article, and what they mean:
Guardian: In VR, a guardian is a virtual boundary that is created to help keep you safe while you are in a VR environment. The guardian acts as a reminder to let you know when you are approaching the physical boundaries of the space you are in, such as a wall or a piece of furniture. It also helps to prevent you from accidentally bumping into objects or tripping over anything while you are fully immersed in the VR experience. The guardian can be customized to fit the space you are in and can be adjusted to suit your needs. Overall, the guardian is an essential safety feature in VR that helps to make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Passthrough: Passthrough is a feature in virtual reality systems that allows the user to see the real world through the headset’s cameras. This can be helpful in situations where the user needs to quickly navigate their environment without taking off the headset. For example, if someone needs to grab a drink or answer the doorbell while using VR, they can activate passthrough mode to see their surroundings without completely exiting the virtual world. This feature is also useful for developers who want to test their VR experiences in real-world environments. Overall, passthrough VR is a convenient and practical feature that enhances the VR experience.
Mixed Reality: Mixed reality is a combination of both virtual reality and augmented reality. It allows users to interact with both real and virtual objects in a seamless and immersive way. Mixed reality is achieved through the use of advanced technology that incorporates elements of the physical world into a virtual environment.
Now, which headset type is right for you?
Most popular headsets:
Standalone VR headsets are self-contained and do not require a computer or console to run. These headsets offer a wireless experience, making it easy to move around and play games without any restrictions. Standalone VR headsets also have a built-in battery, which requires the headsets to be charged after a certain amount of time.
Most standalone headsets require you to also have a phone app associated with the headset brand to assist in setup. Once downloaded, the app will walk you through the initial steps, including creating a guardian (play space) which is usually done by simply drawing out the area you are designating as 'safe' with your controller.
Each standalone headset has its own store where you can buy and download games and apps. For example: the Meta Quest store, Pico's store and Viveport for the Vive XR Elite. The content on each company's store might be different, so check out each before purchasing the headset to make sure it actually has content you would want to play and use.
One of the main advantages of standalone VR headsets is that they are portable and easy to use, making it a great choice for those who want to experience VR on the go. However, the downside is that they have limited graphics and processing power when compared to PCVR and PSVR2.
If you decide to go with a Meta Quest headset, I also recommend you check out the popular program SideQuest, in which you can find many more Quest games and apps not officially out on the Meta Quest store, many of them free. I've written several articles on how to create an account, sideload (add these games to your Quest) and more, so check those out if you're interested!
That being said, if you do have a powerful gaming PC, you don't necessarily have to be limited to the headset's library. Depending on the headset type, you can use apps like Virtual Desktop for Quest and Pico, or Vive's streaming app to connect your headset to your computer. This will allow you to play SteamVR games. Make sure that your computer can handle the processing power of a SteamVR game first (see recommended min specs in the PCVR section of this article). All of the processing power will be handled by your compute allowing you to achieve excellent quality graphics through your standalone headset.
Mixed reality games and apps are also starting to catch on to standalone headsets, which you currently won't find on other types of headsets. Games like Demeo and Spatial Ops allow you to have video game elements in your real home or room.
Standalone VR headsets are perfect for individuals who want to experience virtual reality without needing a powerful PC or a game console. They are designed for people who want to have a hassle-free VR experience wherever they go, without the need for additional cables or equipment. These headsets are great for those who enjoy immersive gaming, virtual travel, or watching movies in a 360-degree environment. They are also ideal for individuals who want to try out VR without investing in expensive equipment. So, whether you are a tech-savvy gamer or a casual user, standalone VR headsets can be a great fit for you!
Most popular headsets:
Only two currently exist, both from Playstation:
The original PSVR can only be found used or second hand, so I would highly reccomend going with the PSVR2 as it will have the latest games and support going forward.
PSVR2 is the latest VR headset from Sony, and it is specifically designed for PlayStation 5. The headset connects to the console via a single cable, which provides high-quality graphics and a comfortable gaming experience. PSVR2 also has advanced haptic feedback features, which provide a more immersive experience.
One of the main advantages of PSVR2 is that it is designed specifically for PlayStation 5, making it a great choice for gamers who already own the console. However, the downside is that it has limited games and applications when compared to PCVR.
Because all the processing comes from the PS5, the PSVR2 is a wired headset but the wire is pretty thin and light, and connects from the back of the headset to the front of your PS5. This allows the PSVR2 to have great graphics comparable to that of PCVR, without the need to fuss around with individual game settings. Colors may actually appear crisper thanks to the PSVR2's OLED displays making blacks blacker and colors much brighter.
Setting up the headset is easy and very much comparable to standalone, much easier than PCVR. You don't need to worry about setting up outside hardware (base stations) as the PSVR2 has inside out tracking - meaning the headset tracks the controllers through cameras on the headset itself. Setup includes creating a guardian but the method is similar to that with standalone, perhaps even simpler. You just use move the headset to scan around your room, a guardian is then automatically created which you can draw to be larger or smaller if needed.
The PSVR2 features eye tracking which can be found on only a few other existing headsets, the Meta Quest Pro and the Vive Pro Eye (along with a few other very high end PCVR headsets, but we won't mention them here). However there currently seems to be more games with eye tracking support on the PSVR2.
Completely unique to the PSVR2 is the use of their haptics built into the headset itself, as well as the same adaptive triggers used in the DualSense controllers brought over to the VR motion controllers.
I wrote a full blog post overview of the PSVR2 when it came out if you're interested in reading more which you can find here.
Most popular headsets:
Note: All these prices are for the full kit, base stations included. Prices will be cheaper if you just buy the headset itself but base stations are required for these headsets to be useable.
PCVR, or PC-based VR, requires a powerful computer to run the headset. The headset connects to the computer via a cable, which provides higher resolution and better graphics when compared to other VR headsets. PCVR headsets also offer a wide range of games and applications, making it a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts.
The current minimum PCVR minimum requirements (based on Steam VR) are as follows:
OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or later, Windows 10.
Processor: Intel Core i5-4590/AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better.
Memory: 4 GB RAM.
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, AMD Radeon R9 290 equivalent or better.
Steam also offers a free app you can download in order to test and determine if your current PC is VR ready. You can find it here.
Setting up a PCVR headset can be a little more complicated because these headsets require base stations, or "light houses" in order to track the movements of the controllers and headset. The base stations are generally screwed into adjacent walls for maximum visibility. The upside to base stations is that the tracking quality is higher and less sensitive to light changes like the inside out tracking (built into the headset and controllers) that standalone and console headsets have.
Although I don't recommend rough treatment with any headset, PCVR headsets tend to be a little sturdier and can withstand a bit more wear and tear, hence one of the reasons VR arcades tend to go with these types of headsets (along with the flexibility and licensing of the Steam library).
PCVR headsets primarily will use the Steam library, and one of the benefits of being a more open platform are the many performance and enhancing apps available. For example, if you want to become a VR influencer, content creator or live-streamer, there are many different ways you can capture your headset view to your audience, customize it and read chat in your headset. These types of capabilities aren't available on standalone or console headsets quite yet. If you are looking to create mixed reality content, have the ability read chat in your headset, or possibly use full body tracking as a Vtuber in VR Chat - having a PCVR headset is going to make this much easier.
One of the main advantages of PCVR is its ability to run high-end games and applications, making it the best choice for those who want an immersive experience. However, the downside is that it requires a powerful computer, and in some cases addition hardware, which can be expensive.
-----
In conclusion, choosing the right VR headset depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re a hardcore gamer or professional looking for the best performance and graphics, a PCVR headset may be the right choice for you. If you’re a PlayStation 5 owner looking for an easy-to-use VR headset, the PSVR2 headset may be the way to go. And if you want a wireless VR experience that is highly portable, a standalone VR headset like the Oculus Quest 2 may be the perfect fit. Whatever your preference, VR technology is rapidly evolving, and we can expect to see even more advanced VR headsets in the future.
The PSVR2 is finally here! This author managed to get her hands on one on launch day and is here to give you the hands on scoop and some things to know before deciding to purchase a PSVR2 of your own. Some of the notes about quality will be more opinion based so take them with a grain of salt, or free feel to state your own opinion in the comments!
For reference, let's start off with some general specs listed for the PSVR2:
Setting up the PSVR2 was extremely simple, the on console and in headset prompts make everything very easy to follow.
You simply plug the headset into the front of your console via the USB-C port, turn it on, then plug each controller (one at a time) into your PS5 so it detects them.
The tutorial then takes you to adjusting the headset and putting it on (the back strap can pull back and tighten, and the front part of the headset can come closer or further from your face). Eye tracking then gets calibrated by having you follow some dots on the screen, and the guardian is mapped out simply by you looking around your room. You can then add or remove sections of your play space by drawing inside or outside the space.
The PSVR2 is an incredibly light feeling headset, weighing at around 600g (not including the cable). For reference, the Quest 2 is 503g and the Valve Index is 1.78lbs, but it felt much lighter than both. The front especially felt very light on my face and 'floaty' in that it did not seem to press against my face like other headsets do. The included rubber light blockers blocks light perfectly from both the sides of the eyes and from underneath. With most headsets I'm able to peek under the nose, but this is absolutely not the case with the PSVR2.
Ponytail lovers rejoice! The fact that the strap is 'halo' styled and that it pulls back pretty far also meant that I could actually pull it below my ponytail without having to feed it through a small section at the top of the headset strap.
The single cable is also very light and thin, much less noticeable to me than the Valve Index cable.
Being able to access passthrough with the press of a button (located under the headset) made life a lot easier when it comes to finding my controllers, picking up drinks, and making sure my playspace was safe. The passthrough is black and white but better in quality when compared to the Quest 2 (much sharper and clearer).
And unlike the Quest 2, you can actually keep recording while in passthrough mode!
The PSVR2's Sense controllers features the same adaptive triggers as the PlayStation DualSense controllers, but also features finger touch sensors. The touch sensors detect when your fingers are hovering over x, square or circle buttons on the controller and enables you to make in game hand gestures.
The adaptive triggers also gives a lot of nice tension to various activities like shooting a gun or drawing back a bow.
Each controller also includes a wrist strap so that they don't accidentally go flying out of your hands in combat. A minor but nifty feature was the ability to tighten them without having to actually touch the cord, you simply put your hand in and then pull it away from the controller to tighten.
The rings around the outside of the controller did not get in the way when I tried a variety of different games from shooting to firing a bow and arrow. They can be charged via USB-C and last about 5 hours, and I found that they are pretty quick to charge in about one and a half hours from completely empty.
As of the time of this article, there have been some issues reported of controller buttons not working in certain games. A fix should be the way, but in the meantime a Reddit thread has popped up with 23 different potential fixes to this issue. To save space I won't list them all here, but you can find the thread here.
Tracking for the PSVR2 is inside out (meaning no base stations are needed), there are four sensors on the headset that tracks the position of the controllers from sensors on the rings. I personally have had no issues with tracking but I also play in a well lit room.
If your TV is within your guardian/play space there are some reports that it can cause tracking issues, Mike (VROasis) brought up this tip to help improve it.
— Mike VRO (@vr_oasis) February 23, 2023
PSVR 2 tip! If you have a TV in front of your VR play area, you can add a tracking border to the social screen output to help the headset tracking.
With the headset on go into;
Settings-> Accessories-> PlayStation VR2 -> Tracking Support pic.twitter.com/EEWn2F545q
The PSVR2 does not have a built in audio solution, however they do provide you with earbuds that attach to the headset via 3.5mm audio jack. I found the included earbuds to not be very comfortable, although they do include different tip sizes you can swap out and try. Personally I'd highly recommend pairing the PSVR2 with a wireless headset, ideally a one that supports 3D audio like the Playstation Pulse 3D wireless headset.
The microphone quality of the PSVR2 is surprisingly pretty good! Sadly it appears you cannot mix and match headsets and microphones, meaning that if you want to use the PSVR2 microphone but your headset headphones you cannot, for whatever reason.
Example of microphone quality:
This is what the #psvr2 built in microphone sounds like for those of you curious. pic.twitter.com/uStdUNaaHd
— AtomBombBody (@AtomBombBody) February 23, 2023
Eye tracking is initially calibrated at setup by following some dots on a screen on a black then white background. It's easily one of my favorite features of the PSVR2. The release game Horizon: Call of the Mountain utilizes eye tracking heavily, and with it enabled in game I could hold my bow at a pretty off angle, but as long as my eyes were locked on to a target, my arrows would hit exactly where I was looking. The in game menus can also be highlighted via your eyes instead of using a joystick.
This technology is very fascinating and I can't wait to see what creative ways game developers will utilize this in the future.
Aside from the haptic triggers in the controllers, something that really brought certain moments to life in Horizon: Call of the Mountain specifically were the built in headset haptics. Anything explosive, bursting through walls or flamethrower-y really helped with the immersion or feeling like you are actually there. The headset haptics are something that you don't really realize you miss until you try another headset without them.
Foveated rendering is a feature of the PSVR2 that reduces the number of pixels rendered and combined with the eye tracking, only keeps clear what you are actually looking at. In turn, this reduces some workload of the headset.
While I couldn't really see the blurry edges as the eye tracking worked quite well, it was a little difficult for me to get to the "sweet spot", or the correct positioning of the headset on just the right spot of my eyes for the clearest image. This required quite a bit of fiddling with the headset positioning, that might be easier to get right with more use.
I also experienced a lot of re-projection or "ghosting" as characters moved around, and mura, or an inconsistency in pixel color that creates an almost Vaseline-like fog over some visuals, basically making them quite a bit blurry. Anything holding still however was nice and sharp.
On the flip side, the OLED lenses were another highlight of mine for the PSVR2. Blacks are truly black (if I closed my eyes during a black screen and opened them I could tell no difference) and colors are very bright and vibrant. As I mentioned earlier, the accordion styled light blocker that comes with the PSVR2 also does an exceptional job of blocking out light which compliments the OLEDs very well.
Another feature of the PSVR2 is the Cinematic mode, or the ability to play "flat" PlayStation games or movies in your headset. The game appears as a flat plane in your headset surrounded by blackness- think of a very dark movie theater experience.
Note that you'll need to use your regular PlayStation DualSense controllers in tandem with your headset vs using the Sense controllers.
The max output for this mode is 1920x1080 - unfortunately no 4k, but HDR (high dynamic range) is supported.
If buying that PSVR2 emptied your wallet and you find yourself unable to get a few of those 40+ launch titles not to worry, you can still try the following via free demos:
You can find them all by going to the Playstation VR2 section of the store and selecting ‘explore PSVR2 demos’.
A couple of other notes on PSVR2 games:
----------------------------
I hope this helps you in your decision to purchase (or not) the PSVR2! Overall I don't regret my purchase, I think I need more time to get used to the hardware and I can appreciate the ease of use and comfort factors. I look forward to the exciting library that seems to be growing for the PSVR2 as well.
And if you're curious, YES VR Wave will be releasing lens inserts for the PSVR2. Pre-order now to enjoy a 10USD discount off for the lenses.
Expected delivery of the lenses will be in early April.
Mixed reality (MR) is huge right now thanks to headsets like the Meta Quest Pro, the HTC Vive XR Elite and many more competitors on the way. We’ve also seen a rise in mixed reality games from both independent and established game studios.
What Is Mixed Reality and Passthrough?Mixed reality combines both the real world (through the use of your headset’s cameras) with virtual elements, bringing games or apps seemingly into your “real space”. Passthrough is the name of the feature that allows you to see your real world surroundings through the cameras on your headset.
Can I Record Passthrough Straight From The Headset?You may have seen developer or content creators recording footage of passthrough games and apps, but how? Unfortunately you can’t do this natively on the Quest 2 as Meta blocks you from doing so for privacy reasons. If you do try to record passthrough, using Meta's built in recorder, you just get an empty black screen where you room would be. Interestingly enough, this is not an issue for Meta Quest Pro users.
However, if you are a Quest 2 owner and want to be able to share your passthrough/mixed reality experiences, this guide is for you! We’ll also list some recommended games you can try at the end of the tutorial.The current best and most well known way of recording Quest 2 passthrough is by using scrcpy which is conveniently built into the popular app SideQuest. It's worth noting however that there is unfortunately no way to record gameplay audio with this method.
In order to use SideQuest (and it’s features, including scrcpy) you’ll need to enable developer mode on your Quest but don't worry, you don't actually have to be a real developer to do this. Feel free to skip ahead to the 'using scrcpy' step if you've already used SideQuest before.
Enable Developer Mode on your Quest 2
First, go to dashboard.oculus.com and create an 'organization'. Pick a name, then accept the developer agreement. You may to verify your account using either a credit card or a phone number for 2 factor, but most accounts will already be verified and you may be able to skip this part.
If you are on Windows you will need to download some additional ADB drivers which you can find here. Although they say Oculus Go, but they also work for the Quest. Then install the drivers by extracting the zip folder, right click the android_winusb.inf file and click install.
Turn on your headset and open the Oculus app on your phone. Go to Menu>Devices> then select 'headset settings' down at the bottom. Select 'developer mode' and make sure the toggle is turned on.
Reboot your headset and connect it to your PC via a USB-C or link cable. You should see a pop up in headset to allow USB debugging, select 'always allow from this computer' then 'ok'. If you don't see this pop up you may have to disable your unlock pattern in the Oculus app by going to Settings > Quest >More Settings >Unlock Pattern.
Download/Install SideQuest
With developer mode enabled, head over to SideQuest, create an account and grab the advanced installer from this link here. There are more operating system options should you need them if you click "show more".
Connect SideQuest to Your Quest
Connect your Quest 2 to your PC via a link cable or similar and turn on your Quest. Make sure that the circle shows up as green on the top left of the Sidequest app.
On the top menu bar you'll find a WiFi symbol option, which you can use to be tether-less while recording your video. However, make sure you have a very good WiFi connection if you decide to go this route, otherwise your video quality might be low.
Using scrcpy
With your Quest connected to SideQuest, on the top right of the menu bar you'll see an icon that looks like a TV with a play button on it. After clicking on that you will see settings you can change such as the bit rate, crop and max FPS. If you're using a Quest 2, make sure you select 'Quest 2 crop' before you start the stream.
When you're ready, click 'start stream' and a new window will pop up showing your headset view.
Activating Passthrough
There are a couple of different ways to activate passthrough mode on your Quest 2.
First is through the quick settings button (click the time on your quest menu) then click the passthrough button, shown in the screenshot below.
The second way is by enabling double tap for passthrough. This can be done by going to settings>guardian>general, then turn on the toggle. You may have to restart your headset for this to take effect. From here you simply have to rapidly tap either the left or ride of your headset twice to switch between your virtual environment and passthrough.
Finally you can simply open your mixed reality game, some start by default in mixed reality, others have buttons or menu options you need to navigate to to activate it. This varies from game to game.
Recording
Now that you have the scrcpy window open, you need a way of capturing it to record it. For this you can use OBS Studio or Streamlabs. Near the bottom of your recording software under 'sources' you will see a plus sign, click that to add a new source. Select 'game capture' (rename it whatever you want), then under 'mode' select 'capture specific window' and select scrcpy.exe. You should now see the scrcpy window in your scene. You might have to move the window around and resize to fit the canvas.
From here, you can click the 'start recording' or 'start streaming' button, and you're all set!
---
Now that you know how to record, here are a handful of mixed reality supported games to try. There are many more out there currently being developed!
Keep in mind some games will require a couple of extra guardian steps to assure they work properly with the game such as outlining any walls and furniture. Not to fear however, these particular games guide you through the process with as simple as possible in game prompts.
I Expect You To Die: Home Sweet Home
Some of you may already be familiar with the I Expect You to Die VR series - the team at Schell Games decided to make an experimental mixed reality experience under the same IP! I Expect You To Die: Home Sweet Home is an exciting virtual reality experience that puts you into the shoes of an elite secret agent. You will use your wits to solve puzzles, and disarm traps, all from the comfort of your own room! Along the way, you will experience the thrill of completing your mission and the satisfaction of outsmarting your adversaries. With its immersive 3D graphics and intuitive controls, I Expect You To Die: Home Sweet Home will keep you on the edge of your seat!
I Expect You To Die: Home Sweet Home is available for free on the Quest store here.
Blaston
Blaston is an exciting VR shooter game that puts you in an intense virtual arena with AI or other players. The game offers multiple weapons, like laser blasters and plasma rifles, to use in a fight to be the last one standing. You can customize your character with skins and accessories, and pit yourself against friends or strangers in intense online battles. Blaston is an adrenaline-filled, fast-paced shooter that is sure to keep you on your toes. One of it's most recent updates also made it free to play for all!
Blaston is available for free on the Quest store here.
Demeo
Demeo is an innovative VR game that allows up to four players to explore and interact with a generated world. One of its more recent updates allow players to see the board in passthrough mode! Players can team up to battle monsters, complete puzzles, and uncover new secrets. Each player can customize their character and choose from a variety of weapons and tools. The game also offers unique multiplayer experiences like team-based challenges and cooperative play. With its immersive visuals and intuitive controls, Demeo is a captivating game that is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
Demeo is available for $39.99 on the Meta Quest store here.
Dungeon Maker
Dungeon Maker allows you to make a dungeon out of your own home, including various traps, and items, a proceduraly generated plot and treasure and more! Trap types include a variety of slashing, crushing and other deadly traps, and a lava floor. Find Quest items around your home (such as waypoints and keys that open doors). Dungeon Maker also features a save/load system to save your dungeon map creations.
Dungeon Maker is available for free on Meta Quest's app lab here.
Hauntify Mixed Reality
Hauntify Mixed Reality is not for the faint of heart. For those of you into horror - or who enjoy the hair raising feeling that you are being stalked in your own home - give Hauntify a try. This game features a custom play space builder (to utilize your whole house if you wish) and has support for single or multiple story homes. Some ghosts can be summoned in player defined spawn areas and other ghosts will appear in completely random locations around your house. As you collect more relics, increasingly dangerous spirits will be summoned.
Hauntify Mixed Reality is available for $4.99 on Meta Quest's app lab here.
---
Mixed reality is a wonderful example of how quickly gaming technologies are changing. Hopefully this guide helps you in being able to share your experiences, as well as discover some new ones!
CES 2023 was an exciting year for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology. From new headsets to innovative software, the show had something for everyone in the XR space. Here are some of the highlights from the event:
Sony had a lot of exciting announcements at CES 2023, including Grand Turismo 7 getting PSVR support, and well as Beat Saber being announced as another release for the platform.
PSVR2 with Horizon Call of the Mountain was also being demoed there, in which I was able to go hands on with!
The PSVR2's Sense Technologies were definitely my highlights for this hardware. The use of haptics not only in the controllers (including adaptive triggers) but also in the headset itself, combined with 3D audio this means that if there's a heavy footstep on your left, it appears you can feel it on the left side of your head and hands.
Other highlighted games slated to be released for the PSVR2 include Moss Book II, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, Demeo, No Mans Sky, Dark Pictures: Switchback and more.
Also at CES 2023, HTC Vive unveiled their new headset, the XR Elite, touted as the “all in one XR solution”. This headset features VR and mixed reality capabilities, possibly taking a stab at being a competitor to the Meta Quest Pro. It features hand tracking, 1920 × 1920 pixels per eye resolution, and adjustable IPD sliders.
The XR Elite also features full color passthrough, 6 DoF inside-out tracking, 90 Hz refresh rate, and up to 110-degree FOV, and up to 15 hours of battery life assuming you are using the swappable battery pack in the back of the headset.
Currently there is no eye or face tracking with this headset, but Vive plans on adding this on as an accessory later down the road.
The XR Elite also features a modular design - you can either use it like a traditional VR headset or you can remove the battery pack at pack to wear them more like goggles.
Besides taking advantage of their already existing Viveport platform, those craving content and games will also have access to SteamVR through USB-C PC connection or via WiFi, with support up to WiFi 6E.
Currently, pre orders are available now until Feb 15th for $1,099.
The Holoride Retrofit Kit from CES 2023 is an innovative way to upgrade your drive into an immersive gaming experience. With the Holoride, you can transform your car into a virtual reality entertainment center, allowing you to create an interactive, interactive gaming experience as a passanger.
The Retrofit kit is a small puck like device that is designed to be stuck to a windshield via suction cup mount, and it connects to a device like a Vive Flow through bluetooth with a 14 hour rechargeable battery.
Holoride describes their technology as as “elastic content” meaning that real life motions of the vehicle are mapped to in game movements. Motion is synced to VR in your vehicle as the technology senses the car's motion and position.
Currently you can purchase an $799 kit that includes the Vive Flow headset and a 1 year subscription service to their game/app library, or $199 as a standalone unit if you already have a Flow, but the company has plans to expand support to other headsets soon.
The Lynx R-1 is a mixed reality headset that a lot of enthususts have been looking forward to, and they definetly made their prescense known by offering demos at the Ultraleap (hand tracking) booth.
The Lynx R-1 features hand tracking as their primary method of control (featuring Ultraleap built into the headset) with controllers as a secondary form of input.
What I was most impressed by was the seamless VR to AR transition - in the demo I tried I started off in VR in a solar system - I got to interact with the planets, but if I took enough steps back I actually went out of VR and now could view the solar system in a circular portal view while being able to still see my surroundings (in full color passthrough). However I could still grab planets and throw them into my environment from this view.
The Lynx R-1 utilizes Qualcomm's XR2 Snapdragon chipset, 1,600 × 1,600 (2.6MP) per-eye resolution, 90 degree FOV, 90hz refresh rate and 3 hours of battery life.
Some other unique features includes the ability to lift up the screen 90 degrees so you can see what is ahead of you, as well as unique 'four fold catadioptric freeform prism' lenses which makes it possible to pack all the components in a smaller form factor.
Lynx has kept their plattform open source so that developers can easily release games and content to it, but will also have PC support for SteamVR as well.
The Lynx R-1 was funded through Kickstarter but faced some delays due to supply chain issues. However it seems like they are currently being shipped to backers currently as we speak.
Pimax brought two of their current kickstarter offerings to CES, both the Crystal VR headset and their modular device, Portal.
The Pimax Crystal is an impressive headset at 2880 x 2880 pixels per eye, and a maximum refresh rate of 160Hz. With no image distortion, the maximum pixel density can be 42PPD, which is the highest PPD known currently amongst other current VR headset competitors.
It also features 6 cameras, 4 on the outside to track head and body movements and 2 on the inside to track eyes and face.
Pimax’s Crystal headset costs $1,599.00 and is currently available for pre-order.
Meanwhile, the Pimax Portal is self dubbed as “the world’s first metaverse entertainment system” based on the fact that there are multiple ways in which the device can be played. The first is in a Nintendo Switch like mode, the controllers can be magnetically snapped off and added to motion controllers - the device itself can then be slotted inside a VR headset. The motion controllers can also be used for flat screen games on a TV as well.
Specs include the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset, a 5.5-inch, 3,840 x 2,160 resolution, 144Hz LCD or QLED display, 6DoF (six degrees of freedom) tracking via four back cameras and FOV options of 60, 100 or 140 with tradeoffs on pixel density depending on which you pick.Somnium Space is a new entry into the VR space, showcasing their VR1 Dev model at CES.
The VR1 is an open source PCVR headset with a 2880 x 2880 display resolution, a horiozntal FOV of 120 degrees and a vertical FOV of 100 degrees, pass through cameras, hand tracking (via Ultraleap) and eye tracking.
The VR1 is touted to be a customizable VR experience for the user in that the headset is modular, meaning users can change, add or modify various parts of the headset, as well as giving users access to most of the sensors so those who want tp deep dive can create custom VR and MR applications. There are several USB-C ports on the headset for connecting accessories (in which the company also supports via 3d printing) and three modular anchor points.
While the VR1 won't release with it's own controllers, it will be compatible with any lighthouse capable controllers (Index, Vive, etc)
TCL, the company most known for TV’s, smartphones and other mobile devices surprisingly unveiled three XR devices at CES.
First up are the NXTWear S XR glasses.While these do not feature true AR, they provide a head mounted virtual display so you can see your smartphone, tablet, or protable gaming console inside your glasses. It features a virtual screen size of 130in, directional speakers built in, and support for 3D movies.
As for true AR/VR devices, TCL announced two - the RayNeo X2 and the NXTWear V.
The RayNeo X2 is a slim pair of AR glasses that use Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 chipset and MicroLED based waveguide optics to suspend the device's video into the user's field of view. The planned use case of these glasses would be to provide live language translation, provide navigation services, music playback and more. It also features a hands free camera that can take photos and videos.
Finally the NXTWear V is a lightweight (236 grams) VR headset with a 1512ppi pixel density, pancake lenses, 2280x2280 resolution, 108 degree FOV and full color passthrough.
Some other highlights include the ability for the wearer to share their view instantly via a single button press to someone not in headset watching on a flat screen device (on the same Wifi network). The NXTWear V also offers multiple headsets to be controlled from a one computer, making things easier for users who may have multiple headsets in the same space to view the same piece of content.
Unfortunately TCL mentioned no plans to offer this headset commercially yet, so time will tell if this headset ever gets released.
AR was big at CES and the Lumus Z-Lens was no exception. However, instead of showing off glasses themself, the Z-lens is a new prototype lens that shrinks waveguide technology into a tiny package that can be hidden at the top corner of an eyeglass lens.
Wavelength guide (or waveguide technology) pushes out and manipulates projections from the top corners of the glasses frame. Then the lenses move the projections so they are centered in your vision and you can see the full projection with just one eye.
The Lumus Z-Lens provides 2048 x 2048 resolution for full color AR content and a 50 degree field of view with 4,000 nits per watt of LED illumination, making this display bright and clear even in direct sunlight. While not necessarily a new technology, these lenses are 5-10 times brighter than competitor's lenses.
While not a headset (and surprisingly a little late to the game) the video game peripheral company Razer announced at CES a new headstrap and facial interface for the Meta Quest 2.
In an official press statement, the new accessories can be described as: “Designed for long-lasting comfort and weight-balanced support, the Razer Adjustable Head Strap System was created with all head shapes in mind. The high-performance nylon material provides reliability, comfort, and durability while the optimized weight distribution allows for more balance during active gameplay. The soft adjustable straps will help gamers find their perfect fit and quick slip-on design ensures little interruption in resuming gameplay.”
No word on pricing yet.
---
Overall, CES 2023 was a great show for VR/AR enthusiasts. We saw new hardware, improved software, and innovative ideas that will help propel virtual reality into the future. We can’t wait to see what CES 2024 has in store!
]]>Whether you'll be introducing VR to friends and family for the first time at in person gatherings or you're more of a homebody that prefers to play with friends online - I've got a list of fantastic multiplayer games to play and spend time with loved ones this holiday season.
In this handy guide I'll include what platforms the game is available on, if it supports crossplay (being able to play with a Quest friend while you are on Steam, etc), max players, rating, price, and the game's website for your convenience.
Without further ado in no particular order, here's my top 10 favorite multiplayer VR games!
Among Us VR takes the highly acclaimed desktop game and brings it to VR. You can either join a public lobby or create a private lobby using a code that you can share with your friends. Depending on your group size, one or two members of your crew are 'imposters' - their sole job is to blend in amongst the crew while wiping out as many people as possible undetected. Crew mates must complete various tasks on the ship before everyone becomes extinct! The best part of this game is the delegation phase, when a body is discovered or when someone is reported as 'suspicious', everyone comes together to discuss why they are innocent or why someone should be voted out. This is where the chaos happens, and is definitely a fun time to be had.
Platforms: Quest, Steam, Rift
Crossplay: Yes
Max Players: 10
Rating: Teen
Price: $9.99
Website: https://www.innersloth.com/games/among-us-vr/
From the creators of Arizona Sunshine, After The Fall is the most "mature" game on this list. Being a zombie shooter it does contain gore, violence, and the occasional light swearing. Advance through several exciting maps as you discover post apocalyptic Los Angeles, and collect 'harvest' or in game currency to unlock more skins for your weapons. Speaking of weapons, you can find new guns and attachments through floppy disks (remember those?) scattered randomly throughout maps, so keep your eyes peeled! To play with others you can send out invites from the public lobby, or you can send friends your unique friend code, party up and set your game to private. If you don't have a full party the empty slots will be filled with bots which have surprisingly decent AI.
Platforms: PSVR, Steam, Quest, Rift, soon PSVR2
Crossplay: Yes
Max Players: 4
Rating: M
Price: $39.99
Website: https://www.afterthefall-vr.com/
Walkabout Mini Golf is fun for the whole family. The base game comes with 8 courses with a normal/hard version of each. In normal courses you can search for unique golf balls to unlock and in the hard courses you can find a special golf club cosmetic representing that course. Your in game avatar is fully customizable and you can see each other in game but don't worry - your friends (and their clubs) temporarily turn invisible if they try to interfere with your swings. On top of the base game courses, Walkabout Mini Golf also offers paid DLC that is equally just as wonderful, including themes from Labyrinth, Myst, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and much more. Each game can be as casual or as hardcore as you and your party want it to be!
Platforms: Rift, Quest, Steam
Crossplay: Yes
Max Players: 8
Rating: E
Price: $14.99
Website: https://www.mightycoconut.com/minigolf
Synth Riders is a dance action rhythm game, and is very easy for those new to VR to get into. Burn calories as you catch notes, ride rails and dodge obstacles! The base game comes with more than enough songs to play with, plus samples from some of their DLC packs available for purchase. Multiplayer can be either through public or private lobbies (via a code) or local - simply pass the headset around!
Platforms: Quest, PSVR, Steam
Crossplay: Yes
Max Players: 10
Rating: T
Price: $24.99
Website: https://synthridersvr.com/
Another rhythm game on our list, this one is for fans of rock and metal music you can headbang to. You play as a viking captain of a ship, the more accurate your hit the runes (notes) coming at you, the further your ship will go. In multiplayer you are surrounded by your competitor's ships so you can see exactly how far ahead or behind they are. You can create either a public or private game - private games simply require a code from the host to join.
Platforms: Steam, Quest
Crossplay: Yes
Max Players: 6
Rating: M
Price: $24.99
Website: https://www.ragnarock-vr.com/home
Demeo is a real treat of a VR experience, especially for RPG and board game fans! Currently the game features 4 campaigns you can play through and 6 different classes to choose from, with more constantly on the way from free DLCs! Each campaign features a unique style, enemies, storyline and cards to choose from. Expect each campaign to be quite long and take several hours to finish. Strategy and planning is a must with Demeo, as each campaign can be quite difficult to complete but the random elements keep the game new and exciting each playthrough. There are usually three "floors" per campaign and you can save between each floor. Before the game even starts, you can invite your friends to a Hero's Hangout lobby where you can plan your adventures, paint miniatures, customize your avatar and more.
Platforms: PC (desktop), Quest, Rift, SteamVR, soon PS5 and PSVR2
Crossplay: Yes
Max Players: 4
Rating: E
Price: $29.99
Website: https://www.resolutiongames.com/demeo
Another Resolution Games title, Cook Out brings four players together to coordinate sandwich making. Each player will have different ingredients, hungry customers will appear at the counter and will want their sandwiches done with certain ingredients in a particular order. It's up to you and your team mates to correctly craft these sandwich creations before time is up!
Platforms: Quest, Rift, Steam
Crossplay: Yes
Max Players: 4
Rating: E
Price: $19.99
Website: https://www.resolutiongames.com/cookout
Loco Dojo is a Mario Party like game for VR in which you and up to four other friends take turns on a circular board playing various competitive mini games along the way. First person to get the black headband through high scores in the mini games wins! There are sixteen different wacky levels you may come across from slapping away bats with hot dog nun chucks to catching fish with giant crab claws.
Platforms: Quest, Rift, Steam
Crossplay: PCVR only (Rift/Steam players)
Max Players: 4
Rating: E
Price: $19.99
Website: https://www.locodojogame.com/
As the name implies, Eleven Table Tennis is ping pong, but in VR! You can either send a 'challenge' to random players via the in game lobby system (the community is very active) or you can play a private game with a friend. There are three different types of modes you can play - free hit (no pressure game play, used for practice/training), unranked (a non competitive game) and ranked (using the same Elo Rating System used in chess). Only the host can change the environment but each player can customize their appearance and colors. If you get really into the game, the developers frequently host tournaments in which you can win real cash prizes!
Platforms: Steam, Pico, Quest, Rift
Crossplay: Yes
Max Players: 2
Rating: E
Price: $19.99
Website: https://elevenvr.com/en/
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is the perfect game for IRL parties. One person in headset plays as the 'diffuser', or the person with the actual bomb. Using a pre-printed (also viewable on phone) manual, those not in headset are considered the 'experts' who walk the diffuser through diffusing the bomb. This game requires quick communication between both parties, the diffuser needs to communicate what they are seeing and the experts have to reference the manual and ask more questions to get answers the diffuser needs. Either way, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes makes for a fantastic frantic good time!
Platforms: Quest, Steam
Crossplay: N/A (local coop only)
Max Players: 1 'diffuser', as many 'experts' as you want!
Rating: E
Price: $14.99
Website: https://keeptalkinggame.com/
----
The future is looking bright with so many VR multiplayer games that can be played either with friends across the country or those right in the same household. 2023 promises to feature even more exciting multiplayer games for us to play in the future!
Have a wonderful holiday season and may your days be full of VR multiplayer games!
To check out more tips of VR, make sure to visit VR Heaven https://vrheaven.io/ too!
Thanks to the power of VR, you can experience the feeling of watching movies in a theater (or a variety of locations really!) with friends anywhere across the world. I've compiled a list of VR movie apps that also feature multiplayer, and best of all these are all free!
There are several different ways to enjoy watching movies in Big Screen - share your desktop and stream services like Netflix, Hulu, Youtube etc to Big Screen, play video files directly from your computer, device or cloud, or you can watch or rent popular movies directly from inside Big Screen itself!
To watch movies together, you can either create or join a public room to make new friends or create a private instance for friends and family.
One thing that makes Big Screen stand out from the others (besides its fun environments and social options - I'll get to those later) is the fact that you can actually watch 3D movies, no glasses needed! Now to be clear, don't assume that just any movie can be watched in 3D. You'd have to rent or purchase a movie that actually has 3D support. Watching a movie like this is absolutely fantastic and makes you question how this kind of technology is even possible in VR.
Bigscreen has some of these 3D titles specifically to rent in their catalog, you can tell them apart by the circle on the top left that says '3D'. You can also watch some 3D trailers in app to get a feel for what these will look like.
Speaking of environments, Big Screen offers a wide selection (many pages!) of locations to watch movies in, that vary in size and style. Some of these include a traditional movie cinema, cozy living room/home setups, drive in movie style, to sci-fi themed stadiums. All environments are very high quality, you'll have a hard time choosing!
Last but certainly not least are the social features. You can create your own avatar and customize it to your heart's content. Big Screen uses spacial voice chat meaning if someone is sitting on your left, you will hear them out your left ear, and if they are further from you, they will sound further. Don't worry though, during the movie you can mute or block people in case they are being too loud or have background noise that might be ruining your experience.
You can find more information about Bigscreen here, it's available on Quest, Steam, Oculus PCVR, and Desktop (via remote desktop). Big Screen also supports cross platform so you Quest users can watch movies with Steam users, and vice versa!
If you're into watching live events with your friends, Horizon Worlds might be the app the check out. Formerly Venues, Meta has been bringing in live feeds from sporting events, concerts from today’s hit artists into their platform. You can also find a few hand picked short films here and there on certain days.
Venues has a dedicated space within Horizon Worlds in which you can see what events are going on "in person" and simply walk into any theater that looks interesting.
There are a couple of different ways you can access these events. The first is from your Meta Quest menu, simply open up your library and launch the 'events' app. Browse from the listing and simply select one that looks interesting - if you have Horizon Worlds already installed you will get dropped directly into the experience.
You can also access them from directly within Horizon Worlds itself, by clicking the left menu button to bring up the Horizon Worlds dashboard. Then select the home button, click the green 'attend' button, then select an event from there.
If you want to find a current list of scheduled events ahead of time, you can view them here.
You can find out more about Horizon Worlds here, and it's currently only available on Meta Quest platforms.
Not to be confused with watching movies from inside Venues in Horizon Worlds, Meta's 'watch party' feature allows users to invite their friends over to their 'Meta Horizon Home' environment to watch Oculus TV shows together.
Anything you watch together must be through the Oculus TV app, in here you'll find different types of 2D, 3D, 180° or 360° videos to choose from. You'll mostly find nature, science and space documentaries, a few concerts and animated short films.
Some of my personal recommendations include any of the Immersive videos (360° footage from dirt bikes etc), the Scream Park series by BlackBoxTV, Adam Savage's Tested VR, and David Attenborough in First Life.
Some films rotate monthly, so keep an eye out!
To get started, you'll need to create a party, using your friends list, and simply invite them over to your Meta Horizon home. Then simply navigate over to the Oculus TV app, and watch together!
Though unconventional in that it's not specifically made for movie watching, never underestimate the power of user generated content and modding.
There are a few worlds that include giant embedded screens that work like a web browser. Unfortunately you are limited to pasting direct links to videos like you can grab from Youtube, but some of the more popular VR Chat movie watching worlds have done most of the heavy lifting for you and offer clickable libraries with a lot of popular options to choose from.
Here are some of my favorite movie watching worlds to try!
(Note, you must be signed into your VR Chat account to be able to view and add these).
Movie & Chill is a VR chat world centered around movies. They have a really extensive library of films to choose from, broken down by genre, and time period. There are several different areas in which you can watch from, all controlled from the same player so no matter where you decide to move, you won't miss a thing.
Add Movie and Chill to your favorites here!
Despite the name, this world isn't just any other movie theater. A lot of TLC was put into this world to give it a really true to life movie theater feel. Everything from the detail of the interior of the theater, the high quality screen and surround sound. It also features a "comfy room" or more bedroom styled area to watch movies from if you prefer a more from home feel.
Add Yet Another Movie Theater to your favorites here!
Instead of watching movies from a theater, another unique way of watching movies with friends is in a home enviornment that features TVs in the living room, study, kitchen, bedrooms and more. This world is beautifully designed and decorated, features some other things to do such as a pool table and other mini games.
Add Sovren's Chill Home to your favorites here!
If you've ever wanted to enjoy the great outdoors and watch a movie on a giant projection screen, this VR Chat world simulates exactly that, minus all the pests and critters!
Add Campsite Movie Night to your favorites here!
You can find more information about VR Chat here, its available on Steam, Quest and Oculus PCVR with cross play available. All of the worlds featured above except for Yet Another Movie Theater are playable on the Quest and PCVR versions of VR Chat.
Available on these platforms: Steam, Quest, Oculus PCVR
---
And that's it! Watching movies in VR is an experience I recommend that everyone should try at least once. Grab your headset, grab a couple of friends, cook up some popcorn and enjoy the show!
]]>
Quest updates 44 and 46 (what happened to 45? We'll never know...) brought about some big exciting changes to advanced recording options, parental controls, a new Lord of the Rings themed home environment and much more! Here we'll break down the updates to everything you need to know, including how some of these new features work and how to get them.
Unsure what update version your Quest is on? Simply head into your headset, go to settings > system > software update. You may see a button there that allows you to update to the latest version if you aren't on it already.
On mobile you can check by going to the Meta Quest app, go to the menu button (bottom right) > Devices (make sure your headset is on) > About headset. The first two numbers under 'headset version' are the update numbers.
Let's start off in chronological order, with update 44...
Advanced Camera Settings
This update brought us experimental new advanced camera settings that include the option to switch the primary eye you're recording from, image stabilization, the ability to change the aspect ratio, frame rate options and video compression quality.
To enable them, head into your settings in headset, then over to experimental, find the advanced camera settings and toggle them on. In the experimental settings sidebar you should now see a camera section with all of the different settings you can play with. Unfortunately since these features are still considered 'experimental', you'll need to come back here if every time want to change something, hopefully before long they'll be baked right into the start recording menu.
The new settings allow you to choose from left or right eye - I'm left eye dominant so that's what I tend to choose personally. If you aren't sure what eye you are dominant with you can always do the triangle test! Gaze at something on the other side of your room and center that object with your hands by making a triangle pattern. Close one eye, then another, and whichever eye the object appears most centered is your dominant eye.
The image stabilization function tries to keep the horizon more level so your recording doesn't look as shaky. Do note however that turning on the stabilization feature will decrease the field of view a bit, and if you turn too quickly you'll notice some black bars on the sides may move around a bit.
We also have more aspect ration selections, square of course being the default - but now with the options of landscape for Youtubers and portrait for you Tiktokers. You can also customize frame rate options which include off, low, medium or high. Higher frame rates means that your footage can look a lot smoother in terms of how things are moving around in the scene - with the potential cost of app performance. Finally you can also change the video compression quality between 5mbps to 20mbps at max! A higher compression number will increase the quality of your recording, but keep in mind it will also increase the file size.
Experiment with these settings as to what works best for you, you might prefer medium stabilization to get a good mix of stable without sacrificing too much field of view, for example.
The new recording options do drain your battery pretty quickly if you set everything to high so make sure you have a powered head strap ready if you want to do some longer form recordings.
New Parental Supervision Tools
As of this update, parents can block the use of developer mode on their teen's account, which means they will not have the ability to sideload apps from third party websites such as SideQuest. Developer mode is required to be on in order to add .apks or outside games and apps to the Quest headset.
As a quick recap of existing parental features (many released in update 41), parents can block specific apps they deem inappropriate, will be able to approve downloads/purchases before they are made, view all apps their teen owns, can view headset screen time, friends lists and the ability to block link and airlink via the Meta Quest mobile app.
App Unlock v2
App unlock gives you the ability to gate certain games and apps behind and unlock pattern. Example use cases for this could be a shared headset between parents and teen.
This quality of life update allows the user to lock multiple apps using the same unlock pattern entry, so you don't have to create one for each individual game. They've also added categorization features so you can batch lock them based on ratings (such as Mature for example).
You can find and set this up by going to your Quest settings in headset, security, then create an unlock pattern. Then go back to settings > apps > and toggle on whichever apps you want to require an unlock pattern before access.
Recent Apps
This one is pretty simple and straight forward - instead of having to go to your library every time you want to play that game/app you access regularly, you'll now be able to launch your three most recent apps straight from the Quest's dock itself. This is a handy little quality of life feature!
The Halls of Durin
Meta has collaborated with Amazon Prime video in this epic new home environment, The Halls of Durin (Khazad-dûm). This environment is a tie in to the show Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video, and I highly recommend checking out this giant under mountain city!
This environment is completely free, and to access it head over to your settings menu > personalization > and install the new environment from there before selecting it again to apply.
Check it out before it's gone, it'll only be available for a limited time!
Privacy Settings
If you haven't gotten it already, update 46 will pop up a prompt upon installation to double check your privacy settings - including those who can see you online, who can see what you're playing, and the ability to change these settings within specific apps.
To go back and check them again simply go to your Quest's in headset settings > Privacy > and make whatever changes you prefer in the 'audience and visibility' tab.
Other Quality of Life Updates
Though it's another small change, update 46 also brought us a search tool in which you can quickly find a specific setting you're looking for, and anything you've previously searched for will show up higher on the list.
----
And that's a wrap for the break down of updates 44 and 46, we look forward to seeing all the exciting improvements that come with all future updates!
]]>
This year's Meta Connect had many interesting announcements around improving the social experience of VR via Horizon Worlds, new game announcements, improvements to VR fitness apps, work and productivity apps, and of course the announcement of the Meta Quest Pro!
Here we'll break down the key note into bite sized segments so you can get all the new information you need to know without having to watch the hour and a half keynote yourself!
Lets start with the news everyone was waiting for, confirmation of the Meta Quest Pro!
The Meta Quest Pro is a headset designed for work productivity and mixed reality pass-through. Specs include 256GB of storage, 12GB RAM, and a Snapdragon XR2+ Qualcomm processor meaning 50% more power through through better thermal performance.
As far as the lenses, they are indeed pancake which folds light over several times, are 40% thinner than the Quest 2's lenses and this also equates to more pixels in the center, meaning more sharp, clear visuals and text. The LCD display has 307% more pixels per inch, uses local dimming technology and gives 75% more contrast and vibrant colors.
The Quest Pro comes with a magnetic light blocker that attaches to the lens area for when you want to switch over to VR from mixed reality mode to avoid having any light spill.
By default the Quest Pro comes with a battery pack in the back of the head strap giving better balance to the headset itself.
On to the controllers- the Meta Quest Touch Pro controllers are meant to feel like an extension of your hands, they track independently of your headset (unlike the Quest 2) allowing for full 360 range of motion plus a different type of haptic feedback (TruTouch) for much more responsive, precise feedback.
At the bottom of the controller is a stylus that you can keep in the controller for writing on a physical desk in mixed reality, or you can pull it out to use in a virtual white board.
The Meta Quest Pro will come with a charging dock in which you can charge both the headset and the controllers at the same time, which is a nice touch.
Other fun facts about the headset:
-The mixed reality pass-through technology included in the headset is fully RGB. Meta hopes that developers will build experiences that incorporate both the physical and real world.
-The Quest Pro has inward facing cameras that track your IRL facial expressions in order to project that onto your Meta avatar, animating your VR avatar in a much more lifelike way.
Priced at $1499.99, you can actually pre order your very own Meta Quest Pro today and its expected to be shipped out Oct 25th!
There were a couple of announcements for games coming out on the Quest as well!
Iron Man VR by Oculus Studios/Marvel - nothing much was shown about this game yet other than an Iron Man rendering and the title screen, but this game has been slated to release Nov 3rd and has its own page launched now!
Population: One has announced a sandbox mode in which players can create their own maps, game modes and other modifiers to their hearts desire. With this update will come new and featured community maps! Sandbox mode is slated to release in December of this year.
Among Us VR has an official release date of November 10th, and starting today you can pre-order it for $9.99!
Two different Skydance Interactive announcements:
The Walking Dead Saints and Sinners Chapter 2: Retribution has been officially announced to release December 1st. They also teased a very ambiguous title screen for a new game labeled BEHEMOTH.
Interestingly Microsoft will also be working with Meta to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to Quest devices, allowing you to play your favorite 2D games in VR (basically remaining a "flat" game, but viewable and playable in a VR screen via an Xbox controller).
A few announcements/ updates for the fitness lovers:
The fitness/rhythm game Supernatural will feature a new move type - knee strikes!
Gym Class which is a basketball game will be releasing for the Quest this fall.
Meta is going to be releasing some new fitness based accessories for your Quest starting October 25th which includes knuckle grips, and a more sweat resistant facial interface.
Fitness tracking will be added to the Meta companion app so you can keep track of your stats outside of headset, and soon you'll be able to share your fitness progress with selected friends in a new app coming soon.
Meta seems to be making big moves to get their avatar and social experience shared not only with VR - but through outside apps as well.
There was a lot of talk of integrating Horizon World into multiple apps and being accessible from multiple device types such as through your web browser or phone via a shareable link.
Soon you should also be able to take a video in Horizon Worlds and be able to share it to Instagram as a reel instantly.
Some other improvements to Horizon Worlds will include the ability to improve the look and feel by giving creators the option to import tri-mesh objects: basically creations made in Blender, Maya, and other common 3d modeling applications. They are also working with Epic Games to creative commons a sketchfab library directly to Horizon Worlds.
Finally, Meta is partnering with NBC Universal to make co-created experiences around big IPs like The Office, Universal Monsters, Dream Works, Universal Halloween Horror Nights and more. It was mentioned you will be able to experience these both in Horizon Worlds and Universal theme parks!
Meta's intent with the Quest Pro headset is primarily targeted to those who want to be able to work remotely but not miss out on the interactive experiences of working physically together (a feeling that is really hard to replicate).
To this end, Meta is partnering with a lot of common productivity apps (Zoom, Microsoft Teams etc) to allow users to connect to Horizon Workrooms from these preferred apps.
Horizon Workrooms is meant to be a space for users to collaborate in one place, with future updates including breakout groups, sticky notes for white boarding, the ability to import and review 3D models and more.
Meta is BIG on avatars, giving you the ability to use your avatar as stickers, in IG/FB stories, IG reels and comments across Instagram, Facebook messenger, and WhatsApp. Soon you'll be able to use your avatar in calls and meetings on non VR surfaces as well such as Zoom - using your phone's camera and microphone to animate the avatar.
An avatar store is launching later this year, giving users the opportunity to shop for virtual clothes in VR. This also opens up the ability to wear branded clothes and the start of Meta owning a digital store for digital goods.
LEGS! Meta avatars will finally have support for legs and they actually seemed to move quite well in the example shown during the keynote. Leg support will go to Horizon World first then more apps over time.
---
With all these exciting announcements, it's been a wild ride watching Meta grow. Can't wait to see what next year's Meta Connect brings!
]]>Hand tracking is a relatively new technology first released by Meta in 2019. Essentially, with your Quest headset it allows the user to be able to interact with menus and game objects without needing a controller at all, creating an even more immersive environment.
While it is still new, not every developer has support for it in their games, but we've been seeing a growing number of games and experiences that are starting to utilize it it in fun and interesting ways!
To enable hand tracking, in your Quest menu click on the time on the lower left corner of the menu bar, then go to your Quest settings, then select 'hands and controllers' and flip the toggle to on.
Hand tracking can be a little finicky so for best quality results, make sure that you are playing in a room where your hands are illuminated well enough so that the sensors can see your hands better, making it easier be able to distinguish your hands from the rest of the environment.
Let's get you warmed up with a hand tracking game that is absolutely free!
In this short experience, you play as a sorceresses apprentice as she walks you through her lab and guides you through various tasks.
Without giving away too many spoilers, you'll use hand tracking to teleport to various stations in the lab, interact with some experiments, and will transform your hands in some very interesting ways. Go ahead, dip your hands in that vat of goo, you know you want to!
Elixir is free on the Meta Quest store, which you can download here.
If you liked the magical style of Elixir, you'll love Waltz of the Wizard.
The best part about this game is that everything can be interacted with in some way. Not only can you pick up and explore things with hand tracking, but the game also makes some interesting use of gestures to communicate, cast and control spells.
Besides tinkering around in the workshop, the game also features a 40 level fortress with story line, combat and traps. At your arsenal are 10 different powers you can choose between, from lightning to tornadoes, spectral blades, shields and much more.
Powers aren't your only way to fight, you also have various explosive weapons such as grenades, proximity mines and bombs to help you against enemies in the fortress.
Waltz of the Wizard: Natural Magic is currently $19.99 on the Meta Quest store, and you can find out more information on the game here!
Hand Physics Lab is basically a crazy sandbox for hand tracking experiments! There are over 80 different puzzles and experiences to play around in.
Do some finger painting, pet a cat, build a cube tower, shake hands with your clone, throw some planets around and much much more.
Hand Physics Lab opens up a whole new world for "what could be" when it comes to hand tracking mechanics in future games.
This game has no learning curve and anyone of all ages can jump right in to experiment with hand tracking.
Hand Physics Lab is currently $9.99 on the Meta Quest store, and you can find out more information on the game here!
Guitar Hero fans unite! Unplugged takes the fun from Guitar Hero (fun fact: the lead guitarist produced this game as well) but takes that experience into VR. This game features tracks from familiar bands like The Offspring, Weezer, Ozzy Osbourne and more.
The more accurate you strum, the more excited the crowd will get! Through skill, you'll also be able to unlock more songs, venues, guitars and more.
The base game features over 20 songs and 4 difficulty levels, but you can purchase additional add-ons featuring bands like Pantera.
With hand tracking, become the best air guitarist this world has ever seen!
Unplugged is currently $24.99 on the Meta Quest store, and you can find out more information on the game here!
The year is 2060 and robots have set out to discover what it was that humans used to do besides 'job'. Visit Vacation simulator for a full fledged idea on what human 'vacations' were like! Owlchemy labs (the developers behind Job Simulator and Comonious High) have created a game perfect for all ages, featuring three different vacation locations to explore and quest in.
Each location has a destination theme to it - spend time (mostly) relaxing on a tropical beach, roast some smores in a woodsy forest, or have a snowball fight in the frosty mountains! Talk to all the bots, complete their quests, collect all the things and most importantly, have fun!
Owlchemy Labs is known for is having incredibly interactive games and Vacation Simulator is no exception. If you can see it, you can interact with it - sometimes in surprising ways!
Vacation Simulator is currently $29.99 on the Meta Quest store, and you can find out more information on the game here!
For pianists or aspiring out there, Piano Vision is perfect free learning tool for you. Piano Vision uses not only hand tracking but also pass-through technology to allow you to overlay the app right over your actual piano!
If you don't have an actual piano, not to worry, Piano Vision also features an "air piano" mode in which you can use to learn and practice.
Although it comes with sheet music to get you started, you can also upload your own custom songs using their companion desktop app.
Multiplayer modes in Piano Vision consist of having others visit you for a virtual concert, or even having someone there with you to help instruct you.
It includes sheet music but also an almost rhythm game like mechanic in which you can see which keys are coming up before you tap them.
Piano Vision free on the Quest App Lab, and you can find out more information on the game here!
The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets is a wholesome little story based puzzle game in which you travel back in time to - as the title implies - solve the mystery of the stolen pets. Re-live the imaginative adventures of your childhood - both joy and the troubled relationship with your sister.
While I wouldn't say that the puzzles in this game are difficult by any means, they are very interactive and works extremely well with hand tracking. You'll come across different themed island like platforms to solve and get through.
The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets is currently $9.99 on the Meta Quest store, and you can find out more information on the game here!
For an interesting twist on hand tracking...make drinks for aliens! As a student of the Startenders Academy Glactic Internship, learn to mix all the best drinks and impress your unique patrons.
Through successful missions you can also upgrade your bar with tools, accessories and furniture that will make future jobs easier (or faster).
Visit different bars, deal with bizzare ways of making drinks as you serve your way across the universe. There are over 100,000 possibilities of drink mixes, see if you can even come close!
Startenders is currently $14.99 on the Meta Quest store, and you can find out more information on the game here!
Little Cities is a charming little city building simulator. Start from a humble island village and turn it into a bustling metropolis. The game is easy to pick up but has a lot to discover!
See residents move in and populate your island as it grows from a humble village to a bustling mini-metropolis. Design the layout, strategically plot amenities, and make a perfect city where your citizens love to live.
Little Cities offers a lot of customization from building styles, to attraction types (Over 30 unlockable concession stands, street decorations and flora have been added in a recent update!)
Little Cities is currently $19.99 on the Meta Quest store, and you can find out more information about the game here!
Eolia is the longest, most in depth hand tracking experience on our list, boasting over 4 hours of gameplay.
Travel to the deserts of Eolia as Conga Dholak; a Modus determined to save the land from the great storm. Follow the inhabitants, telling the story of Salius Locrius and Nagrus Mohre, the great storm that left destruction in its wake.
Eolia is definitely a hand tracking first game, featuring a unique smooth locomotion/turning system (yes, with hand tracking!), and fun ways of interacting with menu systems, musical instruments, inventory, and even riding a mighty steed.
A portion of every purchase of the game benefits climate change initiatives, a kind gesture that ROTU Entertainment does with every game release.
While the best experience will be to play with hand tracking, Eolia can also be used with your typical touch controllers.
You can buy EOLIA for $14.99 on the Meta Quest store, and you can find out more information on the game here!
-----
Hand tracking is still in its infancy but it's been amazing to see what beautiful and crazy uses developers have made out of it.
We look forward to seeing what the future holds for hand tracking as a technology, both in its improvements and its use cases in the "hands" (see what we did there) of developers!
]]>