Meta Horizon Plus is teaming up with Xbox to bring the "starter edition" Xbox Game Pass, which includes a library of 50+ games, to VR users on Quest headsets.
Steam users can now check a game's compatibility with Steam Machine and SteamOS directly from the store page. This feature was introduced after the Steam Machine's June release. Players can click 'learn more' next to the Steam Deck compatibility rating for an overview of compatibility across Valve's hardware and software. The game Black Myth: Wukong has an 'unknown' compatibility status with the Steam Machine, while it runs successfully on SteamOS. Valve is investigating compatibility for titles like Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Elden Ring Nightreign. Some games, like 007: First Light, can achieve a 'Verified' rating on the Steam Machine. Currently, the Steam store does not allow filtering by Steam Machine or SteamOS compatibility, but this feature is expected soon.
Amazon is becoming a competitive destination for affordable PC-compatible gamepads, influenced by reputable brands like Razer, 8BitDo, Turtle Beach, and GameSir. Today's third-party gamepads often outperform first-party console controllers, featuring advancements such as drift-free Hall effect analog sticks, rear paddle buttons, and customizable options. The GameSir G7 Pro, available for AU7 during Amazon's Prime Day, includes features like two rear paddle buttons, trigger stops, gyro support, and a 1000Hz polling rate. The TMR technology in the G7 Pro enhances precision and reduces power consumption. The GameSir Nova Lite Wireless controller is also available at a reduced price for budget-conscious gamers.
Modder Alex Le Tux has released the first public build of Perfect Dark VR, a fan-made adaptation for Quest headsets and PC VR, following a preview video in February. The VR port is based on the Perfect Dark decompilation project started in 2022. The latest release allows players to explore iconic locations from Perfect Dark with features like head tracking and motion control aiming. A trailer showcasing these features has been shared by YouTube user Graslu00. The trend of creating VR ports for classic games has grown, with contributions from fans and indie developers, including Team Beef, which has ported classic PC titles to VR. Additionally, Virtual Boy Go is an open-source emulator that enables players to experience Nintendo's virtual reality games on Quest headsets without the original console.
Valve is set to launch the Steam Frame this summer, with the classic game Portal 2 receiving a compatibility rating of Playable. The Playable rating is due to the lack of support for the Steam Frame's native resolution, meaning while the game runs smoothly, it won't utilize the headset's full resolution capabilities. The Steam Frame features a resolution of 2,160 × 2,160 for each eye, an upgrade from the Valve Index's 1,440 × 1,600 resolution. It also offers standalone gaming capabilities, unlike the Index, which required a PC connection. Valve's compatibility rating system includes Unsupported, Playable, and Verified categories. A late August release for the Steam Frame is anticipated, following the timeline of previous product launches.
Woot has launched a sale for Prime Day featuring discounts on Razer peripherals, with savings up to 76% and prices starting at .99 for Prime members. Customers can use the promo code RAZERWOOT for additional discounts, particularly for new customers. The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog Gaming Keyboard is highlighted in the sale, priced at .99 with Prime shipping, and can be reduced to .99 with the promo code. This keyboard typically retails for 0 on Amazon, representing a significant savings opportunity. It includes features such as rapid trigger mode, doubleshot PBT keycaps, Razer Chroma RGB lighting, and an ergonomic magnetic wrist rest.
Microsoft will release five new features for Windows 11 in July, with an optional preview available in June. Key features include the ability to pause updates for up to 35 days using a calendar view, the Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) feature that automatically generates restore points for the system, and the Screen Tint feature to reduce eye strain with customizable color overlays. Improvements in Bluetooth connectivity will enhance performance, especially for AirPods and Beats Studio Pro headphones. The taskbar widgets will change to reduce distractions by not expanding on cursor hover, and notification icons will be streamlined. These features will be available through an optional update at the end of June or a mandatory update in July.
Microsoft's latest Patch Tuesday addressed 198 security vulnerabilities, the most extensive update in recent memory. Among these, 32 flaws are classified as critical, and three are zero-day vulnerabilities. The updates are detailed in KB articles: KB5094126 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, KB5093998 for version 23H2, and KB5094127 for Windows 10. The updates will automatically download and install, but users must verify their installation status and reboot their computers for changes to take effect.
The vulnerabilities addressed this month are attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence, with companies like Microsoft leveraging AI models to expedite the identification and resolution of security flaws. The three zero-day vulnerabilities include one that allows an attacker to gain Windows System privileges through a flaw in file link resolution, another that could facilitate a denial-of-service attack via an HTTP vulnerability, and a third related to a flaw in Windows BitLocker that could enable data capture from an unpatched PC.
Additionally, the update introduces new features to Windows 11, including new Secure Boot certificates, a Low Latency Profile for enhanced performance, support for shared audio devices for multiple Bluetooth connections, webcam functionality across multiple applications, and the ability to assign a custom name to the user folder during setup.
A video demonstrating the setup procedure for the Steam Frame has leaked, showcasing the user experience and referencing the upcoming device. Valve is expected to release the Steam Frame this summer, following the successful launch of the Steam Controller. The Steam Frame and Steam Machine are part of Valve's new hardware lineup. The setup video, shared on Reddit, features a "Welcome to Steam Frame" message and guides users through powering on controllers and connecting to a PC. The Steam Frame will be a standalone headset with 2,160 x 2,160 LCD screens for each eye, offering both independent gaming and PC connectivity, and it eliminates the need for base stations.
The 7th Guest, a puzzle-adventure game released in 1993, required a CD-ROM drive and featured a unique mouse cursor design. A remake for VR headsets was launched in 2023, with a non-VR version set to release on June 4 on Steam. The game's creators, Paul van der Meer and Rob Landeros, founded Trilobyte Games after leaving Virgin Games to pursue their ambitious project. They used Autodesk's 3D design software to create the game's haunted interiors and iconic animated cursors, including the skull cursor. The remake incorporates modern technology, such as volumetric video, to enhance the immersive experience. Van der Meer proposed the remake idea to the CEO of Vertigo Games, leading to its development. The non-VR version will maintain the essence of the VR counterpart while introducing a new interface and redesigning one puzzle room for non-VR controls.
