Virtual Reality Archives

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

WhatsApp’s Metaverse-inspired ‘Avatars’ are being removed from the app

WhatsApp is discontinuing its avatar feature, as confirmed by Meta. Users are receiving notifications about the removal of avatars and their editing capabilities, which were introduced in late 2022. The associated sticker feature will also be removed, although a specific timeline for this is not provided. Once fully phased out, users will no longer be able to create, edit, or share avatars. Traditional profile pictures will remain unaffected.

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

Resident Evil Requiem Just Got an Incredible Half-Life Mod

An Early Access mod titled Requiem for Ravenholm by FlamingosPeak Workshop reimagines Resident Evil 9 with elements from the Half-Life universe, featuring characters like Leon as Gordon Freeman and Victor as the G-Man. The mod is not a complete overhaul but offers a glimpse of what a new Half-Life installment might look like. Users should expect bugs and visual inconsistencies, which the developers plan to fix in updates. The mod is available for download, accompanied by a trailer. Other mods for Resident Evil Requiem include a VR mod, a dismemberment mod, an increased zombie count mod, and a whimsical mod that replaces Licker voices with Michael Jackson's. A video showcasing fixed camera angles for Resident Evil is also available. Resident Evil Requiem is noted as one of the most optimized PC games of 2026, supporting real-time Path Tracing, with a detailed PC Performance Analysis available for review.

AppWizard

April 30, 2026

Take-Two CEO says “there’s nothing to announce” about an LA Noire sequel after acquiring its creator’s studio, but “the teams are always looking at what we have”

LA Noire, developed by Team Bondi and Rockstar Games, has maintained a dedicated fanbase since its debut 15 years ago. Rockstar acknowledged a potential sequel in 2012, but it has not yet been released. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently hinted at the possibility of revisiting LA Noire during a discussion at the Iicon summit, stating there is nothing specific to announce but that future announcements would come from Rockstar. He indicated a broader interest in exploring Take-Two's intellectual properties and mentioned that they are always considering what they have. Take-Two acquired developer Video Games Deluxe, now known as Rockstar Australia, which is led by Brendan McNamara, the director of the original LA Noire. This studio has previously developed a virtual reality version of LA Noire for Rockstar in 2017.

Tech Optimizer

April 27, 2026

Kafka Has Become the Postgres of Streaming — And That Changes Everything

Recent advancements in data visualization technologies are enhancing how businesses and researchers interpret large datasets. Key trends include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into visualization tools, which allows for automatic generation of visual representations and reduces the expertise needed for data analysis. Interactive visualizations are becoming more common, enabling real-time data manipulation and deeper understanding. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications are also emerging, providing immersive three-dimensional perspectives of data. These developments are being adopted across various industries, including healthcare and finance, to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

This is the finest VR headset image quality I’ve ever experienced, but it comes at a price

The Pimax Crystal Super 57PPD virtual reality headset features a resolution of 3,840 x 3,840 pixels per eye and a maximum refresh rate of 90Hz. It has a weight of 879g without the cable and approximately 1kg with a 1m cable. The headset offers a 106-degree horizontal field of view and utilizes inside-out tracking via four cameras. It includes a single cable with DisplayPort and USB-C connections, and comes with two controllers. The headset's displays use QLED technology with local backlight dimming, providing vibrant colors and contrast, though it does not achieve the infinite contrast of OLED. The Crystal Super has eye tracking technology for automatic interpupillary distance adjustments and foveated rendering. The headset is modular, allowing users to swap out the screen and optics for different configurations. It is priced at ,599, reduced from ,799, with an additional 2% discount available.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

The Backstage Experience with Ninja, Pokimane, Minecraft & more!

This week, "The Backstage Experience" features actors Jack Black and Jason Momoa discussing MINECRAFT, comedian Adam Sandler reminiscing about classic arcade games, and actor Tye Sheridan exploring the virtual reality universe from Ready Player One. Twitch streamers Ninja and Pokimane share insights on online gaming and streaming, while Sonic and Tails make a special appearance.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Google Brings Vibe Coding to XR: Build VR Apps in Under a Minute

Google is introducing Vibe Coding XR, an experimental workflow that allows users to create virtual reality (VR) applications from simple text prompts in under a minute. This approach, part of a trend called "vibe coding," uses artificial intelligence to interpret user intent rather than relying on traditional coding. It leverages Gemini AI models and the open-source framework XR Blocks, which consist of pre-constructed modules for various functionalities. Users can generate diverse scenarios, such as a physics lab or a Schrödinger’s Cat simulation, by describing their desired scene. Vibe Coding XR is designed for Android XR, particularly optimized for the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, but also offers a simulated reality environment for desktop Chrome. Internal evaluations show that the Gemini Flash model can create prototypes in about 20 seconds, while the Gemini Pro model is preferred for complex tasks. Vibe Coding XR is intended as a rapid prototyping tool for educators and developers, not as a replacement for professional developers. Google plans to showcase this technology at the ACM CHI 2026 conference from April 13 to April 17.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

There’s a new Payday game in the works, but it’s not quite what I expected

The Payday franchise includes the original game and its sequel, Payday 2, which became popular on PC. Payday 3 had a disappointing release, leading to the development of a spin-off titled Payday: Aces High. This new game requires a VR headset for gameplay and focuses on cooperative heists, allowing players to use physical movements to aim and shoot. Players can team up with up to three friends, avoid alarms, and escape with loot to earn cash rewards for better equipment and character development. The game will be released on Steam and the Meta Quest storefront in 2026.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

There’s a new Payday game coming later this year, and it’s VR

Starbreeze is launching a virtual reality game titled Payday: Aces High, part of the Payday franchise, developed by Fast Travel Games. The game features co-op multiplayer for up to four players and allows for solo play. Players assume the roles of elite bank robbers in chaotic heists, maintaining the series' elements of planning and teamwork. Payday: Aces High is set to release in the third quarter of 2026, specifically between July 1 and September 30, and will be available exclusively for Meta Quest and SteamVR headsets. Starbreeze's CEO stated that this game is part of a strategy to expand the Payday franchise through new formats. The studio is currently facing challenges, including issues with Payday 3 and layoffs, while the success of Aces High remains uncertain amid a reevaluation of VR investments in the industry.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes

Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes is a standalone entry in the Little Nightmares franchise, featuring a new cast of characters, immersive environments, and distinct chapters. The game has an independent narrative that enhances the overarching lore with references to previous installments. Developed by Iconik, a French studio specializing in virtual reality, the game is designed to be accessible for new players while still appealing to long-time fans. It includes innovative VR gameplay mechanics tailored for virtual reality, with puzzles and interactions that involve climbing, crouching, and object manipulation. The game will be available on PS5 with PSVR2, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and SteamVR for PC VR, optimized for various headsets. It aims for a minimum target of 72 FPS on PC via SteamVR. Dark Six returns as the main protagonist, and the game is set to launch on April 24, 2026. Recommended PC system requirements include Windows 11, Intel Core i7-10700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 16 GB RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce 2060 SUPER or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT. The game takes place in The Pale City, featuring dark and mysterious locations.