Virtual Reality Archives

BetaBeacon

May 31, 2026

The Best Android Games for 2026: Your Next Mobile Gaming Addiction Starts Here

The Android gaming market offers a variety of outstanding games, including indie hits, retro classics, and Nintendo-published originals. Some Android games are comparable to AAA console and PC titles. Subscription services like Google Play Pass and GameClub offer access to hundreds of games without microtransactions. Google's licensing of Android to more partners has made it a popular platform for gaming-focused mobile hardware. Despite some failed initiatives like Google Cardboard and Google Stadia, Android remains a strong gaming platform with options for all tastes.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Save 2% on Pimax Crystal VR headsets and get $150 of accessories for free, thanks to PCGamesN

Pimax is offering a 2% discount on its Crystal Light and Crystal Super VR headsets, along with a complimentary accessory bundle valued at 0. The Crystal Super has a resolution of 3,840 x 3,840 pixels per eye, while the Crystal Light has a resolution of 2,880 x 2,880 pixels per eye. The Crystal Super is priced at 9 (down from 9), and the Crystal Light is available for 9, with both discounts applicable using the code "pcgamesn." The offer is valid until the end of May and is available globally.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

Myst & Riven Remakes Out Now On PlayStation VR2

The remakes of Myst and Riven have been launched on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2, marking their debut on the PlayStation ecosystem after being available on PC VR. Both titles are fully playable on flat screens and in virtual reality. They are priced at .99 each on the PlayStation Store. A review of their performance on PlayStation VR2 is forthcoming.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

You think you’ve seen it all and then there’s a Wayland Compositor inside Minecraft on Linux

A developer named EVVIE has integrated a Linux Wayland Compositor with Minecraft, enabling users to display Linux desktop windows within the game. This integration allows for an immersive experience similar to using a virtual reality headset. In a demonstration, EVVIE played the rhythm game Osu! while navigating the Minecraft interface. The project is available on GitHub under the GPL license and requires Minecraft version 26.1.2, the Fabric mod loader, xkbcommon library version 1.11.0, and xkbcommon tools. Additionally, recent updates for Minecraft have introduced a friends list feature for the Java version.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

Meta faces court over Android tracking claims

Meta is facing a class action lawsuit for allegedly exploiting vulnerabilities in Android smartphones to track users' private information, linking browsing activity to Instagram and Facebook accounts. The lawsuit claims Meta unlawfully accessed and de-anonymized personal data of millions of Android users to enhance advertising profiling. A US District Court Judge ruled that most privacy-related claims in the lawsuit must proceed, stating that plaintiffs have plausibly alleged a significant intrusion upon their privacy. Meta is accused of exploiting an Android vulnerability to bypass security measures that isolate apps, allowing it to link browsing information to users' accounts. Although Meta has reportedly stopped using this tracking method, it successfully dismissed two claims related to unjust enrichment and the use of modified pixel code. Additionally, the lawsuit includes claims against Google for negligence, with one claim dismissed but another allowed to proceed. In response to regulatory pressures, Meta is introducing new features for parental supervision of teens on its platforms and plans to use AI to detect underage accounts.

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.