VR headsets Archives

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

This Android app can make your virtual life a little bit easier, if you have patience

Android Central's Editor's Desk discusses the integration of virtual reality (VR) with everyday devices, highlighting advancements in VR headsets like the Quest 3, which features color passthrough. This allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while using VR. However, accessing smartphone notifications can be challenging in VR. To address this, Meta launched the Smart Connect app for the Quest 3, enabling users to stream and control their Motorola smartphones directly from the headset. Setting up Smart Connect involves downloading the app and syncing devices via a QR code. The app allows for app streaming, creating a phone-like interface in VR, and supports multiple apps. It also includes a desktop mode for a computer-like experience. However, users may face issues with app scaling, keyboard functionality, and navigation due to small interface elements. Overall, Smart Connect aims to enhance connectivity between smartphones and VR technology.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

Microsoft Employee Working On SteamVR Driver To Revive Windows MR Headsets

A Microsoft employee is developing a native SteamVR driver called "Oasis" to revive Windows Mixed Reality (MR) headsets, which lost functionality after the Windows 11 24H2 update eliminated support for these devices. The previous runtime that allowed Windows MR headsets to interface with SteamVR is now obsolete. Matthieu Bucchianeri, a software developer with experience at Sony and SpaceX, is leading this project, which involves deep reverse-engineering. The Oasis driver is currently compatible with Nvidia GPUs, and Bucchianeri is in talks with AMD for potential compatibility. He plans to release the driver for free in the fall.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Summer Game Fest 2025 preview: The big games and developers to expect at Friday’s livestream

E3 has transitioned into the Summer Game Fest, led by Geoff Keighley, featuring a livestream on June 6 at 2 pm Pacific on YouTube. New developers include Raw Power Games, working on a medieval sandbox game, and Soft Rains, developing a sci-fi action game. Big studios like 505 Games, 2K Games, Bandai Namco, Capcom, CD Projekt, Embark, IO Interactive, Square Enix, Techland, Xbox, PlayStation, Epic Games, Pearl Abyss, and Sega are expected to showcase new titles or updates. Additional partners include 1047 Games, Amazon Games, Annapurna Interactive, Atari, Bellring Games, Blumhouse Games, Coffee Stain, Devolver Digital, Dotemu, Dreamhaven, Enhance, Focus Entertainment, Frontier, Funcom, iam8bit Presents, Kakao Games, Kinetic Games, Kuro Games, Level Infinite, Magic the Gathering, Megabit, Meta Quest, Mundfish, NCSoft, Nekki, Neowiz, Netmarble, Niantic, Nintendo Switch 2, Nuverse, Playstack, PlaySide, PM Studios, Razer, Supermassive Games, Xsolla, and Yacht Club Games. An "intense body horror" game titled ILL and beta access to Soulframe will also be featured, with Hideo Kojima confirmed to attend.

BetaBeacon

May 21, 2025

Google’s best-kept secret needs to be a standard Android 16 feature — and it could be game changing

The text discusses the potential for smart glasses to be used as a monitor for Android desktop mode, making a stronger case for their adoption.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Minecraft’s VR support is now gone

Mojang has discontinued support for virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) devices in the Bedrock Edition 1.21.80 Update, following a previous announcement that support would cease after March 2025. The company cites limitations in maintaining support for these platforms. Players will continue to receive updates on PCs and retain access to previously purchased Marketplace content and world-building capabilities. Alternatives for VR experiences include mods like Vivecraft for the Java version on PC and QuestCraft for Meta Quest headsets.

Winsage

April 25, 2025

Windows 11 25H2 shows signs of life: what can we expect?

The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to be a modest enhancement rather than a major overhaul, continuing to use the Germanium codebase established with 24H2. A preview build, specifically build 27842 from the Canary Channel, has been identified, and references to GE25H2 were found in the AppraiserRes.dll file, which assesses PC compatibility for the new version. The update is anticipated to arrive in the latter half of the year, similar to previous incremental updates. Concerns exist regarding the stability of 25H2 compared to 24H2, which faced installation issues and compatibility problems. Windows 10 will reach the end of regular support on October 14, 2025, prompting users to transition to Windows 11. Smaller updates like enablement packages tend to present fewer stability risks, and Microsoft has not officially confirmed any details about 25H2 or its update process for versions 23H2 and 24H2. Speculation about Windows 12 continues, but its timeline remains uncertain.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

AMD 25.3.2 driver fixes major bug so Windows Update no longer installs older driver on 9070

AMD has released a beta display driver version 25.3.2 for Windows 11 and 10, which addresses a bug that caused older drivers to be installed via Windows Update, affecting various GPU generations. This issue has been resolved for the RX 9000 series graphics cards. The driver adds support for Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, along with several bug fixes, including improvements for Counter-Strike 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. Developer updates include support for RX 9000 series in the AMD Radeon Developer Tool Suite and the availability of AMD FSR 3.1 in over 110 games. Known issues include memory leaks with SteamVR, performance logging notifications, crashes with certain games, and stuttering with some VR headsets. The driver can be downloaded from AMD's official website.

AppWizard

February 23, 2025

The Best VR Headsets for PC Gaming

In virtual reality, high-quality VR headsets paired with robust gaming PCs enhance the immersive experience, with most top-tier VR games benefiting from superior PC graphics and performance. The best VR headsets for PC include: 1. Valve Index: - Resolution: 1440x1600 per eye - Refresh Rate: 120Hz (144Hz experimental) - Field of View: 130° - Tracking: 6DoF - Weight: 1.79 lbs 2. Meta Quest 3S: - Resolution: 1832x1920 per eye - Refresh Rate: 120Hz - Field of View: 90° - Tracking: 6DoF - Weight: 1.13 lbs 3. HTC Vive Pro 2: - Resolution: 2448x2448 per eye - Refresh Rate: 120Hz - Field of View: 120° - Tracking: 6DoF - Weight: 1.9 lbs 4. HTC Vive XR Elite: - Resolution: 1920x1920 per eye - Refresh Rate: 90Hz - Field of View: 110° - Tracking: 6DoF - Weight: 1.38 lbs 5. PlayStation VR2: - Resolution: 2000x2040 per eye - Refresh Rate: 120Hz - Field of View: 110° - Tracking: 6DoF - Weight: 1.24 lbs Choosing the best VR headset involves evaluating technical specifications, comfort, and fit. A powerful PC is recommended for optimal VR performance, especially for demanding titles. Standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3S and Pico 4 do not require a PC, while the PlayStation VR2 can connect to a PC with an adapter. VR headsets often go on sale during major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday/Cyber Monday.

AppWizard

December 21, 2024

Top 15 Best PC Games – December 2024

Tyler Graham is an associate writer in CNET's home energy and utilities category, a recent graduate from Seton Hall University, and has been with CNET for seven months. He has attended a White House press conference, engaged in energy product testing at CNET's Testing Labs, and authored an article on federal solar policy. His expertise includes Community Solar, State Solar Policy, Solar Cost and Accessibility, Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicles, and Home Internet for Gaming. Ajay Kumar is an editor with over a decade of experience in tech journalism, having previously worked at Newsweek, PCMag, and Digital Trends. His expertise includes consumer product reviews, buying guides, and tech news, particularly in mobile products and electrical challenges in prewar apartment buildings.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Finally! Meta Quest VR headsets can now connect to your Windows 11 PC — with up to 3 virtual monitors

Microsoft has partnered with Meta to introduce Windows 11 to Meta Quest headsets, allowing users to integrate their PC environments into mixed reality. This experience is currently available in public preview. The application, which can be downloaded from the store, connects with Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets, enabling access to Windows 11 PCs with up to three virtual monitors. The app is free to use and allows users to maintain awareness of their physical surroundings. Known issues include problems with Teams calls, audio routing, the Ctrl-Alt-Delete command terminating connections, lingering inactive connections, and potential quality issues with multiple displays if the PC's graphics specifications are insufficient. Microsoft plans to address these issues and incorporate user feedback. Meta's Quest VR headsets have gained popularity, particularly with the launch of the budget-friendly Quest 3S, and have attracted major gaming franchises and collaborations for mixed reality projects.