All articles tagged with #virtual reality
Nintendo's Virtual Boy is rebooted as a $100 Switch 2 accessory that slots the console into a red-filter headset on a tripod to run seven of 16 promised retro games; it's a novelty museum piece rather than a serious gaming device, delivering a nostalgic indie vibe but with ergonomic compromises, a need for Switch Online Plus Expansion Pack, and cheaper cardboard goggles as an alternative.
A randomized trial of more than 50 chronic stroke patients found that training the less-impaired arm for five weeks improved everyday hand tasks more than training the most-impaired arm, with gains persisting for six months, suggesting a positive feedback loop where better arm function leads to more use and further improvement.
An UploadVR opinion piece argues that eye-tracking is the essential missing piece in Meta's VR strategy, noting rivals like Apple, Valve, and Google are embedding eye-tracking into their headsets and platforms. It traces Meta's decade-long push toward a metaverse, highlights leadership reshapes and layoffs, and contends that re-emphasizing eye-tracking and embracing open, standards-based hardware could better align Meta’s ambitions with the evolving VR landscape.
John Carmack’s 2015 memo to Oculus leaders argues for a pragmatic, platform-first VR strategy: avoid an expensive standalone hardware path, leverage Facebook’s infrastructure and a robust app store, push for consumer software delivered at practical scale, support a mix of 2D/VR content, and pursue mobile expansion. He critiques over-ambitious “box” plans, emphasizes leveraging existing tech like Steamworks, and urges Oculus to be a scrappy, consumer-focused software company that prioritizes rapid feature delivery and a broad, sustainable ecosystem over grand but uncertain initiatives.
Wolverhampton University unveils the Digital Futures Lab to explore how AI and VR can enhance humanities research and culture, enabling collaboration across academia, business, and communities, with a February launch and a focus on language, literature, social challenges, health, and sustainability.
Meta announced that its VR fitness app Supernatural will stop receiving any new content or feature updates, though existing workouts remain accessible and users can still interact with past coaches. The move has sparked concern among users about lost coaches and licensing, with Meta directing questions to support; the company later clarified that current content will continue to be available.
VRChat set a new record for concurrent users during New Year's Eve, with nearly 150,000 users online across various time zones, surpassing its usual peak of around 120-125K, highlighting increased VR headset adoption and virtual celebrations.
Apple has reportedly cut production and marketing of its Vision Pro headset due to poor sales, with estimates suggesting only 45,000 units sold last quarter. The high price, limited app ecosystem, and user discomfort have contributed to its underwhelming performance, leading Apple to shift focus towards AI-enabled devices and away from virtual reality headsets.
Virtual reality technology is being used in retirement communities to enhance social interaction, mental stimulation, and emotional well-being among older adults by allowing them to experience travel, revisit childhood memories, and engage in immersive activities, potentially reducing social isolation and cognitive decline.
Atlas Obscura, known for curating unique and obscure places worldwide, plans to embrace the 3D web to make exploration more accessible, especially for those unable to travel, despite earlier limitations with consumer VR devices.
Immersive shows recreating the Titanic's voyage are popular worldwide, blending VR and video projections to offer transportative experiences, but critics question their ethical implications and accuracy, raising concerns about turning tragedy into entertainment while the market for such experiences continues to grow.
Freesia Gaul, a young innovator inspired by MIT's free online courses, developed an award-winning VR prototype and co-founded a tech startup, demonstrating how accessible education can empower youth to create groundbreaking technology.
The first Netflix House has opened in King of Prussia Mall, offering fans immersive experiences like mini-golf, themed selfie spots, and multimedia shows, with plans for more locations including Dallas and Las Vegas, aiming to blend content with physical interaction and social media marketing.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy XR, the first Android XR headset, priced at $1,800, featuring high-resolution Micro-OLED displays, advanced cameras, and integration with Google XR experiences, marking a significant step in Android-based virtual reality devices.
Samsung announced it will unveil Project Moohan, a high-definition, affordable XR headset, at its October 21 Galaxy event, promising a new benchmark in Android XR technology, with potential pricing between $1,800 and $3,000 and over 4K resolution per eye.