Much of the recent conversation surrounding ChatGPT has focused on the AI chatbot’s purported threatening of human-created writing and its spurring on of what Time magazine has called the “AI arms race.” Songwriter Nick Cave even called the tool “a grotesque mockery of what it is to be human.” In the world of gaming, however, ChatGPT has been quietly instrumental in new developments that could make VR gaming a more deeply immersive and endlessly explorable experience. Expanding VR Worlds The creator behind Art from the Machine, a YouTube channel focused on game modding, crafted a Python script ..read more

At CES this year, virtual reality tech once again showed ample promise for the industry. From new headsets that will wow consumers to tactile feedback and even virtual temperature tools, CES 2023 showcased some truly exciting innovations. PS VR2 Makes Powerful Impression The hotly anticipated Playstation VR2 was available for demonstration at CES 2023 and was met with wide approval and enthusiasm. A bright, vibrant, detailed display, excellent controls, and a strong collection of launch titles, including Horizon: Call of the Mountain, all make for a very appealing package. Bound to be a hit wi ..read more

John Carmack has stepped down from his position as consulting CTO at Meta and issued criticisms of the company’s approach to building a metaverse. Having been with Oculus since 2013 and with a huge contribution to various areas of technological development behind him, Carmack was considered an important part of Meta’s team and an industry leader. John Carmack has been critical of Meta’s focus on building a metaverse and its methods of doing so. [Image: Meta] Having stated multiple times in the past that he was not entirely confident in Meta’s designs for building a metaverse, Carmack has made ..read more

After much speculation and hype, Meta unveiled its follow-up to the mega-selling Meta Quest 2 in October at its Meta Connect 2022 event. Receiving ample press and igniting a wave of instant pre-orders, Meta Quest Pro was promised to offer the next generation of VR technology in a modest form factor suited to a wide range of uses. Now, a month after the unit started shipping, it’s the perfect time to take a strongly considered look at Quest Pro. After much anticipation, Meta Quest Pro was officially announced at Meta Connect in October 2022. [Image: Meta]Stepping Up Your VR Game Upon announceme ..read more

Meta Connect 2022 took place October 11 and held many exciting reveals, teases, tidbits, and items of interest for existing Meta users, VR fans, and anyone keen on following advances in virtual and mixed reality technology, as well as the future of social media and online communication. Here are some of the more noteworthy news items revealed at Meta Connect 2022. Meta Quest Pro went on pre-sale and began shipping on October 25. Priced at $1,499 USD, the standalone VR/MR unit sports impressive specs roundly considered an upgrade over the already strong Quest 2. Pancake lenses, color passthrou ..read more

One of the most keenly anticipated pieces of VR hardware due to arrive in recent years is the follow-up to Meta’s massively successful Quest 2. Though not necessarily intended to supplant Quest 2 as Meta’s most accessible VR device, Quest Pro (formerly known as Project Cambria) is expected to be unveiled in just a few weeks. Mark Zuckerberg teases what is assumed to be Meta Quest Pro on Facebook. [Image: Facebook] Mark Zuckerberg all but declared Quest Pro would be officially announced at Meta’s 2022 Meta Connect event on October 11, posting on Facebook date along with an image of himself wear ..read more

After much anticipation and speculation, it has finally been confirmed that Meta is indeed working on a Quest Pro and is likely to be announcing and releasing it in the not-too-distant future. Originally known under its codename Project Cambria, the Quest Pro has been revealed by Bloomberg, concealed in the code of Meta’s Oculus iPhone app. Dataminer Steve Moser happened upon a line of code containing the phrase “Pair Meta Quest Pro controller,” and shared it with Bloomberg. The publication also notes that Quest Pro will likely sit around the $1000 price point and prove a significant step up f ..read more

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg joins free-climber Alex Honnold for a Horizon Home hangout. [Image: Meta] Meta Quest 2 users can now enjoy a taste of Meta’s evolving vision of the Metaverse thanks to the recent arrival of Horizon Home. Allowing users (or at least their avatars) to hang out, watch videos, and play games together, Horizon Home turns the Quest 2 home screen into a communal space for users and their friends. Meta’s signature waist-up avatars float around the space and are able to chat verbally, gesture, and initiate activities. To showcase the update, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg joined free ..read more

Visitors to the Meta retail store can immerse themselves in VR via Quest 2. [Image: Meta] A 1,550 square foot retail space in Burlingame, California has been converted into the first-ever Meta brick-and-mortar retail store as the VR giant aims to bring more people closer to active VR use. Meta opened the store May 9th on its campus to showcase a range of VR headsets, its Ray-Ban collaboration smart glasses, and the Meta Portal video conferencing device. Shoppers can experience VR gaming, advanced video calling, and AR via interactive on-site demonstrations of Quest 2, Meta Portal, and Ray-Ban ..read more

When looking for a way to dive into the always expanding world of VR, purchasing your first VR headset can be intimidating, as can trying to make the most sensible upgrade. This list details the five most outstanding VR headsets available in 2022. From the affordable and effective to the advanced and expensive, there’s an option here for everyone. 1 – Meta Quest 2 2 – Valve Index 3 – HTC Vive Pro 2 4 – HP Reverb G2 5 – Playstation VR 1. Meta Quest 2 The clear leader among this year’s main contenders is also the biggest selling VR headset currently on offer. In fact, it’s the biggest selling ..read more