A Pico Neo 3 Pro standalone headset is included with each purchase.

Omni One is a consumer-ready omnidirectional treadmill that allows you to walk, run, jump, and crouch in VR. According to Austin-based company Virtuix Inc., the futuristic-looking device can be set up easily in multiple locations throughout your home and folded up for convenient storage, promising more immersive VR experiences without sacrificing space.

With a diameter of approximately 4 feet, the Omni One is lighter and more compact than the Omni Pro, Virtuix’s commercial omnidirectional treadmill used in over 500 entertainment venues across 45 countries. The Omni One treadmill comes packaged with a Pico Neo 3 Pro and is designed to work out of the box without the need for a PC or additional hardware. Omni One’s operating software, social features, and proprietary game store are pre-installed on each headset.

“We’re thrilled about Omni One,” said Jan Goetgeluk, founder and CEO of Virtuix, in an official release. “After a long and challenging development process, spanning Covid-19 and supply chain shortages, Omni One has turned out to be an awesome product that delivers on our company’s original vision of an active VR entertainment system for the home.”

“Our commercial products have hosted over 3 million plays at entertainment venues worldwide, and we’ve built a fanatical player community of over 300,000 registered players. We can’t wait to bring our popular gaming experience to the homes of our many players and fans.”

The Omni One retails at $2,595 (shipping not included) or $65 per month via the payment plan and is shipping now to early backers. Those interested in purchasing will need to wait in line behind 35,000 others sitting patiently on the waitlist.

That said, you can always skip the line by investing in the new Regulation Crowdfunding (“Reg CF”) funding campaign. Not only do Reg CF investors bypass the waitlist, but they also receive a 30% discount. For more information on that visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Virtuix Inc.

The post The Omni One VR Treadmill Has Finally Begun Shipping appeared first on VRScout.

Those interested can sign up for the next playtest taking place from April 14th to the 16th.

Polyarc, the VR studio behind the popular Moss series, has announced playtest registration for its next multiplayer VR game which is currently in development. The game will be released sometime later this year and, according to the company, will serve as a significant addition to the competitive VR gaming scene.

According to Armstrong, the company has noticed a growing interest in competitive multiplayer games for VR headsets. With the number of VR players growing, it is now possible for Polyarc to create new competitive titles that appeal to this growing community.

“It’s apparent observing the community of players out there and receiving some of our own feedback that there are a lot of gamers in VR who are looking for and want to play more competitive multiplayer games,” said Tam Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of Polyarc, in an official release.

“We are excited about this opportunity, as VR offers interesting considerations for multiplayer games. The ability to read the other player’s focus and intention as they move their head and hands are some of the elements that make playing games in person so compelling. We are looking forward to sharing what we’ve been working on and the fun we’ve been having playing it.”

In 2018, Polyarc’s Moss became one of the most highly acclaimed VR games of all time, building up a huge fanbase. Because of its wonderfully immersive storytelling, art, and gameplay, Moss received over a hundred nominations and awards from various gaming organizations. The sequel, Moss: Book 2, was named the Best VR/AR Game at the Game Awards, proving that the title isn’t a one-hit-wonder.

Polyarc says its goal is to create amazing games that anyone can enjoy, whether they’re a VR veteran or brand new to VR.

“We are happy to see that the audience for VR continues to grow, now counting in the tens of millions of players, with more user-friendly and accessible headsets being released every year,” said Armstrong.

“As a game development studio that aspires to create games for everyone, we want to find ways to reach more of the audience within VR and even create space for new folks to join us there. With that in mind, the greater number of players gives us the opportunity to try ideas we have for multiplayer gameplay that can offer more to competitive players.”

Those interested can sign up to participate in the next playtest taking place from April 14th to the 16th, 2023. While the company plans on bringing the game to multiple platforms, you will need a Meta Quest headset in order to participate in the next playtest.

To stay up to date on all the latest news, follow Polyarc on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, or check out the Polyarc website. 

Feature Image Credit: Polyarc

The post Moss Creator Is Developing A Multiplayer VR Game appeared first on VRScout.

Full-body VR tracking just got a whole lot easier.

HTC VIVE today unveiled the latest addition to its growing lineup of VR tracking devices, a yet-to-be-named self-tracking tracker. The device features two high field-of-view cameras, an onboard processor, and the same high-precision positional tracking algorithm used in the HTC VIVE Focus 3 and HTC VIVE XR Elite, meaning no additional base stations are required in order to operate.

According to HTC, the device weighs under 100 grams and is approximately 50% smaller in size compared to the VIVE Tracker 3.0. There’s also a new quick-release mechanism that allows you to swap the device within seconds. That said the device can still be mounted to conventional speaker and camera peripherals. The company has even released 3D CAD files so you can print your own mounts.

While the tracker is designed for VIVE Focus 3 and XR Elite, it can be used with non-VIVE headsets thanks to compatibility with OpenXR. Standalone use is also supported for those not interested in R functionality. Details regarding these features will be released soon, according to the company.

“The new tracker is able to perfectly track its location rather than rely on external sensors or the headset cameras. Just like our headsets, it’ll be able to track large scale play spaces as well,” said Shen Ye, global head of product at HTC VIVE. “It’s not just for object tracking; you can use it combined with controllers to get full-body tracking. You can connect up to five trackers at a time to our upcoming USBC dongle, so you can track your entire body, including elbows, legs and feet.”

VIVE’s self-tracking tracker is scheduled to launch later this year. Those interested in learning more can contact the company here. The company states that VIVE Tracking 3.0 is still recommended to Lighthouse users.

Feature Image Credit: HTC VIVE

The post VIVE Reveals Its First Self-Tracking VR Tracker appeared first on VRScout.

All you need is a smart device and an ordinary basketball.

You may have seen a video floating around the web recently of a skilled basketball player practicing their dribbling skills using a unique interactive experience. What you’re looking at is HomeCourt, a personal basketball trainer powered by augmented reality (AR) technology.

The app gamifies your practice sessions, immersing you in a series of interactive drills led by professional NBA and WNBA players. Each challenge is designed to improve your ball skills, from shooting to dribbling, without the need for additional hardware. You simply aim your smartphone or tablet at yourself and let the app record your performance.

Some drills will require you to tap virtual targets with your hands while you dribble while others track your shooting performance over a set period of time and award you points for each successful swish. As you play, the app calculates various performance metrics in real time, from your accuracy and dribble speed to your release time, shooting percentage, and vertical jump.

In addition to solo training, you can also compete against other players virtually via the asymmetrical “Battle Mode.” Winning multiplayer matchups earns you various badges, coins, and trophies.

HomeCourt is available to download free on smart devices. You can access over 100 drills and activities as well as unlimited shot tracking 100% free of charge.

For an additional monthly fee, you can access HomeCourt Plus, a premium subscription service that unlocks additional features such as access to the members-only training club, the ability to request feedback from HomeCourt pro trainers, and access to the HomeCourt Global Camp.

For more information visit homecourt.ai.

Feature Image Credit: Nex Team Inc.

The post This Basketball App Uses AR To Improve Your Ball Skills appeared first on VRScout.

This nifty add-on gives motorcyclists eyes on the back of their heads.

It’s no secret that riding a motorcycle can be a dangerous activity. Motorcyclists are 28x more likely to die in a crash (per vehicle mile traveled) when compared to those traveling in conventional passenger vehicles, according to data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Motorcycle safety is constantly evolving, with new technologies making it easier for riders to maintain proper situational awareness while out on the road. This includes CREACT’s Vision 180, a motorcycle helmet dashcam kit that offers a number of nifty features, from real-time navigation and rear camera view to a driving recorder.

“The Sony CMOS sensors remedied the challenges of dimming nighttime lighting and hazy vision brought on by rainy weather,” said the company in an official release. “The front and rear wide-angle lenses have 120 degrees of view capacity. Vision 180 can better grasp the overall road situation with its 120-degree view capacity lens, and tilted 15 degrees rear lens.”

According to CREACT, the unique device can be installed in a number of full or 3/4 hood motorcycle helmets via a snap holder or GoPro accessories (no additional wires or significant modifications required). Once you’ve adjusted the system to your personal riding habits, you can cycle between the three main functions described above.

Vision 180 features built-in WiFi and Bluetooth that connects to your smartphone device so you can listen to music and answer calls while you ride. The device lasts roughly 3.5 hours on a single charge, so you shouldn’t have to worry about the battery dying in the middle of a ride.

For more information visit here.

Feature Image Credit: CREACT Technology Inc.

The post Motorcycle AR Display Lets Riders See Behind Them appeared first on VRScout.

Those who pre-order the game through the Meta Quest Store will receive a special gun skin.

Triangle Factory, the developer behind the popular VR game Hyper Dash, today revealed the official release date for its next multiplayer experience, Breachers. Coming next month to Quest, Rift, and PC VR headsets, this tactical first-person shooter pits two teams of five against one another in close-quarter firefights throughout semi-destructible environments.

The gameplay is reminiscent of games like Rainbow Six Siege and Counter-Strike. The attacking team is tasked with planting and successfully detonating a bomb while the other team defends. Players can purchase and customize their weapons at the start of each round. This includes assault rifles, pistols, shotguns, and submachine guns. They also have access to a variety of different gadgets, such as drones and breaching foam.

That said, the most powerful tool at your disposal is your team. The game requires you to coordinate with the rest of your squad about entry points, flanking positions, and weapon layouts. There’s even a locomotion system that allows you to scale buildings and vault over obstacles.

Triangle Factory has been hosting an open alpha test via SideQuest and Github. The game will be fully available on Quest, Rift (cross-buy supported), and PC VR headsets on April 13th for $29.99. Those who pre-order the game now via the Meta Quest Store will receive a special gun skin for the JESPER, a standard sidearm that spawns with each player at the start of every round.

The open alpha end on March 24th, so you’ll want to move quickly if you’d like to try before you buy. For more information visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Triangle Factory

The post Tactical VR Shooter Breachers Launches April 2023 appeared first on VRScout.

You can even interact with your miniature citizens by waving your hand.

The popular VR city-building game Little Cities has received a new free update that introduces a tiny community to your tiny metropolis.

Available now on Meta Quest headsets, the Little Citizens Update promises to add more life to your cities by inhabiting them with miniature residents. Instead of collecting dust, amenities such as sports stadiums and public parks will now be filled with different city slickers looking to get the most out of their new home.

In the trailer above, we see everything from adorable hang gliders and amusement park attendees to adorable construction workers and sunbathers. As your city continues to expand so too will the size of your population. You can even say hello to your fellow townsfolk by waving your hand.

“We’re delighted to welcome Little Citizens to the game, bringing a genuinely game-changing sense of hustle and bustle to Little Cities,” said James Howard, co-founder of Purple Yonder, in an official release. “We’ve been working hard to deliver this popular community ask and I really can’t wait to see our fantastic player community discover all the joyful quirks and habits of their new tiny population.”

The Little Citizens Update is available now as a free download to existing owners of Little Cities. For more information visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Purple Yonder, nDreams

The post VR City Builder Little Cities Adds Little Citizens appeared first on VRScout.

You can even design art alongside fellow painters via Multiplayer mode.

Da Vinci Eye, an augmented reality (AR) app that functions as a digital art projector, today announced a new update that allows artists of all skill levels to collaborate on giant murals.

Mural Maker 2.0 is a digital tracing tool that makes use of AR tracking to lock an image in place in the real world. According to the team, this offers a more effective tracing system compared to the conventional art projectors and grids popular among muralists. This is because the system can scale the proportions of an image on any surface. You can even use it in broad daylight.

The app features a unique two-device system that offers multiple features. One device is used to record a live AR video feed that layers your image over the real world, while the other is held by the artist so they can trace outlines and compare colors.

The system remembers where you placed your image in the real world, allowing you to work on projects over time. There’s even a Multiplayer mode, so you can stream the image to multiple devices and collaborate with other artists on the same murals in real time.

Mural Maker 2.0 is available now on iOS devices. While the app itself is free, you will need to pay a subscription to unlock all of the features. Don’t worry, only one subscription is required for multiplayer painting.

For more information visit davincieyeapp.com.

Feature Image Credit: Da Vinci Eye LLC.

The post This AR Art App Helps You Paint Giant Murals appeared first on VRScout.

Compete in futuristic duels for a chance at virtual glory.

ValoArena is a unique augmented reality (AR) play space that allows you to interact with a variety of multiplayer games without the need for a headset. Instead of motion controllers, you and up to five other players interact with the virtual world as well as each other using your very own bodies. You’ll jump over obstacles, avoid crumbling floors, and even climb on your friend’s backs.

Earlier this week, Valo Motion announced yet another AR game coming to its immersive indoor arena, Astro Blade, a futuristic multiplayer experience inspired by science fiction classics like Star Wars. Players split into two teams and battle it out using laser swords, shields, and double-sided blades in an effort to extinguish their enemies while racking up points.

“We wanted to create a game that showcases the interaction between players,” said Valo Motion in an official release. “In Astro Blade, the actions of other players directly affect what you as the player should do next. This six-player game is very social, and that’s why we think it’s an excellent addition to ValoArena’s game offering.”

“We also wanted to offer all this in a safe and less violent way, which is why we paid special attention to making the game safe for younger players as well,” they added. “We want players to feel like superheroes in a fighting game and be able to come up with their own special moves without limitations.”

Astro Blade is available to play now at locations where Valo Motion products are available. Check out this interactive map to find the closest spot to you.

Feature Image Credit: Valo Motion

The post Battle Your Friends In AR Sword Fights With ValoArena appeared first on VRScout.

Because learning doesn’t have to be boring.

A pair of undergraduate students has developed an immersive learning platform called SmartCards that combines augmented reality (AR) and machine learning technology with conventional flashcards to offer more engaging educational experiences for students, according to UConn Today. The platform is aimed at children ages 2-5, though to be honest, I could see students of all ages benefiting from this kind of technology.

Each SmartCard features a special marker that, when scanned with a tablet, unlocks informative virtual content students can interact with using basic hand gestures and buttons. According to its developers, Justin Nappi and Sudiksha Mallick, SmartCards can be especially useful for neurodivergent students, including those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, or dyslexia.

Different SmartCards can even interact with oneanother. For instance, placing an Earth card next to the Moon card will unlock a unique animation of the natural satellite orbiting our home planet. SmartCards also come with releveant facts to provide additional context.

“Especially when you’re a younger student from grades 2-5, learning doesn’t have to be this thing that’s so stressful and competitive, and you just sit and learn,” said Mallick. “It can be something that’s fun. It can be something that you enjoy doing.”

“It was just something I had in the back of my head from my experience with video games growing up and how they helped me grow as a person, and also my experience with the education system as well,” added Nappi. “I had undiagnosed ADHD growing up. Luckily, I did well in school [and] had the support I needed, but I would still always hear these teachers [saying] ‘Pay attention; stop distracting your classmates,’ and constantly [being] on me about my behavior.”

SmartCards is still a work-in-progress, so don’t expect a commercial product soon. That said, Nappi and Mallik are currently meeting with investors while attending classes. The team recently participated in the Big East Start-Up Challenge, a start-up competition composed of student entrepreneurs.

For more information visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Sydney Herdle, UConn Photo

The post AR-Powered Flashcards Offer A Fresh Spin On Learning appeared first on VRScout.

Because VR should be for everyone.

Owlchemy Labs, the developer behind popular VR games such as Job Simulator and Rick & Morty Virtual Rick-ality, today announced a new update for Cosmonious High that introduces several nifty features designed to make the alien adventure experience accessible to players with visual impairments.

Available now as a free download, the Vision Accessibility Update (VAU) adds object highlighting that allows low-vision players to see objects more clearly and voice descriptions that describe exactly what object a player is holding. There’s also a grab-and-release confirmation that notifies a player when an item has been picked up and released, environmental descriptions, and more.

“We believe that VR gaming should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities,” said Jazmin Cano, accessibility product manager at Owlchemy Labs, in an official release. “The Vision Accessibility Update is the first of its kind, not just at Owlchemy Labs but for VR gaming as a whole. We want to tear down barriers for all gamers, and this is another great step in that direction.”

“As a gamer with low vision, I have often felt excluded from the world of VR gaming. That’s starting to change with the work Owlchemy has put into the Vision Accessibility Update for Cosmonious High,” added Steve Saylor, an independent accessibility advocate and consultant. “I feel like we’re opening this exciting and immersive world to other players who have never been able to experience VR.”

“The combination of visual descriptions, contrasting colors, and other tools make it possible for me to experience VR in a way I never thought possible. This update is a game-changer for low-vision gamers everywhere, and I am proud to have been a part of its development.”

Cosmonious High is available now on Meta Quest, PC VR, and PlayStation VR2 headsets for $29.99. For more information about the Vision Accessibility Update visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Owlchemy Labs

The post How Owlchemy Labs Is Making VR More Accessible appeared first on VRScout.

Learn various introductory techniques while unlocking the secrets of your constellation.

Available now on Meta Quest headsets, Fight Back VR is an educational VR experience that promises to teach you the basics of self-defense, including important mental skills and muscle memory. According to its developers, their goal is to fight back against gender-based violence by users to build up their self-confidence should they ever find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.

The experience also features support for hand-tracking, allowing you to interact with various targets naturally without the need for motion controllers. The gameplay revolves primarily around battling the forces of darkness in an effort to save your fellow sisters while discovering the secrets of the constellation.

“The empowerment-based model of self-defense training includes physical self-defense techniques, but also a comprehensive range of tactics including verbal techniques, awareness skills, confidence-building practices, and more,” says the official website.

Here’s a more thorough list of features (as provided by the developer):

• Avoid danger and de-escalate conflict.​
• Increase confidence in participating in social and economic systems.​
• Increase self-efficacy in problem-solving.​
• Build physical self-defense skills.​
• Address violence that is most likely to occur in individual settings (e.g., school, home, workplace).​

Fight Back VR is available now on Meta Quest 2 and Quest Pro headsets for the low, low price of $0.00 via App Lab. For more information visit here.

Feature Image Credit: France Télévisions

The post This Free VR App Teaches You Basic Self-Defense appeared first on VRScout.

Mental health support is just a headset away.

Do you remember Jewel, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who graced us with such memorable songs as “Who Will Save Your Soul” and “You Were Meant For Me”? Well, she’s back, and she’s dishing out some much-needed mental health support to the VR community.

Recently, the multiplatinum music artist appeared on the news show CUOMO to chat about Innerworld, a VR metaverse she co-founded that offers evidence-based mental health tools and peer-to-peer support to those struggling with various mental complications, from anxiety and depression to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The platform offers a variety of beneficial resources and is monitored by a team of human operators as well as an artificial intelligence (AI) system that keeps a lookout for keywords that may indicate immediate self-harm.

“What I’ve done in the Foundation for the past 20 years is a peer-to-peer model, and we actually see a lot more profound results than one-on-one,” said Jewel. “I think psychotherapy is great, but it isn’t something everybody has access to. And meditation is incredibly important and there are so many great meditation apps out there but what I’ve learned is that meditation puts you in position to change, but then you need behavioral tools to start to change actual habits.”

“I had been tasking myself to come up with solutions that were genuinely scalable. And for me, VR was really where I was focusing,” she added. “We have a lot of people who use this as a supplement to their therapeutic work and we have people who don’t have access to therapeutic or other traditional service. They are getting incredible results, and there are people from all over the world—which is what’s so amazing about VR.”

Innerworld is available for free in VR on Meta Quest, PC, and iOS devices. For more information visit inner.world.

Feature Image Credit: Henry Laurisch

The post Singer Jewel Is Offering Mental Health Support In VR appeared first on VRScout.

The developer also announced that it has partnered with Meow Wolf on a mind-bending new course.

Mighty Coconut’s popular mini golf metaverse, Walkabout Mini Golf, is coming to smartphones in the form of an augmented reality (AR) mobile game. The independent entertainment studio revealed the news earlier this week alongside a number of other exciting announcements.

According to the official release, Walkabout Mini Golf: Pocket Edition features a unique gameplay system that uses your smartphone as a putter. Instead of tapping on your screen, you putt the ball by gently moving your device in a natural swinging motion. The unique-sounding AR game also features full cross-play with players on Quest, PC VR, PS VR2, and Pico 4 VR headsets.

“The addition of Walkabout Mini Golf: Pocket Edition really opens up the possibilities for who can discover these worlds and how. With the millions of visitors who come through Meow Wolf’s physical spaces, we’re welcoming in an exponential number of players in 2023 and beyond,” said Lucas Martell, executive producer and head of Mighty Coconut.

“Our goal is to be the first experience for VR/AR everywhere—and the default place to return. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to try out Walkabout Mini Golf, show their friends, and spend time hanging out virtually with loved ones.”

The good news doesn’t stop there, however. Mighty Coconut has partnered with Meow Wolf, a purveyor of mind-bending immersive art installations, on a brand new course inspired by Numina, a central world located at the company’s Denver location. Co-created by Meow Wolf co-founder and senior creative director Caity Kennedy, the course will feature 18 easy mode and 18 hard mode holes, as well as 18 lost balls to collect, a “foxhunt” scavenger expedition, and a virtual, commemorative putter.

“The mechanics of virtual reality are just another set of physics for Numina to play within. Collaborating with Walkabout has given us the opportunity to encounter Numina in digital space” said Kennedy. “Meow Wolf—and Numina—are now everywhere, and we can’t wait for all of our trans-dimensional friends to discover the playful ways Numina has rearranged mini golf to mess with our minds!”

As if that wasn’t cool enough, Mighty Coconut also announced plans to bring the game to various location-based VR arcades—including Synthesis VR, CTRL-V, and The Cave NZ.

Walkabout Mini Golf Pocket Edition is scheduled to launch this summer on compatible iOS devices. For more information visit mightycoconut.com.

Feature Image Credit: Mighty Coconut, Meow Wolf

The post Walkabout Mini Golf Is Getting An AR Mobile Game appeared first on VRScout.

The company’s location-based multiplayer attraction will be available in 10-player, 6-player, and 4-player sizes.

Spree Interactive, a provider of kid-friendly VR entertainment, has announced a brand new partnership with Amusement Services International (ASI) that will bring their latest multiplayer VR attraction, VR Playground, to even more locations.

The partnership was announced this past February, however, the company is only just now giving the public a peek at its new attraction. On March 14th, 2023, those attending DEAL Expo 2023 in Dubai will have the opportunity to go hands-on.

Spree’s VR Playground features a modern look and uses HTC’s VIVE Focus 3 headset to immerse participants in a number of interactive experiences. The space will be available in 10-player, 6-player, or 4-player configurations with options as small as 340 square feet.

Each VR playground comes with the aforementioned HTC VIVE Focus 3 headsets as well as the play area. The package also comes pre-loaded with a bunch of different games designed for all ages.

This includes Spree Interactive’s latest game, Splish Splash, a kid-friendly VR water-gun shooter. Players are stranded on an island and need to build various items out of coconuts while battling other players. It sounds like a lot of fun and I’m sure author William Golding would even love this game.

“Following the success of our VR Laser Tag games, we wanted to bring that Spree magic to the whole family. Splish Splash with its whimsical graphics and amusing gameplay is perfect for the lucrative 6-12 demographic,” said Sarah Stief, head of content at Spree Interactive. 

In addition to laser tag-style VR games like Splish Splash, Spree also created a unique interactive experience that combines VR technology with real-life bumper cars.

According to Stief, the VR Playground is ideal for families with kids (ages 6-12) and is expected to be placed at various family entertainment centers across the Middle East.

“We are indeed delighted to partner with Spree to bring these light-hearted and action-packed VR games to our customers in the Middle East,” said Prakash Vivekenand, managing director of Amusement Services International. 

“We think that Spree is a perfect VR Attraction, particularly targeting the 6-12 age group and our initial test of the attraction at an FEC in Dubai has found it to be a big hit with families. We are eagerly looking forward to positioning the SPREE VR Playground at FECs across the MENA region.”

If you happen to be at the DEAL Expo and want to try Splish Splash, visit here to book a demo. Just be ready to hose someone down!

You can learn more about Spree Interactive by visiting their website or YouTube page.

Feature Image Credit: Spree Interactive

The post Spree’s VR Playground Is Coming To More Locations appeared first on VRScout.

Calling all Dance Dance Revolution fans…

The 2023 Game Developer Conference (GDC) is just around the corner and we’re already seeing exciting announcements from companies big and small. This includes Rebuff Reality, who will be at the event showcasing Dance Dash, a VR rhythm game that’s played with your feet instead of your hands.

Similar to Dance Dance Revolution, the classic music video games series, Dance Dash tasks you with stomping to the beat of high-energy dance songs in an attempt to rack up the highest scores possible. You’ll also need to duck, dodge, and jump over various obstacles while avoiding virtual bear traps.

Dance Dash sets itself apart from competing VR rhythm game thanks to its unique use of TrackStrap technology. Rather than using your hands to interact with the virtual world, you instead strap Meta Quest Touch or Valve Index controllers to your legs and dance with your own two feet. There’s even a full-body tracking mode (FTB) which introduces additional targets for you to slap, punch, and hit. In order to access FBT mode, you’ll need additional VIVE Trackers.

Other interesting features include a digital crowd that reacts to your performances in real-time, a free beat map editor that allows you to design custom tracks, and a dedicated avatar import system with support for popular services like Ready Player Me. Moving forward, the company plans on introducing leg tracking for major VR platforms like PlayStation VR and Quest Pro as well as support fo hand-tracking.

Dance Dash will be available to try at GDC booth #N3230 from March 20th to March 25th. For more information visit rebuffreality.com. An official Kickstarter is apparently coming soon.

Feature Image Credit: Rebuff Reality

The post Dance Dash Is A VR Game You Play With Your Feet appeared first on VRScout.

All you need is a Meta VR headset.

Flipside Studio is an all-in-one video production studio that allows you to create your very own 3D animations in VR with no prior experience required. According to developer Flipside XR, the free tool features everything from real-time motion capture and professional-grade production tools to various sets, props, and custom avatars.

The app boasts an impressive amount of tools designed for virtual production. This includes virtual cameras, in-app teleprompters, and lights, as well as a number of broadcasting tools. You can even collaborate with other creators remotely on the same virtual set in real time. Of course, you’re free to act out all the parts yourself.

“With Flipside Studio on both the Quest and Rift platforms, improved usability, and a ton of new features added in since our early access version, we can’t wait to see how users take advantage of the tools and what they’re able to create,” said Lesley Klassen, CEO and co-founder of Flipside XR. “Creators can easily produce innovative, professional animated content that can be monetized across their social media channels offering endless opportunities to share original, engaging content with their audiences.”

Here’s a full breakdown of the app’s features:

• Custom Characters – Users can choose from multiple in-app pre-loaded characters or customize their own avatars through the Ready Player Me integration.
• Sets and props – Creators can choose from a variety of sets and hundreds of props available in-app.
• Multiple Cameras and Angles – Multiple virtual cameras can be positioned, placed and moved as users like allowing for dynamic camera angles and even camera movement speeds.
• Professional Production Tools – Virtual cameras, teleprompters, lights, and 1080p output with casting to the Flipside Broadcaster app are just a few of the tools available to creators.
• Single or Multi-User Productions – Creators can collaborate in the same sets simultaneously from one or multiple locations – or even create a solo production with multiple characters by layering motion recordings together in-app.
• Flipside Creator Tools – More advanced features can be found through the app’s free Unity plug-in that gives experienced creative teams the ability to upload fully customized environments, characters, and props.

Flipside XR

Flipside Studio is available to download for free on Quest 2, Quest Pro, Rift, and Rift S VR headsets. For more information visit flipsidexr.com.

Feature Image Credit: Flipside XR

The post Create VR Animations For Free With Flipside Studio appeared first on VRScout.

Take to the skies in fast-paced multiplayer dogfights.

Aces of Thunder is an upcoming VR combat flight simulator for PlayStation VR2 headsets that immerses you in the role of an ace World War II pilot. The game is being developed by an in-house team from Gaijin Entertainment, the same studio behind the immensely-popular vehicular combat game War Thunder, so odds are we can expect a solid multiplayer experience.

According to the development team, Aces of Thunder takes place entirely from a cockpit view and offers you full control over each aircraft’s flight system. The game will supposedly feature a variety of online game modes to choose from, including team versus team and single duels with custom settings and more.

Upon purchase, you’ll receive access to all aircraft, including the American fighter P-51 Mustang and British Spitfire, as well as any future add-ons. You’ll also have the ability to customize your aircraft with various cosmetics so you can stand out from the pack.

“Experience the thrill of aerial combat like never before with Aces of Thunder, the upcoming VR game made specifically with capabilities of PlayStation VR2 in mind,” said the company in a Facebook post. “The game’s physically accurate flight and damage models derived from the popular War Thunder military action game ensure that battles are immersive and believable.”

No word yet on an official release date. So far Gaijin Entertainment has only confirmed support for PlayStation VR2 headsets. For more information visit acesofthunder.com.

Feature Image Credit: Gaijin Entertainment

The post This World War II VR Flight Sim Looks Incredibly Fun appeared first on VRScout.

These high-flying women are literally out of this world.

In honor of International Women’s Day, the Emmy Award-Winning Felix & Paul Studios has released Women In Spaceflight, a new VR film celebrating the many accomplishments of female spacefarers. Available now on Quest headsets, the six-minute 360-degree special feature pays homage to the late great Jerrie Cobb, an American aviator who paved the way for female astronauts.

The official description states: “Discover the awe-inspiring achievements of female astronauts throughout history. Learn all about the trailblazing women, who have defied the odds and dared to explore the outer limits of our world. An inspiring journey that pays homage to pioneer Jerry Cobb and all the women who changed spaceflight forever and are paving the way for the next steps in space exploration.”

“We wanted to celebrate the pioneering spirit and groundbreaking achievements of women in space flight, from Jerry Cobb to those currently paving the way for deep space exploration such as Jessica Meir and Christina Koch,” said Katarina Soukup, Vice-President Production at Felix & Paul Studios, in an official release. “‘Women in Spaceflight’ is an inspiring journey that honors their contributions and highlights the importance of gender diversity in the field of space exploration.”

Women In Spaceflight is a part of Felix & Paul Studios’ award-winning Space Explorers series, which offers viewers an inside look into the lives and work of astronauts living aboard the International Space Station. Other notable works include Traveling While Black, a VR documentary highlighting the history of restriction of movement for black Americans, and Strangers with Patrick Watson, an intimate performance from the Montreal-based singer-songwriter.

Women In Spaceflight is available to watch now on Quest 2 and Quest Pro VR headsets for free via the Meta Quest TV app. You can check out Felix & Paul Studios’ other VR projects over at felixandpaul.com.

For more information on Women in Spaceflight visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Felix & Paul Studios

The post A New VR Film For Quest Honors Women Astronauts appeared first on VRScout.

The party returns on March 12th live via the metaverse.

The South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festival draws everything from up-and-coming music artists and interactive media companies to forward-thinking startups and various other cutting-edge technologies.  

One of the companies featured this year is Ristband which will once again be hosting its Music Metaverse, a virtual event that combines the energy of live music with VR technology. Performing at the event will be the UK-based “collective,” Miro Shot.

During SXSW 2022, I talked with Roman Rappak, CEO of Ristband and singer for Miro Shot, who told me how he was influenced by bands such as Kraftwerk and how they embraced “weird technology that was broken and hard to use and made music with it.”

This year, Miro Shot will be returning to SXW and will be presenting a completely revamped version of their concert, which will feature brand-new music and the latest in XR technology.

“With SXSW’s international reputation as a festival supporting emerging culture and technology under one roof, we are excited to have the opportunity to extend the festival in the metaverse with the true pioneers of this new digital era: the artists who are the driving force of this movement,” said Anne McKinnon, CEO of Ristband.

This year’s Music Metaverse showcase promises attendees an unforgettable experience that will expand the magic of SXSW.  Ristband’s official Music Metaverse event will answer questions such as how the metaverse will impact the live music industry and how contemporary artists are using AR/VR as well as the metaverse to reach new audiences. Along with the performance, Ristband’s event will feature a variety of discussions about how the metaverse will affect the industry.

Last year, Miro Shot used older Android devices to drop attendees into a VR environment that reacted with the band’s instruments as they played live. This year, Miro Shot partnered with HTC VIVE to immerse their audiences in a virtual world using HTC’s new all-in-one headset, the VIVE XR Elite.

“Live music and physical events are at the heart of music culture, while at the same time, exciting new tools that can extend our concert into VR and a gaming platform like Ristband have had an incredibly powerful effect on the reach of our band,” said Rappak.

To attend the event, individuals must be 21+ and have an SXSW festival pass. The event will be held at The Venue ATX, which is a 5-minute walk away from the Convention Center. Oh, and you’ll have to RSVP!

Feature Image Credit: Ristband

The post Ristband Returns To SXSW With Its Music Metaverse appeared first on VRScout.