Each boot is equipped with motorized wheels that gently reposition the wearer away from danger.

What if you could walk an infinite distance in VR from the comfort of your own home? And I mean physically walk. Where would you go? What would you do? For years the idea of exploring an infinite space from a living room was that of science fiction; a colorful idea of what the future could hold.

Today, however, there are a number of company’s working on artificial locomotion technologies. This includes Ekto One, a “robotic movement system” from Pittsburgh-based wearable technology company Eckto VR. Made of tough carbon fiber material, the device resembles a pair of futuristic moon boots you might see in a modern science-fiction film.

Each boot is equipped with a pair of Vive Trackers which allow the VR headset to track the wearer’s feet in real-time. As they walk forward, motorized wheels located on the bottom of each boot delicately reposition the wearer back to their original starting location. The wearer is allowed to take several steps forward before the boots are activated so they can better acclimate to their virtual environment.

“As far as the comments that we most receive in demos, people are almost utterly convinced – and, in some cases, utterly convinced – that they are going to walk out of the room,” said Brad Factor, Founder & CEO of Ekto VR during an interview with Digital Trends. “People ask us, ‘Are [the boots] on? Are they working? Am I getting close to the edge [of the room]?’ It’s really as if they don’t have any sense of where they are. They are immersed in the environment to the point that they are uncertain they are still within the room that they started.”

As for when we can expect to get our hands (feet?) on these next-gen moon boots, Factor hopes to launch a partner beta program in the first half of 2022. This version of the device would be designed strictly for industrial applications and therefore feature a considerable price tag of roughly $15,000-$20,000. That said, Factor hopes to eventually drive the price down to below $1,000 as they continue to scale volume up.

“Now, obviously, those kinds of prices that we’re talking about, they’re not consumer – and, to some extent, aren’t even really a good fit for most of the enterprise use cases,” Factor said. “A lot of that is the low volume at this point. As we scale volume up, we’re expecting to bring costs and prices down dramatically.”

Over the past several years we’ve also seen a rise in consumer-ready omnidirectional treadmills. Many of these devices, such as the KAT Walk Mini S or Omni One by Virtuix, feature a relatively similar design that consists of a frictionless base and support harness. When paired with specially-designed shoes, users can physically walk, run, duck, and jump in VR regardless of available space.

Then there are games that do away with hardware altogether. Eye of the Temple, for example, uses a combination of clever level design and immersive locomotion mechanics to envelop players in an India Jones-style VR adventure in which they’re tasked with exploring a sprawling temple using their own two feet.

To learn more about Ekto VR’s unique VR boot check out the full Digital Trends interview here.

Feature Image Credit: Ekto VR

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One of the biggest global big-box retailers wants a chunk of that $800 billion metaverse business.

It appears that Walmart, one of the largest global big-box retailers, is joining the growing metaverse community with the launch of their own cryptocurrency. The company is also releasing a collection of NFTs that include virtual items such as electronics, home decorations, games, toys, sporting goods, and various other products you can typically find at a physical Walmart store.

During a CNBC interview, trademark attorney Josh Gerben said that the company has filed seven “super intense” trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office detailing how Walmart envisions their presence in the metaverse and what a Walmart cryptocurrency would potentially look like. The details of the trademarks are currently under wraps.

Earlier this month, a humorous clip of a conceptual Walmart VR shopping experience developed back in 2017 went viral on Twitter and TikTok with over 11 million views. The video shows a virtual Walmart employee assisting the user as they walk down virtual aisles while shopping for wine, milk, and various other items.

This was a concept created by Store No. 8, a division of Walmart that explores how the future of eCommerce will be impacted by technology such as AI, VR, AR, and the metaverse. It’s a lot like a technology test kitchen where they can simply approach any idea and explore without consequences. 

In an official statement, Walmart said, “[We are] continuously exploring how emerging technologies may shape future shopping experiences. We are testing new ideas all the time,” adding, “Some ideas become products or services that make it to customers. And some we test, iterate, and learn from.”

The metaverse is definitely a hot topic for many brands right now. Meta, Nike, Forever 21, Coca-Cola, Wendy’s, and many others are already exploring the potential benefits of VR and AR technology in regards to eCommerce, while Bill Gates predicts that most of our work meetings will happen in the metaverse within the next 3 years. 

Another company taking advantage of this rising interest is the Gap. Earlier this month the company launched a gamified collectible NFT experience with four levels of NFTs that range from $8.30 to $415, and come with an actual hoodie you can wear in the real world. 

With that said, other fashion retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Ralph Lauren, and Abercrombie & Fitch have also filed trademarks to open up their own virtual stores in the metaverse. 

In a recent interview with NBC, futurist and metaverse expert Cathy Hackl, talked about the recent Microsoft acquisition of Activision and what it could mean for the metaverse: “We have to brace for this race to the metaverse. We will see more and more MNA (mergers and acquisitions) coming into this space, maybe from some of the companies that were in a wait-and-see mode. This definitely sets an alarm that they can no longer wait.”

The metaverse is quickly evolving into an incredible business model and has a lot of people excited, from consumers and creators to businesses and developers. Experts predict the metaverse industry will become an $800 billion marketing opportunity for games, social, work, VR and AR hardware, and more.

It is very much a part of our reality. “All of a sudden, everyone is like, this is becoming super real and we need to make sure our IP is protected in this space,” said Gerben.

Feature Image Credit: Walmart

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Return to the role of The Tourist and battle new enemies across the French Quarter.

Skydance Interactive has officially unveiled The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution, an official follow-up to its award-winning survival horror VR game based on Robert Kirkman’s popular comic book series.

Released on major VR platforms in 2020, Saints & Sinners has you exploring the zombie-infested streets of post-apocalyptic New Orleans in search of a highly sought-after cache of supplies secured within a hidden military bunker known as ‘The Reserve.’

Along the way, you’ll come across multiple factions of human survivors whom you can fight or befriend depending on your playstyle or mood. Truly devious players can even pit these groups against one another to achieve their goals. Don’t let the brutal combat and open-world environments fool you; Saints & Sinners is as much a puzzle game as it is an RPG.

Chapter 2: Retribution will return you to the role of ‘The Tourist’ as you once again explore the decrepit remains of the French Quarter. According to Skydance, this is not a DLC update but a full-fledged sequel to the original game. You can expect new enemies to fight, environments to explore, and “gut-wrenching” decisions to make.

“The past two years have been absolutely incredible for The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, and we’re grateful for the continued support from the player community who have helped make the game the success it is today,” said Chris Busse, acting head of Skydance Interactive. “We’re excited to announce Chapter 2, and we can’t wait to let players explore the new adventures that await them in the French Quarter and beyond.”

According to the official Oculus blog, Chapter 2: Retribution will be available on Quest headsets at launch. Skydance promises additional information later this year. The company wrapped up the announcement by revealing that the original Saints & Sinners has grossed over $60 million in revenue since its launch back in 2020.

Feature Image Credit: Skydance Interactive

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Company’s like Apple and Meta are leaving Samsung in the virtual dust.

According to a new report by The Korea Herald, Samsung is steadily losing its position within the VR/AR space due to its unhealthy “obsession” with foldable smartphone technology.

In 2019 Samsung unveiled its first commercially-available foldable smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Fold. The Android-based device received mixed reception ahead of its release later that same year. The device garnered praise for its innovative design along with stark criticism for its low durability.

Recent market data indicates that the VR/AR market is set to skyrocket over the next several years. By 2024, we could be looking at a roughly $300 billion industry. While company’s such as Apple and Meta have already begun the development of their own dedicated XR devices, however, Samsung has continued to focus on expanding its lineup of foldable smartphones.

“Big tech companies, rather than smartphone manufacturers, are leading XR devices because they have the necessary content and platforms,” said Kim Gwang-soo, an analyst at eBest Investment and Securities, adding, “Google has an operating system Android, Microsoft has Xbox and Sony has PlayStation. It’s risky for Samsung to roll out XR devices, so it has no choice but to stick to foldable smartphones.”

According to a recent report by market tracker Counterpoint Research, Samsung held its position as the number one global smartphone provider in 2021 but only grew its overall sales by 0.9% on-year whereas its competitors, Apple and Xiaomi, grew 25.5% and 32.5% respectively.

Samsung’s decision to overlook immersive technology in favor of the dwindling smartphone market could spell disaster for the company down the line. Apple has already stated that it plans on replacing its lineup of iPhone devices with dedicated AR and VR headsets within the next 10 years, pointing towards a dramatic shift within the smartphone industry.

That said, Samsung has at least made several steps towards improving its XR technology. This past November the company invested in the California-based XR glasses manufacturer DigiLens. We also caught a glimpse at a pair of fitness-focused AR glasses called Samsung Glasses Lite during CES 2020, but have received little to no information since.

It would be a shame to see the company that brought us the pioneering Gear VR fall to the wayside. Hopefully, Samsung will have more to share about its VR/AR offerings in the coming months.

Feature Image Credit: Samsung

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Insiders claim the device resembles a pair of ski goggles and will launch in 2024.

According to The Verge, Google is currently in development of its own AR device capable of blending virtual graphics over the real world, citing “two people familiar with the project.” Similar to Snap’s Spectacles 3 glasses, Google’s device will supposedly feature two outward-facing cameras capable of projecting digital graphics over the wearer’s real-world environment.

Codenamed Project Iris, sources claim the device will rely upon Google’s data centers to render content remotely and beam it to the headset via a stable internet connection. This will allow the device to operate independently without the need for an external power source such as a dedicated PC or smartphone.

The Verge states that certain members of the Pixel team may be involved in the development of specific pieces of hardware for the device, though additional information is limited at the moment. Roughly 300 people are supposedly working on the headset from a secret facility somewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, with more hires on the way.

The device is expected to launch in 2024 alongside Project Starline, a revolutionary chat booth that was revealed last year. Using advanced holographic technology, the next-generation communication device is supposed to be mind-blowing. Rumor has it a pilot program is already underway with several participating Fortune 500 company’s.

Google has a long history in the immersive technology industry. In 2014, the company released the first iteration of Google Carboard, a cost-effective head-mounted display designed specifically for mobile VR. This was followed by Google Daydream View in 2016, a mobile VR headset compatible with Pixel devices.

If real, Project Iris would be the company’s first AR device since the ill-fated Google Glass, which was released in 2013 to underwhelming reception.

For more information check out The Verge’s full report here.

Feature Image Credit: Google Inc.

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Another year, another stellar lineup of ground-breaking VR and AR projects.

Today marks the start of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, kicking off nine days of incredible films premieres, conversations, and immersive experiences. This year the festival is celebrating the 16th birthday of its New Frontier showcase, which serves to highlight the very best in multimedia storytelling.

Similar to last year’s proceedings, event organizers have partnered with digital production studio Active Theory to create The Spaceship, a “biodigital showcase” accessible via a computer or VR headset. Here attendees can use their very own customizable avatars to explore three virtual worlds.

• New Frontier Gallery – A digital event space where attendees can browse the entire catalog of XR content available as part of the New Frontiere showcase and chat with attendees as well as festival employees via proximity chat.
• Cinema House – An immersive stage environment that will serve as the primary venue for various screenings throughout the festival. This years’ venue includes a new stage designed specifically for live scheduled performances.
• Film Party – A dedicated social space where attendees can chat with Sundance creators about their respective projects using proximity audio and video chat.

This years’ New Frontier showcase features over 15 genre-defying projects to enjoy, from comedic VR parodies such as Flat Earth VR to interactive AR experiences like Atua. It can be a bit overwhelming navigating this digital venue, especially for first-time festival-goers.

To help guide you through this years’ offerings we put together a list of must-try XR projects currently available in The Gallery. Here’s what you won’t want to miss:

• Atua (scheduled performances) – “Atua reimagines the realm of Pacific gods in this sculptural AR experience that claims space for gender-diverse identities impacted by colonial first contact, and creates an intimate portal for users to see themselves reflected as vital to their cultural heritage and an intrinsic part of the cosmos.“
• Flat Earth VR – “Lucas Rizzotto’s delightful and immersive satirical comedy boards audiences onto a stolen NASA ship and launches them into the stars. Here, they have the chance to live out the ultimate flat-earther fantasy of becoming the first flat-Earth astronaut to ever go to space and prove the globe-earthers wrong.”

• Suga’ – A Live Virtual Dance Experience (scheduled performances) – “Suga’ is a collective immersive experience that features live dance performance as volumetric video in a social virtual reality space. The experience takes audiences on a journey through the historical reality of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the establishment of the sugar industry, which has had a lasting legacy on our world today.”
• The States of Global Peace – “In this immersive documentary, you’ll inhabit the shoes of a prime minister who is preparing to deliver a high-profile speech at a virtual U.N. General Assembly in the near future. The political stakes are high. As you are about to begin your remarks, a group of students hijack the security system and take over the screens, asking to have a dialogue with you.”

• This is Not a Ceremony – “Part performance, part participatory media, This Is Not a Ceremony asks us to consider our role in engaging with documentaries about social injustice and to confront modern notions of empathy and personal responsibility. Darkly humorous and occasionally caustic, This Is Not a Ceremony offers contemporary insights into the lived experience of Indigenous men, and extends a chance to embrace responsibility and the meaningfulness of redemption.”

The Sundance Film Festival 2022 runs now until January 28th exclusively online. Those interested in checking out the New Frontier showcase can purchase an Explorer Pass for $50. This enables you access to The Gallery, Cinema House, and Film Party worlds via a computer or any VR headset compatible with the Chrome browser.

For more information visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Sundance Institute

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VR mods bring the popular VR game to life in a whole new light.

I know what you’re thinking: “another story about Skyrim? Really?” Bethesda’s seemingly unkillable fantasy RPG was first released back in 2011 for PC and consoles and has since been ported to every platform known to man, including VR. So what more could we possibly have to talk about?

Thanks to a combination of mods and texture packs, one user has managed to breathe new life into the immersive fantasy experience, transforming it into a colorful M-rated adventure with a comic book-style look-and-feel.

Earlier today, u/VanaheimRanger posted a video on Reddit showcasing their custom graphics setup. Apparently, the goal was to make Skyrim VR look as much like the game Borderlands as technologically possible.

Released back in 2009, the space Western RPG used a type of nonphotorealistic rendering called “cel shading,” aka “toon shading,” to achieve a comic book-style look unique from that of any other game at the time.

According to VanaheimRanger, the end result we see in the video took years to achieve and was accomplished using a combination of mods and texture packs.

“To get this look, I installed Artistic Skyrim Overhaul – Paint Flavour and removed the character folder, then overwrote it with Kanjs – Borderlands Style Retexture Mega Pack and Total Character Makeover. Then I installed the VR version of Reshade and used the Borderlandfy2077.fx with another cel shading mod called Outline.fx (that I can’t seem to find a link for now, sadly. If anyone has the link please share.) and tweaked the settings on them a bit,” said VanaheimRanger in the same Reddit thread.

Other mods used include Locational Damage SKSE VR, Dungeons – Revisited, and Conduit – Short-term Weapon Infusions.

Skyrim VR is available now for $59.99 on PC VR and PlayStation VR.

Feature Image Credit: u/VanaheimRanger via Reddit

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Celebrate the final season with some good old-fashioned Titan-slaying.

When it comes to modern anime, there are few shows as well known as Attack on Titan. The popular Japanese animated series is currently in its fourth and final season, marking the end of a brutal nine-year journey for its unlucky protagonists.

Originally aired in 2013, the story follows a close group of childhood friends as they struggle to survive a nightmarish world inhabited by man-eating giants referred to as “Titans.” The show touches a variety of genres, from action-adventure to political thriller. Above all else, however, Attack on Titan is absolutely terrifying, and even more so in VR.

Available now on Quest headsets, Attack on Quest is the closest you’d want to get to battling an actual Titan. In this free-to-play VR game, you play a member of the legendary Scout Regiment and are tasked with disposing of Titan threats using your very own Omni-directional mobility gear (ODM).

Developed by humans to battle Titans, this unique equipment features piston-shot grappling hooks which allow the user to fight in a 3D space. Each Scout is also armed with a pair of plug-in blades perfect for killing Titans.

Using this equipment, you’ll navigate a variety of open-world environments based on memorable locations from the show. This includes iconic destinations such as the instantly-recognizable Shiganshina District to the spooky Utgard Keep. There’s also a Titan Forest to explore as well as a dedicated Training map.

Throughout each of these environments, you’ll fight everything from common, aka “Pure,” Titans to special enemies like the Female and Armored Titans using your ODM gear. Just remember to keep moving and aim for their napes, otherwise, you may find yourself on the main course of a Titan buffet. You’ll also want to keep an eye on your gas levels. These can be recharged at equipment stations located throughout each map.

A recent update added even more fun to the mix. This includes a new ranking system, ODM stunts, menu updates, and numerous other improvements.

If you’re nervous about going into battle alone, you can always team up with other Scouts via online multiplayer. Attack on Quest is currently available for free on Quest and PC VR headsets with support for cross-play.

Those playing on Quest will need to sideload the app onto their headsets in order to play. you can find more information on how to do this here.

Feature Image Credit: VRScout

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It’s all about the little things.

Meta this week announced the rollout of update v37 for the Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2. Like past updates, v37 introduces a slew of improvements to the company’s standalone VR headsets, including support for additional keyboards as well as new sharing options.

Here’s what’s coming this month to Quest headsets:

Support for the Apple Magic Keyboard

Update v37 offers Mac users the chance to enhance their VR web browsing and coworking experiences with the introduction of Apple Magic Keyboard support. Once paired, the Quest will layer a digital version of the Apple Magic Keyboard over its real-world counterpart, allowing users to type effectively in VR using hand-tracking technology.

The company is also releasing its Tracked Keyboard SDK as part of its Presence Platform so developers can bring wireless keyboard support to their own games and apps. Support for the Apple Magic Keyboard can be enabled in the Experimental Features section in the Quest settings.

Android Link Sharing

Meta is making it easier to share content between your smartphone and your headset with new link-sharing options. The process is painfully easy. Simply choose your content, click the “share” option on your device, and select the Oculus mobile app. Shared content will automatically appear in-headset via the Browser app.

You can also save content to view later using the Save to VR option. Quest link sharing is only available on Android devices at this time, though Meta promises that support for iOS will arrive in the near future.

Panel Customization

Update v37 introduces two new modes called Tablet and Desktop. Tablet mode allows you to view a single 2D panel up close and personal. Desktop mode, on the other hand, functions similar to the existing (soon to be previous) layout, allowing you to interact with multiple windows positioned further away in your view. The multitasking feature can be enabled in the Experimental Features section in your Quest 2 settings.

According to Meta, Tablet mode is perfect for those who need to focus on a single task, whereas Desktop mode is designed primarily for multitasking. Both of these modes can be applied to each and every 2D panel on the Quest, including the Store, Library, and Browser.

Improved Hand-Tracking & Explorer Feed

Meta is looking to improve its Quest hand-tracking technology with a new hand gesture that allows you to more easily access key features and settings. By holding your palms up and pinching your index finger and thumb, you’ll access a new shortcut menu. Here you can take screenshots, record videos, activate voice commands, and perform a variety of other important actions.

Then there’s the new-and-improved Explore Feed. Here users can check out recommendations for additional games and apps, connect with their friends, and access external links sent via an Android device. The company is also introducing new Fitness and Productivity sections, furthering its commitment to the growing VR fitness industry.

Like past updates, the above-mentioned feature will begin rolling out on headsets over the course of the month, so don’t freak if you don’t see them as available just yet. For more information on all of today’s announcements, check out the official blog update.

Feature Image Credit: Meta

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“LA Rams Mini Game” is the first Spectacles Lens developed in collaboration with a professional NFL team.

Snap Inc. this week revealed a new AR-powered Lens for the company’s Spectacles 3 that lets users toss the virtual pigskin with LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Thanks to Snap’s hand-tracking technology, users can play catch using their own two hands rather than a motion controller.

In the cleverly-named “LA Rams Mini Game,” users hold out their hands within view of the Spectacles 3 to equip a virtual glove that enables them to interact with the virtual quarterback in real-time. Every time the player catches a spiral from fake Stafford they earn points that appear on a virtual scoreboard. This offers users a bit of replayability as they return to improve their scores.

“As a sports AR company, we are thrilled to create a sports fan experience of the future, and what’s better for a fan than being able to play catch with your favorite player? Through Spectacles, our focus was to design a lifelike experience that brings fan immersion to the end zone,” said Julien Deis of Immersiv.io, the developer behind the Lens.

“So, we used the hand tracking technology available in Lens Studio to let fans wear a glove and catch the ball from Matt Stafford,” he added. “We’re excited to experiment with the LA Rams to bring an innovative fan experience to life through the power of augmented reality!”

Unfortunately, the Spectacles 3 is currently unavailable to the public, which means the odds of us going hands-on with the unique Lens are slim to none. That said, a general release on the Snapchat app is always a possibility. After all, you only need one hand in order to catch the ball, freeing up your other hand to hold your smartphone device.

While this may be the first Lens developed in collaboration with an NFL team, it’s not the only time we’ve seen the Spectacles used to get users up and moving. Earlier this month we covered a Thor-themed fitness Lens that has users lifting dumbbells in AR. Prior to that, we talked about a Monkey Ball-like experience in which users collect virtual bananas scattered throughout their real-world environments.

Feature Image Credit: Snap Inc.

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The game will serve as an official tie-in to an upcoming docudrama about the 2019 fire.

Critically-acclaimed video game studio Ubisoft (Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Prince of Persia) this week announced a partnership with film production and distribution company Pathé to develop a new location-based VR escape game that has you playing the role of a Parisian firefighter battling the 2019 Notre-Dame fire. According to Variety, the multiplayer experience is roughly 1-hour long and includes a variety of puzzles to solve in cooperation with your teammates.

Coming this March, the interactive VR experience is an official tie-in to Notre-Dame on Fire, an upcoming IMAX-shot docudrama from French film director, screenwriter, and producer, Jean-Jacques Annaud, that covers the harrowing events that took place in Paris, France on April 15, 2019. Ubisoft’s VR game will put audiences in the boots of a Parisian firefighter as they work with other members of their brigade to help escape the fires unscathed.

“Like any escape game, it’s a question of puzzles and co-operating with your teammates,” said Deborah Papiernik, Ubisoft senior VP new business and strategic alliances, while speaking to Variety. “The idea is to make your way through the cathedral to find relics and to fight the fire, because you have to save Notre Dame [before the clock runs out].”

In order to have an interactive VR tie-in ready for the film’s premiere in March, the project’s creators turned to Ubisoft who, in 2019, released a free-to-play experience called Notre-Dame de Paris: Journey Back in Time. According to Variety, Ubisoft’s existing 3D model of the cathedral, as well as its wide network of location-based partners, made the company an obvious choice.

“He [Jean-Jacques Annaud] knew that we had a special attachment to Notre Dame,” said Deborah Papiernik, Ubisoft senior VP of new business and strategic alliances. “I guess that’s why he came to us. I don’t think he went to see [anyone else].”

Feature Image Credit: Ubisoft/Pathe

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Anyone who purchases a qualifying VR headset will also get two free months of Viveport Infinity.

HTC Vive has a lot going on in 2022. Over the past several months the company revealed its new Vive Wrist Trackers, a partnership with Lumen Technologies to deliver private 5G experiences to their Focus 3 headset, and a partnership with XRHealth to bring VR healthcare to the Vive Flow. 

Up next for HTC is the VIVE Winter Sale, during which the company is offering incredible discounts on three of their best VR products: the VIVE Cosmos, VIVE Cosmos Elite, and VIVE Pro Eye.

Anyone who purchases a Cosmos or the Pro Eye on the HTC VIVE website between January 17th and January 30th will receive a beefy £200 (roughly $275 US dollars) discount on their order. The VIVE Cosmos Elite will be discounted by £250 (roughly $240 US dollars). This means you can order a complete tethered VR rig for just £499 ($685 US dollars). 

Each headset comes with its own advantages. The Cosmos is a great way to jump into the tethered VR market with it’s flip-up visor design, incredible graphics, and affordable price. The VIVE Cosmos Elite, on the other hand, offers a more advanced in-headset experience with its superior tracking and controllers.

Or maybe you need a VR workhorse like the Vive Pro Eye. This professional-grade VR headset features Tobii eye-tracking technology and can handle a wide range of work environments and applications that covers everything from workforce training and design to construction and more. But it’s not all business, the Pro Eye will also let you jump into a quick game of Beat Saber against your friends in marketing during your lunch break, or take time for a quick virtual meditation.

Yves Maître, CEO at HTC, talked about the Cosmos VR headset, saying, “Our customers want an incredible VR experience, Vive Cosmos is truly the most versatile headset yet. From consumers just discovering VR for the first time to the demanding business user, Vive Cosmos offers stellar quality, comfort, and the ability to evolve VR and XR journeys over time – from changing faceplates to adding options like wireless.”

There’s a lot of convenience with standalone VR headsets like the Quest 2. That said, tethered VR still offers a better in-headset experience thanks to superior hardware and graphics. During the first-ever Somnium Space Connect event, Artur Sychov, CEO of Somnium Space, said tethered VR will still be very important for the immersive tech industry. The company is even releasing their own tethered VR headset. 

Along with killer discounts on their VR headsets, HTC is also offering customers a special code for two months of free access to Viveport Infinity. That will give you access to some sweet experiences like the super fun parkour game Stride, the popular RPG zombie shooter The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, along with other popular tites like Superhot VR, Gravity Sketch, Tvori, Gloomy Eyes, Bonfire, and more. 

HTC’s VR headset sale begins on January 17th and ends on the 30th. Just make sure you make your purchases through the HTC Vive website. 

Feature Image Credit: VRScout

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Build your own over-the-top stunt tracks with realistic toy-car physics.

Available now on Quest and PC VR headsets, Stunt Track Builder is a new VR game for Quest and PC VR headsets that lets you relive those fond childhood memories of building intricate stunt tracks for your favorite toy cars. Brought to us by developer Lemon Chihuahua, the Hot Wheels inspired-game offers access to a wide range of tracks to build with, from straightaways and turns to boost pads and loop the loops.

You’ll begin the game with just two cars and a handful of tracks. As you play you can use these track pieces to guide your cars towards various donuts floating throughout the environment. Collecting these donuts unlocks access to even more cars and track pieces. You can also exchange your cars for additional tracks. According to Lemon Chihuahua, the game features a total of 20 cars and hundreds of tracks to unlock.

As you progress you’ll unlock access to new environments in which to explore. This includes the Bedroom, Kitchen, and Living Room. The game is currently available free on Quest and PC VR headsets and includes the option to purchase additional challenge packs and donuts in exchange for real-world cash. That said, every car and track can be unlocked just by playing the game.

Stunt Track Builder is available free on Quest (App Lab or SideQuest) and PC VR headsets. Lemon Chihuahua says the game is still in development and that we can expect additional content in the near future. This could include everything from new cars and tracks to an online leaderboard and build sharing. In a post made on Reddit, the developer stated that Passthrough support was also a “top priority.”

For more information visit the official website here.

Feature Image Credit: Lemon Chihuahua

The post Hot Wheels-Inspired VR Game Stunt Track Builder Out Now appeared first on VRScout.

Looks like we might have to wait just a little while longer for the company’s combination VR/AR headset.

According to a new report by Bloomberg, Apple’s long-rumored VR/AR headset could be delayed until 2023 due to a combination of technical issues, citing “people familiar with the situation.” Sources claim the device was scheduled to be announced during the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June followed by an official launch later this year. Recent setbacks, however, may force the company to push the reveal back several months.

We first received word of a potential mixed reality headset in development at Apple back in 2018. Since then we’ve heard reports claiming the combination VR/AR device will feature everything from dual ultra high definition 8K displays with built-in eye-tracking technology, 12 cameras capable of supporting hand-tracking, swappable headbands, and a multitude of controller options.

According to Bloomberg’s sources, the headset has been in development since 2015 and is intended to replace the iPhone over the next 10 years. Unfortunately, it sounds as though consumers may have to wait until next year to get their hands on this highly-anticipated device. These same sources claim the company is looking to prep vendors for an early 2023 launch with next year’s developer conference supposedly focusing on VR and AR apps for the headset.

The company is also said to be working on a more advanced pair of dedicated AR glasses, which will supposedly release sometime after the mixed reality device. This past April, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that AR will be “critically important” for the company moving forward, saying, “I’m already seeing AR take off in some of these areas with use of the phone. And I think the promise is even greater in the future.”

The upcoming iOS 16 update will reportedly lay the groundwork for the upcoming launch of the mixed reality headset, which means an official reveal could be imminent. Codenamed “Sydney,” the latest update is expected to arrive on iOS devices this June.

While Apple seems committed to VR/AR technology, the company has little to no interest in establishing its own metaverse and will instead focus its attention on delivering high-quality “bursts” of content. Since Facebook announced its switch to Meta, we’ve seen numerous companies, organizations, and public figures express their interest in the growing metaverse scene. That said, it appears as though Apple will remain out of the conversation.. for now.

Feature Image Credit: Apple

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Turn your living room into a mixed reality arena with this unique VR/AR experience.

This week we caught our first glimpse of Saber City, an upcoming VR game for Quest that utilizes Passthrough technology to immerse players in a mixed reality arena. Here they’ll use a variety of weaponry to battle virtual mechs controlled in AR using a compatible iPhone device.

Based on the footage provided, the game appears to be in the very early stages of development. Still, what we’ve seen so far looks incredibly entertaining. In a video shared on Reddit, we see two players using the Quest 2 to fight a large mech using a combination of blasters and swords. Meanwhile, a third user controls the mechanical monstrosity using an iPhone.

According to the project’s creator, Yarwad, the game will be available exclusively on the Meta Quest and iPhone devices to start. Support for PC VR headsets and Android devices may eventually be included as stretch goals. For more information, you can sign up for notifications about the upcoming Kickstarter campaign.

Personally, I can’t wait to see more mixed reality experiences make their way to XR hardware. Last year, Meta unveiled its Presence Platform which includes a wide range of unique mixed reality environments, interactions, and voice experiences. Since then we’ve seen several unique experiences make use of this exciting technology, such as a mixed reality stargazing lounge.

With Meta’s highly-anticipated XR headset, Project Cambria, expected to arrive sometime this year, we could be entering the golden age of mixed reality. According to the company, Project Cambria is not a replacement for the Quest 2, but rather the first entry in a new line of XR hardware.

Feature Image Credit: Yarwad

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Speculation is already rampant.

This week developer Beat Games teased a new block type on the way to its ultra-popular VR rhythm game Beat Saber. In a tweet posted yesterday to their official Twitter account, the company shared a picture featuring a classic Beat Saber block sliced into even layers. The post was accompanied by the message, “What’s this? Wrong answers only.”

Since then, Beat Games Lead Level Creator Josh ‘Freeek’ Joynes has confirmed that the block show is, in fact, a new type, saying, “It’s a new type, not a conversion. Old maps will be untouched. It was thought about but ultimately this was the best decision. :).” While this may sound like a relatively small addition, Joynes claims that this latest feature was over 40 months in the making.

That said, we still know little to nothing about this new block type. Since the reveal, a good portion of the community has begun speculating that this could be a new type of “slider” block designed to create more fluid VR movements, such as those featured in other VR rhym games like Synth Riders and Supernatural.

Since its early access launch on PC VR headsets in November 2018, Beat Games has supported the title with regular game updates and downloadable music packs but has overall refrained from tampering with the original game mechanics. If proven accurate, this could mark the first major alteration to the games’ core gameplay. This of course doesn’t include any unofficial mods developed and released by the community.

Hopefully, we’ll learn more about this mysterious new block type soon.

Feature Image Credit: Beat Games

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Grab your bow and jump into the virtual arena.

This week, developer Normal VR (Half+Half) unveiled its latest VR game, NOCK. Coming “soon” to the Quest platform, the multiplayer VR experience looks a lot like the popular vehicular soccer game Rocket League, only instead of driving rocket-powered cars, players instead use a bow and arrow to knock (oh my god I just got it) the ball into their opponents net.

Yesterday, the company released an official announcement trailer for the game, teasing a fast-paced competitive experience with a one-of-a-kind look. Based on the footage provided, it appears as though players will have access to a variety of different bows and arrows. At one point in the video, a player uses their bow to spawn a geometric object in order to ricochet the ball into the net. That said, it looks as though working with your team to develop new strategies will be a major part of NOCK.

Other than that very little is known about the game. According to Normal VR, we can expect the game to launch “soon” on Quest headsets. Upon closer inspection, NOCK appears to feature several elements from “Starball,” one of several minigames included in the developer’s first VR game, Half+Half. Whereas NOCK pits players against one another in a conventional arena, “Starball” has teams duking it out high above the clouds using virtual hand gliders. If NOCK is even half as fun as this underrated gem, we could be looking at one of the best competitive VR games of the year.

NOCK is expected to launch “soon” on Quest headsets. No word yet on the official price tag. Hopefully, we’ll learn more details regarding this unique-looking experience soon.

Feature Image Credit: Normal VR

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The 45-minute interactive tour takes you back 850 years to explore the incredible architecture in its prime.

On April 15th, 2019, a massive fire that started under the roof of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral caused extensive damage to the historic structure. By the time the last flames were extinguished there was almost nothing left of the roof and upper walls, with the spire having collapsed entirely. 

Eternal Notre-Dame, a new VR experience developed by Orange and Emissive in association with the Mayor of Paris and the Church, returns the extraordinary edifice back to its former glory through the use of immersive technology. 

In this interactive VR experience, audiences use HTC’s Vive Focus 3 VR headset to explore a historically-accurate recreation of Notre-Dame painstakingly crafted using high-res scans of the interior and older images as a reference. The visually-captivating simulation allows you to walk the halls of the historic structure, explore the roof, listen to stories from the original builders, watch glazers install an intricate stained glass window, and discover the cathedral’s many secrets.

The Eternal Notre-Dame experience also includes “Notre-Dame hors les murs” (history and art) and “Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris: the work of the century” (presentation of the different trades), two additional exhibitions featuring a model of the cathedral (provided by the Diocese of Paris), a detailed reproduction of its arrow (masterpiece produced by the Compagnons du Tour de France), and a 12-minute film evoking the restoration site (produced by the public establishment responsible for conservation and restoration).

Orange turned to Emissive to put together the 45-minute VR experience because of the incredible VR experiences they’ve built in the past. In the past, the company has worked on projects for major organizations such as Adidas, The Enemy, and Mona Lisa: Beyond the Glass, which was the Louvre’s first-ever VR exhibition.

In an official press release, Fabien Barati, CEO of Emissive, said, “We are delighted to show the great potential of immersive expeditions to the general public. Our teams are proud to contribute, through their expertise, to the reconstruction, preservation, and enhancement of this unique monument, so rich in symbols that is Notre-Dame de Paris.”

In the same press release, Cher Wang, Co-founder and Chairwoman, HTC Corp, added, “Allowing people to experience in fantastic detail the awe-inspiring beauty and history of Notre-Dame cathedral is an outstanding example of how virtual reality can ensure that history lives on. Our compact, all in one VIVE Focus 3 headset enables people to absorb the atmosphere and admire the marvelous architecture and precious relics as if they were there.”

She added, “We’re particularly proud of this work by our content partner Emissive, which has led the world in creating extraordinary and unique VR-based cultural experiences.”

The Eternal Notre-Dame will open to the public in Paris starting on January 15, 2022, at the Espace Grande Arche in la Défense. In September 2022, the VR experience will move to the Parvis de Notre-Dame – the main square in front of the cathedral. Eternal Notre-Dame will then embark on a tour of France and Europe before making its way to the rest of the world.

Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Eternal Notre-Dame, an extraordinary immersive experience! Cutting-edge technologies allow this 45-minute sound and visual stroll through the 800-year history of Notre Dame. To discover urgently!” – Le Bonbon

“The rain falls on the pavement of this dark Parisian alley. In the background, the shadow of Notre Dame, majestic … From the first seconds, I am thrown back in the Middle Ages which invented Gothic art, for a journey in the bluffing time.” – Le Pèlerin

“I am impressed by the evocative power of this tool. I feel, I believe, the same feeling as the spectators who saw the first talkie film!” – Franck Ferrand from Radio Classique

Tickets for Eternal Notre-Dame start at € 20.99 (or roughly $20 US dollars) and can be purchased here starting on January 15th.

Feature Image Credit: Orange

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The Blaston Reloaded update will introduce a variety of exciting new content.

Resolution Games (Demeo, Acron: Attack of the Squirrels, Angry Birds VR) today announced several major updates coming soon to their VR dueler Blaston that will add new content to the game. This includes everything from a new seasonal game mode to graphic enhancements for higher-end VR headsets.

The developer released an official roadmap as part of the announcement outlining the games most recent updates as well as future content on the way to the multiplayer VR experience. Arriving on headsets this April, the Blaston Reloaded update will introduce a new seasonal game mode, customizable weapon attachments, and various graphical enhancements designed specificall for PC VR headsets.

Resolution is also teasing a mysterious new weapon type developed in collaboration with another game studio, but that’s all we know so far.

In order to account for the new content, as well as future game updates, the Resolution Games will be raising the price of the game from $9.99 to $19.99 on Monday, January 17th. Moving forward, the developer will be offering additional support to the games’ growing competitive scene in the form of new tournaments and competitions.

“With our most recent update, we believe that we’ve hit a new benchmark of what Blaston really is. It’s a game that’s grown exponentially since its launch,” said Resolution Games’ Community Manager, Defur, adding, “Thanks to the feedback of our community and the creativity of the development team, new features have turned Blaston into something way more than it was on day one – and we’ve reached a point where we believe the price should reflect that.”

Since its launch on VR headsets back in 2020, Resolution Games has released several major updates for Blaston, expanding the game with new weapons and environments, a dedicated social hub, and a robust single-player campaign.

Blaston is available for $9.99 on Meta Quest and PC VR. For more information on everything the game has to offer visit here.

Feature Image Credit: Resolution Games

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HTC is bringing physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management treatments to the metaverse.

HTC VIVE is partnering with XRHealth to bring healthcare into the metaverse in the form of virtual medical rooms where patients can receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management treatments. These digital facilities will be accessible in VR using either a VIVE Focus 3 or VIVE Flow headset, depending on if you are the doctor or the patient.

Announced during CES, the move further positions HTC as not only a VR headset provider, but a well-rounded metaverse company by expanding its ecosystem beyond business, entertainment, and art to include healthcare through XRHealth’s medical platform and their virtual clinics. 

Using the VIVE Focus 3, clinicians are able to meet with patients in a virtual treatment room created through XRHealth’s preloaded software. The patient, who accesses the treatment room through a Vive Flow, can talk with a medical expert in real-time about their progress. During that time, the clinician can work with the patient and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment process, if needed.

XRHealth’s unique approach to healthcare uses immersive XR technology to connect licensed clinicians with patients via a single data analytics platform, providing a comprehensive therapeutic care solution patients can use to receive treatment without ever having to leave the comfort of their homes. Currently, XRHealth’s platform is being used by several U.S. healthcare providers, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. 

In an official press release, Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth, said, “As the metaverse builds momentum, providing virtual treatment rooms will be paramount,” adding, “Providing virtual treatment for patients is going to enhance all clinician practices by offering the most innovative solutions to anyone, anywhere.”

The Vive Flow, which won Best Wearable Tech at the 2021 Esquire Gadgets Awards, was designed with wellness (and light gaming) in mind, making it an excellent tool for patient use. The headset is incredibly lightweight, portable, and easy to use, allowing patients to meet with their doctors anywhere they are located as long as they own an Android 5G smartphone.

The Focus 3’s high-quality visuals, impressive ultra-wide 120-degree field of view, and swappable battery—on the other hand—make it a great device for clinician use, especially for those days when they have to see a lot of patients virtually. 

“By advancing XR technology with VIVE Focus 3 and VIVE Flow, we’re removing a lot of friction points patients and clinicians experience, while providing greater access to care,” says Daniel O’Brien, President and Global Head of Enterprise at HTC Americas. “HTC is once again leading the way in XR technology, seamlessly moving people into the metaverse as we’ve done so many times in the past.”

Patients and doctors will be able to access XRHealth platform on the Vive Focus 3 starting February 1, 2022, and on the Vive Flow in Spring of 2022.

Feature Image Credit: HTC

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