This Week in XR: PSVR 2 Goes PC, HTC Freebie, and Vision Pro Nears German Debut

VR Headsets and Hardware Updates

Sony’s PSVR 2 Adapts for PC Use

Exciting news for VR enthusiasts: Sony announced the PSVR 2 will gain PC compatibility starting in August.

This transformation will be enabled via an adapter priced at around 60 euros, coupled with a DisplayPort 1.4 cable.

Despite this, there are some limitations to note. Core features like HDR, haptic feedback, eye-tracking, and 3D audio will remain exclusive to the PS5.

However, users can still expect 4K resolution per eye, a 110-degree field of view, and finger tracking support.

This move aims to boost the sluggish sales of the PSVR 2 by tapping into the wider PC VR market on Steam

Sony is interested in PCs

HTC Enhances Vive XR Elite Comfort

HTC is focusing on user comfort by offering a free accessory kit for the Vive XR Elite.

From June 3 to July 3, 2024, buyers can claim a Deluxe Pack with four ergonomic accessories designed to improve fit and wearability.

This pack includes the VIVE Face Gasket 2.0, VIVE MR Gasket, VIVE Deluxe Strap, and VIVE Temple Clips.

Users need to register their device on the VIVE website to receive this package.

This initiative aims to ensure more even weight distribution and a more comfortable fit for the VR experience

Pico 4S Speculations: A Strong Challenger?

Recent speculations suggest the potential release of a new VR headset, Pico 4S, which could outstrip the Meta Quest 3 in terms of RAM.

Reports indicate that the Pico 4S might feature 12 GB of RAM, up from the Quest 3’s 8 GB.

This increase could significantly enhance texture and detail rendering.

Early benchmarks suggest that a Pico developer headset has already shown superior multicore and single-core performance.

Alongside these hardware improvements, the Pico 4S is rumored to sport ringless controllers, marking a technological leap over its predecessors.

Nevertheless, following strategic changes at ByteDance, the parent company of Pico, it’s uncertain if and how the 4S will materialize

Software and Platform Updates

Meta Quest Update 66: Elevating Mixed Reality

The recent Meta Quest update 66 is making waves in the VR community, especially for Quest 3 users.

This update significantly improves mixed reality capabilities, enabling more seamless integration of the virtual and real worlds.

Post-update, hands and objects now appear more natural and less distorted during movement, which enhances the immersive experience.

Additionally, the virtual hands’ alignment with real hands has been optimized, facilitating more intuitive and precise interactions.

Beyond visual enhancements, other new features include background audio for 2D apps and experimental wrist buttons for hand tracking.

Functions for parental supervision have also been adapted, ensuring a safer VR experience for younger users.

It’s worth noting that these improvements are being rolled out gradually, so some users might need to wait before experiencing the optimized passthrough.

This update continues the efforts initiated in v64 to enhance the crucial passthrough function, which is key for mixed reality interactions.

Apple Vision Pro: German Launch on the Horizon

Apple Vision Pro, the highly anticipated AR headset, is rumored to launch in Germany soon.

There is mounting evidence of preparations underway in stores across Europe.

Reports suggest that store employees in France and the UK are making room for the Vision Pro, with large pallets of sofas already arriving for demonstration setups.

A simultaneous launch in several European countries, including Germany, seems likely.

This launch is expected to occur in the third or fourth week of July, coinciding with Apple’s WWDC keynote on June 10, where the international rollout alongside visionOS 2 will be announced.

Stay tuned for more updates as the XR landscape continues to evolve with these significant software and platform enhancements!

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Industry News and Events

Palmer Luckey Teases Exciting New VR Product for AWE 2024

Oculus founder Palmer Luckey is stirring up excitement in the VR community with hints of a new VR product debuting at AWE 2024.

In a recent tweet, Luckey suggested he might unveil something groundbreaking at the event.

This has sparked intense speculation among VR enthusiasts, especially following his recent project, Chromatic—a handheld console that plays classic Game Boy cartridges.

The anticipation is high as Luckey is also set to be inducted into the XR Hall of Fame during AWE 2024, which takes place from June 18 to 20.

VR keeps growing

Microsoft Cuts Jobs in Mixed Reality Division But Continues HoloLens 2 Production

Significant shifts are happening at Microsoft, particularly in their Mixed Reality division.

The tech giant has announced over 1,000 job cuts, signaling a pivot towards AI initiatives such as Copilot and ChatGPT.

Despite these cuts, Microsoft remains committed to the HoloLens 2, especially for its contracts with the Department of Defense.

This move comes as Microsoft strengthens its collaboration with Meta to integrate Xbox Cloud Gaming and Office apps into Meta Quest, demonstrating a broader mixed reality hardware ecosystem 

Meta Connect 2024 Date Announced in Mixed Reality

The much-anticipated Meta Connect 2024 conference date has been revealed in a unique mixed reality presentation by Mark Zuckerberg.

This annual event, scheduled to be broadcast live via Meta’s Facebook pages, promises to showcase cutting-edge VR and AR developments. Further details on speakers and specific topics are expected to be released in the summer.

Previous editions of Meta Connect have introduced significant products like the Meta Quest 3 and the Meta | Ray-Ban Smartglasses

Key Takeaways

• Palmer Luckey: New VR product teased for AWE 2024.
• Microsoft: Job cuts in Mixed Reality but ongoing HoloLens 2 support.
• Meta Connect 2024: Date announced with a focus on new VR/AR innovations.

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New VR Games and Experiences

Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded Brings Agent 47 to Meta Quest 3 with New Cel-Shaded Look

Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded is making a splash on the Meta Quest 3, bringing everyone’s favorite stealth assassin, Agent 47, into a captivating new cel-shaded world.

IO Interactive’s latest update includes exciting new features like dual-wielding, enhanced user interface, and a more fluid movement system for navigating complex environments.

The cel-shaded graphics not only increase immersion but also add a unique visual flair that sets this iteration apart.

Beat Saber Gets New Free Songs, but Quest 1 Support Ending Soon

The iconic rhythm game Beat Saber continues to expand its music library with the addition of new free songs from the OST 7 update.

This brings the game’s catalog to 55 free tracks, complete with the new “Collider” environment and improved laser physics.

However, it’s not all good news—support for the original Meta Quest will end on November 2, 2024.

While Quest 1 owners can still play, features like multiplayer will be disabled, and leaderboards may also be affected.

Tomb Raider Mod Offers Mixed Reality Adventure on Meta Quest 3

Team Beef has outdone itself with the new “BeefRaider XR” mod, transforming the classic Tomb Raider game into a mixed reality adventure on the Meta Quest 3.

This innovative mod allows players to rotate, move, and scale the game world, creating a diorama-like experience.

All you need is a copy of the original game or its remaster to dive into this unique VR experience, blurring the lines between the virtual and real worlds.

VR Fitness and Other Applications

Supernatural: Meta’s VR Fitness App is as Efficient as Boxing

In a groundbreaking study by the University of Victoria in Canada, Meta’s popular VR fitness app, Supernatural, has been scientifically validated.

The study revealed that the app’s workouts qualify as vigorous physical activity, trimming down the time needed to achieve recommended physical activity guidelines by almost half.

Users can now leverage Supernatural’s mixed reality mode, which utilizes passthrough to allow exercise while staying aware of their surroundings.

This feature combines safety with functionality, making home workouts much more appealing and practical.

Contractors Showdown: VR Battle Royale Shooter Adds Permanent Solo Mode

Exciting news for VR gaming enthusiasts: Contractors Showdown has rolled out an update adding a permanent solo mode.

Allowing up to 45 players on a massive 16-square-kilometer map, solo players can now dive into intense, high-stakes battles without needing a team.

This game includes an extensive arsenal of weapons, tactical accessories, and a progression system with unlockable blueprints and cosmetic items, ensuring a varied and immersive experience.

Available for both Meta Quest and PC VR via Steam, Contractors Showdown is priced at under 20 euros, making it an attractive option for VR gamers seeking a comprehensive battle royale experience.

Track Craft: Mixed Reality Racing Game Soon to be Fully Playable in VR

For fans of racing games, Track Craft offers an interesting twist with its mixed reality gameplay.

According to the developers, the game will soon become fully playable in VR, adding a new layer of immersion by allowing players to experience races up close from the driver’s seat.

Features such as multiplayer leaderboards, leagues, a revised user interface, and hand-tracking support for the level editor are planned for the VR version.

Currently available in Early Access for Quest 2 and Quest 3, Track Craft is priced at just.

Read more about Palmer Luckey here.