The latest Oculus software update for the Quest 2 headset has arrived and it brings several additions to the virtual reality headset. Chief among these additions is official support for the Apple Magic Keyboard. Oculus originally added support for some keyboards back in update v28. Now, though, update v37 will bring support for the Apple Magic Keyboard to the VR environment.
Over the past few months, rumors of work on an Apple augmented reality/mixed reality (AR/MR) headset have shaped up to be quite exciting. According to a recent report that Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo prepared for investors, the upcoming Apple AR headset may require the same level of computing power as the MacBook Pro. Kuo has also stated that the device should offer performance much higher than that of the latest iPhones.
HTC is ready to expand the arsenal of add-ons available for its Vive Focus 3, starting with the new Vive Wrist Tracker. Built specifically to work with the Vive Focus 3's inside-out tracking, the Vive Wrist Tracker features one-button pairing for easier connectivity. HTC says that the tracker is also 85% smaller than the controller for the Vive Focus 3, and 50% lighter, too.
Shiftall is expanding its virtual reality options with four devices, including a new VR headset. The company unveiled the devices on Wednesday during CES 2022, and they're all set to arrive throughout 2022. First up on the list of new devices is Shiftall's MeganeX, an ultra-lightweight and high-resolution VR headset. The lighter weight should help with headset fatigue, which is a common issue VR users run into after extended periods of time wearing their headsets. The head-mounted display also features a foldable frame and built-in speakers. It should be easy to store, and not needing to add an external headset means you won't need to worry about extra weight being added on.
The PlayStation 4 brought virtual reality (VR) to consoles for the first time and fans have been wondering exactly what Sony has in store for the PS5. The PS5 has been on the market for over a year now and it was way back in March of 2021 that Sony took the wraps off the new PS5 VR controllers. Sony is calling its next-generation system, the somewhat unimaginatively titled, PS VR2, while the previously controllers have also been officially named and are henceforth known as the PS VR2 Sense.
One of the biggest surprises during The 2021 Game Awards was the reveal that Among Us is stepping into the realm of virtual reality. Among Us VR was revealed with a brief teaser trailer in the midst of The Game Awards, and though it didn't show very much, most of us probably have a good enough grasp on the original game to imagine what a virtual reality version of the game will be like.
Meta has announced the final software update of 2021 for the Meta Quest - formerly known as the Oculus Quest - and it seems like it's a big one. Playing into the "metaverse" angle behind Facebook's name change to Meta, there actually isn't a ton that has to do with VR gaming in this update. Instead, much of it is focused on mixed reality and usability, with some big features coming down the pipeline.
Only a week after its latest Connect event, Oculus is now rolling out software version 34 to Quest VR headsets, giving users access to a variety of new features and improvements. Of note, Quest update 34 will make the VR headset more useful for Android users who don't like to be away from their phone, as well as more convenient voice commands and improved Guardian functionality.
Mesh for Microsoft Teams was revealed this week as the company's key to the doorway that is the metaverse workplace. It is with Mesh for Microsoft Teams that the company shows they understand the way people collaborate and work today - but it's more important than that. Mesh shows us Microsoft is ready to deliver virtual presence for people that've just gotten out of bed and wouldn't otherwise want to appear on camera.
In the year 2022 is expected that Apple, Sony, and Meta will launch significant HMD devices. This is a head-mounted display (HMD), and there's a decent chance it'll be the next sort of device that'll be above-and-beyond desirable by the average consumer. Much like the first Apple Watch, it's quite likely the first Apple HMD will only have full functionality when paired with an iPhone.
Earlier today, Facebook revealed that it's changing its name. Facebook, the corporation, will now be known as Meta. While Meta will continue to offer separate brands like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the company will no longer share its name with its most popular app offering. As it turns out, this restructuring isn't just changing things at the corporate level, as Meta will also be retiring the Oculus brand.
We were expecting some news about VR gaming today at Facebook Connect 2021, and that's precisely what we got. Facebook made several announcements regarding games that are heading to Oculus VR, and while we may not expect a ton from a segment that often still feels like it's just getting going, there were certainly surprises. If you're a GTA or Beat Saber fan, then you'll want to pay attention to today's announcements.