Prototype VR Controller Dynamically Distributes Weight to Fit Virtual Objects
There’s no doubt about it; weilding a real controller that matches the weight and feel of a virtual object is far more immersive than having a disconnect between the two. The problem, of course, is that if a controller is made to fit too specific a role, it’s less useful for interacting with a wide range of virtual objects. A novel prototype based on an HTC Vive controller attempts to solve this problem by allowing the controller to redistribute its weight on the fly.
Google Brings ARCore 1.0 to Multiple Flagship Smartphones, Google Lens Preview Soon
Ahead of Mobile World Congress (MWC) next week, Google announced it’s bringing ARCore, it’s augmented reality SDK, out of preview and to a number of flagship smartphones in its 1.0 version. Google Lens, the company’s tool to help users identify real-world objects, is also making its way from Pixel to more flagship devices soon – albeit still in preview.
ARKit Recreation of ‘The Ring’ TV Scene Foretells AR’s Inevitable Weirdness
Let’s face it, when augmented reality headsets and glasses become commonplace, the world is going to get weird in a lot of unexpected ways. In the meantime, we can get a little sneak peek into that weirdness yet to come with Abhishek Singh’s latest ARKit project that recreated the iconic scene from The Ring (2002).
‘VTOL VR’ Update Introduces Air Combat Fighter Jet and Mission Editor
VR-only flight simulator VTOL VR, recently received a substantial update that includes a mission editor and a pilotable fighter jet. The sim is designed specifically around the use of VR motion controls, and is available in Early Access on Steam.
Lead FX Artist on ‘ARKTIKA.1’ Shares Strategies for Great Effects in VR
ARKTIKA.1, an Oculus exclusive due to launch later this year, is shaping up to be one of VR’s best looking games to date. You’ll take it as no surprise that the title is being developed by 4A Games, the developer behind the Metro series (and its stunning next installment, Metro Exodus). One important part of making a game look great is skilled use of effects—dynamic elements like particles, smoke, muzzle flashes, explosions, and lighting. But the methods for making great looking effects for traditional games take on new challenges when it comes to VR, especially when teetering on the edge of visual fidelity and the high performance required for smooth VR rendering. In this guest article, 4A Games explores their approach to making effects in Arktika.1.
‘VRChat’ Virality Runs Its Course After 3M Installs, Healthy Concurrent Usership Remains
VRChat, the social app for VR and non-VR users popularly known for its recent boom in meme-driven notoriety, seems to have leveled off somewhat in terms of install numbers and concurrent user rates following its exponential upswing back in December and January.
Qualcomm’s 845 VRDK Reference Headset Boasts Eye-tracking, High Res, & High Framerate
Qualcomm today revealed a new ‘VRDK’ standalone reference headset based on their Snapdragon 845 chip. The reference design—which serves as a blueprint for Qualcomm customers who may want to build their own VR headsets based on the design—boasts an impressive set of specifications.
‘FORM’ Developers Announce Puzzle Adventure ‘Twilight Path’ for Summer 2018, Teaser Trailer Here
Charm Games, the developers behind the fantastic (albeit fairly short) otherworldly puzzle game FORM (2017), today unveiled their next upcoming VR title. Called Twilight Path, the puzzle game will take you on what Charm calls a fantasy adventure “to meet wandering spirits, enchanted sentries, and mischievous gods.”
‘Brass Tactics’ Review – a Sturdy Steampowered RTS Lacking a Solid Story
Brass Tactics (2018) is a node-based real-time strategy game that comes with a bit of a pedigree. Created by Hidden Path Entertainment, the minds behind the Defense Grid franchise and Age of Empires II, you’ll probably enter the world of Brass Tactics like many others – dropping in after getting your fill of the free-to-play multiplayer demo Brass Tactics: Arena. What you see in Arena is basically what you get in the full version, save the game’s 20 maps, campaign mode, and 3 AI to play against.
PlayStation Plus Members Can Save up to 75% Off on 100+ PSVR Titles & DLC This Week
That $60 yearly membership to PS Plus is definitely paying off for US-based PSVR owners this time around, as this next batch of discounts is putting over 100 PSVR items on sale including games and DLC. The sale lasts until February 27th
Understanding the Difference Between ‘Screen Door Effect’, ‘Mura’, & ‘Aliasing’
When it comes to VR headsets, one of today’s most noticeable bottlenecks is visual fidelity. When we talk about and compare the visual fidelity of VR headsets we often touch on three key elements: Screen Door Effect, Mura, and Aliasing. Often times we see people mixing these three up, so here’s a quick guide explaining each element and what they actually look like.
Asus Windows VR Headset Finally Launches, Priced at $430
Asus was among a handful of Microsoft partners who planned to launch a VR headset as part of Microsoft’s “Mixed Reality” platform. While those other headsets became available late last year, Asus’ own Windows VR headset is finally launching today.
Microsoft Affirms New HoloLens Headset is in Development
Despite some reports last year suggesting that Microsoft may have discontinued HoloLens, the company has affirmed its work on a new version of the AR headset.
