The Meta Quest 2 is one of Meta’s premier virtual reality headsets (not counting the Meta Quest Pro).

The versatile headset is capable of much more than gaming, and Mark Zuckerberg likely has bold plans for the headset involving the metaverse.

With Meta Quest 2, you can do all kinds of activities.

You can watch movies, browse the web, try some of the latest VR games, or even get in an intense workout with games like Beat Saber.

But can Meta’s VR headset do all that by itself, or do you need a PC to hook the headset up for these activities?

Does the Oculus or Meta Quest 2 need a PC?

Short answer: No

The Meta Quest 2 or Quest Pro does not need to be hooked up to a PC or anything else to experience what the headset offers.

It is a completely standalone device, making it a great consumer product that just about anyone can enjoy.

The Quest 2 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 System built right into it, which has 6 GB of RAM and an Adreno 650 GPU.

This combination is powerful enough to run most games.

In addition to downloading games and apps designed specifically for the Quest 2 through the Oculus Quest Store, players can sideload titles onto the device by transferring them into its storage.

Again, all these games are playable on the headset without using a PC.

READ MORE: Can I use the Oculus Quest 2 with Steam games?

But that doesn’t mean you can’t use the headset with your PC to unlock even more entertainment.

The Meta Quest 2 can wirelessly connect to your PC via Air Link or hardwire using the Quest 2 Link cable.

READ MORE: Meta’s new parental controls make Quest VR headsets safer for kids

Connecting your Meta Quest 2 headset to your PC will let you use the headset to experience some VR games that aren’t available as a standalone Meta product.

But again, this is just an extra benefit you get with the Meta Quest 2.

You can still get dozens of games and apps on the headset without extra hardware. Alternatively, you can cast Oculus Quest 2 on a TV.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can you buy a replacement controller for the Oculus Quest 2?
• Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?
• Which Oculus Quest 2 should you buy?
• Sony’s upcoming PSVR 2 controller is highlighted in a new patent

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 is one of the premier consumer brand VR headsets.

With a price starting at just $399, this is the headset that will inevitably introduce a lot of people to the world of VR.

And the Quest 2 is a pretty versatile device. The base model was previously upgraded to feature a 128GB hard drive, unlike the original 64GB.

And it’s standalone, which means you don’t need to hook the headset up to any other hardware to enjoy what it offers.

Although the Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone device, it doesn’t have to be confined to its own capabilities.

What about VR games and apps on other platforms? Does the Oculus Quest 2 work with Steam?

Can you play Steam games with the Oculus Quest 2?

Short answer: Yes

Yep, you can play SteamVR games using your Oculus Quest 2. Oculus has a feature called Air Link that lets users wirelessly tether their headset to their PC.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 require a PC?

If you’re not into the idea of using your Oculus Quest 2 wirelessly with your computer, there’s always the option of connecting it with a wire via the Oculus Quest Link Cable or any standard USB-C cable.

That way, you can still enjoy all the same features without relying on a wireless connection

How to use the Oculus Quest 2 with Steam

If you want to use your Oculus Quest 2 with Steam, first, you’ll need to install the SteamVR app on your Quest 2.

While you’re at it, install the Quest 2 desktop app on your PC if it’s not installed already.

Once installed, connect your headset to your computer using the Quest 2 Link Cable. If you’re connecting wirelessly, skip ahead.

With your headset connected to your PC, launch the SteamVR app from the Quest 2 Home screen.

Launch Steam on your computer and click on the “VR” icon in the top right corner of the Steam window.
Then, follow the prompts to set up your VR headset and controllers.

Once you get your Oculus Quest 2 hooked up to your computer via Air Link or the Link Cable, you are ready to start experiencing what SteamVR offers on your Quest 2.

So whenever you’re ready, select any VR game from your Steam library and dive in.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 support quick charging?

Important to point out: make sure your gaming rig is up to snuff. After all, you’ll rely on your PC to run the games, not Quest 2.

So, make sure your machine has the horsepower to handle the load.

Oh, and don’t forget to have a Steam account, too – you’ll need it to access your Steam library and play VR games.

Step up your VR game: play Steam games on Oculus Quest 2

So there you have it; it is definitely possible to play Steam games on the Oculus Quest 2. All you need is the SteamVR app, a compatible PC, and a Steam account.

Just keep in mind that not all Steam games are compatible with Quest 2, so be sure to check the system requirements before you buy.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can you buy a replacement controller for the Oculus Quest 2?
• Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?
• Which Oculus Quest 2 should you buy?
• Are Oculus Quest 2 controllers rechargeable?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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One of the most important parts of your Oculus Quest 2 is the controllers.

They control your interactions with games, apps, and other experiences, and gesture control helps with your immersion.

You might get too immersed though, and accidentally hit or drop one of your Oculus controllers, breaking it.

If this happens, you’ll need to figure out a solution, as the controllers are a major component of the VR headset.

Here’s what to know about getting a replacement controller for your Oculus Quest 2.

So, does Oculus sell replacement controllers for the Quest 2?

Short answer: Yes

Replacement controllers for the Oculus Quest 2 cost $74.95 each; ideally, you can get them directly from Meta.

Previously, Meta’s Quest store had displayed them as out of stock for months, leaving customers frustrated and disappointed.

But here’s some good news: the stock drought is finally over.

READ MORE: How to switch from a Facebook to Meta account on Quest

Oculus Quest 2 controller replacements are back

Thankfully, The Meta Store now has both the left and right controllers in stock, with delivery dates roughly a week from ordering time.

They are also available from overcharging third-party sellers on Amazon, but we don’t recommend you do that unless it’s cheaper.

How much are Oculus controllers? Meta Quest 2 controllers normally run $79.95 a pop.

Previously, resellers were charging $200 when Meta had them out of stock, so you might as well buy a full Quest 2 headset pack for $299.

READ MORE: Where are all the Meta Quest 2 controllers?

If you get one from the Meta Quest store, you’ll want to ensure you’re on the correct ordering page for the replacement controller.

That’s because the controller that the Oculus Quest 2 uses isn’t quite the same as the one that came with the original Oculus Quest.

Don’t forget to unpair the old, broken controller (if possible) and manually pair the new replacement when it arrives.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?

One last note, while the controller for the Oculus Quest 2 is better for battery life than the one that shipped with the Rift CV1; they’re not as robust.

The tracking ring at the top sticks out and isn’t the thickest plastic.

Maybe before you need a replacement controller, consider buying some silicone covers to cushion any inevitable knocks.

Editor’s recommendations:

• Which Oculus Quest 2 should you buy?
• Are Oculus Quest 2 controllers rechargeable?
• 8 of the best VR games that you can try on your new Oculus Quest 2
• Where do I find the serial number of my Oculus Quest 2?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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Meta revealed the GPU boost in a blog post on its website earlier this week. The update increases the Quest 2’s GPU frequency to 525 MHz, up from 490 MHz.

“We’re excited to announce that you now have more GPU compute power to work with on Meta Quest 2 devices—7% more, to be exact,” the company wrote in its blog post.

That increase represents a 7 percent boost in speed from the device’s GPU.

But what does this mean for your Quest 2 experience?

“This means your apps’ visuals will look even better—without sacrificing resolution quality,” Meta notes in its blog post.

Essentially, the 7 percent boost should lead to an overall improvement in picture quality and performance in apps.

The Quest 2 can now “leverage higher pixel density without substantially reducing resolution in order to hit the target frame rate.”

This is the update the Quest 2 desperately needed

The update gives you better picture quality from your Quest 2 without sacrificing the frame rate. So it offers a clearer picture while maintaining smooth transitions.

Meta says that all developers can now utilize this app performance boost. There’s no coding or integration necessary to take advantage of it.

Users need to doff/don (take off and put back on) or sleep cycle their Quest 2 headset by tapping the power button twice to unlock the updated performance boost.

However, a later update won’t require extra steps to increase GPU speeds. Meta says that an update is coming soon.

This is a nice boost for Quest 2 owners to get a little extra out of their headset near the end of its lifespan.

The next generation of Quest headsets is likely coming next year, and we expect to see a significant performance boost in that model. Until then, there’s always the Quest Pro.

Staff Pick

Meta Quest 2
The Meta Quest 2 is one of the best VR headsets yet, with impressive power and a comfortable design. Not to mention, it’s portable too.

Rating

Check Pricing

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Where do I find the serial number of my Oculus Quest 2?
• Can I use my Oculus Quest 2 with my Xbox?
• Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?
• What’s the Oculus Quest 2’s battery life?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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The Oculus Quest 2 is a revolutionary virtual reality headset that can be used wired or wirelessly with a compatible PC or console.

It offers an immersive gaming experience with state-of-the-art sensors, graphics, and audio. The headset features a single Fast Switch LCD screen for maximum visual quality.

It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 SoC processor and has 6GB of RAM. The device also comes in two variations, either with 128GB or 256GB of storage space. 

However, all that power means that the Oculus Quest 2 must be charged regularly. Thankfully, it’s equipped with a USB-C charging port and an included charger for easy recharging.

The Oculus Quest 2 is also designed with a powerful battery lasting up to 2-3 hours of continuous use.

Naturally, it’s only fair to ask how long the Oculus Quest 2 takes to charge, right? Let’s get to it, then.

Short on time? Feel free to skip ahead using the jump links below.

How long does the Oculus Quest 2 take to charge?

Short Answer: 2.5 hours, give or take

The good news is that getting the Quest 2 charged and ready doesn’t take too long.

According to Oculus and confirmed by our tests, the Quest 2 takes about 2.5 hours to fully charge from an empty battery.

That’s not an excessively long time, but it’s always good to make sure you have a little bit of extra charge before you start using the headset.

How long does it take to charge the Oculus Quest 2 to 50%?

It takes approximately 1.25 hours to charge the Oculus Quest 2 from 0% to 50%. This charging time may vary slightly depending on the charger and battery temperature.

What affects Oculus Quest 2 charging speeds?

A few factors can affect how long it takes for the Quest 2 to charge, including the type of charger you’re using and the battery’s temperature.

Depending on use and battery life, the wireless option requires recharging every few hours. If you’re using a lower-amperage charger, it could take longer. 

The battery’s temperature also affects charging times, so if it’s hot outside or your battery temperature is high, charging may take longer.

How can I make sure the Oculus Quest 2 charges quickly?

To make sure your Quest 2 charges quickly, use the original charger with your headset. It’s designed to maximize the charging speed and will charge your device faster than other chargers.

In addition, try to keep the battery temperature as low as possible when charging. If it’s hot outside, put the headset in a cool spot or open a window to help keep the temperature down.

Finally, make sure that you unplug your headset as soon as it’s done charging so you don’t overcharge the battery and potentially reduce its lifespan.

Can I use Oculus Quest 2 while charging?

Oculus doesn’t recommend it, though the consensus within the community says you can. But it’s not ideal for the battery and headset long-term.

Ideally, make sure you have a fully charged battery before starting your gaming session.

How do I extend battery life?

To extend the battery life of your Quest 2, probably the best option is Meta’s official Elite Strap with Battery.

This strap features an integrated 2000 mAh battery that adds up to three hours of use time to your headset. Effectively, this means that it doubles your playtime. 

Moreover, it is comfortable and easy to adjust on the head. The strap adds minimal weight and bulkiness to your unit without compromising performance. 

How do I know when it’s fully charged?

When the Oculus Quest 2 is fully charged, the battery icon on your headset will turn green. You can also check the app to see how much charge you have left.

Should I let it reach 0 charge?

No, you should not allow your Quest 2 battery, or the battery of the Elite Strap, completely drain. It’s best to charge the headset when it has about 20-30% of its battery life remaining.

This will help keep your battery healthy and prevent any long-term damage caused by letting it deplete entirely.

Keep your headset charged for the best experience

Charging your Oculus Quest 2 is an important part of using the device.

Make sure to use the correct charger, keep the battery temperature low, and unplug it as soon as it’s done charging.

Keep in mind it takes about 2.5 hours for your Oculus Quest 2 to charge, so plan accordingly.

Finally, remember not to let your battery drain completely and to charge when it still has 20-30% of its battery life.

This will help keep your battery healthy and ensure you get the most out of your Oculus Quest 2 experience.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can you display your Oculus Quest 2 on your TV?
• Can Oculus Quest 2 controllers be used on the original Quest?
• Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?
• Can I use my Oculus Quest 2 with my PlayStation?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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If you own an Oculus Quest 2 VR headset, there could be some instances where you may need to find your device’s serial number.

Whether you need it for a certain app download, customer support, or any other reason – the Oculus Quest 2 and its controllers each have their own unique serial number.

Of course, finding the serial number on your Oculus Quest 2 isn’t necessarily as straightforward as it should be.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to find the serial number on your Oculus Quest 2, but they’re a little tricky. Don’t stress, though; we’ve got you covered.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about finding your serial number on the Oculus Quest 2. Shall we?

Where is the serial number on my Oculus Quest 2?

Short answer: A lot of places

Oculus Quest 2 serial numbers are found in several different places, both physically and digitally.

Oculus Quest 2 serial number location – where to find them

First, let’s see how to find the serial number for your Oculus Quest 2 on the device itself

On the headset – You can find the serial number underneath the strap on the right side of your Oculus Quest 2 headset.

To see it, gently pull the strap off the headset; you can find the serial number there.

On the box – Like many other products, you can also find the serial number for your Oculus Quest 2 on the packaging that it came in.

Look for a white box with a bar code, and you will see the 14-digit serial number next to the term: S/N.

Where can you find the serial number digitally?

• Oculus.com – Head to the Oculus website and log in to your account. You can head to the My Devices section, where your headset’s serial number is available.
• Oculus mobile app – This option is probably the most simple. Open the Oculus mobile app and tap Devices at the bottom; your headset and serial number will be displayed there.

Oculus Quest 2 controller serial number

If you’re looking for the serial number for your controllers, you’ll have to look at the controllers themselves.

Remove the battery door and the battery from your controller, and you’ll reveal the serial number underneath where the battery sits.

Finding your Oculus Quest 2 serial number is simple

There you go, that’s where to find Oculus Quest 2 serial numbers, a long with its controllers.

Again, the easiest method is probably to use the mobile app, but that may not always be an option.

Fortunately, there are other ways you can find the information.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can you buy a replacement controller for the Oculus Quest 2?
• Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?
• Which Oculus Quest 2 should you buy?
• Are Oculus Quest 2 controllers rechargeable?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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In a blog post from CTO Andrew Bosworth, the company defends doubling-down on the metaverse.

“These are the moments that truly test people’s belief in the future,” he says. The company is unwavering in its focus on developing the metaverse.

Despite the worsening economic conditions, he says the company is thinking long-term. It doesn’t want to cut currently-unprofitable projects that have future potential.

That’s unfortunate for the Portal video calling devices and the unannounced smartwatch. Those devices were axed in November as Meta aligned spending on core products.

Things like advertising revenue will affect the amount of money Reality Labs gets. This means that Meta is committing a set percentage of its resources to improve its metaverse ambitions.

The Meta-metaverse is still on track

Virtual and mixed reality is far from a passing fad. They have been the “next big thing” since the 80s, but the technology is finally catching up with the grand vision.

Meta’s blog post also confirms that the Quest 2 VR headset’s successor will be released in 2023. The company’s last quarterly earnings report said as much, with a “later next year” timeline for the Quest 3.

Meta hasn’t confirmed full-color passthrough on the new headset, which will be an important piece of VR in the future.

It first released that feature on the Quest Pro, a premium mixed reality headset for business users.

One other piece of technology needed for the metaverse is eye and facial expression tracking. Again, the Quest Pro features this, but it’s unlikely to transfer to the lower-cost consumer headset in 2023.

The biggest takeaway from this is that Meta won’t abandon the metaverse. VR is here to stay.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Meta brings Twitter-like Notes feature to Instagram
• Apple VR headset: Release date, features, and price
• New Pico 4 VR headset goes head-to-head with the Meta Quest 2
• How and where to preorder Sony’s PS VR2 headset

The post Meta is doubling down on the metaverse appeared first on KnowTechie.

The Oculus Quest 2 is a versatile VR headset at a pretty affordable price. It features hundreds of games that you can play without the help of any additional hardware.

But you can also use the Oculus Quest 2 with the help of a PC to play games that might not have their own Quest 2 version.

You can hook the headset up to your PC to play Steam games and other PC VR games wirelessly with Air Link or via the Oculus Link cable.

But what about other platforms? For instance, can you hook the Oculus Quest 2 up to your Xbox? Here’s everything you need to know.

Does the Quest 2 headset work with Xbox?

Short answer: Sort of, but you’ll need a PC as a workaround.

There aren’t any official ways to connect your Oculus Quest 2 headset to an Xbox. And that makes sense, as there aren’t Xbox-specific games or apps that take advantage of VR.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?

However, there is a workaround if you want to play Xbox games with the headset. This doesn’t work in the reverse. You cannot play Oculus Quest 2 games on Xbox.

The method involves streaming your Xbox to a PC and is pretty complicated, so we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process:

So there’s a pretty complex way to get your Xbox games on your Quest 2 headset. At present, there’s no way to connect the Quest 2 to Xbox without a PC.

Another option is to stream games on your PC using Xbox Cloud Gaming and then follow steps 3-5. Again, this method is pretty complicated, and you’re not gaining much by doing it.

Xbox and Quest 2 don’t play well together

Xbox consoles don’t offer any VR gaming optimization. That means you will just be mirroring your screen onto your Oculus Quest 2.

Because of this, there’s really no point in tying the two systems together at this time. Could that change in the future? Possibly, but we wouldn’t count on it.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Does the Oculus Quest 2 have quick charging?
• What’s the battery life of the Oculus Quest 2?
• Can I use my Oculus Quest 2 with my PlayStation?
• Where do I find the serial number of my Oculus Quest 2?

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Apple is working on an AR/VR headset. The company hasn’t officially confirmed one, but it clearly sees the technology as a critical part of its future.

We’ve been seeing leaks about the potential headset for a while now. The company reportedly showed its headset to its board of directors in May 2022.

Additionally, many have speculated on what to expect when the headset launches.

Since Apple hasn’t officially revealed its headset to the public, there’s no way of knowing exactly when it will come out. But several industry insiders have weighed in, giving us a better idea about timeframes.

When is the Apple AR/VR headset coming out?

Short answer: Likely in the second half of 2023.

Early suggestions claimed we could see Apple’s AR/VR headset in January 2023. However, recent reports from industry insiders point to a release date later in the year.

Popular Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared an update in December 2022 stating that Apple’s shipment schedule for the headset is now slated for the second half of 2023.

Ming Chi-Kuo has also reported that the reveal event for Apple’s AR/VR headset is likely coming in January 2023. If that’s the case, we should learn exactly when the headset is coming at the event.

Another report from DigiTimes says that Apple will begin mass production of the headset in March 2023. That would give the company reasonable time to ship the device in the second half of the year.

Of course, these are all rumors as of now. We won’t know exactly when the VR headset will be available until Apple officially reveals it.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• iPhone 15: News, rumors, leaks, pricing, and release date
• Samsung Galaxy S23: news, rumors, features, and release date
• Google Pixel 8: Release, price, and features
• How and where to preorder Sony’s PS VR2 headset

The post When is the Apple AR/VR headset going on sale? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 was recently fitted with a nice upgrade to the base model.

The original Oculus Quest 2 storage featured a 64GB hard drive for game and app storage, but now the base model has been upgraded to 128GB.

There’s also a 256 GB model that you can snag for $100 more, in case you plan on loading the console up with all the games and apps you can find.

But what about expandable storage? Is there any way to upgrade the amount of hard drive space you have on your Oculus Quest 2 headset?

Can you upgrade the Oculus Quest 2 storage?

Short answer: Nope.

Unfortunately, you can’t add additional storage to your Oculus Quest 2 headset. What you see is what you get. And any mention of Oculus Quest 2 expandable storage is nothing short of a pipe dream.

That’s why it’s important to figure out which version of the headset is best for you before you make your purchase.

The one silver lining in the lack of expandable storage on the Oculus Quest 2 is that most of the games available now are relatively small.

Some recent releases have been a little larger, like Resident Evil 4, sitting at 11.5 GB. But most games are a lot smaller in size.

READ MORE: Which Oculus Quest 2 should you buy?

However, that will change as developers utilize the headset’s capabilities to deliver more impressive games.

Eventually, users will start running into an issue where they must constantly delete and reinstall games.

It’ll be interesting to see how Meta handles that issue when it eventually does happen.

Maybe the next headset that the company releases will finally have an expandable storage option. But for the time being, no dice on an Oculus Quest 2 storage upgrade.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Are Oculus Quest 2 controllers rechargeable?
• This tool lets you take Facebook off your Oculus Quest 2
• Sony’s upcoming PSVR 2 controller is highlighted in a new patent
• How to put your Nintendo Switch into Sleep Mode

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is gearing up to reveal the headset “as early as next year.”

Gurman spoke to people knowledgeable about Apple’s progress, confirming that the headset will come with its own operating system and App Store for downloading third-party content.

Previously, the company had coined the term ‘realityOS’ as the headset’s operating system. However, the name was recently changed to xrOS, representing Apple’s focus on ‘extended reality.’

Extended reality refers to the combination of augmented reality and virtual reality.

Augmented reality is when digital images are overlaid over the real world, while virtual reality is a closed environment with content displayed in the headset.

Apple’s headset will include new versions of apps that we’re all familiar with. Apps like Messages and Maps will offer their own app experience.

Additionally, Apple is distributing software development kits to third-party app developers. This will allow them to create their own games and apps for the headset.

We still don’t know exactly when the headset will come out. But we keep getting tidbits of information from various rumors and leaks, giving us an idea of what to expect with the new device.

Hopefully, we’ll hear from Apple soon about when we can expect to see it.

If you’d like to learn more about Apple’s headset, this article outlines everything we know: Apple VR headset: Release date, features, and price

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple’s VR headset is reportedly coming sooner than expected
• Apple calls on Hollywood to create content for its VR/AR headset
• Apple’s VR/AR headset will dominate WWDC without being there
• Don’t expect to see Apple’s VR/AR headset at WWDC this year

The post New Apple leak reveals AR headset’s operating system: ‘xrOS’ appeared first on KnowTechie.

The Oculus Quest 2 has been flying off shelves since Meta released it in 2020. As it’s a standalone device, you may be wondering about the battery life of the Quest 2 headset.

According to Meta, the Oculus Quest 2 features a 3,648 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. The single-cell battery is rated at 3.6 volts.

As a standalone device, it uses wireless connectivity. That can be a real battery drain, but that’s only the beginning. But mainly, running the displays that project virtual reality images is a huge drain.

How long will your Meta Quest 2 battery life last before its battery runs low? Can you make it last longer?

So, how long does the Oculus Quest 2 battery last?

Short answer: Roughly two hours for gaming, and three hours for watching movies and browsing.

As always, Oculus Quest 2 battery life calculations depend on what you’re doing with the headset. You’ll get close to three hours of streaming movies or gaming at lower refresh rates.

However, heavier gaming use, especially at 120Hz refresh rates, drags that down to two hours.

READ MORE: Does the Oculus Quest 2 have quick charging?

The good news is that you can use the Oculus Quest 2 while charging. While the cable will limit your movement, you could also add a battery pack to extend playtime.

Oculus sells the Quest 2 Elite Strap with Battery Pack, which doubles the playtime. Companies like Rebuff Reality sell even larger battery packs that still go onto the strap.

You could even jerry-rig things with literally any battery pack with a USB-C cable output.

So there you have it. The Meta Quest 2’s battery life should last around three hours. For the gamers out there, expect the battery life on the Oculus Quest 2 to run for two hours.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can I use the Oculus Quest 2 with Steam games?
• Does the Oculus Quest 2 require a PC?
• Where do I find the serial number of my Oculus Quest 2?
• Can Oculus Quest 2 controllers be used on the original Quest?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post What’s the Oculus Quest 2’s battery life? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Oculus ships every Quest VR headset with a matching pair of Touch Controllers, so you’ve got everything you need to dive head-first into VR.

But what happens if you break one? Or if you want to use the newer, more power-efficient Oculus Quest 2 controllers on your original Quest?

I mean, they’re all Bluetooth, right? Can’t you just buy a pair of Oculus Quest 2 controllers or third-party alternatives and link them to your original Quest headset?

So, can I use the new Quest 2 controllers on my Quest 1 headset?

Short answer: No

For the longer answer, I’m going to point you to the official Oculus Support forums, where the official Community Manager account says you can’t.

That’s probably because the Quest 2 controllers have fewer LEDs for tracking to save power, so that won’t be supported on the original Quest 1 headset.

READ MORE: Where do I find the serial number of my Oculus Quest 2?

The reverse is also a no, with the Oculus Quest 2 not being compatible with controllers from the Quest 1.

The Quest 1 controllers were discontinued at some point in 2021, so they’re no longer in production.

If you still want to use your Oculus Quest 1 after breaking a controller, your best bet is eBay.

If you can’t find one cheaply enough, you can use an Xbox One controller or many other popular controllers, but you’ll lose the motion control options.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can you buy a replacement controller for the Oculus Quest 2?
• Does the Oculus Quest 2 have expandable storage?
• Which Oculus Quest 2 should you buy?
• Are Oculus Quest 2 controllers rechargeable?

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Meta is hosting an event later this year where it will use a ‘hyper-realistic’ VR avatar of the East Coast hip-hop legend. It will take place in a virtual 90’s era backdrop and feature special guests, including Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

The concert will be available to watch in 3D for anyone with a Meta Quest VR headset. it will be livestreamed on December 16th, but you’ll be able to go back and watch it later on Meta Quest TV.

Of course, many people feel that Meta is taking advantage of the deceased legend for its gain. Many commenters on HotNewHipHop’s tweet criticized Meta’s use of the Notorious B.I.G. in its show.

I, on the other hand, think this is a great way to pay tribute to a legendary and influential artist. B.I.G.’s impact on rap is immeasurable, and what better way to pay tribute than to give him another chance to perform?

And this isn’t the first digital show that hip-hop fans will have been treated to. It’s now been over 10 years since Tupac made his Coachella debut via a surprise hologram on stage.

While the Tupac hologram was cool, Meta’s Notorious B.I.G. concert will likely be much more impressive. Unfortunately, I’ll be stuck watching in 2D without a Quest headset.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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• New Pico 4 VR headset goes head-to-head with the Meta Quest 2

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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To preorder the PS VR2, you’ll have to head to Sony’s website and register for a chance to be invited. That means you’ll need an active PlayStation Network account before signing up.

Prices start at $549.99 in the US, and you can bundle it with a digital copy of Horizon Call of the Mountain for $599.99.

Sony PlayStation VR 2 preorders

PlayStation Direct

PlayStation VR 2

Sony’s PlayStation Direct store is currently the only place to get a PS VR2 preorder. You’ll need to sign into your account and register your interest first, as Sony set up an email-based queue.

Register to Buy

Sony has implemented the same process that worked for PS5 orders. To get a preorder for a PS VR2, you must first register your interest to buy on Sony’s PlayStation Direct online store.

Successful applicants will get an email with a link to preorder the headset.

Sony says this is because of limited quantities and high demand, and they’re also limiting orders to one PS VR2 per PSN ID per household.

Sony uses PlayStation Direct for customers in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Other regions and retailers will have preorder availability, so we’ll update this post once we hear the details.

The thing is, being selected to preorder the PS VR2 is only half of the equation. The second-gen VR headset from Sony only works with a PS5 console.

Black Friday is nearly upon us, which might mean some bottomless deals on PS5 consoles and accessories. Here are some of the best current sales, and we’ll update these periodically.

Best PS5 deals

Imageㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ	Product	Price
9.8	Sony PlayStation 5Premium Pick Disc or Digital versions Ultra-high speed SSD DualSense controller From $449.99	Learn MoreRead the Reviews
9.0	Sony X95J 65 Inch TVBest TV for PS5 BRAVIA XR Full Array LED 4K TV Google TV Dolby Vision HDR $1,824	Learn MoreRead the Reviews
n/a	God of War Ragnarok Upcoming Game Release Launch Edition includes ingame content Next installment of Kratos’ story $69.99	Learn More
9.5	Logitech G29 wheelDriving Wheel for race sims Force feedback Includes pedals Quality construction $199.99	Learn MoreRead the Reviews
9.4	PS Store Gift CardAll-purpose Choice Use on anything in the PlayStation Store Various values Use for PlayStation Plus	Learn MoreRead the Reviews

The PS VR2 might be difficult to buy at launch

With Sony already implementing a queue for the chance to preorder the PS VR2, it looks like stock will be limited for launch. We recommend registering on Sony’s website if you want to be in with a chance.

Sony has said that select retailers will also have preorders in some countries. We have yet to see any details, but this post will get updated as soon as we do.

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Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reports that Apple’s recent job listings hint that the headset is nearing completion. The clues? Those job listings outline roles to create content for augmented- and virtual-reality environments.

The jobs posted are for the Technology Development Group (TDG), the team behind the upcoming headset. Varied roles are ready to fill, from software producer to audio processing knowledge.

Gurman says that some of those roles show that Apple plans a VR video service for the headset, with 3D content created by artists or professional sports leagues.

We wonder how long it will be before sports leagues have VR follow cams so you can watch as if you’re inside the game.

Another role shows that Apple is working on a 3D mixed-reality world. That’s not the metaverse because Apple hates that word.

Instead, it could possibly be something like virtual avatars sitting in on meetings by placing them in empty seats at a conference table.

Gurman also reiterated some things we knew already:

• The price is likely to be between $2,000 and $3,000
• It will run realityOS
• It will be powered by Apple Silicon, with M2-level power
• At least 10 cameras inside and outside of the headset
• Highest-resolution displays in any mass-market headset
• Potential names include “Reality Pro” and “Reality One.

What he didn’t mention is specifics on a potential launch window. That could be because of the push to hire staff to build the ecosystem around the headset.

Earlier reporting said Apple’s mixed-reality headset was scheduled for a January 2023 unveiling. It’s unclear at this time if that’s still the timeline or if that will be unveiled with retail availability later in the year.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Apple’s VR headset is reportedly coming sooner than expected appeared first on KnowTechie.

Once only available in the fevered dreams of science fiction writers, the lethal headset is now a physical thing.

The creator says that the “half that kills you” is working, while he hasn’t figured out the “perfect-VR half of the equation.”

Oh, the creator? None other than VR wunderkind, Palmer Luckey. Yes, that Palmer Luckey, the one who co-founded Oculus, the VR hardware company now owned by Meta.

The sci-fi trope headset is supposedly “a piece of office art” with Luckey saying he hasn’t “worked up the balls to actually use it [himself].”

He even plans to make it tamper-resistant, so it will kill the user if someone tries to remove the headset.

That admission does beg the question: under what situation would he (or anyone) willingly use the lethal headset?

Anime inspired this lethal VR headset

See, maybe Luckey’s creation of this abominable headset makes sense to him.

The inspiration for the device came from Sword Art Online (SAO), a 2000’s webcomic that turned into an anime, and then multiple video games, including a VR demo.

That last game demo is important because the whole plot of SAO hinges on a VR headset. In it, the creator of the SAO game in the webcomic also creates the NerveGear, a VR headset to play the game with.

The game gets through the beta stages, and thousands of players buy the hardware. Then, the creator locks them into the virtual world.

The headset has a superpowered microwave that can kill the user if they either die in game or try to take the headset off.

The popularity of SAO helped Oculus, especially in the Japanese market. Maybe Luckey created this headset as an homage to the series that helped his own non-lethal VR headset. Or, perhaps he’s just a loon.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post This VR headset explodes if you die in-game appeared first on KnowTechie.

The PS VR2 will cost $549.99 in the U.S., €599.99 in the European Union, and £529.99 in the U.K. Pre-orders will go live on November 15, from either the PlayStation store or selected retail outlets.

The launch bundle will contain the PS VR2 headset, two PS VR2 Sense controllers, and stereo headphones.

READ MORE: Sony has opened up preorders for the PS VR2

Sony will also launch a PlayStation VR2 Sense charging stand for $49.99 in the U.S., €49.99 in Europe, and £39.99 in the U.K.

The PS VR2 will have one game bundle option at launch

One of the launch titles Sony previously shared was Horizon Call of the Mountain. And guess what, the game is included in the bundle.

A launch bundle with the PS VR2, Sense controllers, stereo headphones, and the game will cost $599.99 in the U.S., €649.99 in the European Union, and £569.99 in the U.K.

The game will feature a new protagonist, fighting a new “hidden danger to the world of Horizon.” At some point, the player will cross paths with Aloy, the previous game’s protagonist.

PS VR2 Product Specs

Preorders open later this month

Sony says pre-orders will go live on November 15. And remember only Sony’s online PlayStation store.

Pre-orders are open for players in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Other markets will have pre-orders at the same time from participating retailers. Orders will “ship throughout the week of launch.”

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

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The post Sony announces PS VR2 February release date at $549.99 appeared first on KnowTechie.

That nugget of information came in Meta’s latest quarterly earnings report. That factoid backs up earlier leaks, which said that the Quest 3 would release next year.

Meta already has most of the consumer VR headset market. An updated, upgraded Quest headset would solidify that lead, at a time when multiple other companies are bringing consumer devices out.

From Meta’s quarterly earnings report:

Earlier leaks of “Stinson,” the Quest 3’s codename, said it would use two uOLED screens. That’s a departure from the single LCD panel used in the Quest 2, and promises better image quality.

The leaked sketches also show multiple outward-facing cameras with a depth sensor. These will likely enable Augmented Reality (AR) or Mixed Reality (XR) experiences, like on the premium Meta Quest Pro.

We expect the Quest 3 won’t have the internal facial expression-tracking cameras from the professional headset. They’re too expensive to put into a consumer device and keep the price down.

Meta has been burning money like crazy to build its version of the metaverse. The company has lost nearly $10 billion this year, with costs increasing as time goes on.

During that time, VR revenue has dropped nearly 50% since last year, attributed to lower Quest 2 sales.

Owning the metaverse, or a version of it, would benefit Meta.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg drew parallels to Apple’s tightly controlled hardware and software stack during the earnings call, saying that building the metaverse will enable Meta to be more innovative.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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The post The Meta Quest 3 will release in late 2023 appeared first on KnowTechie.

Meta’s new Quest Pro is a big step over the current Quest 2. It allows users to multitask in a virtual workspace with up to three virtual monitors that overlay directly over your actual workspace.

Plus, it features real-time expression tracking so your avatar can mimic your expressions in virtual meetings.

With the new Snapdragon XR2+ and 12GB of Ram, the Quest Pro delivers 50 percent more power than the Quest 2.

Here’s what you should know about snagging your own Quest Pro.

How to order the Meta Quest Pro

Meta revealed the Quest Pro in early October, with plans to release the device on October 25. However, the device is available to order from several places.

You might think that Meta would limit purchases only to the Meta website. And while you can get the Quest Pro from Meta directly, it’s not your only option.

Where to buy the Meta Quest Pro

Thankfully, you have options outside of buying from Meta directly. Check out the buy options below:

• Meta Website: $1,499.99
• Amazon: $1,499.99
• Best Buy: $1,499.99

As you can see, you have a few different options for where you want to preorder the Meta Quest Pro.

No matter which platform you decide to use for your preorder, the price remains the same.

So there’s no benefit to choosing one platform over the other, unless you have special benefits from Amazon or Best Buy.

When did the Quest Pro launch? The headset was released on the same date, October 25, on all three platforms listed above.

The Quest Pro features several improvements over its predecessor, the Meta Quest 2. It’s slimmed down by around 40 percent in a much more ergonomic design than the Quest 2.

Meta also revamped Quest Pro’s controller, filled with cameras for self-tracking. That allows for slimmer controllers, as well, creating a much more ergonomic experience overall on the Quest Pro.

If you’re looking to take a major step up from the Quest 2, check out the new Meta Quest Pro.

Again, the Meta Quest Pro is available now, and the first deliveries start shipping on October 25, 2022.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s but one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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