Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR)

While Steam Frame reviews praise its performance, a disappointing battery life could deter buyers. In standalone mode with Half-Life: Alyx, players may need to recharge the headset within an hour. Streaming from a gaming PC extends playtime, but it's best to keep USB power banks nearby.

Valve has opened reservations for the Steam Frame. Interested buyers are required to join a queue before the list is randomised.

A dataminer shared a Valve email with details of the Steam Frame pre-order reservation system. If the VR headset mirrors the Steam Machine launch, buyers can expect a September 14th release date. A leaked video before the review embargo ends, plus package updates, have also encouraged fans.

A new leak implies that the fastest fingers will secure Valve’s VR headset first. A revised datamined email suggests no lottery-based reservation system for Steam Frame pre-orders. As a result, scalpers could top the queue and deny the wearable to anxious gamers.

GTA VI's Netflix-paywalled trailer, EA's $55B go-private buyout, Marvel's Wolverine backlash, Elden Ring hitting Switch 2, free Witcher 3 expansions, a leaked DLSS 5, Valve's Steam Frame, and a wild month for fighting games. August 2026 had it all, and we're breaking it down in one massive recap.

Updates on Valve’s website hint that Steam Frame news is incoming. Revised packages for the VR headset could precede a release date and pre-order announcement. The Steam Machine experienced similar happenings ahead of its launch.

Despite Valve’s silence, insiders are exposing details of the Steam Frame launch. A trusted leaker anticipates that after pre-orders begin, shipments will follow on September 14th. Review samples of the VR headset are also reportedly in the hands of testers.

Valve has showcased a new list of Steam Frame-compatible games on its platform and outlined the compatibility criteria. Based on the available selection, the upcoming VR headset can also run 2D and existing, older VR titles.

A batch of unboxing videos reveals what buyers can expect on the Steam Frame release date. The clips cover the pairing process and accessories, including the wireless adapter. Despite regular leaks, Valve has yet to announce the price of the VR headset or precise launch timing.

Meta has unveiled Muse Code, a new AI coding agent designed to help developers manage large and complex codebases more efficiently. The tool can automate software engineering tasks, debug code, and handle long-running workflows, marking Meta's latest push into AI-powered developer tools.

The Viture Pro 2 have been officially unveiled, and they stand as affordable XR glasses with a relatively lightweight design. Retailing for $299, the pair can be combined with the newly introduced Mobile Dock Mini, which costs $99.

The memory shortage and rising chip costs may have inflated the Steam Frame price more than feared. A Valve leaker believes it could debut at much higher than $1100, but under $1500. A release date as soon as August 3rd is also possible for the VR headset, with reviews to follow.

After FCC approval, Valve could launch its latest VR solution at any time. Even so, the Steam Machine and Steam Controller certifications happened many months before they shipped. There are also new doubts about the Steam Frame price, with Qualcomm hiking processor costs.

Thanks to an ongoing deal on the PlayStation Direct Store, you can save $100 on the PlayStation VR2, bringing its price down to $299. The discount, however, is available until August 10.

There are new fears that dwindling component supplies will prompt a Steam Frame price increase. Qualcomm announced higher costs for Snapdragon chips, including the VR headset’s SoC. The storage and memory shortage already postponed the Steam Machine and Frame release date.

The Nework Insight AI smart glasses offer 4K photos and 1080p videos with EIS, open‑ear audio, and photochromic lenses. The accompanying smartphone-based Cyan AI offers hands-free voice assistance, cloud syncing, and object recognition.

The Galaxy event kicks off in less than 8 hours: Samsung will be unveiling several new products, most of which you already know in detail from recent leaks. Others however have leaked far less frequently. You can tune in when the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the first international competitor to the iPhone Ultra and a very exciting Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 are unveiled for the first time in London. The expected surprise guests are likely to be the first Samsung Android XR glasses, which should become available pretty soon according to fresh new information hours before Galaxy Unpacked.

The HTC Vive Eagle AI glasses are officially launching in the US on September 1, 2026. Ahead of release, the Ray-Ban Meta alternative is available to preorder on Amazon for $499, bringing a 12MP camera, ChatGPT integration, and live AI translation.

With third-party chargers aplenty, Meta has now released an official charging stand for its smart glasses. The stainless steel charger is compatible with several, but not all of Meta's glasses, and it is available to buy now.

Meta has developed a new collection of smart glasses in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, which are now available starting at $299. Equipped with a 12-megapixel camera, speakers, and microphones, Meta Glasses can not only take photos and record videos, but also translate conversations, among other things.

Samsung has opened UK pre-orders for the Galaxy XR headset, priced at £1,699 with shipping starting July 8. The device, previously exclusive to South Korea and the US since its October launch, is available in a single Silver Shadow colorway. Samsung is running several launch promotions.

Through FCC documents, gamers are learning more about the Steam Frame. The company is likely to offer an accessory kit for the VR headset that includes a swappable battery. Even as their release dates grow closer, Valve has yet to confirm the price of the Index successor or Steam Machine.

Google has launched a browser-based version of Google Earth’s Flight Simulator, allowing users to explore the planet from the air. The feature also adds 3D visuals and expanded web functionality, though mastering virtual flight may take some practice.

Xreal has finally made the Aura smart glasses official, with reservations open for early adopters. The glasses feature OLED displays and require a Computing Puck to run Android XR.

With Snap Specs, the company behind Snapchat is introducing one of the most advanced pairs of AR glasses in the world. The built-in display is said to have a latency of just seven milliseconds, the battery is said to last up to 20 hours with a charging case, and the software is said to offer more than just an AI assistant.

Valve has had to pivot and adapt to the ongoing market disruptions from DRAM pricing. Things seem to be moving forward now as another large shipment of virtual reality devices has reached its US warehouse.

Pico Project Swan's design has been leaked through its public SDK, showcasing key design elements and a controller add-on of the upcoming 2026 headset.

The Steam Machine and Steam Frame were announced in November last year with an expected ‘first half of 2026’ launch. The market conditions, however, forced Valve to reassess its timeline and pricing for the two devices.

iFlytek has announced a pair of AI glasses that project information into the field of view of the wearer. They also support live translation of over 100 languages and feature bone conduction mics.

Acer has announced two new pairs of glasses - the AR Vision GR0 are AR glasses that display a virtual screen when connected to a compatible device while the GI0 AI are Gemini-powered smart glasses that connect to mobile devices. Both glasses will be available in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Abxylute has announced a new mobile controller that is compatible with Viture's XR glasses. The $80 gamepad arrives a year after 8BitDo released a controller with a similar feature.

Asus has officially taken the wraps off its new handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally X20. The gaming handheld features major upgrades over the ROG Xbox Ally X, and will be sold alongside a pair of gaming AR glasses this holiday.

The PiEEG XR is a neural interface for spatial computing. It is intended to enable new ways of interacting in VR. In particular, the system could make it easier to convey emotions. It also uses technology well known from the medical field.

With the xbx a01+, Xreal wants to make AR glasses more stylish, lightweight and more affordable, thereby moving them a little further into the mainstream. The affordable glasses offer 1,600-nit displays that are capable of simulating a 147-inch television.

The recently released RayNeo Air 4 Pro made a notable improvement in terms of the display. They have HDR10 certification, and the brand has just teased the GT Max, which are set to bring another major improvement. The upcoming AR smart glasses have Dolby Vision certification.

Google to launch this fall its new Android XR smart glasses with the first consumer-ready frames from Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The glasses will feature built-in navigation, hands-free messaging, photo capture, live translation, and other AI-powered tools designed to work without constantly reaching for a phone.

A reviewer with access to a Steam Frame shared a short video on X about the headset, asking fans what they would like to know. The video was taken down later upon Valve’s request, but he did make some comparisons to the Meta Quest 3.

The ROG Xreal R1 are now available to purchase, and while they bring many improvements over regular AR glasses, they are priced significantly higher. The pre-order price is $849.

Nintendo has added more games to the Virtual Boy library which is available to subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The five games include popular titles such as Space Invaders and V-Tetris.

The ROG Xreal R1 glasses will soon be available to purchase, following its announcement at CES 2026. The glasses, which are the first in the world with a 240Hz refresh rate, will be compatible with handhelds, consoles, and PCs.

Apple is, apparently, done with the Vision Pro headset following poor sales of the M5 model and high return rates. Despite hardware updates in late 2025, the $3,499 device struggled with weight and price concerns. Reports indicate the Vision Pro team has been redistributed, with the company now focusing on AI-powered smart glasses to compete with Meta, showing a major pivot in Apple’s wearable and AR/VR strategy.

The MemoMind One is a new pair of AR glasses that features a built-in display, moving beyond purely acoustic interactions. The model stands out for its particularly discreet design and usability.

Samsung is ready to take on Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses with an Android XR-powered Galaxy Glasses. The smart glasses are reported to have a similar pricing and a 2026 launch.

Activity at Valve’s Japanese storefront may once again signal news about the Steam Machine. Komodo Station leaked the existence of the mini PC, Steam Controller, and Frame in November 2025. With new assets for the controller uploaded, the accessory could ship before the other hardware.

Gamers could soon see Valve showcase the contents of the Steam Controller packaging. SteamDB includes a new entry for an unboxing video of the accessory. If the company intends to ship the Steam Machine and Steam Frame with the PC controller, an update may be days away.

Huawei has announced a new pair of smart glasses with notable improvements over the last model. The new Huawei AI Glasses are lighter, have a camera, better speakers, and are available in three styles.

The Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3s will be costlier soon. Meta says it was forced to increase prices due to the ongoing memory shortage.

The Steam Machine launch could be months away, but other new Valve hardware appears further along. An insider claims that the company imported a large shipment of wireless PC controllers. The devices may be the anticipated Steam Controller or accessories for the Frame VR headset.

Snap has signed a multi-year deal with Qualcomm to power future Specs AR glasses with Snapdragon XR chips ahead of the consumer launch later in 2026.