Topics

The Pimax 8K VR headset comes with dual 4K displays and a wide 200-degree field of view. (Source: Pimax)

Pimax 8K VR headsets coming in February 2018 for as low as US$449

The Kickstarter campaign initiated by Pimax raised the US$200,000 funding goal in less then 2 hours, so the company is now expected to ship the first models in February 2018. The 8K headset comes with dual 4K displays and can be pre-ordered for US$449, while the 5K version integrates dual 2560x1440 displays and costs US$349.

...

5G phones could hit the market by 2019

Qualcomm's CEO recently unveiled that the first 5G smartphones for the masses will hit the market in 2019, about one year earlier than previously expected.

MSI claims the new GS63VR/73VR Stealth Pro models are the world's slimmest and lightest VR-ready laptops. (Source: MSI)

MSI's new GS63VR/73VR Stealth Pro are the slimmest VR-ready gaming notebooks around

The new GS63VR/73VR Stealth Pro VR-ready gaming laptops are powered by the latest Intel gen 7 Core i7 CPUs and the GTX 1070 8 GB GDDR5 (Max-Q) GPU. MSI claims these are the slimmest and lightest VR-ready gaming laptops out there, with the 17.3-inch model weighing 5.3 lbs, and the 15.6-inch one weighing 3.96 lbs.

...

Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus flagships now official (Source: Apple)

Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus now official

The new 4.7-inch iPhone 8 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 8 Plus come with a new processor, upgrades to the camera system, augmented reality features, louder speakers, wireless charging, and a new glass and aluminum build.

Is the Pixel 2 to be powered by a Snapdragon 835 or 836? (Source: Forbes)

Snapdragon 836 rumored for Pixel 2 might be vaporware

After initially claiming that the Google Pixel 2 smartphone will be the first with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 836, Evan Blass now suggests that it will miss out on the unannounced chipset.

Gaming monitors have become the fastest-growing PC accessory as of H1 2017

Gamers worldwide spent at least 1.5 billion Euros in the last 6 months on new PC gaming gear. The success of eSports and growing push for mixed reality and VR headsets are expected to generate even higher numbers for the rest of 2017.

The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is all set to roll out starting October 17

IFA 2017 | Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will officially roll out starting October 17 along with a slew of Windows Mixed Reality headsets

At its IFA 2017 keynote in Berlin, Microsoft announced that the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will start officially rolling out starting October 17. Microsoft's partners will also start shipping affordable Windows Mixed Reality headsets alongside the new OS update.

Apple's Special Event keynote will be live on September 12, 10 am PDT. (Source: Apple)

It's official: Apple's iPhone 8 event will be held on September 12

Apple has sent invitations for its iPhone 8 launch event, which will be held for the first time in the Steve Jobs Theater inside Apple's 'spaceship' campus.

The LG V30 is arguably its most beautiful smartphone. (Source: LG)

IFA 2017 | LG V30 is now official after numerous leaks and teasers

The LG V30 has been made official at IFA. The 6-inch smartphone features a curved P-OLED display, a rear camera with a large F1.6 aperture and high-end audio features.

The Asus ROG Chimera is the first gaming laptop with a display refresh rate of 144Hz (Source: Asus)

IFA 2017 | Asus ROG Chimera revealed with 144Hz 17.3-inch display

Asus claims that its new ROG Chimera gaming notebook is the first in the world to feature a display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Also notable is its in-built support for Microsoft's Xbox One wireless controllers.

Google's ARCore aims to bring AR capabilities to all Android handsets. (Source: Google)

Google announces the availability of ARCore Augmented Reality SDK

Google has announced the availability of an early preview of the ARCore API for developers to create AR experiences for qualified Android devices. The initial preview is restricted to the Pixel phones and variants of the Samsung Galaxy S8.

The small Myriad X chip comes with a low TDP of 1.5 W. (Source: Intel)

Intel announces the Movidius Myriad X - the world's first vision processing unit

The 16 nm VPU consumes only 1.5 W and enables learning algorithms to train themselves in order to identify images and words or analyze video feeds. The Myriad X chip brings these capabilities to devices like drones, cameras, robots and VR / AR headsets.

The PlayStation VR bundle sans the Move motion controllers will see a price cut to US$399 from September 1. (Source: PCMag)

New PlayStation VR bundle to launch on September 1 for US$399

The PS VR bundle will see a significant price cut beginning September 1 bringing the cost of owning a PS VR bundle and the PS4 to just US$700, making this the cheapest VR implementation one can get.

Dell's new Visor VR headset looks less cumbersome than the competition. (Source: Dell)

Dell gets into VR with the Visor VR headset and controllers

Dell has decided to get into the VR headset market with its own Visor VR. The new headset has been competitively priced and appears to bring a more refined design than the competition.

The nearly bezel-less iPhone 8 could soon be upon us. (Source: iDrop News)

The iPhone 8 could launch on September 12

Apple has scheduled a product announcement event on September 12 and all expectations are that this could very well be the event that the Cupertino giant would announce the new iPhones and the Watch Series 3 to the world.

It's a bit larger than the current Gear VR, but that's pretty much it. (Source: Samsung)

The Note 8 is too big for the Gear VR, so Samsung is making a new headset

If you recently purchased a Gear VR headset and were hoping it would work with the Note 8, you're fresh out of luck. The upcoming handset is too large to fit inside, but Samsung is launching a new version that will accommodate it and previous Samsung devices.

HTC Vive is now US$200 cheaper. (Source: HTC)

HTC Vive now $200 cheaper in the U.S.

HTC matches the US$200 price cut Oculus gave its Rift VR headset, slashing the price of its Vive VR headset to US$599.

Sony has issued a revealing survey to users of its PS VR headset. (Source: Sony)

Sony asks customers what they don't like about PS VR

Sony has hired a research company to investigate the PS VR users about their user experience. The questions in the survey are quite revealing in terms of the concerns that customers may have expressed about the PS VR user experience. It also gives a few clues as to what features and enhancements Sony may be planning on making for any potential PS VR 2.0.

...

The Microsoft HoloLens is all set for an amalgamation of AI and mixed reality in version 2.0 (Source: AnandTech)

Intel to retire the Microsoft HoloLens CPU soon

Intel has announced that it will be retiring the Atom x5-Z8100P, the CPU used in the Microsoft HoloLens, by end of October this year. With Microsoft likely being the only customer using this SoC, it could have very well been the EOL initiator for these CPUs.

VR support and a new screenshot sharing tool come to Firefox 55

Users of Firefox 55 will now be able to interact with online VR content thanks to WebVR support coming to the stable release. Mozilla has also introduced a new screenshot tool which simplifies the sharing process by providing one-click uploading and automatically copying the link to your clipboard.

Surprise! Amazon is selling an unlocked variant of the ZenFone AR in the U.S.

While Verizon began selling a carrier-exclusive version of the ZenFone AR yesterday, Amazon has now posted an unlocked variant with two options, one of which is $50 cheaper than Verizon's. The unlocked ZenFone AR is only compatible with GSM networks.

Asus Zenfone AR flagship now available on Verizon Wireless

Asus Zenfone AR now available on Verizon

Verizon Wireless customers can get the world's first handset with support for both Google Daydream VR and Tango AR for US$648, but there is also the choice to go with 24 monthly payments of US$27 each.

Windows Mixed Reality Headsets by Acer (left) and HP (right). (Source: Microsoft)

Windows Mixed Reality headsets now available on the Microsoft Store

The Acer and HP Windows Mixed Reality Headsets are now listed on the Microsoft Store for US$299 and US$329 respectively. The requirements listed are much higher than what was originally promised, but since these are targeted at developers, those might only be the specifications for development.

HP has created a more toned down version of their Omen VR Backback, aimed at business use (Source: HP)

HP decides that businesses need VR too, announces VR backpack with a Quadro P5200

HP has announced the 'HP Z VR Backpack' designed for virtual reality use in a business environment where red accents and flashing LEDs look out of place. It uses an i7-7820HQ, 32 GB RAM, and a Quadro P5200.

The VIVE Standalone VR headset is designed for “a more affordable, yet high-quality VR experience”. (HTC China)

HTC prepares standalone VIVE VR Headset for China

The Chinese-specific standalone headset from HTC is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 SoC and is very similar to HTC's standalone Daydream headset that will be released worldwide later this year. The standalone headsets are supposedly more affordable than the previous versions.

Tech World 2017 | Lenovo boasts foldable tablets, AR headsets, and more at tech show

This year's Tech World has even more prototypes on display from wearable smart glasses to fully autonomous electric vehicles.

Facebook's modular device could incorporate phone, GPS, touchscreen and several other components. (USPTO.gov)

Facebook could be working on a modular smartphone

It looks like Facebook could be resurrecting Googlle's Project Ara, which was cancelled in 2016. It's still unclear how a modular device would fit into Facebook's business model, but the company certainly acquired key team members that worked for Google's Project Ara and also Amazon's Alexa speaker.

Asus Zenfone AR hits the UK

The Zenfone AR will go on sale in the UK today, and while it comes with an admittedly impressive price tag of about £800, you'll have a hard time finding a device with such features elsewhere.

Google Glass wearable showing the heads up display. (Source: Google)

The return of Google Glass

Google has revealed that Glass has returned, but this time with a focus on the business and enterprise markets. Trial programs in factories have shown productivity increases, but the issue of privacy may rise to the surface again.

Lenovo confirms the lightsaber is not a prop. It has working mechanical buttons and it's tracked by the headset. (Source: Disney)

Lenovo's augmented reality headset comes bundled with a lightsaber

Disney teased the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges game bundled with a Lenovo augmented reality headset and a lightsaber peripheral at the D23 convention. Lenovo's headset is similar to Microsoift's HoloLens.

What it feels like to look at the inside of a Rift headset. (Source: Oculus)

A much more affordable Oculus VR headset is on its way

Following the success of affordable virtual reality devices such as Samsung's Gear VR, Facebook is working on a new Oculus device. Codenamed Pacific, it is expected to cost hundreds of dollars less than the Rift and be completely standalone.

Asus ZenFone AR Android phablet with Tango and Daydream support

Asus ZenFone AR launches in India

This handset with Tango and Daydream VR support debuts in India exclusively on Flipkart, carrying a price tag of around $775 USD. The impressive set of specs and features includes 8 GB RAM, a 5.7-inch WQHD Super AMOLED display, as well as a TriCam system.

Microsoft's rumored upcoming phone might feature HoloLens like capabilities along with the ability to run full Windows. (Source: Digital Trends)

New Windows Mobile device being prototyped by Microsoft, likely AR/VR focussed

A new mobile device prototype, which could likely be focused on AR/VR, is doing the rounds in Microsoft HQ that could possibly signal the company's efforts for a comeback in mobile.

The HYDROGEN ONE, its true form shrouded in a sea of black. (Source: RED)

The future is real: RED announces its new 'holographic' smartphone

Offering lots of promises but few concrete details, RED has announced a smartphone capable of displaying holographic content. The phone's display supports multi-dimensional video and audio, and it can be pre-ordered today, although at a very premium price.

Bright, Fast, Slim, and Dual: ISOCELL's "technological sub-brands" promise prioritized focus depending on the application. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung targets more markets with its ISOCELL brand

Unveiled last week at the 2017 MWC in Shanghai, ISOCELL, Samsung's new image sensor brand, looks to continue the legacy of its namesake technology. The company emphasizes the brand's versatility, and expects to see its adoption in a host of products.

Visual Camp presented an Exynos VR III standalone headset prototype at the Mobile World Congress in Shanghai last week. (Source: Visual Camp)

Standalone Exynos VR headset from Samsung revealed by mistake

Visual Camp, an eye-tracking tech integrator, revealed the Exynos VR III standalone headset prototype without Samsung's consent.

The MK Player360 can add to the comfort of a hotel room and enhance the atmosphere. (Source: Broomx)

Broomx MK Player360 projects VR content on your walls

The MK Player360 is a VR projector that proves that users can enjoy immersive experiences without the need of a headset.

The HT Optical camera module can fit 0.29-inch thick phones. (Source Engadget)

HT Optical develops smaller 360 camera module that fits any phone

The new 360 camera module will easily fit in 0.29-inch thick phones and provide 16 megapixel stills, as well as 4K videos.

Google Glass gets updated after three years of silence

Both the MyGlass Android app and the firmware on Google Glass devices have been updated out of the blue.

Samsung may be developing a 2,000 ppi VR headset

If rumors are to be believed, Samsung is developing an ultra-high resolution OLED display that has a staggering pixel density of 2,000 ppi. This display may be used in a stand alone VR headset from Samsung, which would make for the most immersive VR experience yet.

Asus Zenfone AR finally goes on sale

Asus are doing a good job of bringing us closer to the future with each device. The Zenfone AR finally went on sale and it's an absolute beauty.

Microsoft says that the Xbox One X will be the company's smallest Xbox yet, though exact dimensions haven't been released. (Source: Microsoft)

Xbox One X is designed for 4K gaming, will ship November 7

Microsoft has officially unveiled "Project Scorpio" as the Xbox One X. The system will be one of the first of a new generation of consoles targeting 4K resolution not just for videos, but for gaming. The One X will release November 7 at a starting price of US$499.

Apple's new iMac Pro packs server-grade specs in an All-in-One chassis. (Source: Apple)

WWDC 2017 | Apple introduces new iMac AIOs, including the powerful iMac Pro

Apple's new All-in-Ones are equipped with Intel Kaby Lake CPUs, Iris Pro integrated graphics, and options for high-res displays and dedicated AMD Radeon GPUs. The iMac Pro, a completely new device, will pack a punch with an 18-core Xeon processor and AMD Vega graphics.

WWDC 2017 | Apple brings VR to macOS with Metal and AMD's Radeon 500 series GPUs

The new Metal 2 and Metal for VR APIs bring VR support to macOS for the first time, as well as support for external GPUs and AMD's RX 500 series graphics cards.

The Asus Zenfone AR's launch is right around the corner. (Source: ASUS)

Asus provides a clearer launch window for the ZenFone AR handset

Taiwan will be the first region to experience ASUS' take on augmented reality. The Zenfone AR will launch in that market mid-June. US customers will have to wait until late June or early July to get their hands on the Tango-powered smartphone.

COMPUTEX 2017 | Dell unveils VR-ready Inspiron 27 7000 All-in-One desktop PC

The AIO can be configured with up to a Ryzen 7 1700 CPU and up to a Radeon RX 580 for VR gaming.

COMPUTEX 2017 | Acer's ultra-thin Predator Triton 700 gaming notebook is coming in August

The Triton 700, which was announced in April, is shaping up to be one of the leaders in the renewed push of thin-and-light gaming notebooks.

Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR)

Steering Wheels, Gear Sticks and Foot Pedals - A Racing Wheel Market Overview