Latest news with #HTCVive
Android Authority
6 days ago
- Android Authority
The VITURE Luma Pro are the best XR glasses you can get for under $500
VITURE Luma Pro If you want a pair of comfortable and highly adjustable XR glasses with wide support for devices and crystal clear display tech, the VITURE Luma Pro are an easy recommendation. I've tested a countless number of gadgets over the years, but the one area of hardware that's been a quiet favorite of mine over the last decade is the XR space. That all started when I was blown away by the original HTC Vive, but since then it's been encouraging to see more and more XR wearables that don't require endless cables, uncomfortable, sweaty eye masks, or a powerful PC to run it — case in point, the emerging XR glasses category, where a huge widescreen to work and play on is never more than a pair of spectacles away. While Apple is busy misjudging its reach with the wildly overpriced Vision Pro, other brands are bringing XR wearables to the mainstream, and among that crowd is VITURE, a company that makes some of the most impressive XR glasses on the market today. Recently, it rolled out its updated Luma series, which has some huge improvements over its previous generation XR glasses, and much of the competition. Despite being a bit of an XR fan, I've never actually had the chance to try out a pair of the latest wave of XR glasses for anything more than a quick demo, but after using a pair of the VITURE Luma Pro for a few weeks now, I'm convinced this is a niche that is about to explode. Premium, customizable, and comfortable Paul Jones / Android Authority Let's start with the unboxing, because the VITURE Luma Pro scream premium quality from the outset. They are held in a high-quality, silicon-like zipped case with a felt interior, which I'm confident will protect the glasses against the inevitable bumps and bruises of travel. The glasses are very sleek with a transparent matte finish and even some optional (and relatively subtle) RGB effects along the temple tips. VITURE has also talked up improved comfort and customisation for the Luma Pro compared to previous models, and the flexible hinges, a variety of interchangeable magnetic nose pads, and two different IPD models (IPD 64.0 and IPD 68.0) mean the Luma Pro should suit all sizes. They're lightweight, too, so you can wear them for long periods at a time. One small design downside is that the Pro model has myopia adjustment dials that support diopters from -4.0D, which isn't quite as impressive as the -6.0D of the regular Luma, or the -5.0D of previous generations. VITURE says this is a necessary knock-on of the Luma Pro's wider 52-degree field-of-view (up from 46 degrees). This changes the aspect ratio to 16:10, which can interfere with the corners of the display with more extreme myopia adjustments. Those who are shortsighted can optionally purchase dedicated prescription lenses for $79.99. With an electrochromic film for dynamic brightness control in brighter areas (and an Anti-Reflective Lens Shade as an optional buy for $19), you could technically use the Luma Pro all day and adjust accordingly, and though I'm not going to start walking around in them as they still look a bit odd compared to typical glasses, I wouldn't feel embarrassed using these on public transport to catch up on work, play a few games, or watch a movie. The Luma Pro are versatile, lightweight, and the displays are razor sharp. Of course, the most essential part of any pair of XR glasses is the quality of the display, and I was impressed with what VITURE has achieved… even if a few buzzwords surrounding the Luma series don't completely ring true. The '152-inch virtual display' is large enough for whatever you want to do, whether hooked up to your phone, gaming handheld, or laptop, even if that huge size equivalence doesn't really translate when wearing them. Likewise, the '4K-like' resolution is technically 1200p, but improved optics and use of Sony's micro-OLED panels leave you with an incredibly crisp, vivid, contrast-y screen. It's ridiculously bright, too, hitting up to 1,000 nits when required. A huge display anywhere, anytime Paul Jones / Android Authority As I mentioned, you can plug the Luma Pro into essentially any device that supports USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode (or Thunderbolt 4), but the real kicker for me was always going to be gaming performance. I tested the VITURE Luma Pro with a few hours of Persona 5: The Phantom X on my phone (my new addiction), many more hours of Metaphor: ReFantazio on the Steam Deck (I'm an Atlus addict), and a couple of races in Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2. All of it ran as smoothly as the platforms can cope with, and the Luma Pro supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The only caveat is that to play with a Switch you'll also need the VITURE Pro Mobile Dock for HDMI compatibility. The $129 dock (pictured below) is a pricey add-on, but it also lets you connect two pairs of glasses to one XR screen and other HDMI devices like consoles and TV streaming sticks. Paul Jones / Android Authority While the Luma Pro does have an on-device chip, many features are only enabled via the SpaceWalker app, which is available for desktop (Windows and macOS), iOS, and Android. This is where you can access VITURE's Immersive 3D tech to transform 2D content into 3D, which is fun to try, but not a reason I'd buy them. Otherwise, any side-by-side 3D content works well, and there are even ways to mod games using ReShade to play them in 3D even if the developer hasn't included the option. Unfortunately for me, a Pixel 8 Pro user, the Luma Pro's 3D mode is incompatible with the latest Pixels, as Google doesn't support the required resolution output. I had to test it with an older Galaxy I had on hand, and that worked fine once DeX was disabled (it otherwise works really well with DeX for productivity). 6DoF is coming, but if you want real tracking you should wait for the upgraded models. The SpaceWalker app also enables more power user-friendly features like multiple display stacking in a variety of arrangements, and it's also where you'll be able to use software-based 3DoF tracking for a static screen via the Luma Pro's front-facing RGB camera. I say that in the future tense, because it's unavailable at launch. While I haven't tested it as a result, I would recommend anyone looking for superior motion tracking to opt for the $599 Luma Ultra instead, which offers 6DoF tracking and uses a mix of software and on-device processing, as well as dual-depth cameras and hand gesture tracking. You'd need another add-on — the $299 Pro Neckband — for hand gestures on the Luma Pro. Missing features and the ballooning costs of possible accessories aside, there are other areas where the Luma Pro aren't perfect. The audio that's piped in from the speakers is HARMAN-tuned, but the quality is quite weak — I definitely recommend using earbuds. There are also looming upgrades to future models, such as the aforementioned 6DoF tracking on the Ultra, and entirely on-device (no app required) 3DoF of the humorously named The Beast, both of which launch later in 2025. There's also VITURE's own acknowledgement of HDR support, which could come in 2026 when it's ready to roll out 10-bit panels, as opposed to 8-bit. VITURE Luma Pro review verdict: Are they worth it? Paul Jones / Android Authority If you want a pair of comfortable and highly adjustable XR glasses with wide support for media and crystal clear display tech, the VITURE Luma Pro are an easy recommendation from me. The closest competitors worth considering are the XREAL One which retail for the same price, have superior audio, and hardware-based 3DoF, but the Luma Pro have them beat in screen sharpness, size, and brightness. I can't lie that I'm not a little more excited by the prospect of the Luma Ultra when they launch in September, but for under $500, the Luma Pro are well worth their price tag. VITURE Luma Pro Comfortable, adjustable, premium design • Sharp, vivid display • Myopia adjustments MSRP: $499.00 With 4K-like displays that reach brightness of over 1,000 nits, next-gen HARMAN-powered audio, and design upgrades that provide all-day comfort, there's no better way to play games, watch movies, and much more, all in immersive XR, at home or on the go. See price at Amazon Positives Comfortable, adjustable, premium design Comfortable, adjustable, premium design Sharp, vivid display Sharp, vivid display Myopia adjustments Myopia adjustments Extensive device compatibility Extensive device compatibility Reasonable price Cons Weak audio Weak audio No 3DoF at launch No 3DoF at launch Accessories cost adds up
New York Post
22-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Humanoid robot performs medical procedures using remote control
Healthcare systems worldwide are struggling with overcrowded hospitals, physician burnout, and rising surgery delays. Which is why it's always a good thing to see research exploring new solutions through technology. The University of California San Diego (UCSD) is looking into humanoid robots as a potential solution. It suggests they might play a vital role in easing medical burdens. Unlike traditional surgical robots that are expensive and highly specialized, humanoid robots offer more flexibility. And this makes them promising candidates for a wide range of clinical tasks. UCSD tests Unitree G1 humanoid robot in real medical procedures UCSD equipped a Unitree G1 humanoid robot with Inspire Gen4 robotic hands and developed a bimanual teleoperation system for it as well. Both allow it to perform seven varied medical procedures using a remote control operated by a human using foot pedals, HTC Vive trackers, and motion-capture cameras. Advertisement 3 Unlike traditional surgical robots that are expensive and highly specialized, humanoid robots offer more flexibility. UCSD ARCLAB These tasks the robot carried out ranged from physical exams like auscultation and palpation, to emergency procedures such as Bag Valve Mask ventilation and endotracheal intubation. Some of them even required a great deal of precision, like ultrasound-guided injections. There were some challenges with force control and sensor sensitivity, but the robot managed to carry out most tasks given to it with accuracy. Medical robot trial results show strong potential for hospital use For examinations, it successfully used a stethoscope and performed basic physical examinations. In these tests, performance was hindered by limitations in sensor feedback and hand design. For emergency care, it achieved consistent ventilation. However, it required human assistance to maintain the necessary seal and force required for intubation. Advertisement 3 There were some challenges with force control and sensor sensitivity, but the robot managed to carry out most tasks given to it with accuracy. UCSD ARCLAB When it came to needle procedures, it performed ultrasound-guided injections. It achieved a 70% success rate when performed by non-clinicians, demonstrating its potential for training purposes. Trials showed issues with needle control and orientation during suturing, indicating that the haptic feedback mechanisms need improvement. How humanoid robots could transform healthcare and hospital staffing This is the first major study to add humanoid robots to hospital work systems. With aging populations and ongoing labor shortages, these adaptable robots could support routine and emergency tasks in hospital settings. This robot could take immense pressure off medical staff. The versatility and ability to be remotely controlled make it particularly appealing for settings that require rapid response and tools that can carry out a wide range of tasks. What this means for you 3 With aging populations and ongoing labor shortages, these adaptable robots could support routine and emergency tasks in hospital settings. UCSD ARCLAB Advertisement If you've ever waited too long in an ER, struggled to book a specialist appointment, or worried about overworked healthcare providers, this research should catch your attention. Humanoid robots like the Unitree G1 aren't replacing doctors, but they could support them in real, practical ways. From performing emergency procedures in remote areas to helping with routine physical exams in crowded hospitals, these robots could ease bottlenecks and improve care access. For patients, that could mean shorter wait times, faster treatment, and safer hospital environments where medical teams are less stretched. For families in rural or underserved areas, this technology could offer critical care support where medical staff is limited. And for healthcare workers, it could bring much-needed relief by taking on repetitive or physically taxing tasks. While the tech is still evolving, these early results suggest a future where hospitals have robotic teammates, not just tools, helping deliver faster, smarter care. Kurt's key takeaways Advertisement While humanoid robots like the Unitree G1 are not ready to fully replace humans, they're steadily proving how capable they are in medical environments. The researchers just need to solve issues like force control, sensitivity, and dexterity. Once they do, we will see these robots in operating rooms around the world assisting with surgeries. They will make our struggling healthcare systems far more resilient and accessible.
Chicago Tribune
14-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Best VR headset
Trying to find the best VR headset can be intimidating, especially if you're new to virtual reality systems. However, today's VR technology is a lot more approachable than in years past, and manufacturers are offering top VR headset setups at affordable prices. For PC gamers, the HTC Vive is among the best VR headsets out there, with its impressive combination of visual and audio components. But because it's for PC users only, gamers looking for PS4 VR headsets or PS5 VR headsets need to consider other options. Types The cheapest VR headsets are goggles that use a separate display, such as a phone or a Nintendo Switch, to play VR games purchased on the device. However, the best VR headsets include a screen of their own for the ultimate VR experience, and tether gameplay from a gaming PC or console. Space needed for VR Keep in mind that VR headset systems typically require space for the user to move around in, so use your headset in an area with plenty of space. Controllers Many VR headsets come with controllers that let the user interact with their in-game environment, ultimately adding to the immersion of the VR experience. Display resolution A VR headset's display resolution refers to the level of detail that the screen in the headset can reproduce. The higher the display resolution in a given VR headset, the more realistic the VR is going to look. Comfortable fit VR headsets typically weigh more than an average pair of goggles because they contain a full screen. This can cause strain on the user during long gaming sessions, so find a VR headset that fits comfortably. VR headsets with fabric straps tend to be more comfortable than those with plastic or rubber straps, although the latter two are easier to clean. Device compatibility Be sure your VR headset is compatible with the gaming device to which you plan to tether it. While the top VR headsets usually tether to a gaming PC, others can be used with PlayStation consoles and the like. A cheap VR headset setup can also act as goggles for playing VR games on your mobile device. Depending on what you're looking for in a VR headset, the range of prices can vary quite widely. If you're looking for a cheap VR headset to use with VR apps or mobile games, you can find them for less than $100 per pair, while spending between $4 and $50 for the games. However, if you're looking for a tethered VR headset, you can expect to spend between $300 and $1,100. Do VR headsets need a PC? A. While you don't necessarily need a PC to use a VR headset, having a gaming PC is probably the most high-quality way to experience VR. However, PlayStation users can also get a PS4 VR headset or PS5 VR headset, and those looking to play VR games on a budget can find solutions that work with phone apps, Nintendo Switch or other devices. How long can you use a VR headset? A. While every individual will be affected differently by a VR headset, it's important for all VR users to remember to take breaks often. Some users have reported feeling dizzy and nauseated from playing VR for too long. Be aware of how your body is feeling while playing, and don't forget to drink a lot of water. Top VR headset HTC Vive Cosmos Elite Virtual Reality System What you need to know: For any buyers who already have a high-end gaming PC, this PC VR headset from HTC is among the best available, offering top-notch virtual reality experiences. What you'll love: This model's hyper-realistic graphics and powerful headset audio are part of the reason the HTC Vive Cosmos is considered a modern VR standard. Other users appreciate the 2880 x 1700 resolution display and precise motion controls. What you should consider: This VR headset is more expensive than some other models. It isn't designed for use with Xbox or PlayStation consoles. Top VR headset for the money BNext VR Headset What you need to know: If you're looking to play VR games on your phone rather than tethering to another device, this cheap VR headset from BNext lets you play just about any mobile VR game while using your phone as the display. What you'll love: This VR goggle set fits most iPhones, Android phones and other smartphones, offering a decent VR goggle view at a very affordable price. What you should consider: This VR headset is not compatible with PCs, PS4s or PS5s. It also isn't made for VR on Nintendo Switch, although similar devices for the Switch can be found. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Time Business News
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
The Rise of VR App Development and Its Real-World Impact
Virtual Reality (VR) is no longer just a buzzword reserved for gaming geeks or science fiction fans. It is now one of the most transformative tools in the digital world, with applications in industries ranging from healthcare to real estate, education to entertainment. At the core of this immersive revolution lies the unmatched innovation and expertise of a VR app development company—tech partners shaping the way we interact, learn, and experience. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into what makes VR app development a vital part of the modern business ecosystem. Whether you're a startup looking to build the next-gen simulation or an enterprise aiming to elevate customer engagement, understanding VR development services is crucial to staying competitive and future-proof. VR app development involves designing immersive applications that simulate physical environments and experiences using specialized software and hardware. These apps are typically experienced through headsets like Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, or PlayStation VR, offering users a fully immersive 3D environment. A competent VR app development company not only builds these experiences but ensures they are intuitive, realistic, and purpose-driven—bridging the digital and physical worlds. From employee training to product visualization, the practical use cases of virtual reality app development have multiplied in recent years. Enhanced Customer Engagement: VR allows customers to interact with products or services in an immersive way. VR allows customers to interact with products or services in an immersive way. Improved Learning and Training: Industries like aviation and medicine are using VR for safe, realistic training modules. Industries like aviation and medicine are using VR for safe, realistic training modules. Reduced Operational Costs: VR reduces the need for physical setups and simulations. VR reduces the need for physical setups and simulations. Competitive Advantage: Early adoption puts businesses ahead of the curve in tech innovation. When partnering with a VR development company, the features of the application can make or break user experience. Some essential features include: Realistic 3D Environments Spatial Audio Interactive Objects Cross-Platform Compatibility User-Friendly Interfaces Data Analytics Integration These features are hallmarks of quality VR development services that go beyond just graphics and immersion—they drive business results. While VR is often synonymous with gaming, today's virtual reality development services extend far beyond entertainment. Healthcare: Virtual surgery training, therapy, and diagnosis Virtual surgery training, therapy, and diagnosis Education: Immersive classrooms, science simulations Immersive classrooms, science simulations Real Estate: Virtual property tours Virtual property tours Retail: Virtual fitting rooms, showroom walkthroughs Virtual fitting rooms, showroom walkthroughs Manufacturing: Safety training and virtual prototyping A skilled VR app development company can help tailor industry-specific solutions that are scalable and secure. With so many agencies out there, choosing the right VR app development company can be challenging. Here's what to look for: Technical Expertise in Unity, Unreal Engine, and WebXR Portfolio Across Multiple Industries Cross-Device Experience Post-Launch Support Custom Solution Approach An experienced team will offer full-cycle VR development services—from ideation and prototyping to testing and deployment. The future of VR app development is intertwined with advancements in AI, 5G, and edge computing. Here are emerging trends: AI-Powered VR: Intelligent simulations that adapt to user behavior simulations that adapt to user behavior Cloud VR: Access immersive experiences without heavy hardware Access immersive experiences without heavy hardware VR + Blockchain: Secure asset ownership in virtual environments Secure asset ownership in virtual environments Metaverse Integration: Building persistent virtual spaces for work, play, and commerce Businesses that invest now in virtual reality app development will be the frontrunners in the digital landscape of tomorrow. Despite its potential, VR development has hurdles: High Development Cost Hardware Dependency User Motion Sickness Content Standardization The right VR development services provider can address these by: Creating lightweight, optimized applications Designing intuitive user navigation Offering cloud-based VR access Conducting thorough user testing A leading hospital used virtual reality development services to train surgeons in a risk-free virtual environment. The result? 40% faster training and a 30% reduction in real-world errors. A university deployed a fully immersive chemistry lab using VR app development. Students reported higher retention and increased engagement. A real estate firm used VR tours built by a VR app development company, leading to a 70% reduction in physical visits but a 25% increase in conversions. Cost varies depending on features, complexity, and timeline. Here's a rough estimate: Project Type Cost Range (USD) Basic VR App $10,000 – $25,000 Mid-Level App $30,000 – $70,000 Enterprise Solution $80,000 – $150,000+ Partnering with the right VR development services provider ensures you get maximum ROI. Getting started is easier than you think: Define Your Goals: Entertainment, training, visualization? Research Use Cases: What's working in your industry? Choose a Reliable Partner: Opt for a full-service VR app development company Build an MVP: Start small, then scale Collect Feedback & Iterate: Improve user experience continuously Virtual Reality is not just a passing trend—it's the next wave of digital transformation. Whether you're aiming to innovate, educate, or entertain, investing in virtual reality app development today means securing your relevance for tomorrow. The world is changing. Your business can too—with the right VR development services partner by your side. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Tom's Guide
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Meta Quest 3 should've killed big-screen TVs — here's why that didn't happen
When I reviewed the HTC Vive back in 2016, I thought VR headsets were about to set the world on fire. For roughly two months, the Vive was the best VR headset and I spent as much time as I could living in VR and demoing it for everyone who came over. One of the biggest features that I thought would take off was Viveport Video, a collection of 360-degree videos that offered a more immersive experience than standard 16x9 format content. Everyone wants to watch something on an infinitely big TV, right? Turns out, no. Not at all. And now I've finally got a few answers why. Now if you own a VR headset like the Meta Quest 3, you might actually use it for watching the best streaming services. However, sadly you're in the minority. According to a recent report by research firm Counterpoint, the sale of VR headsets dropped 12% year-over-year in 2024. And that was the third year in a row that sales have declined. Everyone has different numbers about the total number of units sold, but by the looks of things, it was only around 5 million units. By comparison, in 2024 the worldwide global sales of TVs reached 230 million units. And that number doesn't fluctuate by a ton each year. In 2020, 2021 and 2023, there were more than 200 million units sold worldwide. So why are TVs selling so much better than VR headsets? One very good reason is because TVs are becoming more affordable while VR headsets cost just as much as they did almost a decade ago. When you can buy one of the best TVs for under $500, you're probably not in a rush to go out and spend $500 on a stand-alone VR headset that you've never tried before. Maybe you'd jump on the opportunity to try VR if there was a good headset available for less than $100, but at that price you're going to have to buy one secondhand. In short, one reason that VR headsets haven't overtaken TVs is because of low sales and stagnant prices. There just aren't enough headsets out there and evangelists preaching the benefits about watching movies and shows in VR As it turns out, good headsets are hard to make. Or, well, at least harder to make than a good TV. Very early on in the advent of VR, it was decided that a 90Hz refresh rate is the minimum you'd want on a screen that close to your face. Any slower, and you're more likely to feel motion sick. Ideally, you'd want more than a 90Hz refresh rate, but then that will come at the cost of lower resolution. Now, I should mention that the Quest 3 defaults to a 90Hz refresh rate, but that can be changed to 120Hz in the settings. However, not every application and game takes advantage of the faster refresh rate. What that means is that some apps are going to cause less nausea than others. I've never watched a TV that's so bad that it's made me sick to my stomach. But let's be honest, any time spent feeling nauseous is bad. There's really no point when watching a TV would make you feel motion sick. The soap opera effect is unpleasant, sure, and bad motion interpolation can induce headaches. But I've never watched a TV that's so bad that it's made me sick to my stomach. Sadly, the same can't be said for VR. When watching videos alone, I'd argue that VR is as good as a cheap TV. Now, admittedly, because I review them professionally I'm always going to enjoy the better contrast of a QD-OLED screen than the LCD of a Quest 3, but good luck finding a Samsung S95F for $500. But when it comes to sharing content with someone else in the same room as you, TVs can't be beat. Sure, you can Cast some of what you're doing in VR to a TV to share with someone (and one of my favorite VR games, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, uses that to its advantage). But it's hard to share videos without introducing latency issues. For that reason, if you're in the same room, it just makes more sense to share a screen rather than Casting something so one person can watch in VR while another watches on a screen. That said, if you have a friend who lives far away, VR can be a nice meeting place to come together and watch a movie. Apps like Bigscreen make that possible, though... again, it doesn't feel like enough people know about it and quality isn't always perfect. Look, as much as I enjoy watching and reviewing them, TVs aren't perfect. Setting them up is a huge pain, and like phones and tablets, the displays themselves don't always survive for more than five or six years. I'm not rooting for the death of TVs, mind you, but a change in form factor wouldn't hurt. LG's Transparent TV is a great example of what I'd like: It's a screen that fades into the background when you're not using it. AR stands a real chance at taking down TVs... but I don't know anyone willing to shell out $3,500 for the Apple Vision Pro. In its current form — at its current price point — VR isn't going to overtake TVs. There's still too many kinks. Now, AR stands a real chance at taking down TVs... but I don't know anyone willing to shell out $3,500 for the Apple Vision Pro. Until VR becomes more user-friendly or shoots down in price, TVs will continue to be the de facto screen on which we all watch shows and movies in 2025.
