#Meta Quest 3 Features

[virtualrealitynewstoday]

META虛擬現實更進一步：Meta Avatar SDK更新，引入內向外身體追蹤與生成腿部動作

Meta近日宣布推出內向外身體追蹤（Inside-Out Body Tracking, IOBT）技術，這是首個專為Quest 3設計的基於視覺的追蹤系統，用於映射上半身動作。除此之外，Meta還發布了一項激動人心的更新——生成腿部動作（Generative Legs），這項功能現在支援所有Quest設備。IOBT大幅提升了在健身、戰鬥和社交場景中的追蹤精準度，而生成腿部則讓開發者更容易創建全身角色，而非僅有半身的表現。 這些身體追蹤能力現已作為v60版本的一部分公開發布，它們將幫助開發者為各種虛擬現實（VR）和混合現實（MR）體驗創造出更真實、更生動的動作。這是VR頭戴式設備首次推出此類功能，Meta期待用戶開始實驗這些新功能。 在動作遊戲和健身應用中提升動作精準度 IOBT（僅限Meta Quest…

[jessicameleon]

anyway, if you don't know, ive been making a pokemon fangame for the last about 8 months now using pokemon essentials for rpgmaker xp. ive done basically the entire game by myself, including map and game design, drawing custom sprites, arranging remixes of pokemon music in gen 3's sound font to play in the game (which you can hear on my YouTube channel), and programming in the story events and some features of the game (with some occasional help on some script writing from @miamakesmods)

now, ive had this kind of master plan for the story and plot and progression of this game for maybe 6 years now, and this idea has just been simmering in my mind all this time, and i finally took the leap last year to make it happen for real. it takes place on a pacific island region called Isoal that was home to an ancient people who existed before humans and pokemon cooperated, and got by by engineering these devices we now call Runestones, geometric white stones with glowing blue lines that run through them. these people are long gone now, but the Runestones remain littering the island.

ive been putting a lot of myself into this game, little bits and visual gags that i think are funny and charming, here and there there'll be little meta commentary on genre tropes and things that you expect out of the main series. don't mistake my pastiche for disdain though, because i really do this out of love for the series, and i want to make the rest of the gameplay fun and engaging too, because really im trying to make the game that's one that id really want to play myself.

so far, ive released some small private demos of the game to give to ~10 friends to playtest it, and they have all given it very high praise across the board! but soon, i will be releasing version 3.0.0 of the game, which will be its first public demo!! the goal for this demo is to have up to 5 challengeable gyms, about half the game's plot worth of story, a couple side quests and optional content, 7 towns to explore, among other things for you to find if you play it yourself :3

im working really hard on it!! and im putting my all into it!! i hope that when the demo ends up having its public release that you become interested and try giving my little passion project and glimpse into my soul a shot 💖

[astoundingbeyondbelief]

Kaiju Week in Review (March 3-9, 2024)

Shin Ultraman took an eternity to reach home video, but Godzilla Minus One will proceed as a more reasonable pace (by Japanese standards). Toho will release roughly one billion different editions on May 1, with Amazon- and Godzilla Store-exclusive physical bonuses both on offer. Godzilla Minus One/Minus Color is included with some of the pricier versions, or you can buy it as a standalone Blu-ray or DVD.

The black-and-white version of Shin Godzilla, SHIN GODZILLA:ORTHOchromatic, also hits Japanese home video on May 1. Like Minus Color, no 4K edition, just Blu-ray and DVD. A handful of new bonus features about ORTHOchromatic are included.

As is standard for Toho, none of these releases will be English-friendly. But given the films' popularity (and the lack of any legal way to watch Minus One since it left theaters), expect bootlegs to circulate at light speed.

Unsurprisingly, Godzilla Minus One cleaned up at the Japanese Academy Awards, with eight victories out of eleven nominations: Picture of the Year, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Art Direction, and Best Lighting. That's one more than Shin Godzilla, and pretty much guarantees that the Toho Godzilla series will keep the prestige pictures coming. Strange times!

We'll see if Minus One can also capture Best Visual Effects at the American Academy Awards tonight. The Creator remains its biggest competition. The Gareth Edwards film is better-positioned by the usual metrics, with a second nomination for Best Sound and five wins at the Visual Effects Society Awards, but the enthusiasm gap for the films themselves may prove decisive. I'll be doing a much lengthier analysis during Wikizilla's Oscar stream tonight, which will start at about 6:00 PM ET, an hour before the ceremony begins.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire tickets may not be on sale yet, but Cinemark theaters have rolled out the above merch (much more efficiently than Target and Walmart have rolled out the toyline, if my local theater's any indication). I have a suspicion those plushies will be worth a mint a few years from now, small as they are; don't know about the other stuff. I bought the larger popcorn tin when I saw Dune: Part Two on Thursday. The promo image is deceptive, as the green area is transparent plastic and the Titan image is on the opposite wall of the tin, so that popcorn's either defying gravity or being held up by a hidden insert. There are Kong and Skar King variants as well, the latter revealing his height (318 feet). Poor Shimo; being the "secret" villain really narrows the amount of merch you get.

The other interesting GxK news this week (apart from the endless TV spot variants, which I'm not even trying to keep track of) is a collaboration with the American Red Cross, of all institutions. Donate blood, platelets, or AB Elite plasma from March 25 to April 7, get a free T-shirt. And for completion's sake, I'll mention the Roblox and Call of Duty cross-promos too.

Chibi Godzilla Raids Again, an unexpected delight last year, is getting a second season starting April 3. The official site revealed that Minilla is joining the cast, while those silhouettes to his right look like Titanosaurus (unjustly neglected in recent years), Gigan, and Gabara. Expect to follow the first season in being uploaded to the GODZILLA OFFICIAL by TOHO YouTube channel with English subtitles.

Here's another chance to watch Tsuburaya and Toei Animation's Kaiju Decode short, originally released in 2021. (It goes away at the end of the month, because every Japanese studio is apparently hellbent on making short films ephemeral, so download it now.) It's the basis for a recent mixed reality game for the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro, hence its return to the spotlight.

UniVersus, a collectable card game predicated on pitting characters from various franchises against each other, is going all in on Godzilla after offering a couple of Minus One cards through highly convoluted means last year. They're releasing a couple of Godzilla Challenger Series (preconstructed decks) on June 21, one based around Godzilla and Mothra, the other around King Ghidorah and Rodan, with Mechagodzilla thrown into the mix for both. I've never played this game in my life, but the prospect of a shiny Godzilla card with James Stokoe art is sort of tempting.

[bakawitch]

Whar are your cocky Atems

(I almost misread this ask lol)

Here's a quick rundown on the calculating, messed up cocky Atems that live in my head! (I might have more, but these are the only ones I can remember from the top of my head)

1. Zorc!Atem - Used to be called Yoru, but I renamed him Meta a while ago. Featured in one of the earliest drawings I posted about 4 years ago(?), still thriving in my mind. I started drawing a comic for his origin a couple of years ago, but I only ever got to finishing the first page soooo... yeah 😅

2. Serial Killer!Atem - Straight from the most fleshed out clashshipping au I have! He's a practising psychiatrist who has a thing for mindgames and powerplay, and he's very successful in (both of) his profession(s). Kind of trying to write/rewrite this fic on and off.

3. Dark God!Atem - If you follow me, you probably have seen him before, but I never really clarified that he was a dark god XD. He basically inherited a portion of Zorc's power and is in a constant power struggle with a humanified and drastically weakened Zorc and his supporters.

4. Yakuza!Atem - This Atem is a bit of an odd one out because he is a lot more spontaneous and random. He lives in the moment and usually does whatever he considers most fun. He's a people's person and very amicable, and an extrovert (most of these Atem's are more on the introverted side and are the one's approached rather than the one who approaches).

5. Cat-Sith!Atem - Grade A asshole cat guy who isn't limited by the usual 9 transformations per total for regular cat-siths (he unapologetically flaunts it). He is probably the newest brain bug on the list lol.

Bonus: feral, chaotic, angry Atem

Damned King!Atem - Atem from the role swap au where he takes on the role of tkb. He was stolen from the palace after birth and swapped with a different baby (tkb). He is told of the swap by Zorc after the destruction of Kul Elna and is very bitter about it, believing that he was abandoned by his father and kingdom and is now on a quest for vengeance.

[apuff]

@thankyouforthev3n0m

the cats of ulthar is pretty fun, it features bad thing happening to cats but it turns out pretty okay in the end (TRYING SO HARD NOT TO SPOIL)*

the nameless city is one of the best "spooky ancient society ahh" hpl type things that he wrote, it's pretty orientalist tho

2. the quest of iranon is cool*

3. the other gods is fun, like a lot of these i feel like they're supposed to be scary but i just find them to be fun and kinda campy? it's odd *

4. the music of erich zann (i forgor the spelling) is cool

5. sweet ermengarde is great because it's absolutely not horror or fantasy and it's just this weird spoof satire story

6. herbert west- already explained why it's good

7. the unnamable is weirdly meta and for that reason i find it to be refreshing

8. in the vault is just kinda crazy and i like how simple the premise is

9. cool air is just wack. somehow hpl is afraid of both spanish people and AIR CONDITIONING in this and for that reason it is funny

10. pickman's model is iconic and hilarious and pretty well executed (idk if i am SUPPOSED to find it funny but it's great )

11. the strange high house in the mist- kinda just weird and atmospheric *

12. the dream quest of unknown kadath, i think is almost the longest thing he wrote. it's kind of like an extremely long winded and vibes based stoner fantasy

(okay i looked this up and i couldn't find any actual definition of the phrase stoner fantasy but i just mean it's weirdly trippy and dreamy fantasy)

anyways it's pretty good if you lean into it

13. the colour out of space, i already explained why it's good

the alchemist and the tomb aren't that good since he wrote them when he was so young but they're kind of neat to hear anyway (actually the tomb just makes me sad but in sort of an interesting way)

*part of this thing called the dream cycle which is all set in this special stoner fantasy dream world and shares names and places and events

hpl recommendations OVERRR

[canmom]

the unity thing is a hot mess huh. they will probably find some way to walk back some of it in response to backlash, clarify the install fee if they do commit, and solve some of the cases where it's prohibitively expensive (mostly f2p mobile games), maybe delay the Jan 1st deadline because their 'install detection' tech obviously isn't there - but 'retroactively changing the license' part is the really scary one. especially since this goes against some of the on-record promises made by Unity in the past.

it's kind of impressive how like... one of the cornerstones of the entire modern game dev industry can completely evaporate its trust overnight. this has apparently has to do with the company's IPO, the loss of most of the founders, the ex-EA CEO etc. but regardless of motivation, it's extremely horrible from a game preservation standpoint if we start to see games getting pulled from stores to shield against the new install fee.

this means everyone's going to start looking for Unity alternatives. the obvious one that comes to mind is Godot, which has the advantage of being lightweight and open source. however, Godot's got significant performance issues baked into its architecture, especially in comparison to Unity's DOTS and Burst compiler. by contrast, Unreal is a beast in terms of grahpical performance (not so much CPU-side, it's beaten by DOTS there), but it's anything but lightweight - on my old laptop the editor had a bit of a tendency to swallow up my 1050Ti's VRAM and crash. still, this will probably be a real shot in the arm for Unreal lmao

Bevy is the engine with the most promise imo (pure ECS with the power of the Rust compiler underlying it), but Bevy is immature, and lacks a lot of features you depend on in Unity (which is to say, Unity has some really great tools for profiling and debugging which Bevy lacks, plus Unity has a lot of good built in systems for VFX, shader authoring etc.) particularly the rendering side needs a lot of work. if anything good comes of this, it might be a whole lot more interest in developing Bevy.

for my line of work in VR, if Unity becomes toxic, this is pretty devastating. nearly every game for standalone VR is made in Unity - I feel like I can count the non-Unity games on the Quest 2 on one hand. almost all the pedagogical information out there is written for Unity. so I can only speculate what's gonna happen there. it may be that Unity is able to stay on as the default for Quest 2/3, since Meta has made it so most games are sold on a flat one-time price rather than f2p. of course it does rather depend whether Unity's secret proprietary install-counting tool starts counting pirate installs.

all in all I guess we see how this shakes out but it's kind of a rough thing to happen less than a year after I become a game dev working in unity ^^'

[thetechrobot]

Spacetop G1, World’s first Laptop that uses AR Glasses instead of a Display

A laptop that employs augmented reality glasses as a display was called the Spacetop G1 system, and it was shown to a thousand productivity pioneers by the tech firm Sightful last year.

The upgraded Gen 1 device removes the requirement for the user to stoop over a tiny screen when working remotely on a laptop by placing a 100-inch virtual display directly in their eyes.

In this blog, The TechRobot will showcase the World’s first AR laptop: Spacetop G1. So let us begin.

What is Spacetop G1?

Sightful’s Screenless Laptop, the Spacetop G1, combines a computer with comfortable, lightweight augmented reality glasses. Running on the device is SpaceOS, a spatial operating system with an emphasis on online operations intended for productivity.

The weight of the AR glasses is 85 grams, but the Vision Pro, depending on the Light Seal, weighs between 600 and 650 grams. The keyboard is bulkier compared to a MacBook Air or iPad Pro, measuring less than 12 inches in width and weighing three pounds.

Cost of AR Laptop

The Screenless Laptop, Spacetop G1 charges $1,700 and is just a keyboard with spectacles attached.

Spacetop G1 Specs

Spacetop G1, features a Qualcomm Snapdragon QCS8550 CPU, Kryo GPU, Adreno 740 AI, dual eNPU V3, 48 INT8, 12 FP16 TOPs, 16 GB LPDDR5, 128 GB UFS3.1 storage, and 8-hour battery life.

They have two OLED display screens, a 50° field of vision, a 90Hz refresh rate, and very crisp text rendering.

The glasses enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, and a 5MP camera. They also contain a microphone for use in online meetings.

Benefits of AR Laptops

1. Endless View

With Spacetop’s Virtual Desktop, you may get amusement and information without having to navigate around, making it a convenient substitute for real screen space. Although it’s not the only solution with this functionality, this one could be the easiest to use.

A standard keyboard and touchpad, Spacetop’s AR glasses, and a perhaps lower price tag might allow customers to enjoy endless screen areas without sacrificing functionality. For individuals who would rather have a more ordered workstation, this would be a time-saving alternative.

2. Absolute privacy

Multi-monitor laptop attachments should not be used in public areas due to the increased danger of uninvited eyes peeping at private information caused by an excessive number of physical displays. Although privacy screens are available on certain computers and monitors, they are limited to one monitor.

To solve this, Spacetop is a Screenless Laptop, letting the user see their screen alone until it is shared with others. But it also means that those standing close to the user can’t see the screen without their glasses.

3. Improved posture

Laptops’ screens are firmly attached to the keyboard, making them portable yet uncomfortable. Some people find relief from this neck pain by attaching a desktop monitor.

The screenless laptop, Spacetop, provides a more comfortable height and does away with the need for arms or ergonomic monitor supports. Due to this, laptops are a better choice for use at home or in the workplace.

4. Laser Focus

Spacetop G1 is an Augmented Reality (AR) device that reduces visual distractions so users can work productively and enjoy their free time. The apps it may utilize, including Windows or macOS-based software and limited gaming, are restricted by its Android-based operating system and mobile hardware.

Notwithstanding these drawbacks, Spacetop provides a more practical experience than a typical computer since it places all of the necessary components in front of and surrounding users. Instead of letting others decide for them, users may choose whether to allow virtual distractions to affect them.

Highlight – Introducing Travel Mode For Meta Quest Headsets

Best AR Glasses for Laptops

1. Apple AR Glasses

Apple plans to develop AR glasses that look like conventional spectacles with a built-in display. A prototype of the glasses has a thick, attractive frame and resembles high-end luxury sunglasses. With references to Project Starboard and reports of a glassOS, the prototype is anticipated to function on iOS 14.

Though it could take a few more years for a public release, rumors indicate that Apple has already started the second phase of development. The glasses will have the ability to add prescription lenses, gesture-controlled instructions that connect with the Apple Watch, and a true vision display on both lenses.

Possible capabilities include the ability to use virtual things in real-world settings, do activities without using a phone, and enable immersive phone conversations and remote collaboration software.

2. Meta Glasses

Rebranding Facebook to Meta, Mark Zuckerberg is concentrating on augmented reality glasses and headsets. The business plans to deliver Meta spectacles, a prototype of their augmented reality spectacles, in late 2024. The Project Nazare and Project Aria prototypes provide a fully functional augmented reality experience, with 3D visuals and an elegant design. It is anticipated that the Meta Glasses will include an immersive experience with radio, speakers, and cameras, a holographic display with built-in projectors, batteries, and sensors, and a broad field of vision. In 2024, the prototype is anticipated to be released.

3. Xreal Air 2 Ultra

The Air 2 Ultra glasses from Xreal are an improvement over the Air 2 model and are aimed at competing with Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3 headsets. Complete positional tracking, a form factor akin to eyeglasses, and compatibility for immersive AR apps, TV viewing, and flat-screen gaming are all features of the Air 2 Ultra.

It has a 52-degree field of vision, 500 nits of brightness, two cameras for environmental mapping, hand tracking, and compatibility with Xreal’s Nebula AR environment.

Is AR safe for your eyes?

Prolonged use of AR might result in headaches, nausea, and straining of the eyes. This is a result of our eyes continually focusing on objects at different distances when using AR. This can cause pain and eye tiredness.

Conclusion

The future of laptops with AR like the Spacetop G1 marks a breakthrough in laptop technology by utilizing augmented reality to provide a 100-inch virtual display that improves user posture, productivity, and privacy.

The Spacetop G1 presents a new option for remote work by addressing typical ergonomic concerns associated with standard laptops by mixing AR glasses with a powerful computing machine and the SpaceOS operating system.

Despite several drawbacks associated with its Android-based operating system and the possibility of eye discomfort after extended usage, the Spacetop G1 breaks new ground in augmented reality technology by offering consumers a more useful and engaging experience.

[danshive]

It's been ages since I played videogames, but this is a geniune question: ¿what did Starfield have that No man's Sky didn't? form the gameplays I've watched NMS lets you explore space, build armadas, go on quests and also has an open world and story mode. All the same things that (from what I understand) Starfield aimed to do, but in a more polisehd way.

What I want from Starfield is an open world Bethesda RPG. There is a gameplay loop and feel that I want that's found in the likes of Fallout 3, 4, New Vegas, Oblivion, and Skyrim.

I want some guy to say "hey, I've got this quest hook if you're interested," and I'll say "heck yes," go somewhere with what is, in RPG gameplay terms, a dungeon, do some things, gather some loot, then go back to a base to do it all over again.

Occasionally, I'll get into some conversations, meet some funny characters, do lore things, that sort of stuff.

To be perfectly honest, hearing about "in space" and exploring planets wasn't a selling point. If anything, it lowered my enthusiasm. I'll happily take one interconnected, satisfying open world over a bunch of separated ones of wildly varying quality.

If this wasn't a Bethesda RPG, I wouldn't have given it a chance. My interest in it is very much riding on the success of its predecessors.

Which brings up another point: Community. There are groups of fans of these particular games online. There are content creators who feature these games. I like being able to follow them, and have familiarity with what they're playing.

To a degree, I give Starfield more than a fair shot because I enjoy those creators, that content, and people in that community. There is an ongoing meta value to the game for me even if I don't end up playing it nearly as much as its predecessors.

Also: Mods.

I have a feeling this game is going to get a lot out of mods once the official tools are available.

[serendertothesquad]

Seren's Studies: Odd Squad UK -- "Bad-Luck-itis" Episode Followup, Part 2

Reaching the climax of this one. Will Ozzie manage to implode the universe? Or explode it? Find out below the break!

HE BROKE THE FUCKING TUBES?!?!?!?!?

Man, at this point he's gonna have a coronary as the icing on the ca-

Fuck you.

Genuinely, Rob? Fuck you.

Fuck this bait-and-switch with the fury of 999 quadrillion suns.

This wasn't needed. It really wasn't.

Fuck. You.

"Not to exaggerate, but you're going to destroy us all."

Not even the franchise being under the helm of BBC Studios Kids and Family can remove its "destroy is a fancy word for die" curse. Thanks, PBS!

(And I mean that very sarcastically, thank you.)

Lmao at me thinking this is a rip of "Into the Odd Woods" or "A Case of the Sillies" when it's actually ripping off "The Odd Antidote".

The "magic water" bit was a dead fucking giveaway.

Either this is a sign of Rob wanting to break free because this was a shitty job, or this is a sign that he thinks meta jokes are funny.

Which they are. But what Orli's doing ain't it.

Case in point: if Orli were really in a rush, she and Osgood would take the container of water and run.

Instead, she sticks around.

We know why, of course. But in-universe, she doesn't have much reason to stick around.

What having a writer with absolutely no resume does to a motherfucker.

Did they grab this guy off the street or did they go through the proper channels AND THAT IS A VERY LEGITIMATE QUESTION THANK YOU.

HE EVEN HAS A PINK WATCH AS A FOOD AND BEVERAGE WORKER???? LMAOOOOOO.

Took them 8 years, but the bastards did it.

...Okay, I guess that answers the question of why they couldn't take the container and run.

Still stupid self-awareness, though.

God damn, PBS just can't stop Americanizing everything, can they? At this rate they could go 4Kids and remove all the British names and replace them with American ones!

(...They won't. But have fun with that mental image.)

I much preferred when the Guardian of the Rocks was asking about how long Opal and the Van Computer have been partners.

You can't get any more golden than Oswald's face utterly drooping in mild shock and disappointment.

this episode has a rainbow dragon

next episode has a gay triangle villain

One point to Rob. One. Only one.

They absolutely knew what they were doing.

This is the Odd Squad equivalent of firing a gun when you're sick.

No one smart enough fires a gun when they're sick. That's just downright fuck-all stupid.

I mean...okay, this effect is kinda cool. Kinda. Sorta.

Doesn't erase this episode's sins, though.

"Oh, what a day."

Yes...yes, it was a day. Just a day. No adjective. Just a day.

In some cosmic twisted way, this means you can watch "The Odd Antidote" and have the two episodes infinitely loop with each other.

Someone call the FBI, I have a new torture method!

It's contagious...but somehow Orwell didn't get it? And he's the one who got saddled up with Ozzie, so either the man's got a hell of an immune system or it's like "one and done, now you're immune".

And your credits for this episode. Featuring the Three's Company for Witches family!

-----------------------------------

Overall...this was tough to stomach. Easily the worst out of the "find the cure" episodes we've gotten. Season 3's, by comparison, were much better -- "Into the Odd Woods" at least had cuts to Omar completely sending Orla for a whirlwind with his clowning around, while "Off the Clock" brought a unique approach to the cliche and brought a bit of lore to boot.

This one...shot and missed the mark. Ozzie's repeated going into rooms and utterly destroying them was hilarious, and the wizards were fun, but I wasn't invested in Orli's and Osgood's quest through the Mystical Glade nor was I a fan of Orli's painful self-awareness. On that note, Oswald's gripe with technology and reliance on books was far more fun to see, even if just for a one-note wonder.

But of course, having dealt with writers who have lacking resumes, perhaps this shouldn't surprise me. I'd recommend Rob get more practice before returning to the franchise, because oh fuckin' boy does he need it.

Next time will be "The Triangle Sisters", and you can bet your ass I will gush about gay triangle villain. So, so much. We've got disability rep, now let's take the next step.

Seren out!

[usagirotten]

‘Alien: Rogue Incursion’ VR Game Launches 19 December

Fans of the Alien franchise have a new reason to be excited as the highly anticipated VR game, Alien: Rogue Incursion, is set to launch on December 19, 2024. Developed by Survios and published by 20th Century Games, this single-player action-horror game promises to deliver an immersive experience like no other. Alien: Rogue Incursion will be available on PlayStation VR2, PCVR via Steam, and Meta Quest 3. Players will step into the shoes of Zula Hendricks, an unbreakable ex-Colonial Marine, on a dangerous mission to the uncharted planet Purdan. Accompanied by her sentient AI companion, Davis-01, Zula must navigate the infested Gemini Exoplanet Solutions black-site facility, facing off against the most cunning Xenomorphs ever encountered12.  The game features iconic weapons and gear from the Alien universe, including the Pulse Rifle and Motion Tracker. Players will need to use their wits and reflexes to survive the dynamic and reactive combat system, where Xenomorphs spawn based on player actions23. Alien: Rogue Incursion offers several exciting features that make it a standout VR game: - Immersive VR Experience: Designed specifically for VR, the game plunges players into the terrifying world of Alien, with detailed audio, visuals, lighting, and haptic feedback12. - Dynamic Combat System: Xenomorphs spawn based on player actions, making each encounter unique and unpredictable. The AI-driven enemies use the environment to their advantage, creating a challenging and immersive combat experience2. - Iconic Weapons and Gear: Players can use classic Alien universe weapons like the Pulse Rifle and Motion Tracker. The game also includes other gear to help players survive the hostile environment12. - Original Storyline: The game features an original story where players control Zula Hendricks, an ex-Colonial Marine, on a mission to the uncharted planet Purdan. Accompanied by her AI companion, Davis-01, Zula must navigate and survive the infested Gemini Exoplanet Solutions black-site facility12. - Pre-Order Bonuses: Players who pre-order the game will receive exclusive cosmetic skins inspired by the upcoming film Alien: Romulus. The Deluxe Edition includes additional content like Blue Camo Armor and Weapon Skins2. Pre-orders for Alien: Rogue Incursion are now open on all platforms. Those who pre-order will receive exclusive cosmetic skins inspired by the upcoming film Alien: Romulus3. The standard edition is priced at $39.99, while the Deluxe Edition, which includes additional content, is available for $49.993. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to immerse yourself in the terrifying world of Alien: Rogue Incursion this December.  

  Read the full article

[virtualrealitynewstoday]

Meta Horizon Worlds v163：「投票移除」功能更新與修復重點介紹

我們非常想知道您對 Meta Horizon Worlds v163 更新中新功能的看法！您覺得投票移除功能有助於改善社交互動嗎？請在下方留言分享您的想法，我們樂於聽取並回應每一位讀者的見解！

在最新的 v163 版本更新中，Meta Horizon Worlds 帶來了一系列提升使用者體驗的改進。這包括了一個正在測試階段的新功能，讓用戶在錄製影片或拍照時能夠切換名牌標籤的顯示與否。此外，亦新增了世界詳情頁面的內容描述符，以及對「投票移除」功能的更新，增強了用戶的操作便利性和互動體驗。 在一般改進方面，Meta 團隊加速了虛擬世界中畫廊的加載速度，使用者現在可以更快地存取及分享照片和影片。針對名牌標籤的切換功能，該功能目前處於測試階段，只對部分用戶開放。在測試階段的用戶可以在開啟相機時，透過一個新的圖標來切換名牌標籤的顯示與否。值得注意的是，使用無人機相機拍攝時，名牌標籤會自動移除，且無法切換。 Poll to…

[fakerobotrealblog]

"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare is one of the most iconic and frequently adapted plays in the literary canon. Its exploration of themes such as revenge, madness, and existentialism has inspired numerous adaptations across various mediums. Here's an in-depth analysis of "Hamlet" and some notable adaptations:

### "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare:

1. **Existentialism and Moral Ambiguity:**

- "Hamlet" is renowned for its exploration of existential themes. The protagonist, Prince Hamlet, grapples with moral ambiguity, contemplating life, death, and the consequences of revenge. The famous soliloquy "To be or not to be" encapsulates these existential reflections.

2. **Madness and Deception:**

- Hamlet's feigned madness and the broader theme of deception add layers to the narrative. The play explores the thin line between reality and illusion, raising questions about the authenticity of appearances.

3. **Complex Characters:**

- Characters like Claudius, Gertrude, Ophelia, and Polonius contribute to the complexity of the play. Each character has intricate motives and relationships, adding depth to the exploration of human nature.

4. **Dramatic Irony:**

- Shakespeare employs dramatic irony throughout the play, where the audience possesses knowledge that some characters lack. This creates tension and engages the audience in the unfolding tragedy.

5. **Ghost Motif:**

- The appearance of King Hamlet's ghost introduces the supernatural element and sets the revenge plot in motion. The ghost serves as a catalyst for Hamlet's internal conflict and moral dilemma.

### Notable Adaptations:

1. **"The Lion King" (1994):**

- This animated film draws clear parallels with "Hamlet," portraying Simba's journey mirroring Hamlet's quest for justice and self-discovery. The uncle Scar corresponds to Claudius, adding a familial and Shakespearean dimension to the Disney classic.

2. **"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" (1990):**

- Tom Stoppard's play and subsequent film take a unique perspective, focusing on two minor characters from "Hamlet." It explores existential themes and the concept of fate, providing a meta-theatrical commentary on the original play.

3. **"Hamlet" (1996) - Directed by Kenneth Branagh:**

- Branagh's film adaptation offers a faithful rendition of the play, emphasizing its theatrical roots. The unabridged version allows for a comprehensive exploration of the characters and themes, staying true to the original text.

4. **"Hamlet" (2000) - Directed by Michael Almereyda:**

- Set in modern-day New York, this adaptation features Ethan Hawke as Hamlet. The contemporary setting introduces new layers to the play's exploration of power, corruption, and surveillance.

5. **"Hamlet" (1948) - Directed by Laurence Olivier:**

- Olivier's film, a more traditional adaptation, won several Academy Awards. It is praised for its visual aesthetics and Olivier's nuanced portrayal of Hamlet.

6. **"Hamlet" (2015) - Directed by Kenneth Branagh:**

- Branagh returned to "Hamlet" in 2015, this time focusing on the character's internal struggles. The film explores Hamlet's psychological state and emphasizes the emotional depth of the play.

### Common Themes Across Adaptations:

1. **Reinterpretation of Characters:**

- Different adaptations may reinterpret characters, offering new perspectives on their motivations and actions.

2. **Modernization and Contextual Shifts:**

- Many adaptations place "Hamlet" in different time periods or cultural contexts, highlighting its universality and adaptability.

3. **Focus on Specific Themes:**

- Some adaptations emphasize particular themes such as political intrigue, mental health, or familial relationships, providing a fresh lens on the original material.

In conclusion, "Hamlet" continues to captivate audiences through its timeless exploration of human nature and existential dilemmas. Its adaptability to various mediums and reinterpretation across diverse contexts underscore its enduring relevance in the realm of literature and performance.

[realjediverse]

Meta Quest 3 VR Headset Review

The Meta Quest 3 is a standalone VR headset that was released in October 2023. It is the successor to the Meta Quest 2, and it features a number of improvements, including a higher-resolution display, a more powerful processor, and full-color passthrough cameras. The Quest 3 is also backwards compatible with all existing Quest games, so you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite VR titles right…

[guestpostlinks]

What tools do you use to improve website rankings?

Boosting your website rankings requires a multifaceted approach.

Here's a lineup of indispensable tools that can help you climb the search engine ladder.

1. Keyword Research Tools

The Foundation of SEO

Keyword research tools are your gateway to understanding what your target audience is searching for. They provide insights into relevant keywords, their search volume, and competition. SEO Audit Tools include SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Keyword Planner.

2. On-Page SEO Tools

Crafting SEO-Optimized Content

To optimize individual pages for search engines, on-page SEO tools are indispensable. They analyze your content for factors like keyword usage, meta tags, headers, and readability. Yoast SEO and Moz On-Page Grader are valuable choices.

3. Backlink Analysis Tools

Building Authority

Building a robust backlink profile is crucial for SEO success. Tools like Moz's Link Explorer and Ahrefs allow you to analyze your backlinks, identify toxic links, and explore opportunities for link building.

4. Technical SEO Tools

Technical SEO tools help uncover and rectify issues that might hinder your website's performance. They check for issues like site speed, mobile-friendliness, and XML sitemaps. Google's PageSpeed Insights and Screaming Frog SEO Spider are top picks.

5. Content Management Systems (CMS)

Choosing the right CMS, such as WordPress or Joomla, can simplify content management and SEO efforts. These platforms often offer plugins and extensions to enhance SEO capabilities.

Conclusion

In the quest to improve your website rankings, these tools are your trusted allies. From understanding your audience through keyword research to optimizing your content with on-page SEO tools and building authority with backlinks, the right tools can make the journey smoother and more effective.

Remember, achieving and maintaining high website rankings is an ongoing endeavor, so embrace these tools, adapt your strategies, and keep climbing the search engine ladder. Your digital success story awaits.

FAQs about Tools for Improving Website Rankings

Q1: Can I rely solely on tools to improve my website rankings?

While tools are invaluable, a successful SEO strategy should encompass content creation, user experience optimization, and link building in addition to tool usage.

Q2: Are there free alternatives to paid SEO tools?

Yes, many free SEO tools offer essential features, although paid tools often provide more comprehensive data and advanced functionalities.

Q3: How often should I perform keyword research?

Keyword research is an ongoing process. Aim to revisit your keyword strategy periodically, especially when targeting new topics or industries.

Q4: Is it necessary to hire an SEO expert or agency?

Depending on your resources and expertise, you can either manage SEO in-house or hire experts. An experienced SEO professional or agency can provide valuable insights and save you time.

[enterprisewired]

Samsung’s XR Headset May Debut in South Korea Next Month

Source: www.roadtovr.com

Speculations Rise Over Samsung’s XR Headset Launch

Rumors are swirling that Samsung could unveil its first standalone Android XR headset as early as next month, possibly debuting first in South Korea. A known Samsung-focused leaker, PandaFlash, recently hinted at this development on X (formerly Twitter). According to these hints, the highly anticipated headset may be launched during Samsung’s Unpacked event in July, with a gradual global rollout to follow.

However, conflicting information has emerged about the event’s location, adding some uncertainty. While PandaFlash suggests a Korea-first launch, other reports indicate that the July Unpacked event will take place in New York City. Launching a South Korea-exclusive product at a U.S.-based event has raised questions among industry watchers, fueling further speculation about Samsung’s actual plans.

Development Timeline and Technical Specifications

Samsung’s XR headset project has been in development for over two years. From the beginning, Samsung collaborated with Google and Qualcomm for the device’s software and hardware components. Google was responsible for developing the software platform, while Qualcomm supplied the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset, a more advanced version of the chip found in Meta’s Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets. This chipset has already powered devices like Play For Dream MR, showcasing its capabilities.

The first glimpse of Samsung’s XR headset design was unveiled in December 2024, when Google also officially introduced the Android XR platform. Samsung offered a hands-on preview to UploadVR’s Ian Hamilton at that time and confirmed plans to release the headset in 2025. Since then, Samsung has remained tight-lipped about additional specifics, leaving much of the device’s details to speculation and leaks.

In March 2025, several South Korean media outlets reported new claims about the headset’s hardware and launch window. According to The Elec, the headset will feature Sony’s latest 1.35-inch micro-OLED display, boasting a resolution of 3552×3840 pixels. This display is said to surpass even Apple’s Vision Pro in both resolution and color range. Meanwhile, Business Post suggested a Q3 2025 launch window, encompassing July through September, and indicated that Samsung may limit production to only 100,000 units annually, hinting at a potential high-end pricing strategy.

Unanswered Questions Ahead of Official Launch

Despite expectations, neither Google nor Samsung provided any significant updates about the XR headset during the Google I/O conference in May 2025. Instead, Google shifted focus to its advancements in smart glasses and introduced Xreal’s Project Aura, the second officially announced Android XR headset. This absence of news from I/O has only heightened anticipation around Samsung’s upcoming Unpacked event.

As speculation continues, the industry remains eager to see how Samsung’s XR headset will position itself against competitors like Apple and Meta. The limited production volume suggests that Samsung may initially target premium users, potentially using South Korea as a testing ground before expanding to larger markets. Whether these rumors hold will soon be revealed if Samsung chooses to make its long-awaited announcement next month.

[canmom]

asgard's wraff too (immediate impression)

I had a brief go at Asgard's Wrath 2, one of the flagship games of the Quest 2/3, published by Meta themselves through their 'Oculus Studios'. This game is provided free to every Quest 3 owner so I figured I'd give it a shot lol. Though I didn't play for all that long before I got a headache and had to stop. (I think the headset was a bit tight, it's very finicky to get this right even with a better strap, and games that demand more movement tend to be worse for it.)

Asgard's Wrath is not to be confused with Asura's Wrath, the fascinatingly odd QTE-based game featuring animation by Studio 4°C. No, what we have is a first-person action game based on Norse mythology. Actually this new game seems to be broadening the mythological palette a bit, but the prologue/recap segment keeps things Norse.

tbh I wasn't particularly sold, but this game's been getting rave reviews everywhere, so maybe it gets better.

When I booted the game it had to compile some 4500 shaders - kinda odd, every Quest is the same so surely it could come with the shaders precompiled? Nevertheless, once that was done the game could get going. What I found was... kinda awkward, if I'm honest.

Broadly speaking Asgard's Wrath II features thumbstick movement with a directional iframe dash, and you can swing your sword and hit stuff. The opening level sees you fight a giant gryphon-like monster which flies around you and shoots laser beams. Credit where it's due, I think it's about as decent an implementation of this kind of thing as you could hope for... but in that very respect it really starkly shows the limitations of VR for action games.

Standing up and playing this game did not, fundamentally, feel more ~immersive~ than sitting at my desk playing an FPS game. If anything it felt less so. It felt sort of like I was piloting a mech rather than standing there as a Norse goddess. Especially when your character is flung bodily around: you look down and see your character's body near-prone, but your proprioception tells you exactly where your feet are, and it isn't there.

Movement generally feels quite glidy - no doubt too much up-and-down camera movement would be a motion sickness trigger, but also you can feel that you're physically standing on the floor, and somehow that is more noticeable when you're supposed to be walking than when you're supposed to be flying in a game like Rez Infinite. If you try to physically move around, the world sorta slides away from you in a weird way. I honestly think I would have preferred the teleportation based movement used in games like Half Life Alyx.

The whole thing felt like it was constantly calling attention to the difference between my physical body and virtual body.

Still, all that aside...

The game throws you in to a recap of the previous game. You get a little controls tutorial in a mysterious mystical space by disembodied arms belonging to the Norns, then you ride a giant bird through a series of vignettes from the previous game; then you get to wander around a tavern that is supposedly a prison where Loki used to be contained (always up to his tricks), encountering sort of phantasms of almost all the Norse gods telling you off for trusting Loki. Plus a little band playing tunes with a centaur in it, that part was cute.

This story, where a nameless player character is just sort of crowbarred into Norse mythology, feels incredibly 'videogames excuse plot'. From the way the recap was told, it was pretty evidently the kind of game where you're led around through a series of setpieces, while being told that you're powerful and important and a big deal. It's a story that's hard to take seriously in its own right.

I don't love the character designs. They look like a Marvel movie crashed into a truck full of concept art, full of ostentatious armour and huge horns. The way they talk, as well, feels very much like 'I am trying to get this exposition over as efficiently as possible'.

Things picked up a bit when a gryphon shows up and attacks you. The big bird here looks great and movies really well. The mechanics involved a few types of attack pattern to respond to - it's a tutorial boss so nothing too complicated.

The main weak point is the actual act of swing the sword at the big bird when it's down. It felt sort of like I was just waggling at it with a foam sword - there is no way to disguise the fact that you are swinging a small plastic controller which isn't actually hitting anything. But it was also hard to tell how much damage I was doing.

After you beat the gryphon you fall in a lake. Here, you're floating back-first into the gloom, but in practice you're falling horizontally, so again it has that disconnect.

OK, now let's talk about rendering. You knew it was coming x3

A lot of the materials in this game have that sort of smooth, noticeably low-poly look you see on the Quest. The game does try pretty hard with baked lighting and what appeared to be some envmapped specular reflections, and one point in the opening sequence had a dynamic light playing across the hands of the Norns - that was neat. I was also impressed by the rope physics while you're riding the giant bird. Certainly those 4500 shaders are doing some work in here. The main issue is, as with every Quest game, the lack of any dynamic shadows.

The tavern scene seems to be running into some kind of limit with showing skinned meshes, since most characters only appear when you move near to them, and they're all rendered with this Fresnel glow shader that hides any actual lighting information. But the characters rendered more normally generally look good. The animations at least are solid and abundant. Expressive body language is vital in a game.

I'll give it a bit more time at some point, but overall this feels very much like a game that was made as 'flagship action game to prove an AAA-style game is viable in VR', and on that front I feel like I'll take some convincing still - everything so far feels like it would work a lot better on a flat screen. It doesn't really have much identity as a game so far either - its interpretation of Norse mythology is gaudy and not particularly original, and it really feels like it's taking itself way too seriously. I think a dash of humour and weirdness would help tremendously. But maybe the Egyptian and Aztec sections will be more appealing, Norse shit is kinda played out these days.

iunno, are people still interested in reading about these VR adventures? I know most people don't have these platforms so I may as well be discussing the fauna of the moon