Tag: Meta Quest

  • GeForce Now Launches RTX 5080 Servers Globally

    GeForce Now Launches RTX 5080 Servers Globally

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia GeForce Now has become a leader in the cloud gaming service industry within a decade of its launch.
    2. The latest update, version 2.0.78, includes enhancements for Meta Quest headsets and bug fixes.
    3. Blackwell RTX is now available globally, allowing gaming at the GeForce RTX 5080-class level.
    4. General stability and performance improvements are included in the update.
    5. The Ultimate subscription offers maximum 4K resolution and longer gaming sessions, while the free tier has significant limitations.

    Less than ten years after it was first introduced in beta, and just over a decade since its initial public launch, Nvidia GeForce Now has become a leader in the cloud gaming service industry. The latest update for the Windows and macOS versions, known as 2.0.78, hasn’t been highlighted on the official release page.

    Update Insights

    After applying the update on my Windows 10 computer earlier today, I can share what the GeForce Now app showed me post-update. The two main points are enhancements for Meta Quest headsets and various bug fixes. Nvidia has revealed that with GeForce Now 2.0.78, Blackwell RTX is now available globally, allowing subscribers to enjoy gaming at the GeForce RTX 5080-class level. Additionally, for users with Meta Quest headsets, there’s now support for using a keyboard and mouse for virtual reality gaming.

    Performance Enhancements

    Alongside these features, GeForce Now 2.0.78 includes “general stability and performance improvements,” which is typical with updates. To experience GeForce RTX 5080 gaming, you will need the Ultimate subscription, which costs just over $200 annually, while the Performance tier is offered at half that price. The Ultimate subscription comes with special advantages, like maximum 4K resolution and gaming sessions lasting up to 8 hours. On the other hand, the free tier is quite limited, restricting gaming sessions to just one hour, a maximum resolution of 1080p, and includes advertisements.

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  • Microsoft Teams Introduces Immersive VR Events with Avatars

    Microsoft Teams Introduces Immersive VR Events with Avatars

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has introduced Immersive Events in Teams, allowing virtual reality meetings with 3D avatars and environments.
    2. Teams functions similarly to Zoom and has replaced Skype as a meeting platform.
    3. Event planners can use no-code tools to easily customize virtual settings with 3D objects and streamline participant seating.
    4. The 3D interaction enhances the connection and shared experiences among participants.
    5. Future updates will enable users to experience Immersive Events in 3D with Meta Quest headsets.

    Microsoft has rolled out Immersive Events to Teams in a public preview, allowing users to have virtual reality meetings featuring 3D avatars and environments reminiscent of Second Life, although the avatars lack lower bodies. This immersive feature can be accessed on both PCs and Macs.

    Similar to Zoom

    Teams operates like Zoom, providing a platform for professionals and students across the globe to arrange meetings and connect online. Additionally, it has taken the place of Skype, which is no longer in use.

    No-Code Tools for Customization

    Event planners can utilize no-code tools to incorporate 3D objects into their virtual settings, including chairs, starting viewpoints, text, media, and social ice-breakers. With just one click, all participants can be moved to their designated seats, thus saving time when beginning meetings or classes.

    Enhanced Connections in 3D

    The interaction among avatars in a 3D space through Immersive Events enhances the feeling of connection and shared experiences for participants, as stated by Microsoft. In the future, users will also be able to experience Immersive Events in 3D using Meta Quest headsets.

    For those puzzled by Microsoft’s decision to exclude legs from the 3D avatars, they can still find them in Second Life. You can learn more about Second Life by checking out this book on Amazon, along with another book detailing the history of online metaverses available there.

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  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City Launches on Meta Quest & Steam VR

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City Launches on Meta Quest & Steam VR

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cortopia Studios is developing a new VR game titled “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City” in partnership with Beyond Frames Entertainment.
    2. The game will be released in 2026 for Meta Quest and PC VR via Steam VR, with a teaser trailer currently available.
    3. Players will control Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, or Michelangelo to reclaim New York City from the Foot Clan.
    4. The game features first-person combat with unique weapons and fluid parkour mechanics, along with encounters against popular TMNT villains.
    5. The story is written by Tim Waltz, a recognized TMNT writer, and players can wishlist the game on both Meta Quest and Steam VR.

    Developer Cortopia Studios, known for their creative VR game Gorn 2, has partnered with Beyond Frames Entertainment to create a brand-new VR adventure featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This game, named Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City, is expected to be released on Meta Quest and PC VR through Steam VR in 2026, and players can now wishlist it on both platforms.

    Teaser and Gameplay Hints

    Currently, there is a teaser trailer available, but it does not showcase any actual gameplay. The images on the store pages suggest a highly engaging first-person combat experience. In this game, players will take on the roles of Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, or Michelangelo as they aim to reclaim New York City from the Foot Clan after Shredder’s defeat.

    Combat and Parkour Features

    According to the official game description, players will learn to wield each Turtle’s unique weapons with skillful strikes and defensive moves in this first-person action adventure. The description also mentions that players can navigate the urban environment through “fluid parkour” while facing off against popular villains from the franchise.

    Developer Background and Story Writer

    In addition to Gorn 2, Cortopia has created other narrative-focused VR games like Escaping Wonderland, Wands, and Down the Rabbit Hole. The story for Empire City has been penned by Tim Waltz, a well-known TMNT writer for IDW Comics, and Tactical Takedown.

    Although an exact release date is still not established, the year 2026 is approaching quickly. Interested gamers can now add Empire City to their wishlists on Steam VR and Meta Quest. With its unique weapons, cooperative gameplay, and engaging storytelling, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City is poised to become one of the most eagerly awaited VR games of the year.

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  • Farming Simulator VR: Upcoming Meta Quest Game for Immersive Harvests

    Farming Simulator VR: Upcoming Meta Quest Game for Immersive Harvests

    Farming Simulator 25 provides a genuine experience of planting, growing, and harvesting crops. Fans of the game, however, are always searching for ways to enhance the realism of the experience. Virtual reality has been a highly requested addition for the PC and console versions. Recently, a standalone game called Farming Simulator VR for Meta Quest headsets was announced. This title is set to launch on February 28th, and an announcement trailer can be found on the official YouTube channel of the game.

    A New Experience Awaits

    Although it’s doubtful that Farming Simulator VR will have the same extensive features as its counterparts on other platforms, it will still include well-known machinery from brands such as Claas and John Deere. In the new Meta Quest game, players will be able to scan the interiors of these vehicles by simply moving their heads. Maintenance plays a significant role in the gameplay of Farming Simulator VR, which seems to be more detailed than what is available on other systems. Players will be equipped with a handy electric impact wrench to repair tractors and change parts as needed.

    Crops and Greenhouses

    Farming Simulator VR allows players to cultivate some of the most sought-after cash crops, like wheat and soybeans. Users can engage in the complete farming cycle, observing their crops as they thrive until it’s time for harvesting. The game also introduces greenhouses, which are a crucial aspect of modern farming within the Meta Quest experience. Players can grow tomatoes, strawberries, and other produce, which they will then hand-pick and store in crates.

    Compatible headsets for Farming Simulator VR include the Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, and Meta Quest Pro. As the release on February 28th approaches, fans of Farming Simulator can expect to learn more about the features this VR version will provide.

    The Excitement Builds

    This is an immersive farming simulation: Farming Simulator VR is on its way to Meta Quest. The standalone game is set to be released on February 28th and is currently available for pre-order. GIANTS Software, the publisher and developer, has shared insights through the announcement trailer.

    – Farming Simulator VR brings a whole new farming adventure.
    – Various field tasks and crops are ready to grow and harvest.
    – Greenhouse farming introduces more vegetable options.
    – Real-world machines from top agricultural brands are featured.
    – Players will maintain and repair equipment in the workshop.
    – Enjoy added satisfaction with power-washing tasks.

    A Closer Connection to the Land

    In Zurich, Switzerland, on January 30th, 2025, farmers will immerse themselves in virtual reality farming. Using Meta’s VR headsets, they will cultivate fields filled with lucrative crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans. They will operate real agricultural machinery from well-known manufacturers such as Case IH, CLAAS, Fendt, and John Deere—right from the detailed cabs of these robust vehicles.

    Maintenance and Upkeep

    Virtual farmers won’t just be sitting in the cab of their tractors or harvesters; they will also dive into maintenance tasks. Equipped with an electric impact wrench, they will need to regularly service their machines in the workshop, swap out parts, and keep everything spotless through the enjoyable task of power-washing in the yard.

    Harvesting in Greenhouses

    Besides field farming, players will also have the opportunity to grow crops in greenhouses. They can hand-pick tomatoes, eggplants, strawberries, and more, placing them into crates for sale. Farming Simulator VR will be available on Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, and Meta Quest Pro on February 28th. For further details, you can visit the official Farming Simulator website and the press area of GIANTS Software.

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    Farming Simulator VR: Upcoming Meta Quest Game for Immersive HarvestsFarming Simulator VR: Upcoming Meta Quest Game for Immersive Harvests

     

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