Tag: Virtual Reality

  • e-Taste: Flavor Simulation for Immersive Gaming Experience

    e-Taste: Flavor Simulation for Immersive Gaming Experience

    Key Takeaways

    1. e-Taste is a new technology that allows users to taste virtual food using a bio-integrated interface and hydrogel.
    2. The system includes a sensor platform, wireless transmission, and an activation mechanism to recreate taste sensations on the tongue.
    3. Current flavor accuracy is about 70%, making it challenging to imitate complex tastes and manage leftover flavors.
    4. e-Taste has potential applications beyond gaming, including online shopping, remote learning, and healthcare.
    5. The Reddit community has mixed feelings about e-Taste, with some skepticism about its market viability and interest in scent integration for gaming.

    The Ohio State University has introduced e-Taste, a new technology that allows users to taste virtual food. A recent research study on this topic was featured on Science.org. This innovative system utilizes a bio-integrated interface to wirelessly send taste information, which is then simulated on the tongue using a unique hydrogel. This advancement could significantly improve immersion in video games and virtual reality settings, while also having potential uses in various other areas.

    Components of e-Taste

    e-Taste includes three main parts: a sensor platform that identifies tastes, a wireless transmission system that relays the data, and an activation mechanism that recreates the taste sensation on the tongue. The operation is based on a hydrogel that is released from a reservoir by a small pump controlled by a magnet. The flavors are delivered through narrow channels to the mouthpiece, ensuring that the electronic components are shielded from saliva. This system is capable of producing all five primary tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami.

    Challenges Ahead

    Researchers are still encountering numerous obstacles before e-Taste can be launched on the market. Currently, the accuracy of the flavors is about 70 percent, which makes it hard to imitate complex tastes such as coffee or cake. Leftover flavors can also disrupt the tasting experience. Moreover, possible chemical reactions and the requirement for cooling create additional challenges that need to be addressed.

    Broader Applications

    The possibilities for e-Taste extend beyond just gaming and VR experiences. It could be beneficial in areas like online shopping, remote learning, and even healthcare. For instance, consumers could virtually taste flavors before making food purchases. In educational environments, this technology could make lessons in nutrition or chemistry more engaging. Furthermore, in the medical field, it could assist patients experiencing taste loss due to conditions like COVID-19 or other neurological issues by stimulating their taste senses and rekindling taste memories.

    Despite the advancements, the Reddit community remains largely doubtful about e-Taste. Many users find the concept of incorporating scents into gaming and VR more intriguing than the idea of tasting. Some express skepticism about whether e-Taste can actually be market ready or gain popularity, referencing previous failures such as Smell-o-Vision. Nonetheless, despite these doubts, there are users who see promise in the technology, particularly for enhancing immersive gaming experiences and medical uses.

    Source:
    Link

    e-Taste: Flavor Simulation for Immersive Gaming Experience

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Beats RTX 4090 in VR: Up to 2.5x FPS

    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Beats RTX 4090 in VR: Up to 2.5x FPS

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RTX 5080 launch was disappointing, showing minimal upgrades compared to the previous model, while the RTX 5090 performed significantly better.
    2. The RTX 5090 features 33% more CUDA cores, 32 GB of GDDR7 VRAM, and a 79% increase in memory bandwidth, making it ideal for ultra-high-resolution VR.
    3. In VR gaming benchmarks, the RTX 5090 demonstrated substantial performance gains, including a 50% boost in Skyrim VR at 300% resolution and a 65% improvement in Outer Wilds VR.
    4. The RTX 5090 outperformed the RTX 4090 by an impressive 152% in Red Matter 2 at 400% resolution, showcasing its dominance in VR applications.
    5. Designed for enthusiasts, the RTX 5090 is a strong choice for VR fans, provided supply issues are resolved.

    The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 had a rather controversial launch, to say the least. The RTX 5080 turned out to be quite disappointing, showing a barely noticeable upgrade compared to its earlier version. On the other hand, the RTX 5090 performed better, which was expected given its 33% increase in CUDA cores and VRAM. A recent analysis on YouTube suggests that the RTX 5090 could offer a remarkable generational leap in a particular area: ultra-high-resolution Virtual Reality.

    Specs of the RTX 5090

    Before we get into the exciting details, let’s recap what the Nvidia RTX 5090 has to offer: It has 33% more CUDA cores compared to the RTX 4090, a TDP of 575 watts, and 32 GB of GDDR7 VRAM on a 512-bit bus, leading to an enormous ~79% increase in memory bandwidth. This rapid memory bandwidth is crucial for ultra-high-resolution VR settings. It’s worth mentioning that several high-end VR headsets with incredibly high per-eye resolutions are on the way, which is why @Omniwhatever set up 400% virtual desktop (6144×6432) on his Quest 3 headset, which is currently priced at $500 on Amazon.

    Performance in VR Games

    Kicking off with Skyrim VR, the GeForce RTX 5090 showed a 24.5% advantage over the RTX 4090, a modest gain that aligns with gaming benchmarks. But at 300% resolution, the RTX 5090 achieved an impressive ~50% boost compared to the RTX 4090. In Outer Wilds VR, the RTX 5090 really shines, boasting a significant 65% improvement at 400% resolution. The super-fast 1.792 TB/s memory bandwidth is clearly proving its worth.

    Dominance in Red Matter 2

    In Red Matter 2, the GeForce RTX 5090, to put it simply, leaves the RTX 4090 in the dust—at 400% resolution, the RTX 5090 surpasses the RTX 4090 by an astonishing 152%. Omniwhatever tested a variety of other games on both graphics cards, and the RTX 5090 consistently showed remarkable performance gains. Even so, VR still remains a niche market even in 2025, particularly in the ultra-high-end category where the RTX 5090 truly excels.

    Conclusion

    The RTX 5090 is designed for enthusiasts. Its impressive performance in demanding workloads is excellent news for VR fans with deep pockets, assuming that the poor supply situation improves. Be sure to check out Omniwhatever’s outstanding video embedded below!

    Source:
    Link

    Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Beats RTX 4090 in VR: Up to 2.5x FPS
    Tags: , ,
  • Experience Live Concerts at Home with Canon’s Latest VR Headset

    Experience Live Concerts at Home with Canon’s Latest VR Headset

    Canon is venturing into uncharted territory in the virtual reality domain by unveiling a hybrid display VR headset that aims to redefine music encounters. This innovative technology is set to transport individuals from their living rooms directly into the vibrant atmosphere of live concert venues, reshaping the way audiences savor live performances.

    Revolutionary VR Experience

    The headset, outfitted with more than 50 cameras, captures live music shows from various viewpoints, resulting in an unmatched mixed-reality immersion. Users can now plunge into performances, relishing diverse perspectives without the need to physically attend the event or adhere to traditional venue limitations.

    Building on Past Success

    This cutting-edge device is an evolution of Canon’s MReal X1 headset, initially introduced in 2022. Through demonstrations, participants were treated to captivating scenes that mimicked their movements, offering a realistic live concert experience.

    Canon’s Vision for the Future

    Reports from NHK World News highlight Canon Japan’s leadership in this groundbreaking technology, aiming to provide users with a concert hall-like ambiance within their personal spaces. Muraki Junya of Canon emphasizes that this innovation liberates viewers from the confines of typical concert attendance, enabling them to explore various vantage points and engage with performances at a heightened level.

    The headset, utilizing Canon’s MReal X1 platform, features an impressive 58-degree x 60-degree field-of-view, granting users a vast canvas for their musical escapades. Although still in the prototype phase, this device shows potential in revolutionizing how we interact with live entertainment.

    While Canon has not disclosed a specific commercial release schedule, enthusiasts eager to dive into mixed reality can opt for entry-level alternatives like the Meta Quest 3 or await the launch of the Varjo XR-4. With Canon’s hybrid display VR headset on the horizon, the future of concert experiences is primed to elevate to new levels of immersion and excitement.

    Experience Live Concerts at Home with Canon's Latest VR Headset
    Tags: , ,
  • PS VR2: Is Sony’s Shocking Move a Sign of Its Demise?

    PS VR2: Is Sony’s Shocking Move a Sign of Its Demise?

    Sony, a renowned console manufacturer, has solidified its position as the most successful in the industry. Rising to prominence during the eighth generation with the PS4, the company continues to dominate with the PS5 and now looks towards the future with the PlayStation 5 Pro. Despite its successes, not every venture by the Japanese gaming giant has been met with triumph.

    Sony's VR Headset Market Struggles

    One area where Sony has faced challenges is in the realm of virtual reality (VR) headsets. Despite spanning two generations, the company has yet to make a significant impact in this market segment. This issue has escalated to a critical point, with Sony deciding to pause the production of the PS VR2 due to a buildup of unsold inventory.

    Temporary Halt in PS VR2 Production

    Sony, although not a newcomer to the VR scene, launched its first headset as a PS4 accessory in 2016. While initial sales showed promise, it wasn't until the release of the PS VR2 in February, priced at $549.99, that the company saw a surge in interest. However, after the initial success, sales have slowed down, prompting Sony to temporarily halt production.

    Future Outlook and Speculations

    Following the temporary production pause, Sony is likely to adopt a more cautious production strategy once the existing stock is cleared. While the future of the PS VR2 remains uncertain, speculations suggest that a potential price cut to $349.99 from the current $549.99 could rejuvenate interest in the product. This move could potentially pave the way for the development of high-budget VR games by Sony and other developers. It is essential to rely on official statements from Sony for accurate updates on the situation.

    Tags: , ,
  • Meta Quest 3 Lite: Possible Rename to Meta Quest 3S, Specs Revealed

    Meta Quest 3 Lite: Possible Rename to Meta Quest 3S, Specs Revealed

    Recent speculations have suggested that Meta is in the process of developing a more cost-effective VR headset, potentially named the Meta Quest 3 Lite. However, a recent leak indicates that the Quest 3 Lite might actually be referred to as the Meta Quest 3s.

    Meta Quest 3s Leak

    The leak originates from Redditor u/LuffySanKira (Via @Lunayian) who has shared images purportedly from a Meta User Research Zoom meeting. These images provide a glimpse of the graphics for the upcoming budget-friendly VR headset. Within the Zoom meeting, the Meta Quest 3s is displayed alongside the Meta Quest 3. Additionally, some specifications of the Meta Quest 3s have been unveiled in these screenshots, reinforcing the idea that it could indeed be the anticipated Meta Quest 3 Lite.

    Specifications and Comparison

    The Meta Quest 3 Lite is anticipated to be a more streamlined version of the Quest 3, set at a more affordable price point. The leaked details reveal that the Quest 3s boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1832 with 20 PPD (Pixels Per Degree) and an internal storage capacity of 256GB. This contrasts with the Quest 3’s 2208 x 2064 resolution, 25.5 PPD, and 512GB internal storage.

    The Meta Quest 3s is depicted as marginally smaller in overall size when compared to the base Quest 3. However, the primary distinction lies in the front sensors. While the Quest 3 sports three oval sensor cutouts, the Quest 3s features six cutouts (three on each side) arranged in a stacked configuration. As of now, the validity of this leak remains unconfirmed, so it is advisable to stay tuned for further developments.

    Meta Quest 3 Lite: Possible Rename to Meta Quest 3S, Specs Revealed
    Tags: ,
  • Xbox Cloud Gaming now available for Meta’s Quest VR

    Xbox Cloud Gaming now available for Meta’s Quest VR

    Xbox Cloud Gaming App Now Available for Meta’s Quest VR Headsets

    The gaming experience just got more immersive with Meta’s Quest VR headsets. Users can now access major games through the beta version of the Xbox Cloud gaming app, specifically designed for the Meta Quest series headsets, including the Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and Meta Quest Pro. The introduction of this app opens up a world of possibilities, allowing hundreds of Xbox games to be played on the Quest headset with just an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscription.

    Enhanced Gaming Experience with Meta Quest VR

    To enjoy the new gaming experience, users can pair their Meta Quest VR with various controllers such as the Xbox Controller, PlayStation 4 controller, Nintendo Switch Pro, or even PlayStation 5 in the future. The Xbox cloud gaming app is available for free on the Meta Quest Store. However, before diving into the gaming world, users must ensure that their headsets are updated to the latest Quest software version to fully enjoy this collaboration.

    Play Anywhere with Meta Quest VR

    With Meta Quest VR, users can now enjoy high-quality games like Starfield and Forza Motorsport without the need for a TV or gaming console. The Quest VR offers the flexibility to play games virtually anywhere, with different sizes and models available for users to choose from. For an enhanced gaming experience, Meta recommends using the Quest 3 or Pro models, equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 and better stereoscopic full-color passthrough.

    Steps to Access Xbox Cloud Games on Meta Quest VR

    To start playing Xbox Cloud Games on the Quest headset, users need to follow a few simple steps. First, pair a supported controller with the Quest headset, and then log in to their Microsoft account with an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Once these steps are completed, users can dive into a world of gaming possibilities right from their Meta Quest VR.

    The Future of Collaboration

    This collaboration between Meta and Xbox is just the beginning. Both companies are working towards a broader collaboration, aiming to bring Microsoft Teams, Office, and the Windows Experience to VR. Meta has recently introduced an image generator trained on 1.1 billion social media photos, showcasing their dedication to improving user experiences. Additionally, they are actively working on implementing protective measures to enhance user privacy. In the near future, Microsoft Teams will also be available in 3D, providing users with a virtual reality meeting experience.

    Get Your Meta Quest 3 Today

    For those interested in a truly immersive VR gaming experience, the Meta Quest 3 is available for purchase at the price of $499. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore a new dimension of gaming with Meta’s cutting-edge technology.

    Tags: ,