Although almost everyone still refers to it as Facebook, changing its official name to Meta shows just how much the company, or at least CEO Mark Zuckerberg, believes that the metaverse is the future not just of computing but also of social. After a few months of hype and buzz, some of the narratives around the metaverse have died down a bit. There is even news that Meta itself is taking a step back to reflect on its grand plans. That’s not to say that Meta has given up on those ambitions, though, and it is, in fact, making an even bigger gamble on that future. It has just launched a new mixed reality headset that aims to take the metaverse beyond games and entertainment, but it carries a rather high price that almost makes that dream even more unreachable for most people.
The Meta Quest Pro is the latest headset to come from the company formerly known as Facebook, and it combines two of its major designs and strategies when it comes to virtual reality. Like the Quest 2, the Quest Pro is a standalone device that doesn’t require tethering to a PC that would limit the wearer’s mobility. Like the old Oculus Rift system, however, it boasts enough power and features that enable a wider variety of experiences and, in Meta’s words, enable the metaverse.
It definitely looks refined and more streamlined than even the Meta Quest 2, so you finally won’t look ridiculous wearing one for “serious business.” It’s no longer front-heavy like almost all standalone VR headsets due to the battery being relocated to the back of the strap, creating a more balanced design. Pancake lenses also help make the entire assembly thinner while also providing an even better view of the wearer’s field of vision. More than just the design upgrade, however, the Meta Quest Pro also offers more power and flexibility in how it mixes the virtual and the real.
Full-color outward-facing cameras, for example, will let you see the real world beyond the headset, allowing Meta’s system to seamlessly merge virtual objects with physical ones or vice versa. Inward-facing cameras, on the other hand, are able to track not only where your eyes are pointing but also your expressions that can be reflected on your avatar’s face. Even the new controllers themselves have their own cameras so that they can keep track of their location and position independently and more accurately.
All of these do translate to a metaverse-oriented device that offers more flexibility and more options that go beyond the usual applications of VR and AR. In fact, Meta envisions the Quest Pro more as a productivity and work tool that can help you get your job done, no matter where you are in the physical world. All that power comes with a hefty price, though; $1,499, to be exact. That’s almost four times the price of the $399 Meta Quest 2, but it does also pack a lot more features. Still, it’s a pricey investment even for companies who might be able to afford it, especially for a metaverse future that few people can see.
The Kidear is yet another pair of headphones perfect for the kids. However, we also want to say it’s not just another pair because this is better in many ways.
Kidear has been designed to reduce possible damage to children’s hearing. Using such accessories are already common among the young generation, especially in the past couple of years. With online learning being pushed, using proper headphones has become a standard. It’s not exactly an ideal activity because children’s hearing can be damaged.
Designers: Seungchan Ahn and Yuna Jang
The Kidear Headset features lights on the speaker cups to tell parents if the volume is too loud. The pair allows the children to learn proper habits for using the headphones. It shouldn’t be too loud, so parents should check if their kids hear just the right volume to prevent ear damage.
Proper habits for the usage of headphones must be taught. It can be easier if there are helpful tools and reminders. The Kidear makes it possible for any guardian to know because the light color changes depending on the volume level.
There’s Green, Yellow, and Red. Green and Yellow are just right, while Red means caution, and the volume is too loud. The lights on the ear cups are also filled differently, depending on usage time. The headset works with a companion app that tells you the status of the accessory and the sound level, as well as hours of usage.
The headphones come in different colors combined with white: Blue, Purple, and Green. The light on the cups also comes in various shapes: Circle, Star, and Heart. The earpads are set in color and are designed to offer comfort, while the main headset handle is white and appears to be adjustable. We see a few control buttons on the right ear: Power, Volume Up, and Volume Down.
The headphones offer wireless connectivity, so you don’t see any cable or wire. It can be assumed the pair can be charged and won’t need any external batteries. The pair also appears ready for those cute little ears that need protection. Two Korean designers have designed the pair, so you can notice the playfulness of the headphones as most Korean stuff we know. The use of lights and colors is actually smart as it is easy to tell if there is a need to adjust the volume level, therefore, avoiding possible ear damage.
We experience virtual reality by proxy through goggles and controllers, but a new mask could give us a first-hand feel of a potentially harrowing Metaverse experience.
Virtual and augmented reality are supposed to enable us to easily go places where we can’t physically reach otherwise or experience things that would be impossible under the laws of physics. Being able to walk the surface of Mars without worrying about how to breathe is one of the many experiences that the Metaverse promises to deliver, sooner or later. At the same time, however, some people criticize these experiences as clearly fake and unbelievable because you can only see but not feel or smell the real thing. For better or worse, a team of researchers is trying to at least replicate how you breathe in virtual worlds, but it might make it feel too real to the point that our brains and bodies won’t be able to distinguish what is real and what isn’t.
Designers: Markus Tatzgern, Michael Domhardt, Martin Wolf, Michael Cenger, Gerlinde Emsenhuber, Radomir Dinic, Nathalie Gerner, Arnulf Hartl
Virtual reality hardware naturally starts with the eyes and ears, as they are the easiest and most important of the senses to deceive in order to create a suspension of belief. No matter how convincing that illusion is, however, it breaks down when you start trying to move around and interact with the virtual world, which happens in the real world through controllers while standing completely still. Much of the R&D in the technologies that will power the so-called Metaverse revolve around navigation and interaction more believable, like with the use of gloves and walking machines. Very few address the believability of the sense of smell or, at the very least, the act of breathing.
Researchers from the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences in Austria are investigating that are of the virtual experience by creating a mask design to restrict airflow to control breathing resistance and, therefore, the wearer’s breathing capability. The prototype looks like a whitewashed dystopian gas mask and almost hints at the contraption’s rather serious and almost critical application. A final product would look more refined, presuming something like this would ever be made commercially in the first place.
The idea is almost simple when you first hear about it, and it’s about making the virtual experience more believable by tricking your body into thinking they’re dealing with real-world situations. Walking through a house that’s on fire might not smell like the real thing, but the mask can regulate and restrict airflow so that you’d experience the same difficulty in breathing as you would if you were in a real-life fire. It might activate the brain’s natural fight-or-flight response, taking the experience closer to reality without actually endangering the wearer. Hopefully, the wearer is physically fit to experience that kind of stress, though.
Conversely, the person’s breathing could also be used as an additional way to control their virtual avatar, making their digital counterpart look as exhausted as they are in the real world. It can also open the doors to activities and games that would normally require you to blow air, like blowing out candles or blowing up balloons. The mask can also be used as a control and monitoring device for training simulations for firefighters and emergency personnel.
The same people that criticize virtual reality for being so obviously fake might also criticize this kind of invention for going overboard and making the experience too realistic. In a way, realism could actually remove some of the appeal of the Metaverse, particularly the ability to experience different places, worlds, and things without having to worry about hyperventilating. Of course, there will be experiences that are perfect for such breathing control devices, like horror games or exercise activities, but most people will probably try to do without the added gear. Alternatively, such a mask can be more useful for medical applications, helping medical personnel diagnose a patient’s well-being through monitored and regulated breathing.
Not all AR glasses need to be stylish or classy. Some actually need to be rugged enough to survive the real world.
Talk around the Metaverse has many of us dreading how the future will have screens literally in our faces even more than ever before. Of course, the ideal future also involves stylish glasses and less conspicuous headsets, perhaps even contact lenses that will let us experience a different reality in the midst of real reality. That might be fine for most people, but the Metaverse is unlikely to make certain industries disappear, especially the ones that work on the infrastructures that will make the Metaverse even possible. For many in those industries, normal smart glasses just won’t do, which is why this mixed reality and AR smart glasses put a more rugged spin on the narrative, even if it does end up looking a bit more like a cyberpunk prop.
In order to make augmented and mixed realities more accessible and more mainstream, the industry first needs to make headsets and glasses for these less cumbersome to use, not to mention less expensive. We haven’t reached a point yet where one can conveniently wear AR gear as easily as a regular pair of specs, but that is the goal of many device makers and platform developers. That said, not all potential users of AR services need fancy glasses, especially those that are often exposed to less favorable working conditions.
Just like industrial workers often need more rugged phones, they also need more rugged AR equipment. Even Microsoft HoloLens and Magic Leap, two of the very few headsets catering to these users, might actually be less sturdy for comfort. The ThirdEye Gen MR X2, in contrast, is designed exactly for rough environments. It’s thick, rugged, and almost menacing, but it’s also meant to be more comfortable and easier to use.
The visor, for example, has two layers, one providing the actual HUD (heads-up display) while the other acts as a protective shield for both the eyes and the display. The rather bulky frame includes all the hardware necessary to run MR and AR experiences, so you won’t have a cable precariously dangling from your body. And instead of joysticks or even gloves that tie up the wearer’s hands, the glasses has buttons on its frame for some important actions while also relying on gestures to control the software running on the device.
The ThirdEye X2 looks like a mix of the bulkiness of current-gen headsets and the sleek, smart glasses of the future. Its form, however, is designed not just for comfort but also for safety, with possible expansions for attaching safety helmets. At the same time, there’s almost a geeky appeal to the black and orange smart eyewear, like a mix of retro design and futuristic cyberpunk. It’s an interesting design hybrid, one that might actually become more common as we trek the road towards that AR future everyone loves to talk about.
Not many people realize this, but a headphone stand is an essential desk accessory. It would be best if you had something to hold your headphones properly so your pair won’t get damaged when not in use.
Some might say leaving the headphones on the table or hanging them somewhere may be enough. But then, you will need to make sure your work or study desk is not that cluttered. If you’re part of the group that needs all the help when it comes to organizing, you may want to consider getting a few desk organizers or trays.
The Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand with Wireless Charger is an ideal solution because it does more than just carry your headphones. It also works as a wireless charging station for your premium headphones, earbuds, or iPhone. This comes with a USB-C port to charge your headset and a stainless-steel arm with padded grips. It features a hook to keep cables organized and an LED light that will tell you if a wireless device is charging. With all these features, the 2-in-1 Headphone Stand does more than just serve as a headset cradle.
The 2-IN-1 HEADPHONE STAND WITH WIRELESS CHARGER lets you charge and store headphones in style. Its designer believes everything you use should have its place. This thing keeps your headset powered all the time and away from any threat of being damaged or falling off your desk. Its built-in wireless charging pad is enough to power an iPhone 13 or AirPods Pro with a max output of 7.5W.
It arrives with an elegant design with its sleek arm and space gray aluminum base. The stand can complement any home or office interior with its minimalist appeal. It features an easy magnetic connection for your iPhone with MagSafe support and helps minimize those messy cables. In addition, it keeps your devices and accessories organized and in one place. The 2-IN-1 HEADPHONE STAND WITH WIRELESS CHARGER is priced at $79.99. You can purchase straight from Satechi, but you also need to buy the 20W power adapter which is sold separately.
In recent months, we have seen other interesting headset stands. We remember those Marvel Superhero 3D-printed headphone stands. The Zero Headphone Stand had an appeal of a minimalist desk sculpture while the Hardgraft’s ingenious case/stand made a lasting impression. We believe there are more innovative and great-looking headphone stands out there but we want this from Satechi because of its wireless charging function.
The Metaverse sounds fascinating and all that, but you probably won’t be too enthusiastic about it if you’d be forced to wear a clunky headset just to dive in. Fortunately, that won’t be the case soon.
Although the term has become a rather controversial marketing buzzword only recently, the technologies that serve as the foundations for the Metaverse have been around for a much longer time. Virtual and augmented reality companies, in particular, have been trying to sell their ideas and products to consumers and enterprise customers long before Facebook decided to change its name. Neither VR nor AR, however, have really become that mainstream yet, mostly because of the bulky headgear they require you to wear, which is why Magic Leap’s second AR headset is making a big splash in more ways than one.
The biggest and most obvious change from Magic Leap’s first-gen headset is the reduction in size and the more approachable design. The original Magic Leap already looked a tad more refined and polished compared to other AR headsets like the Microsoft Holo Lens, but the Magic Leap 2 shaves that further down to something that feels like wearing headphones, just around your head instead of over it. It’s a bit of a magician’s trick of misdirection, though, because the Magic Leap 2 simply relocates some of the hardware elsewhere.
The Magic Leap 2 still requires you to have an external, puck-shaped device that holds most of the processing power of the headset. The headset and the puck connect via a cable, but you can clip the computing module anywhere on your body. It’s not as wireless as we’d like it to be, but it’s the only usable compromise available for now.
The optics of the new Magic Leap headset has also improved in leaps and bounds. It has a larger field-of-view, which practically means that more augmented or virtual data can be overlaid on real-world objects, making the experience look and feel more seamless. The most important and most impressive part, however, is the dimming capability of the lenses.
Augmented reality requires that light actually goes through the lenses, in contrast to VR’s opaque display, though that also means that the digital overlays are difficult to see in bright daylight. The Magic Leap 2 allows the wearer to dim the lenses like transition glasses so you can make out the virtual objects more clearly. In fact, the dimming almost turns the AR headset into a VR one, though not to the complete occlusion of the real world.
Magic Leap says that most of its improvements were made to cater to its primary target audience in the Health, Manufacturing, and Public sectors. It might be quite a while before it decides to serve the consumer market again, after its catastrophic first attempt, but changes go a long way in preparing the technology for regular people. And when regular people start embracing these technologies more, the chances of the Metaverse’s success increase as well.
In a landscape where VRheadsets are graduating to be a more practical accessory for end-users, the Porket VR headset phone case is the direction tech companies need to evolve to embark on.
Google had to part ways with its ambitious Cardboard VR project and the evolutionary Daydream VR too due to declining interest among consumers and developers alike. This was partly attributed to the ease of use when adapting virtual reality accessories for content consumption, and most don’t find VR products on the market to be very practical. Take, for example, hardcore VR headsets by Oculus or the recently announced PlayStation VR 2. They are bulky to wear, can cause eye fatigue, and not many are keen on making them a part of their daily routine for the long term.
The cassette-shaped Porket VR phone case by design house Gihawoo Design wants to break the general notion about virtual reality headsets. Rather than being a separate accessory, the phone case acts as your VR headset for consuming quick videos on the go. The product is designed keeping the future technologies in mind, which will be dominated by the next trending avenue – the Metaverse. The foldable VR headset is an extension of the case, and in the blink of an eye, it transforms into a VR headset to watch quick virtual reality content.
Porket VR is in some ways similar to the Google Cardboard headset but adds the ease-of-use element to the equation, and of course, it is more compact and lightweight. In a way, the accessory becomes a part of the daily smartphone usage scenarios – and when it’s time to immerse yourself into the virtual world, things are as simple as wearing a pair of ski goggles. The gadget makes logical sense for the future when all the phones will become compliant for beaming VR and AR content. In fact, we could be looking at the possibility of the phone’s back panels designed in a way to unfold into a VR goggle.
According to the designers of this cool phone accessory, there are convex lenses placed optimally at a distance of 6 cms from the eyes in the VR headset configuration. No thicker than the Galaxy Fold 3 in the completely folded position, the Porket VR headset case makes complete sense to lure in consumers who like their things to be compact and capable of multi-use scenarios.
Some people might welcome the Metaverse more willingly if they get to wear a cool headset like this.
In the ideal future, or at least in the future envisioned by Metaverse proponents, the virtual and the physical will be so integrated that you will no longer need special gear to see holograms and virtual characters in your surroundings. Until that day comes, however, we will have to settle for wearing VR and AR headsets, collectively referred to as “mixed reality,” many of which still come in bulky, uncomfortable, or unattractive designs. We are, however, getting to the point where hardware is getting more compact and manageable, and one concept tries to imagine a more stylish headset that wouldn’t look out of place in a futuristic world, especially if our world is really heading into a more cyberpunk-like future.
VR and AR headsets have always looked geeky, but they don’t necessarily have to be that way. Current designs are largely limited by the hardware components that have to be crammed inside, but that situation isn’t going to last forever. Eventually, those components will become so small that it would be possible to have the same amount of hardware inside a much more compact headset that can be as stylish as it is functional.
Maya is an exploration into what a mixed headset can look like when all those pieces have fallen into place. Its sleek design and visor-like form easily mark it as something out of a cyberpunk or sci-fi world. That said, the designer also took inspiration from other visions of the future, particularly those with cleaner environments and less dreary atmospheres. The result is a headset that won’t look out of place, whichever direction our world takes.
The mixed reality headset concept isn’t actually that far from what current technologies and designs exist today. There is, for example, a USB-C port that can be connected to an external computer, as well as cups that serve both as anchor points on the head as well as earphones. The headset, however, is also designed for more comfort and flexibility than most headsets are today. The front, for example, can be tilted up to give the wearer an unobstructed (and non-augmented) view of the real world when not in use.
Such designs will be necessary if mixed reality is to become more approachable, even for geekier crowds. Not everyone will be keen on strapping a headset on their heads to dive into the Metaverse or other virtual worlds, especially if they will look ridiculous wearing it. Ideally, we’d be wearing less conspicuous gear like AR glasses, but the Maya mixed reality headset concept looks like a more reachable design for now, and it will definitely appeal to some classes of people who want to rock a cyberpunk style even in real life.
It’s shaping up to be a good year for the Nintendo Switch, with games like New Pokémon Snap, The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles and Famicom Detective Club giving us plenty of reasons to keep playing the now four year old console. The new OLED version might add a bit of extra pep to your game graphics, but a better Switch experience doesn’t have to cost $350. You can upgrade your setup with the right accessories, and we’ve got a few recommendations for different uses.
For Switches that stay at home
Devindra Hardawar
The first thing you’ll want to pick up for your Switch or Switch Lite is a microSD card. After all, there are a lot of great games to download and your system has limited storage space. It’s also the only way you’ll get screen captures off your console if you haven’t connected it to Facebook or Twitter. Samsung's EVO Select line is recommended for its speed and reliability, but it’s the price that you’re likely to find most appealing, with a 256GB card running only $36 and the more spacious 512GB costing $70.
It might be tempting to pick up a third-party dock for your Switch. Don’t. There have been reports of Switches getting bricked by non-Nintendo docks, which means you’re stuck with the official $100 model. However, if all you’re looking for is a change in look, you can buy a skin for your dock (and the Joy-Cons too) that will liven things up. Dbrand offers a range of bold, vibrant colors, and the skins won’t damage your Switch if removed. If you’d prefer something with a design, Slickwraps offers marble and camo patterns as well some attractive Super Nintendo and Super Famicom-themed skins.
If your Switch gets a lot of use, chances are you may have picked up some extra Joy-Cons and a Pro Controller. It’s a real pain to have to charge multiple pairs of Joy-Cons on one Switch, however, so a charging dock can be a great buy. PowerA’s Pro Controller charging dock has room for one pair of Joy-Cons and a Pro Controller, keeping them tidy and powered up. If you don’t need a place to put your Pro Controller, the regular charging dock can accommodate two sets of Joy-Cons. You can also use them for other controllers that slide onto your Switch’s rails like the official NES-style controllers or Hori’s Split Pad Pro.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the Labo VR kit from 2019, mostly due to its price and a lack of game support. But if you’re interested in trying out the virtual reality modes in games like Super Mario Odyssey and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, the VR starter kit is a good purchase. It comes with the basic headset and the blaster, which was easily the most fun of all the various Labo VR projects. It usually costs around $40, but Best Buy often puts it on sale for half that amount so be sure to keep an eye out.
You’re going to need a case, that’s certain. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just enough to protect your Switch from getting bumped around in your bag. The AmazonBasics model is cheap, has 10 slots to hold additional Switch cards and a mesh pocket to store an extra charging cord or set of Joy-Cons. If you’re planning to take your entire setup, dock and all, Amazon also makes a larger storage case that can fit all the cords and controller accessories. If you need something smaller for your Switch Lite, the official case from Nintendo is incredibly slim and even comes with a screen protector. But it’s not made for carrying a lot of games. For that, we recommend TomToc’s line of Switch Lite cases, which are waterproof and come in a wide variety of colors to match your handheld for under $20.
You probably already have a bag that you’re carrying around all your stuff in, but if you were looking for one specifically made for your Switch, how about this backpack from HORI? It’s specifically designed to hold a Nintendo Switch and all its accessories, and comes in Pokémon, Mario and Zelda designs. The company also makes less overtly nerdy bags, but where’s the fun in that?
If Animal Crossing is more your aesthetic, Target sells a charming collection of bags emblazoned with leaf or character patterns. The backpacks have a special pocket just for your Nintendo Switch, while the clutch purses are perfectly sized for the consoles while being super stylish to boot.
Whether you hate the speakers on your Switch or just don’t want to bother those around you, you’re going to need a pair of headphones to listen to your games. Ideally you want something that doesn’t cost too much and can survive a beating in your bag, so if you don’t mind wires we’re still big fans of Turtle Beach’s Recon 70, which offers great sound in an affordable, lightweight form factor. However, if you just can’t stand cords and don’t mind dropping a bit of extra cash, check out the SteelSeries Arctis 1 or Razer’s Barracuda X headsets. They both come with a USB-C receiver you can plug directly into your console for a solid wireless connection, and the sound quality of either is among the best you’ll find in any gaming headset, especially for under $150.
If you already have a pair of wireless headphones you’re particularly attached to, you can use those with your Switch or Switch Lite by plugging HomeSpot’s 5.0 Audio Transmitter Adapter into the USB-C port. It’s rather diminutive and can slip into your case easily, and very affordable at only $30.
One thing you definitely have to worry about if you game on the go often is battery life, and in those cases you’ll want to carry around an extra power bank. For your Switch there are two features you need to focus on, and that’s the ability to use a USB-C cord to connect, and a slim profile so it’ll fit inside your Switch case. The RavPower 26,800mAh power bank fits both those criteria perfectly, is rather affordable at $61, and can even charge your device as you play.
Occasionally you might want to make use of the Switch’s kickstand and play with a standard gamepad. The official Pro Controller is generally accepted to be the best available, but it’s also kind of cumbersome to lug around in your bag. If you’re trying to travel a little lighter and don’t mind a slightly smaller version, PowerA’s Enhanced Nano controller can do the job. In my testing I found it’s susceptible to electrical interference, but when you’re sitting right in front of the Switch on a table it should handle the task just fine. It even comes with a little cloth bag to protect the controller from dings and scratches.
Even as more casual players have taken up the hobby and more wholesome titles have flooded the market, video gaming still has an aura of aggressiveness around it. Which is reflected in popular series like Call of Duty, but also in the accessories peo...
