MyOpinion

Organizers behind the VR Games Showcase last month announced they’re putting on a new livestreamed games event next week focusing on independent developers and studios “both big and small.” Just in time for what will certainly be a rush of XR news.

Called the XR Indies & Friends Showcase, the livestream is slated to kick off on September 25th at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET (local time here), coming just a few hours ahead of the 2025 Meta Connect keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET.

Let’s start this one with some good news: the transition toward clean freight is picking up speed. Over the past few years, we’ve started to see more and more zero-emission commercial trucks, delivery vans, and buses hit the road. The much-needed evolution of our on-road freight system to one that’s cleaner and more equitable is gaining momentum — and not a moment too soon.

Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs), like the big rigs on our highways and the vans that deliver our packages, make up just over 1 in 10 of the vehicles on our roads, but are responsible for over half of ozone-forming nitrogen oxide pollution and lung-damaging fine particulate pollution from on-road vehicles. They are also disproportionately responsible for climate-warming emissions, representing around 30 percent of greenhouse gas pollution from vehicles on our roads and highways. Zero-emission trucks and buses eliminate tailpipe emissions and significantly reduce life-cycle pollution.

One indicator of this progress is the growing share of zero-emission truck and bus registrations. This tells us which fleets are deploying electric vehicles, which types of these vehicles are being deployed, and where. Information like this is vital to understanding how the market is developing, but I think it’s equally important to investigate the why as well — this way, we can better understand what’s working and what’s not. After all, these trucks aren’t going to electrify themselves (although this does kind of sound like a superhero blockbuster plot). Such a paradigm shift within our nation’s $400 billion on-road freight industry demands both regulatory forces and economic upsides to be successful and lasting.

More than a year after legacy automakers announced a transition from the CCS charging port to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), GM EV customers are finally able to purchase an approved adapter and gain access to hundreds of thousands of Tesla chargers.

Today’s news has been a long time coming for GM-branded EV drivers. It is another massive step in the American auto industry’s adoption of a truly universal charging plug.

In June 2023, GM was one of the first OEMs to announce a transition from the CCS plug to Tesla’s NACS. It shared that future BEV models will feature the port natively, and existing BEVs could access the charging network via an adapter.

Since then, we’ve seen virtually all automakers adopt NACS and begin sourcing approved Tesla adapters, including Ford, Hyundai, BMW, and Lucid Motors, to name a few.

US charging networks like ChargePoint have also begun rolling out solutions to support EVs of all makes and models, helping increase the versatility of local networks and alleviate some of the stressors EV drivers currently face when they need a charge and don’t have the correct plug or aren’t certified to access a specific charging network.

While we await future GM models with Tesla NACS plugs built in, the American automaker has begun selling an approved adapter that gives its EV drivers immediate access to many Level 2 and DC fast chargers on Tesla’s current network.

Hyundai unveiled the Casper Electric in June at the Busan International Mobility Show in South Korea.

The new low-cost EV stole the show with a compact but still functional design. Despite its small size, Hyundai expects it to have a significant impact with its “potential to accelerate the popularization of electric vehicles.”

Hyundai opened Casper EV pre-orders in its home market with starting prices at just $22,800 (31.5 million won).

With government incentives, Hyundai said the entry-level “Inspiration” model can be bought for as little as $14,500 (20 million won).

The new EV is “the most attractive choice” for many buyers looking to go electric, according to Hyundai. With a 49 kWh battery, Hyundai’s Casper Electric has up to 195 miles (315 km) range on a single charge.

A hybrid standalone PC VR headset with full-body tracker support, base station-free.

In-box items VIVE Focus Vision headset

Gasket spacer

Face cushion

Rear cushion

Battery

Top strap

Controller (L)

Controller (R)

Lanyards x 2

30 W AC adapter

Splitter cable for charging

Lens cleaning cloth

Quick-start guide QR code

Safety guide

Warranty card

Size reference card for eyeglasses Headset specs Screen LCD panels x 2 Resolution 2448 x 2448 pixels per eye (4896 x 2448 pixels combined) Refresh rate 90 Hz Field of view (FOV) Up to 120 degrees Audio Dual microphones with noise cancellation and echo cancellation Dual driver with patented directional speaker design x 2 Privacy mode for minimizing external sound leakage 3.5 mm audio jack output Inputs Headset button Volume +/- buttons Processor Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ XR2 Memory and storage 12 GB LPDDR5 RAM 128 GB ROM Up to 2 TB expandable storage via MicroSD1

1. MicroSD card not included. Connections USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port x 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port with DisplayPort support x 1 Bluetooth 5.2 + BLE Wi-Fi 6, 6E2

2. Wi-Fi 6E support is country dependent.

View PC VR system requirements Sensors Tracking cameras x 4 Eye-tracking cameras x 2 High-resolution full-color passthrough cameras x 2 G sensor Proximity sensor Depth sensor Infrared floodlight Gyroscope Eye tracking 120 Hz gaze data output frequency (binocular) 0.5° to 1.1° accuracy within 20° field of view 5-point calibration Automatic IPD adjustment Ergonomics Perfect weight balance for comfortable long-lession use Magnetically attached front and rear cushions with cleanable PU leather trim 150 mm wide facial interface for accommodating wide eyeglasses Automatic eye comfort adjustment supporting IPD of 57 mm to 72 mm Patented quick-release headstrap design with easy-to-use adjustment dial Battery Removable, swappable battery with battery life of up to 2 hours Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with included 30 W adapter Hot swap supported with built-in reserve battery for up to 20 minutes of extended standby Controller specs Sensors Hall sensors on Trigger and Grip buttons Capacitive sensors on Trigger, Joystick, and Thumb-rest area G-sensor Gyroscope Inputs Ergonomic grip button Analog trigger button A and B / X and Y buttons System / Menu buttons Joystick Battery Controller battery life of up to 15 hours3 Integrated rechargeable battery (charged via USB-C)

Two months ago, James Rapp was driving home at dusk when a deer appeared out of nowhere, straight into the path of his spanking-new Chevrolet Equinox EV.

The software engineer escaped unharmed and the deer bolted into the woods, but the car wasn't so lucky. His car hit the deer when he was going at about 40 mph, so the impact left the fascia mangled but thankfully without structural or powertrain damage. The EV drove just fine, so Rapp dashed to a Chevy dealership the next morning for repairs.

After the incident, the Chevy dealership in Gaithersburg, Maryland identified 26 parts that needed replacement, including the headlamps, front camera, parts of the grille and the bumper, registration plate brackets and more. Now his Equinox EV 2LT, draped in the Riptide Blue Metallic paint, has been lying idle at the dealer's body shop for over 60 days.

“I had the car only for three weeks," Rapp said. "It had 400 miles on it. Now it’s been out for eight weeks and is [just] sitting there."

In the meantime, Rapp is back behind the wheel of his 2006 gas-powered Equinox. “What should have been a three-day repair, eight weeks later there's no indication when it’ll be done," he said. "It’s frustrating."

Rapp’s case isn’t unique. A number of Equinox EV owners have posted online or told InsideEVs that they are facing similar delays after relatively minor incidents where gas-powered General Motors cars might've been repaired in days or weeks at most. For Equinox EV owners, repairs are dragging on for months.

Several owners told InsideEVs that they have been left in the dark with no official estimated time of arrival for several collision replacement parts. They added that the dealerships had no clue either, as they await a fix from GM.

Good old GM doing their normal shitty job of taking care of EV drivers.

Following its resounding success in Vietnam, VinFast Auto has officially opened pre-orders for the VF 3 in the Philippines. This marks the first time VinFast is launching its stylish mini electric SUV in an international market.

From September 19 to 30, early customers who reserve the VF 3 will enjoy several attractive incentives and privileges, including a special price of 605,000 pesos (battery subscription) or 705,000 pesos (battery included). After this period, the prices will revert to the MSRP of 645,000 pesos (battery subscription) and 745,000 pesos (battery included).

Additionally, early VF 3 customers will have the privilege of choosing from nine striking exterior paint colors, including four base colors and five premium options, free of charge. Premium paint colors will cost an additional 20,000 pesos after this period.

Moreover, from September 19 to 30, for only 40,000 pesos, early customers can customize their car’s paint beyond the nine available colors. This will be the only time VinFast offers this exclusive privilege for the VF 3.

VinFast is accepting deposits of 5,000 pesos through its official website or at authorized dealerships (refundable under VinFast’s terms).

VF 3 customers who opt for the battery subscription can choose from a flexible list of subscription plans starting at just 2,800 pesos per month, allowing for cost optimization based on travel needs.

The VF 3 boasts a compact design with dimensions of 3,190 x 1,679 x 1,622 mm and a wheelbase of 2,075 mm, perfectly suited for city roads in the Philippines. It is equipped with 16-inch wheels, providing an impressive ground clearance of 191 mm, allowing for smooth navigation across various terrains.

Despite its small size, the VF 3 is powered by a 32 kW electric motor, providing a maximum torque of 110 Nm. With an 18.64 kWh lithium-ion battery, the VF 3 can travel up to 210 km on a full charge, fully meeting the needs of city driving. Fast charging from 10% to 70% in just 36 minutes adds convenience by saving time.

The VF 3 stands out with its youthful and dynamic design, offering nine exterior color options, making it an ideal choice for young individuals to express their personality. The interior is optimized for four passengers, with foldable rear seats that can expand the cargo space to 285 liters. A large 10-inch infotainment screen ensures that every journey in the VF 3 is enjoyable.

Even as the most affordable model in VinFast’s lineup, the VF 3 comes equipped with a full range of essential features, including safety and driver-assist technologies, providing a smooth and convenient driving experience, even for first-time drivers. Each VF 3 comes with a portable charger, ensuring peace of mind for customers when it comes to battery concerns.

*We’re thrilled to announce EXOcars – VR racing game from XOCUS Studio!**✨

The game has been in development for over a year by the Xocus team, known for creating Z-Race and Omega Pilot. Specializing in racing games, this will be their first release on the Main Meta Store.

🚗 Strap into EXOcars and compete against real players in single-player races and real-time multiplayer. With exciting driving feedback, advanced physics, and high-quality graphics, this VR buggy racing experience is unlike any other.

🚦 Specifically designed for VR, the game targets the core VR racing audience by delivering an immersive experience with realistic car physics.

🏁 Play solo or with friends in multiplayer mode! Different game modes, tournaments with real prizes, challenges, and seasonal events await you in EXOcars.

🏎️ Customize your car, unlock new tracks and locations. Featuring ramps, drifts, and natural obstacles, it makes you feel like a real driver of a roaring buggy, speeding through breathtaking landscapes! And this is just the beginning!

🎮 Long-term support. We plan to expand the game throughout late 2024 and into 2025, aiming to create the best off-road racing experience in VR. Updates will include new tracks, and vehicles, including a buggy with unique physics, and cosmetic upgrades. Seasonal events, tournaments, ongoing balance, and QOL improvements based on player feedback are also planned.

Wishlist EXOcars:

Meta Quest Store: https://www.meta.com/experiences/8057795767629913/

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2898310/EXOcars/

PS VR2: https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10012101

If, like me, you started out with just a Meta Quest headset and did not have a powerful gaming PC available, it’s hard to look at what’s possible on PCVR and not feel some envy. But building a capable VR ready PC can get expensive and maybe you just want to try it instead of investing a lot of money into new hardware. If that’s the case then you should look into a service called Shadow PC which claims to stream VR games over the cloud.

Cloud gaming has come a long way in the past decade, and whilst it will never compete with playing on a local machine, it is getting close at this point. As long as you have a good enough internet, game streaming is a viable way to play in VR at this point.

The only company really offering VR game streaming at this point is Shadow PC. While Shadow PC is not the cheapest, it does deliver on its promise of giving you a VR capable PC anywhere you have access to a strong internet connection. As I mentioned, Shadow PC is not the cheapest, there are 3 pricing options starting at $19.99 for, but the priciest and most powerful option clocks in at $49.99. The first month is discounted so you can try it out for $9.99, but it is still going to be expensive after that, especially if you want to play games at higher settings.

As you can see in the specs table below only the POWER option offers a modern GPU capable of playing modern VR games. If you go for the more economical option you will be constrained by an older GTX 1080, which is capable of playing VR but you will need to lower the settings on most games if you want a smooth frame rate, and a smooth frame rate is more important than anything when it comes to VR games.

The first three generations of Spectacles were launched as consumer devices from 2016 to 2019 but lacked any kind of display or speakers. They functioned solely as camera glasses, similar to today's Ray-Ban Meta glasses but without the audio out and AI capabilities.

Fourth generation Spectacles were unveiled in 2021 with waveguide displays for true AR, but were only made to select developers with very limited availability. They were a standalone AR device in true sunglasses form factor, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 chipset, a tiny field of view, and an active battery life of just 30 minutes.

The new fifth generation Snap Spectacles offer a wider field of view, longer battery life, a more powerful processor, and higher transparency to allow bystanders to see the wearer's eyes. And this time Snap will offer them to any developer for $99/month.

Even with the new 100% tariff on electric vehicles imported from China, BYD would still have the cheapest EV in the US. According to a new report, BYD’s lowest-priced EV would still undercut all US automakers at under $25,000.

After discontinuing the production of vehicles powered entirely by internal combustion engines in March 2022, BYD has been at the forefront of the industry’s shift to EVs.

Honestly in my opinion it is time to remove all tariffs on EVs under 25k and let anyone who wants to fill that slot in. American car manufacturers refuse to fill the market need.

Modder Ashok has developed an extensive VR mod for the remake of System Shock, which adds support for 6DOF motion control to the game. This allows you to experience the classic shooter in virtual reality with full range of motion.

The mod includes the following features:

6DOF motion control Gestures for motion controllers Improved object interaction Room scale and physical ducking support

Many other bug fixes and improvements for VR It consists of a UEVR profile and a C++ plugin bundled together. UEVR Nightly 940 or later is required for use. There is also an optional PAK mod that adapts the buttons to the Meta Quest Touch Controller.