Last year at AWE 2025, I tried out the latest haptic VR accessories from bHaptics including a vest and gloves that are meant to help you feel more immersed as you game on the best VR headsets.

At AWE 2026, bHaptics returned with a modest update to TactGlove lineup that actually helps the gloves feel more immersive.

The new DK3 gloves add new haptic motors at the bottom of your palm. I was told that gamers said previous gloves didn't feel as intense because after your fingers, there wasn't really any feedback spots until the wrist motor.

The set I tried featured two motors on the palm for both the right and left hand versions. I noticed that the right hand vibrated more than the left in the pair I played with.

The biggest difference I noticed was in the new motor that sits on top of your wrist on the DK3 gloves. The VCM motor is larger and seems as the spokesperson said, "crispier."

The spaceship demo I tried this year is the same as last year's and it did feel more immersive in my right hand with the new palm motors and the bigger wrist motor. And yes, I did try to pet the cat again.

Prices went up

Unfortunately, as with most things in the last year, prices have gone up.

The TactSuit Pro vest hasn't received any updates but its price went up $65. It now retails for $565 compared to last year's $499 starting price. The lighter TactStuit Air is now $320 up from $249.

Compared to the older version the new DK3 gloves are an expensive $385. And beyond the new motors all the other specs appear to be the same.

All of bHaptics' gear is available now.

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Meta announced today (April 16) that starting on Saturday April 19 the company would raise prices on its Meta Quest 3 and 3S virtual reality headsets. The tech giant blamed the ongoing RAM crisis for the price hike, per a Reuters report.

Meta's headsets come in three configurations: Quest 3S with 128GB or 256GB storage and the Quest 3 with 512GB of storage. Here's how their prices are changing.

The Quest 3S is Meta's entry-level virtual reality headset, while the Quest 3 is the higher-end more fully featured headset. According to Reuters, the price hike will also affect refurbished Quest headsets, but accessories will retain their current price tags.

The slow death of Meta VR

Meta isn't alone in raising prices due to increasingly gargantuan memory prices, but this move feels like another step in the slow death of Meta's virtual reality ambitions.

Since January, Meta has laid off 10% of its employees in the Reality Labs group, responsible for VR, and both cancelled and uncancelled its metaverse Horizon Worlds. The company recently backtracked on killing Horizon Worlds after some intense fan backlash.

In January, it was revealed that Reality Labs lost a staggering $6 billion in the company's fourth quarter while only making $955 million. In total, the division has burned $70 billion since 2021.

Meta is allegedly not abandoning VR according to Oculus founder Palmer Luckey, which flies in the face of the company's recent actions.

In February, Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth insisted that Meta Quest isn't dying and that the Meta Quest 4 is in active development. “Furthermore, these internal changes unblock roadmaps for us on hardware; the next two devices we are looking at are very exciting,” Bosworth said at the time.

Presumably, those devices are the Quest 4 and Quest 4S.

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If you're going to spend $3,500 on a mixed reality headset, you're going to want to get the absolute most out of it. As cool as the latest Apple Vision Pro M5 is, there aren't a lot of reasons to justify spending that much money on the headset. But what if I told you that Steam will soon be accessible on the Vision Pro?

Valve has officially announced that it is bringing an official Steam Link app to the Vision Pro. This will allow a connection between the Vision Pro and your existing PC hardware via the local network, and stream games from your Steam library directly to your face computer.

You can already use Steam Link to stream PC games to a bunch of devices, including TVs and tablets, as well as other VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3s. The ability to stream to the Vision Pro means you can enjoy all your favorite non-VR games, untethered, with all the benefits of Apple's spatial computing system.

It's important to specify non-VR games, though. The Vision Pro will only be able to stream traditional 2D games from your Steam Library, and anything that requires an actual VR headset to play won't be accessible. There's no word on whether Steam VR games will ever be playable on Vision Pro. So if you want to play those games, you're going to need a Steam-compatible VR headset and some kind of physical link cable.

Steam has said that the Steam Link app is currently able to stream your games in up to 4K resolution and "allows you to dynamically adjust the curve of the display in panoramic mode." However, since the app currently isn't listed in the App Store, you're only able to access a beta version of Steam Link via Apple's TestFlight program.

Access to Steam Link isn't going to be the Vision Pro's killer feature, and something that finally makes the headset worth buying — not when the price tag is this high. But the ability to link up with your existing PC and play games that didn't come from the App Store is a big deal.

The lack of gaming ability is one of the things we criticized in our Apple Vision Pro review, and Steam Link support is going to make a huge difference. Stay tuned for our hands-on impressions.

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Nvidia’s going big at GDC before going even bigger at GTC. But there’s one quiet announcement amidst DLSS 4.5 dynamic multi-frame generation and GeForce Now upgrades that could be a massive one for anyone who owns an Apple Vision Pro — looking for reasons to use it.

Team Green’s CloudXR technology is able to stream PC VR games wirelessly from your gaming PC to the Vision Pro in glorious 4K 120 FPS, and their first target is the ultimate sim rig experience with support for iRacing and X-Plane 12.

Obviously, good news for sim pilots (shout-out), but as you may already know about me, I’m the sim racing guy on the Tom’s Guide team (my bachelor party is literally dedicated to it). One thing is clear: this is a breakthrough for VR drivers like me. Let me explain.

What is Nvidia’s CloudXR?

One thing I have to make clear here is that CloudXR is a very different thing to GeForce Now. Both are game streaming, but while GFN is from Nvidia’s cloud servers, CloudXR streams directly from your own hardware. You’ll need a beauty tower too, because its capabilities are significant.

Think of CloudXR as me vs a strong person taking in a bunch of groceries from the car. I can handle two bags, but if I try to handle more, it becomes a struggle. So my muscly friend comes in and takes the remaining eight bags. We’re technically working together, but let’s be real — they’re doing the heavy lifting (literally).

It’s GPU-accelerated VR delivered wirelessly to a headset with low-latency, which brings a serious graphical turboboost of that Nvidia GPU that you wouldn’t be able to do on the silicon of that standalone set.

And while some people have been talking about beta testing this new feature on the Vision Pro subreddit, this is the first time Nvidia’s officially letting the cat out the bag.

The big win here is foveated PC streaming. Basically, thanks to Apple Vision Pro’s eye-tracking capability, Nvidia’s CloudXR tech can see where you’re looking and render that part of your vision in full glorious detail — while leaving stuff in your peripheral vision and beyond less so. PSVR 2 does something similar with rendering graphics on the PS5, but it doesn’t hold a candle to this.

It’s a huge efficiency gain for your GPU, and provides much more headroom to be able to achieve up to full 4K gaming at 120 FPS in VR.

The Vision Pro’s killer app?

That question is a tricky one to answer — it’s a $3,500 headset after all. But any new features are warmly welcomed to try and get more value from what has quickly become the beta test device for the version of visionOS that will run on a future pair of smart glasses.

But take it from a VR sim racer: there’s no experience quite like it (…except maybe actually driving a race car, but there’s no risk factor here).

I know we’re all quick to talk about the “immersion” of something, and don’t get me wrong, it absolutely is. But there’s something here about it that actually makes you a better driver.

Take trail-braking for example (instead of hammering on the brakes to slow down for a corner, using a more gentle combination of brake and acceleration to maximize corner speed). It’s a tricky technique to learn and while I’m absolutely getting the feedback I need from my sim rig to ensure I’m not over-driving, being able to see the path of a corner is also critical.

Now, on the flat screen of a TV or monitor, that can be next to impossible on long-swooping turns or oddly-angled hairpins that disappear off the side. In VR, I can look to the apex and corner exit and aim my car for it.

Yes, I know this sounds small and that I’m getting really geeky here (sim racing is extremely my thing). But it’s oh-so critical to extracting the slight performance improvements that are the difference between a win and a loss.

Not the only XR upgrade

For the other update, we look over to Nvidia GeForce Now, where on March 19, Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest headsets are getting a streaming upgrade to 90 FPS. It’s great to see these platforms continue to get supported — nothing quite like throwing on my Quest 3S in bed and playing PC games on a gigantic screen on my ceiling.

And as the subreddit community seems to confirm about beta tests, CloudXR is something that can be used across multiple games, which would be huge for the future of PC VR gaming. Getting those cables outta the way is a step towards true plug and play simplicity that can be the biggest thing holding potential players back.

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It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for Meta’s VR efforts over at Reality Labs. After losing just over $6 billion last quarter, the company laid off 1,500 people. While Palmer Luckey said abandoning VR was “obviously false,” Meta’s own actions screamed the opposite.

But there’s been some recent green shoots of optimism. Horizon OS got updated with a virtual keyboard that actually works, and a new lightweight headset with a compute puck has been leaked.

But what about Meta Quest 4? And after shutting down three VR game studios and canceling some projects, will there be anything to play on them?

Well, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth has been pretty vocal over the past few days, including an “ask me anything” session on his Instagram page to provide “the truth” and respond to the “doom and gloom.” And in his Davos interview, he seems to confirm that Quest 4 is still coming.

Put simply, Meta Quest is not dead. It’s evolving.

Meta is 'investing more in content than anyone else'

This first response came to a question about the “doom and gloom” of the layoffs. Bosworth says it's “mostly overwrought,” but he gets why it exists.

“First, there is a real cause for sadness. We had people doing work we were excited about, whether at the OS layer or great studios delivering great titles,” he commented. But he emphasized that Meta “remains extremely bullish on VR.”

“We are still investing more in content than anyone else, and more than we were four years ago,” Bosworth stated. “While we have receded from the 'high water mark,' we are still very much a net positive investor in the ecosystem.”

He acknowledged the “sadness regarding cancelled projects,” such as the Batman Arkham sequel, but the investment has been adjusted to “match the size of the growth.”

Quest 4 confirmed?

But that’s when he let the cat out of the bag. “Furthermore, these internal changes unblock roadmaps for us on hardware; the next two devices we are looking at are very exciting,” Bosworth added.

Wait, what two devices is he talking about!? Let’s go back to his interview with Alex Heath for more clarity. There were two devices leaked in a memo back in December — “Pismo High” and “Pismo Low.” Quickly, reports linked these to a Meta Quest 4 and Quest 4S.

And when talking to Heath, he seems to very strongly hint that these are still in the works. “I think it's officially leaked we've got two devices on the roadmap that we're super excited about coming out over the course of a period of time,” Bosworth responded.

Heath rightly pressed him on what “a period of time” meant, and Bosworth dodged the question pretty effectively by saying “it could be anything, could be tomorrow.”

No, this doesn’t mean Quest 4 is launching tomorrow. But it is a welcome sign of relief that Meta’s still cooking on its next-gen gaming headset.

What about the Steam Frame?

Another interesting question came up — namely, does Meta view the Steam Frame as competition, or does the company support this additional standalone headset?

“It is a little bit of both. I have said this before — and I will say it again, because it is really true — every time there is a new headset, we learn from it,” Bosworth responded. “We learn how consumers respond to the decisions made regarding architecture, resolution, and cameras.”

One key example he brings up here is the Steam Frame coming included with a wireless dongle for cable-free PC VR. Meta has “experimented” with wireless links like this, but in Bosworth’s own words, “we decided it was just too much hassle.”

But that doesn’t mean the company won’t revisit this idea: “If consumers love it, maybe there is a bigger market there than we realized.”

Analysis: VR’s not dead — it’s the platform that will give birth to true AR

As someone who lives a good chunk of his life in VR like it’s “Ready Player One,” it’s a relief to see Meta come out of the gates swinging. But the transition to AR and smart glasses is definitely happening.

Not only has Meta seen it, but we’ve seen it in our affiliate revenue numbers, too (the money we make when you click on recommended products from our website and buy them). And this has changed my perspective on trying exciting VR headsets and software features.

Namely, I believe all the VR goodness we’re seeing today is an exciting test bed for what we could see in next-gen smart glasses. This idea of “spatial computing” is continuing to evolve before our eyes, and glasses aren’t able to contain all the silicon/battery tech needed to nail it yet.

And that puts VR in an exciting position to be the platform that pulls back the curtain on what the specs of the future will be able to do. By the way, Andrew (if you’re reading this, hi), I’d love to talk to you further about this!

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Meta has been fairly quiet when it comes to its VR devices like the Quest 3 and Quest 3s, especially since the company just laid off more than 1,000 employees from its Reality Labs arm which is responsible for VR. The company's CTO tried to downplay the layoffs, saying that it would "unblock roadmaps for our next two devices."

One of those devices may be the rumored Meta Phoenix lightweight VR headset.

A mock-up based on seen prototype models surfaced in early January from Luna, a regular VR leaker. "I’ve seen development units of Meta’s premium lightweight VR HMD, planned for H1 2027," she posted.

Her mock-up revealed a device that is much smaller than the Quest 3 headset that seems like a midstep between AR smart glasses like the Xreal One Pros and a full VR headset.

The 2027 device is supposed to move the compute abilities to a separate puck where the processing chip and some other components will be housed.

This week, another VR leaker, Noridoesvr posted a mockup of said puck. Like the Luna leak, Nori claims their mockup is based on "physical prototypes" that they've seen. She noted that it includes a waistband clip and a cooling exhaust.

"I modeled this based on physical prototypes I’ve seen. Note the waistband clip and the cooling exhaust on top. The design will likely change, but this represents some variants currently being tested, they said.

"I don't have more information about Phoenix or what Meta's plans are for it." The device was delayed into 2027 in December according to an internal memo seen by Mashable.

Reportedly, Meta will release a "limited edition" device called Malibu 2 and a next-generation Meta Quest device this year, but after the layoffs its not clear if those plans will come to fruition or not.

The memo claimed that the revamped device will have major upgrades focused on gaming, but it was vague from there on. Stay tuned to Tom's Guide for all the latest on Meta's next VR headset(s) because we're as interested to know more as you are.

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While the signs may point to Meta abandoning VR and focusing its efforts on smart glasses, that hasn’t stopped Zuck & Co. dropping one of the biggest updates to the Meta Quest 3/Quest 3S headsets.

I’m talking about Horizon OS v85 PTC (Public Test Channel), and in the features coming with it, the game changer is the ability to turn any physical surface into a virtual keyboard and mouse. This is the spatial computing future I’d dreamed of, so of course I had to hop on and try it.

Public Test Channel is home of pre-release beta software that users can opt in and try on their Horizon app. This is not finalized software, so expect some tweaks to fix some of the things I talk about.

What I imagined spatial computing would look like

You know exactly what I mean when I say this feels like “Minority Report,” right? That moment Tom Cruise dons the smart glasses and gloves and starts moving OS windows around while typing away on a virtual keyboard.

Well, with Surface Keyboard & Touchpad, you (sort of) get exactly that, but in a UI that actually feels like a computing device you’d use.

This is the feature that Meta has been researching for at least six years, and a pretty good-looking prototype was shown in 2023 (Mark Zuckerberg claimed he could hit 100 words per minute).

The reality is a bit of a mixed bag at the moment. The keyboard itself is impressively accurate — just place your hands down, and the Quest 3 will scan the surface and pop out a keyboard and touchpad right in front of you.

The tracking on your hands while resting on a surface is nice and precise, and sticks to your fingers like glue while you glaze across the QWERTY surface in front of you and write away. It’s clear the research here has paid off.

Typing on a surface is always much more preferable than trying to type on a virtual keyboard in thin air, and my speed did increase. Although, your mileage may vary depending on the surface you’re on here, and how much you intend to type.

A desk is always going to be a hard deal for your fingertips to go through, and you will feel it after a couple of hundred words, whereas a cushioned surface like a couch is more comfortable, but you lose a bit of that reliability.

So keyboard-wise, Meta’s work here has proven largely successful. This idea of spatial computing is mostly intact, but the real villain is the surfaces you type on, at which point a bluetooth keyboard will always be better for longform write ups (like this one — my fingers are killing right now).

The touchpad ain’t so great

I’ll chalk this up to this being a test for the software, but the virtual touchpad isn’t quite there yet — not quite being the effective time saving replacement to just reaching out and touching your content because it’s just not reliable enough.

It does all the things you’d expect a touchpad to do, such as moving the cursor, tapping to click and two-finger scrolling. But when you’re not actively looking at it and towards the screen, some of those inputs don’t get picked up.

While I did find the tracking was more than good enough for touch typing on the keyboard, the tracking on that touchpad could do with some work — to the point that I often found myself reverting back to hand gestures.

Great in short bursts, and a glimpse of what I want in AR glasses

So what are we left with here? Simply put, something that feels futuristic but rough on your fingers at the same time. For the sake of your own typing digits, don’t try to work like this all day like I did.

But in practice, public test software oddities aside, this is so cool. The reliability of the keyboard is impressive and the fast touch typing capabilities do make this feel like something I could really dig into for quick email responses and fast web browsing.

It’s what I envisioned when the words “spatial computing” started being uttered a couple of years ago, and I’m dreaming of the day I see this kind of tech come to the best smart glasses.

Because one thing is becoming clear (in my opinion) — while the future of Quest VR as a platform may look a little grim after the layoffs, this is becoming an exciting test bed for what we could see in next-gen smart glasses.

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I’ve enjoyed VR gaming (especially in sim racing), but PC VR has been something I’ve avoided. Why?

Well I could never get the hype of wearing some massive headset that weighs the equivalent of a small car on your face — just to get more immersed into a game. The tech needs to be shrunken down into something actually usable, and the Pimax Dream Air is exactly that.

Available right now, I got to test it for its grand launch here at CES 2026, and trust me when I say I’ll never avoid PC VR ever again. These bring seriously premium specs to a headset that weighs less than six ounces!

Making smart choices

The Pimax Dream Air packs all the specs you’d expect from a premium PC VR setup: 4K resolution per eye, 110-degree field of view, eye tracking for foveated rendering (rendering only the part of the screen you’re looking at in the moment to free up precious GPU memory), sensors for hand tracking, a split cable design to have the cord run down your back and more.

So how did they cram all of this in this tiny chassis? Well, it comes down to making some clever choices in the way certain elements are designed. Take the pancake lenses for example — normally with a flatter lens you’d have to put more depth on the front of the headset to account for a wider field of view.

Here, however, the lenses dish-in — they’re concave. That is the cheat code to expanding the view while not requiring additional bulk. And there are many more small design choices made to shave off size and weight here and there.

Gunning for pole position

So to test it, I went back to my favorite adversary of a circuit — Lime Rock Park in iRacing — and grabbed an open cockpit racer to try and achieve a best lap time.

Before even locking in and racing, the first thing I noticed immediately was both the crispy, flash flood of color that comes from those Sony Micro-OLED panels, the impressive 90Hz refresh rate smoothness, and (surprisingly) the high volume and nice bassy depth of those speakers on the headstrap.

Also shout-out to the magnetic gasket that packs plenty of plus padding for long-term comfort, and the dual fans that both keep the headset cool (and quiet) and provide ventilation for my face too.

Getting into the cockpit, though, my main problem in VR racing with bulky headsets has been my inability to look into an apex.

When racing in real-life, the common trick to making sure you nail your line through a corner is to look towards the apex of a corner and beyond to the exit. That way you can just eyeball your way in and nail it with your depth perception every time.

With a massive headset, it always feels like a chore to move your head. With Dream Air, it’s effortless, and before long, I got into my flow and shaved four seconds off my lap time.

There’s so many incredible PC VR experiences that I feel have been gatekept by the size and weight of the devices needed to play it. Pimax just primed a breakthrough that could change that.

Outlook

Let’s be real — a combination of advanced tech that’s condensed and crammed into a super slim chassis like this was always going to be pricey. You can grab the Dream Air at prices starting $1,999, but luckily there’s a Dream Air SE model that you can pre-order for $899. The main differences are a lower resolution and smaller field of view.

But whatever you go for, my main obstacle to PC VR gaming has always been the size and weight of it. To don a massive headset is always a complicated process for the sake of a couple hours of gaming.

When that size and weight is removed, and you’re still getting a drop dead gorgeous window into your virtual world, that changes things significantly. It doesn’t feel like an Olympic sport to turn your head, packing your headset doesn’t require an entire cupboard. Put simply, this smushing down of the size and weight is exactly what I’ve been looking for to believe one thing: the PC VR hype is real.

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An internal memo has revealed that Meta plans to raise prices on its VR devices, like the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S. Allegedly, the move is being made to extend the long-term sustainability of the line.

The memo (seen by Business Insider) reportedly came from new Metaverse execs Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, who insist the company needs to “make a shift” to sustain its VR headsets. Alongside price increases, a new focus will be on accounting for tariffs and extending the replacement cycle of the devices.

"Our devices will be more premium in price going forward, but we'll have a healthier business to anchor on and free ourselves from feeling existential about any singular device's success," the memo reads.

It also calls for creating high-quality software experiences that match the “excellence” of the Quest devices. However, that means the company may ship new hardware at a slower rate.

All of this news hits as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is planning big cuts for the Metaverse team, a section of the company that has burned more than $70 billion since 2021. Partially, this is on a perceived failure of the metaverse, but also a pivot by the company to be more AI-focused.

How high?

As of this writing, Meta offers two Quest headsets: the flagship Quest 3 for $499, which is a price cut from the original $649 it launched with. The entry-level Quest 3S retails for $299.

The memo doesn’t provide any potential price suggestions. Right now, the Quest 3s are some of the least expensive quality headsets you can buy.

Apple’s Vision Pro sells for an absurd $3,500 while the recently announced Samsung Galaxy XR starts at $1,799. For gaming, Valve revealed its Steam Frame VR headset in November but has yet to announce a price.

Previous rumors have suggested that the Steam Frame will be priced between $600 and $1,200, with most expectations pegging it around $1,000. Either way, the Frame will likely be more expensive than the current Quest 3 lineup.

To be competitive, it’s more than likely that Meta will compare its next offering to whatever the Steam Frame costs, as that is where you’ll see the most competition, especially in the VR gaming space.

Meta Quest 4

A slower release cadence isn’t a big surprise, as the long-rumored Meta Quest 4 was sidelined this year in favor of the company’s smart glasses; the Meta Ray-Ban Display and Ray-Ban Meta (gen 2) glasses. Previous rumors suggested that Quest 4 wouldn’t release until 2027.

A rumor from earlier this month revealed that Meta is working on the next-gen Quest VR headset, which will be a “large upgrade” compared to the Quest 3.

Allegedly, Meta has at least four different prototypes in the works: two Quest 4 models, an ultralight mixed-reality headset, and the rumored “Phoenix”, which would feature a tethered battery puck (similar to the Apple Vision Pro).

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Black Friday is full of surprises, with discounts galore bringing our favorite tech down to their lowest prices yet. Speaking of, the VR headset I'd recommend for most just got the same treatment, as the Meta Quest 3 is now at an all-time low.

Right now the Meta Quest 3 with 512GB is $468 at Amazon ($31 off) and £25 off at Argos, and that's the lowest the VR headset has ever been. It's a rare sight to see any discounts on Meta's flagship headset, as in the past, it usually came with a free game or gift card instead. Still, this deal comes with a three-month subscription to Meta Horizon+, giving you free access to plenty of the latest VR games.

The Meta Quest 3 is the best standalone VR headset you can buy today, offering amazing VR games and plenty of features to boot, like streaming games on Xbox Game Pass, watching shows on Netflix on a massive screen and more. Yes, the Meta Quest 3S is also at its lowest price at $249, but for flagship specs, this is the deal for you.

I've been using the Meta Quest 3 since it launched, and with the steady number of updates it's seen and even more exclusive VR games on offer, it's just about the best VR headset I've used.

While the Quest 3S offers incredible value for the money, especially now that it's down to its lowest price for Black Friday, it can't match the visuals and comfort the Quest 3 offers up. Also, having 512GB of storage is a huge perk to have, especially considering just how big VR games get. Its previous lowest price was back in October 2024 for $471, so now it's dropped to a new low.

Between Batman: Arkham Shadow, Asgard's Wrath 2, Beat Saber and the very recent (and extremely fun) Marvel's Deadpool VR in its library of games, not to mention classics like Resident Evil 4, these make up many of the best VR games I've played.

There are plenty of ways to make the most of its clear, full-color passthrough for mixed reality experiences, too. That includes learning how to draw, watching shows on a massive screen while you cook up a storm and even linking it to a Windows 11 PC with Mixed Reality Link for even more screens for productivity.

So, for a premium standalone headset that continues to see major updates and new games to check out, and now down to its lowest price, it's worth putting the Meta Quest 3 on your wishlist, especially if you haven't jumped on the VR bandwagon yet.

There are even more Black Friday VR deals to scoop up, so don't miss your chance to find big savings on all things virtual reality. Of course, if the Quest 3 is still too pricey for your tastes, the Quest 3S is still a great option right now.

For more discounts, check out our Black Friday deals live blog.

Shop today's best Black Friday deals

• Amazon: 50% off Ring, Ninja, AirPods and more
• Walmart Plus: 50% off @ Walmart
• REI: half-off Arc'teryx, Patagonia, more
• Dell: monitors from $69, laptops from $299
• Nectar: 50% off mattresses + bundles
• Best Buy: laptops from $149
• Lenovo: doorbuster deals from $319
• Wayfair: up to 80% off home decor
• Lululemon: top picks from $9
• Newegg: Doorbuster deals from $6
• Walmart: holiday gifts from $15
• Birkenstock: deals from $20 @ Nordstrom
• Saatva: luxury mattresses from $1,099

With how cheap the best VR headsets are right now, I thought it was Black Friday already! Even though it starts on November 28, you can already get the lowest prices ever on all my personal picks.

From the Meta Quest 3S — the ideal headset for anyone jumping into VR for less — and the PSVR 2 for gamers, all the way up to the PC pro-level HTC Vive Focus Vision, they’re all discounted massively. Even the Meta Quest 3 has dropped in price!

I don’t see these getting any cheaper, so now is the best time to buy. Let’s get into the best Black Friday VR headset deals, as recommended by a VR expert.

Quick links

• 🇺🇸 Meta Quest 3S: was $299 now $249 @ Amazon
• 🇺🇸 PlayStation VR2: was $399 now $299 @ Amazon
• 🇺🇸 Meta Quest 3: was $499 now $468 @ Amazon
• 🇺🇸 HTC Vive Focus Vision: was $1,149 now $1,068 @ Amazon
• 🇬🇧 Meta Quest 3S: was £289 now £229 @ Very
• 🇬🇧 PlayStation VR2: was £379 now £299 @ Amazon
• 🇬🇧 Meta Quest 3: was £469 now £444 @ Argos
• 🇬🇧 HTC Vive Pro 2: was £1,198 now £599 @ Amazon

Black Friday VR headset deals (US)

Black Friday VR headset deals (UK)

Shop today's best Black Friday deals

• Amazon: 50% off Ring, Ninja, AirPods and more
• Walmart Plus: 50% off @ Walmart
• REI: half-off Arc'teryx, Patagonia, more
• Dell: monitors from $69, laptops from $299
• Nectar: 50% off mattresses + bundles
• Best Buy: laptops from $149
• Lenovo: doorbuster deals from $319
• Wayfair: up to 80% off home decor
• Lululemon: top picks from $9
• Newegg: Doorbuster deals from $6
• Walmart: holiday gifts from $15
• Birkenstock: deals from $20 @ Nordstrom
• Saatva: luxury mattresses from $1,099

Valve unveiled a trio of highly anticipated gaming products, the Steam Machine, Steam Controller and, most excitingly for VR, the Steam Frame. Finally, the long-rumored VR headset is official, and it already appears to have one rival in its sights: the Meta Quest 3.

Holding the crown as the best VR headset you can get, the Quest 3 has barely seen any competition since its release in 2023. Unless you count Meta's own Quest 3S, that is. But Valve has now stepped into the ring with its own standalone headset, and the Steam Frame is already coming out swinging.

Aimed at being an all-encompassing device for both VR and non-VR games, Valve's latest VR headset not only finally brings some competition to the Quest 3, but it also turns the tables on what a VR headset can be. Because yes, the Steam Frame is also a PC (for your face).

But how does the Steam Frame compare to the Quest 3? Valve's VR headset isn't arriving until spring 2026, but we already have a clear view of how it may perform against Meta's current champion. Let's dive in.

Valve Steam Frame vs Meta Quest 3: Specs

Valve Steam Frame vs Meta Quest 3: Rumored price

Valve has yet to announce the price for its Steam Frame, so it's hard to tell whether it will be in the same bracket as the Meta Quest 3. That said, considering its specs, there's reason to believe it will be at least below $1,000.

Sporting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, pancake lenses and an LCD display with similar resolution, the Steam Frame shares a few key specs with the Quest 3. With this being the case, there's a lot of hope that Valve will keep the price down as much as possible (at least, that's been the goal of its Steam Deck, which is still one of the most affordable handheld gaming PCs).

The Quest 3 is now priced at $499, after dropping the price from its original $649 at launch. That made it a hugely competitive VR device, especially since it's standalone. And it's only undercut by the Quest 3S at $299.

Previously, rumors have suggested the Steam Frame will cost around $1,200 / £950 / AU$1,900, but this now seems a little steep for what's on offer. However, based on the specs shown, it appears that Valve's VR device may be more expensive than the Quest 3. Here's hoping it's not by much.

Valve Steam Frame vs Meta Quest 3: Design

Valve appears to have taken some design cues from the Meta, as the Steam Frame looks interestingly similar to the Quest 3. But there are a few differences that already appear to give the Frame an edge.

The Steam Frame comes with cushioning on the facial interface and rear, with the latter holding the rechargeable 21.6 Wh battery that appears to plug into the headset. There's no top strap like on the Quest 3, but the modular headstrap appears to be more integrated into the headset itself, as it also includes dual audio drivers.

The headset with the strap attached is only a lightweight 0.9 pounds (440g), whereas the Quest 3 comes in at 1.1 pounds (515g), which is an impressive feat. Oh, and the Steam Frame is slightly smaller in size.

While the Quest 3 resembles a headset, with its three slits for the cameras on its face, the Steam Frame adopts a more goggle-like design — similar to the Apple Vision Pro. There are four outward-facing monochrome cameras for tracking and passthrough. However, the Quest 3 offers two RGB cameras (in addition to four IR cameras) for full-color passthrough.

Otherwise, you'll find volume controls, a power button and an IPD (Interpupillary Distance) adjustment wheel to get the right pupil distance. Plus, just like the Quest 3, the headstrap is swappable, meaning we could see many third-party providers offering their own headstrap options.

But two big differences set the Steam Frame and Quest 3 apart: eye-tracking cameras and a microSD card slot. Valve introduced its "Foveated Streaming," which tracks your eyes to bring the best image quality to where you're looking. It's said to bring "over a 10x improvement" in details, and works for all games in Steam.

The microSD card slot is also a welcome addition, as it allows users to expand storage and even boot up games that you may have stored on your Steam Deck. Now that's a smart move.

Valve Steam Frame vs Meta Quest 3: Display

We're big fans of the pancake optics introduced in the Meta Quest 3, and thankfully, Valve is following suit with its own custom pancake lenses.

These work by layering thin lenses to reproduce images in a smaller space, resulting in better clarity and higher resolution. It's why Meta calls the LCD displays the "4K+ Infinite Display," with the 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye resolution combining to bring 4K quality. Plus, the Quest 3 comes with 72Hz, 90Hz and 120Hz refresh rates.

Well, the Steam Frame takes this up a notch. Valve's VR headset is equipped with LCD displays featuring a 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye, and supports refresh rates ranging from 72Hz to 144Hz — although the 144Hz option is noted to be "experimental." Still, that shows how far the headset can be pushed.

It's not by much, but the Steam Frame looks to deliver cleaner, more detailed visuals compared to the Quest 3. Plus, with Foveated Streaming that uses eye tracking to beam the best visual quality to where you're looking, the Steam Frame should bring about some upscaled visuals in VR and non-VR games compared to the Quest 3.

Of course, we'll have to see how it all looks once we properly test ourselves, and the Quest 3 still delivers some impressive picture quality, especially in games like Batman: Arkham Shadow and well-praised Red Matter 2.

Valve Steam Frame vs Meta Quest 3: Performance

Qualcomm makes a return for yet another VR headset, as the Steam Frame comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor based on a 4nm process and using ARM64 architecture. That actually isn't too far off the Quest 3's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, since both are based on a 4nm process.

It's interesting that Valve decided to put this chip in its device, considering we're now on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. That's not to say that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 isn't powerful, but it is the chip that powers the Samsung Galaxy S24, and the Galaxy S26 is now just around the corner.

Either way, seeing games played on the Steam Frame, especially as a standalone device, will offer proper insight into how the chip performs. However, what we do know is that the Frame will offer beefier internals compared to the Quest 3.

The VR headset comes packed with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and up to a 1TB SSD, which is double what the Quest 3 offers. This should lead to faster processing speeds and more room to handle data for VR apps and more. What's more, the Steam Frame's microSD slot means its storage can easily be expanded.

Valve states the Steam Frame is a PC, with the headset being able to install different apps on the fly. It's meant to play both VR and non-VR games, and not just by streaming from Xbox Game Pass like on the Quest 3. It supports stand-alone gameplay and comes with its own Steam Frame verification program, so you know which VR and PC games work on the device.

The Quest 3 falls behind in this department, as it's only really made for VR and mixed-reality experiences. Although you can use Mixed Reality Link to connect to a PC, again, that's streaming. It's only a matter of time until we see how well it can play Steam's vast library of games, and just how far it goes before needing to plug in the 6GHz wireless adapter to stream with low latency from a PC.

Valve Steam Frame vs Meta Quest 3: Controllers

Those Steam Frame controllers look awfully familiar, as they really aren't too unlike the Quest 3's Quest Touch Plus controllers. But the Frame appears to have more gamer-focused features, as it's also essentially your regular gaming controller split in half.

You'll get your typical D-pad, triggers, bumpers, ABXY buttons and thumbsticks as with the best gaming PC controllers, just with VR optimizations. So, 6DoF (degrees of freedom) tracking, haptic feedback, capacitive finger tracking and sensing on all input surfaces and dual-stage grip buttons, too. It's like the Quest Touch Plus controllers, just with more gamer-fied functions with more buttons.

Oh, and the welcome addition of full-size magnetic TMR thumbsticks (Tunnel Magneto Resistance), which offer up even more precise levels of accuracy than what the Hall Effect is capable of. The Quest's controllers appear to be a little barebones in comparison.

Like the Quest 3, the Steam Frame controllers are powered by AA batteries. Of course, we'd love to see rechargeable controllers, but sure enough, we're sure to see rechargeable controller batteries come into play down the line.

Valve Steam Frame vs Meta Quest 3: OS

It's a battle of the operating systems. Or sort of, seeing as Meta Horizon OS can also be connected to a PC, wired or wirelessly. But having SteamOS operating on the Steam Frame, just as it would on the Steam Deck, is a bonus, as it will make the Steam Frame feel more like a VR headset made for PCVR.

Meta Horizon OS is one of the first VR-first operating systems, and it's improved over the years to provide a wide library of games and apps. It's easy to navigate, provides constant updates and delivers ways to connect to other platforms, like Windows PCs, Xbox Game Pass and streaming services via the recent Horizon TV Hub.

SteamOS is all about gaming, with the Steam Frame being able to use quick suspend and resume, cloud saves and access to your library of games — just in VR. We've praised SteamOS time and time again, even on the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS.

VR users will have seen how SteamVR looks, but with SteamOS, I'm hoping to see a simple, user-friendly experience that makes accessing games on the Steam Frame extremely easy.

Valve Steam Frame vs Meta Quest 3: Outlook

There's still a lot to learn about Valve's Steam Frame, but for now, it's taking on the Meta Quest 3 in a big way. From the pancake optics delivering higher resolution and refresh rates, controllers that act as regular console controls and eye-tracking, the Frame aims to take the crown as the standalone VR headset to get.

Of course, that won't be taken so easily, considering the Meta Quest 3 still offers incredible value for VR (with the Quest 3S bringing even more). We'll have to see the price of Valve's latest VR device, and how it performs as a way to play VR games and regular PC games — whether it's running on the Frame itself or through a wireless connection to a PC.

I can't wait to try out the Steam Frame, but that's not all Valve has up its sleeve. For more on how the Steam Machine compares to the PS5, Xbox Series X and more, we've got the latest.

More from Tom's Guide

• I might ditch my gaming PC for the Steam Machine — here's why
• Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Which headset is right for you?
• I got this compact power bank for my Meta Quest 3, but now I use it to charge everything

It's official. Valve just announced its new Steam Frame VR headset, a standalone virtual reality device that looks to take on the Meta Quest 3 — and it's built for SteamOS.

Valve finally revealed its long-awaited VR headset today, previously rumored to be Valve Deckard, and it's a wireless device that comes equipped with a Snapdragon ARM processor, an LCD display with 2160 x 2160 per eye resolution, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, up to a 120Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental) and pancake optic lenses — with that last one being similar to the Quest 3.

Along with featuring eye-tracking, camera passthrough and a 110-degree field of view (FOV), the Steam Frame also comes equipped with a wireless adapter as a low-latency link between the headset and a PC. Plus, it runs on SteamOS, like a VR version of the Steam Deck. What's more, it also focuses on non-VR gaming, but we'll still be getting "Steam Frame verified" games.

Along with the headset, Valve also introduced new Steam Frame controllers, which come with 6DoF tracking, TMR thumbsticks, haptic feedback and finger sensors.

Valve's Steam Frame is set to be released in spring 2026, while no price has been announced just yet. It's already looking to rival the best VR headsets around, but we'll have to wait and see once it officially arrives.

Valve Steam Frame: Specs

Valve Steam Frame: Everything we know so far

From the looks of it, the Steam Frame and its VR controllers look similar to the Meta Quest 3, just without the strap on top. It comes with cushioning on the facial interface and rear, with the latter holding the rechargeable 21.6 Wh battery that appears to plug into the headset.

It also comes in at a lightweight 0.9 pounds with the headstrap included (the Quest 3 weighs 1.1 pounds).

Excitingly, the headset comes with hugely welcome pancake lenses, which is what the Meta Quest 3 has been praised for. But the specs fall more in line with the PSVR 2, with the 2160 x 2160 per eye LCD displays, 72 to 120Hz refresh rate, with 144Hz being experimental, and a wide 110-degree FOV.

More than just a successor to the Valve Index, the Steam Frame doesn't require a Base Station for tracking, as it acts as a standalone VR headset. It comes with four outward-facing cameras and two interior cameras for eye tracking, and even passthrough to see your immediate space even with the headset on (much like Meta Quest headsets).

As for under the hood, it comes with a Snapdragon ARM processor based on 4nm architecture, like the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, and comes with 16GB of DDR5 RAM, 256GB or 1TB storage options and a microSD card slot for even more storage. With its Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, it's also offering up some faster connection speeds.

While it's a standalone headset that runs on SteamOS, it also comes with a wireless adapter to offer a direct, cordless link between the headset and your PC. That means we could see extended PCVR gaming. Plus, you can expect dual speakers in the headstrap itself, along with a microphone.

The Steam Frame comes announced with two other exciting products: The Steam Machine home console and new Steam Controller. With a new VR headset now arriving in 2026, though, here's hoping Valve's Steam Frame is a tease of a follow-up to Half-Life: Alyx. But for now, only time will tell what's to come.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just tested Mixed Reality Link for Windows 11 with my Meta Quest 3, and it’s shockingly good for a free feature
• I got this compact power bank for my Meta Quest 3, but now I use it to charge everything
• Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Which headset is right for you?

Imagine soaring over the Great Pyramid of Giza on your lunch break. Or scaling the Burj Khalifa while you’re waiting for a delivery. How about venturing through the Vatican from your backyard?

Thanks to Android XR, all that just become a whole lot more possible without the hassle of actually getting there. No jet lag. No queuing in customs. No lost luggage.

A collaboration between Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm, Android XR is a brand-new operating system specifically designed for a range of compatible headsets and smart glasses. It seamlessly blends augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into extended reality (XR), delivering the next generation of immersive, impactful experiences for work or play.

Of course, devices like the Samsung Galaxy XR are up to the bread-and-butter tasks that AR and VR let you do already, like checking emails, browsing photos, streaming Netflix, and playing games. And they utilize the Google Play Store’s expansive suite of optimized spatial apps to help you maximize productivity, creativity, and interactivity. But with the latest version of Google Maps, you can really fly.

So much more than just Google Earth

Pick any spot in the world, whether that’s somewhere you’ve always dreamed of going, like the Golden Gate Bridge or Sagrada Familia, or even where you grew up, and Android XR instantly teleports you there, letting you view places and landmarks from a top-down view. So far, so Google Earth VR, right? Wrong. Turn on Immersive View, and your destination is rendered in stunning clarity and detail and enhanced with context-driven info. Get down to Street View for those stunning 360-degree panoramic views, and you’re there without actually being there.

And with Google Maps already seamlessly baked into the Android XR interface, you can highlight notable buildings, popular sightseeing spots, restaurants, and tourist hotspots, where you can immediately check out their name, their review rating, and other information via their floating labels. What’s more, certain locales will even let you explore their interiors in glorious 3D, so you can check whether that bar or eaterie has the right vibe.

Importantly, you can easily navigate the world with Android XR’s intuitive hand-tracking mode. Seen something in the distance that catches your eye? Pan to it by pinching and dragging with one hand, pulling the world towards you. Want to take a closer look? Zoom in or out of an area by pinching both hands and moving them closer or further apart. Fancy checking out a landmark from all angles? Pinch both hands and turn them as you would a steering wheel for that enviable 360-degree view.

It’s a perfect way for travellers who want to get their bearings and explore places virtually without getting lost or wasting valuable vacation time, leaving you more opportunity to soak in your destination without all the stressful hustle and bustle. It’s also great for those who can’t travel for whatever reason, empowering them with the tools to discover and explore without leaving home.

Gemini is along for the ride

Android XR has also been built from the ground up with Gemini AI, which offers a dynamic, multimodal way of connecting with your world, whether virtual or not. It’s all about enhancing your XR experience with intuitive interactions, such as voice, vision, or gesture. Sure, the latter can feel natural and tactile, but seamless voice control is the natural progression for this tech, perfect for when you’re tired of lifting your hands and making micro gestures.

With Gemini Live, understanding your surroundings and getting instant recommendations and contextual info just got a whole lot easier. Just focus on a building, landmark, or point of interest and say, “Tell me more about this.” Want to find out when a monument was built or when a museum closes for the day? Stomach rumbling and can’t find anywhere to eat? All you need to do is point and ask.

You can also zip between destinations solely with voice control, so you can go from marveling at the Liberty Bell in Philly to scouting diving spots off Ko Tao in mere moments, without lifting a single finger.

Gemini also responds via helpful, human conversations, so you don’t have to break immersion by opening another window or app to find out more.

In short, whether you want to traverse thousands of miles from the comfort of your couch or fancy a curious look at where you’re going to scout those unmissable joints, Android XR can get you anywhere you want. The only problem is deciding where to go next.

More from Tom's Guide

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• How to restart your Android without touching the power button
• I test TVs for a living and I recommend this OLED above everything else

Google’s new Android XR platform is a major leap forward in how we experience digital worlds. Android XR isn’t just about immersion; it’s about connection. The “XR” stands for “extended reality,” a fusion of VR and AR that blends together the physical and digital into one seamless ecosystem.

Android XR’s defining feature is the way in which it’s designed. Rather than just having select AI capabilities, it’s built entirely around Gemini, Google’s AI assistant.

Whether it’s powering Samsung’s upcoming headset, the Galaxy XR, or other iterations of next-gen smart eyewear, Android XR adds a new layer of intelligence to the space.

It’s the beginning of a more flexible, context-aware era of reality itself.

What is Android XR?

At its core, Android XR is Google’s next big platform evolution: an operating system designed specifically with extended reality in mind.

“XR” is a broad term that covers virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), combining all three into one seamless, adaptable ecosystem.

Just as Android powers phones, tablets, TVs, and cars, Android XR extends that flexibility to immersive devices, from full-on headsets to lightweight smart glasses.

Developers can use familiar tools like Android Studio, Unity, and OpenXR to build apps and experiences on Android XR. Meanwhile, Google is in the process of reimagining its app ecosystem for XR, with new versions of YouTube, Maps, Photos, and Chrome.

Built jointly in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm, Android XR is more than just a new interface for headsets. It’s a foundation for the next era of connected, AI-enhanced computing.

One platform, many realities

Android XR’s distinctive feature is its ability to adapt across devices. It isn’t tied to any single form factor. Instead, it’s built to power everything from immersive headsets like Samsung’s Galaxy XR to the best smart glasses made for everyday use.

On a headset, Android XR delivers a full spatial computing experience. Outward-facing cameras map your surroundings while you move digital windows, layer apps, or summon immersive videos using hand gestures and spatial audio. It’s a desktop that exists all around you, and it's fluid, responsive, and powered by Gemini.

Slip on a pair of smart glasses, and the experience feels similar, although a lot more subtle. Android XR offers context-aware overlays. It gives you navigation arrows in Google Maps, real-time captions for your conversations, and answers to your questions via Gemini Live.

Rather than replacing the real world, Android XR’s design philosophy is about enhancing reality instead of escaping it.

Gemini inside: AI that sees what you see

The real magic behind Android XR’s intelligence is Gemini, Google’s versatile AI that the entire platform was built around. Unlike older systems that treated AI as an afterthought, Android XR has Gemini woven into its core, enabling your headset or smart glasses to truly understand the world around you.

Through Gemini Live, the assistant doesn’t just respond to text or voice. It can actually see what you see through your headset’s pass-through cameras.

Our Global Editor in Chief, Mark Spoonauer, recently had a chance to try out the Samsung Galaxy XR. With the help of Gemini Live, he identified plants, got cocktail recipes based on what was on a shelf, and even received gaming advice for Diablo Immortal, all in real-time.

This ability to “see” what you see turns Android XR into a lot more than just an operating system. It’s an intelligent, context-aware partner that responds to your surroundings. And thanks to the built-in privacy controls, you can pause visual input or switch to voice-only mode whenever you choose.

Why XR is the next stage of VR’s evolution

Virtual reality has always been about immersion and escapism. Extended reality (XR) takes this further by bringing the digital and physical worlds together. Rather than isolating users, XR overlays useful, adaptive information onto real environments, powered by AI and context awareness.

In keeping with Android’s wider ethos, XR is built on an open, developer-friendly foundation. Because of this, it supports a wide range of devices and experiences, from fully immersive gaming to productivity tools that “live” within your real surroundings.

With Gemini built into its core, XR isn’t just simulating spaces; it’s understanding them. This makes it not only a whole lot more flexible than traditional VR, but also better equipped to shape the next generation of work, creativity, and entertainment.

Building the future of reality

Android XR marks the beginning of a new era for immersive technology: a unified platform built by Google and Samsung to merge the digital with the physical.

From productivity to play, XR is built to adapt to every context, powered by Gemini’s real-time intelligence and Android’s openness across devices.

As the first XR-based headsets and smart glasses launch in 2025, we’re seeing more than just the launch of a new gadget. We’re witnessing the beginnings of an AI-driven ecosystem where reality itself is becoming more interactive, intuitive, and endlessly expandable.

More from Tom's Guide

• Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro M5: Which mixed reality headset will win?
• How to restart your Android without touching the power button
• I test TVs for a living and I recommend this OLED above everything else

Mixed Reality Link for Windows 11 has been in preview for a while, and it blew us away in beta form. Now, after a few months of pesky bug fixes, VR productivity is now officially available for everyone to use for free.

So I decided to put it to the test with my Meta Quest 3S over a busy weekend to see whether working in the Metaverse is really all it's cracked up to be. And spoiler alert: those in studio apartments (shout-out) are going to love what this can do.

An all-encompassing workspace

How to set up Mixed Reality Link hasn’t changed since we wrote the guide during its preview: download the Microsoft app on your Quest and the Mixed Reality Link app on your PC, and scan the QR code to get started.

Once paired, you’re off to the races, and connecting in the future is just as easy as looking at your keyboard and watching a prompt appear. It’s a seriously slick user interface that feels mightily impressive once you tap connect and watch a giant screen appear in front of you.

The versatility of work setups you can have is concealed at first glance by just having a single virtual monitor floating. Move your hand up to the top of the screen, and you can add two additional screens at various aspect ratios and orientations. I found myself having a vertical monitor to the left for all my typing needs, with a wide-screen option in the middle to distract myself with Netflix see my email.

Then there’s the motherload — the gigantic 32:9 ultrawide panel that is curved around you for ultimate immersion. Tracking is great in terms of placing these screens in fixed positions, and watching the entirety of my living room wall consumed by a display was pretty jaw-dropping.

What surprised me the most was seeing just how little latency there was between interactions and the screen. See, when going cable-free, I’ve noticed a hint of it here and there, and that’s not to say Windows 11’s solution gets off completely scot-free — don’t use this for gaming.

But for split-screen productivity, you won’t feel any of that annoying split-second delay whatsoever. It’s seriously impressive.

A couple of quirks

It’s only fair that I’m upfront and talk about a couple of the issues I saw. But rather than these bugs being persistent in the preview build, they’re now easily fixed with one simple thing: just reset the headset and PC.

• Error 3000.0: Scanning the QR code and seeing this error window? Quick things you can check are that both the headset and PC are on the same Wi-Fi, and that you’re on the 5GHz or 6GHz bands. I ran into this a couple of times in initial setup (even though all Wi-Fi requirements were followed) and device resets fixed it.
• Green screen: This happened when connecting to my laptop. Scanning the QR code worked, but I saw a green screen instead of the desktop. Not entirely sure why this happened (and there’s nothing on either Microsoft or Meta’s support pages about it), but device resets resolved it.

A monitor replacement?

Now comes the ultimate question that always comes with spatial computing options like this or AR glasses like the Xreal One Pro: can it replace having monitors? Yes and no. It depends on the circumstances.

If you have the room for screens and you want to both work and play games, then a monitor is the go-to here. The low latency of Mixed Reality Link is great, but not quite great enough for split-second gameplay.

However, if you’ve not got the space for a full-blown desk setup, but you still dream of the multi-monitor setup you wish could fit in that studio apartment, a Quest 3S could be the best $300 you spend this year.

More from Tom's Guide

• Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Which headset is right for you?
• Smarter tech, dumber looks — smart glasses are in their awkward phase
• The best Apple Vision Pro alternatives in 2025 — save yourself at least $1,500

OK, look. I get it. Putting two mightily expensive headsets in the Samsung Galaxy XR and Apple Vision Pro M5 up against the cheaper Meta Quest 3 is like pitting two gourmet chefs up against my favorite Taco Bell order.

But also, it kind of makes sense when you take a closer look. As I’ve learned from all the best VR headsets I’ve tested, it’s not about the tech inside, but what you do with it that matters. And when it comes to that, Meta has truly taken advantage of its head start in this space with regular software updates to finely tune the experience.

Does that overcome the Android XR might of the Galaxy XR? Or even the literal M5 computer on your face in the Apple Vision Pro? The answer is a little complicated, so let’s break it down.

Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Where to buy

Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Specs

The display and field of view specs for the Apple Vision Pro are estimated from calculations. Apple’s specs don’t detail specifics like resolution-per-eye or field of view, so this is the best we can do.

Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Design

Premium materials are all well and good in tech, but they can often get in the way of comfort and wearability. That much is certain when looking at the Apple Vision Pro — it’s a gorgeous combination of aluminum and glass, and that Dual Knit band relieves a lot of the head strain that the Solo Knit caused with the first gen.

But it’s still 26 ounces of heft on your face. No matter how much that overhead band can offset some of that downward pressure on your nose for longer sessions, it’s still too heavy.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy XR and the trusty Meta Quest 3 are coming in at 19 ounces (the latter without an additional battery pack in your pocket), and the end result is a much more comfortable wearing experience over longer periods of time.

Yes, the use of plastics is obvious here, and they don’t feel anywhere near as luxurious as the Apple Vision Pro.

However, you’re not necessarily worrying about materials used when it's on your face — you just want it to be nice to wear for hours at a time. The Galaxy XR out-of-the-box has a better headband to support the weight, whereas the Quest 3 has a built-in battery to the headset itself, which means no trailing cable.

Winner: Draw between Samsung Galaxy XR and Meta Quest 3

Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Hardware

This is a quick shot on-goal by the Apple Vision Pro. One has the power of a MacBook strapped onto your face, whereas the other two pack what is essentially a smartphone chip that has been tuned more precisely to XR.

Not to say that’s a bad thing! The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 in the Quest 3 and the XR2+ Gen 2 in the Galaxy XR are capable of handling pretty demanding workloads that come in a mixed-reality atmosphere like positional tracking, low-latency passthrough and multitasking.

But the M5 paired with 16GB of memory in the Apple Vision Pro makes it a much more capable, almost desktop-class machine for multitasking — further enhanced with the R1 chip for impressively precise tracking and passthrough.

Then there’s the sensor side of things. The Galaxy XR and Quest 3 have enough sensors to do a good job of positional tracking and read hand gestures. But the Vision Pro is on another level with double the sensors — even introducing Optic ID iris scanning for a breakthrough level of security.

Winner: Apple Vision Pro

Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Software

Sure, Apple Vision Pro may be the powerhouse of the three. But as is the case with a lot of tech, it’s not about the tools you have, it’s what you do with them that counts. And while there are plenty of compelling apps to dig your teeth into on the Vision Pro, there isn’t really that killer app that makes this a must-buy device.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy XR has a slightly better (but smaller) offering off the rip. Running Android XR, it has access to Google services and apps, and there is actually a Netflix app here. But things are angled much more to content consumption rather than creation. That’s not a bad thing, but at $1,799, there’s still not quite the killer app.

The Meta Quest 3 isn’t necessarily a different story, but it does have the benefit of more time, a wider developer community, a slate of exclusives, and a far lower price tag to offset this.

At $500, you’ve got access to a lot of what the Vision Pro and Galaxy XR can do, and with a year’s head start on the original Apple Vision Pro and two years on Samsung’s headset, Meta’s gone through all of those growing pains to make for a slick UI to navigate too. Throw in a selection of over 1,000 apps on the Quest Store, including some real bangers of games like Batman: Arkham Shadow, and you’re onto a clear winner.

Winner: Meta Quest 3

Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: AI

AI is an interesting conundrum within a mixed reality headset. In something like smart glasses, it makes sense because you’re always out and about with it. But outside of the maniacs who wear a VR headset in public just because they can, these are very much home devices. So what can they do?

Well, AI-wise, they all do a lot of things you don’t see — algorithmic scene understanding is usually done by a trained model, hand tracking and body tracking are AI trained too. But once you get into the things we can see, each company has a different take on this.

For Meta, it’s Meta AI with vision, which spans from the simple interactions you’ve probably seen with the Ray-Ban Meta (gen 2) glasses such as asking them to take a picture, or asking questions about what you see. Throw in the option for that AI assistant to grab real time information, and you’ve got a pretty nice, non-intrusive implementation.

With Apple Vision Pro, the AI is a little more limited. Without the new and improved Siri until 2026, you’ve got the two key features we’ve grown accustomed to in the Image Playground and Writing Tools, but the lack of Visual Intelligence is a huge miss in something like this.

And then there’s Gemini Live in the Galaxy XR. This is clearly the leader in AI services within a mixed-reality environment — letting you ask questions of the real world around you or about the apps you’re currently in. There is an interestingly pesky DRM issue where you can’t ask about a YouTube TV show (all Gemini Live can see is a black screen). But for everything else, it’s versatile enough to give genuine advice in games, give tips on what to watch and accurately identify items in the world.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy XR

Samsung Galaxy XR vs Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest 3: Verdict

On paper, this is a tie. The Meta Quest 3 and Samsung Galaxy XR are the more preferable headsets for you to buy — based on comfort, experiences and AI features. That being said, the Apple Vision Pro is definitely a powerhouse of a choice, but we just hope that the killer app for this mixed reality experience comes through.

But ties suck, and that comes from someone who watches the Premier League religiously. So let’s get down to probably one of the bigger things we’re all considering right now, which is price.

I was hoping for a cheaper second gen Apple Vision Pro, but staying at $3,500, that’s out of the running. The Galaxy VR comes in at basically half-price at $1,799, which is a step in the right direction. But neither of these come close to just paying $499. Based on that, and for what you get, the choice is obvious.

Winner: Meta Quest 3

More from Tom's Guide

• I asked Samsung and Google about how the Galaxy XR can beat Vision Pro — and what's next for smart glasses
• Smarter tech, dumber looks — smart glasses are in their awkward phase
• Apple Vision Pro is getting new 'immersive' content and it's putting people courtside at the Lakers

The Galaxy XR sure looks a lot like the Vision Pro. But it does a lot of things better: It’s way lighter than the Apple’s headset, nearly half the price and it has serious AI smarts, thanks to Gemini Live integration.

I can definitely see a path from a device like this to advanced smart glasses. But should you spend $1,799 on this headset? Now that I’ve been living with the Galaxy XR, I would say the results from my testing are decidedly mixed, as there’s a lot of promise herer and also definite kinks that need to be worked out. Here’s the pros and cons in my Galaxy XR review.

Galaxy XR review: Specs

Galaxy XR review: Price and availability

The Galaxy XR is currently available only from Samsung, and you can only buy it in the U.S. and Korea. In contrast, the Apple Vision Pro enjoys much wider availability at this point — a total of 13 countries including the U.K. and Australia.

But the Galaxy XR also costs much less than Apple’s headset. You’ll pay $1,799 for the Galaxy XR, compared to $3,499 for the Apple Vision Pro. Additionally, your Galaxy XR purchase includes an Explorer pack with one-year subscriptions to Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium and Google Play Pass plus other bonuses.

Galaxy XR review: Design, weight and comfort

I’ve donned the Galaxy XR for several hours a day during my testing, and it just feels comfortable to wear. It’s way lighter than the Apple Vision Pro, and you don’t need a strap going across the top of your head to balance it all out. I never felt compelled to take off the Galaxy XR, which is a major win, and only felt a bit of pressure beneath my eyes.

The Galaxy XR weighs 545 grams, compared to 750 to 800 grams for the Vision Pro. It’s easy to adjust the Galaxy XR with the dial on the back; you just twist to tighten. There’s a forehead cushion toward the front, and you can add a thicker spacer if you need it.

The light shields for blocking out external light are optional and a bit flimsy, but they work well once in place. I prefer to have them on, but it’s nice to have the option when you’re mostly doing AR experiences instead of VR.

The Galaxy XR design feels a bit cheaper than the Vision Pro with its plastic arms and plastic battery. The buttons feel a bit chintzy by comparison, too. But I’m willing to live with those trade-offs for the price.

Yes, a battery pack is required for the Galaxy XR, and you’ll need to have it with you at all times, just like the Vision Pro.

Galaxy XR review: Displays

The Galaxy XR packs 4K micro-OLED displays (3,552 x 3,840 pixels) with a fairly generous 109-degree horizontal field of view and 100 degrees vertical. And the refresh rate is 72Hz by default and can go up to 90Hz.

By comparison, the Vision Pro’s micro-OLED screens offer slightly fewer pixels at 3,660 x 3200. Apple doesn’t publish the field of view for the Vision Pro but it’s estimated to be 100 degrees. I will say that the Vision Pro’s video passthrough looked brighter and exhibited less noise, especially in dimmer lighting.

Overall, though, the Galaxy XR delivers a crisp, clear and colorful picture, whether you’re skimming through photos, playing a game or watching Netflix.

Galaxy XR review: Interface and gestures

The Galaxy XR uses hand and eye tracking for its interface, and it’s very similar to the Vision Pro. But it doesn’t work quite as smoothly or consistently.

For example, I had to be very deliberate with my eyes to open the Quick Menu, and I often overshot options in the menu when scrolling. I do like that you can sign in with your eyes via Iris scanning so you don’t have to enter a passcode each time.

Generally speaking, the Galaxy XR’s gestures work well. You pinch to select items and pinch and move your hand to scroll. To go home at any time you can hit the power button once or pinch with your palm facing up and tap the Home button that appears. If you keep pressing, you can slide between three options: Back, Home and App Switcher. The latter comes in handy for closing apps.

If you pinch and hold with your palm facing up for a bit longer, you’ll be able to use Circle to Search. This lets you circle an item in the real world and learn more about it. I did this with a plant and it worked well, pulling up an info window right next to my scribble.

To re-center your view, you long press on the right arm of the headset; double tapping that arm toggles between the live camera pass-through and virtual environments. Unfortunately, the re-centering option didn’t always work well for me. There’s a dozen environments to choose from right now, from Oceanscape and Frozen Tundra to Northern Highlands and Desert Sands.

Unfortunately, you can’t pin apps to your wall with the Galaxy XR as you can with the Vision Pro, and there are no widgets (at least not yet).

Pressing the Galaxy XR’s top button twice launches the camera, and pressing it three times quickly lets you recalibrate eye tracking. The gesture I used the most? Long pressing the power button to launch Gemini Live, and you can choose to just chat with the assistant or share your view. You can also turn live captions on so you can see what Gemini is saying.

I choose hand and eye aiming for the default navigation method, but it’s important to note that not all apps support eye tracking. In those cases you’ll need to lift your hand and point and use your hand like a mouse.

Yes, you can type through the Galaxy XR, but the experience feels a bit clunky and sluggish compared to the Vision Pro. I’d use typing for entering passwords or tapping out a quick message. Anything longer you’re better off with voice dictation.

Galaxy XR review: Gemini Live

Gemini Live is supposed to be a big selling point for the Galaxy XR, because it’s designed to be your AI companion. You can ask all sorts of questions using your voice, but things get really interesting when you share your screen.

To launch Gemini Live you double press the power button or you can say “Hey, Google.” Though you have to set up this voice command in the Google app first.

While browsing through the Google Photos app, I asked about a purple flower in my gallery and Gemini identified it as the clematis viticella and gave me additional info about how to care for it.

Gemini Live can also give you live advice when playing a game like Diablo Immortal. When facing a powerful boss, I asked about which weapons to use, and Gemini knew what I was playing as a monk and my skills. It told me to use a targeted Cyclone strike and that did the trick.

Not sure if you want to watch that Netflix show? I asked Gemini to pull up reviews of “The Diplomat” from Rotten Tomatoes in a separate window while using the Netflix app. Pretty neat.

Gemini Live had trouble with YouTube TV when I asked it questions about a college game. And that’s because it can’t “see” DRM content on your screen. To Gemini, the screen is just blank.

Google & Samsung Apps: Photos, YouTube & Avatars

If you want to feel a bit like a god, Google Maps on the Galaxy XR is pretty entertaining. In the immersive view you can zoom in and out and travel the world with ease. And when you get to a part of a city you want to explore, there are lots of restaurants where you can take a tour inside.

It’s a bit disorienting at first, but it’s fairly easy to pan around to get the feel for a place. Getting out of this view proved more difficult than I expected; sometimes clicking the exit button didn’t work the first time.

Google Photos is easily one of the most compelling apps on the Galaxy XR. You can turn 2D photos into 3D by activating Spatial View. In a few seconds it felt like my lab mix puppy was in the room with me.

If you’re feeling creative, you can also transform your images using AI. For example, I could just make the sky blue in a photo of the Chrysler Building.

YouTube is tailor-made for the Galaxy XR, as there’s tons of 180- and 360-degree videos to watch. I put myself right in the middle of a pre-game huddle with Patrick Mahomes and his teammates before taking the field, flew over an exploding volcano in Iceland and watched some of the best trick shots ever in PGA Golf. Oddly, I had to exit certain videos twice when done.

I found YouTube TV pretty satisfying, especially when I could watch four sports channels at once in grid view. I also watched my New York Giants get trounced by the Eagles, but at least I could make the screen as big as I wanted. You can’t get this app on the Vision Pro.

If you want to watch 3D movies, there’s a smattering of them in the Google TV app. But I found that you need to be shuttled off to another app (like Peacock or Amazon) to watch them. At least with the Vision Pro, all the 3D titles are in one place.

As you’d expect there’s other Google apps like Chrome for surfing the web (including multiple windows at once), Gmail and more. I don’t get why Samsung needs to include its own browser and Gallery app, but they’re present if you want them.

The biggest dud is the Galaxy Avatar app. Sure, the Persona of you on the Vision Pro is creepy, but you have very limited options with these avatars, and I wound up not using them.

Galaxy XR review: Apps and games

So what about third-party apps? There’s not much to choose from so far — about 70 Android XR apps and counting — but there are some solid offerings.

If you want to watch videos, there’s a wide range of options. Netflix is exactly what you’d expect with no special features, but at least the Galaxy XR has a dedicated app. The Vision Pro forces you to go through Safari if you want to watch something on Netflix.

TikTok works as advertised, too, though I wish that the comments slid out from the side instead of taking up most of the screen.

As far as exclusive apps go, “Asteroid” is entertaining. You’re thrust in the middle of an action movie with NFL receiver DK Metcalf and Hailee Steinfeld in which they’re mining an asteroid for riches. And I could ask DK about pretty much anything, including how long he spent on the project and his pick for this year’s Super Bowl winner.

Project Pulsar is an ambitious video editing app that lets you add 3D objects to your footage in real time. It’s a pretty powerful tool for creators who want to experiment with spatial computing.

There’s also a range of apps you’ll find on other headsets, including the Demeo game. I had a blast controlling characters on a large game board and inflecting damage on my enemies with a roll of the die. You can play this on the Meta Quest 3, too.

You also also pretend you’re working a rave in the djay app, play your favorite tunes in Spotify and watch spatial video highlights in the NBA app or live games. There’s a wide range of fitness and boxing apps, too, though most require a payment or subscription.

If you prefer to play games with a controller, you have the whole Google Play library to choose from. I checked out Diablo Immortal and the gameplay was fairly smooth even with multiple enemies on screen, though you’re capped at 90 Hz on the Galaxy XR vs 120Hz for the Vision Pro.

The Thrasher game offered similar performance to what I get on the Vision Pro. You simply guide your dragon through multiple rings without trying to get zapped.

Galaxy XR review: Performance

Powered by the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, the Galaxy XR delivered fairly strong performance for the most part, but I noticed lag in spots and experienced some glitches. For example, typing on the virtual keyboard felt a bit slow compared to the Vision Pro.

I also noticed the Galaxy XR fan noise kicking in on several occasions when I had several apps open. It was kind of distracting, especially if I was watching a video.

I also ran into some glitches. At one point a photo stayed on screen even after I force quit the Google Photos app.

The benchmark scores aren’t pretty. On Geekbench 6, the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip inside this headset scored just 970 in the single core test and 2,242 in multi-core. The Apple Vision Pro with M5 reached 3,816 and 12,443. That’s about 10x the multi-core performance. Just keep in mind that this benchmark app isn’t native to either platform.

Galaxy XR review: PC Link

If you want to view your PC’s desktop inside the Galaxy XR headset, you can do that if you’re willing to jump through some hoops. You’ll need to install the Second Screen app on your Galaxy Book and make sure that you’re signed into your Samsung account.

From there, you need to open the Quick Settings and then click PC Link. In contrast, with the Apple Vision Pro you can just stare at your MacBook and you’ll see a Connect button you can tap. That’s it.

The desktop experience inside the Galaxy XR is okay, and the cursor and keyboard worked fairly well without much of a lag. But you can’t choose wide or ultrawide options as you can through the Vision Pro.

Galaxy XR review: Battery life

The Galaxy XR’s battery life lived up to Samsung’s claims in my testing. I got about 2 hours of general usage, but if all you’re doing is watching video that could stretch to 2.5 hours.

After about an hour of use, which included playing games, looking at photos and streaming Spotify, I was down to a 65% charge.

The Vision Pro M5 offers a bit more endurance, as it’s rated for 2.5 hours of general use and 3 hours of video.

Regardless, if you’re worried about running out of juice and don’t mind sitting close to an outlet, you can keep the Galaxy XR battery continuously charged while plugged in.

Galaxy XR review: Verdict

The Galaxy XR is a winner in many respects, starting with the design. Provided you don’t mind looking like you’re wearing ski goggles indoors, this headset is remarkably light and comfortable. It’s what the new Vision Pro should have been.

And while $1,799 is far from cheap, the price of this mixed reality headset is much more accessible than the $3,499 Vision Pro. The Gemini Live integration is another plus, if you feel comfortable sharing your screen and live view with Google’s AI assistant.

As for the Android XR apps, there just aren’t enough of them yet, which could be one reason to hold off on buying this headset. However, having YouTube and Netflix on board is pretty big, and I especially love having easy access to YouTube TV.

Another reason to potentially wait on the Galaxy XR? It feels like this headset is at least a couple of software updates away from being a more stable and consistent performer. I encountered too many glitches in my testing when doing something as simple as trying to move an app. I also want to see interactive widgets you can pin to your surroundings.

For those on a budget, the Meta Quest 3 offers lower resolution displays and a less powerful chip but access to a lot of the same apps and experiences for just $499.

So the Galaxy XR looks like it could be a winner — but I wouldn’t rush out to buy one.

The Samsung Galaxy XR almost seems like it was created to address the pain points people have about the Apple Vision Pro.

Hate a heavy headset? This device is significantly lighter. Still waiting for a smarter Siri? The Galaxy XR has deep integration with Gemini Live and sees what you see. Don’t have $3,500 to blow? At $1,799, the Galaxy XR is almost half the price, though it’s still pricey.

But the Galaxy XR also arrives at a time when the entire industry is questioning the existence of mixed reality headsets. Why invest in one of these things when the holy grail is really a pair of smart glasses with a display? I got a chance to go hands-on with the Galaxy XR running Google’s Android XR software, and it certainly pushes the category forward. But it also has some drawbacks. Here’s my first impressions.

Design

The Galaxy XR looks a lot like the Apple Vision Pro with its visor-like look, but it’s also sleeker and lighter. It weighs just 545 grams (1.2) pounds, compared to 600-650 grams (1.3-1.4 pounds) for the Vision Pro.

After wearing the headset for several minutes, I didn’t feel neck discomfort or as much head pressure as I have with the Vision Pro. And that’s a major plus if you’re going to be doing things like watching full-length movies or watching four football games at once. It’s also very easy to put the Galaxy XR on and simple to adjust with a rotating mechanism on the back that tightens the fit.

The light shield is optional and comes in two parts for the left and right eyes. It was a bit tricky attaching this accessory, but it’s nice to have the option to lose the shield if you’re focusing on XR experiences as opposed to more immersive VR ones. Still, even with the light shield on I noticed a bit of light leakage on the extreme left and right sides.

There’s a power button on the top right side (which invokes Gemini with a long press), a volume slider on the top left side and a touch panel integrated into the right arm of the headset.

What it feels like to use

Powered by a Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip and capable of displaying a 4K picture in each eye, the Galaxy XR felt fairly responsive during my hands-on time, but it wasn’t quite as smooth as the Vision Pro.

For instance, dragging and moving windows around proved trickier than I anticipated. And the eye tracking felt a step behind my gaze as the on-screen cursor lagged a bit in spots. The live video view looked a bit dim, just like the Vision Pro, and it feels like you’re one step removed from reality.

At least the gestures are fairly intuitive. You just pinch your thumb and index finger to select items and scroll by waving your hand up and down or side to side. Zooming in and out was also easy by pinching your hands together. I had no problem pulling up the main menu at any time by pinching my fingers together with my palm facing up.

I like that you can activate Gemini Live at any time by long-pressing the right button and then selecting whether you want to just chat or share your entire screen. But I think this process could be made even easier with a voice command. That way there’d be less friction.

Galaxy XR apps and experiences

I tried a wide range of Galaxy XR apps and saw some demos of others, and it’s clear that Gemini integration aims to be a selling point. For example, within the Google Maps app you can ask Gemini Live to take you to a certain location and then ask about restaurants you might want to visit. And there’s even some eateries you can physically step inside to get a tour.

The Google Photos app will tug at your heart strings. You can bring old photos to life through AI, which turns still images into short videos. And you can ask Gemini about anything you see for more information.

If you’re playing a game like Stardew Valley, you can ask Gemini for tips as you’re playing and the assistant will deliver them live without having to open a separate app. It’s like having a copilot for mixed reality.

As you might expect, circle to search works in Android XR environment through the Galaxy XR device just as well as it does on your phone. Actually, it’s better because you can search for things in the real-world through live video pass-through. Not that I would wear this headset in public.

One of the coolest apps is Adobe Pulsar, which is exclusive to the Galaxy XR. You can edit videos right in front of you and add 3D graphic elements. You can also ask Gemini to generate titles for your clips.

YouTube is a big deal on the Galaxy XR, as there’s already tons of VR 180 and 360 videos available. And I got to see a fighter jet up close and personal as it took off into the sky. You are fully immersed in the content and again you can ask questions in real time about the videos you’re watching, thanks to Gemini.

There’s also a native Netflix app for Android XR, though it seemed pretty straightforward and not very exciting.

The more intriguing demo is Asteroid, an interactive film with DK Metcalf (yes, the NFL receiver). You can ask DK questions about pretty much anything during the experience, and his character can even speak back to you in different languages. But the graphics themselves didn’t look great; it felt more like a game than a movie.

The one demo I’m most excited to experience is spatial multiview for YouTube TV. You can watch up to four games at once and move any of the windows wherever you want. It could be ultimate viewing experience for NFL fans.

Outlook

Right now it doesn’t seem like a great time to launch a mixed reality headset given the momentum behind smart glasses. But for those who are looking for a more immersive, sit-down experience, the Galaxy XR is certainly worth a look.

It’s way cheaper than the Apple Vision Pro and it’s also noticeably lighter and more comfortable to wear for extended periods. Having Gemini Live on board is also pretty transformative. But $1,799 is still a lot of money for a device you’ll mostly use at home, and the new M5 Vision Pro should keep Apple in the performance lead.

But if you want a sneak peek of what the future of mixed reality looks like, the Galaxy XR looks like a solid evolutionary step forward for spatial computing.

Buying tickets to anything is expensive nowadays, but courtside seats at an NBA game? That's a whole new level of expensive. Thankfully, the next new Immersive experiences coming to Apple Vision Pro could help you get right in the middle of the action.

Select Los Angeles Lakers games will be live-streamed directly to the Apple Vision Pro, with the use of Blackmagic Design’s URSA Cine Immersive Live camera. These will be set up courtside and under each basket to help you get up close to the game in a way you only a few people ever get to experience.

This isn't the first time Apple has brought immersive events like this to the Vision Pro. Earlier this year, it launched a new concert experience with Metallica, though this wasn't live-streamed.

Apple also won't be streaming every Lakers game, though it has confirmed "select" games will be available during the coming season. The specific games will be announced sometime this fall, and the first immersive games are expected to stream in early 2026.

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple smart glasses may see an unusual launch strategy — here's when they could arrive
• Samsung Galaxy XR headset specs just leaked ahead of launch — here's everything that’s coming
• Valve 'Steam Frame' VR headset nearing release? New report claims mass production has begun

One of the big things that sets the Meta Quest 3 (and Quest 3S) apart from its competition among the best VR headsets I’d recommend is its library of games. Put simply, nothing comes close to it in a standalone headset — giving you an ocean of content to sink your teeth into.

And now, the $20 Star Wars: Beyond Victory brings a (frankly) incredible experience to the Quest that is worth every penny for fan of the series. Whether I was playing solo, or watching my nephew go podracing, this is a true homage to the love I’ve had for this universe for so long.

"Eat my exhausts!"

So let’s start with what’s most important in a podracing game — the racing itself. And from the very second you open Beyond Victory for the first time, you’re plunged straight into a race on a virtual table in front of you.

I’m used to fully immersive VR gaming experiences, so to see it all play out on a moving surface in front of me from an isometric perspective was a refreshing change of pace (literally).

What may have been ferociously difficult in first person is freakishly addictive from a top down view. Looking up to see the leaderboard is a nice touch, and this does definitely take some notes from the likes of Mario Kart with power ups on-track and simplistic controls that offer a surprising amount of depth too.

Before even realizing there was a story mode, I’d already sunk a good couple of hours into the Arcade mode — this would’ve been more than enough for me! But we also have an Adventure Mode, and this is where it really gets good.

"Ooh! You wanna buy pit droids eh?"

To give you some storyline context, you’re in the age of the empire — playing the part of a struggling podracer being mentored by Sebulba. This is where you really get into all the mixed reality elements gameplay-wise.

The story is told from two key perspectives. Firstly, you’re back at the AR surface that you can rotate and resize to your liking using handles. That isometric view again gives you a great sense of your bearings in the level, while also revealing certain locations and secrets you may not have seen in first person.

But most impressively to me (and to my nephew) is when the cutscenes kick in. The tracking on that AR table is strong enough that you can actively walk around it and look at the characters talking from all angles — just like during gameplay.

Does it serve much purpose compared to sitting down and playing? Not so much, but it’s still really cool that you can stand up and see things from a different perspective.

Then there’s the mini-game-esque moments of fixing your podracer or small missions in full VR, which are much more what you’re used to in the Quest 3. Immersive environments with interactable elements to move the story along. This merging of the two makes for a ton of variety in the gameplay styles and experiences you’ll have during the two-hour campaign.

A mixed reality dream for Star Wars nerds

And for those who have been gripped by Star Wars since childhood (and are still addicted in their thirties), the Playset Mode is an incredible chance to create an interactive museum.

Of course, there’s plenty for the younglings too — the small padawan loved setting up a circuit and racing a podracer around the room. But for me, it was all about creating my very own Star Wars diorama with digital action figures placed in the physical space.

It’s cozy gaming meets that love for being a collector, which brings super accurate 6 DoF tracking to create your own virtual memorialization of your favorite moments from the galaxy far, far away.

Oh, and fun note, that Playset mode was actually inspired by a tool Industrial Light & Magic actually used in a number of feature films to place objects!

No need for midichlorians

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As Apple reportedly moves away from iterating on its Vision Pro headset in favor of smart glasses, a new report claims Samsung will release its Galaxy XR device before the end of October—and the company is reportedly holding a debut event in its home country of South Korea.

As Korean publication FNNews (vua Jukanlosreve) asserts the headset, which they're calling the Galaxy XR, will launch on October 22. A pre-order period is supposed to open between October 15 and 21.

It's not clear from the report when the debut event will actually take place but it's presumably before October 15 so people can pre-order. FNNews also reports that the headset will be on display in Samsung stores starting on October 20. This aligns with a previous rumor out of Korea pegging the launch date as October 21.

The headset, known thus far as Project Moohan, has made multiple appearances throughout this year—from the January Unpacked event alongside the Galaxy S25 series to MWC in February to Google I/O in May as well as at smaller conferences like AWE 2025.

Project Moohan

There's still plenty we don't know about Project Moohan or Galaxy XR. Based on rumors and leaks, we believe it will cost around $2,000, cheaper than the Vision Pro but as expensive as the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

FNNnews seems to agree with that price. The headset (which runs on Android XR ad the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR 2 Plus Gen 2 chip) will reportedly weigh less than 500 grams, which would be lighter than the Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3.

Whether or not it takes off will largely be dependent on price as Apple's Vision Pro has failed to sell widely, thanks in large part to its $3,500 price tag. Meta leads the game with its Quest headsets, but even its focus has switched to smart glasses.

Speaking of spectacles

It'll be interesting to see how much of a foothold Samsung's headset can actually garner. Especially as AI-powered smart glasses seem to be the future of AR and XR.

Apple reportedly paused development on a new Vision Pro in favor of Apple Glasses. And Meta just announced a trio of new AR glasses, including the Ray-Ban Display glasses that features an AR display in one of the lenses.

Samsung is working with Google to develop its own Project Haean AR glasses. Those frames are rumored to release in early 2026. If that proves true, next year could be the year of AR glasses as multiple companies try to enter the burgeoning field.

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• Your Galaxy phone may soon get this disastrous Apple Intelligence feature — fingers crossed Samsung doesn’t make the same mistakes
• Samsung’s trifold phone launch date just tipped — mark your calendars
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With Meta Connect 2025 officially behind us, we've now seen everything Meta had to offer at its annual showcase — and smart glasses stole the show. While no VR headsets were in sight, it appears Meta isn't giving up on its plans to deliver third-party devices with Horizon OS.

Meta has confirmed that partner VR headsets are still on the way, as Road to VR reports. This should include new mixed reality devices built on Meta Horizon OS from Asus and Lenovo, as the company had previously announced its partnership back in April 2024.

However, it still isn't certain when these new headsets will be revealed. While many (including myself) had hoped to see the rumored Asus ROG "Tarius" VR headset during Meta's Connect this year, no such device was on show despite leaks indicating it would be one of the first third-party headsets to run Horizon OS.

Meta has detailed what Asus and Lenovo are planning. The Asus ROG is expected to be an "all-new performance gaming headset," while Lenovo aims to develop "mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment."

Interestingly, as noted by Meta, these devices will "benefit" from the tech giant's collaboration with Qualcomm, suggesting these headsets will be powered by Snapdragon processors. While the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S use a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, perhaps these third-party headsets are waiting for rumored chips to be announced during Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon Summit this September — such as the Snapdragon X2 Series.

Hopefully, it won't be much longer until we see Meta's partnership with Asus and Lenovo pay off. Road to VR states that a Meta spokesperson gave word that the company is "actively working with partners to bring Horizon OS to more devices," but at least we've already seen one partnership come to fruition.

One down, two to go

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With Meta Connect 2025 set to reveal next-gen Ray-Ban Meta Display specs, the chances of a VR headset reveal are looking slim. But Valve may make a surprise announcement instead.

Hints that Valve is preparing to unveil its rumored "Steam Frame" VR headset (also known as Valve Deckard) are swirling, as Reddit users on r/GamingLeaksAndRumors have pointed out that a possible announcement may happen today (September 17).

This is due to multiple VR YouTubers making their way to Seattle, which is close to Valve headquarters in Bellevue. This includes notable VR YouTuber Nathie posting on X about being in Seattle, Habie147 stating in a video that there is a "special report incoming," and MRTV heading to see a "mystery VR headset soon."

Interestingly, this wouldn't be the first time Valve dropped news during a Meta (or Facebook) showcase. As pointed out in the Reddit thread, the Valve Index was officially announced on April 30, 2019, just when Facebook's F8 2019 developer conference took place.

More hints have been suggesting Valve has something in store, with Habie147 stating "I am busily editing tomorrow’s emergency Wednesday video...on the (REDACTED)," and Cas and Chary XR posting a "wink" when referring to a Valve "Frame" announcement. Apparently, many VR content creator aren't heading to Meta Connect this year, as they're travelling to Seattle for this surprise announcement instead.

Will Valve announce its "Steam Frame" today?

There are signs that Valve is developing a VR headset, its successor to the Index. As reported earlier this month, Valve trademarked new hardware called "Steam Frame," with reports expecting this to be its next-gen headset.

However, a leak from notable tipster SadlyItsBradley on X revealed that Valve is "rebranding SteamVR 'Overlays' to 'Frames,'" and seeing how the "Steam Frame" moniker now exists, it's likely that this hardware will be made for virtual reality.

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While Mark Zuckerberg may be adamant that AI smart glasses are the future, Meta isn't giving up on virtual reality just yet. The company has just revealed its latest VR headset prototype, codenamed "Tiramisu." And it is, to put it nicely, absurdly large.

As you can see in the image above, this headset is pretty gargantuan, and it reminds me of scenes in Futurama where Bender extends his eyes out of his head. Needless to say, this thing looks very front-heavy and rather uncomfortable to wear.

That said, Meta claims that this is the closest any of its headsets have come to "passing the visual Turing test." In other words, Meta is inching closer to being able to trick your eyes into thinking they're looking at the real world — not some metaverse landscape that's blander than my grandmother's grilled chicken.

Whether those claims hold any water is not clear, because we haven't tested the headset for ourselves. And the fact it's a prototype, with its absurd design, means we're not likely to be doing so anytime soon.

What does "Tiramisu" actually have to offer?

Apparently this headset offers 90 pixels per degree (PPD), which is considerably higher than what we can buy right now. Apple Vision Pro is 34 PPD, while Meta Quest 3 offers 26 PPD. Apparently, such high pixel density means that even the smallest on-screen lettering is legible to the wearer.

The brightness is also claimed to be 14 times higher than the Quest 3 (1,400 nits), with ultra-high contrast. Meta claims there's something called "angular resolution" thrown in, which helps with those finer details, and promises to be 3.6 times better than the Quest 3's capabilities. That all sounds pretty darn impressive, at least on paper.

The downside is the design of the headset itself. The bulk is a big issue, but it's also claimed that the Trismus headset has a narrow field of view. Just 33 x 33 degrees, in fact, which is pretty poor.

Needless to say, it's going to be hard to convince your brain you're not looking at a virtual landscape without matching (or ideally slightly exceeding) the same field of view as our eyes. Those black areas inside the headset would be a dead giveaway that it's all fake. That's before you consider the actual weight and feel of the headset itself.

Don't expect these specs anytime soon

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It's hard to deny that Meta is the undisputed king of VR right now, with its Quest 3 and Quest 3S being among the best VR headsets to get. So it's only fitting that a Meta Quest 4 is in the cards, and there's already a lot of talk about the rumored headset.

Making VR accessible to all with the release of the Quest 3S in October 2024, along with the recent Quest 3S Xbox Edition in June, Meta appears to be on track to evolve its VR headset offerings, but it may not be the Quest 4 that comes first.

With the now-revealed Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, along with the next-gen Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), stealing the show at Meta Connect 2025, indicating that the Quest 4 headset will launch until a later date, along with a "high-end model that could eventually become a successor to the Quest Pro mixed-reality headset," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, it may be a while until we see what CEO Mark Zuckerberg has up his sleeve for its next VR headset.

However, it's been reported that Meta is already working on a new Quest 4, so it may only be a matter of time until we find out what the Quest 4 has to offer.

For the latest updates on Meta's highly anticipated VR headset, find out all you need to know about the Meta Quest 4 below

Meta Quest 4: Rumored release date

There's no official word when the Meta Quest 4 may arrive, but rumor has it we won't see it anytime soon.

The next trending device on the market is set to be smart glasses, which are almost an evolution of VR headsets. Meta is looking to beat its competition, including the rumored Apple smart glasses and upcoming Snap Spectacles in 2026, with its own Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses launching September 30.

Because of this, the Meta Quest 4 is now rumored to arrive in 2027. Meta appears to be shifting focus for its upcoming VR headset plans, with notable leakers Brad Lynch and Luna on X stating that the company may switch the release of the Quest 4 from next year to 2027.

This is apparently due to two planned prototype headsets, codenamed "Pismo Low" (a budget model similar to the Quest 3S) and "Pismo High" (a high-end headset akin to the Quest 3), being canceled. That, and having its smart glasses coming instead.

Not exactly "virtual reality" as with a VR headset. But for smart glasses, this is juicy.

While the Quest 4 may not arrive until 2027 now, the AR/AI glasses may give us a taste of what to expect when the Quest 4 looks to launch.

Meta Quest 4: Design

The Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S have been applauded for their design, with the former's pancake optics offering better display resolution (2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye), and the 3S featuring the same fresnel lenses as the Meta Quest 2 (1,832 x 1,920). Is there room for improvement? Sure. However, what's surprising is Gurman describing the future product as "Quest 4 VR goggles" rather than a headset.

This may just be another way of Gurman saying "headset," or a nod to the smart glasses instead. But having a more slimmed-down form factor with design cues of Meta's Ray-Ban Display glasses makes sense.

While details on the Quest 4 (and a possible Quest Pro successor) are still up in the air, we may have some hints at what it may bring. For one, the Meta Ray-Ban Display specs come with a Neural Band, or wristband, to make gestures that translate into actions for the smart glasses.

Is this an indication of a move to wristbands over the Meta Quest 3 controllers? For one, many VR games like Batman: Arkham Shadow and Asgard's Wrath 2 rely on buttons for much of their gameplay, so translating this into hand motions would be difficult. However, we may see further integration of hand-tracking, which is currently included on the Quest 3/3S.

Speaking of, we've now seen new Meta prototype headsets combine a goggle-like design with ultra-wide VR. If anything, this could be a sneak peek at the Quest 4!

Researchers at Meta Reality Labs revealed VR and MR headset prototypes offering an ultra-wide horizontal FOV of 180 degrees, with a goggle-like design that hangs over the user's face. This is a huge leap over the Meta Quest 3, which offers around a 100-degree FOV (Field of View).

The VR prototype uses "high-curvature reflective polarizers" in a custom optical design to achieve its ultra-wide field of view, while the MR headset also offers the same FOV but uses 80MP cameras at 60 frames per second (FPS).

A video showcases the difference in view between virtual and mixed reality, and there's a clear distinction in what is visible. Notably, the Quest 3 is shown with a circular view of an office, with the prototype's FOV offering a wider horizontal view — now with a person in sight.

You can see the difference in views in both VR and MR below.

"We [developed] a pair of wide field-of-view headsets, each achieving a horizontal FOV of 180 degrees with resolution and form factor comparable to current consumer devices," the research report states. "Our prototype headsets establish a new state-of-the-art in immersive virtual and mixed reality experiences, pointing to the user benefits of wider FOVs for entertainment and telepresence applications."

As the report points out, humans have a horizontal field of view of around 200 degrees, so these headsets aim to bring our sight closer to what's seen in VR and MR. It also notes that other consumer VR devices offer a wide field of view, like the Pimax Crystal Super with its 140 FOV (as Road to VR points out), but "come at the cost of larger form factors, limiting physical comfort and social acceptance."

This would be a major upgrade, but it remains to be seen if we'll see the features of these prototypes in action anytime soon.

Otherwise, there's still a lot to learn about the design of the Meta Quest 4, but with the success of the Quest 3 and 3S and with the 3S Xbox Edition making gaming the focus of VR, it's likely we'll see a similar design to the current VR headsets.

That said, we hope to see improvements on its head strap for comfort, which is why other brands deliver better models, like the Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo and K4 Boost.

Meta Quest 4: Expected price

Compared to all other VR headsets on the market, the Quest 3, and especially the Quest 3S, are the most affordable way to jump on the VR bandwagon. With prices at $499 for the Quest 3 and $299 for the Quest 3S, a lot of the success of these headsets relies on the price.

That's something we hope to see with the Quest 4. We already saw the Quest Pro fall off due to its $999 launch price, and the $3,499 Apple Vision Pro didn't fare much better. If Meta is to succeed with its upgraded VR headset, it still needs to keep the price right.

Seeing as the Quest 3 512GB version is set at $649, I wouldn't be surprised to see Meta's rumored headset to be around the same price at launch, especially if it delivers upgraded specs as assumed. This may drop further down the line, but we hope the Meta 4 price doesn't reach the heights of other headsets like the $999 HTC Vive Focus or $549 PSVR 2 (now $399), which you need a $499 PS5 to use.

We're still a while away from a Meta Quest 4, so there's no telling how much it will end up costing. However, considering the success of Meta's current VR headsets, it's likely it won't be overly expensive.

Meta Quest 4: More headsets on the way?

While the wait for the Meta Quest 4 may be long, perhaps another next-gen headset may take its place in the meantime.

Meta announced a partnership with Asus ROG to develop a "performance gaming headset" in 2024. However, hardly anything has come of it since (aside from the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition). But now, as Road to VR confirms, Meta still plans on bringing more VR headsets with Horizon OS.

Earlier this year, the Asus ROG VR headset, codenamed "Tarius," was rumored to be the first third-party headset to ship with Meta Horizon OS. Just like the Meta Quest 3 and 3S, it would offer familiar features, menus and even VR games. Think of it like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally bringing Microsoft's own gaming UI to a third-party handheld, but this time with Meta's VR space.

According to the leak from notable tipster Luna on X, the Asus ROG "Tarius" headset will feature eye-tracking and face-tracking, with either QD-LCD or micro-OLED displays. That, and local dimming to automatically adjust brightness in specific areas to improve picture quality.

That's not all, as Meta has detailed what Asus and Lenovo are planning. The Asus ROG is expected to be an "all-new performance gaming headset," while Lenovo aims to develop "mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment."

Interestingly, as noted by Meta, these devices will "benefit" from the tech giant's collaboration with Qualcomm, suggesting these headsets will be powered by Snapdragon processors. While the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S use a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, perhaps these third-party headsets are waiting for rumored chips to be announced during Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon Summit this September — such as the Snapdragon X2 Series.

Hopefully, it won't be much longer until we see Meta's partnership with Asus and Lenovo pay off.

Meta Quest 4: Worth the wait?

Reports that the Meta Quest 4 won't arrive until 2027 make sense, seeing as the Quest 3S only launched in October 2024. With the Quest 2 launching in 2020 and the Quest 3 in 2023, the Quest 4 lines up with a 2027 release date after the tech giant has finally put its stamp on the AR glasses market.

But there's a lot to look forward to once the Quest 4 arrives, if recent successes are anything to go by. We've seen impressive games such as Batman: Arkham Shadows, Meta's partnership with James Cameron for upcoming exclusive mixed-reality content and a pairing between the Quest 3/3S with Windows 11 to offer three virtual displays. With these perks in mind, Meta could continue to offer more advanced features such as these on its Quest 4.

I've noted that Meta Quest saw its best year yet in 2024. Here's hoping the company continues that trend with its rumored upcoming devices.

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Leave it to Kiwi Design to deliver another valuable upgrade to Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets, this time bringing immersive audio to VR in a comfortable battery head strap.

The company behind the quintessential VR accessory that I won't use my Quest 3 without, the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap, now has the Kiwi Design K4 Duo. It's an all-in-one audio head strap with battery, and it solves an issue I've had with Meta's headsets: loud audio.

Yes, the Quest 3 and 3S offer great 3D spatial audio, but when I'm playing games, watching movies or even listening to tunes while connected to Windows 11 in VR, sound leaks out for all to hear. That's no longer the case when the K4 Duo is strapped on, as its adjustable, cushioned earphones deliver isolated, clear audio — just like what the best gaming headsets do.

Throw in the nearly 3-hour battery life to extend VR sessions (like the H4 Boost), 45W dual-port fast charging and comfortable, flexible design, and you've got yourself a head strap that adds premium trimmings to any Quest 3 headset.

It's not without some flaws, but it's one of the best Meta Quest 3 accessories you can get to upgrade your VR sessions. Read on to find out why.

Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? An all-in-one audio head strap with battery for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S VR headsets.
• Who is it for? Quest 3 and 3S owners after extended battery life (without being connected to a cable) and headphones in a secure, comfortable head strap.
• What does it cost? The Kiwi Design K4 Duo is priced at $159 at Amazon in the U.S. and £139 at Amazon in the U.K. However, you'll often find it for $139/£129, and even less (down to $109/£109).
• What do we like? Its adjustable, lightweight fit, the clear surround sound audio from its cushioned earphones, additional battery life and fast dual-charging system.
• What don’t we like? At full price, it's on the expensive side, and ears can get hot after longer VR sessions due to the sponge foam pads.

Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap: Specs

Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap: The ups

Kiwi Design's K4 Duo isn't too different from its H4 Boost Halo head strap, especially when it comes to its core principles like its comfort and extra battery life. That's no bad thing, but this has the addition of fine-tuned audio from its attached earphones.

What VR should sound like

Finding out the K4 Duo comes with its own audio put me in two minds: having a head strap deliver a set of headphones is a smart move, but would it be just a cheap add-on, especially considering they kind of look like the sponge-foam headsets you'd get on a flight?

Rest assured, they aren't. As soon as I attached the head strap and plugged in the well-sized USB-C cable to my Meta Quest 3, I could immediately hear the difference in soundscape compared to the VR headset's speakers. Even on the homescreen, where I have the gushing noise of a fountain and birds chirping every once in a while, the audio was finely tuned.

Even at full volume, sound didn't leak from the earphones when I took off the headset. That's great news for VR owners who need to game quietly or those who want to be fully absorbed by the best Quest 3 games out there. And that's especially true of all the music-based rhythm games like Beat Saber, Pistol Whip or Smash Drums.

Thanks to the switch on the right earphone, I could switch between the earphone audio and the Quest 3's own speakers easily, too.

Speaking of, I decided to dive back into Batman: Arkham Shadow, and as I was preying on thugs and grappling between ledges, I could hear the "zip" and "ting" of the clasp attaching to a point and pulling me in. I also heard each "thud" of my fist connecting to foes while beating them up, which was satisfying, indeed.

For a more immersive, spooky feel, I put on Metro: Awakening. As with the spatial audio of the Quest 3's speakers, I could clearly hear the disturbing whispers of ghosts crying for help around me, along with chats from enemies in the distance as I slowly crept my way around them. I was also freaked out by the fast pitter-patter of a mutated spider crawling on me (shudder-inducing stuff).

It also makes for more isolated listening when watching shows on streaming apps like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, which was great when watching the final episodes of "Squid Game" season 3. While not quite the all-encompassing cinema-sounding levels, it's still nice to get the big-screen treatment with loud audio with clarity.

With the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition now out, it also means the head strap can deliver this excellent audio to the latest Xbox Game Pass titles, and that includes AAA games like Doom: The Dark Ages. Now, I wouldn't say it matches the audio quality of the best headsets for gaming around, as there aren't any customizable EQ settings or high-end drivers, but it's fully immersive nevertheless.

Overall, for completely inclusive sounds for your VR sessions, the K4 Duo's earphones will do the trick.

Find your fit

As with the H4 Boost Halo, the K4 Duo matches its comfort and easy adjustability but takes it a step further with its simple padded top strap, flexible earphones and lightweight feel.

That last one is surprising, as the K4 Duo weighs 16.1 ounces compared to the H4 Boost's 15.7-ounce weight. This is more due to the K4 Duo's lack of a front facial headpad, which I noticed felt heavier on the head. It trades it for a silicone-added top strap instead, which I found to be very comfortable on my scalp.

The audio head strap is also supremely easy to put on and adjust, thanks to the rear dial that can change the tightness.

It's also flexible to adjust the angle when putting it on or taking it off, all so I could easily slip my head into the strap and get into VR. That customizable fit is also easier on the face, so the Quest 3's facial interface isn't squashing to the areas around my eyes that can irritate the skin.

Finally, the earphones themselves are also flexible, so they can be folded in and out, swivel to the sides and adjust for length. That makes it a head strap size for all.

More time in VR

I've said it before, but the Quest 3 and Quest 3S' 2-hour battery life just isn't long enough for the many VR games and apps that demand more time to use. That's what the H4 Boost solved, and the K4 Duo does exactly the same.

Using the same 20.4 Whr / 5,300 mAh battery capacity, my Meta Quest 3 could last nearly 3 hours longer with the head strap plugged in. That's a boon to anyone who wants to play in VR for that much longer, or actually watch a full-length movie without the headset dying on you.

It also comes with the same dual-port fast charging, which simultaneously charges the K4 Duo and Quest 3/3S. So, with a 45W charger, both devices get 22.5W each. It takes a little over 2 hours to charge them from 0% to 100%, which is just as long as Meta's VR headsets. Again, you're getting up to 5 hours of battery life in a single charge instead of just a measly 2 hours.

Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap: The downs

The Kiwi Design K4 Duo does a lot right, but you'll be paying more for this VR upgrade over other head straps out there, including the companies own H4 Boost Halo battery strap. That, and its earphones can be a tad irritating during long VR sessions.

More than most

Priced at $159 / £139, the K4 Duo is Kiwi Design's most expensive head strap to date. It makes sense, considering it comes with earphones, padding and that extra battery capacity, but it's more costly than the H4 Boost ($99 / £79) and BoboVR S3 Pro ($89 /£76). Even the Meta Quest Elite Strap with battery ($129/£129) is more affordable.

Again, these don't come with their own headphones, and the thing is, Kiwi Design often offers significant discounts on its head straps. As of writing, the K4 Duo is down to $109/£109, which is far more enticing.

That's all to say that if you're looking to grab the K4 Duo, it's best to wait until it drops to its lowest price, especially during big sales events.

A tad toasty on the ears

With its sponge-foam padding on the earphones, the K4 Duo was immediately comfortable on my ears. It doesn't press too firmly on them either, giving my ears a nice cushion while I move around frantically in games like Batman: Arkham Shadow or Pistol Whip.

However, I noticed that after a few hours in a VR session, my ears were getting hot and irritated. Not majorly, mind you, but enough for me to fold the earphones out to give my ears a break. That's expected with this kind of material, but I wouldn't say it's a deal-breaker. But it would have been nice to see memory foam cups used instead, similar to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3.

Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap: Verdict

The Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap with Battery may only apply to a niche group of VR users that want more VR time on their Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S with personal audio, but it does a fine job of executing its advantages.

Not only does it make the Quest 3 supremely more comfortable and secure to wear, but it also extends the Meta Quest 3's battery life to a more suitable time and delivers fantastic audio straight to your ears.

For those that already have a head strap and audio solution, such as the Final VR3000 wireless earbuds (£89) or Final VR500 wired earbuds ($35), then the K4 Duo's all-in-one perk won't be worth its price. Let it be known that its otherwise comfy sponge-foam earphone padding can irritate your ears after a long session, but that's only a small nuisance.

But for those who want to give their Quest 3 or 3S an upgrade that covers battery, comfort and audio, then make sure the K4 duo is at the top of your list of VR accessories to pick up.

We've heard a bunch of rumors about Apple's plans for smart glasses, and other wearable head gear, but those plans may be grander than we initially thought. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has at least 7 different head-bound devices in development right now.

According to the analyst's report, "Apple views head-mounted devices as the next major trend in consumer electronics." Which may explain why it's putting so much work into developing different options.

Apparently this includes three Vision series products and four different kinds of smart glasses. None of these are expected to arrive in 2026, and the first releases are planned to arrive from 2027. Kuo claims that 5 of these products have "confirmed development timelines," while the final 2 are still TBD.

Apple's head-worn devices: What are these 7 products?

The first new product set to arrive is apparently the Ray-Ban-like smart glasses, with projected shipments of 3-5 million units in 2027. However, he believes an M5-powered Vision Pro, which is otherwise unchanged from the current model, is set to go into mass production in Q3 of this year.

Kuo claims that these glasses will have no display functionality — instead relying on audio playback, cameras, video recording and an AI that can analyze the world around you. There will also apparently be voice and gesture controls to go along with it.

Kuo's report predicts that a lightweight "Vision Air" will enter mass production in Q3 2027, with a 40% reduction in weight, lower price tag and "Apple's latest flagship iPhone processor."

Meanwhile, the 2nd generation Vision Pro is expected to arrive in late 2028, with a new lighter design, a lower price and a "Mac-grade processor."

Apple's XR glasses

In terms of glasses, late 2028 is also when Kuo predicts a set of XR glasses will arrive, complete with a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) color display — plus voice and gesture controls. AI support is said to be critical to its success.

Some kind of tethered display accessory is also said to have been in development, but has been paused since last year. Apparently, this was delayed because it doesn't have what Apple needs to better compete with rival products.

It's unclear what the final seventh device actually is, and Kuo doesn't go into details about what might be involved.

Between Meta's Project Orion AR glasses and current Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses, Google's Android XR glasses, Samsung's Project Moohan and upstarts like Xreal, Apple really has its work cut our for it.

The competition is heating up, and right now 2027 seems like a very long way away.

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A leaked image may have given us our first look at a new Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition VR headset, and it's reportedly set to arrive as soon as this week.

According to gaming news outlet Game Sandwich, Meta is set to shadow drop a Quest 3S Xbox Edition this week (expected to be Tuesday, June 24), with the headset coming in green and black, along with Xbox design accents. However, an image of its box has leaked, giving us a closer look at what it may look like.

As posted by a now-deleted X thread from VR developer RJ White, the leaked photo was reposted by user @bmfshow on X, showing an all-black Meta Quest 3S with a green outline on its face plate. What's more, it appears to come with an Xbox controller.

Meta previously announced its partnership with Microsoft to bring a limited edition Quest VR headset (via UploadVR), and it appears it's fulfilling that promise in the form of an Xbox-inspired Meta Quest 3S. Games are expected to be available through Game Pass via Xbox Cloud Gaming, so expect titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Clair Obscure: Expedition 33.

There's no word on a Quest 3 version, so this may be exclusive to the more affordable 3S headset.

Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition: What we know

As noted in the report, the limited edition Quest 3S is expected to be a bumped-up version of the base model, coming with 128GB memory, an Elite Strap, Xbox wireless gamepad and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

It will reportedly be priced at $399, which is $100 more than the 128GB Quest 3S. However, with the extra add-ons like the Elite Strap and controller, the limited edition bundle still offers more value than buying all these separately.

If all accurate, this appears to be a further push from Microsoft's "This is an Xbox" campaign, and further expands Meta's partnership with the tech giant as it was announced last year, with the full Windows 11 experience arriving on the Quest 3 and 3S.

A few years back, Xbox cloud gaming came to Meta Quest headsets, so the feature is already available for VR users who already have a Quest headset. However, this limited edition Xbox model looks to hammer in that the app is available.

We may not have to wait long until we see a Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition land on shelves, but it looks to be more of an Xbox-driven reskin of the Meta Quest 3S more than anything else. This isn't too unlike the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally, which focuses on Microsoft's new Xbox user interface coming to gaming handhelds.

With the rumored Meta Quest 4 reportedly delayed until 2027, it looks like the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition will tide us over instead. But there are more VR headsets to look forward to, and potentially soon, including the Valve Deckard and the Asus ROG VR gaming headset.

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As much as I enjoy using my Meta Quest 3, it's far from perfect. Any VR user will know that the Quest 3 and Quest 3S aren't exactly the most comfortable headsets, nor do they have the longest battery life. But a few add-ons can sort that out.

I've been using Meta's VR headset to try out a bunch of its unique features lately, including setting up 3 virtual monitors through a Windows PC and learning how to draw using its mixed-reality capabilities. Oh, and satisfyingly beating up some thugs in Batman: Arkham Shadow.

But I wouldn't have nearly enjoyed any of that as much if I didn't have the VR accessories to give the Quest 3 (or Quest 3S) the upgrades it deserves. From head straps with battery packs that offer hours of extra playtime while giving your head miles more comfort, to cables that give you lag-free access to PC VR, these aren't just handy add-ons — many are downright essential.

Whether you're looking to give your Quest 3 or Quest 3S new life or are just about to grab the best VR headsets you can get today (I highly recommend it), I've rounded up the VR accessories that you won't want to miss — and some even come with a discount.

Now, onto the the accessories that will make using your Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S shine.

Meta Quest accessories you don't want to miss

I’ve been on the hunt for ways to make gaming on my Meta Quest 3 more immersive. The Roto VR Explorer is unmatched in terms of having that seated experience, but when it comes to walking in the virtual world, the answer is usually a VR treadmill.

These are fun and all, but they do come with steep costs and take up a lot of room in any home. That’s where the Freeaim VR shoes come in — yep, those oversized Birkenstock-looking sandals on my feet allow me to walk in place and control my in-game character’s movement.

So when I saw the Freeaim shoes, I had two questions to answer: will I eat it in embarrassing fashion the second I put them on? And do they really contribute to a different level of VR immersion? Let’s get into them.

Like Bambi on ice at first

Freeaim VR shoes were specific to business and enterprise customers for the first couple of years, but at Augmented World Expo (AWE) this week, the company has announced a consumer pair that I got to try.

Essentially, these are mini treadmills on your feet — electrified rollers move beneath your feet at a certain speed depending on the pace you walk or run. At first, it’s such a weird experience to get used to. You’re trying to walk forward and feeling the inertia while not actually moving at all.

In some ways, it first feels like you’re slipping on a wet surface and trying to regain your balance. But my advice would be the same as I gave people trying the Onewheel — put your trust in it to balance you and act normal.

Once I stopped trying to balance myself against the motors and focus on walking like a normal human being, everything felt normal. So for the sake of the health release form I’d just signed, I strapped myself into the harness for protection and got to playing.

Oh, and the connected smartphone app gives you additional controls to really fine-tune the experience to what you’re comfortable with. And there’s even a machine learning algorithm coming to them that will understand your walking pattern and foot angularity to provide better balance!

Making moves

Before you knew it, I was off to the races in Steam VR games (Meta and PlayStation VR game support is in development). First, I jumped into a hiking VR experience that dropped me into the serene surroundings of a small stream overlooking a mountain.

Slowly strutting my way through here helped demonstrate the real immersive capabilities of the Freeaim shoes — a nice gentle cardio that shows VR fitness in its best light. Walking my way through this area really made me feel like I was truly hiking in a new faraway land to the LA streets I currently walk around.

Turning is a little clunkier than real-life, as it doesn’t necessarily work with the same micro-movements you may make — rather you need to look and make deliberate steps in another direction for it to work.

But then it was time to put Freeaim's shoes through a real challenge of a zombie shooter horde mode. This requires not just fast movement, but movement in multiple directions to dodge the oncoming undead. And I was definitely surprised to see just how easy it was to juke zombies and walk fast around the map to dodge.

I didn’t survive long, but that comes down to my terrible aim and not the shoes. Freeaim is onto something special here.

Outlook

Realistically, at £850-900 for the launch offer (roughly $1,200), these are still quite a costly investment that’s reserved strictly for the VR enthusiasts with deep pockets.

But with your average decent VR treadmill going for $2,000, this could not only save serious players quite a bit of money, it could save a lot of space, too. No need for some giant surface taking up the living room floor — you can just wear shoes and move in place instead.

Freeaim's VR shoes do take a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, they’re a lot of fun and really add to the immersion of any game.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the most advanced haptic VR vest and gloves — it made petting a cat feel too real?
• Forget Apple Vision Pro — visionOS 26 sets the stage for killer smart glasses
• Snapdragon AR1+ is the smart glasses breakthrough I’ve been waiting for – here’s why

The growing VR/AR show, Augmented World Expo 2025 (AWE), features several products and parts hinting at the future of mixed reality and virtual reality headsets and glasses.

But one company arrived with products you can try now: bHaptics. The company makes haptic VR gaming accessories for some of the best VR headsets, including a vest that is meant to help you feel more immersed in your virtual games.

We tested the bHaptics Tactot vest in 2020 during CES. Since then, the company's vest has gotten sleeker and more advanced.

The TactSuit Pro ($499) I tested at AWE 2025 features 32 haptic points and comes with Bluetooth connectivity and an audio port. There is a lighter TactSuit Air ($249) with half the haptics but weighing only 2.5 lbs compared to 4 lbs for the Pro model.

The vest vibrates during gameplay, and it's especially noticeable during more intense moments like when your character crashes into things, or in the case of one demo, your ship bumbles through an asteroid belt.

TactGloves

I also tested a pair of TactGloves that feature sensors on your fingers and at your wrist.

In the tech demo I played, I was a spaceship pilot who found himself in an asteroid field that disables the ship. I had to go around fixing things.

These actions included pulling goop from a pipe, knocking ice off a control stick, moving various levers, and petting the cat.

I'm being honest, I didn't care so much about the feel of the tech demos. What I did appreciate was petting the cat, who looked very Jonesey (of Alien fame) esque.

I could feel a bit of pressure when I went to pet the cat, and as the cat started purring, there was a light hum in the gloves. That alone sold me on the gloves. It helps that the cat did cat things like interrupting me for pets while I was trying to restart the engine. Ten out of ten.

A spokesperson told me that the gloves are mainly for enterprise uses because not enough content exists that utilizes the tech in the gloves. However, they do appear to be on sale for $249 if you're curious about them.

Haptic Sleeves

I also got a chance to look at a pair of TactSleeves ($199) that my colleague, Tom's Guide computing editor Jason England, tested out while playing a Beat Saber-type game, which he described as a real workout.

The sleeves are worn on your forearms and have three haptic actuators. Similar to the gloves or vest, they vibrate based on actions in the game.

Unlike the gloves and vest, they don't seem to add as much immersion, but bHaptics also makes a haptic visor that attaches to the headset as well as haptic "Tactosy" for your feet, so if you want your whole body to vibrate, this is one way to do it.

More from Tom's Guide

• I just used a Meta Quest VR headset to get 3 virtual monitors on a Windows 11 PC — and I was blown away
• Mixed Reality vs Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality — what's the difference?
• I’ve worn smart glasses for over 4 years — here’s the best AR and AI glasses

The Meta Quest 4 is being pushed back until 2027, according to a recent leak, but we may be seeing an all-new lightweight VR device in 2026 instead — and it comes with an external puck.

Meta appears to be shifting focus for its upcoming VR headset plans, with notable leakers Brad Lynch and Luna on X stating that the company may switch the release of the Quest 4 from next year to 2027.

This is apparently due to two planned prototype headsets, codenamed "Pismo Low" (a budget model similar to the Quest 3S) and "Pismo High" (a high-end headset akin to the Quest 3), being canceled.

According to the leaks, a "high-end device" is looking to arrive in 2026 instead, and it's set to be a lightweight headset that runs Horizon OS with an external compute puck, codenamed "Puffin."

We've heard that Meta was developing a Quest Pro "successor" instead of a Quest Pro 2, and it appears Puffin could fit into that slot. According to RoadtoVR, this ultralight device would resemble VR goggles rather than a headset, and will be less focused on gaming than Meta's usual headsets.

Instead, Puffin is rumored to be all about virtual screens, offering users a multi-screen setup for entertainment and productivity purposes. This isn't unlike some of the best AR glasses, including the upcoming Viture XR smart glasses.

However, it stands out as the Horizon OS-based device is tipped to come with that compute puck — small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. This would be tethered to the device and deliver processing power, making it lighter to wear. It isn't unlike the Apple Vision Pro, although that headset's external device is a battery.

Rumors also indicate Meta's Puffin device won't arrive with any controllers, instead using hand-tracking to navigate around menus. That's what we've seen in the Quest 3 and Vision Pro already, but it could mean it won't offer any gaming-centric features.

The VR headset race heats up

Interestingly, Lynch indicates Valve's Deckard headset will be available in 2026, with previous details suggesting it could launch in Fall 2025. Along with an upcoming Asus ROG VR headset (set to be the first third-party headset to use Horizon OS) in the works, there are a few VR devices coming our way.

While the Quest 4 may not arrive until 2027 now, Meta's upcoming Puffin is still looking to be at the forefront of next-gen VR devices — and Apple may be scrambling to beat it to the punch.

According to 9to5Mac, the Cupertino tech giant wants to launch its Apple Glasses ahead of Meta's offerings, but with Meta's changed plans, we could see its AR glasses get pushed up. What's more, rumor has it that the next Apple Vision Pro headset could drop sooner than we think.

So 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for VR and AR devices, and while we'll have to wait and see what Meta ends up delivering, along with other headsets from major competitors, it's clear we have a lot to look forward to.

That's not all we have coming our way, as we may see Meta's $1,000 smart glasses with a built-in screen arriving this year.

More from Tom's Guide

• This AR software has been a game-changer for my productivity — here's why
• I have no artistic bone in my body, but this Meta Quest VR app just taught me how to draw
• I can't put my Meta Quest 3 down thanks to this VR accessory — and now I can't imagine playing without it

“If you want your child to grow up to be a grand standing stadium singer there’s two ways to go about it…

You can tell them they’re gifted and that the world needs to hear their voice. This is the Italian method.

Or you can completely ignore them. This could the Irish method. Much more effective in my case.”

Those are the wry words of U2’s lead singer, which I heard through the Apple Vision Pro headset as part of "Bono: Stories of Surrender."

This reimagining of Bono’s one-man stage show premieres today on Apple TV Plus, but a special version has also been created for Apple’s spatial computing headset.

In fact, it’s the first feature-length film available in Apple Immersive Video, the format Apple pioneered for its device using 8K cameras. The result is a 180-degree experience that is rich, intimate and downright trippy at times.

However, as I attempted to sit through the nearly 90-minute feature, I experienced some unpleasant reminders of the Vision Pro's flaws.

Bono on Vision Pro: Better than a front row seat

It was like I was on stage with Bono as he shared the pain of losing his mother and what his household was like afterwards as it became “a river of silence.”

For Bono, getting access to a guitar saved his life. It became a shield and a weapon as he gravitated towards rock with The Ramones and one day decided that he wanted to try to write songs himself.

The presentation through the Vision Pro is a combination of big-screen movie storytelling interspersed with jaw-dropping 3D clips that make you feel like you’re in the venue with Bono — getting a better-than-front-row seat to hear some of the most iconic U2 songs and the stories behind them.

I’m sure the 2D version through Apple TV Plus will be engaging enough, but there’s something about standing face-to-face with Bono as he shares the most intimate details about his upbringing, health scares and more.

I felt like I could reach out and shake Bono’s hand as I looked up at his face with his trademark specs right down to his shoes and the stage. And while ’Stories of Surrender’ is shot in black-and-white, the immersive film cleverly works in pops of color with fluid animations here and there.

The real star of the show

As Bono told the story behind "Bloody Sunday" and the lyrics scribbled across the screen, I truly got sucked into the Immersive Video.

Written by Edge, Bono shared that the mission of the song was to contrast the original Easter Sunday with the murder of 14 unarmed protesters in the city of Derry in Northern Ireland.

As Bono sings "How long must we sing this song" you can feel and see the pain as you see only the outline of his face in the foreground and a harp in the background on stage.

But "Stories of Surrender" simply doesn't work without Bono's masterful storytelling and ability to play multiple characters.

This includes Bono's father, who Bono describes as melting when he meets Princess Diana ahead of a charity concert with Luciano Pavarotti in Italy.

As Bono impersonates the princess slowly walking towards his "da," he playfully described the encounter as "800 years of oppressions disappearing in 8 seconds."

So while the Vision Pro brings "Stories of Surrender" to another level, U2's lead singer and his warmth and humor is the real star.

Familiar Vision Pro problems

As impressive as "Bono: Stories of Surrender" looks and sounds through the Vision Pro, I found that I couldn't comfortably watch the whole thing in a single sitting.

I found myself needing to take breaks for a couple of reasons. First, the Vision Pro is a hefty headset, and I could feel the weight of it after 25 minutes or so.

Yes, I could have swapped out the sleeker Solo Knit Band for the Dual Loop Band, which is more secure. But all the criss-crossing straps on the latter reminds me of something one might wear before getting a brain implant.

I also felt some uncomfortable pressure around my eyes, which took me out of the vibe of Bono's heart-warming and humorous performance, not to mention his soaring vocals.

There's a rumor Apple is working on a much lighter Vision Pro 2, and I think it would help a great deal. Lowering the $3,500 price would not hurt, either.

Bottom line

"Bono: Stories of Surrender" serves up two major takeaways. The Vision Pro continues to deliver the most immersive entertainment experience of any headset. And Apple still has a long way to go in terms of bringing this experience to more people in a way that feels comfortable and natural.

That's to take nothing away from this Apple Immersive Video. 'Stories of Surrender' is a great proof point for the promise of the format as content creators find ways to tell stories in new ways.

It gets me thinking of what a season of "Severance" might look and feel like through this device (or its predecessor). Or perhaps the next season or version of "Ted Lasso."

I'm looking forward to seeing where Apple takes Immersive Video next.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best VR headsets
• I flew 8,000 miles wearing Apple Vision Pro — here's what it's really like
• Best smart glasses

Days of Play has returned for 2025, and this year it’s bigger than ever. PlayStation’s annual celebration of all things play includes a mega sale on PS5 consoles, accessories and games on PlayStation Direct, PlayStation Store and retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy.

There’s no question about the biggest deals in Days of Play 2025. The uber-premium (but also uber-expensive) PS5 Pro just got its first-ever price cut. The most powerful PlayStation ever made has been discounted by $50, dropping the top-tier console from an eyewatering $699 to a slightly less stinging $649. Even with this deal, it’s far from cheap, but it’s called PS5 Pro for a reason.

Other top sales include $50 off the PSVR 2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle, DualSense controllers from $54 and essential PS5 games from $9. Meanwhile, if you want to join the PS5 family, you can pick up the PS5 Slim Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Bundle for $499.

Days of Play 2025 kicks off today (May 28) and runs through June 11, and I’m highlighting all the best deals you won’t want to miss in this annual PlayStation sale. Let’s dive into all the biggest discounts now…

Best Days of Play 2025 deals

PlayStation's Days of Play 2025 deals are live and will be available until June 11.

• PS5 Pro: was $699 now $649 @ Amazon
• PS5 Slim w/ CoD: $499 @ Best Buy
• PSVR 2 Horizon Bundle: was $399 now $349 @ Amazon
• DualSense controller: was $74 now $54 @ Amazon
• PS5 games: deals from $9 @ PlayStation Direct

PS5 console and VR deals

PS5 controller and accessory deals

PS5 game deals

PlayStation UK deals

PlayStation's Days of Play 2025 deals are available now until June 11.

• PS5 Pro: was £699 now £654 @ Amazon
• PS5 Slim: was £479 now £384 @ Amazon
• PS5 Slim Digital: was £429 now £329 @ Amazon
• PSVR 2: was £399 now £349 @ Amazon
• DualSense controller: was £64 now £49 @ Amazon
• PS5 games: deals from £17 @ PlayStation Direct

Welcome!

Good morning! Welcome to Tom's Guide's live coverage of PlayStation Days of Play for 2025, here I'll be flagging all the best deals across PS5 consoles, accessories and, of course, those all-important games.

Days of Play is always one of the biggest PlayStation sales events of the year, so if you're looking to leap into the PS5 family, or just want to upgrade your gaming setup, you won't want to miss out on some of the epic deals going live today (May 28).

The PlayStation deal everybody is talking about

There's no doubt about the biggest deals in the Days of Play 2025 sale, it's clearly the first-ever discount on the uber-powerful PS5 Pro.

The pricey $699 console has dropped down to $649. Yes, it's not a huge saving, but considering PlayStation's rivals over at Xbox are raising console prices, it's a little unexpected that Sony is opting to discount its console. But we're not complaining.

In my PS5 Pro review, I said, "PS5 Pro is a powerful refresh of the base PS5 hardware. It's the best way to experience the PS5's large library of must-play games and the current pinnacle of console gaming. However, the eye-watering $699 price tag makes it a machine that will only appeal to the most dedicated gamers."

Now, with this $50 discount, there's never been a better time to go Pro!

Here's the Days of Play deal I've got my eye on

I've got a pretty complete PS5 setup already, but the one item I'm missing is a DualSense Edge, and thanks to Days of Play, that could be set to change very soon.

This premium version of the PS5's already excellent controller costs a wallet-stinging $199, but right now it's on sale for $169. Still pricey? Yup. But it feels just a little more palatable, and with a huge summer of gaming ahead, I'm thinking now might be the time to finally upgrade. I'd love to have the back buttons for Elden Ring: Nightreign!

Sounds like a great deal to me

I've always liked gaming earbuds because sometimes you just don't want a bulky headset strapped to your head, and the Pulse Explore are Sony's answer to the PlayStation community's requests for an official set of wireless earbuds. And these awesome buds are on sale for Days of Play at 2025, now down to $169 (was $199).

In Pulse Explore review, we said, "The Sony PlayStation Pulse Explore boast immersive in-game audio thanks to the planar magnetic drivers, and the fully customizable 3D audio profiles and multipoint connectivity truly elevate your gaming experience. They’re also extremely comfortable to wear during long gaming sessions. But the battery life could be better, as could a couple of the physical aspects."

Everybody needs an extra PS5 controller

I'm a firm believer that any console setup needs at least two controllers. Firstly, so you can indulge in some co-op play, but primarily, because it lets you alternate between the two so you always have a controller with enough battery for lengthy play sessions.

Thanks to Days of Play, you can now pick up an extra DualSense for $54. And this sale isn't just on the regular white model either. You can pick up a DualSense in all sorts of funky colors from the fan-favorite Galactic Purple to the very slick Midnight Black.

Loads of PS5 games are on sale at PS Direct

If you've already got your PS5 console, controllers, headsets and hard drive sorted, then the deals you're going to want to seek out are the discounts on PS5 games.

There's plenty of offers for Days of Play with the highlights being deep discounts on some of the biggest PlayStation Studios titles. This includes Marvel's Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part II (perfect time to play if you've been watching the HBO show) and Astro Bot, our pick for GOTY 2024. The deals start from just $9 on PlayStation Direct.

PSVR 2 is getting a price cut too

Have you taken the plunge on a PSVR 2 yet? If not, now's an excellent time to do so because the headset is discounted down to $349 over at Amazon and there's a free game thrown into the mix too.

The PSVR 2 flies somewhat under the radar but there are some truly excellent titles that have dropped for the headset over the last year or so. Gran Turismo 7 in VR is jaw-dropping in terms of true immersion, Dark Pictures Switchback is a terrifying horror experience. And, of course, Horizon: Call of the Mountain is a real story-driven highlight that serves as a graphical showcase.

The game library may be small, but it is impressive. And this deal offers a good incentive to dip your toe into the pool of VR gaming.

Now is definitely the best time to renew your PS Plus sub...

If you've lapsed on your PlayStation Plus subscription then now's definitely the time to resubscribe.

According to Sony's official PlayStation Plus page, you can currently get up to 33% off certain 12-month plans. Here's how it breaks down: A 12-month sub to the Essential tier is currently down to $63 from $79 while the Extra tier is discounted to $101, down from $134. Finally, the Premium tier will give you the biggest saving; it's down from $159 to $107 for a 12-month sub.

If you need a refresher on what each of the different tiers give you, you can find it here.

A welcome price drop on the PS5 Pro

I've mentioned this deal once, but it's good enough to flag up a second time. With a spate of price rises across the industry and all the doubt surrounding tariffs and their impacts, it's great to see the first ever deal arrive on the PS5 Pro.

This is a $50 discount on the most powerful PlayStation you can buy and it's replicated across Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy. As mentioned in my PS5 Pro review, this admittedly costly machine is the very best way to experience the PS5's large library of must-play games. It's the current pinnacle of console gaming.

PS5 with COD on sale

Sony is offering a PS5 bundle with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for as low as $399, which is a $109 savings compared to buying the console and game separately.

For Days of Play, you can get the PS5 console with a disc drive and BO6 for $449 or the PS5 digital edition with BO6 for $399.

One of the best PS5 games is on sale

A digital copy of Astro Bot is currently discounted by $10. Rather than spending $59, you can take home the absolutely incredible game for $49.

Attention Spider-Man fans...

The epic Spider-Man 2 Collector's Edition is $100 off right now, bringing the price down to $129.

Obviously, it comes with the game, but you also get a SteelBook display case, a 19-inch Collector’s Edition statue and all the digital content, including the pre-order bonus items, 10 unique suits and much more.

Get the Edge for your games

The PS5 controller is great. The DualSense Edge controller is even better. Designed to rival the popular Xbox Elite, it offers lots of extra features for the hardcore gamer who wants it all. And it comes with a higher price tag.

The DualSense Edge normally sells for $199, but it's $169 for Days of Play, which is a solid deal for such a feature-packed controller.

Expand your PS5 storage

Are you finding that your PS5 doesn't have enough space for all of your digital games? That's never fun, but you can get the 1TB SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD for PS5 for $119. If you need even more storage, the 2TB Disk Extreme Portable SSD for PS5 is $179.

Sony gaming earbuds on sale!

If you want a way to make your games sound better, the Sony INZONE Wireless Noise Canceling Gaming Earbuds for $179 are a great option. For immersion, they offer 360-degree Spatial Sound. That puts the sound from the game all around you, which adds to the vastly improved graphics provided by the PS5.

PSVR 2 + Horizon

Horizon is one of my favorite game franchises. If you're in the same boat and want to experience the rich world in virtual reality, the discounted bundle is for you.

You can snag the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle for $349, which is $50 off.

Even the Access controller is on sale!

Sony's Access controller is designed to be a highly customizable controller kit for PS5 consoles, helping those with disabilities play games more comfortably. It's currently discounted for the Big Days of Play event. Right now, you can get the Access controller for $69, $20 off the regular price.

We tried the Access controller in a hands-on, and our Alex Wawro said, "Now that I've had a chance to get my hands on a PS5 Access controller at a recent Sony event in San Mateo, I'm starting to think maybe it's time for me to buy a PS5 after all."

A true gem becomes affordable

I'm going to come right out and say it: Ghost of Tsushima is one of the best games ever released on a PlayStation platform. The Director's Cut on PS5 is even better than the original, as it features all additional content released for the fantastic game.

Currently, Sony is offering Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut for $29, a significant discount from its usual price of $69.

If you somehow haven't experienced this masterpiece, now is the perfect time to snag it for PS5. Just know that I'm a little jealous, because I'd love to play the game for the first time again.

Vroom vroom

Do you like racing games?

You can get Gran Turismo 7 for $29 right now with Days of Play. The game usually goes for $69, so this is a significant savings of $40.

There's a lot of content in GT7, so you're getting your money's worth if you take this deal home.

Wrap it up

Not a fan of your PS5's visual style? For Days of Play, Sony has PS5 Console Covers discounted by $10. These wrap the whole console, giving it a nice visual change and a metallic finish. While it won't appeal to everyone, those who want their console to serve as a visual centerpiece of their game room might consider lighting these.

The PS5 Console Covers are on sale for $49, down from their full price of $59. You can get them in blue, red, black, indigo and pearl.

Can you get your sweat on with one of the best VR headsets? Workout apps have become very popular with the Meta Quest 3 for people who want to keep in shape, but don’t have the space for a treadmill or some other big piece of exercise equipment in their home. Or maybe, they just want to try something different when it's time to exercise.

Needing to get my lazy butt moving after a winter of overindulgence, I tried FitXR’s app for the Meta Quest 3 for a few weeks to see if it would get me motivated. Here are three things I learned after trying out this VR workout app.

If you sign up for an annual contract, FitXR costs $8.99/month ($107.99 total); if you go month-by-month, it’s $12.99 per month. FitXR also gives you a 7-day trial to see if you like it.

The workouts kept me entertained

There’s a good variety to all of the workouts in the app, from HIIT to boxing to dancing. When you first launch the app, you're asked about your overall fitness level, as well as the sorts of exercises you want to concentrate on.

Once in the app, you can search for workouts based on their type, length, and difficulty level. I bounced around a lot, trying different ones.

The avatars for the trainers are a little better than Nintendo Wii in terms of graphics, but they did provide plenty of motivation and instruction during each session. Plus, each workout is gamified; you get points for streaks, and there's a leaderboard to see how well you're doing versus others in the class.

Most of the workouts involve you hitting glowing balls that come out of you; in some cases, you’ll have to perform uppercuts, jabs, or move to one side of the other to hit them, so you get a bit more movement.

However, I did try a few dance-style workouts where I had to imitate the movements of the instructor. Without anything to specifically guide where to move my arms and hands, it was more difficult to know if I was doing the exercises correctly, although the controllers would vibrate if I moved in the right way.

My upper body got more of a workout than my lower body

All of the workouts rely on the movements of the Meta Quest 3’s hand controllers in order to provide feedback, so by necessity, most of the exercises concentrate on your upper body.

There were a few that required me to squat down to hit a target, or shuffle back and forth a little, but I felt as if my lower body didn’t get quite as much exercise as my torso.

Maybe some company will come up with foot attachments for a kickboxing workout; until then, I’ll keep running outside and doing some of the best lower body exercises.

30 minutes was long enough

Most of the workouts in FitXR last from 5 to 10 minutes — there are a handful that last 20 minutes or longer — so I would string together two to three workouts, with a brief pause in between each.

Depending on the intensity of each workout, I would work up a good sweat. However, I rarely went longer than about 30 minutes in total. By that time, enough perspiration had built up on the Meta Quest 3’s liner that it started to feel a bit icky.

And, while I wouldn’t call the Meta Quest 3 overly heavy, it did start to weigh on me a bit in a way it didn’t when I was using it sitting down and playing Microsoft Flight Simulator or some other game.

Meta Quest 3 workouts: Final thoughts

Finding time for workouts can be tricky, and if you don’t have one of the best treadmills or exercise bikes, it can also be a challenge if the weather doesn’t agree with your plans. FitXR on the Meta Quest does away with those would-be roadblocks to workouts.

Because the FitXR workouts are fairly short, it's easy to sneak them in when you have the time — just make sure your headset is charged up.

FitXR isn’t the end-all, be-all for fitness apps, but for about $100 a year, it’s a nice complement to other exercises you may do, and won't cost you much more than one of the best streaming services.

At the very least, it’s a fun way to use your Meta Quest headset for something other than gaming.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best Meta Quest 3 accessories
• Best VR headsets
• Best Meta Quest 3 games

The best VR headsets are growing evermore popular, with the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S leading the charge. But one company that jumped on this train early has been very quiet since 2019.

I’m of course talking about Valve, and after several leaks, we’ve got the clearest indicator yet that the company’s standalone headset may be coming sooner than we think. Code-named Valve Deckard, recent details suggest that production is underway and we could see a Fall 2025 launch.

Tariff dodging

The leak came from SadlyitsBradley on X, who claims that Valve “has been importing equipment to manufacture VR headset facial interfaces inside the US.” This equipment produced the same face gaskets that were found on the Valve Index headset.

Pair that with what else we’ve seen so far, like Valve’s VR headset patent application, and the leak last year of the codename Roy controllers for Deckard being prepped for mass production, you can see everything coming together nicely.

So why do all of this machine shifting in the first place? Well, the speculation from SadlyItsBradley (and something I agree with) comes down to self protection from US tariffs. It’s a big unknown, and while trade deals seem to be coming down the line between the USA and other countries, it’s all a bit up in the air how these will impact exports.

That’s why it makes sense to think one step ahead at the moment. Given the rumored bundle price for Valve Deckard of $1,200 (according to Gabe Follower), you don’t want that cost to soar with export taxes.

Steam Deckard?

So what will Deckard bring to the table that the Index didn’t? Well first of all, we’re expecting the usual suspects: Higher 1440p resolution (given the Quest 3S is a higher resolution than Index), faster 120Hz refresh rate and smaller, more ergonomic controllers. These seem to be confirmed in leaked renders and references in a SteamVR update.

But the most interesting part is its standalone capabilities, and the fact it’ll run SteamOS just like the Steam Deck. This could be significant as rumors are pointing towards Steam Deck games could be played in big-screen mode within the headset – vastly increasing the library of titles you could play on the Deckard.

Pair that with PC connectivity for a higher quality PCVR experience, and you’ve got something that (on paper) looks set to become the new best gaming VR headset you can buy. Given how much I loved Valve Index, I have faith this could be my next new piece of hardware (particularly for sim racing immersion), but we’ll just have to wait and see for later this year.

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There's no use sugar-coating it: I'm absolutely atrocious when it comes to creating art. There's always a way to improve, though, but I didn't expect a helping hand to come from a Meta Quest 3 VR app that can teach you how to draw in a very creative way.

I've always shunned away from drawing ever since I was a little one, and it's mainly because I couldn't put on paper what I saw in my mind. I was the kind of kid that blew off any sort of artistic venture; you know those coloring books with the numbers showing what colors to use in an area? Well, I just colored in the numbers — nothing else.

For context, here's the state of my drawing abilities:

It's a horse, by the way. For some reason, it always has to be circular. And yes, I was genuinely trying.

It frustrated me, and to this day, I've never been able to hack it. But then I stumbled across Pencil - Learn to Draw!, a Meta Quest mixed reality app that does what it says on the tin. Perhaps it's my past trying to prove that I can actually draw if I put some effort in, or maybe I just wanted to see what else Meta Quest headsets can do, but I decided to give it a whirl.

To my surprise, it's been an absolute blast creating everything from cartoons to still-life objects, and even realistic facial features. For me to say that I drew a human eye, with clear outlines, shading, reflections and tear duct included, is a satisfying accomplishment.

With guided tutorials, step-by-step lessons, tips and tricks on all things drawing and more, Pencil explores what mixed-reality apps can do for education — specifically in art. It's still in early access, and there are more lessons to come, but for $10/£8, it's done wonders for my nonexistent drawing skills.

Anyway, check out how good my drawings have come out so far while using this app.

Drawing made fun

If you've got a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S, all you need is paper and a pencil. Cleverly using the headsets' pass-through feature, you're able to see what you're drawing in real life while seeing an overlay of drawing guides. And, thanks to hand-tracking, you won't need to use Quest's controllers to interact with menus or buttons either.

Right from the get-go, you can learn how to draw all sorts of images, from cartoons to animals to more themed arts like ones for Halloween (randomly) and even more realistic images.

I went straight into cartoons first, believing this would be the easiest starting point for my, er, limited abilities. Lessons can take between 10 to 20 minutes, and you can, of course, retry them as many times as you'd like.

Leo was my animated teacher throughout my learning. My first lesson wasn't a complicated drawing in the slightest, but it was a very accessible way to kick off learning for beginners. It's also a tutorial on how the app works, using an overlay of lines over a piece of paper as a reference for users to follow.

The overlay was extremely helpful for me, as it gave me a point-perfect guide of not only where I should be drawing, but also if I needed to shade in anywhere to emphasize a particular feature. There's also always a reference to the complete drawing to make sure I was on track.

I found that this overlay can make it hard to see if your drawing is coming out the way you want it to, but the app knows this. It tells you in the first lesson to hide the overlay to track what you're putting on paper, and there's an easy "Hide Overlay" button to turn it on and off.

After just 5 simple steps, my masterpiece was complete. And I have to say, as my first attempt, Leo is looking mighty fine on paper.

I did find the very AI-like voice of Leo a little on the nose, with Leo literally stating, "Let's learn how to draw 'dot dot dot' me" when pronouncing the periods. But hey, the app is still in early access, and I'm here to draw, not get distracted by a cartoon instructor.

What I enjoyed the most was drawing the cat being cheeky with its paw in the fish bowl. It's here that the Pencil app sneakily gave me the freedom to get creative while still giving me the outline to learn.

When drawing its fur, it was up to me what pattern I wanted to give it, even though I automatically preferred it to be exactly the same as the picture shown. However, once Leo asked, "do you want it to have socks?" I was like, "heck yeah I do."

And it gives suggestions on how to draw certain patterns, like patches or stripes, and gives you the direction of drawing different fur strokes.

While the drawing guidelines make it very easy to draw a replica of what's being shown, it's exactly what a beginner like me needs. Already, it was letting me go rogue without having the overlay in place, which is a great way to learn rather than just copy.

A guide for beginners and beyond

The Pencil app is great for beginners, but it also has lessons to build your skills even further. It isn't just about drawing lines; there are different methods of utilizing a pencil to shade, smudge, outline and more, and it teaches you how to do it in more complicated sketches without holding your hand too tightly.

I decided to take things up a notch: drawing an eye. To me, these are the most complex things I can think of putting on paper, from the way the pupil looks to the eyelashes covering it. But as a beginner, the Pencil app gave me the outlines I needed and instructions on how to apply my pencil, whether it be "faintly" or "traced."

It also introduced me to smudging correctly. For example, when shading in the darker areas around the eye, I was told to smudge in the direction of how the area of the eye falls. It offers more of a realistic look, and it made sense as I was putting in the final touches.

Plus, at this point, I wasn't getting the same overlay guidelines as I did with the cartoon drawings, as it gave me an outline of where to shade or smudge rather than give me precise lines.

That's not all, as it also pointed out putting light strokes around the pupil to showcase the reflection of eyelashes. It's the little things like this that I would never think of, and that's learning at its finest.

Finally, my eye was complete. My outlines and shading could be better, and while the app recommends using an eraser to fine-tune smudges and to get rid of traces, I didn't have one at hand. Still, I'm impressed that in the space of over 20 minutes, I drew a natural-looking eye.

It could be better, as I'm still getting to grips with different drawing techniques. But the Academy section can help out with that, offering a proper tour of the basics. For now, that includes drawing and lighting fundamentals, but more are set to arrive soon, as the app is still in the making.

It's here where you can figure out directional shading, erasing techniques, blending, the value of a line and more, which are hugely beneficial when drawing those lifelike, complicated sketches.

Once you've gone through the beginner lessons and nailed the fundamentals, there are also more advanced lessons to perfect each drawing and further improve your artistic mastery. I'm not at that stage just yet, but there is something here for those who already have a gauge of the basics.

What's more, with Free Draw mode, you can use different objects as a point of reference and put your skills to the test.

A stellar way to use mixed reality

I've mainly used a Meta Quest 3 for gaming (titles like Batman: Arkham Shadows are why), and I've only really used the headset's mixed reality for watching shows while cooking every once in a while. With Pencil, though, I now have another reason to put its MR capabilities to good use.

Will art ever be my forte? Hardly, but Pencil has paved the road for me to build on my skills. As you can see, the results speak for themselves, and that's a lot coming from someone who can barely draw a horse.

The creativity app is only going to get better once it comes out of early access (hopefully), with more lessons and guides on how to draw different objects in different ways. For beginners, it's an inventive way to throw yourself into creating art, so if you're keen on finding a new way to draw, Pencil on Meta Quest is a good shout.

Now to decide if my drawings are worth sticking on my fridge.

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Companies across the globe have been presenting news about their Q1 earnings, and part of that includes projections about the future.

This week, Samsung held its earnings call and teased a potential launch window for the Project Moohan XR headset (as reported by SamMobile).

The headset was unveiled earlier this year, but Samsung has yet to provide much in the way of details, specs or release information since that reveal.

There were hints that the headset would come out at some point this year, though there were reports it would launch in 2026.

During the earnings call, Samsung had a section about the MX (or mobile) division shared plans for the second half of 2025 that said it would "explore new products such as XR." It also hinted at a new Galaxy Tab S11 and a new Galaxy Watch.

Essentially, this section pertains to new products that Samsung anticipates launching in the second half of this year. The Galaxy Watch is likely to be the first to launch, as new wearables have typically been introduced in July during Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked summer event.

Upon closer examination, Google, which has partnered with Samsung to create the Android XR operating system platform, is expected to reveal more about the platform during Google I/O 2025 later this month (May). And also hints that XR is coming this year.

One of the sessions at the developer-focused conference focuses on Android XR. The I/O website says that Google will share "new features in the Android XR SDK developer preview, and gain essential knowledge for the public launch of Android XR later this year."

As of this writing, Samsung's Project Moohan is the only headset or smartglasses that have been publicly confirmed to run on Android XR.

Presuming Google doesn't share more information about Project Moohan during I/O, beyond the Android XR session, we're likely to get more official news from Samsung in July during its Unpacked event. An event that should be packed, as we might also see the G Fold triple foldable phone that Samsung has long been rumored to be developing.

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Apple Vision Pro is one of the best VR headsets for all the groundbreaking tech it brings to the table. But it’s been hampered by three things the Cupertino crew need to fix:

• Weight: Premium materials used here do cause the Vision Pro to be a little too weighty on your face.
• Things to do: Spatial computing still needs a little more time in the oven, so optimizing things to do on your Vision Pro will come over time.
• Price: All the tech in the world is great, but a $3,499 price is ludicrous.

Well, if Mark Gurman’s most recent newsletter for Bloomberg is anything to go by, Apple got the memo. Backing up last week's leak, a lightweight version of the Vision Pro is seemingly in the works, and looks set to arrive between the end of this year and the first half of 2026.

Coming in two flavors

Apple’s Vision Pro plans seem to diverge a little bit here, as there’s a bit of a battle between the all-in-one spatial computing vision that the company has and the most-used feature — tethering to a Mac.

Bloomberg is reporting there are two sequels to AVP: the lighter and cheaper successor that is set to launch soon, and a tethered option that connects via cable to a Mac. This one could be even smaller and lighter, as all that processing is done on the computer rather than in the headset.

Then comes the other question — does Apple even call it the Apple Vision Pro 2? Gurman claims there are debates going on about whether it should be put in the same family as the Pro, or if it is considered a cheaper non-Pro model (maybe the Apple Vision Air).

Titanium is the answer

Remember when titanium was all the rage with iPhone 15 Pro? Well, leaks are pointing to this being the key to the lightweight headset from Apple.

The leaker is claiming that the internal structure would switch from aluminum to titanium — keeping the same rigidity while offering a lighter construction. Though it’s worth noting that the outside would still be made from aluminum.

Outlook

So that’s two out of three for Apple, and with Apple Intelligence coming to visionOS, we’re slowly but surely starting to see more useful applications coming to the Vision Pro platform. It may have been a bumpy start, but this is definitely on the right track.

However, is this even the one to get? The advice I always give people when it comes to Apple gear is “wait until the second generation,” as it gives the team another go at ironing out any potential creases. But there’s something bigger going on here.

Apple is also working on smart glasses for 2027 — joining the likes of Google, Meta and Xreal in racing to make the gadget that brings the best of VR headsets into something the size of specs. I don’t know about you, but these seem to be the big moment to wait for.

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As much as I adore my Meta Quest 3, it comes with a few limitations that stop me from heading into VR for hours on end. And, specifically to that point, that's why head strap accessories with batteries have become so essential to me — and this Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap is easily one of the best around.

With its soft, silicone facial pads for all-around ventilation, an additional near-3 hours of battery life with a fast, dual-charging system and its easily adjustable design, the H4 battery head strap is one of the best Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S accessories I've ever used.

And its price plays a huge part in this, too. Even at its full cost of $99 / £79, it's still more affordable than the Meta Quest Elite Strap with battery ($129/£129) and nearly matches another popular head strap, the BoboVR S3 Pro at $89 /£76. The thing is, I've seen the H4 Boost Halo be discounted more often than not, and as of writing, it's down to $79 / £64.

Is it a tad heavier than your average VR head strap? Sure, and I didn't get much use out of the adjustable velcro strap up top. But it's hard to beat that price, especially for an accessory that takes untethered VR gaming up a level in comfort and game time on Quest 3 and 3S headsets.

It's a simple accessory, in the grand scheme of VR headsets, but the Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap should be a must for those who often have their Meta Quest 3 or 3S headset on to play games or watch shows, as I'm happily gaming in VR with it far more than without it.

Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? A comfortable head strap with battery for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S.
• Who is it for? Quest 3 or 3S owners looking for a more comfy head strap and want to be in VR for longer without being tethered by a cable.
• What does it cost? The Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap is $99 in the U.S. and £79 in the U.K. However, it's best to get it at a discount (around $79/£64).
• What do we like? Its extremely comfortable design and ease of adjustability, its additional battery life, dual-charging system and affordable price.
• What don’t we like? While not deal-breakers, it may feel slightly heavy for some, and the top strap isn't too useful.

Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap: Specs

Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap: The ups

If you've only used the head strap that comes attached to the Meta Quest 3, you'll get a great kick out of the Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap. As soon as you put it on, you'll notice its supreme comfort, and once you get playing, you'll realize just how much longer you can keep it on.

VR, extended

At a push, I can only use my Meta Quest 3 for just over two hours before its battery goes kaput. Generally, it's just enough time to enjoy some arcade-style games like Pistol Whip or watch an episode or two on Netflix, but it isn't nearly enough for the high-profile games I mainly play.

From Batman: Arkham Shadows offering 15 hours to complete everything to the gargantuan length of Asgard's Wrath 2 that can easily be well over 60 hours, the Quest 3's battery doesn't cut it. That's not even mentioning how these games will zap battery faster, and it taking over 2 hours to to charge the VR headset to full.

That's where the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap truly shines. Just plug the attached cable into the Quest's USB-C slot, and you're good to go. Equipped with a 5,300 mAh battery capacity, the head strap adds nearly 3 hours of battery life to the Quest 3, meaning I can keep punching or shooting (or simply exploring) my way through VR worlds for up to 5 hours — sometimes over this for less-demanding apps.

Since getting the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap, I've been making my way through Arizona Sunshine 2. Popping zombie heads is a fun time, and there's great momentum in the hordes of enemies you encounter throughout the campaign. Now, instead of needing to charge the headset just as I was getting in tune with the zombie-slaying mayhem, I can keep on playing without worrying about how much time I have left.

This is also true when using other features, like linking the Meta Quest with a Windows 11 PC. Sure, when sitting down next to a laptop, it's easy to have the Quest plugged in while using it, but not being tethered by a cable offers a bit more freedom of movement.

Another key aspect is the head strap's DualFast Power Charing, which simultaneously charges the H4 Boost and the Quest 3. With a 45W charger, both devices get 22.5W each, and I found that it takes just over two hours to fully charge them. In the time it takes to charge the Quest 3 alone, you're getting double the battery life with the H4 Boost attached.

With the extended battery life, I'm picking up my headset and playing far more frequently, as the limited cutoff point without the H4 Boost isn't plaguing my mind anymore.

Upgraded comfort

With the extended play sessions, comfort is essential, and the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap delivers it in spades.

With oval-shaped silicone face pads with a soft cushion on the front and rear, the head strap feels incredibly comfortable on my head. And, as a bald man, I can really feel textures on my scalp, so believe me when I say it's comfy.

What I enjoy the most is how the front pad, which is placed right on your forehead, takes the pressure and weight off the Quest 3's facial interface, meaning the H4 Boost alleviates the weight and pressure that's usually around the eyes.

That distribution of weight makes gaming for longer sessions far more comfortable, and I didn't notice any irritations on my face as I usually would after wearing the normal Quest 3 head strap after a couple of hours.

While it doesn't look it, the design offers plenty of ventilation, too, as I wasn't tightly strapped to the Quest 3's facial interface thanks to the pads. Overall, the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap is the way to go if you're after more comfort while in VR, and is probably what Meta should look into when making head straps. In fact, with the H4 Boost attached, it looks and feels far more like a PSVR 2.

An adjustable fit

Finding the right fit for a VR headset can be tricky, especially when you're constantly taking it on and off. But the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap makes it easy, with dials on the front and back that adjust alignment and tightness, respectively.

While putting it on the first time, I only had to adjust the headset once to find a comfortable fit. The rear dial offers a range of room while the front makes sure it's at the right height. It's clear this head strap accommodates all types of head shapes, and it doesn't take long to find the right fit.

The side panels are also easily adjustable, allowing the headset to move up and down at an angle. I used this to make putting on or taking off the Quest 3 easier without needing to adjust the fit every time I used it. It's a simple yet effective design choice to allow more flexibility in the head strap without it feeling so rigid.

Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap: The downs

The Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap barely gets anything wrong, but there is an oddity and one understandable shortcoming that I found. That said, these are far from being any real pain points.

Do you need this?

With how effective the dials are at finding the perfect fit and how comfortable the facial pads lay on my head, I couldn't figure out what the top velcro head strap was for. Of course, this could just be because of the shape of my head, but at no point did I feel the need to adjust or touch the top head strap.

The hook part of the strap is tiny, meaning it only goes so far until it can't attach to the loop side of the velcro. But I didn't need to tighten this part anyway, as that's what the dials are for. Instead, it just looked like a floppy bit of strap on top of my head.

I mean, not that looks will matter to most (let's be real, we all look kind of dorky with a VR headset on). But a more stable material could have been used in its place, but that's just me nit-picking.

A (slight) burden

Compared to a normal VR head strap, the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap is obviously going to be heavier seeing as it packs an actual battery in it. This isn't by much, seeing as the strap weighs just 15.7 ounces (0.9 pounds), but it may feel a tad heavier on the head after a few hours.

It packs more weight than Meta's own Elite Strap with battery (11.6 ounces), and because of its heavier status, users may find it to be a little more unwieldy during gameplay sessions that demand more movement.

That said, thanks to the secure fit, I never felt like I had lifted a chunk of weight off me anytime I took it off, and I would barely notice it when playing around in VR. Still, it's something worth noting, especially if you prefer virtually no weight on your head aside from the Quest 3 or 3S themselves.

Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap: Verdict

Unlike, say, a PS5, the Meta Quest 3 and 3S seem more like devices that require accessories to make the most of them, and the Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap made me realize this.

Not only does it provide a more comfortable fit when you're gearing up for a long gaming session, but it also allows that "long gaming session" to happen thanks to its additional battery life and smart, fast charging system.

I can get over the redundant top strap and slightly heaver-than-most weight, especially when it's way more affordable than Meta's own battery head strap and even beats its competition in the third-party Quest accessory space at a discount.

With more and more excellent Meta Quest games arriving on the VR headset, and many that require more than just 2 hours of battery to actually make a dent in, do yourself a favor and jump on the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap. If you're anything like me, it will make you want to use your VR headset far more often.

Over on the PlayStation blog, Sony announced that the PlayStation VR2 virtual reality headset will receive a permanent price decrease starting in March.

The headset launched in 2023 at a steep $550, but the new cut drops it to a more manageable $400. PlayStation is also including the 'Horizon Call of the Mountain' bundle in the permanent discount, which will now also cost $400, a $200 decrease.

Fortunately, this means that retailers will likely be able to offer more significant discounts during sales that drop the price even lower during sales.

It's a move that was too long in coming as one of the cons we noted in our 2023 PS VR2 review, one of the cons of the headset is that at launch, it costs more than a standard PS5 — already fairly expensive.

The new $400 price is still higher than Meta Quest 3S, which doesn't require a PS5 or PC to power it. However, it is now $100 more than the Meta Quest 3 headset.

What is the future of the PSVR 2?

However, where Sony sees the PS VR system going forward is unclear. The original headset was popular when it launched on the PS4, but VR2 hasn't seen many first-party studios launching titles on the system.

The headset has exciting games, including the new Alien: Rogue Incursion, but it's few and far between.

We did like the system in our review. It's easy to set up, and the controllers are great with haptic feedback. Recently, PlayStation added low-latency hand-tracking support.

"In many ways, the PSVR 2 combines all the best of VR tech with some of the excellent haptics and audio from the PS5 into a system that’s dead easy to use and surprisingly robust," we wrote.

Perhaps Sony hopes a price cut will spur gamers to pick up the headset, or they're trying to clear out some inventory.

On the other hand, maybe this is Sony getting ahead of the rumored Valve 'Deckard' headset that we expect to launch this year. It is rumored that the headset will launch at around $1200. This price cut plus a base PS5 will only run you $700 now. Even a PS5 Pro plus a PS VR2 only just hits around $1,000. Perhaps more appealing for those who want to try VR but balk at higher prices or buy from Meta.

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A new leak claims that Valve may be returning to virtual reality this year with the oft-rumored "Deckard" VR headset. The tip comes from the leakster Gabe Follower, a Valve-focused rumor monger, who tweeted about the headset today.

According to them, the new headset should released by the end of 2025 with a bundle price of $1,200 / £950 / AU$1,900, a fairly steep price compared to offerings like the Meta Quest 3S, though fair less than Apple's Vision Pro headset.

Here's the kicker: Gabe Follower claims that even at that price the headset will be sold at a loss.

The price may be a sticking point, though adjusting for inflation is similar to the Valve Index headset from 2019. If that holds, Valve could be going for more of a niche high-end audience.

Valve only really competes with itself, but Samsung's Project Moohan — an XR and AI headset collaboration with Google — is rumored to be half the price of the Vision Pro.

It'll be interesting to see how these two projects go against one another, especially as they may fit different uses.

Allegedly, this bundle will include "in-house" games or demos. "Valve want to give the user the best possible experience without cutting any costs."

This new headset should run on SteamOS, the same as what powers the Steam Deck with virtual reality adaptions. "One of the core features is the ability to play flat-screen game that are already playable on Steam Deck, but in VR on a big screen without a PC," they wrote.

In November, it was tipped that Valve was working on a variety of controller, including a revamped Steam Controller and a set of virtual reality controllers dubbed "Roy."

The Roys are supposed to be wand type controllers that are basically a full gamepad in your hands.

Patents of the supposed headset were revealed in 2022, though as with most things Valve, the company won't reveal anything until its next device is basically on your doorstep.

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I am utterly obsessed with all things “Alien.” Ever since watching the 1979 horror classic in my youth — at a far too young age considering its hard R-rating — I’ve been eager to consume every single ounce of this iconic dark sci-fi universe I can find. I’ve watched all the movies countless times, I’ve read the Extended Universe books, and I’ve played just about every Alien video game.

But much as I adore titles like 2014’s Alien: Isolation (it’s a top 10 game of all time for me), I’ve always longed to truly step into the world of Alien via the means of virtual reality. For ages, this felt like a pipedream, but last year when Alien: Rogue Incursion was announced, it looked like my dreams were set to be realized. And after an agonizingly extended wait to play, this week I finally stepped into my favorite cinematic world thanks to Alien: Rogue Incursion on Meta Quest 3 (PSVR 2 and SteamVR versions debuted back in December).

After playing a handful of hours across several play sessions, I’ve come away a little conflicted. On the one hand, Alien: Rogue Incursion truly is the VR game I’ve wanted pretty much my entire life, allowing me to fulfill my dream of coming face-to-face with a Xenomorph (quite a deadly dream, I know). But on the other hand, the Meta Quest 3 port is disappointingly downgraded.

Rogue Incursion is the stuff of dreams for Alien fans

As noted, I’ve had to wait a couple extra months to get access to Alien: Rogue Incursion on Meta Quest 3 (my current VR platform of choice), and during that time, I’ve worked hard to avoid pretty much all spoilers from PSVR 2 and SteamVR players. This instantly paid off when I booted up Rogue Incursion as even the opening took me by complete surprise.

When you launch the game for the first time, Rogue Incursion recreates the ultra-iconic title sequence from the first “Alien” movie (my favorite film of all time). You know, the part where the title is slowly etched into the screen while Jerry Goldsmith’s pitch-perfect score sets the mood in a way that sends a shiver down your spine.

This fantastic recreation almost had me tearing up inside my Quest 3 headset. It was a memorable moment years in the making.

And that was just the flippin' title screen. Actually settling in to play the proper game was a series of “pinch me” moments. From picking up the beeping motion tracker for the first time to firing off a volley of bullets using my trusty plasma rifle, it was heaven for an Alien fanboy like myself. Even a moment when a Xenomorph leaped from the shadows with its claws ready to cut me to ribbons had me at first yelling in fear and then positively cackling with delight.

To set the stage, in Alien: Rogue Incursion play as Zula Hendricks, an experienced colonial marine answering a distress call on the planet Purdan (also known as LV-354). Naturally, your arrival isn’t a smooth one, and you soon end up stranded on the frozen surface, exploring a facility overrun by xenomorphs. It’s a predictable setup for the franchise, but even this routine narrative feels surprisingly fresh when experienced through virtual reality.

Developers Survios really deserve huge credit for bringing the Alien universe to life in the VR space. While Rogue Incursion lacks the meticulous attention to detail of Alien: Isolation (the gold standard in this area), its environments are undeniably Alien in nature, and all the sights and sounds franchise fans could want are present. Plus, much as the Xenomorph is a known quantity at this point, seeing a lifesized one charging towards you will spike your heart rate.

As a VR shooter, Alien: Rogue Incursion doesn’t appear to be bringing a whole lot new to the table (at least based on the few hours I’ve played so far), but just the Alien trappings are enough for it to be among the standout VR titles I’ve played. Granted, I’m hardly objective when rating Alien products, but even if you only have a loose familiarity with the franchise, I still think you’ll find joy in Alien: Rogue Incursion's thrilling sci-fi action and well-worked jump scares.

If there’s one distracting weakness I’ve spotted so far, it’s the ill-judged save system. Much like in Alien: Isolation, you can only save your progress at pre-determined spots (you need to unlock panic rooms). But this system means it’s possible to lose several minutes of progress if you get overwhelmed by Xenos. For a VR title, where many players prefer to play in shorter sessions to avoid the ill effects of playing in virtual reality, it’s too limiting a system. A “save anywhere” option or even just regular autosaves would have been useful.

Nevertheless, my grips with the save system are small fry when stacked against everything Alien: Rogue Incursion gets right. Being part of the Alien universe — but being safe from a grisly fate — is a dream come true, and I’m having a complete blast slowly making my way through the game’s cinematic campaign. It’s just a shame I’m doing so on the Meta Quest 3 headset…

Quest 3 isn’t the place to play Alien: Rogue Incursion

For as much as I’m enjoying Alien: Rogue Incursion, I’m a little too aware that I’m currently experiencing the very worst version of the game via Quest 3.

As you can see in the below comparison video (courtesy of UploadVR), the Quest 3 port is quite significantly downgraded compared to the experience currently available on PSVR 2 and SteamVR platforms.

Granted, the Quest 3 is the least powerful headset of the bunch, and unlike the other two doesn’t have the horsepower of a current-generation console, or a beefy PC setup, to help it out. However, I’ve enjoyed VR experiences like Batman: Arkham Shadow and Arizona Sunshine 2 on Quest 3 without feeling like my enjoyment was being impacted by the unit’s less powerful components. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about Rogue Incursion.

The sense of unnerving atmosphere that I can tell Survios was attempting to craft has been significantly dented by the Quest 3’s significantly poor lighting effects. Several interiors near pitch-black on PSVR 2 are instead bathed in harsh blue lighting on Quest 3, which drains the tension from the scene.

Blurry textures are another frequent problem. In fact, texture quality is often so low, that it feels like the walls of the facility you’re exploring have been coated in a thick layer of vaseline. Rogue Incursion is a great VR game, but if you have the option of playing it anywhere else, you really should.

To Survio's credit, they do seem willing to acknowledge the graphical downgrades on Quest 3 and have told UploadVR that a patch to "address performance and visual issues" is in the works. It remains to be seen how much of an impact this will have, again Quest 3 is the least powerful platform so some sacrifices are likely necessary, but I really hope a few post-launch patches can get the Quest 3 version a bit closer to parity with PSVR 2.

If you only have access to a Meta Quest 3 headset then I would still highly recommend Alien: Rogue Incursion, but perhaps with the caveat that it may be worth waiting to see if the promised post-launch patches can smooth out some of the technical blemishes. Either way, even in its current state, it’s an essential title for Alien fans, and I’m personally enjoying every moment.

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Yes, we all know that watching the Super Bowl is an inherently social activity — it's a lot more fun to cheer on your favorite team with your friends and family, or have a shoulder to cry on if they don't pull through at the end.

But, if you can't — or don't — want to watch the game in a group setting, and you happen to have one of the best VR headsets, you can also enjoy the game in a virtual setting.

Among the ways to stream the Super Bowl, you can use one of several apps: you can watch it on Fox via Sling or Fubo (both of which require subscriptions), or you can stream it for free via the Tubi app.

However, none of those apps are available on the Meta Quest 3, but there is a workaround, and it's pretty simple. Here's how you can watch Super Bowl LIX on your Meta Quest 3.

If you're not using your Meta Quest 3 to watch the game, you'll want to make sure you scoop up a Super Bowl TV deal, so you can watch the Super Bowl in 4K. You can also watch the Super Bowl in 4K on your PS5, watch in 4K on your Xbox, or watch it on your Fire TV device.

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It seems that gaming on the Apple Vision Pro is about to get even better, and it's all thanks to Sony.

Recently, we heard that the Apple Vision Pro is getting access to thousands of games thanks to Nvidia's Geoforce Now. While this is excellent news, the downside was that none of the games were true VR games, instead being played through a browser window and needing a compatible Bluetooth control. However, gaming on the Apple Vision Pro might get even better thanks to Apple and Sony working together to integrate support for the PlayStation VR 2's controllers.

This partnership was originally reported back in December, but there has been little word on any progress. However, in his recent PowerOn Newsletter, Mark Gurman has stated that “all signs point to this project still being in development” and will likely debut in a software update later this year. He indicates that it will likely be a part of the Vision OS 3 update and that the controllers will improve the experience when gaming and controlling the system.

However, while having the ability to use the controllers is great, it means nothing if there are no games to use it. In his original report, Gurman stated that "Apple has discussed the plan with third-party developers, asking them if they’d integrate support into their games." This would hopefully indicate that the Apple Vision Pro will get access to some of the best VR games, for instance, Batman: Arkham Shadow.

There are other questions regarding this addition, one of the main being how buying the controllers will work. Currently, Sony doesn't sell the controllers for the PSVR 2 separately from the headset. We would imagine this would change. Otherwise, you would buy two fairly expensive headsets simply for a control option. Hopefully, if the handsets are released, Apple will see the same hand tracking hinted at a tech expo in Tokyo.

Apple has slowly been working to improve gaming on its headset, which is a strong step forward. However, only time will tell if this will increase the number of purchases for the device or if it is better to wait for the Apple Vision Pro 2.

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Meta looks to be busy with new products, with its first "real" AR glasses by 2027 and and even higher-end AR glasses similar to its Ray-Ban Meta tipped to arrive this year. Now, there are two other headsets said to be in development: the Meta Quest 4 and a Quest Pro "successor."

As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (via Road to VR), Meta is already working on a new Quest 4. With the success of the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, a next-gen VR headset sounds likely. However, what's surprising is Gurman stating it is "Quest 4 VR goggles," rather than a headset. Of course, this could just be a related term, as not much else is said about next Meta Quest.

The report also indicates that Meta may have "a new high-end model that could eventually become a successor to the Quest Pro mixed-reality headset.” This would be an all-new headset as opposed to a Quest Pro 2, which was reportedly canceled.

This new mixed-reality headset would likely take some cues from the Meta Quest 3, including its more affordable $500 price compared to the $1,500 Quest Pro. Being a "high-end" MR device, we may even see facial and eye tracking, similar to leaks for the upcoming Asus ROG VR gaming headset.

While details on the Quest 4 and Quest Pro successor are still up in the air, we're getting a good idea of what Meta may have coming down the pipeline.

Moving on from Meta Quest Pro

The Meta Quest Pro is a powerful VR headset for prosumers, but it fell flat due to its initial $1,500 price (now down to $999) and being unintuitive when working in VR. However, Meta's new mixed-reality headset could utilize what works best for Meta: gaming, entertainment and connectivity.

We've seen games such as Batman: Arkham Shadows impress, Meta partner with James Cameron for upcoming exclusive mixed-reality content, along with the Quest 3 and 3S pair up with Windows 11 to offer three virtual displays. With these perks in mind, Meta could continue to offer more advanced features such as these on its higher-end headset (or Quest 4).

A previous rumor claimed Meta had abandoned a headset codenamed “La Jolla," which was apparently the Quest Pro 2. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth noted this cancellation, but there was no word of whether the Quest Pro lineup would be abandoned. Possibly, it is, and we'll see this "successor" Gurman mentioned instead.

It will likely be a while until we see a Meta Quest 4 or high-end mixed reality headset, seeing as the Quest 3S only launched in October 2024. With Meta Quest seeing its best year yet for its VR headset lineup, here's hoping the company continues that trend with its rumored upcoming devices.

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Starting with the Roto VR chair, I’ve been on the hunt for VR accessories I never knew I needed, but am immediately hooked on using. The Woojer Vest 3 absolutely falls into this category — unlocking new levels of haptic immersion I’d never felt before.

Do you look like you’re wearing the kind of vest that you feel would be underneath a Storm Trooper’s uniform? Yes. But it’s comfortable with its even weight distribution and breathable fabric, and whether it’s entering the world of Batman: Arkham Shadow, or slashing my way through Beat Saber, this is an incredible experience.

Yes, that $499 price will leave a mark, but if you’re serious about your VR gaming setup, this is an essential part of it.

How the Woojer Vest 3 works

So you charge it up, clip it around yourself, turn it on and pair via Bluetooth to your Quest 3S headset. How does the Woojer Vest 3 work exactly?

Put simply, audio signals from your games, movies or music are turned into physical vibrations. Using the audio signals you have means that no software is required to run this and technically, you could use this with any device with a headphone jack or bluetooth connection (more on that later).

Handling those vibrations are a set of 6 Osci TRX2 oscillators. and they pack a wide haptic feedback range from gentle rumbles for gentler tones, to those big thumps for bassy stomps. On the Vest 3, these are placed strategically across the body to mimic the haptics of a surround sound impact.

Quick heads up: for the most minimal latency, use the headphone jack to connect to the vest. Over Bluetooth, there is an ever so slight delay — nothing that will overtly impact your playtime, but if you really pay attention, you can feel it.

I felt every detail

I’ve seen different companies take different approaches to haptics. All of them normally do one of two things: sending electrical signals to trick your nerves or pumping vibration motors. The former is still very much a concept we see every year at the likes of CES with no real future (yet), so we’re stuck with the latter for now.

But the Woojer Vest 3 easily stands out as one of the best in terms of not just the experience, but the ease of setting up too. Clipping in and turning on is a cinch, and with a battery life of up to 8 hours with USB-C fast charging, you can keep going for a good long while.

My favorite two experiences really tell the story of the versatility of this vest. First, using the PSVR 2, I dipped into Kayak VR: Mirage (available via PS Plus right now). The gentle swirls of the water around your oars as you move through the world splash up around your lower sides as you wade through the beautiful vistas.

And sure, the soundtrack gets turned into haptic feedback too, but Woojer’s figured out how to highlight the sound effects over any background music.

Meanwhile, Beat Saber just transcends into an entirely different dimension with Woojer Vest. Those oscillators work overtime to really provide the oomph of the bass — making you feel like you’re throwing shapes at a rave. Meanwhile, the detailed mids and highs move across your body with the stereo sound production of these tracks.

In most haptic VR vests, you get some good feedback on the bigger impacts. Woojer has nailed picking out the finer details of everything.

Not just for VR…

But here’s the other fun part. Since it’s Bluetooth and 3.5mm headphone jack, you can connect the Woojer Vest 3 to a whole lot of systems. Want to plug it into your MacBook Pro M4 and watch ‘Severance’? Go right ahead. Connect it to your phone and feel every bass drum kick of the ferocity of Knocked Loose? Sure thing!

Have I used it any more than these one-off moments? No, but I’m not going to lie, it’s rather fun! Being able to feel everything you listen to, watch or play is a rather interesting experience.

Pricey, but worth it for VR immersion

So let’s get back to the core use for this — VR. The Woojer Vest 3 is easily one of the best Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S accessories you can buy for taking your immersion to the next level. Seriously, it’s that good.

The Woojer Vest 3 can even give you a gameplay advantage thanks to the surround sound support allowing you to feel sounds behind you (great for any particularly creepy horror games that rely on audio).

It’s not an essential purchase. Just like the Roto VR chair, you’ll still have a lot of fun gaming without it. But if your budget can stretch to it, this has been quite the evolution in VR gameplay for me.

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As the Meta Quest 3 and 3S continue to dominate the VR headset space, the company looks to expand its reach by partnering with other brands such as Asus and Lenovo. Now, it looks like the upcoming Asus ROG VR gaming headset will be the first to deliver on that promise.

According to notable leaker Luna on X, the Asus ROG VR headset to likely to be the first third-party headset to ship with Meta Horizon OS. This mixed reality operating system is the same one that powers Meta Quest headsets, meaning we'll likely see familair features, menus and even VR games in the upcoming ROG headset.

Codenamed "Tarius" as per the leak, the Asus ROG VR headset is also tipped to include eye-tracking and face-tracking, with either QD-LCD or minro-OLED displays. The leaker also suggests there will be local dimming (to automatically adjust brightness in specific areas to improve picture quality).

Asus has been quiet about its VR headset since Meta announced its collaboration with the gaming company back in April 2024. Meta stated Asus "will use its expertise as a leader in gaming solutions to develop an all-new performance gaming headset."

While not much is known about the new headset, we now have a better idea of what it could offer, and it looks to be similar to Meta Quest VR headset's winning formula. However, if Asus' headset also comes with face and eye-tracking hardware, like the Meta Quest Pro, we could see more of a premium gaming VR headset on our hands.

While there's no word on a release date, we may not be too far off seeing the ROG VR headset, since the leak suggests it will be among the first to offer Meta Horizon OS.

This isn't unlike Valve's push to bring SteamOS to other gaming handhelds, such as the Lenovo Legion Go S. In fact, Lenovo is also collaborating with Meta, as it's expected to develop several mixed reality devices.

Meta Quest VR has seen its best year yet with games such as Batman: Arkham Shadow and new features including linking up with a Windows PC to offer three virtual displays. If what we get on a Meta Quest headset comes down the line for Asus' upcoming ROG VR headset, then it's already looking like a VR device worth checking out.

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CES 2025 is still going strong, and there are so many incredible announcements that we’re struggling to keep up with them all! The news from day 1 and day 2 was a lot to keep up with, but I personally think that day 3 has some of the best news of the entire show. It’s been quite difficult to figure out exactly what I like the most.

We’re talking brand new car tech from BMW, better ways to play PC games on the go, brain-controlled motion gestures and a laptop that may give Apple’s Macbook Air a real run for its money. Here are the 11 best new gadgets that were revealed on CES day 3.

Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6

Rollable screens are back at CES 2025, with Lenovo debuting the new ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 laptop. But this isn’t a concept device, like the ones we’ve seen before, this one is actually going on sale. It’s going to cost at least $3,499, which is absurdly expensive, but at least we know this isn’t vaporware anymore.

So what exactly would you get for your money? The standout feature is the extendable screen, which is rated for 20,000 opens and extends from a standard 14-inch screen to a comically-tall 16.7-inch display. But it’s like having two 16:9 screens stacked on top of each other, meaning you have plenty of screen space to work with. Other hardware includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 7.

An exact release date hasn’t been set, but Lenovo says that this should arrive before the end of Q2 2025.

Anker 165W Power Bank

Power banks for your phone are available just about everywhere, but options for laptops are significantly more limited — and expensive. Thankfully things do seem to be changing, and Anker just unveiled a brand new power bank at CES.

Not only does it have a 27-inch retractable cable, and up to 165W combined charging speeds, it’s also got enough juice to fully charge a Macbook Air M2. The 25,000 mAh capacity also means it’s allowed on planes, and USB-PD 3.0 means it can charge up to 4 devices at once. Not just with the retractable USB-C cable, but also a trio of USB-C ports and a solo USB-A port.

Admittedly laptop batteries are far less prone to running out than smartphones, but as someone with an ancient laptop and a battery that basically runs on fumes all the time, this could be very useful. At the very least because I can also fast charge my other gadgets without having to carry multiple batteries with me. The Anker 165W costs $99 and is already on sale.

Lenovo Legion Go S

Another gaming handheld, this time from Lenovo and gunning to try and knock the Steam Deck off the top spot. This 8-inch handheld will actually be available running SteamOS (the first non Steam Deck handheld to do so) meaning Lenovo could be taking on Valve at its own game. Windows 11 is available if you prefer, but that is more expensive — with a starting price of $599 to the SteamOS model’s $499.

Other hardware of note includes up to 32GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, microSD card expansion, 2 USB4 ports, a headphone jack and a choice of either the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chipset or the Ryzen Z1 extreme. All wrapped up in a sleek package that weighs just 1.63 lbs.

The first model with Windows 11 will be available later this month, starting at $799. Meanwhile the $599 Windows 11 Lenovo Legion Go S arrives in May, followed by the SteamOS variant the following month.

Mudra Link

Gesture control can be incredibly useful, but if you want something substantial you usually need some pricey kit — like the Apple Vision Pro headset. But Wearable Devices’ Mudra Link can offer a similar experience for just $199, thanks to a “neural wristband” compatible with Android, Windows and macOS.

The band doesn’t read your mind, though it might seem like it. It actually uses proprietary Surface Nerve Conductance sensors that are able to “electromyography signals from subtle finger movements”. Combined with an on-board accelerometer and gyroscope, it can translate this information into commands. Turning your hands into a mouse, but in a way that so far seems fairly system-agnostic.

The first place it’s going to really appear is on smart glasses, thanks to a partnership with TCL — potentially meaning you won’t have to carry any hand-tracking tech around on your face.

BMW’s Panoramic iDrive

Cars are more hi-tech than ever, and carmakers are not slowing down on that trend anytime soon. Long-time CES showcase BMW is no exception, and has just unveiled its new Panoramic iDrive system at the show. Simply put, it’s a 3D heads-up display that projects relevant information across the entire length of your car’s windshield — pillar-to-pillar.

On the left, right above the steering wheel, is critical information that the driver needs at a glance. This includes speed, directions and speed limits. On the right, by the passenger side, are personalized widgets that you get to choose — with apps and information that you might need while driving. It sounds silly, but having used a heads-up display in a car, I can tell you that it’s extremely convenient. Especially since everything lies within your direct field of vision.

Panoramic iDrive will be available in new BMW models by the end of this year. Though presumably, like Mercedes’ Hyperscreen, it’ll be rather a pricey addition to your car

Razer PC Remote Play

I’m a big fan of remotely playing games from my consoles, but PC gaming isn’t always quite so easy. Services exist, but Razer’s new PC Remote Play should help make the process a lot simpler — with a few bonuses. Assuming you have one of Razer’s phone controllers, like the Kishi V2, you’ll be able to launch a remote play session from the Razer Nexus app.

Better still this process combines all your game libraries into a single place. So if you have games on Steam, Epic or Microsoft Game Pass, they’re all available from a single hub, rather than forcing you to swap between different apps and services. Also included is adjustable aspect ratio, but the best part is that Razer PC Remote Play is totally free — with no subscription fees to worry about.

Segway Xyber

If you’re looking for an ebike with a little bit of pep, then Segway has you covered. The company has long since transitioned into the ebike and escooter industry, and there are a few announcements at CES that may be of interest. Particularly the Segway Xyber, an ebike that can go from 0-20mph in just 2.7 seconds. It also offers up to 112 miles of range, and flat-resistant tires that can handle rugged terrain with ease.

Meanwhile the Segway GT3 Pro escooter can reach 30mph in under 4 seconds, with a top speed of 49.7 miles per hour and 89 miles of range. Which is pretty absurd for a machine you have to stand and balance on, so this definitely isn’t for the faint of heart — or the unhelmeted. The standard GT3 is a little slower, with a 31mph top speed and 45 miles of range. But the 9 second 0-30 time is still pretty incredible.

The Segway GT3 is on sale now for $1,699, while the GT3 Pro will arrive in Spring/Summer for an unspecified price. The Xyber is available to pre-order now for an eye-watering $3,000.

Asus Zenbook A14

If you’re looking for a thin and light laptop that isn’t a Macbook, then Asus might have you covered. It may not be called the Zenbook Air, but the new Asus Zenbook A14 is the closest thing you’ll get to a Macbook Air from the company right now. Measuring just 0.5 inches thick, and weighing 2.16 lbs (or just under 1kg), it can certainly give Apple a run for its money.

More so when you consider that there’s Wi-Fi 7 support, a 70Wh battery that lasts up to 32 hours, and the power of the Snapdragon X chipset behind it. Better still, Asus has ensured the Zenbook A14 doesn’t produce too much heat — meaning there’s no thermal throttling and the machine can sustain its high performance over a much longer period. Not to mention the fact it looks great, and is made from a mix of aluminum and ceramics.

Be sure to check out our hands-on post for a rundown of all the specs and everything else this stylish machine will have to offer — with prices starting at $899.

VIV Ring

2025 is looking to be a big year for Smart Rings, and the newly-unveiled VIV Ring is about to join that market. But, aside from all the usual health-tracking features like heart-rate tracking and blood oxygen monitoring, VIV Ring may stand out thanks to its sleep enhancements features — including “Generative Sleep Aid Sound”.

This feature is built to evaluate sleep patterns and cycles, alongside other biometric data. After that’s been analyzed with AI, the algorithm puts together personalized sleep audio built up of different natural sounds. Oceans, rainfall, birdsong, plus other different sound effects all to help enhance the quality of your sleep. No more random white noise generators for you, from the sounds of things.

The VIV Ring is set to go on sale next month, though pricing information is still unconfirmed.

Sony XYN Headset

Sony’s foray into virtual reality may have been limited to the PSVR in the past, but that’s changed at CES 2025. Here the company debuted its “XYN” headset, a concept device specifically geared towards creating content for spatial computing. So this isn’t something you’d probably want to buy yourself, but if it gets a wider release this could make it easier for creatives to produce their own spatial content for other headsets.

The idea here is that the 4K OLED microdisplays in the headset can visualize virtual experiences for the user, and enable 3D modelling work. That includes taking real-world objects that have been captured by 3D software, and turning them into props for new virtual worlds. The included controller offers the chance to view and resize those objects to make it work.

Unfortunately because this is a concept we don’t have any ideas on a wider availability, or how much this device would cost if it ever went on sale.

ERA Smart Layer

CES isn’t just your traditional tech, it’s also a place to see some incredible new innovations in other categories — including sleep. Enter the ERA Smart Layer, a smart mattress topper with built-in sensors and AI to help you get the best and most comfortable night’s sleep.

The sensors can monitor breathing and heart rate, with the ability to connect with other health wearables via the cloud. With this data the on-board AI will offer suggestions on how you can improve your sleep each morning. There’s also a spinal alignment system to adapt to your body shape, even after you move, and help you stay comfortable.

Oh and you get active massage features built into the topper, and active thermal regulation to help to stay at the optimal sleep temperature all night. Honestly, they hooked me with the massage. Sadly there’s no word on price or availability just yet.

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