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Reviewed by Corey Noles The sixth developer beta of visionOS 26 has arrived, and the big news isn’t just about bug fixes—it’s about PlayStation VR2 Sense controller support hitting Apple’s mixed-reality headset. After months of hand-gesture-only interactions, this feels like Apple finally admitting that sometimes you just need real buttons. The beta was released on August 5, continuing Apple’s aggressive push toward making the Vision Pro a more versatile spatial computing platform. But here’s the thing: is this the update that transforms your $3,500 headset into something you’ll actually reach for daily? Why PlayStation controllers change everything for Vision Pro gamingSony’s DualSense controllers represent more than just gaming convenience—they signal Apple’s recognition that gesture fatigue is a real barrier to Vision Pro adoption. VisionOS 26 adds “breakthrough” support for gamepads, meaning you’ll see the controller in your hands even when fully immersed in virtual scenes. This…more

Apple’s spatial computing journey hit a five-month milestone today, and while The Verge calls the first Vision Pro “a really, really, really big screen” that wasn’t exactly “a groundbreaking, market-moving hit,” the rumor mill is buzzing with news that could change everything. The latest reports suggest Apple isn’t retreating from mixed reality—they’re doubling down with meaningful hardware improvements that directly address the two pain points preventing broader adoption: processing limitations affecting the crucial passthrough experience and comfort issues that turn extended use into an endurance test. The complaints from early adopters centered around specific hardware limitations that Apple can actually address through iteration: the three-year-old M2 processor struggling with real-time video processing and a strap design that makes the 1.3-pound headset feel like wearing an anvil. Now we’re getting our first concrete look at Apple’s response. Finally, the M4 upgrade we’ve been…more

Disney+ just rolled out something pretty spectacular for Apple Vision Pro users: an immersive environment tied to the upcoming “Alien: Earth” series. This isn’t just another 3D movie or fancy background — we’re talking about a full-blown spatial experience that transforms your living room into something straight out of the Alien universe. With the series premiering August 13, this environment gives fans a taste of what’s coming while showcasing just how far Disney+ has pushed the boundaries of mixed reality entertainment. What you need to know: Disney+ launches new “Alien: Earth” immersive environment featuring interactive elements from the series’ 2120 corporate-controlled setting
The environment represents Disney’s first mature-rated spatial experience, testing whether horror and sci-fi benefit from immersive presentation
Built using the same Universal Scene Description (USD) format that enables real-time lighting adaptation to your physical space
This marks Disney’s sixth Vision…more

The Vision Pro made its splash, earned its headlines, and — for most people — quietly drifted into the “cool, but not $3,500 cool” category. Now, Apple appears to be rethinking its approach to spatial computing, with not one but two new headsets reportedly in the works: a lighter, cheaper version of the Vision Pro and a more powerful model that tethers to a Mac via USB-C. If that feels like a pivot, that’s because it is. After positioning the Vision Pro as a self-contained, all-in-one leap into the post-screen future, Apple seems to be hedging. One model trims features to chase a wider audience. The other leans into performance, even if that means bringing back a cable. The company hasn’t confirmed anything (because of course it hasn’t), but the message is clear: Apple’s spatial road map now forks in two, and both paths lead away from the Vision Pro we know. What we know: Two new headsets are in developmentMultiple reports — originally sparked by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and later…more

Picture this: Your AR glasses open apps just by looking at them. Your VR headset adjusts the image based on where your eyes focus. Your car knows when you’re getting drowsy and nudges you awake. These aren’t far-off fantasies — they’re potential real-world uses of eye-tracking tech. And thanks to a new breakthrough at the University of Arizona, we may be a lot closer to all of it. Eye tracking is poised to become the next major interface between humans and machines. But for it to really work, it needs to be fast, accurate, and almost invisible. And as with any technology that tracks our behavior and biology, it also needs to be secure and privacy-conscious. That’s where this new research comes in. Read: AR vs. VR: A Simple Guide to Augmented and Virtual Reality What you need to know about eye trackingToday’s eye tracking tech is limited — most systems only measure around a dozen data points, which isn’t enough for truly precise interaction in VR, AR, or driver-assist systems.…more

How will the new tariffs impact VR and AR? In short, they’ll likely make headsets more expensive, slow down production, and force some serious changes in how these devices are made and sold. What you need to know: VR and tariffsNew tariffs are already active — The US raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 104%, and China responded with 84% tariffs on US goods. Most countries are affected, not just China. Headsets are about to get pricier — Components for VR/AR devices are heavily globalized, and tariffs will likely drive up production costs and retail prices. Mid-tier hardware is most at risk — Budget and premium devices may survive, but the $400–$800 segment could shrink or stall out. Yesterday, the US raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 104%. This morning, China hit back with an 84% tariff on US goods. But this isn’t just a geopolitical chess match — these moves are aimed squarely at the electronics supply chain, and that includes nearly everything inside your favorite immersive…more

When Vivo revealed its new mixed reality headset — simply named Vivo Vision — it didn’t just debut a new device. It kicked open the door to a market that, until now, has been heavily dominated by two tech giants: Apple and Meta. The Vision clearly draws inspiration from Apple’s Vision Pro (very clear, in fact) — right down to its sleek ski-goggle silhouette and gesture-based interface — but it’s more than just a copycat play.As someone who has followed the evolution of AR and VR for years, I can say with confidence that this is a pivotal moment. A third major player entering the MR space signals that things are heating up — and that’s just what the industry needs. Competition is good. It drives innovation, lowers costs, and ultimately gives consumers more choice. But for Apple and Meta? It means there’s another serious contender to worry about — one with strong momentum in Asia’s smartphone market and a reputation for making capable hardware at disruptive price points. Let’s break…more

Virtual reality isn’t just a futuristic dream anymore — it’s a thriving industry on track for massive expansion. According to recent projections, the global VR market is expected to grow by a staggering $339.29 billion between 2025 and 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 27.3%. That’s not just a small bump — it’s a sign that VR is cementing itself as a major player in gaming, business, healthcare, and beyond. So, what’s fueling this explosive growth? And more importantly, what does it mean for you as a VR enthusiast? Let’s break it down. The VR surge: Where’s the growth coming from?Gaming and entertainment: Bigger, better, more immersiveGaming remains the dominant force in VR’s expansion. What started as a niche market is now attracting major game developers, with more AAA titles and indie innovations pushing the boundaries of immersion. From Meta’s Quest 3 to Sony’s PlayStation VR2, hardware advancements are making high-quality VR gaming more accessible than ever. Beyond…more

Meta is doubling down on augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of Aria Gen 2. Unlike consumer-focused models such as the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, Aria Gen 2 is designed for AI research, robotics, and machine perception. The glasses offer a glimpse into the future of AR-powered assistance. With upgraded sensors, real-time AI processing, and a heart rate tracking feature, these glasses could play a crucial role in future accessibility solutions. The potential is there to help users with visual or hearing impairments navigate the world more independently. Although it remains a research tool, Aria Gen 2 serves as a stepping stone toward truly intelligent AR wearables. So, what makes these glasses different, and why should we pay attention? Let’s break it down. What’s new in Aria Gen 2?Meta’s Aria Gen 2 smart glasses significantly upgraded the original Project Aria research device from 2020. While it may look like a standard pair of glasses, it packs a…more

Virtual reality (VR) is no longer just for gaming — it’s becoming a powerful tool in sports science to evaluate athlete performance. A new study by a group of scientists in Germany has validated a VR-based test battery that can reliably measure key athletic skills, such as reaction time, jumping ability, and complex movement execution. What you need to know about the VR athlete studyVR tests are highly reliable: Reaction time and jump height measurements in VR closely match real-world data. Parkour performance varies: Athletes initially struggle with VR navigation, but a virtual opponent improves results. Future potential: VR could revolutionize sports training, talent identification, and rehab with further advancements. This breakthrough suggests VR could revolutionize sports training, making assessments safer, more accessible, cost-effective, and data-driven. Why this matters for sports science and trainingFor years, VR has been explored as a training tool in sports, but its…more