Podcast

VR Download

News, Tech News, Technology

UploadVR's weekly VR & AR hardware, technology, and industry trends show streamed live from a virtual reality studio.

Tech News chart
#196
Episodes
298
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
2 hr 55 min
On air since
2019
Latest episode
4 days ago

Episodes

298 episodes, newest first

  1. Steam Frame OLED Leaks As Index Gets Clearance Sale

    Show notes

    We discuss a leaked OLED version of Valve's upcoming Steam Frame headset as the Index gets a clearance sale, Pico's Space Pro design being revealed in regulatory photos, Meta Quest apps becoming properly spatial, and Bigscreen Beyond 2 getting a rotation-only mode.

    Here's the full topic list, in order:

    1. Bigscreen Beyond 2 Rotation-Only Mode

    2. VRChat Native Face Tracking Support In Beta

    3. OpenXR Spatial Container Extensions

    4. Pico Space Pro Design Revealed

    5. Virtuix & Meta Partnership For Omni One Quest Bundles

    6. Meta Quest Apps Becoming Properly Spatial

    7. Steam Frame OLED In Development & Valve Index Clearance Sale

    1 hr 39 min
  2. Xreal Aura Price Revealed, Quest's New Window Management, AI's Significance For XR

    Show notes

    We discuss Quest's latest PTC overhauling window management and bringing back classic Home environments. We also cover the price reveal for the Xreal Aura, rumors surrounding Apple's new CEO and visionOS 27, and the significance of the AI singularity for the future of XR.

    Here's the full topic list, in order:

    1. Quest PTC Overhauls Window Management & Brings Back Classic Home Environments
    2. Xreal Aura Price Revealed
    3. visionOS 27 & Rumors Around Apple's New CEO
    4. The AI Singularity & Its Significance For XR

    2 hr 36 min
  3. VR Download Is BACK - We Discuss 2026 So Far In XR

    Show notes

    We discuss the return of the podcast, hardware price increases driven by the global memory crisis, and the new wave of ultralight headsets including Meta's VR glasses. We also dive into XREAL Aura and Android XR, our initial impressions of Steam Frame, and the arrival of true AR glasses with Snap Specs.

    Here's the full topic list, in order:

    1. VR Download Is Back
    2. Hardware Price Increases & The Global Memory Crisis
    3. Meta VR Glasses & Ultralight Headsets
    4. XREAL Aura & Android XR
    5. Steam Frame Initial Impressions & Hype Hangover
    6. Snap Specs & True AR Glasses

    2 hr 17 min
  4. Quest Hand Tracking 2.4 & Disney+, Third-Party Horizon OS Headsets Canceled

    Show notes

    We discuss reports that third-party Horizon OS headsets, including the one from Asus, have seemingly been canceled. We also cover Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth's response to the speculation, the new Disney+ app on Quest, and the Hand Tracking 2.4 update.

    Here's the full topic list, in order:

    1. Best Buy's $250 Quest 3S Deal Is Back
    2. visionOS Update Improves Tracking In Cars & Buses
    3. Quest Gets Disney+ App With Downloads & Dolby Atmos

    Quest Hand Tracking
    4. Hand Tracking 2.4 Improves Fast Motion Mode
    5. Interaction SDK Gets Hand Tracking Climbing & Locomotion

    Meta CTO Statement & Third-Party Horizon OS Headsets Cancelation
    6. Meta CTO Responds To Speculation: "VR Is Not Dead"
    7. Third-Party Horizon OS Headsets Seemingly Canceled

    3 hr 19 min
  5. Meta's Future Headset Strategy, Android XR Likeness Avatars, Xreal Project Aura Tease

    Show notes

    We discuss Meta confirming a funding shift from the Metaverse toward AI glasses, reports of a delay for its ultralight headset, and work starting on a gaming-focused Quest 4. We also cover Samsung Galaxy XR getting realistic avatars, the first clip of Xreal's Project Aura device, and Valve's comments on the blurring lines between VR and non-VR content.

    Here's the full topic list, in order:

    1. Valve On The Blurring Lines Between VR & Non-VR Content
    2. Share Quest Activity As Discord Status

    Meta Statement & Leaked Memos
    3. Meta Confirms Shifting Some Funding From Metaverse Toward AI Glasses
    4. Meta Delays Ultralight Headset, Starts Work On Gaming-Focused Quest 4

    Android XR Features & Xreal Project Aura Tease
    5. Samsung Galaxy XR Gets 'Likeness' Avatars & Travel Mode
    6. First Clip Of Xreal's Project Aura Android XR Device
    7. Android XR AI Feature Turns Any 2D Window 3D

    3 hr 1 min
  6. FluxPose Tracking, GravityXR Ultralight Headset Chip, Meta Talent Hire & Budget Cut

    Show notes

    We discuss FluxPose potentially becoming the spiritual successor to Lighthouse body tracking, GravityXR building a chip to enable ultralight headsets, reports that Meta Reality Labs is facing a budget cut, and Apple's Head of UI leaving to lead design at Meta.

    Here's the full topic list, in order:

    1. Quest Gets Second Exclusive 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' Clip
    2. Visiting Meta's Los Angeles Store
    3. FluxPose Could Be The Spiritual Successor To Lighthouse Body Tracking
    4. GravityXR Builds Chip To Enable Ultralight Headsets
    5. Meta's Smart Glasses SDK Now Available To Build With
    6. Meta Reality Labs Reportedly Facing Up To 30% Budget Cut
    7. Apple's Head Of UI Leaves To Lead Design At Meta Reality Labs

    2 hr 35 min
  7. Next Pico Headset Specs, Meta Horizon Hyperscape Social Update

    Show notes

    We discuss the best Black Friday XR deals including steep Quest 3S discounts with Horizon+ perks and PS VR2’s limited-time price cut, as well as Meta’s new smart glasses trade-in program that even gives credit for AirPods. We also cover Godot’s upgraded XR support with a universal OpenXR APK, the latest Horizon OS v83 features like system-level positional TimeWarp and temporal dimming, and the reportedly upcoming 2026 Pico headset with 4K micro-OLED displays and an R1-style chip. Finally, we dive into the latest AI tools for 3D layout and reconstruction including Meta’s WorldGen, systems that bring real-world objects and images into VR in seconds, and the new Horizon Hyperscape update that lets you invite friends as Meta avatars, along with our hands-on impressions of visiting Hyperscape worlds.

    2 hr 42 min
  8. Black Friday Deals, Lynx Loses Android XR, TCL's High-Density OLED

    Show notes

    We discuss the best Black Friday VR deals including Quest 3S bundles at Costco and Best Buy, and PS VR2 dropping to $300, as well as Lynx’s next headset reportedly skipping Android XR while aiming for the widest standalone field of view. We also dive into TCL’s high-density OLED displays and how they could enable the midrange headsets VR needs, then share our thoughts on Steam Frame one week after its reveal, including why it isn’t Valve Index 2 – and why that’s a good thing – plus what its reportedly unprecedented modular design could mean for PC VR.

    3 hr 8 min
  9. Meta Ray-Ban Display Full Review With Extended Q&A

    Show notes

    We discuss our full review of Meta Ray-Ban with the new heads-up display, exploring how this first-generation take on mobile computing holds up in everyday use, followed by an extended Q&A. We also talk about Apple now selling PS VR2 Sense controllers for Vision Pro, the latest Apple Immersive Video experience that puts you aboard the USS Nimitz as Super Hornets launch, and Meta’s new LA retail store focused on smart glasses and Quest headsets.

    2 hr 58 min
  10. Steam Frame Special: Valve Officially Announced It, And UploadVR Went Hands-On

    Show notes

    We discuss Valve’s official announcement of Steam Frame, a streaming-first standalone VR headset, and our hands-on impressions after trying it. We also dig into Valve’s goal of increasing the value of your Steam library with this device and what it means that Valve isn’t currently working on a new VR game.

    2 hr 46 min
  11. Logitech MX Ink For Quest & Logitech Muse For Apple Vision Pro Assessed

    Show notes

    We discuss our impressions of Logitech’s MX Ink for Quest and Muse for Apple Vision Pro, which currently paint an unfinished picture for creative input. We also cover Quest 3S hitting its lowest-ever price in certified refurbished stock, Sharp crowdfunding a strange lightweight tethered PC VR headset, new findings from Cambridge and Meta that “retinal” resolution is far higher than 60 PPD, and Meta’s $1.5 million competition for new Quest apps and significant updates.

    2 hr 6 min
  12. A Weekend With Samsung Galaxy XR, Meta Reality Labs Restructure

    Show notes

    We discuss our weekend with Samsung Galaxy XR, including on-device sideloading with an open bootloader, its hidden USB-C port for accessories and hubs, why Google Maps stands out among the included software, and how Android XR’s APK ecosystem works without a phone or PC. We also cover Vimeo adding Apple Immersive Video support, VRChat arriving on iPhone, iPad, and flatscreen Android, and Magic Leap and Google extending their partnership with a HUD glasses prototype. Plus, we dig into Meta Reality Labs’ rising revenue as retailers stock Quest 3S for the holidays, the v83 PTC’s evolved Horizon OS UI teased at Connect, and the restructure separating Horizon OS from the “metaverse.”

    3 hr 26 min
  13. M5 Apple Vision Pro & Samsung Galaxy XR Launch Impressions

    Show notes

    We discuss launch impressions of the M5 Apple Vision Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy XR with Android XR, including the new dual knit band’s balance, why M2 owners can’t trade in, and Galaxy XR pricing at $1800 with $250 controllers, plus smart glasses updates from Oakley’s Meta Vanguard hitting stores, Meta eyewear driving more than one third of EssilorLuxottica’s growth, Amazon confirming HUD glasses for delivery drivers, and Snap OS adding in-app payments, permission alerts, new UI/Mobile Kits, and EyeConnect alongside new Synth Riders, Star Wars, and Avatar: The Last Airbender minigames, niche 4K micro‑OLED gear like Shiftall’s MeganeX Mark II with Index‑like SteamVR controllers, how Play For Dream MR became a daily PC VR driver, and Decart XR’s early AI reskinning experiments, as well as colocated mixed reality games including Pickle Pro and Spatial Rifts on Apple Vision Pro with PS VR2 controller support and Wizardtag, a spellcasting take on Quest 3’s Lasertag.

    3 hr 36 min
  14. Anduril EagleEye Design Revealed, M5 Apple Vision Pro Announced

    Show notes

    We discuss Meta’s latest Quest and Horizon OS updates — from the Quest Browser’s instant WebXR hit testing and v81’s Immersive Home, window anchoring and QuickPlay to Quest 3’s Windows 11 Remote Desktop ultrawide aspect options and Horizon+’s new indie catalog — plus Anduril’s revealed EagleEye military XR headset design, Samsung setting a date for its Android XR headset and a new Lynx tease that could run Google’s Android XR, and Apple Vision Pro news including live Apple Immersive LA Lakers games, Logitech’s Muse spatial stylus preorders, Apple selling PS VR2 Sense controllers for $250 next month, and the officially announced M5 Vision Pro with a Dual Knit Band.

    2 hr 55 min
  15. Samsung Galaxy XR Controllers, New Valve Headset Mass Production?

    Show notes

    We discuss leaked renders claiming Samsung’s Galaxy XR includes controllers, Samsung’s Google-powered HUD glasses potentially launching next year, and Valve’s next headset reportedly entering mass production; plus VRChat creators turning into birds with Quest Pro eye tracking, Meta’s latest shooter adding VR support after an uproar, the first technical details of Meta’s Horizon engine, Blumhouse Enhanced Cinema out now with M3GAN and The Black Phone, Meta AI data being used for targeted advertising starting in December, and a new reference to a Dual Knit Band for Apple Vision Pro.

    2 hr 30 min
  16. Meta Ray-Ban Display Sells Out, Is "Apple Vision Air" Canceled!?

    Show notes

    We discuss Valve launching Steam Link on Pico headsets and Vive Focus Vision and Quest 3 and 3S usage surpassing Quest 2 on SteamVR; Meta Ray-Ban Display selling out as early adopters struggle to buy, plus our hands-on impressions of Meta Ray-Ban Display and the Meta Neural Band across New York City; and Apple’s latest moves, from a MotoGP tour de force placing you trackside with Apple Immersive Blackmagic cameras and a new Vision Pro appearing on the FCC website to Apple reportedly pausing Vision Air to prioritize smart glasses with a display.

    2 hr 47 min
  17. Meta Opening LA Store, Samsung Android XR Headset Launch Rumors

    Show notes

    We discuss a big week for immersive video with GoPro upgrading its 360 camera to challenge Insta360 and DJI, a MotoGP trackside showcase shot for Apple Immersive Video with Blackmagic rigs, and new Apple Immersive Video content coming from Red Bull, Audi, BBC Proms, CNN and more; Project Beyondex bringing Valve Index speakers to Bigscreen Beyond, Snap OS 2.0 pushing AR glasses closer to consumer-ready, and SiNGRAY G2’s standalone birdbath headset for enterprise; Meta’s v81 PTC letting you launch Link PC VR games from the Quest library and a new LA retail store for headsets and glasses; Pimax delaying Dream Air again while promising the widest micro‑OLED FOV; and Samsung’s Android XR headset reportedly launching October 21.

    2 hr 37 min
  18. Connect 2025 Special: Meta Ray-Ban Display & Horizon Hyperscape Hands-On Impressions

    Show notes

    We discuss hands-on impressions of Meta’s Ray-Ban Display wristband and Horizon Hyperscape’s photorealistic scene capture on Quest 3, the Gen 2 Ray-Ban Meta glasses, Oakley Meta Vanguard with a wider FOV centered camera and IP67 resistance, Garmin watch integration, a new smart glasses SDK, Conversation Focus, and Michael Abrash’s vision for always-on contextual AI, plus a tease of the next Horizon OS system UI, an Avatar: Fire And Ash 3D teaser on Quest, Blumhouse Enhanced Cinema bringing M3GAN with immersive effects, Discord coming to Quest next year, and major Horizon upgrades including a 4x faster Engine, 100+ user instances, and AI-driven creation in Horizon Studio.

    3 hr 28 min
  19. Horizon Worlds AI NPCs, Meta Connect 2025 Predictions & Expectations

    Show notes

    We discuss iPhone 17 Pro still being limited to 1080p 30 FPS for spatial video, Alterego’s “silent speech” approach to discreet dictation, the US Army’s field tests of hundreds of Anduril and Rivet AR headsets, Amazon reportedly working on Echo HUD glasses and the broader smart glasses boom, Porsche’s colocated Apple Vision Pro showcase of its new drivetrain and BMW using Quest 3 to train EV battery technicians, Meta reportedly burying Horizon Worlds child safety research, new scriptable conversational AI NPCs in Horizon Worlds, and our predictions and expectations for Meta Connect 2025.

    3 hr 32 min
  20. Windows MR Headsets Revived, Is Steam Frame Valve's New Headset?

    Show notes

    We discuss Meta’s next steps for smart glasses, including Meta AI gaining calendar access and Meta Connect’s agenda essentially confirming a smart glasses SDK; Wist’s Minority Report-style memory replay on Apple Vision Pro and Quest; a surge in Quest 3 and 3S usage on SteamVR and whether sales and the Xbox Edition drove it; how Windows MR headsets are being revived by the free Oasis SteamVR driver, now auto-installed by the SteamVR beta; Valve bringing Steam Link to Pico headsets; and whether Valve’s newly registered Steam Frame trademark points to its next headset.

    1 hr 50 min