VRborg.com

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August 29, 2017

How to Optimize Oculus Rift Performance?

Oculus Rift has two things working for it that make minimum system requirements quite low – Asynchronous Spacewarp and Asynchronous Timewarp. There are, of course, recommended specs to deliver the optimal performance. For best experience, we strongly suggest that you make sure your PC meets the recommended specs. Oculus has a compatibility tool that checks if your PC meets the Rift’s requirements.

Asynchronous Timewarp (ATW), not only has a bad-ass name for a piece of software, but also helps your PC maintain enjoyable gaming experience. ATW helps your hardware if it gets distracted processing other information. This is when it kicks in, providing a much smoother positional tracking, and makes sure that images are rendered in time.

Asynchronous Spacewarp plays pretty much the same role. When your PC has trouble processing information, ASW kicks in and makes sure you get an enjoyable experience without the “judder” effect, as it generates required images to provide unobstructed gameplay.

Optimizing Oculus Rift Performance

If you still get glitches, and your PC meets the requirements, there are several things you can do that will optimize Oculus Rift performance.

1. Keep your software up to date

If you are using Windows 7 and update it to Windows 8.1, your PC will clearly perform better. Situation is the same when upgrading your OS to Windows 10.

You also need to keep Oculus runtime apps up to date, as the engines that Rift uses are constantly being updated.

Oculus SDK (Software Development Kit) takes care of this, and can also help you improve image quality. You can read more about sharpening Rift visuals with the Oculus tray tool here.

2. Disable/modify some Windows features

There are certain Windows features that make your PC run better in regular environment, but are not beneficial when using a VR device. We point out the two you should disable – SpeedStep and HyperThreading.

SpeedStep is a feature that all Intel CPU-s have, and is a power saving tool. However, it lowers the processor’s performance in order to achieve this. If your CPU isn’t Intel’s, it probably has the same or a similar feature. SpeedStep can be disabled in BIOS directly, but there are several different ways to do this. SpeedStep also prevents you from overclocking your PC.

HyperThreading makes your PC good at multitasking. Usually, this is a great thing, but for VR it is very bad, therefore you should disable it. You should also make sure that your power configuration is set to Maximum Performance. You can do this in the Power Management Settings.

3. Minor optimizations

If you happen to have 2 monitors (or more) connected, you should disable all but one of them. Additionally, you should shut down all running apps, allowing your PC to process only the VR experience. This also includes turning off Windows Services that are not necessary for your work.

Another thing that you should pay attention to is to store all of your VR files on your SSD (Solid State Drive). If you just store this data on a simple hard drive, it may decrease your PC performance severely.

These tweaks will definitely help you optimize Oculus Rift performance. If the performance is not sufficient even after the tweaks, consider upgrading your PC.

Shinecon Mogoo 3D VR Headset Glasses Review

Reviews

VRBorg Queen

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August 29, 2017

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Shinecon Mogoo 3D VR Headset Glasses Review

Today, virtual reality headsets are the hot topic everyone talks about. Remember when Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear VR created a buzz for everyone? You can, and what happened? Retail stores are packed with different VR Headsets you can buy to immerse yourself into your Smartphone while playing games or watching movies.

Compared to the Gear VR that has ample expensive features, you do get secondary market models such as the VR Shinecon Mogoo 3D VR Headset. However, one cannot compare it to the luxurious models. But as you will see in our review, it works pretty well for the price.

How Impressive are Shinecon Mogoo 3D VR Headset Glasses?

The Shinecon Mogoo 3D VR Headset is impressive for an entry-level headset. With the sturdy build, it holds the current generation of devices such as Nexus 5 or Note 4 and works without a flaw. However, with that in mind is this device suitable for your needs? Let us dig deeper and find out.

Comfortable Design

The headset has soft padding running on the sides of the headset. This makes the device very comfortable to wear. The elastic band supplied with this model does not apply much pressure to your face or head. On both sides of the visor, you will find open ports to plug-in your mobile devices’ power cord.

There are three adjustable straps to help prevent pressure on the bridge of your nose making for a comfortable fit. The front cover magnet is detachable. The headset weighs about 1.1 pounds and you need a mobile device to power it. The recommended phone screen size to use with the Shinecon Mogoo 3D VR Headset is 3.5 – 6.0 inches.

Mogoo 3D VR Headset Glasses Smartphones — Whatever you have, it can take it!

Further, do not expect to find built-in speakers, as it does not have one. You can solve this problem by connecting your headphones to your phone for the best results. The Mogoo 3D virtual reality headset has no built-in action buttons or screen tap buttons. You do not get a game controller included.

Visual Use

There are two types of visual adjustments you can use.

The wheel on top of the device that modifies the pupil distance adjustment to line up images perfectly. For object distance adjustments, there are two knobs found on both sides of the Shinecon Mogoo 3D VR Headset. What it does is increase or decrease the distance of your phone’s screen, allowing you to view the screen better.

Shinecon Mogoo 3D VR Headset compensates for nearsightedness (Myopia) up to 6°. If you have a higher number than that, it’s best to use contact lenses, as glasses do not sit well inside the headset.

Mogoo 3D VR Headset Glasses Lenses — Horse-sighted? No problem!

Do you get apps with this device?

Included with your purchase are the virtual reality headset, head strap, cleaning cloth, adjusting shim, and a user manual. There have been complaints about manuals being in Chinese, but it is not difficult to figure out how to set up the device on your own.

Shinecon Mogoo 3D VR Headset does not have any sensors and you need to rely on your phone for movement.

You receive two QR codes with your device. The first one directs you to the Shinecon website. The other one directs you to a website where you can download the app for your headset. You will be able to adjust the object and pupil distance once you have the app available on your phone.

After that, you can go to Google Play Store and find a slew of interesting VR apps to try.

Features and Specs

The Mogoo 3D VR Headset has an ABS/PC Plastic design
The field of view is 102° with HD magnification of 5.2-fold
Suitable to use with Android and iPhone devices with a 3.5 – 6-inch screen size
The headset is suitable for use if you have a 0-400° Myopia
You receive a head strap, adjusting shim, cleaning cloth and a user manual

Customer Feedback

When it comes to the design of the Shinecon VR Headset Mogoo 3D Glasses, the customers are pleased and found it one of the best on the market. The only negative remark is the instruction manual, written in Chinese. They are pleased with the depth and width options and rated the product with a 5-star rating.

[wp-review id=”129″]

Mogoo 3D VR Headset Glasses — Flip it open, put your smartphone in there – BOOM! Virtual reality.

Disclaimer: Any purchase through the links provided in this text earns us a monetary commission.

The Best Virtual Reality (VR) Meditation Apps

Apps & Experiences

Soledachef

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August 28, 2017

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The Best Virtual Reality (VR) Meditation Apps

In this hectic world we live in, it is becoming ever more difficult to find a peace of mind. So many people are stressed out, anxious and depressed. For the purpose of achieving mental balance, many people resort to practicing mindfulness and meditation.

Virtual reality is clearly a great way to take a break from everyday problems, since it lets you immerse into the world of your liking. With vast selection of different roles you can take and environments to explore, it was just a matter of time before VR meditation apps become a thing.

We could argue about the true meaning of meditation, and if the proper way to try and achieve it is by wearing a VR device. However, we can all agree that there are plenty of virtual reality apps that offer various soothing and relaxing environments. These are some of the best VR meditation apps that are currently available.

Guided Meditation VR

Guided Meditation VR is a a virtual reality relaxation app that allows you to recharge in various enticing locations. This VR meditation app is developed by Cubicle Ninjas. It offers over 17 lush environments to choose from. It is available for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Gear VR.

The best thing about Guided Meditation VR is that it takes you to beautiful places from the comfort of your room, yet you can still customize it to some extent.

In each location, you can choose from several meditation spots, which will make each custom made environment more interesting, since you’ll be able to enjoy it from various angles.

Your virtual teachers will guide you through over 50 meditative sessions. There are different meditation categories like zen, movement, loving compassion, relaxation and many more. Music is also optional.

Nature Treks VR

Nature Treks VR is available on Steam and you can also buy it at Oculus store for $9.99. This is a game without a distinctive gameplay, and that’s what makes it absolutely perfect for the purpose. You just explore the great outdoors and enjoy the nature.

With the new “creator” patch update you are now able to “play god” and shape your own world using HTC Vive motion controllers and Oculus touch. You naturally control the weather and the time of day as well.

The app has 10 different themes, all providing unique breathtaking environments. All of the themes combined offer over 300 locations in approximately 5 square kilometers of space for you to explore.

Each environment is carefully created to reflect a specific emotional state. Audio reacts to your surroundings, subtly complementing it, but you can also turn the music down and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature.

Perfect VR

Developed by Ndreams, this app provides the purest VR escapism. Simple controls and beautiful landscapes make Perfect VR a good choice if you want to introduce someone you love to the world of virtual reality for the first time.

You will have 3 breathtaking destinations at your disposal – Tropical Beach, Mountain Wilderness and the Northern Lights. Perfect VR available for PlayStation VR, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.

Why Is There No Broadcast of Mayweather vs. McGregor in VR (Virtual Reality)?

Blog

VRBorg Queen

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August 26, 2017

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Why Is There No Broadcast of Mayweather vs. McGregor in VR (Virtual Reality)?

A missed opportunity?

Unless you’ve been travelling through China and North Korea in the past several months, you should’ve at least heard about the “biggest fight ever”. And I’m not entirely sure even the Great Firewall of China would shield you against the news.

The drama, controversy and hype are leaking everywhere. From young to old, most everybody has had the names of Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor pass through their lips lately.

Marketing gimmicks and tricks aside, the MayMac craze is a fascinating phenomenon. The two most prominent names from the boxing and MMA world have come together to bring the fans a stylistically intriguing matchup.

The fire caught on, and the fight is primed to break all combat sports records. With only a bit more than a day left till the fight, the pre-fight anticipation and intensity is reaching a boiling point at the moment.

Now, what does this all have to do with Virtual Reality, you may ask?

Well, it really seems like a gravely missed opportunity that no major VR player, no tech-startup or entrepreneur has seized this unique opportunity to set up a live broadcast in Virtual Reality.

Think about it. From a technical standpoint, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to watch the fight in VR. There are already start-ups and companies, such as NextVR or LiveLike, specifically focusing on live sports broadcasting.

Even NBA and FOX Sports offer their own 360° and VR apps and solutions.

Therefore, it makes sense to bring all top level sports broadcasts into VR, doesn’t it? And it would certainly make sense to make the Mayweather vs. McGregor fight VR accessible, right?

Relics from the past

The specific problem with boxing is that it’s an old sport with its own establishment and accompanying entertainment industry. The kind of establishment and industry that has largely shaped up and developed through the 20^th century.

A boxing lead-up to the fight is somewhat “old school”. For instance, boxing press conferences consist of officials and associates all having their own take at the microphone. Obviously, to cycle through this sizeable line-up requires time. A lot of time.

Naturally, the media and especially the fans are not really interested in most of these people. They want to hear boxers’ opinions, thoughts, smack talk, the drama, the hype, the competitiveness.

Second, the boxing industry has long been largely about numbers – stats, PPV buys, money, sponsors etc. The whole thing has become very rigid, with its own way of doing things, often times not optimal and applicable for every situation.

You can imagine that in such an environment, a “new thing” such as Virtual Reality is probably not even an afterthought. The fact that VR is still in its early stages of mass market adoption doesn’t help either.

So, it’s easy to imagine some boxing establishment executives laughing in your face for proposing something like a live VR broadcast. From their perspective, the VR market numbers simply wouldn’t justify the infrastructure and logistics expenditures required to setup a live VR broadcast of the fight.

Last, but not least, Mayweather vs. McGregor standard definition PPV price is $89.95. High definition is $99.95. Just imagine how much more the price would get jacked up for a live VR broadcast. Even the boxing fans who are VR enthusiasts would probably pass on the price tag. It would be too expensive surely.

For a sport like boxing, Virtual Reality is still something alien. It’s an unfortunate reality (no pun intended) we’re living in today.

Change is inevitable, but it takes time

It’s safe to say that VR is growing and slowly leaking into the mainstream. Nothing is 100% certain, but this time around, it doesn’t look to be another tech fad.

Nevertheless, mass mainstream adoption is yet to happen. The financial barrier of entry is still relatively steep for such a niche product in its infancy stages.

A few VR sports broadcasting apps and start-ups are slowly cropping up out there, so there’s obviously some market interest already. Still, it’s going to take a while before live VR sports broadcasts become a regular thing.

In the meantime, #WarMcGregor!

The Best Way to Clean Oculus Rift Foam Padding

Guides

Soledachef

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August 25, 2017

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The Best Way to Clean Oculus Rift Foam Padding

Oculus Rift is one of the best VR headsets currently on the market. Oculus is currently having a limited time offer making the device more affordable. Despite great performance, Oculus Rift has its fair share of drawbacks.

However, the device still offers a lot, it is very comfortable, with accurate motion controllers and plenty of games to enjoy. By making the device comfortable, designers overlooked an important issue – the soft and comfy Rift foam padding absorbs too much sweat!

This can be pretty disgusting, especially if you want to share the headset with someone and it isn’t clean. If not maintained properly, this can even lead to your foam padding getting stinky from all the absorbed sweat, dirt and bacteria.

This issue amplifies if you are playing intense games that require a lot of movement like Echo Arena for example. Hygiene is very important for most people, and so far we have discovered two solutions for the problem at hand.

Remove the foam padding and give it a good rinse!

First off, it is always a good idea to wash your face before putting the headset on. Have in mind that you still shouldn’t put it on your face before it is completely dry.

Once you are done with your VR session, you can remove the Rift foam padding as instructed in the video above. As you can see, don’t try to pull out the foam but the plastic segment that holds it in place.

If you do this regularly, after each use, antibacterial wet wipes will do the trick. Make sure that the wet wipes you use are non-abrasive, so you don’t damage Rift’s foam padding. It is also a good idea to use some type of skin-safe wet wipes, baby wipes or those used for make-up removal.

Use a VR cover

Recognizing the problem with maintaining the hygiene of headsets, companies like VRcover started manufacturing solutions. They offer simple, easy to use products that can really help you out.

The covers are designed to perfectly fit the headset, making sure that in prolonged sessions with Rift, the headset remains clean. They are comfortable as well, but so is the Rift’s original foam padding. However, the covers are much easier to maintain.

Oculus Rift VR Cover set contains 2 padding covers and a microfiber cloth you can use to clean the lenses at a price of $19.00. The covers are 100% cotton and you can wash them with your clothes in a washing machine. Make sure to wash them in cold water (30 Celsius).

While $19.00 may seem excessive for a simple piece of cloth, this purchase will make sure you never have to worry about wearing unclean and sweaty headset again. Besides, the vast majority of users are pleased with the product.

Additional tip:

If you are a really sweaty person and you don’t want to spend 20 bucks on the VR cover, you can use a headband and prevent the sweat from your forehead sliding down to the foam padding.

Warning! – this will make you look silly, but whatever, wearing Oculus Rift already did that.