‘Dance with flARmingos’ in a mixed reality mating ritual

Flamingos rule everything around her. Her clothes are covered in them. Her workspace is littered with representations of their spindly legs and hot-pink plumes. She’s spent hours studying their migratory patterns, mating rituals and native environments. She’s traveled the world speaking to conservationists and ornithologists to better understand them. She even adopted 20 of the winged icons to aid her research and their preservation.

Dance With flARmingos was made possible through funding from the Engadget Alternate Realities grant program, established in May 2017. It will debut, along with four other prize-winning immersive-media projects, at the Engadget Experience on November 14th, 2017. For more information about the Engadget Experience, the grant program and the grantees visit our events page, and click here to buy your ticket to the event before they run out.

For the past two years, artist Kristin Lucas’ work has revolved around flamingos, and yet, it wasn’t until this June, during her residency with Print Screen, an Israeli digital-art festival, that she saw one in the flesh.

“It’s like buying a planet or something,” she said. “So you have a leap of faith, and you’re like, ‘I have invested in these flamingos,’ and you’re investing in an organization anyway, but it’s just hilarious to me that I would perhaps never, ever see these flamingos.”

During her tireless research, Lucas located a flamingo habitat in Eilat, Israel, some 215 miles from Jaffa, where she was in residency. The director of the residency was skeptical that she’d find what she was after, but she was determined. She reached out to a conservationist at the International Birding and Research Center who agreed to take her to the site.

“We stayed at a distance inside the car, and I was able to look at the flamingos,” she said. “It was incredibly emotional. I couldn’t believe that I was seeing this bird, and why was this bird not pink?”

As it turns out, flamingos come in an array of colors, from muted gray to bright pink, but our understanding of them is often limited to “hyper-real” (to use Lucas’ words) depictions, the stuff of plastic lawn ornaments and Lisa Frank sticker packs.

Her latest work, Dance With flARmingos, being developed in residency at Pioneer Works in Red Hook, Brooklyn, brings dimension to these iconic birds through the use of mixed reality. It engages the audience in a sort of animated line dance, turning the usual human-flamingo dynamic on its head. Flamingos have been pushed out of their natural habitats due to ecotourism, overpopulation and sea-level changes, leading to declines in their population — but they’ve found ways to adapt. In flARmingos, Lucas wants us to adapt to them and not the other way around.

“Representations of flamingos out there by far outnumber the actual bird,” she said. “The flamingo is a bit of a cultural icon for us, and there’s sort of a flatness to an icon. It’s really hard to approach or to get much further with the images — it’s difficult to penetrate the image of the flamingo.”

Lucas broke the project down into three distinct parts that she says represent distinct types of storytelling: traditional, interactive and immersive. When viewers approach the installation, they’ll be greeted by a sort of olfactory bartender or tour guide who will introduce them to a custom-made scent that mimics the wetlands flamingos thrive in. This is the traditional storytelling stage. In the interactive stage, an attendant will hand them an iPad they can use to fill an AR habitat with representations of Lucas’ adopted flamingos and learn more about the birds through informational overlays.

The final “immersive” stage puts the viewer inside the habitat that they’ve just seen on the iPad. They’ll be placed inside a room with windows where observers in the prior interactive stage can view them among the flamingos, as if at a zoo. This is where the “dance” part of Dance With flARmingos comes in: Two viewers will slip on a HoloLens headsets at the same time.

Once inside the headset, they “become” the flamingo. The two HoloLens users will see each other as flamingos, as will the audience members holding iPads outside the room. They’ll then be prompted to follow Lucas’ digital flock through a choreographed mating ritual. This part is set to a custom soundtrack using archival recordings of flamingos composed by Adriano Clemente.

If it sounds like she’s doing a lot, it’s supposed to. Flamingos aren’t one-dimensional animals, and Lucas wanted that to come through in the work.

“That’s why I’m interested in AR,” she said. “Because I want you to be able to interact with more than one world at the same time. I like the porousness between worlds; I like the porousness between devices. And I realize that there’s just a complexity to all of the subjects that I’m studying. There are many different paths to take here to have this conversation about flamingos, and I don’t want them to be held separately from one another — I want to understand the whole ecology of thoughts, of conflicts, of concepts that are part of this piece.”

The porousness that she was after created a unique challenge for Lucas’ technical team. Ben Purdy, the project’s lead software developer, and Thomas Wester, the technical director, were tasked with getting an iPad using ARKit and a HoloLens to “see” the same thing.

“From a technology perspective, we needed to create a common virtual space that all these devices look into. So, the iPad and the HoloLens are, in a sense, views on a virtual space that we’re creating. I think that’s a really interesting way to start thinking about augmented reality in a space. Every device in that space should be able to look at the augmented version of that space. Instead of we all just have our own augmented realities in our phones, or in our headsets, we’re all looking at a shared augmented reality.”

There is no seamless way to make that happen. HoloLens was announced in January 2015 but is still largely inaccessible to the public. Meanwhile, Apple’s ARKit isn’t even a year old. As Purdy puts it, “The whole AR/VR landscape is very new still, and these platforms, even on their own, are very green.”

For Purdy, it’s been hard to let go of the idea that the eventual synchronization might not be just right. For Lucas, it’s an opportunity.

“I’m really interested in the intangibility of the flamingo and the uncertainty of their future, and I think that AR does a really interesting job of working with this kind of content because of its intangibility. Because every once in awhile it loses its tracking. I love errors, and that everything isn’t perfect.”

The imperfections in Dance With flARmingos don’t stop at the shared view of two disparate operating systems. All of the choreography on display was created using motion-capture, and while Lucas is quick to drop everything and show off all that she’s learned — mimicking the bird’s signature head flagging, preening, marching and wing salutes — the flamingos in her piece are still oddly human. Their legs bend in the wrong direction, their necks aren’t nearly as expressive, and there’s a big old hole in their chests — a trait Lucas attributes to human error.

“I’m the kind of artist who gets her feet wet in everything, and that was the best flamingo I could make,” she said. “But I wanted the flamingo to also be very accessible and more like a sketch. I wanted it to be approachable. I wanted it to sort of carry some of the simplicity of the types of images that I see in fashion and tourism so it’ll be easily recognizable as a flamingo, but you might also actually feel bad for it.”

This is the beauty of Lucas’ art. It is, like her, devoid of pretense. She lives in a world that is often obtuse, even off-limits. Her work has appeared at major art institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, Dia Center for the Arts and The Whitney. She teaches transmedia in the University of Texas at Austin’s Department of Art and Art History, and speaks in metaphors. She is, on paper, an artist’s artist. Step inside her world, however, and you’ll find a woman who loves flamingos, unencumbered.

To say that she has a preoccupation is an understatement, but it only takes a moment to realize that her fascination is completely genuine.

Apple Stores in Burlingame, CA and Burlington, MA Reopen Next Weekend Following Renovations

Apple today announced that its retail stores in Burlingame, California, near San Mateo, and Burlington, Massachusetts, near Boston, will celebrate grand reopenings on Saturday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

A render of Apple’s new store in Burlingame, California via Storeteller
Both locations have been closed for several months while undergoing renovations, as part of Apple’s efforts to modernize its retail stores around the world. The updated aesthetic typically includes large glass doors, sequoia wood tables and shelves, and a large video screen for Today at Apple programming.

Apple Burlingame originally opened in July 2003, while Apple Burlington has been serving customers since November 2005. Apple now operates over 250 retail stores across the United States, and nearly 500 worldwide.

Related Roundup: Apple Stores
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Facebook Rebrands Standalone ‘Events’ iOS App as ‘Facebook Local’

One year after launching the standalone “Events” app for iOS and Android devices, Facebook today announced a rebranding and relaunch of the app that will also bring bars, restaurants, and nearby attractions to your attention. Now called “Local from Facebook,” or simply “Facebook Local,” the app combines your Facebook events with nearby hotspots into a single app, which is powered by the company’s 70 million business Pages as well as your own friends and family members’ personal reviews (via TechCrunch).

Images of Facebook Local via TechCrunch
The app’s home page includes shortcuts to show you nearby restaurants, cafes, drink spots, attractions, and more, as well as a guide to where your friends visit often. The original app’s calendar of your Events is located here, as well as a Trending Events section, guides to music, nightlife, and other notable happenings, and filters to see all events occurring on specific days.

Facebook Local can sync with your iPhone’s Calendar app to combine all of your plans into one area, and the new app also allows you to update your current city if you’re traveling. Facebook’s recent Order Food feature isn’t implemented into Local, but Pages for certain restaurants sometimes include a link to other delivery apps like Grubhub.

According to Facebook Local product manager Aditya Koolwal, all of these features are meant to further Facebook’s new mission of “bringing the world closer together.”

Facebook Local product manager Aditya Koolwal tells me the goal was to “Make it as lot easier to do certain kind of looks ups that are very common when making plans with friends.”

Facebook’s new mission is “Bringing the world closer together” and few things do that as vividly as nightlife. The company is often criticized for supposedly isolating people, but there’s no replacement for Facebook Events. When I hear people considering deleting their Facebook account, it’s often Events that they stay for. By bundling these with local business listings, Facebook could finally give Events the spotlight they deserve.

Before Facebook Local, the company just yesterday expanded Marketplace to include apartment rentals, and previously launched car listings in October. In terms of standalone apps, in August Facebook shuttered the Groups and Lifestage apps, specifically stating that Groups was returning to be a focus of the main Facebook app and the social network’s website.

You can download Local from Facebook on the iOS App Store for free today. [Direct Link]

Tag: Facebook
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Apple’s Extended 2017 Holiday Return Policy Said to Begin November 25

Apple’s annual extended holiday return policy will begin November 25 in the United States, according to a senior Apple support advisor.

Most products and accessories purchased between November 25 and December 25 of this year will be eligible for return until January 8, 2018 in the United States, and the extended window likely applies to Australia, Canada, and select other countries as well. Last year, in most of Europe, the end date was January 20.

Apple products that can be returned include, among other things, the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. The few items that cannot be returned include Apple or iTunes gift cards. Apple products can be opened and used prior to the return date, but must be returned undamaged with the original packaging.

When making a purchase at an Apple retail store, we recommend that you ask for printed and emailed copies of your receipt. Both printed and emailed receipts will indicate the return date for each product purchased, while Apple also lists the cutoff date under the “Your Account” section on its website.

All purchases made before November 25 or after December 25 are subject to Apple’s standard 14-day return policy in most countries.

Tag: Apple retail
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Stop those unwanted phone calls and learn how to block a number in Android

Tired of getting calls from automated spammers or creepy strangers? If so, you need to know how to block a number in Android. Figuring out how to block calls, however, can take some digging. Some manufacturers bury blacklist features deep in the settings pane, and some older devices may not provide native blocking features at all.

Thankfully, there are several ways to block calls on your Android device. Here, we’ll take a look at how to do it with your phone’s native features, and we’ll suggest a couple of Android apps that are worth considering. Lastly, we’ll provide information on how to block callers via your phone carrier.

Blocking calls on an Android smartphone

The methods for doing this will vary slightly according to your specific device and the version of Android that you are using. Many tutorials exist for your specific device. Try searching on YouTube or the XDA developers forum.

There is no universal path for blocking contacts on Android smartphones, and it’s a feature the vanilla versions of Android Lollipop and older oddly omit. Thankfully, for those users with stock Android devices, like the Google Pixel or Google Pixel XL, running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later, Android now gives you a way to block a caller right from the Phone app. Some devices also allow users to enable a per-number blocking mode through the phone’s settings.

Blocking calls on a Pixel or Nexus device (Marshmallow 6.0+)

From the Google phone app

When in the Phone app, tap the more options icon () next to the microphone. Then, select Settings > Call Blocking and add the number you want to block. You can also go to Call history or Recent calls and tap the number you want to block, then select Block. Here, you can also Report call as spam.

From the Android Messages app

Long press a contact within the Messages app and tap the block icon () in the upper-right corner. You can also tap the more options icon () next to the magnifying glass, select Settings > Call blocking, and add the number you want to block.

Blocking calls on other stock Android phones

From the call log

From the call log, you can disable incoming calls from specific numbers. Select the number you want to block, then hit More or the 3-dot menu icon in the upper right corner and choose Add to reject list. This will disable incoming calls from specific numbers.

From your contacts list

If there’s a particularly persistent relative, friend, or ex whose number you’ve saved, blocking them’s a cinch. Just pull up your contacts, select the person you’d like to block, and hit the little button in the right-hand corner that looks like a pencil. Then, tap the 3-dot menu icon in the upper right corner and check the box next to All Calls to Voicemail. That contact’s calls will now be directed to your carrier’s voice inbox.

From the settings menu

One of the most common routes is to pull up your contact list by selecting the phone icon from your home screen. Then tap the three dot menu and choose Settings > Call > Call Rejection > Auto Reject List > Create. At this point, Android phones will have a search box that’ll appear. Insert the phone number or name of the person you want to block, and presto, that name will be added to the Auto Reject List.

Blocking calls on a Samsung phone

If you have a Samsung Galaxy S8 or another Samsung phone, then you can easily block phone numbers. Select the Phone icon on your home screen, tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, and then tap Settings. You’ll find Block numbers listed here — you can also use this menu to manage the numbers on your Block list. You can even toggle on the option to Block anonymous calls if you want to.

You can also block numbers from your call log. To do so, open up Phone > Recents and tap a number or contact. You can then tap Details > Menu (three-dots in the upper-right corner) > Block number, which will give you the option to block the number in question.

Blocking calls on an HTC phone

HTC, much like Samsung, has integrated call blocking. To use it, open the Phone app on your home screen and navigate to Call history. Long press on the number you’d like to block and tap the option to Block Contact or Block caller. You can review blocked contacts in the Phone app by tapping the menu icon at the top right (three vertical dots).

Blocking calls on an LG phone

LG has made it relatively simple to block numbers on its handsets, including the LG G6. To start, open the Phone app and navigate to the Call logs tab. Tap the number you want to block and then tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner. Afterward, select Block number in the resulting drop-down menu.

You can also review, add, or remove numbers from your list by opening the Phone app, navigating to the Call logs tab, tapping the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, and choosing Call blocking & Decline with message > Blocked numbers.

Blocking calls with an Android app

If none of the other options suits you, or you just want a more user friendly way of blocking calls on your Android smartphone, then a dedicated app might be your best bet. Here are five solid options.

Should I Answer?

Should I Answer is not your average call blocker. It’s able to block specific numbers or all phone numbers except those in your contact list, sure, but the real hook is its extensive database of known telemarketer, scammer, and premium rate numbers. When you get a phone call, Should I Answer shows a brief description and user reviews of the incoming number, plus the option to leave a rating of your own or to add the number to a private block list. Should I Answer also features some of the most robust call-blocking features of any app in its category. It can automatically filter calls from hidden numbers, premium numbers, foreign countries, and numbers below a certain review threshold. Perhaps best of all, all of the aforementioned features work offline — the app saves a small copy of the ratings database locally.

Download now for:

Android

Safest Call Blocker

Safest Call Blocker features the usual array of call blocking toggles — you can block all numbers from a custom blacklist, for example, and block all numbers that aren’t in your contacts — but you can also block a range of numbers using wildcards. Can’t stand the incessant 800 number offers for “free” Hawaiian vacations? Add 1-800-###-#### to the block list and you won’t hear one ever again. Safest Call Blocker also notifies you when it blocks calls, and automatically keeps blocked numbers out of your call log.

Download now for:

Android

Mr. Number

This app bills itself as a free alternative text and calling app, with free messaging between members and real-time updates about when your messages have been read. It also happens to be a powerful call- and text-blocking app for Android. You can block specific numbers or you can block area codes. Thanks to user-submitted info on telemarketers and other spam, you can create a block list that will protect you from cold calls.

Download now for:

Android

Call Control

Here’s another Android call blocker with a big list of user-submitted spam numbers that you can automatically block. This one also ties in with the FCC Do Not Call registry. You can decide which calls get blocked and exactly how they are handled with this versatile app. You get a free 14-day trial of the full app before it reverts to a limited “Lite” version unless you cough up $8 dollars.

Download now for:

Android

Extreme Call Blocker ($5)

Pay a one-off $5 fee and you’ll get a comprehensive call- and text message-blocking app that’s password protected and packed with features. You can send calls direct to voicemail, pick up and hang up automatically, or just mute the ringer. You can also use this app to block outgoing calls and it has a stealth mode, so the app can be hidden on a phone. This is a solid option that offers good call-blocking control and the ability to set up profiles with various parameters.

Download now for:

Android

Contacting your carrier

Most major carriers can block calls to your device. Verizon offers this service for free, and so does Sprint. There are some limitations — for instance, Verizon only allows you to block up to 5 lines. You’ll also have to reblock lines every 90 days. AT&T allows you to block up to 30 numbers for $5 a line/per month. T-Mobile doesn’t offer official services for blocking calls or texts, but you may have some success calling the T-Mobile service center.

Other options for blocking calls

There are a ton of other Android apps designed specifically for blocking calls, but you should read the reviews carefully and do your homework before opting for an alternative. Many of these apps can conflict with anti-virus apps, if not one another. Speaking of Android security apps, if you have Avast Mobile Security already installed, there’s an option for filtering calls and SMS messages that will allow you to block specific contacts.

Update: We checked this article for accuracy.

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Apple has the world’s two top-selling phones, but how well is iPhone 8 selling?

According to a report from the new research firm Canalys, the iPhone continues to be the top-selling phone with 46.7 million units sold in the third quarter of 2017. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 6S sold particularly strongly during the quarter, placing them at the number one and two spots for overall phone sales in the quarter.

The iPhone 7 saw the strongest sales of any mobile device with 13 million unit sold in the third quarter. Following in a distant second place was the iPhone 6S, first released in 2015, with 7.9 million units sold. The Canalys report attributed the strong sales of the iPhone 7 models partially to its lower price point after the announcement of the new 2018 iPhones.

Sales for the new iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were at 11.8 million units combined. The iPhone 8 Plus was the first Plus model to outsell its smaller counterpart, with sales of 6.3 million versus 5.4 million for the non-Plus version. Pre-orders and release day sales account for much of these sales as the phones were only available for eight days in the quarter.

Although sales of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were strong, they lagged significantly when compared with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus when they were released year-ago quarter. Apple sold 14 million iPhone 7 units during the same period in 2016.

Canalys believes sales of the iPhone 8 will remain sluggish partially due to the lower cost of the iPhone 7 and the introduction of the iPhone X. Reports of price cuts, due to low demand have already been reported in China and some analysts believe Apple will lower the price in the U.S. for the holidays.

Sales of the iPhone SE, Apple’s least expensive model, were surprisingly strong as well. Though Apple did not disclose the number of iPhone SE units sold in the third quarter, the firm reported strong sales of the unit in emerging markets such as India, and recently built a factory there to manufacture the device.

The Canalys report states that device diversity has been a key contributor to Apple’s growth in the smartphone market. Apple currently offers five different models of the iPhone ranging from $350 to $1000.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Samsung Galaxy Note 8 vs. Apple iPhone 7 Plus: Can the Note take out the iPhone?
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• How to buy the new iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X in the U.K.
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• The iPhone X may be expensive, but you’ll regret cheaping out with an iPhone 8

Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Everyone likes Apple apps, but sometimes the best ones are a bit expensive. Now and then, developers put paid apps on sale for free for a limited time, but you have to snatch them up while you have the chance. Here are the latest and greatest iOS app deals available from the iOS App Store.

These apps normally cost money and this sale lasts for a limited time only. If you go to the App Store and it says the app costs money, that means the deal has expired and you will be charged. 

Touch Forms

Creating web forms are made super easy with Touch Forms. It features a drag-and-drop form editor, so you can easily build a form with question fields, paragraphs, multiple choices, check boxes, bot checkers, and more with a few taps and swipes.

Available on:

iOS

99 Skills to Soccer

If you’re looking to better master the sport of soccer, this may just be the app for you. With 30 years of experience, the makers of this app promise to help beginners and experts alike on the field.

Available on:

iOS

Time Manager

Time Manager is an easy way to keep track of your daily activities. With one touch you can access all your common tasks and edit them at any time. All your tasks will be totaled and broken down into reports and graphs.

Available on:

iOS

Phoenix Photo Editor

Phoenix is a powerful and fast photo editor with a lot of editing tools, importing and sharing options. With Phoenix you will have all the freedom to customize your photos with pretty filters, effects, borders, and fonts.

Available on:

iOS

Timebox Photo Journal

Your personal photo journal now features iCloud shared journals, so you can collaborate and exchange full-fidelity photo and video stories with your family and friends.

Available on:

iOS

Essential Oils

Essential oils are suggested as remedies to several health conditions and lifestyle. This app makes it easy for you to get all essential oils’ tips and tricks. It’s an easy-to-go reference for your several uses of essential oils.

Available on:

iOS

Editors’ Recommendations

• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time
• Best iOS app deals of the day! 6 paid iPhone apps for free for a limited time

Android flagship throwdown: Razer Phone vs. Google Pixel 2 XL

The Razer Phone and the Google Pixel 2 XL are two devices that stand out among the current fleet of flagships. The Pixel line, designed by Google, is made to work seamlessly with Android, and is meant to offer the smoothest experience possible. The Razer Phone is the smartphone for gamers, thanks to an incredibly smooth 120Hz Ultramotion display, and a state-of-the-art cooling system that keeps the device from getting too hot during monster gaming sessions. They’re both incredible devices — but which one of these two should you buy? Let’s take a closer look at the specs to find out.

Specs

Razer Phone

Google Pixel 2 XL
Size
158.5 x 77.7 x 8 mm (6.24 x 3.06 x 0.31 inches)
157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 inches)
Weight
197 grams (6.95 ounces)
175 grams (6.17 ounces)
Screen
5.7-inch 120 Hz Ultramotion IGZO IPS LCD display
6-inch P-OLED display
Resolution
2,560 x 1,440 pixels (514 ppi)
2,880 x 1,440 pixels (538 ppi)
OS
Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Android 8.0 Oreo
Storage
64GB
64GB, 128GB
MicroSD card slot
Yes
No
NFC support
Yes
Yes
Processor
Snapdragon 835 with Adreno 540
Snapdragon 835 with Adreno 540
RAM
8GB
4GB
Connectivity
GSM, UMTS, HSPA, TD-SCDMA, LTE, TDD LTE, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
4G LTE, GSM, CDMA, HSPA+, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
Camera
Dual 12 MP rear (f/1.75 wide angle & f/2.6 zoom), 8 MP front
12.2MP rear, 8MP front
Video
Up to 4K at 30 fps
Up to 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps, 720p at 240fps
Bluetooth
Yes, version 4.2
Yes, version 5.0
Audio
Dual front-facing speakers, no headphone jack
Dual front-facing speakers, no headphone jack
Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Yes
Other sensors
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, Active Edge
Water resistant
No
Yes, IP67 rated
Battery
4,000mAh

Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0+

3,520mAh

Fast-charging, with 7 hours in 15 minutes of charge

Charging port
USB-C
USB-C
Marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Colors
Black
Black, Black and White
Availability
Razer

Best Buy, Unlocked from Google, Verizon

Price
$700
$850
DT review
Hands-on review
4.5 stars out of 5

Both the Razer Phone and the Pixel 2 XL are equipped with the Snapdragon 835, bringing them into line with most of 2017’s flagship devices. While they offer similarly slick performance, there is a difference in the amount of RAM offered in each device. The Google Pixel 2 XL comes with 4GB of RAM, while the Razer Phone doubles that number to an incredible 8GB.

While the impact RAM has on smartphone performance is debatable, the boost in RAM should give the Razer Phone the edge when swapping between demanding apps — like games, which are the Razer’s focus. Razer also has a unique approach to keeping the phone cool — a series of thermal shields and tubes transfer heat from the processing areas, and out through the body, keeping the phone’s brains cool and performance up. It’s an approach that we haven’t seen before, and it scores Razer some points.

While both models start at 64GB of internal storage, only the Pixel 2 XL offers a model with increased storage options — 128GB. That seems like it would give the Google phone the edge, but when you consider the lack of MicroSD support on the Pixel 2 XL, the Razer Phone pulls ahead with the option of expandable storage. While Pixel owners get unlimited high-quality photo storage, it doesn’t quite match up to the extra expandable room on the Razer Phone.

Both devices forgo the venerable 3.5mm headphone jack, but only the Pixel 2 XL has taken advantage of Bluetooth 5‘s increased range, strength, and features. The choice to run with Bluetooth 4.2 on a phone without a headphone jack is a strange one for the Razer Phone, and it does lose the gaming-centered device some points. Keeping the focus on audio, both the Pixel 2 XL and the Razer Phone are packing an impressive set of speakers. Both have gone for two front-facing stereo speakers that provide excellent sound, and make these phones perfect for media consumption. If we had to pick between the two, the Dolby Atmos-loaded speakers on the Razer Phone would get our vote, but the Pixel 2 XL’s speakers are also excellent.

When picking a winner in the specs category, it’s often about pure numbers, and that’s pretty much the case here. Both devices are loaded with powerful hardware, including the Snapdragon 835, and enough RAM to run smoothly. However, the extra 4GB of RAM, the option for expandable storage, and the cooling system on the Razer Phone beat out the inclusion of Bluetooth 5 on the Google Pixel 2 XL.

Winner: Razer Phone

Design and display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Pixel 2 XL is the first of Google’s phones to fully embrace the bezel-free design philosophy that’s come into full force this year. A smooth mix of glass and metal creates the iconic Pixel band on the rear of the phone, while flipping the phone over to the front reveals a huge 6-inch POLED screen with a 2,880 x 1,440-pixel resolution and an 18:9 aspect ratio. It’s safe to say that the Pixel 2 XL’s display has had its share of issues, but those concerns aside, it’s still one of our favorite displays on a smartphone, with inky blacks, vibrant colors, and crisp details.

The designers of the Razer Phone clearly weren’t phased by the bezel-free revolution, and make no attempt to mimic the crowd. An all-aluminum body covers the phone, giving it a utilitarian streak and a no-nonsense feel. The angular corners, in particular, remind us of the Sony Xperia range — and it’s not a bad look. The 5.72-inch LCD screen may also not be able to compete with the raw beauty of the Pixel 2 XL’s POLED screen, but it does a good job, producing sharp details, as well as bright and clear colors. But you really need to see it in motion to appreciate the Razer Phone’s real strength — the Ultramotion display is capable of running at 120Hz, or twice the usual rate of most phones, and the result is a display that feels incredibly responsive and smooth. We’ve seen this tech before in the iPad Pro, and seeing it here really cements the gaming focus that Razer is aiming for.

Durability-wise, the Pixel 2 XL comes with an IP67 rating, so it should be able to resist short dips in still water, like drops into the bath or the toilet (though we don’t recommend testing that). By contrast, the Razer Phone comes with no water resistance at all, which is a surprise for a 2017 flagship phone. Water resistance isn’t a vital feature on a smartphone, but it’s nice to have that peace of mind, especially since phones accompany us everywhere. Both phones should be able to take a knock thanks to their metal designs, though the glass band at the top of the Pixel 2 XL is always a worry — we recommend a case if you’re worried about that.

There’s a lot to love about the designs of these phones. The Razer Phone’s aesthetic celebrates a bygone era for smartphone design, with a no-nonsense aluminum body, a sizable forehead and chin (which do help with gripping the phone during gaming — you can see what they were thinking), and angular corners that make the phone stand out from the trend toward curvy phones. However, we’re not over the wow factor of minimal bezels yet, and the combination of a lack of sizable bezels with an OLED screen is just too much for the Razer Phone’s LCD to top — no matter the refresh rate. The Google Pixel 2 XL is a triumph of modern design, and while it might still be considered ugly by some (that back glass panel is divisive), we think it’s utterly gorgeous, and award the Pixel 2 XL the win here.

Winner: Google Pixel 2 XL

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

We haven’t had chance to spend any real time with the Razer Phone’s cameras yet, but the numbers on display here are encouraging. While Razer has eschewed the bezel-less trend, it’s jumped right on the dual lens bandwagon, with two 12 megapixel lenses side-by-side — a wide-angle and zoom lens with apertures of f/1.75 and f/2.6 respectively. Around front, you’re looking at an 8-megapixel camera for taking selfies, while video functionality allows 4K recording at 30 frames-per-second (fps). There’s no slow-motion trickery on display here yet, but we expect that mode will follow in a later update.

The Razer Phone’s cameras are solid, but they can’t compare to the single snapper on the Pixel 2 XL. Despite the single 12-megapixel lens, it’s currently the highest-scoring smartphone camera on DxOMark’s scoring system, beating out the Galaxy Note 8 and the iPhone X. During our time reviewing the Pixel 2 XL, we noted the particularly good performance of the selective blur behind subjects (the DSLR-like “bokeh” effect) on both the 8-megapixel front-facing camera’s portrait feature, and on the rear camera. The secret of the Pixel 2 XL’s performance lies not in the camera’s hardware, but in how well Google has built the camera’s software to mimic the features that dual-camera smartphones are able to create. If you’re shooting video, the Pixel 2 XL also shoots up to 30fps at 4K, as well as captures slow-motion video at 240fps, at 720p.

This category is an easy call to make — the Google Pixel 2 XL’s camera is one of the finest shooters we’ve ever seen, and though the Razer Phone’s numbers are pretty good, it’s clear that Razer’s focus isn’t on smartphone photography. It’s no knock on the Razer Phone to lose out to the current king of the hill. The Pixel 2 XL performed incredibly in our tests, and it’s consistently great.

Winner: Google Pixel 2 XL

Battery life and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Battery life is becoming one of the major battlefields in the flagship arena, with devices increasingly competing to provide the largest battery, increased optimization, and reduced charging times. The Pixel 2 XL comes with a 3,520mAh battery that lasted us the day during our review. With heavy usage, we saw the battery dip to around 20 percent by 8 p.m., after having been off the charger since 8 a.m. that morning. Lighter usage saw it last until 9 p.m. with 45 percent remaining. That’s respectable battery life, but it’s not the best.

Thankfully for Pixel fans, Google’s phone comes with extremely fast charging. We watched the Pixel 2 XL charge from 39 percent to 79 percent within 40 minutes — pretty fast.

The Razer Phone sports a larger 4,000mAh battery. While you might expect a longer battery life because of that, we’ll postpone judgment until we’ve had a proper play with it. That 120Hz Ultramotion screen will likely prove quite draining, even on a battery that large, and we anticipate the Razer Phone’s battery life also being tested by its gaming capabilities. That said, we have spotted that the Razer Phone modulates the on-screen framerate depending on the situation, limiting itself to 25fps on a static screen, and ramping up to the 120fps only when needed. That sort of smart operation will save precious battery life.

Charging-wise, we’re looking at another fast charger. The Razer Phone will be the first phone to launch with Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0+, which Razer has claimed is capable of charging from 0 to 50 percent in 35 minutes. If true, that’s impressive for a battery that large.

We’re going to hold off on making a call on this category for now — the Razer’s battery is largely untested, and we’d really like to put it through its paces before we make a decision. While the Pixel 2 XL’s charging speed is impressive, that 6-inch screen is a major drain on the battery, and we’ll be interested to see how the Razer Phone’s battery life and charging speed compare in our full review.

Winner: Tie

Software

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Both the Pixel 2 XL and the Razer Phone ship with the stock version of Android, no bloatware pre-installed, and all of Google’s latest features included. The Razer Phone does come with Nova Launcher, our favorite custom launcher, but apart from that, the Razer Phone benefits from all the advantages that come with Google’s slimmest, fastest implementation of Android. Unfortunately, the Razer Phone is stuck with Android 7.1.1 Nougat, rather than the brand-new Android 8.0 Oreo you’ll find on the Pixel 2 XL, but you can expect the Razer Phone to have Android Oreo implemented by early 2018.

Even when the Razer Phone has caught up with the Pixel, we expect Google’s phone to have an edge. The Pixel 2 XL is likely to still be the smoothest performer, having the advantage of being designed by Google to work specifically on its OS. It’s an advantage that any third-party will struggle to match, and even when running the same stock Android, Google’s greater knowledge of how to build hardware for Android is likely to show through.

Outside of the general performance of Android, we see various additions to the Pixel 2 XL that make life just a little bit more fun. The Always-On display can now identify songs you’re listening to, thanks to a large database of songs. Active Edge (HTC’s Edge Sense feature) allows users even easier access to Google Assistant, and the general software experience is smooth, solid, and a joy to use. Google’s real expertise with software shines through here, and though our time with stock Android on the Razer Phone has been great so far, Razer can’t match up with Google.

Winner: Google Pixel 2 XL

Price and availability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Google Pixel 2 XL is currently available for purchase, and starts at $850 for 64GB of storage. Upgrading to the 128GB model will cost an extra $100, pushing the price to $950. So far, only Verizon is offering the Pixel 2 XL on its service, but you can also buy a handset from Best Buy, and from Google itself — though you will need to unlock it from Verizon to use it on any other carrier. You can see all your buying options in our Pixel 2 buying guide.

You can currently sign up to be notified when the Razer Phone goes on sale, though we do know that the price is going to start at $700 for 64GB storage. In terms of network coverage, none of the major carriers have announced that they will be offering the Razer Phone, and Verizon and Sprint customers will be disappointed to learn that a lack of banding for those networks means it won’t be coming to them.

The Pixel 2 XL is a Verizon exclusive, but can be unlocked to access any network — whereas the Razer Phone will be stuck with T-Mobile and AT&T pretty much regardless. That said, there’s a difference of $150 between the base models of each of these phones, and with the Razer Phone’s comparable specs and performance, avid mobile gamers may find themselves drawn to Razer’s beast. Ultimately, the price speaks volumes for us, too — the Razer Phone represents great value for money, and beats the Pixel 2 XL here.

Winner: Razer Phone

Overall winner: Google Pixel 2 XL.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

It had to be — Google’s Pixel 2 XL is one of the major players at the top of the flagship scene right now, and the Razer Phone isn’t. Yet.

The Razer Phone puts up a great fight — it has the RAM to handle pretty much anything, backed up by the Snapdragon 835, all running behind that gorgeously smooth 120Hz Ultramotion display. If you can’t afford the Pixel 2 XL, or just don’t want to give Google even more control over your life, then Razer’s gaming-focused beast may catch your eye.

But the Razer Phone just can’t beat the Google Pixel 2 XL. Google’s latest and greatest represents almost everything fantastic about smartphones right now, with sumptuously smooth performance, a camera to die for, and one of the best displays on the market. It’s gorgeous, and it’s likely to last buyers a long time.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Razer Phone vs. Samsung Galaxy Note 8: A new challenger approaches
• Razer Phone hands-on review
• The Razer Phone, with its Snapdragon 835 and 8GB of RAM, is finally here
• Razer unveils a revamped Blade Stealth and a new external GPU, the Core V2
• Razer Lancehead review

If you have a Gear VR headset, these are the apps and games you’ve got to try

Samsung has been a major player in the VR game for years now — specifically with its mobile VR headset, the Gear VR. It’s found itself a sweet spot between the entry-level experience of the Google Daydream platform and the premium, PC-driven VR setups like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. It’s not as powerful as the dedicated headsets — it’s powered by a smartphone, after all — but its unique features and ability to immerse the user are beyond what Daydream can do. Plus, it’s a relative bargain, provided you own a Galaxy phone.

If you’re about to put on Samsung’s VR headset, you’ll want to know the best apps available to demonstrate its abilities. Here are our picks of the ones you should download first, including both games and VR experiences. Both Samsung and Oculus provide app stores for the Gear VR, and you’ll need to set up an account online with the latter before buying any apps. Once you’re ready, here are the best Gear VR apps and games we think you should immediately try out.

Rush 

Flying in a wing suit will probably be the closest you’ll ever get to spreading your arms and flying, but you might not be ready to just jump off a cliff. The Binary Mill’s addictive VR game Rush has you doing just that, flying around up to 60 mountainous paths in a virtual wing suit. You can choose to control which direction you fly in by either just looking or tilting your head around as you try to zip through as many rings placed around each course. You can race against the computer, your best time, friends you have invited, or random people online.

By the time you’ve flown through your first two rings, the intuitiveness of the controls will make you easily forget you have a headset on and you really feel the adrenaline pump in your veins as you zip through the clouds. Just watch out for those crashes, they can be unforgiving. The experience will cost you $8, but it’s more than worth it.

Download now from:

Oculus

Face Your Fears: Stranger Things 

Picture this: you’re in a space devoid of any color, people, or things, besides a shed. You slowly glide into the barn and see a body engorged by some sort of tentacles, with its head down. As soon as you get right next to the seemingly lifeless body, its head shoots up, eyes bulging, a mouth full of tentacles, and then the Stranger Things opening sequence begins. That is the first minute of Face Your Fears: Stranger Things, a virtual reality horror exploration game that surrounds you in the eerie vibe that permeates Hawkins, Indiana in the Netflix series. In the experience, you have navigate through classic Stranger Things scenes inside the Byers household, ultimately ending up at the lab where the portal to the Upside Down is proliferating demogorgons.

You come face with the demogorgons and watch the creatures rip through the walls, just like in Stranger Things. Even if you have been living under a rock the past year and haven’t binge-watched the Stranger Things series, this VR experience from Turtle Rock Studios will still have you screaming in sublime joy.

Download now from:

Oculus

Intel True VR

It’s no secret that sports experiences in virtual reality aren’t the best, but Intel True VR is more than just a library of shortstop slides and quarterback runs. You can watch a runway show during New York Fashion Week, the Critics’ Choice Awards, and try to keep your eyes on a 183 mph tennis serve from Serena Williams. Above all else, Intel True VR is a blast to get immersed in, because of the access it gives viewers.

With the tap of your finger, you can be backstage with Cuba Gooding Jr, behind the bar with Nia Long, or in the crowd with Hollywood’s elite at the Critics’ Choice Awards. With a library full of dozens of full MLB games and NFL highlights, Intel True VR is almost overflowing with great content to get lost in.

Download now from:

Oculus

End Space 

In Orange Bridge Studios’ VR shooter End Space, you’re a fighter pilot tasked with navigating through intense space battles with Tartarus Liberation Front to regain stability Tartarus Sector. In other words, you are surrounded by nothing but oncoming attack while having to dodge ships in virtual reality. The pristine detail in the game’s graphics alone should compel you to slip out of reality and into a Gear VR headset to experience it all.

Even in a frenzied group fight with numerous aircrafts, asteroids, and lasers flying around, you can still see every single aircraft in delicious VR eye candy. For the easiest way to play, I suggest using the Gear VR controller to shoot and control the thrusters, while using your head movements to steer the ship. The immersive controls and action together will lead to hours of twisting, turning, and having a blast in VR — regardless of its expensive $8 price tag.

Download now from:

Oculus

AMC VR

Ever watch The Walking Dead and wonder how you would do in a zombiepocalypse? AMC VR makes that thought a visceral, virtual reality. The app has a number of experiences based on two of its scariest TV series, Into The Badlands and The Walking Dead. For The Walking Dead you can experience what it’s like to watch zombies feast at your dead carcass, be trapped in a car as the undead try to force their way in, and do battle with those creatures from the perspective of popular Walking Dead character Negan.

The Badlands experiences center around putting you in the middle of fight camp as Badlands actors Aramis Knight and Ally Ioannides train for intense fights on the show with martial arts expert Daniel Wu. AMC VR is one of the first apps to make you really feel like you’ve been transported into your favorite TV shows, and hopefully other networks follow suit. Now, if only we could make some Blue Sky with Heisenberg in Breaking Bad.

Download now from:

Oculus

EVE: Gunjack

This game is a must have for sci-fi and shoot-em-up fans. Right from the beginning, you’re treated to an amazing opening sequence that immediately engrosses you in the game — soon enough you’ll be blasting down emery starships. The game is set in the Eve Online universe, but it’s primarily concerned with just manning a gun turret and destroying incoming pirate ships.

Controlled using head movements and either the touchpad on the side of the Gear VR or a Bluetooth controller, the real challenge is knowing when to reload and use any special weapons you’ve picked up. It’s great fun, but a little pricey at $10.

Download now from:Oculus

Skylight

You have one mission in this turn-based tactical game: conquer the solar system. From the onset, the game thrusts you into customizing and optimizing your fleet, and before you know it, you’re embarking on VR’s answer to Battleship. 

You’ll have to move methodically in this battle simulator, however, and tap each member of your fleet individually in order to guide their movements. You can swipe around while in battle to get different vantage points, too, allowing you to see where your enemies are the most vulnerable.

Download now from:Oculus

Manchester

Manchester looks like a 16-bit arcade game, yet it’s as addictive as some of the best knuckle-breaking games in existence. The title requires you race to the finish line on courses lined with various twists and turns, while making use of a simple set of controls.

You tap to switch from one multi-colored lane to the the next, each of which features a different speed. You’ll also be able to utilize the Gear’s 360 capabilities, which allow you to follow your racer with subtle head movements. The art is in the timing — you must constantly switch lanes to avoid incoming ships and obstacles. You’ll likely crash a few times, but, thankfully, you probably won’t notice because of all the fun that awaits you at the next spawn point.

Download now from:Oculus

Suicide Squad: Special Ops VR

Suicide Squad may not have been what DC fans wanted — or anyone, for that matter — but the film’s accompanying VR game is a more than a worthy companion. In the game, you play as El Diablo, Harley Quinn, and Deadshot, each of whom must face wave after wave of enemies.

You can switch between the three characters after every level, and the game’s controls are pretty intuitive, allowing you to shoot, reload, and switch between weapons with a simple swipe or tap on the D-pad.  You can’t move, but you are responsible for looking around to see where the baddies are coming from. This makes for a tense and fun experience —  especially since you can occasionally burn enemies to a crisp with El Diablo’s hands.

Download now from:Oculus

Totems in Dreamland

This free puzzle game features a young boy who’s trying to collect totems inside his dreams, which, in turn, will have you twisting and turning in your seat. By simply using the position of your head and a few taps, you can control the boy, who must traverse through the most narrow of paths. He moves in whatever direction you’re looking, and a simple double-tap will prompt your character to double jump. You probably will only need one hand to jump on platforms and quit, too, making it that much easier for you to get lost in the game.

Download now from:Oculus

Editors’ Recommendations

• Horror movies don’t scare you? See if you can handle these VR freak-outs
• From horror fests to shoot-’em-ups, here are the 20 best Oculus Rift games
• These are the 20 best HTC Vive games available today
• Turn your phone into a jack-of-all-trades with 100 of the best Android apps
• Best Halloween apps for the ultimate spooky October 31

If you have a Gear VR headset, these are the apps and games you’ve got to try

Samsung has been a major player in the VR game for years now — specifically with its mobile VR headset, the Gear VR. It’s found itself a sweet spot between the entry-level experience of the Google Daydream platform and the premium, PC-driven VR setups like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. It’s not as powerful as the dedicated headsets — it’s powered by a smartphone, after all — but its unique features and ability to immerse the user are beyond what Daydream can do. Plus, it’s a relative bargain, provided you own a Galaxy phone.

If you’re about to put on Samsung’s VR headset, you’ll want to know the best apps available to demonstrate its abilities. Here are our picks of the ones you should download first, including both games and VR experiences. Both Samsung and Oculus provide app stores for the Gear VR, and you’ll need to set up an account online with the latter before buying any apps. Once you’re ready, here are the best Gear VR apps and games we think you should immediately try out.

Rush 

Flying in a wing suit will probably be the closest you’ll ever get to spreading your arms and flying, but you might not be ready to just jump off a cliff. The Binary Mill’s addictive VR game Rush has you doing just that, flying around up to 60 mountainous paths in a virtual wing suit. You can choose to control which direction you fly in by either just looking or tilting your head around as you try to zip through as many rings placed around each course. You can race against the computer, your best time, friends you have invited, or random people online.

By the time you’ve flown through your first two rings, the intuitiveness of the controls will make you easily forget you have a headset on and you really feel the adrenaline pump in your veins as you zip through the clouds. Just watch out for those crashes, they can be unforgiving. The experience will cost you $8, but it’s more than worth it.

Download now from:

Oculus

Face Your Fears: Stranger Things 

Picture this: you’re in a space devoid of any color, people, or things, besides a shed. You slowly glide into the barn and see a body engorged by some sort of tentacles, with its head down. As soon as you get right next to the seemingly lifeless body, its head shoots up, eyes bulging, a mouth full of tentacles, and then the Stranger Things opening sequence begins. That is the first minute of Face Your Fears: Stranger Things, a virtual reality horror exploration game that surrounds you in the eerie vibe that permeates Hawkins, Indiana in the Netflix series. In the experience, you have navigate through classic Stranger Things scenes inside the Byers household, ultimately ending up at the lab where the portal to the Upside Down is proliferating demogorgons.

You come face with the demogorgons and watch the creatures rip through the walls, just like in Stranger Things. Even if you have been living under a rock the past year and haven’t binge-watched the Stranger Things series, this VR experience from Turtle Rock Studios will still have you screaming in sublime joy.

Download now from:

Oculus

Intel True VR

It’s no secret that sports experiences in virtual reality aren’t the best, but Intel True VR is more than just a library of shortstop slides and quarterback runs. You can watch a runway show during New York Fashion Week, the Critics’ Choice Awards, and try to keep your eyes on a 183 mph tennis serve from Serena Williams. Above all else, Intel True VR is a blast to get immersed in, because of the access it gives viewers.

With the tap of your finger, you can be backstage with Cuba Gooding Jr, behind the bar with Nia Long, or in the crowd with Hollywood’s elite at the Critics’ Choice Awards. With a library full of dozens of full MLB games and NFL highlights, Intel True VR is almost overflowing with great content to get lost in.

Download now from:

Oculus

End Space 

In Orange Bridge Studios’ VR shooter End Space, you’re a fighter pilot tasked with navigating through intense space battles with Tartarus Liberation Front to regain stability Tartarus Sector. In other words, you are surrounded by nothing but oncoming attack while having to dodge ships in virtual reality. The pristine detail in the game’s graphics alone should compel you to slip out of reality and into a Gear VR headset to experience it all.

Even in a frenzied group fight with numerous aircrafts, asteroids, and lasers flying around, you can still see every single aircraft in delicious VR eye candy. For the easiest way to play, I suggest using the Gear VR controller to shoot and control the thrusters, while using your head movements to steer the ship. The immersive controls and action together will lead to hours of twisting, turning, and having a blast in VR — regardless of its expensive $8 price tag.

Download now from:

Oculus

AMC VR

Ever watch The Walking Dead and wonder how you would do in a zombiepocalypse? AMC VR makes that thought a visceral, virtual reality. The app has a number of experiences based on two of its scariest TV series, Into The Badlands and The Walking Dead. For The Walking Dead you can experience what it’s like to watch zombies feast at your dead carcass, be trapped in a car as the undead try to force their way in, and do battle with those creatures from the perspective of popular Walking Dead character Negan.

The Badlands experiences center around putting you in the middle of fight camp as Badlands actors Aramis Knight and Ally Ioannides train for intense fights on the show with martial arts expert Daniel Wu. AMC VR is one of the first apps to make you really feel like you’ve been transported into your favorite TV shows, and hopefully other networks follow suit. Now, if only we could make some Blue Sky with Heisenberg in Breaking Bad.

Download now from:

Oculus

EVE: Gunjack

This game is a must have for sci-fi and shoot-em-up fans. Right from the beginning, you’re treated to an amazing opening sequence that immediately engrosses you in the game — soon enough you’ll be blasting down emery starships. The game is set in the Eve Online universe, but it’s primarily concerned with just manning a gun turret and destroying incoming pirate ships.

Controlled using head movements and either the touchpad on the side of the Gear VR or a Bluetooth controller, the real challenge is knowing when to reload and use any special weapons you’ve picked up. It’s great fun, but a little pricey at $10.

Download now from:Oculus

Skylight

You have one mission in this turn-based tactical game: conquer the solar system. From the onset, the game thrusts you into customizing and optimizing your fleet, and before you know it, you’re embarking on VR’s answer to Battleship. 

You’ll have to move methodically in this battle simulator, however, and tap each member of your fleet individually in order to guide their movements. You can swipe around while in battle to get different vantage points, too, allowing you to see where your enemies are the most vulnerable.

Download now from:Oculus

Manchester

Manchester looks like a 16-bit arcade game, yet it’s as addictive as some of the best knuckle-breaking games in existence. The title requires you race to the finish line on courses lined with various twists and turns, while making use of a simple set of controls.

You tap to switch from one multi-colored lane to the the next, each of which features a different speed. You’ll also be able to utilize the Gear’s 360 capabilities, which allow you to follow your racer with subtle head movements. The art is in the timing — you must constantly switch lanes to avoid incoming ships and obstacles. You’ll likely crash a few times, but, thankfully, you probably won’t notice because of all the fun that awaits you at the next spawn point.

Download now from:Oculus

Suicide Squad: Special Ops VR

Suicide Squad may not have been what DC fans wanted — or anyone, for that matter — but the film’s accompanying VR game is a more than a worthy companion. In the game, you play as El Diablo, Harley Quinn, and Deadshot, each of whom must face wave after wave of enemies.

You can switch between the three characters after every level, and the game’s controls are pretty intuitive, allowing you to shoot, reload, and switch between weapons with a simple swipe or tap on the D-pad.  You can’t move, but you are responsible for looking around to see where the baddies are coming from. This makes for a tense and fun experience —  especially since you can occasionally burn enemies to a crisp with El Diablo’s hands.

Download now from:Oculus

Totems in Dreamland

This free puzzle game features a young boy who’s trying to collect totems inside his dreams, which, in turn, will have you twisting and turning in your seat. By simply using the position of your head and a few taps, you can control the boy, who must traverse through the most narrow of paths. He moves in whatever direction you’re looking, and a simple double-tap will prompt your character to double jump. You probably will only need one hand to jump on platforms and quit, too, making it that much easier for you to get lost in the game.

Download now from:Oculus

Editors’ Recommendations

• Horror movies don’t scare you? See if you can handle these VR freak-outs
• From horror fests to shoot-’em-ups, here are the 20 best Oculus Rift games
• These are the 20 best HTC Vive games available today
• Turn your phone into a jack-of-all-trades with 100 of the best Android apps
• Best Halloween apps for the ultimate spooky October 31