HTC’s Vive Focus standalone VR headset is coming to ‘global markets’

Ambiguity aside, this is still really exciting.

Although it may not have a prominent place in the smartphone market, HTC is currently dominating the VR world with its Vive headsets. Shortly after launching pre-orders for its new Vive Pro, HTC’s now confirmed that its Vive Focus headset will be expanding to ‘global markets.’

Per HTC’s official blog post –

Today at GDC 2018, HTC Vive announced that we are bringing Vive Focus to the global markets later this year. Vive Focus is the first 6DOF stand-alone VR headset to be commercially available. We also are making Vive Focus developer kits available to registered developers in most countries through our developer portal, starting today.

Unlike the Vive and new Vive Pro, the Vive Focus doesn’t need to be connected to a PC to deliver immersive virtual reality experiences. Instead, everything is done right within the headset itself.

While that is similar to what Lenovo’s currently working on with its Mirage Solo Daydream headset, the Vive Focus is different for a couple of key reasons. In addition to running its own custom software rather than Google’s Daydream platform, it also features “Six Degrees of Freedom” (6DoF) tracking.

Android Central’s Russel Holly recently got a chance to go hands-on with the Vive Focus while attending GDC 2018, and he describes the 6DoF system as follows –

Vive Focus is an untethered Six Degrees of Freedom (6DoF) headset, which means you can move around like you would if you were using an HTC Vive or Oculus Rift, but the headset isn’t attached to a phone or computer. All of the tracking, processing, and connectivity bits are contained within the headset, with its own battery and controller. Where Daydream, Cardboard, and Gear VR only let you turn your head to explore a virtual space, the Vive Focus lets you lean down to see more of the world.

It’s unclear at this time which ‘global markets’ HTC will target for the Vive Focus’s expanded release, but we’ll keep our ears to the ground and let you know as soon as we learn more.

HTC’s Vive Focus VR headset is super cool, but you can’t have one

PUBG for Android review: The hype is real

Stop what you’re doing and download this game.

Player Unknown’s Battleground (or PUBG for short) is a battle royale-style game that pits you against 99 other players in a heart-pounding survival scenario where you must scavenge for loot, explore the map and stay in the safe zone while taking out your competition. It’s a highly competitive game that offers game modes for Solo play, pairing up in Duo mode, or playing as a squad of four, and every playthrough will be unique in its own way.

Originally released in China, the mobile version is now available in North America and elsewhere around the world and, in short, the hype is real. I’ve been playing PUBG for Android on a Pixel XL and Galaxy S8 over the past few days and here are my first impressions of what I would already consider a contender for best Android game of the year.

The Good

Not a mobile version, but the full game for mobile: We’ve all played mobile ports of a favorite PC or console game that try to take the look and feel of the full game and then bog it down with loot boxes, in-app currencies, and energy meters to temper your ability to just play the game. PUBG for Android is essentially the full game that you could buy for Steam or Xbox One, simply scaled down for mobile devices. This would have been a golden opportunity to make this game pay-to-win with in-app purchases available to let you start with a kick-ass gun, but that would have also clearly broken the scavenger aspects of the game. You also have full access to use vehicles scattered around the map. Pretty much, if you’ve seen a streamer pull off some ridiculous stunt on the PC version, you can do it on the mobile version, too.

The fact this game has been released for free is just the icing on the cake.

Optimized for touchscreen: So the biggest thing that might hold back a mobile port of a third-person shooter would be brutal touch controls, but big props to the developers here for spending the time to not only offer really functional touch controls but for also including a bevy of settings to tweak things exactly the way you want. I’ve found the controls to be pretty stellar right from the start, but I love that you’re able to really finetune look and movement sensitivity, re-map all the button locations, and ultimately find the touch controls that work best for your play style. The game has streamlined some of the more finicky mechanics, so you will automatically pick up ammo and accessories for your equipped weapons, along with any other upgraded equipment. You can also set yourself to auto-sprint, so you can keep running while scanning your surroundings for enemies.

Frankly, I feel like third-person shooters like PUBG are perfectly suited for mobile, as you’re able to quickly scan around your surroundings while still moving towards your next target as opposed to first-person shooters where your viewpoint is locked.

They ease you into things: One point of discussion on the PUBG subreddit, if you find yourself winning your first matches on mobile — that was by design. Early on, the game a higher ratio of bots to players to make things a bit easier for brand new players. These bots are designed to not put up too much of a fight, so if you just won your very first PUBG battle and thought “boy, that was kind of easy”… It’ll only get harder from here.

While some might feel this point belongs in the “bad” column, or think the developers are duping new players, I think it’s a great way to introduce the massive scale of this game without having higher skilled players intentionally playing in the lower ranks simply to make a mess of things. The bots only stick around for the lowest Bronze-level games, and winning a match in your first few playthroughs is the best way to hook you in on that addictive rush of outlasting everyone.

It really looks great with the right phone: If you’ve got a newer device that allows you to play this game at the highest graphics setting, DO IT. I’ve been playing this on a Galaxy S8 and it plays like an absolute dream at the top settings compared to the medium settings recommended for my Pixel XL.

Reddit users have reported this game running fine on low settings on a Samsung Note 3, so you should be able to get this game to play on practically any Android phone — but it really shines the brightest on the max settings.

The Bad

Still a bit of a hot mess: If you’ve played PUBG before on PC or console, you’ll know this game is a bit of a crazy mess at times — but that’s also part of the charm. This game is crazy and gives you the freedom to play out every situation however you please.

Still, having started playing the mobile version from beta, I’ve encountered my fair share of bugs — from matches that never started to ridiculous glitches (like my car getting stuck in a tree) that had me laughing. I’ve also found some issues with the sound clipping, but again these are mostly minor bugs that should get squashed in time. You’re also able to report any bugs you find while playing with a few quick taps, which I’ve been sure to do anytime I come across something. Gotta help the developers out!

Games like this demand controller support: Currently, you can only play PUBG with touchscreen controls and that’s a bit of a downer. As I said above, the controls are pretty tight, but having to hold onto the phone to play means I got my neck down for maybe a half hour at a time. The option of Bluetooth controls would allow me to prop the phone up and play more comfortably. There are also some reports that you can connect a keyboard and mouse to your phone, and I will certainly be investigating that.

Currently lacks the cross-platform support of Fortnite: Fortnite is the biggest competitor to PUBG, and while it’s not yet available for Android it’s coming and it seems to be setting itself up for cross-platform play. You’re probably not going to be able to play against your friend on Xbox One while you play on your phone, but based on the iOS invite page asking for your existing Fortnite log-in details, we should expect your stats and experience to accumulate on your account regardless of which platform you’re playing on. It would be nice if the same features were extended to PUBG players.

Verdict

Download this game right now

This game is the real deal. If you’ve played PUBG on another platform, or have seen Twitch streamers playing the game and wanted to check it out, you can play PUBG on your Android for free. If you’re in the game, add me, mousemachine, and let’s go win some squad matches!

Download: Player Unknown’s Battleground (Free)

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The New York Times brings its AR experiences to Android

There’s also a new David Bowie AR story.

Ever since Google officially launched its ARCore platform in late February, we’ve been seeing more and more unique implementations of it. Most recently, The New York Times announced that it’s now bringing new AR experiences to Android phones that support ARCore.

The New York Times has already been experimenting with AR on iOS using Apple’s ARKit, with one of its most popular creations being an experience that lets you get up close and personal with some of the most famous athletes that competed during the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Along with this, The New York Times is also launching a new AR story that’s centered around David Bowie and some of his most iconic outfits. Per The Times –

In addition to hearing from influential artists like Trent Reznor and Laurie Anderson, readers can now use their phones to project life-sized versions of Bowie’s iconic costumes into their own spaces, and to explore them as if they were physically there.

These AR experiences are available on The New York Times app starting today.

Download: NYTimes – Latest News (free)

Facebook Messenger updated with admin privileges and joinable links

New features to make group chats suck just a little less.

Facebook Messenger continues to be one of the most popular messaging apps around, and today it’s getting a couple of new features that aim to make group chats a lot better.

First and foremost, Messenger is finally getting admin privileges. With this, you’ll have the power to approve new members of group chats before they can join, remove people from the conversation, and give/revoke these privileges to other people in the chat if you so choose.

Admin privileges are turned off by default so they won’t get in the way of current chats if you don’t care about them, but they can quickly be turned on by enabling the new “Require Admin Approval” toggle in Messenger’s settings.

Facebook is also adding joinable links to Messenger. This allows you to create a custom link for your group chat, and anyone that clicks/taps on it will be able to automatically join the group. If you have a lot of people you need to invite to a group chat, this should be much easier compared to selecting every person individually.

Admin privileges and joinable links are rolling out to the Messenger app now.

Download: Messenger – Text and Video Chat for Free (free)

Best Clear Cases for Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

Feels like your phone’s wearing nothing at all… nothing at all.. nothing at all!

We seem to say this every year, but the latest flagship devices from Samsung, the Galaxy S9 and S9+, are simply outstanding.

Samsung has been continually refining its smartphone design since the Galaxy S6 and that’s reflected in the smart touches implemented into the S9. This is a phone that you’ll want to show off, but since it’s essentially made of glass, you’re going to want to cover the breakable bits with a case.

These clear cases will keep your Galaxy S9 or S9+ protected while still letting you showcase which color phone you went with. Let’s dive in!

• VRS Design Transparent Crystal Thin Case
• Ringke Fusion Clear Case
• Lifeproof SLAM Clear Case
• Caseology Skyfall Series Clear Case
• Zizo ION Series Clear Case
• Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear Case

VRS Design Transparent Crystal Thin case

This clear case from VRS Design essentially offers everything you need from a clear case, allowing you to show off the body of the Galaxy S9 in all its glory. Made entirely of flexible and shock-absorbing TPU, this case is designed to fit snugly onto your Galaxy S9 and offers great protection including a lip around the display so you can put your phone screen down on a table.

Better still, these cases are thin enough to be fully compatible with wireless charging and third-party screen protectors.

You can get this case for just $11 on Amazon.

Also available for the Galaxy S9+.

See at Amazon

Ringke Fusion Clear Case

The best way to protect your phone from drop damage is to not drop your phone. The latest Fusion clear case from Ringke includes a handy wrist strap built into the case.

Whether or not you want to use the wrist strap is up to you, but it’s a thoughtful addition to a consistently stellar case style. Available as a clear case or with an Orchid Purple or Smoky Black bumper accent, you can get this case for just $11 on Amazon.

Also available for the Galaxy S9+.

See at Amazon

Lifeproof SLAM case

When you’re dropping over $700 on a brand new phone, you want to protect it from everything life might throw at it, especially if you plan on spending a ton of time outside this summer.

Lifeproof cases typically offer protection from dirt and snow, but the SLAM case focuses exclusively on drop protection. Lifeproof says this case can survive drops from up to two meters (6.5 ft) thanks to the reinforced bumpers. It’s also got a rugged backplate that’s clear to show off the phone’s design and also compatible with wireless charging. While it’s not quite as Lifeproof as you’d expect, it’s also not as expensive as other Lifeproof cases at only $50. Plus, it looks pretty cool with the black and neon green, do you think? You can order it from Lifeproof today, or order it from Amazon and get it by March 26.

Looking for the classic FRE Lifeproof case? You can sign up to be notified about when it becomes available.

Also available for the Galaxy S9+.

See at Lifeproof

Caseology Skyfall Series Clear Case

If you love the sleek design of the Galaxy S9, you should get a case that accentuates those curves.

Caseology consistently hits it out of the park with its cases, but in particular, the Skyfall series always looks and feels great. Featuring an ultra clear cover to protect the back of your phone along with a protective bumper frame (available in colors to match your device), this is a slim and lightweight case will perfectly accent your phone and keep it protected without distracting from the phone itself.

Starting as low as $13 with some of the more colorful options fetching $16 on Amazon.

Also available for the Galaxy S9+.

See at Amazon

Zizo ION Series Clear Case

Zizo’s cases are overkill for those who need a rugged case, with the ION Series offering a clear case option that doesn’t skimp on the protection. You get a rugged polycarbonate bumper hugging a flexible TPU shell, and as always Zizo includes a complementary tempered glass screen protector with each case.

You can get this stylish and rugged clear case in your choice of four color options for just $14.

Also available for the Galaxy S9+.

See at Amazon

Spigen Ultra Hybrid S Clear Case

Typically, we’d recommend the Spigen Liquid Crystal case here, as it’s a perennial favorite around these parts. However, Spigen has added a bunch of floral designs and sparkles for the S9 cases which won’t match all tastes.

But you know what will? The Ultra Hybrid S Clear Case, which combines a flexible and shock-absorbing bumper with a crystal clear rigid backplate to offer the protection you need with the clear case style you want. With the S model, you also get a built-in kickstand that pops out with ease to let you watch YouTube or Netflix hands-free.

You can buy this case on Amazon for $17 and be one of the first to get it when it starts shipping at the beginning of April.

Also available for the Galaxy S9+.

See at Amazon

What are your favorite clear case options?

Eyeing any of the cases on our list? Got a favorite that didn’t make the cut? Let us know in the comments!

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

• Galaxy S9 review: A great phone for the masses
• Galaxy S9 and S9+: Everything you need to know!
• Complete Galaxy S9 and S9+ specs
• Galaxy S9 vs. Google Pixel 2: Which should you buy?
• Galaxy S9 vs. Galaxy S8: Should you upgrade?
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Let Anker’s $42 Roav dash cam record your driving excursions

Eyes on the road.

Don’t be caught wishing you had one. This dashcam has a super wide-angle lens that captures the entire road, and it has a ton of technology packed into its night vision as well. At just $42.39, this is the lowest price this camera has hit. It’s easy to manage your video using the built-in Wi-Fi along with the Roav DashCam app. It will even record when you’re away. The built-in gravity sensor detects sudden movements, like someone bumping into your car, and will automatically turn on to record activity.

You’ll get the camera, a car charger, a suction mount, a cable, a trim removal tool, and a manual. You may want to pick up an extra microSD card if you don’t have one lying around.

See at Amazon

Let your smartphone power new worlds with the $50 Google Daydream View VR headset

Put your new S9 to work.

The Google Daydream View virtual reality headsets are down to $49.50 at Best Buy. This sale is one of Best Buy’s daily deals. These headsets normally sell for $99 at Best Buy and other retailers like B&H. We’ve never seen them drop to this price before. You can get any of the three available colors at this price.

These headsets are an upgrade from an older model also called the Daydream View. These add better hardware, smoother visuals, and improved heat management. Read about Android Central’s hands-on experience with the new and improved version or check out VRHead’s extremely detailed guide on using them. The VRHead guide is a great way to find out about free apps and the best apps to use with your new VR headset.

This headset works with any Daydream-ready smartphone, including the Google Pixel 2, the Google Pixel, the Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+, Note 8, and Moto Z, among others.

See at Best Buy

Snapchat’s new Lens Studio tools make AR creation easier

Snap has teamed up with a handful of partners to create new Lenses and new tools for the Lens Studio, which can make designing AR effects a simpler process. One of its new partners is StudioMDHR, developer of popular run and gun indie video game Cuphead. The companies created a special Lens that pits you against Cuphead and Mugman (the game’s main characters drawn in 1930’s style cartoons) in your snaps — or, more accurately, they shoot you until it’s game over.

Snap has also created an interactive path template that gives evelopers an easy way to bring their characters to life. Game studio Klei Entertainment created the first Lens, featuring Chester from Don’t Starve as you can see above, that uses the new tool. When you use the Chester Lens, for instance, you can create a path for the critter to follow simply by dragging a finger along your device’s surface. Other developers will be able to give their Lenses the same effect, thanks to the new template.

In addition, Snap is integrating the Lens Studio with software company Allegorithmic’s 3D paint and texture program Substance Painter to make switching from one to the other much easier for developers. By launching all these new features, Snap is showing that it’s serious about ramping up its AR efforts. It wants more Lenses for its app, perhaps because they could lead to more users and longer time spent on the platform.

Mark Zuckerberg will address the Cambridge Analytica scandal soon

Thus far, Facebook leadership has been largely silent about the ongoing Cambridge Analytica scandal — a fact that’s disturbing to many of the service’s millions of users. Most troubling is the lack of a statement from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, but that could change soon. Axios and then NBC News have both reported that Zuckerberg will speak publicly about the incident for the first time in the next 24 hours or so, with a focus on “rebuilding trust.”

This public statement will come after days of controversy and public scrutiny into how data-mining firm Cambridge Analytica came into possession of information on some 50 million Facebook users. That data was allegedly provided to the Trump campaign to help it secure a place in the White House in 2016. Since the news broke late last Friday, Facebook has been under fire from Congress, the FTC, the Attorneys General of Massachusetts and New York, the UK’s Information Commissioner and — of course — the public.

We’ll have to wait and see whether his statements can slow Facebook’s declining stock price and reassure troubled users, but the cries of #DeleteFacebook appear to be louder than ever.

Source: NBC News, Axios

Google Maps for iOS now shows restaurant waiting times

Last month Google Maps for iOS got an update that brought users real-time transit and driving information. Today, a further update brings the app to version 4.47 and in line with the Android version, with additional transit details and a helpful restaurants feature that shows the average waiting times of over a million sit-down eateries around the world.

The app displays average waiting times hour-by-hour throughout the day, tells you how long the average wait is and also when a restaurant’s peak hours take place. So no more standing in line for hours to try the latest food craze (unless that’s your thing). The update also makes finding reviews for specific restaurants a more intuitive process.

The update also provides more information on public transit systems, indicating exactly which entrances you need to enter based on your travel criteria. This feature is available in New York, Hong Kong, Taipei, Paris, Los Angeles, Delhi, Moscow, Singapore, Madrid, Barcelona, Kiev, and Budapest, with more in the pipeline.

Via: 9to5Mac