Facebook is ending software updates for the Samsung Gear VR. Further, users will no longer be able to access films or download the Oculus Video app. AR/VR – VentureBeat & David Heaney, UploadVR
Ironlights’ VR melee shenanigans launches April 9, with crossplay for multiplayer
Multiplayer VR melee game Ironlights is launching on April 9 for PC VR headsets via Oculus and Steam, as well as on the Oculus Store for Oculus Quest. AR/VR – VentureBeat & Harry Baker, UploadVR
HTC is selling a standalone Vive Cosmos headset and tracking faceplate
HTC is opening up sales of the standalone Vive Cosmos headset and External Faceplate Tracker for VR enthusiasts who have already invested in hardware. AR/VR – VentureBeat & Jeff Grubb
Google’s Tilt Brush finally hits PlayStation VR
Surprise! Google’s popular Tilt Brush VR creation platform is finally available on PSVR in the U.S., the U.K., and Japan. The app costs $19.99. AR/VR – VentureBeat & Jamie Feltham, Upload VR
Valve, Microsoft, and HP are working on a ‘next generation’ SteamVR headset
Valve, Microsoft, and HP are collaborating to build a „next generation“ SteamVR headset, called HP Reverb G2. HP released a video announcing it. AR/VR – VentureBeat & David Heaney, UploadVR
Nvidia develops lightweight VR gaze tracking system using LED sensors
Gaze tracking is expected to become a key technology in next-generation VR headsets, and Nvidia has created a smaller, cheaper solution. AR/VR – VentureBeat & Jeremy Horwitz
Japan’s top carriers announce 5G launches as 2020 Olympics face delay
Japan’s leading cellular carriers will start commercial 5G service ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, which now face postponement over the coronavirus. AR/VR – VentureBeat & Jeremy Horwitz
Facebook: 90% of those who got a Quest for Christmas were new to Oculus
During a video presentation, Oculus’s Chris Pruett said that 90% of those who got an Oculus Quest at Christmas were new to the Oculus ecosystem. AR/VR – VentureBeat & David Jagneux, UploadVR
Apple’s odd A12Z chip may hint at late 2020 iPad Pros with A14X and 5G
Apple typically doesn’t release flagship iPads without touting major jumps in chip performance, and that may be a red flag for the 2020 iPad Pro. AR/VR – VentureBeat & Jeremy Horwitz
Apple debuts iPad Pro with Lidar scanner, Magic Keyboard with trackpad
Apple has updated the iPad Pro with a new camera array, A12Z CPU, and the option of a new keyboard with trackpad support, including new pricing. AR/VR – VentureBeat & Jeremy Horwitz