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Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 3 Helicopter Locations

By
Bean Gang
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fortnite helicopter locations chapter 2 season 3

With the new Fortnite season released a few days ago, a massive amount of new content was introduced into the Battle Royale mode. Along with the addition of quite a few new weapons, a map update switched up the layout of most previous locations.

While some POIs such as Lazy Lake, Retail Row, Holly Hedges and Salty Springs remained mostly untouched, most other locations were updated. Not only is the first level of most POIs became flooded, but the locations of Choppers and Boats was changed significantly.

In addition, Epic decided to keep helicopters in the competitive Arena mode, which left players questioning where the new choppa locations are? Look no further, as the map below contains all 7 helicopter locations for the new Season 3 map.

The eight helicopter locations for Chapter 2 Season 3 are:

  • FN Radio – West of the FN Radio tower.
  • The Yacht – On the South side of the Yacht
  • Fortilla – In the center of the Fortilla, North of the main rig
  • East Rickety Rig – On the Southeast island of Rickety Rig
  • Lazy Lake Island – On island Southwest of Lazy Lake and North of Misty Meadows
  • Frenzy Farm – On the North end of Green Steel Bridge, East of Frenzy
  • The Authority – On the east side of The Authority on the helipad
  • Weather Station – On the helipad located on the West side of the weather station

One thing that surprised me is the fact that there aren’t any choppers located on the northern west side of the map. We can only speculate if / when the water level of the map decreases, chopper spawns will increase.

Check out the video below that shows exactly where each helicopter spawns:

Virtual Reality can Lead to better UI and UX Design

By
Marat Arguinbaev
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TheVRBase Corporate Training VR

As the global focus now shifts to remote work, one has to wonder how virtual reality will factor into all of this. Some companies still hold out high hopes for t what the future may hold in this regard.

Using VR for Work Purposes

It is evident that there is tremendous potential for virtual reality in a work environment. However, this technology will not be applicable in every industry either. When it comes to designing – either physical or otherwise – virtual reality can be a game changer given enough time and effort.

Although technology for UI and UX development is advancing rapidly, there are still plenty of improvements to unlock. Simplifying the way digital designing works, for example, is one way of going about things.

This is done by customizable VR and AR applications. For enterprise, these technologies provide realistic interactive virtual environments, which can be used for a wide variety of purposes. 

For now, it would appear that this particular approach mainly suits two different types of applications. Companies exploring these options mainly focus on Sales and Marketing, as well as Safety and Training.

It is not the first time that training exercises and virtual reality appear to be a good mix. Various companies have experimented with training employees in an immersive environment. 

Not only does this create a safer training environment, but it also provides near real-world experience. While not a perfect alternative,it is better than throwing employees off the deep end and hope they don’t cause major accidents.

Further advancing this ecosystem is direly needed. It is one of the very few real-world use cases for virtual reality technology. For consumers, it seems unlikely that these ventures will make much of an impact. Eventually, they may experience better products and services because of design experiences facilitated by VR. 

Is There a Future for Magic Leap?

By
JP Buntinx
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TheVRSoldier Magic Leap AR Headset

Magic Leap has been a company many people initially got excited about. The success of augmented reality still remains very limited, forcing the company to potentially try and find a new owner. 

The Future of Magic Leap

When virtual reality started making headlines, one major company was bold enough to go in a  different direction. Magic Leap claimed its augmented reality glasses would convince both consumers and corporations alike. What followed were very disappointing sales figures, and the company nearly disappeared into obscurity once again. 

Today, the company is still around. However, the current goal is to “sell itself” ahead of a potential listing. This is a very strategic move by the company, which leaves two possible options on the table. Either it forms a partnership with someone else, or they find a buyer for a stake in Magic Leap.

After being founded in 2011, Magic Leap hasn’t been able to convince the masses. This is despite spending $2.3 billion on the creation of its augmented reality glasses. The headset was, after numerous delays and issues, finally brought to market in 2018.

It never amounted to much of a success, however. The price tag of $2,295 is far too steep for most consumers to pony up. Even corporations are hesitant to explore these AR glasses at such a price point. 

Following the product launch, several thousand units were sold. The end result remains well below predictions by Magic Leap Rony Abovitz. He expected to sell 100,000 devices during the first six months after the launch. Ultimately, just around 6,000 found a new owner.

Due to this lackluster result, the company is seemingly in some financial trouble. Not too many details have been released at this time. Trying to sell itself shows that the future of this AR company may be in jeopardy altogether. A chance of direction business-wise may not be out of the question either..

HTC Moves its Yearly VR Developer Conference to Virtual Reality

By
JP Buntinx
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Virtual reality technology can be used to one’s advantage in many different ways. HTC, a manufacturer of mobile devices and VR hardware, is moving its Vice Ecosystem to a virtual space over coronavirus concerns. 

HTC Fully Embraces Virtual Reality

It is pertinent for companies hosting and attending events to take note of the current coronavirus concerns. This novel coronavirus is causing havoc on a global scale. Not only is it disrupting tourism, but also people’s everyday lives.

During uncertain times like these, it is pertinent to not take any unwarranted risks. That is especially true where one’s health is concerned. Not attending conferences, or even not holding events at all, seems to be the best course of action right now. 

Even HTC acknowledges something will need to change. Its yearly Vive Ecosystem Conference touches upon the company’s vision for VR technology and software. Rather than a physical event, the entire conference is now being moved to virtual reality. A smart decision, given the current novel coronavirus concerns.

For developers, this will be an interesting shift. The conference will be hosted on Engage, which serves as an education and corporate training VR solution. Anyone owning any VR headset can join the platform and watch the conference accordingly.

The Engage platform offers many advantages. For example, there is no limit as to how many viewers log in simultaneously. Secondly, the event will be recorded spatially. This gives developers an option to rewatch sessions in six degrees of freedom VR. All of this will serve as a tool for HTC to showcase what it has been building and streamlining in recent years. 

For those watching the event in VR, maintaining personal hygiene is crucial. We recently put together a brief list of precautions one can take for little to no extra cost or effort. Personal hygiene is always important, but especially with COVID-19 making the rounds. 

Facebook Expands the Oculus Gaming Group by Acquiring Sanzaru Games

By
JP Buntinx
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occulus facebook
Photo: Kotaku

Facebook has taken a big gamble by acquiring Oculus many moons ago. Despite not seeing much growth in the VR industry, the social media giant is not giving up on VR just yet.

Facebook Buys Sanzaru Games

It is interesting to see how Facebook is not giving up on a potentially failed venture. Virtual reality has failed to captivate audiences over the world. This is primarily due to the necessary hardware remaining expensive, as well as the content simply not being up to par.

Whereas Facebook expected to leverage a first-mover advantage, it has not paid off. Acquiring Oculus and its hardware division hasn’t yielded any notable change. Despite this lackluster development, the social media giant is not giving up on virtual reality.

Earlier this week, the company confirmed that it acquired another VR game studio. Known as Sanzaru Games, their portfolio consists of many different games. It’s most popular game receives a lot of positivity from enthusiasts and critics alike. 

By acquiring such a prominent developer, Facebook looks to move forward. Most of the 100 employees working for Sanzaru Games will make the jump to the Oculus gaming group. Sanzaru will operate independently from their existing officers, thus no physical move is involved. 

It is the second major acquisition for Facebook’s VR division in a few months. Late last year, the company confirmed it has bought out Beat Games. Their most popular offering, called Beat Saber, highlights the true potential of VR gaming. 

Whether any of these acquisitions will accelerate VR adoption, is difficult to predict. Consumers are not too excited about buying a VR headset costing hundreds of dollars. 

Until the cost of proper VR headsets comes down significantly, this industry will remain niche for quite some time to come. Having content developed outside of Oculus and Facebook is an interesting approach to making this happen.

Indian Hotel Launches World’s First Virtual Reality Experience Centre

By
JP Buntinx
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Virtual Reality TV Shows

Virtual reality has been making inroads in various sectors. Following in-flight entertainment, it now seems hotels are getting in on the action as well.

Experiencing Virtual Reality in a Hotel

For entertainment purposes, virtual reality can be a very welcome addition to most companies and service providers. Even hotels stand to gain from embracing this technology, assuming they do so properly. 

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida in Delhi NCR is doing exactly that. At the hotel lobby, users can immerse themselves in a three-dimensional virtual environment. Client requirements are taken into consideration to provide the most optimal experience. 

It is also the first hotel in the world  to effectively embrace virtual reality technology on-site.

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida general hotel manager Ashwani Nayar adds:

“This is the future. VR is such a powerful immersive medium that perfectly complements the experiential nature of our industry. I am certain about the potential this holds for hotels to technologically advance the way we present our product to a prospective client or a business partner.”

If this proves to be successful, other hotels may embrace a similar approach. Virtual reality, while often considered a fad, is still evolving as an industry. It may prove to be a viable addition over time. 

VR Hardware Hygiene is Crucial to Thwart Coronavirus Spreading

By
JP Buntinx
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TheVRSoldier Coronavirus VR Hardware

Ongoing coronavirus concerns are spreading on a global scale. Even virtual reality users need to be aware of this problem, especially when using VR hardware in public locations.

Sharing VR Hardware and Hygiene

Various places provide access to virtual reality in exchange for a small fee. Customers can then rent headsets and play games for a specific time period. This model has proven to be very successful, as it removes the need for consumers to purchase a headset of $800 or even more.

Hygiene is a crucial issue when embracing this “social” aspect. Sharing VR headsets with others required thorough cleaning of the hardware after every use. Following the coronavirus outbreak, that level of hygiene will only become even more important moving forward. 

Sweat and heat will build up when using a VR headset. It is a festering situation for bacteria and viruses to thrive in. There are also the handheld controllers, which are exposed to human skin, sweat, and whatnot. Sharing these devices with others without proper precautions can lead to further spreading COVID-19.

Preliminary research regarding the spreading of the novel coronavirus confirms as much. Statistics indicate that traces of the virus can remain on metal, glass, and plastic for at least two hours. In some cases, that “timeline” can be extended to up to 9 days, creating a very problematic situation. 

Noteworthy Coronavirus Precautions

Wiping down a VR headset after every use is a default solution to maintain hygiene. In public spaces where hardware is shared with others, this step is never allowed to be skipped. Stepping up one’s hygiene game is crucial, even if the coronavirus wasn’t around.

Other solutions include forcing customers to wash their hands before and every use, to keep kits clean. It makes sense to most people on any given day, and the current concerns will only make customers more aware.  If no sink is available, a hand sanitizer – alcohol-based preferably – is a viable alternative. 

To keep VR hardware clear, wiping it down with antibacterial wipes is also advised. Not just due to the coronavirus, but to prevent the spreading of any sort of germs and bacteria in general. It is a small step to take to create a hygienic and safer environment for everyone.

One of the more interesting solutions comes in the form of disposable VR masks. Such a disposable cover can serve multiple purposes. Not only is it single-use and perfect for protecting the hardware, but they are also affordable. This is a great solution for companies demonstrating virtual reality to many people in a room.

Protecting the headset from bacteria is one thing, but the controllers shouldn’t be overlooked either.  They are very similar to computer keyboards and mice in this regard. Providing removable controller covers is a great way to protect both the hardware and one’s customers. 

2020 is a Crucial Year for Virtual Reality Gaming

By
JP Buntinx
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TheVRBase VR Gaming Virtual Reality Gaming Immersion

The future of virtual reality gaming still hangs in the balance. 2020 Will not be different in this regard, although significant progress needs to be made sooner rather than later.

Virtual Reality Gaming in 2020

Despite being launched several years ago, VR gaming has not attained any level of mainstream traction. It remains a niche market first and foremost, with prices of VR headsets still on the high end of the spectrum. As this new decade kicks off, the expectations for virtual reality gaming may be higher than ever before.

Over the past few years, significant progress has been made. A fully immersive virtual reality gaming experience is still unattainable for most. First-mover advantages by Facebook and Oculus have not paid off in spades just yet.

While there is a lot of content to enjoy, there is nothing to captivate the bigger audiences. With less than 6 million VR headsets shipping in 2019, the industry continues to teeter. No significant increase in shipments have been noted from 2018 to 2019. Compared to sales figures for mainstream gaming consoles, VR headsets are well behind the curve.

Games Need More Meat on the Bone

Making matters worse is the drop-off in VR investments. Fewer deals are being closed in this space. That is to be expected, as virtual reality gaming has not taken off by any means. The main reason for this lack of excitement is the quality of the games themselves. They are either too short, not engaging, or simply not suitable for virtual reality.

At the same time, players need to adjust their expectations. VR Games and regular gaming are two very different sides of the same medallion. Immersing oneself in the virtual world allows for tremendous possibilities. Unlocking the true potential of virtual reality gaming remains somewhat difficult for developers.

Core Issues Remain Present

Catering to non-hardcore gamers remains difficult in virtual reality. Headsets remain plagued by nausea and discomfort, even in 2020. It is not an industry designed to take over from traditional gaming. At least, not until these core issues can finally be addressed by manufacturers.

Another issue to overcome is the lack of multitasking. When using a PC or mobile device, users can do different things at once. In VR, the entire focus needs to shift to the game or app in question. This is off-putting to consumers and corporations alike.

Until barriers to entry are lower, the future of virtual reality gaming remains in question. Tremendous potential remains present, but the do-or-die timeline is drawing near. Without significant improvements this year, VR gaming may very well be dead in the water once and for all .

Oculus Rift S and Quest VR Headsets Come to the Benelux on May 21

By
Marat Arguinbaev
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0
occulus facebook
Photo: Kotaku

It would appear residents of the Benelux will soon be able to get their hands on the Oculus Quest and Rift S VR headsets. Both units are expected to go on sale on May 21. With a price tag of 449 euro each, these units are slightly more affordable compared to the other units on the market today.

Will Benelux Users Care more About VR?

Getting consumer excited about virtual reality technology has been rather challenging over the years. Expensive VR headsets have only made this technology even less appealing. Oculus acknowledges something needs to change and targets a wider demographic with its two new headsets. Both units will be available in the Benelux in just under three weeks from today.

Both units will start at the same price level for the standard unit. Both the RIft S and Oculus Quest with 64GB of storage will cost 449 Euro. The Quest with 128GB of storage will cost 100 euro more. These prices are relatively compared to the high-end units, but still steep enough to make consumers doubt these offerings.

It is rather unusual to see one company release two VR headsets at the same time for the exact same price. The Oculus Rift S supports inside-out tracking and depicts a display ratio of 1280×1440 pixels. The Oculus Quest has a slightly higher resolution and works as a standalone unit which doesn’t require a computer.

The big question is how consumers will respond to these two new products. Especially standalone VR seems to become more popular over time, although 449 euro is no bargain. To date, the interest in VR technology has been relatively lackluster in the Benelux area. Only time will tell if either unit can change that situation for the better.

If you liked this article make sure to follow us on twitter @thevrsoldier and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest VR trends and news.

Bristol VR Arcade Shuts Down After Just Three Months

By
Marat Arguinbaev
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Although there seems to be a genuine interest in VR arcades, things are not necessarily as cut-and-dry as they may seem. Bristol’s VRX Gaming was forced to close up shop just three months after opening its doors. This is not a prominent sign by any means, as it is expected most VR arcades will face similar struggles in the near future.

Bristol VR Arcade Shuts Down

It is rather apparent the coming years will be crucial for the VR industry. While industry experts still predict major growth, the reality may work out very differently. Not all companies will succeed in the long run, with many of them expected to fail in the coming two to three years. Bristol’s VRX Gaming is a clear example in this regard, as the company has not had the best three-month period.

More specifically, the VR arcade opened its doors earlier in 2019. At that time, there was a lot of genuine excitement regarding this particular venture. VR arcades have become a lot more popular on a global scale in the past few years. However, it seems the VRX Gaming venture hasn’t gone according to plan in the slightest. Things even got so bad the team has been forced to shut down its venture altogether.

VRX Gaming’s Callum Urquhart explains:

“The rent was actually fairly reasonable but we couldn’t negotiate the business rates or service charge, which were both very high. Those three rates combined meant we had to pay more than £2,000 for a tiny place, which is idiotic. If we had known the costs beforehand we simply wouldn’t have opened there. High rates are crippling small businesses such as mine.”

Even as a company operating under a temporary license, VRX Gaming was not able to solve these problems in a prominent manner. As such, the only option was to shut down the project after just three short months. For now, there is no indication the business will be resumed in the future, which is not entirely all that surprising.

If you liked this article make sure to follow us on twitter @thevrsoldier and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest VR trends and news.

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