Virtual Reality MyOpinion • 1d ago • 84%

Huawei could launch VR headset next week against Apple Vision Pro - Huawei Central

www.huaweicentral.com

Huawei is launching several products next week and one of these could be a VR headset. The company might unveil its long-rumored Virtual Reality device on October 22 to compete with the Apple Vision Pro in the Chinese consumer market. VR or Virtual Reality headset is a head-mounted device. It offers immersive virtual experiences through a 3D near-eye display (lenses). The display uses key technologies like positional tracking to generate a virtual environment for the user. A new input says that Huawei may launch its first high-end VR headset next week. The company has been in the news for its secretive VR device since February 2024. Many tipsters said the OEM has a dynamic headset in the pipeline. Now it seems we don’t have to wait much to see the amazing Virtual Reality headset. Huawei hasn’t announced any details or teased the device so far. Thus, let’s hold patience till October 22 launch event for an official confirmation on this matter. Some early leaks have claimed that Huawei’s VR device would be far better, lighter, and more cost-effective than Apple Vision Pro. According to the former executive of Meizu Li Nan, the Huawei VR headset will equip a Sony 4K micro-OLED screen. This display panel might have the same capabilities as the Apple Vision Pro. Also, the device could use Huawei’s self-developed chipset and weigh 350 grams.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 1d ago • 93%

Why Used EV Deals Will Get Crazy On Jan. 1, 2025

Deals on used electric vehicles are plentiful right now. Lightly used Tesla Model S sedans are going for Model Y money. Subaru Solterras can be had for around $20,000. Low-mileage Lucid Airs are going for half off. All in all, there’s never been a better time to get plugged in on a budget. But if you can wait until early next year, things are about to get much, much better. Many, many more EVs will become eligible for the federal used EV tax credit in January. According to research from battery health startup Recurrent, “this coming January, the largest ever influx of EVs to the used market gains eligibility.” The firm, which tracks battery health in used EVs, says that 65% of EVs listed on the used market are already old enough to qualify for the credit. Thanks to booming electric sales in 2023, another 24% will meet that requirement come January 1. Say hello to a 2023 Chevy Bolt for just over $10,000.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 3d ago • 81%

What Is It With LFP For Batteries?

cleantechnica.com

Tesla fans criticized cars like the BYD e6, yes. I thought it was too heavy, but I had no issue with the batteries. Others found fault with the batteries, but not those with experience with LFP like me, for instance. In fact, I did not at first understand what Tesla was doing with a clearly volatile, and fire-prone battery chemistry. Then I found out they were using special fire suppressant materials in their packs, and they used fusible links in series with each cell so that if a cell shorted out, it would blow the link. They also worked on their cell caps to reduce pressure in the event of outgassing. None of that could stop the greater volatility and susceptibility to thermal runaway and pack fire. It only reduced the spread speed, and gave time for occupants to exit. They armored the pack against puncture with a thick aluminum pan and gave it strong side supports. Every NMC and NCA pack will catch fire if punctured. Winston showed movies of LFP punctured by nails and bullets. Those are standard tests. There is a flame test, a bake test, and a full short test. (Don’t try this at home.) Done right, LFP can be punctured with no fire. Tesla just went ahead and used NMC and NCA anyway, and dealt with it with clever countermeasures. As NMC went to more energy density with higher nickel content, it became even more volatile. On top of the safety benefits, LFP has much higher cycle life, a minimum of 4,000 cycles, a stiff discharge profile, and very low internal resistance. It is a really good power source. Those of you with LFP Teslas or other vehicles, hang on to them. Their battery packs could last a lifetime.

Virtual Reality MyOpinion • 4d ago • 100%

Playstation VR 2: VR studio gives approximate sales figures

mixed-news.com

Two weeks ago, the studio released the acclaimed VR platformer Max Mustard for Playstation VR 2. It was first released for Meta Quest six months ago and on Steam on 16 October. In a Reddit post, the studio thanked PSVR 2 players for the positive reception of the VR game, writing "Now we all know that the PSVR2 hasn’t quite received the attention or hardware sales it truly deserves, with approximately 2,000,000 units shipped (10% that of Quest). Despite being a fraction of the market, Max Mustard has sold BETTER on PSVR2 during the first two weeks of launch than it did on Meta Quest. We thought this was an interesting statistic that breaks the norm of what the industry is seeing." It's unclear where this number comes from. VR studios like Toast Interactive should know the approximate size of the ecosystems they develop for, so it's unlikely the numbers are completely made up. Meta is known to have sold more than 20 million Quest headsets by March 2023.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 4d ago • 97%

Nearly 80% Of New EVs Are Leased: Dealer Data

Leasing has swiftly taken over the electric-vehicle market. Nearly 80% of new EVs bought at dealerships are now leased, according to Edmunds data cited by The Wall Street Journal. That’s up from 16% at the beginning of last year, per Edmunds. And it’s at least triple the industry average, which sits around 20%. One caveat: since we’re talking about EVs bought at dealerships, these figures exclude direct-to-consumer EV makers like Rivian, Lucid and (most importantly) Tesla. Tesla tends to push leases less than many conventional brands, too. Since it makes the three best-selling EVs on sale, the full-market figure is likely considerably less than 80%. Still, the rise of leasing is among the strangest dynamics in today’s EV market, and the long-term impacts could be immense.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 4d ago • 92%

Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art EV plant is on the brink of collapse

electrek.co

“Car manufacturers wanted to make big profits with electric vehicles right away and did not accept that the transition phase would generate fewer dividends and profits,” Hillal Sor, a trade unionist at Metallos FGTB, told Euronews. “So they bet everything on large, very luxurious, very expensive models that European citizens cannot afford.” Sales figures back this up: The first eight months of this year, some 902,000 electric cars were purchased in the European Union, representing only 12.6% of the total number sold. To support the EV transition, unions say that are pushing for more public funds. The European Parliament agreed last month to consider tariffs on Chinese EVs and other protectionist measures are on the table. Meanwhile, VW’s massive production overcapacity at its German sites is forcing the company to consider, for the first time ever, closing a factory on its own home turf.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 4d ago • 94%

China's EV giants shine at Europe's largest auto show while local rivals despair

(This is what happens when you drag your feet car makers.) BYD, Xpeng, and Leapmotor showcased new vehicles at the Paris Motor Show, even as the European Union prepares to impose punishing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. BYD unveiled the Sealion 7, a stylish electric SUV that the company says can charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. The company plans to launch the EV in Europe later this year. The automaker, which aims to become Europe's largest electric carmaker by 2030, showed off seven vehicles at its booth in Paris. Crowds quickly formed around the high-tech Yangwang U8, an imposing hybrid SUV that BYD says is capable of floating on water for up to 30 minutes and turning on the spot like a tank. The U8, which was making its European debut but is currently only sold in China, also comes with a drone that allows passengers to scout the road ahead. The Chinese focus on technologically advanced features and smart cars was also apparent elsewhere at the motor show. The booth of Chinese EV firm Xpeng was dominated by the company's flying car prototype, which hung from the ceiling.

Virtual Reality MyOpinion • 6d ago • 100%

One of the Best Mods for 'Half-Life: Alyx' is Becoming a Full Game Next Year

www.roadtovr.com

Half-Life: Alyx (2020) is one of the most moddable VR games out there, which has spawned high-quality DLC and some impressively detailed levels. Now, the developer behind the ‘Gunman Contracts’—one of the best HLA mods out there—says we’re getting a full, standalone title next year. Called Gunman Contracts – Stand Alone, the single player game is heading for Steam Early Access sometime next year, which is said to include core features such as customizable weapons, shooting challenges, and demo areas. While initially announced last year with release targeting early 2024, Gunman Contracts mod developer ‘ANB_Seth’ announced they’re now teaming up with games publisher 2080 Games, which was founded by Mike from YouTube channel Virtual Reality Oasis. 2080 Games is partially funding the development of the title, allowing the solo developer to focus on creating the game full-time.

Virtual Reality MyOpinion • 6d ago • 100%

Don't miss these free VR demos on Steam Next Fest

mixed-news.com

From October 14–21, Steam Next Fest is giving you the chance to try out a number of PC VR games for free. In total, there are 52 demos available. We present four exciting titles that couldn't be more different. All other demos can be found at the source link below the article. Cold VR — Like Superhot, only in reverse Cold VR is a fast-paced VR shooter that reverses the concept of time and motion in its mechanics, reminiscent of Superhot VR: time only stands still when you move. This results in a dynamic and chaotic gameplay that keeps you on the move and challenges your ability to react. Final Fury: The VR Street Fighter in first-person perspective Final Fury, from the developers of Synth Riders, brings the classic arcade fighting game experience to virtual reality. You step into the arena as a fighter and use your physical movements to perform combos and attacks. Thanks to online multiplayer, you can compete against other players around the world. All on Board: A must-have for board game fans The creators of the Blasphemous series bring the world of classic board games into virtual reality with All on Board. You can play original licensed board games in an immersive environment alone or with friends around the world. In addition to the award-winning Terraforming Mars, Richard Garfield's The Hunger, Escape The Dark Castle, Rallyman GT, The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls and Istanbul are also available as full versions. More titles will follow via post-release updates

Virtual Reality MyOpinion • 6d ago • 100%

'Clamb' is a VR Game With Sledgehammer Locomotion, Which is Just as Insane as it Sounds

www.roadtovr.com

From indie studio OP Softworks comes Clamb, an upcoming VR game that maroons you on an island with one goal: clamber up the mountain with your sledgehammer—that, and don’t fall. You’d think things would actually be easier in VR than controlling the wibbly 2D sidescroller original because you have more direct control and have more flexibility in your movements. But after having played the free SteamVR demo, I can safely say that’s not true. At all.

Virtual Reality MyOpinion • 6d ago • 66%

Quest 3S Is Out Today, A New Phase For VR & Mixed Reality

www.uploadvr.com

Quest 3S is available in two storage models, 128GB for $300 or 256GB for $400. Both models come with the same Touch Plus controllers included with Quest 3. Alternatively, people in the US can get a Quest 3S from $20/month for 128GB ($25/month for 256GB) over two years, which includes the Meta Quest+ games subscription service and Meta Warranty Plus.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 6d ago • 92%

California Cops Are Finding Out Teslas Are 'Nearly Unusable' As Police Cruises

California is all in on an electric future, planning to ban the sale of gas and diesel powered cars starting in 2035. To get ready for this brave new world some police departments started with buying a few Teslas. These departments immediately ran into serious problems using the vehicles as cruisers, such as a lack of charging infrastructure, inadequate interior space, expensive and lengthy retrofitting processes, interference from advanced driver safety assistance systems and more. But there is an obvious option here: Don’t use a Tesla. The Fort Bragg Police Department told SFGate using a F-150 Lightning as a patrol vehicle makes a lot more sense. “Tesla isn’t the right answer in the law enforcement market currently for electric adoption,” Police Department Chief Neil Cervenka told SFGate. “But there might be better options.”

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 6d ago • 93%

Global EV sales up 30.5% in September as China shines, Europe recuperates

Global sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose by an annual 30.5% in September, as China surpassed its record numbers recorded in August and Europe resumed growth, market research firm Rho Motion said on Tuesday. Gains in the U.S. market have been slow and steady in anticipation of the Nov. 5 election, which makes it difficult to predict future trends in the country, data manager Charles Lester told Reuters.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 7d ago • 85%

DHL tests Tesla Semi and confirms the electric truck's impressive performance

electrek.co

DHL says that it was able to confirm that the Tesla Semi is capable of 500 miles on a single charge with a full load. But more importantly, DHL confirmed that it achieved an efficiency of 1.72 kWh/mile on average during its two-week trial: During the trial, the trial vehicle averaged 1.72 kWh/mile operating at speeds exceeding 50 mph (80 km/h) on average for over half its time on the road. The result exceeded our expectations and even Tesla’s own rating. That’s exactly what Tesla has been predicting, and in fact, Tesla says that it now does a little better with 1.6 kWh per mile. kWh per mile means that this is the amount of energy it needs to travel a mile. Considering that 1.7 kWh of electricity can cost as low as $0.15, it opens up the opportunity to greatly reduced the cost of operation of semi trucks.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 1w ago • 96%

U.S. EV Sales Hit Another Record In Q3 2024: '10% Share Within Reach'

Electric vehicle sales hit a new record in the U.S. in Q3, driven by attractive lease deals, financing offers and a growing appetite for affordable models among American car buyers. Despite all the political noise around EVs and negative headlines in financial papers, automakers are having a moment selling their battery-powered cars. According to car trading and market insights firm Cox Automotive, automakers sold an estimated 346,309 EVs in the third quarter, a 5% increase from the second quarter. EVs accounted for 8.9% of the total auto sales—the highest ever on record—marking an increase from 7.8% during the same period last year. "With improving infrastructure, far more choices, and excellent deals to be had, the team expects further growth in the months ahead," Cox Automotive analysts wrote. "A 10% share is well within reach.

Virtual Reality MyOpinion • 1w ago • 79%

Report: Cheaper 'Apple Vision' headset to cost around $2000; drop EyeSight

9to5mac.com

According to the latest edition of Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, Apple is still on track to launch the lower end Apple Vision headset as early as next year. He says it’ll cost around $2000. Apple debuted Apple Vision Pro earlier this year at $3499, but it seems the company is still quickly trying to figure out a successor. Some reports earlier this year suggested that Apple had halted Vision Pro development to focus on the cheaper headset, and that still seems to be the case – likely because Vision Pro’s premium price tag puts spatial computing out of reach for many. Gurman says that the lower-end headset will probably use an inferior processor and cheaper materials. Vision Pro is currently equipped with an M2 chip, so I could see Apple equipping an A series chipset on the cheaper headset, like the A18 Pro – which is about as fast as an M1. As for materials, there’ll likely be more plastic involved, rather than fully being aluminum and glass. The report also says that the headset will likely drop the EyeSight feature introduced on Apple Vision Pro, which uses lenticular displays to pass through the users eyes to the outside of the headset, allowing people around them to still “see” their eyes. It was a little gimmicky in my opinion, but an interesting feature. However, it was costly to have another display on the outside, and that display will be gone on the cheaper headset. Apple reportedly expects the cheaper Apple Vision headset to sell twice as well as Apple Vision Pro, which isn’t saying much. Apple Vision Pro 2 is also on track for 2026 with a faster chipset.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 1w ago • 98%

Price parity is here: new Stellantis crossover is the same price, EV or ICE

electrek.co

The newest midsize crossover in Stellantis’ European lineup is available in five or seven-passenger configurations with either mild hybrid ICE or BEV drivetrain configurations – but that’s not the interesting part. The interesting part is this: whether you go with gas or electric, the price you pay remains the same. (!) Price parity, in the context of EVs, basically means that it would cost the same to buy an electric version of a car as an internal combustion version. Whether or not making parity a priority makes sense (and there are plenty who would argue that it doesn’t), there is still a persistent belief that EVs cost more than comparable gas cars. Well, they did, anyway. The new Vauxhall Frontera is a mid-size crossover set to launch in the UK later this year with a £23,495 price tag (approx. $30,705) for the ICE version … and £23,495 for the BEV.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 1w ago • 95%

Robo Truth

cleantechnica.com

Robotaxi dreams are based on provable falsehood. There can never be a reduction of vehicles to ⅓ of present taxis/cars. The lies could be dispelled if people only understood the basics. This little side trip from EVs to robotaxis is a disaster and a distraction and has nothing to do with reducing global warming or improving the environment. Instead, we should be discussing real solutions to transport and why we are oil addicted and overly car dependent. But that is for another future discussion. First the myth has to be broken and the spell car centrism has on minds has to be undone. The answer is not more cars, any kind of car. That discussion is way too large for a single article and deserves a much longer explanation.

Virtual Reality MyOpinion • 1w ago • 80%

Meta 'Avalanche' VR Cloud Streaming Listed On Quest's Store

www.uploadvr.com

The Avalanche app can be wishlisted, but not actually redeemed or purchased, and thus can't be downloaded or used. The store lists the app's release date as 24 July 2024, three months ago, which may be the time it was uploaded to the store system. The store page description reads "Download to test out the latest cloud streamed titles on Avalanche", and its images include screenshots of Lone Echo, a blockbuster Oculus Rift game from 2017 that hasn't been ported to Quest, as well as Beat Saber and the Unreal Engine's City Sample. Between 2016 and 2021 Facebook invested hundreds of millions of dollars to ship a number of PC Oculus Rift blockbusters like Lone Echo and Asgard's Wrath. While these games can be played on Quest today via a gaming PC over Wi-Fi or USB, most Quest users don't own a gaming PC. Avalanche being listed on the store may suggest Meta is getting closer to releasing it as a product, bringing these games to a much wider audience. Of course, the experience of cloud streaming heavily depends on the quality of the user’s internet connection. There is a potential for high latency if the server is far away, and for judder caused by packet loss if the connection quality is poor. In late 2020 John Carmack had this to say, comparing it to local network streaming: “obviously it’s even worse, obviously more people are going to find that unacceptable and it will be a terrible experience for more people, but still I am quite confident that for some people in some situations it’s still going to be quite valuable”.

Electric Vehicles MyOpinion • 1w ago • 100%

Analysts: 40% drop in 2023-2025 EV battery prices will boost sales

www.greencarreports.com

Analysts expect nearly a 40% decline in EV battery prices between 2023 and 2025, and for EVs to "reach breakthrough levels in terms of cost parity" with internal-combustion vehicles in some markets as early as next year—without subsidies. That's due to lower materials cost and the effect of a current stagnation in EV sales allowing supply to catch up with demand, according to the analysis. Battery prices will continue to fall significantly through 2025 and more or less level off after that, analysts predict. And that could allow EVs to reach larger market shares more quickly. Goldman analysts now predict that EVs could reach 50% market share in the U.S. by 2030, and 68% in the European Union by that year.