Google is rolling out PlayStation VR support for its PlayStation 4 YouTube app, allowing users to experience 360-degree video via Sony’s recently launched virtual reality headset.
While a patch introducing PlayStation VR support for YouTube is not yet available for all PSN members, UploadVR reports that a select few Reddit and Twitter users have been able to access the updated app this week ahead of a likely worldwide launch in 2017.
YouTube has emerged as a hub for VR video content over the past year, with an official channel regularly featuring 360-degree clips viewable using mobile devices, Daydream View, or Google Cardboard setups. Multiple publishers and studios have launched their 360-degree video content via YouTube in recent months, including Clash of Clans creator SuperCell and the documentary-focused Discovery Channel.
According to several user reports, version 1.09 of the PlayStation 4 YouTube app adds the ability to view 360-degree videos using a PlayStation VR headset. While the patch is currently inaccessible for most users, PlayStation Network members can check for a pending update by highlighting the app’s icon on the PlayStation 4’s home screen, pressing the “options” button on the DualShock 4 controller, and selecting “Check For Updates” from the pop-up menu.
Users who have successfully downloaded and installed version 1.09 of the PlayStation 4 YouTube app are prompted to choose between “Normal” and “PlayStation VR” modes at launch. PlayStation VR mode boasts all current YouTube app functionality along with the native ability to view 360-degree video content, complete with accurate head-tracking shifts in perspective.
Previously, PlayStation VR owners needed to save 360-degree video content to a USB memory stick or access it via a shared network in order to view it using the PlayStation VR headset. The forthcoming YouTube update will make 360-degree video content accessible to a much broader user base, potentially leading to a significant boost in its popularity.
Neither Sony nor Google has announced a worldwide launch date for the updated PlayStation 4 YouTube app.
The absolutely absurd idea of putting a touchscreen display on a mouse isn't exactly new. Turtle Beach already did it with its Command Series MC7, which features a 2.25-inch control screen. But apparently, even that wasn't ridiculous enough for Arctic Fox Technologies. Its new Super Mouse looks like someone took the chunky old Atari ST mouse, slapped a touchscreen and scroll wheel on it, and called it an upgrade.
The result is a rather unusual-looking mouse that is now on Kickstarter, starting at $199. And as ridiculous as it looks, some of its features are genuinely intriguing.
Apple is less than a day away from launching its highly anticipated OLED MacBook Pro with a touch-sensitive screen. But it appears that the upgrade is going to cost a pretty penny. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly eyeing a starting price of $2,899 for the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while the 16-inch version could start at $3,399 in the US.
"At $2,899, the 14-inch model would mark the highest starting price for a new MacBook Pro model, surpassing the $2,799 Apple charged for a 17-inch version introduced in 2006," says the report. The report claims that Apple is targeting a minimum price hike of $400 for its upcoming redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
I've spent a good amount of time digging into the spec sheet of the new M6 MacBook Pro (14-inch), and for all intents and purposes, this is a classic Apple "chip and connectivity" refresh. It's not a full redesign. The chassis, Liquid Retina XDR panel, speakers, ports, and battery, all of them carry over unchanged.
However, the M6 brings more cores, stronger on-device AI, higher memory bandwidth on the larger configs, and modern wireless. Here’s the practical rundown of what actually improved, and whether those gains are worth your money.