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The Virtual Reviewer

Present day. Present time.

blakepiercehowseBlake Pierce Howse

With my trusty Xbox controller in hand, I'm just as likely to be barking orders to my squadmates in the latest shooter as I am strategizing code architecture with my engineering team. That's me - Blake Howse - principal software engineer by day, gaming enthusiast by night (and often during lunch breaks too). When I'm not glued to a screen writing VR code at Meta, you can usually find me hitting the trails with my wife Patty and two kids, John and Jenette. I love sharing my passion for gaming and tech with them, whether we're testing out new smart home gadgets or getting the hang of the latest VR games. As a self-described outdoorsy techie, I basically have the perfect work-life balance - collaborating with sharp engineers on innovative projects during the day, then coming home to my family to geek out and adventure together. Maybe we'll take our bikes out to hit some local trails or relax at home tinkering with DIY tech projects. Even just gaming into the night with my kids brings me joy.

Best VR Puzzle Games: 12 Brain Benders Worth It

October 5, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

The best VR puzzle games in 2026, from The Room VR to Cubism and Tetris Effect. Real picks, prices, and platforms from a VR dad who tests them.

Categories VR Guides

Standalone vs PC VR Headset: Which to Buy in 2026

October 2, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Standalone vs PC VR headset in 2026: real specs and prices for Quest 3, Steam Frame and Bigscreen Beyond, plus how each compares to arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides

Valve Index Review 2026: Still Worth Buying?

October 2, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A VR dad’s honest 2026 take on the Valve Index: specs, price, comfort, tracking, and whether to buy it now that Valve has discontinued it and Steam Frame is here.

Categories VR Guides

Is VR Good for a Kids Party? An Honest Dad Take

October 1, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Is VR good for a kids party? A VR dad breaks down ages, safety, group sizes, costs, and what actually keeps kids happy at a virtual reality birthday.

Categories VR Guides

Brilliant Labs Frame Review: AI Glasses With a Display

October 1, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A dad’s honest take on the Brilliant Labs Frame: open-source AI glasses with a tiny in-lens display for about $349. Specs, who they suit, and how they compare to VR.

Categories VR Guides

VR Headset Comfort and Weight Guide (2026)

September 30, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A VR dad’s comfort and weight guide: real headset weights, why front-heavy hurts, strap and counterweight fixes, and how to enjoy longer, comfier sessions.

Categories VR Guides

Best VR Shooter Games for 2026 (Quest 3 Tested)

September 29, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

The best VR shooter games in 2026 for Quest 3: Contractors Showdown, Zero Caliber 2, Breachers, Ghosts of Tabor, Pistol Whip, and Pavlov, ranked by a VR dad.

Categories VR Guides

AR Glasses vs VR Headset: Which Should You Buy?

September 29, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

AR glasses vs VR headset in 2026: what each does, real specs and prices for Xreal, Viture and Quest 3, and how they compare to arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides

Pico 4 Ultra Review: A VR Dad’s Honest Take

September 28, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Pico 4 Ultra review from a dad who plays VR at real arcades. XR2 Gen 2 specs, mixed reality passthrough, price, US availability, and who should buy it.

Categories VR Guides

What Arcade VR Does That Your Quest 3 Cannot

September 26, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A VR dad compares free-roam arcade VR to the Quest 3 at home. Haptics, real walking, and operator rigs the headset just cannot match.

Categories VR Guides
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