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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.

TCL RayNeo Air 3s Review: Budget AR Glasses for a Dad

September 25, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A dad’s honest take on the TCL RayNeo Air 3s: a 201-inch micro-OLED screen for movies and gaming at around $250. Specs, who it fits, and how it stacks up to arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides

What Is Location-Based VR? A VR Dad Explains

September 24, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

What is location-based VR? It is VR you play at a venue with free-roam space, full-body tracking, and haptic vests. A dad who has played 50+ venues explains.

Categories VR Guides

Do You Need a PC for VR? A Straight Answer

September 22, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Do you need a PC for VR in 2026? A VR dad breaks down standalone vs PCVR, real PC specs you need, costs, and who should skip the computer entirely.

Categories VR Guides

Best VR Rhythm Games for 2026 (Family Tested)

September 21, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

The best VR rhythm games in 2026 for Quest 3 and beyond: Beat Saber, Synth Riders, Pistol Whip, Ragnarock, and Smash Drums, ranked by a VR dad.

Categories VR Guides

Ray-Ban Meta vs Xreal Glasses: Which to Buy in 2026

September 18, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Ray-Ban Meta vs Xreal glasses compared for 2026: AI camera glasses vs tethered AR display glasses, specs, price, and which one fits how you’ll use them.

Categories VR Guides

Do Home VR Headsets Replace a VR Arcade Trip?

September 17, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A VR dad answers honestly: do home VR headsets replace a VR arcade trip in 2026? What the Quest 3 nails, what free-roam venues do that home never will.

Categories VR Guides

Pico 4 Review: A VR Dad’s Honest Look

September 17, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Pico 4 review from a dad who plays VR at real arcades. Pancake lens specs, comfort, price, US availability, pros and cons, and who should buy it.

Categories VR Guides

Meow Wolf Guide: All 5 Locations, Tickets, and What to Expect

September 16, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A dad’s Meow Wolf guide to all 5 locations, ticket prices, VR add-ons, and which immersive art exhibit fits your family best in 2026.

Categories VR Guides

Family Entertainment Center Guide: A VR Dad’s Playbook

September 15, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A practical family entertainment center guide from a dad who has played 50+ venues. What to look for, what to pay, and how to pick the right FEC in 2026.

Categories VR Guides

RayNeo X3 Pro Review: Bright AR, Brutal Battery

September 15, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Our RayNeo X3 Pro review breaks down the 6,000-nit color display, Snapdragon brain, tiny battery, price, and how it compares to real arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides
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