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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.

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

What Is Mixed Reality? XR, VR, and AR Explained

September 14, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

What is mixed reality and XR explained in plain English by a VR dad. See how MR, VR, AR, and XR differ, with real 2026 examples and a simple table.

Categories VR Guides

Best Apple Vision Pro Apps and Games (2026 Picks)

September 12, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

The best Apple Vision Pro apps and games in 2026, tested against real arcade VR. Synth Riders, djay, Blackbox, Office, and what is actually worth your time.

Categories VR Guides

PlayStation VR2 Review: A VR Dad’s Honest Take

September 11, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

PlayStation VR2 review from a dad who plays VR at real arcades. OLED specs, PS5 and PC use, price, pros and cons, and who should actually buy it.

Categories VR Guides

Apple Vision Pro vs Bigscreen Beyond: Full Compare

September 11, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Apple Vision Pro vs Bigscreen Beyond compared for 2026: price, weight, displays, standalone vs PCVR, and which premium headset is right for you.

Categories VR Guides

From the Arcade to Your Living Room: A VR Buyer’s Guide

September 10, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A VR dad’s honest 2026 buyer’s guide for taking VR from the arcade to your living room, with real prices, the venue lens, and the right headset for you.

Categories VR Guides

Activate Games Guide: Rooms, Pricing, and Is It VR?

September 10, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A dad’s Activate Games guide: how the wristband active-gaming rooms work, the full room list, pricing, locations, and how it stacks up against VR arcades.

Categories VR Guides

Even Realities G1 Review: The Smart Glasses You’d Wear

September 9, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Our Even Realities G1 review covers the green HUD display, translation, navigation, price, and how these subtle smart glasses fit alongside real VR.

Categories VR Guides

How Much Does a VR Arcade Session Cost in 2026?

September 8, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A VR arcade session runs about $20 to $55 per person depending on the format. Here is a real 2026 price breakdown from a VR dad who has played 50+ venues.

Categories VR Guides

Are Smart Glasses Worth It in 2026? An Honest Take

September 8, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Are smart glasses worth it in 2026? A VR dad breaks down camera glasses vs display glasses, real prices, and who should actually buy a pair.

Categories VR Guides
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