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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.

Xreal One Review: AR Glasses With a Brain, VR Dad Take

July 30, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Xreal One review from a VR dad: the X1 spatial chip, 50-degree FOV, anchored screens, Bose audio, and how these AR glasses compare to arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides

VR Laser Tag: How It Works and Where to Play

July 29, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

VR laser tag how it works and where to play, from a dad who has tried free-roam venues. Gear, player counts, systems, and booking tips.

Categories VR Guides

How to Set Up a Meta Quest 3 (Step by Step)

July 28, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A dad-friendly walkthrough on how to set up a Meta Quest 3: charging, controllers, the app, Wi-Fi, Guardian boundary, and first-day fixes.

Categories VR Guides

Best VR Games 2026: Our Top Picks for Quest 3

July 28, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

The best VR games 2026 has to offer, from Batman Arkham Shadow to fresh Quest 3 releases. Real picks, prices, and how home play compares to the arcade.

Categories VR Guides

Meta Quest 3 vs PSVR2: Which VR Headset Wins in 2026?

July 27, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Meta Quest 3 vs PSVR2 compared for 2026: OLED vs pancake LCD, standalone vs PS5, prices, game libraries, and how each stacks up to real arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides

HTC Vive Pro 2 Review: Still Worth It in 2026?

July 25, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Is the HTC Vive Pro 2 still worth buying in 2026? A VR dad breaks down specs, price, PC VR setup, and how it stacks up against arcade rigs.

Categories VR Guides

Ray-Ban Meta Review: Are the Smart Glasses Worth It?

July 24, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A location-based VR dad reviews Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses: specs, price, camera, battery, and whether the Gen 1 deal beats the newer Gen 2 for your family.

Categories VR Guides

Can You Get Free-Roam VR at Home in 2026?

July 23, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Can you get free-roam VR at home? A VR dad breaks down VR treadmills, room-scale limits, and how close home gear gets to the arcade.

Categories VR Guides

Zero Latency VR Guide: Locations, Games, Prices

July 22, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

A VR dad’s Zero Latency guide: the tennis-court arena, backpack-free rig, full game list, real prices, and how it compares to home VR in 2026.

Categories VR Guides

Xreal Air 2 Pro Review: The Dimming Glasses, VR Dad Take

July 21, 2026 by Blake Pierce Howse

Xreal Air 2 Pro review from a VR dad: dual Sony Micro-OLED, 3-level dimming, 46-degree FOV, and how these AR glasses compare to real arcade VR.

Categories VR Guides
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