However, there is another way to access content on the Quest: App Lab.

App Lab is a new feature on the Quest that allows developers to distribute their apps without going through the rigorous approval process of the Oculus Store. This means that users can access a wider variety of content, including experimental and early access apps, that may not be available in the official store.

In this article, we will explore what App Lab is, how it works, and how to access it on your Quest headset.

What is App Lab?

App Lab is a curated platform for developers to distribute their virtual reality (VR) applications on the Oculus Quest without the need for approval from the Oculus Store. It is essentially an alternative to the Oculus Store, which has a strict approval process for new apps and games.

App Lab is a solution for developers who want to share their VR creations without going through the lengthy and uncertain process of getting approved by the Oculus Store. Developers can upload their apps to App Lab, and users can then access them through a unique URL or QR code. It acts more or less like an early access system.

This means that users can easily discover new VR experiences outside of the Oculus Store. The platform also allows developers to receive feedback from users and make improvements to their apps before submitting them to the Oculus Store.

The App Lab platform has been well-received by developers, as it provides them with more flexibility and freedom to share their VR creations with a wider audience.

How does it work?

Amidst the vast world of virtual reality, a program has been developed that allows users to create and manipulate their own interactive experiences using a unique platform. This program is called App Lab and it is available on the Oculus Quest VR headset.

App Lab allows developers to create and distribute VR applications without going through the rigorous approval process of the Oculus Store. To use App Lab, users must first enable developer mode on their Oculus Quest headset. This allows access to the App Lab library, where users can browse and download the available applications.

App Lab applications are not listed on the Oculus Store, so users must know the name of the application or have a direct link to access it. Once downloaded, App Lab applications appear in the user’s library alongside other VR applications.

App Lab applications are developed using the same tools and technology as Oculus Store applications, but they are not subject to the same level of scrutiny. This means that App Lab applications may be less polished and may have more bugs than Oculus Store applications. However, App Lab allows developers to iterate quickly and get feedback from users, which can lead to a better overall experience.

Despite its limitations, App Lab provides an accessible platform for developers to create and distribute VR applications without the need for extensive resources or approval processes.

Differences from Oculus Store

In comparison to the Oculus Store, App Lab applications are not subject to the same level of scrutiny as those found in the official store. This means that they may have more bugs and issues that could potentially affect the user’s experience.

However, App Lab provides a platform for developers to iterate quickly and gain user feedback, which can ultimately lead to a better overall experience for users.

One of the main differences between App Lab and the Oculus Store is the level of curation and control. The Oculus Store is carefully curated, with only approved applications being made available for download.

App Lab, on the other hand, allows developers to publish their applications directly to the platform without undergoing the same level of scrutiny. This means that there is a wider range of applications available on App Lab, but there is also a greater potential for issues and bugs.

Despite this, App Lab provides a valuable platform for developers to get their applications in front of users and receive feedback, ultimately leading to a better overall experience for everyone involved.

Finding App Lab content

To discover content available on the App Lab platform for the Oculus Quest, users can utilize various online resources such as VR gaming forums, social media groups, and VR news websites to stay up-to-date on the latest releases and recommendations from other VR enthusiasts. These online communities are a great source of information for finding new and exciting content that may not be available on the official Oculus Store.

Users can browse through curated lists of recommended App Lab titles, read reviews and feedback from other users, and interact with developers to provide feedback and suggestions for improving their apps.

Aside from online resources, users can also find App Lab content directly on their Oculus Quest headset. By opening the Oculus Store app on their device, users can navigate to the ‘Apps’ section and select ‘App Lab’ to access a range of titles that have been approved for the platform.

From there, users can browse through various categories such as ‘New and Popular,’ ‘Top Rated,’ and ‘Upcoming Releases’ to find content that suits their preferences. Additionally, users can use the search function to find specific titles or browse through developer pages to discover other apps they may be interested in.

Using SideQuest for App Lab

One popular method for accessing additional content on the Oculus Quest is through using third-party software called SideQuest. SideQuest allows users to access App Lab content that is not available on the official Oculus store. This software is not affiliated with Oculus, and users must download it onto their computer and connect their Quest device to access the content.

Using SideQuest for App Lab is a relatively straightforward process. After installing SideQuest on your computer and connecting your Quest device, you can browse through the available App Lab content on the SideQuest website. Once you find an app that you want to download, simply click the ‘Install button on the website, and the app will be installed onto your device.

It is important to note that not all App Lab content will be available on SideQuest, and some apps may not work as intended. However, for users looking to expand their VR experience beyond the official Oculus store, SideQuest is a useful tool for accessing App Lab content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can App Lab be accessed on other VR devices besides the Quest?

App Lab is exclusive to the Oculus Quest VR device, and cannot be accessed on other VR devices. This platform allows developers to distribute their apps without going through the rigorous approval process of the Oculus Store.

Are there any restrictions on the type of content that can be published on App Lab?

Content published on App Lab must meet Oculus’ Content Policy, which prohibits certain types of content such as hate speech, nudity, and violence. Developers must also comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

How long does it take for an App Lab submission to be approved?

It is ironic that despite the ease of publishing on App Lab, the approval process can take up to several weeks. This delay allows for careful vetting of content and ensures high-quality experiences for users.

Is there a limit to the number of apps that can be downloaded from App Lab?

There is no limit to the number of apps that can be downloaded from App Lab on the Quest VR. However, it should be noted that users may encounter performance issues if they have too many apps installed on their devices.

Can App Lab be used to distribute paid apps or is it limited to free content only?

App Lab can be used to distribute both free and paid content on Quest VR. This allows developers to monetize their apps while providing users with a wider variety of options. However, there may be limitations on the pricing and payment options. So be warned, not every game in the App Lab is free.

Conclusion

App Lab is a feature on the Oculus Quest VR headset that allows users to access and download apps that are not available on the official Oculus Store. These apps are created by independent developers and are not subject to the same strict guidelines and quality control as those on the Oculus Store.

To access App Lab, users need to know the specific URL or App ID of the app they want to download. Once they have found the app, they can input the URL or App ID into the App Lab section of the Oculus Quest store and download the app directly to their device.

One major difference between App Lab and the Oculus Store is that App Lab apps are not reviewed by Oculus before being made available for download. This means that there is a greater risk of downloading apps that may be of low quality or contain bugs. However, it also means that there is a wider variety of apps available on App Lab, many of which offer unique and innovative experiences that are not available on the Oculus Store.

Finding App Lab content can be a bit challenging, as there is no dedicated section for it on the Oculus Quest store. However, users can find App Lab apps by browsing online forums or using third-party tools like SideQuest. SideQuest is a free desktop application that allows users to browse and download App Lab content, as well as sideload other apps onto their Oculus Quest device.

In conclusion, App Lab is a valuable feature for Oculus Quest users who are looking for a wider variety of VR apps and experiences. While it may require a bit more effort to find and download App Lab content, the reward is access to unique and innovative apps that are not available on the official Oculus Store. App Lab offers a glimpse into the future of VR, where independent developers can create and distribute their own VR content without having to go through the strict guidelines and quality control of Oculus.

Overall, App Lab and Sidequest is a game-changer for the VR industry, offering a new level of freedom and creativity to VR developers and users alike.

Blade and Sorcery, by default, comes with quite a few weapons and spells to try out. But the modding community loves to take it up 10 notches to add crazy new weapons and spells inspired by other games or as entirely new creations.

However, adding mods for the first time to Blade and Sorcery isn’t beginner-friendly. Navigating through game directories and Nexusmods, the most extensive repository of mods, can be daunting in the beginning. But this post will guide you every step of the way.

What you need:

PC (To access the game directories)

VR Headset of Choice (To test if the mod works)

Blade and Sorcery (Installed)

An account in Nexusmods(Don’t worry it’s free)

WinRAR (To extract the download files)

Quick Disclaimer: I am teaching how to mod Blade and Sorcery available through Steam NOT Blade and Sorcery Nomad, which is the Quest-specific version. However, the steps listed here should be very similar if not the same for Blade and Sorcery Nomad.

Step-by-Step Instructions on how to install mods in Blade and Sorcery VR

Prior to starting this tutorial make sure that you have updated your game’s version to U11 you can check this by

Most mods nowadays should be compatible with version U11 but it’s best to check the mod page specifically before downloading.

1.Download the mod from NexusMods

Remember when I asked to make an account in NexusMods, this is where we need that account. Make your way to NexusMods and make sure you login.

In reality, you can choose any mod from the Blade and Sorcery section, but for the purposes of this tutorial, I’ll use the Enma mod (One Piece fans should know).

If you are trying to mod the Quest 2 version, check out the Blade and Sorcery Nomad section.

Once you’ve made your way to the mod page, click manual download on the right and then slow download.

Once you’ve downloaded the files make sure to extract the files using WinRAR or whatever unzipping tool of choice.

2.Locate your game’s directory and files

Now we need to locate the games file to drop the mod(s) in. The easiest way to do this is by

going to your Steam library and locating Blade and Sorcery

Right Click, Manage and Browse Open files

3.Locate the mods folder in Blade and Sorcery

Once you have Blade and Sorcery files open

Locate the folder “BladeandSorceryData”

Then into “Streaming Assets”

And finally into “Mods”

Here is where you take the mod or mods you have downloaded and drag and drop them into the folder.

That’s it!

4.Play and Test the Mod

Start the game and make you to weapon and spell book on the table. Some mods may have certain required activation methods or other ways to access them in the game. For the Enma mod, we used in the tutorial , you only need go to the book of weapons and look through the swords. If you scroll all the way down you can see Enma.

Common Mistakes when adding Mods

One common mistake of why a mod might not work is that it might be dependent on a certain mod for it to work. For example, a Naruto mod needs a Darksaber mod for it to work. Usually, the modder would have the requirements in the mod’s description page, so be sure to check!

The opposite is also possible. Some mods can have compatibility issues with other mods causing either one of them or both of them to break. The best way to prevent this is to look through the log or comments on the mod’s page.

Another common problem is a version mismatch. One of the great things about Blade and Sorcery is the updates Warpfrog puts into the game. Even though the U11 version is now standard, there are possibilities for new versions of the game in the future. Mods need to match the version of your game. For good measure, it’s best not to opt for the beta version of Blade and Sorcery, unless you’re very comfortable with the modding scene.

My Final Views on VR modding

Not only does Blade and Sorcery have a fun vanilla experience, but modding’s also very easy. Once modded, it can have huge variations of fun with endless possibilities only limited by a modder’s imagination. Customization and mods breathe new life into games like Half-Life Alyx’s John Wick mod and also be a core part of a game’s life for games like Bonelab and Boneworks. I am very excited about what VR and AR can do for not only the gaming industry but other industries as well. For now, I’m happy with comfortably playing VR games on my Meta Quest.

That it for now! Stay Tuned.

What are the Best Accessories for the Meta Quest 2?

Before we dive into accessories for the Meta Quest 2, let’s talk about the popular VR headset. The Meta Quest II is a high-end, expensive VR headset that was released in 2020. It offers an immersive experience with its two 1080p displays and 90hz refresh rate. The Meta Quest II is also one of the lightest VR headsets on the market, weighing in at just under a pound. It is also quite cheap among the competition, a loss leader for Meta. However, to get to the new updated price of $399 (from $299), Meta did cut some corners. These corners can be fixed with these accessories.

Here are my recommendations and views on the 5 best Meta Quest 2 accessories to upgrade your setup.

Must Have

BOBOVR M2 Pro Battery Pack Head Strap

I am very impressed with the BOBOVR M2 Pro Battery Pack Head Strap and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for an upgrade in their VR experience. Most likely the only upgrade you’ll need for VR comfort

Pros:

• Magnetic Battery Pack
• Great Build Quality
• Cheaper than Meta’s Elite Strap

Cons:

• Some may feel weird weight with the battery pack

Buy Now

My View

One of the biggest problems with the Meta Quest 2 is how loose the default strap is on the player’s head. If you bend over 90 degrees to pick up an object, which is very common in VR, the headset has a very high chance of falling off your head. Meta knows this is a problem and sells an elite strap to prevent it from happening. In my view, there are way better alternatives like the BOBOVR M2 Pro Battery Pack Head Strap.

The BOBOVR M2 Pro Battery Pack Head Strap is a great way to ensure that you have enough power to enjoy your VR games without having to worry about your battery life. The head strap features a dedicated battery pack that provides up to three hours of use. The straps are adjustable to fit any size head and help mitigate the headset from falling when bending to pick up an object. The battery packs can be easily removed for recharge or replacement. The battery itself also has an LED indicator that lets you know how much charge is remaining, so you’ll never be caught off guard by a low battery.

If I only had the choice to choose one accessory from this list, then I would instantly choose this one. Overall, the BOBOVR M2 Pro Battery Pack Head Strap is a great way to extend your VR gaming sessions and get the most out of your virtual reality experience by fixing the biggest problem with the Meta Quest 2.

Audio ENHANCEMENT

Logitech G333 VR Gaming Earphones

Sleek and durable earphones feature high-quality drivers, immersive sound, and noise isolation, making them a great sound accessory for the Quest 2.

Pros:

• Great Audio Quality
• Convenient and lightweight
• Custom Straps to avoid dangling

Cons:

• No In-line Mic

Buy Now

My View

The sound quality coming from the Meta Quest 2 speakers is pretty decent. However, if you want a more immersive VR sound experience or don’t want to disturb the people around you, I recommend getting the Logitech G333 VR Gaming Earphones.

Logitech’s G333 VR Gaming Earphones are designed to enhance the sound experience for VR gaming. The earphones feature a built-in VR audio processor that creates a 3D soundscape, immersing you deeper into the game. The earphones also have two custom-tuned 40mm drivers that deliver precise audio cues, so you can hear every detail of the game. The combination of these features creates an immersive sound experience that enhances the VR gaming experience. In addition, the earphones are comfortable to wear and come with a detachable microphone for voice chat. With the Logitech G333 VR Gaming Earphones, you can take your VR gaming to the next level.

The Best Docking Station

Anker Charging Dock for Meta Quest 2

5.0

An amazing solution for keeping your Quest 2 headset and Touch controllers always game ready. This officially certified dock provides a high-speed charge, so you can spend less time charging and more time playing. The dock also includes rechargeable batteries and custom battery covers.

Pros:

• Convenient charging and stand
• Fast Charging
• Rechargeable Batteries for controllers

Cons:

• Must remove elite strap and other covers to use
• Headphones also need to be removed while charging

Buy Now

My View

Currently, the default way to charge the headset is to lay it awkwardly near the cable of the power adapter. The controllers don’t even get a charging option with double AA batteries. However, we can change this situation with the Anker ChargingDock for the Meta Quest 2.

The Anker Charging Dock for Meta Quest 2 is a great way to keep your headset powered up and ready to go. The dock comes with two rechargeable batteries and a charging port that makes it easy to keep both the controllers and the headset charged. The batteries last for up to eight hours of use, so you can enjoy extended gaming sessions without having to worry about running out of power. The charging port also features an LED indicator that lets you know when the batteries are fully charged. The Anker Charging Dock is great for keeping your Meta Quest 2 headset charged and ready to use as well as provides a headset station that looks clean.

Fast Speeds

Syntech Link Cable

The perfect solution for cable connecting your VR devices to a gaming PC. This cable is compatible with Quest2, Quest Pro and Pico 4 accessories and supports USB 3.0 transmission speed for fast and reliable data synchronization. It comes in 10ft, 16ft, and 20ft sizes so you can find the best fit for your preference

Pros:

• Good speeds for PCVR
• Comes in 10ft, 16ft, and 20ft
• Compatible with both the Pico and the Quest

Cons:

• Not recommended for charging the Quest 2

Buy Now

My View

Meta Quest 2 is described as a standalone headset, a console that doesn’t need wires connected to the PC to run. However, if you want to connect to Steam VR and play its numerous PC VR games then you will need to connect your headset via a link cable or wirelessly through Air link.

Meta Quest’s Air link works amazingly well if you have optimal internet speeds with powerful gaming PC’s. However, if you have suboptimal wifi speeds, then having a wired connection is a must for a non-laggy, pleasant VR experience. Meta offers link cables on their website, but personally, it’s an overpriced 16ft USB-C cable. This is where I recommend checking out other brands like Syntech.

The Syntech Link Cable for Meta Quest 2 is a high-speed data cable that helps to connect the Meta Quest 2 headset to a gaming PC. The cable enables users to play VR games with a significantly higher level of detail and realism. The cable also helps to reduce input lag, making it possible for gamers to enjoy a more responsive and immersive VR experience. Thanks to the Syntech Link Cable, gamers can enjoy the full potential of their Meta Quest 2 headset and take their VR gaming to the next level.

Protect your Surroundings…

AMVR Touch Controller Grip

Provides a secure grip and prevents accidental drops, while also protecting your controllers from scratches and wear and tear. The adjustable wrist knuckle strap ensures a comfortable fit, and the battery opening design allows you to easily access the controller’s battery.

Pros:

• Adjustable Wrist Straps
• Feels Natural

Cons:

• May not fit all hands

Buy Now

My View

If any of you remember the Wii Controllers or Wii Motes, companies and even Nintendo sold silicone covers to help give a stronger grip to the players. This was to help stop customers from accidentally chucking their controllers into their TV. To prevent those same mistakes from your Wii days, I recommend adding VR cover controller grips to your touch controllers.

The AMVR Touch Controller Grip for Meta Quest 2 is a great way to protect your controllers and keep them from being thrown out while you play VR games. The grip covers most of the grip side of the controller and has a textured surface that makes it easy to hold while playing. The grip also has a strap that goes around the surface of your hand, so you can secure the controllers and prevent them from being pulled off by accident. The AMVR Touch Controller Grip is a great way to keep your controllers protected and prevent them from being thrown out while you play VR games.

Is the Meta Quest 2 good for VR Gaming and the “Metaverse”?

The Meta Quest 2 is excellent for VR gaming and metaverse because of its wireless capabilities making it very portable. With no cords tethering you to your computer or game console, you’re free to move around your room and explore your virtual worlds without restriction. Its previous iterations were burdened by wires and cameras. The Valve Index, the Meta Quest 2’s competitor, needs to be wired for it to function. The tracking cameras also need to be mounted properly which sometimes requires a dedicated VR space. The Meta Quest 2 doesn’t need any of that. You can use it anywhere in your house as long as you have enough room to play and move. That makes it more convenient and easier to share and show VR experiences to friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Out of the box, the Meta Quest 2 plays pretty well. It’s a great VR headset for gaming and engaging in the so-called metaverse. However, as you start to play PC VR games, you will start to notice the deficiencies with the product. If you get to that point or you want to proactively not get to that point, the products mentioned in this best meta quest 2 accessories list should help solve most of those deficiencies. Let me know what you think and if any other products should be on this list. Thanks for reading!

Stay tuned!

It’s easy to get lost among various tech gadgets. This master list will be a compilation of what I believe is the best in their respective industry and must-haves in any home. These products can range from people just starting to get their feet wet, to seasoned enthusiasts and gamers.

As products keep evolving, so will this list which I’ll regularly update with my best recommendations. 

Let’s get to it!

What are some essential tech products for your home?

Personal Work/Battle Station

Now, more than ever, a personal workstation or battlestation is a must in the modern tech enthusiast home. Many of you may already have the products in these checklists, but use this post as a resource to find new products to level up your current setup.

Desktops

I’m writing gaming desktops as part of the checklist for essential tech because it is the core of every station. Many of the best computer hardware are targeted toward gamers. As such many pre-built gaming PCs are built with the best components. Be it personal productivity, work, or gaming, there are great pre-built options to have in your home. But I am also a huge fan of building PCs. So if you go pre-built or build your own, just make sure it is powerful enough for what you need it to do.

Laptops

Nowadays gaming laptops can carry the same power, if not more, as some desktops. The best part is, it’s way more portable. I personally don’t use a laptop, but it’s definitely not uncommon to have both. Many even use their laptop as the main driver, having it hooked up to a big monitor and other peripherals. Definitely a must-have in your workstation arsenal.

Mice

If you own either of the products above (laptops or desktops), you will need a mouse. If you’re gaming, you need a mouse to hit your shots. If you’re a content creator, you will need a mouse to have your workflow be 10x better.

Mouse Pads

Mice need mousepads. Unless you want to ruin the longevity and performance of your mouse, everyone should use a mousepad. These days, there are a lot of options to pair up with your preferred peripheral. The type of material, length, and even functionality (some mouse pads can charge the mouse) all play in the decision of choosing the mouse pad.

Keyboards

In recent years, keyboards have entered a space of massive customization due to custom keycaps became widely popular. I’m not going to go that deep into customization, but it is very easy to get overwhelmed. The type of key, wired or wireless, and even gaming vs productivity keyboards. There are a few keyboards I recommend for gaming. If time allows, I may do one for keyboards used for productivity.

Monitors

Depending on your environment and the type of hardware you own, your choice of monitor can widely vary. Even within monitors, you can have curved, vertical, and even curved vertical. For now, my setup utilizes the Samsung (for my PS5) and second monitor, and a Lenovo (Main PC monitor). Personally, adding more monitors would feel like overkill.

Gaming/Office Chairs

In my opinion, gaming/ office chairs are the most underrated part of anyone’s setup. With working from home as a norm, your body most likely sits 6+ hours a day in this chair. If you’re gaming, you want a chair comfortable enough that you only need focus on ranking and not the pain in your back. I totally understand if your current situation restricts your chair budget. However, if you can spend, I highly recommend spending more than you usually would for this part of your setup.

Screen/Light Bars

For me, screen bars are a product that you didn’t know you needed until you’ve tried it. Workspace lighting can help reduce the strain on your eyes when you’re staring at a monitor for a long time. Most screen/light bars sit on top of the monitor to shine light and reduce the incoming glare. They are a great addition to those late-night productive or gaming sessions to help make sure your eyes stay healthy.

External SSDs

If you create content, external SSDs are a must. If you own a console, external SSDs are a must (looking at Warzone’s 100GB). If you own a million photos, I’d actually recommend cloud storage, but external SSDs are good for that too. In any case, external SSDs with fast read/write speeds are fantastic for any storage solution.

Headsets 

Headsets are different from headphones, with the biggest one being having a mic attached to the headset itself. I’ve used a few throughout my life, with the primary use case being being able to hear the audio cues in Overwatch and my friends’ comms. This part of the setup has rotated the most throughout my gaming career. I have favorites for certain situations, which I will elaborate on in a future post.

Microphones

Previously, I talked about headsets which usually come with an inbuilt microphone. I also wanted to touch on standalone microphones. Using a standalone mic than the one on your headset can immensely improve audio output. From hosting client calls to running dungeons, a good microphone goes a long way for proper communication. As a content creator, proper audio is a must. There are many great options, just be aware of what cables are required.

Audio Interface

This brings me to my next recommendation for audio interfaces. Audio interfaces are usually used by music professionals. But with the rise of streaming, audio interfaces have made their way into the hands of content creators and gamers. In the simplest of terms, an audio interface is a better soundcard than the one on your PC. Since some of the better mics in the market use XLR cables an audio interface is a must for those setups.

USB Hub/Dock

I dream of a setup where all my peripherals connect to one single wireless USB receiver. (I think Logitech got close) Until that technology is polished, your setup is bound to have many USB outs looking for USB ins. This is why I highly recommend a USB dock/hub. Mac users are probably already used to a thunderbolt/USB dock. But if you plan to rock your station with products listed here, you need a USB hub to have some sort of cable sanity.

Floor Lights

This piece of “tech” is something I thought about adding to my setup recently. Basically, a floor lamp that is usually tall as your battlestation. Lighting is great for setting the tone of your work session. Most of all, your eyes will thank you for taking the time to create a nice lighting environment.

Wireless Charging Station

Many of us carry mobile phones and wearables capable of wireless charging. So it’s no surprise that a wireless charging station is on this list. There are a lot of great options out there that added to small space on you workstation desk.

Gaming

Gaming has been around for a good part of my life. It helped me break communication barriers when I was a young kid and helped me build relationships with a lot of friends. I currently work in the gaming industry as a product manager, so being in the know is a fun part of my job.

Consoles

For the latter half of my gaming journey, I played all of my games on PC. As more high-profile, triple-A exclusives came to the PS4, I bit the bullet and bought the PS4 Pro Marvel’s Spiderman Edition. Since, then a lot of great exclusives released for the Playstation, including one of my favorite games of all time God of War. Now as one of the few people able to play a Sony Playstation 5, I’m very excited to play Ragnarok.
However, the consoles don’t stop with a PS5. I am been a fan of Nintendo since the Gamecube era and currently own a Switch as well. I highly recommend the OLED version as this is what the original Switch should have been. With great games like BoTW and Smash, and even more coming soon announcements like the new Pokemon and Tears of the Kingdom, the Switch is a great portable console.

Mobile Gaming Peripherals

The population of mobile players is enormous and it’s only getting bigger. In the coming months and years, most competitive games on the PC will be ported to mobile. As I write this, Valorant and Warzone are going to be released on mobile, with Apex being fully launched a few months prior.

Within those competitive games, there will be many players trying to reach the peak of their leaderboards. So for those, who still want to maintain the competitive edge as well as be comfortable in their sessions, I highly recommend adding peripherals like a backbone controller to level up your mobile gaming experience.

VR Headsets

I am hyped about what’s happening in the VR space. I got into VR with my first headset, the Oculus Rift. At the time it was quite expensive for my budget but I was blown away. Now I’m using the Meta Quest 2 as my main driver, a huge step up. However, it’s not perfect. The default strap is weak and the battery drains on intense games. However, a lot of third-party accessories have been made to help its deficiencies.

In the coming months, we’ll start to see more contenders in the VR space. Some of these include the PICO series and even the Meta Quest Pro. Really looking forward to these headsets in the coming months.

VR Accessories

As I mentioned above, the Meta Quest 2 is not perfect. You can put blame on cost-cutting to make it affordable, but it still doesn’t solve its inherent problems. Many companies have identified these problems as a selling point and a lot of essential accessories/upgrades have been developed.

Audio

I made audio its own section because of the numerous categories that you can go into and get lost in. By no means am I an audiophile, but I have gone through my share of audio products and have friends who dabble in the higher end of audio products.

Earbuds

Earbuds are great for all use cases. It’s the most common and popular audio product. Apple dominates this market with its Airpods line. I even think they might be cannibalizing their own Beats line. However, there are some worthy contenders to AirPods. Gaming earbuds have also become popular for not only mobile but for handheld consoles as well

IEM

IEM or In-Ear Monitors have been popular recently, especially among the gaming community. They are originally used by musicians to hear their own mix of vocals during a live performance. These days, companies are creating versions for the everyday consumer. I own the KZ ZS10 Pro, but there are many options to choose from.

Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conduction headphones are an interesting piece of tech. Their purpose is like any headphone, to deliver sound to the listener. But the way it does so is by vibrating the bones in your skull. They are a great option for those who are hard of hearing or for those who want to maintain awareness of their surroundings.

Wireless Speakers

Wireless Speakers are great for parties, outdoor events, and for those walking through the streets of LA. They are also a great addition to either your home theater or your personal workstation. There are gaming-specific speakers but also looming towers for that IMAX home theater experience.

Soundbars

Soundbars are a great addition to any home/ home theater. They elevate the viewing experience to a new level. I currently rock an old (discontinued) Bose soundbar that still to this day produces outstanding sound quality when playing movies. Highly recommend having these as part of your viewing and even your gaming experience.

Home Tech

The evolution of home technology has been intriguing to watch. No one thought about using electric kettles or self-heating mugs, you just popped your cup in the microwave. In my opinion, home technology really picked up as smart home automation became possible for modern-day consumers. Big tech companies have entire product lines in this category and more are on their way.

Smart OLED TVs

I personally still use a Samsung monitor to play my PS5. However, when I do get the opportunity to set up a home theater, the first purchase will be an OLED TV. I’m not doing my PS5 any justice if I don’t game on such on a wider crystal clear screen.

Smart Home Assistant

A smart home assistant’s destiny can be two things, a dust collector or the core of your home tech essentials. Many of the prominent tech companies have their own piece of hardware with their own personalities. These days, you can also make your own if you’re wary of data collection by big tech. Either way, a smart assistant will be essential as the brain of your home tech setup.

Self Heating Mugs

Self-heating mugs are great for the winter season or if you just live in a cold place. They are also great if you keep your drink in your cup the whole day. With a self-heating mug, there’s no need to pop it back into the microwave.

Electric Kettles

Electric kettles are a great addition to the kitchen. The primary goal of a good electric kettle is for it to boil water without your supervision. Many electric kettles do that well while looking stylish. At the end, of the day boiling water gets a lot easier with an electric kettle than with a stovetop.

Conclusion

As I wrote in the beginning, this list will constantly evolve. The products I’ve listed are great options in the respective tech essentials categories. I want the readers to take inspiration from this list and see if the items here can either elevate your productivity or gaming experience. Hope y’all had fun reading this.

Stay Tuned!