Microsoft has officially ended production of its HoloLens 2 mixed-reality headset, according to sources confirmed by The Register. The tech giant recently notified its partners that the HoloLens 2, introduced in 2019 as an enterprise-focused augmented reality device, is no longer available for purchase. This marks a significant shift in Microsoft's AR strategy, with the company stating, "Support for HoloLens 2, including security updates, will end on December 31, 2027." Despite aggressive marketing efforts, the HoloLens 2 struggled to gain widespread adoption, reflecting broader challenges in the AR/VR market where high-end headsets like HoloLens 2 and Apple Vision Pro retail for around $3,500, limiting their appeal. Some Microsoft employees reportedly expressed surprise that the project continued as long as it did, suggesting internal doubts about its viability.

Rather than continuing as a hardware provider, Microsoft plans to pivot its role in the mixed reality space, focusing on "first-party software solutions and services, partnering with the broader mobile phone and mixed reality hardware ecosystem." This decision aligns with the current state of the AR/VR industry, where the ecosystem is still in its early stages, and companies like Meta are heavily investing in its development. Microsoft's shift from hardware production to ecosystem investment mirrors trends in the broader tech industry and could position the company for future opportunities as the mixed-reality market matures. As the ecosystem develops and more use cases emerge, Microsoft's investment in software and services could prove valuable despite the current challenges in justifying investments in a field that's still searching for compelling widespread applications.

Today at Connect, we unveiled Meta Quest 3S, a headset with the same mixed reality capabilities and fast performance as Meta Quest 3, but at a lower price point. Starting at just $299.99 USD, Quest 3S is the best headset for those new to mixed reality and immersive experiences, or who might have been waiting for a low-cost upgrade from Quest and Quest 2.

From watching your favorite TV shows on a cinema-sized screen to your own personal trainer that you can take with you anywhere you go, plus multitasking capabilities, gaming and more, there's no better mixed reality device on the market at this price.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR) today announced the global availability of its new premium wireless multiplatform gaming headset, the redesigned Turtle Beach Stealth 700. This third iteration of Turtle Beach's best-selling premium wireless gaming headset brings massive upgrades to the series, with new features like CrossPlay dual wireless transmitters that make switching between devices quick and easy, plus simultaneous Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Massive 60 mm Eclipse dual drivers delivering powerful, unparalleled sound, and a long-lasting 80-hour rechargeable battery life are also significant upgrades. The Designed for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC editions of the Stealth 700 are all available for purchase at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide for $199.99/£179.99/€199.99 MSRP.

"Elevating a fan-favorite gaming headset like our Stealth 700 is always a balance between true innovation and continuing to deliver the performance that's made this such a popular model generation after generation," said Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "Our new Stealth 700 delivers significant feature upgrades over earlier versions and the competition, all while retaining the original $199.99 MSRP that's made this a best-selling premium wireless gaming headset for years."

Hollyland Technology is happy to announce the availability of the Solidcom SE Global Version. Ideal for video production, filmmaking, and similar activities, it takes small production team communication to the next level, enabling clear and reliable communication for effortless workflow, at long ranges up to 1,100ft (350 m).

Engineered for affordability without compromising quality, this lightweight full-duplex communication system boasts advanced Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology and water and wind noise resistance, helping team members to collaborate effectively in commercial video production and outdoor events in any weather conditions.

HTC VIVE, the global leader in premium XR solutions, today launches its new cutting-edge headset VIVE Focus Vision. The new Extended Reality (XR) headset is the latest in HTC VIVE's highly popular VIVE Focus Series, with a wealth of improvements and new features to give gamers and enterprise users alike the best possible immersive experience for PCVR and standalone gaming, as well as Location-Based Experiences (LBE), industrial training, collaboration, and mixed reality applications.

"VIVE Focus Vision gives you the best of both worlds, with outstanding standalone capabilities, and DisplayPort mode support for visually lossless PCVR experiences," said Shen Ye, Global Head of Product at HTC VIVE. "Now, PC gamers can bring the same high-end headsets used in VR arcades into their homes. We're taking everything to the next level with built-in eye-tracking, stereo color passthrough cameras for depth-correct Mixed Reality, and even an infra-red sensor for enhanced hand tracking in low-light conditions."

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, introduced today at Logi Play the Logitech G ASTRO A50 5th Generation Wireless Gaming Headset and Base Station. It joins its bigger brother, the A50 X, to form the new A50 family of high-performance gaming headsets with advanced feature sets for multi-platform gamers.

The A50 Generation 5, now with PLAYSYNC AUDIO, is based on the same architecture as our award-winning A50 X, offering a streamlined and versatile feature set tailored for multiplatform gamers. The new PLAYSYNC AUDIO feature is designed specifically for players who want to use USB for seamless audio switching between console and PC platforms and don't require HDMI video switching.

MSI is proud to announce the MAESTRO 300 gaming headset. Designed to set a new benchmark in MSI's headset lineup, the MAESTRO 300 features high-resolution 40 mm drivers fine-tuned by MSI with a lightweight, sturdy build quality designed for comfort with high-density memory foam earpads available in breathable mesh or protein leather for extended use. Combined with a detachable unidirectional cardioid microphone for maximum voice clarity without environmental noise, the MAESTRO 300 offers a well-balanced package.

MAESTRO 300: A Versatile Gaming Headset for Detailed Sound and Comfort.
The MAESTRO 300 is equipped with high-resolution 40 mm neodymium drivers, delivering a vivid soundscape that captures every detail in games, music, and movies. These drivers have been meticulously fine-tuned by MSI Audio Engineering to balance treble and bass, ensuring a rich, lifelike audio experience that enhances every moment of your entertainment.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announces the Razer Kraken V4 and the Razer Kraken V4 X gaming headsets. Building on a legacy spanning over 12 years since the first Razer Kraken headset, and celebrating over 20 million units shipped worldwide, these headsets are the latest evolution in Razer's renowned Kraken lineup. Known for redefining immersive gaming audio, the Kraken V4 line offers innovative features, stunning lighting effects, and versatile connectivity options, providing gamers with the ultimate immersive gaming experience.

3 Modes of Connectivity for Seamless Versatility
The Razer Kraken V4 supports Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB connections, delivering seamless audio across devices including PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and mobile. This versatility ensures full immersion with ultra-fast 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or a wired USB connection for uninterrupted gameplay.

AVID Products, a Rhode Island-based audio company, is thrilled to unveil their latest innovation in headset technology—the AVIGA gaming headset. Designed to deliver high-quality sound, performance, and comfort at an accessible price point, AVIGA aims to amplify the esports experience for gamers of all levels.

The AVIGA gaming headset made its debut at DreamHack in Dallas, a globally renowned gaming festival held from May 31st to June 2nd, 2024, bringing together over 45,000 gamers from around the world. This premier event set the stage to showcase AVIGA's high-quality audio and gamer-focused features to an enthusiastic audience.

Apple has reportedly halted the development of its future Vision Pro 2 headset, opting instead to focus on a more affordable variant. The decision comes as the company grapples with the high production costs associated with the Vision Pro, which was released on February 2 in the US for $3,499 and will be released on July 12 in other countries. According to insiders familiar with the matter, Apple is not expected to manufacture more than 500,000 Vision Pro units this year, casting doubt on the device's ability to gain widespread adoption at such a premium price point. The tech giant's suppliers have already begun scaling back production, with one supplier reducing output by 50% in May due to forecasts of weaker-than-expected demand.

While the Vision Pro promised to deliver a groundbreaking mixed-reality experience, its excessive cost effectively priced it out of reach for the mass market. Recognizing this barrier, Apple has reportedly decided to abandon the development of the costlier "Pro 2" model and instead channel its efforts into creating a more budget-friendly "Vision" variant. The new device is expected to feature fewer cameras, simpler speaker systems, and a streamlined headband design, all aimed at reducing production costs. However, sources indicate that Apple is struggling to significantly lower the costs of key components, such as the display, which could further delay the launch of the successor model. Nevertheless, the company's goal is to create a mixed-reality headset priced around the level of a high-end iPhone, approximately $1,600, and launch the cheaper headset in late 2025.

Fractal, the Swedish company well known for making innovative PC cases, wants to create a new way of PC gaming. At Computex Taipei 2024, it introduced a line of new products, one of these is a desk chair (the first one ever made by Fractal) called Refine. It combines the comfort of high-end office chairs with special controls and a design made for gaming setups. Refine comes in mesh, fabric, and Alcantara finishes, and has premium features like adjustable lumbar support and armrests, aiming to provide comfort during long gaming sessions.

Fractal also showcased a gaming headset called Scape. It has custom-tuned speakers for high audio quality and a detachable microphone for clear communication. The headset comes with a wireless charging stand, so it's always ready for the next gaming session while keeping the desk tidy. Additionally, Fractal announced two new compact PC cases: Mood, and Era 2. The first one is designed to streamline the gaming setup with a sleek fabric outer body which slides off for 360° access to the build. It houses a powerful 180 mm fan at the top and can accommodate a 325 mm graphics card. The second case, Fractal Era 2 is a small form factor improved version of previous iterations, with better airflow through an anodized aluminium body and a wooden top panel. Inside, it can house a powerful GPU up to 326 mm in length and a range of cooling options.Prices, availability, and more pictures follow.

The new ASUS ROG Delta II gaming headset was easily spotted on display at Computex since it features "almost" the same design that gamers worldwide know from the popular ROG Delta series. However, things look exciting if we go into details because ASUS promises that this new gaming headset will offer us "incredible audio immersion" via its 50 mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers, and refined wireless sound with powerful deep bass and clear, crisp highs.

Connectivity-wise, it offers anything we need, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz (ROG SpeedNova wireless technology with ultra-low latency), and 3.5 mm wired, while the battery life tops at 110 hours (with RGB lightning off). A more than useful addition to ROG Delta II gaming headset is the DualFlow Audio technology that allows users to simultaneously listen to audio sources from two connected 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth devices, or switch between in-game conversation and mobile calls. ROG Delta II weights 315 grams, features a detachable 10 mm super-wideband microphone, and comes with two types of ear cushions. ASUS ROG Delta II will be available from Q3 2024.

SteelSeries, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture, KontrolFreek, the creator of Performance Gaming Gear, and Bungie, creator of the definitive action MMO Destiny 2, today unveiled a new collaborative collection of limited-edition gaming gear that celebrates the upcoming expansion, The Final Shape. Taking design cues that highlight the Light versus Darkness themes within the cinematic story of Destiny, the limited-edition collection brings the sci-fi universe to life through the award-winning Arctis Nova 7 Series Headset Bundles, QcK Heavy XXL Mousepad, Artisan keycap, and KontrolFreek Thumbsticks. As a bonus, customers who purchase the special-edition collection will receive exclusive in-game cosmetics for Destiny 2.

Arctis Nova 7 - Destiny 2: The Final Shape Edition Bundle
The award-winning Arctis Nova Series headsets are donned with custom Destiny 2: The Final Shape-themed speaker plates and headband, for the ultimate immersion into the Destiny universe. Gamers will experience masterful sound from rare-earth metal Neodymium Magnetic Drivers and listen to two audio streams at once with simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth, easily swapping between PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Switch with USB-C. Stay in the action with a 38-hour battery and a fast-charge function, bringing 6 hours of use after just a 15-minute charge. Players will experience noise-free communications as AI algorithms guide the ClearCast Gen 2 mic to clean up both incoming and outgoing audio in team chat. The ComfortMax System delivers 4 points of adjustability and breathable AirWeave Memory Foam cushions for marathon sessions. (Available in PlayStation and Xbox-specific models). The Arctis Nova 7 I Destiny 2: The Final Shape Edition Bundle includes these in-game cosmetics: the Viral Celebration emote and Gear Head emblem.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Xbox and Ninja Theory for Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice. In this exciting collaboration, Razer will be designated as the Exclusive Audio Marketing Partner for the narrative-led experience, further solidifying its commitment to delivering superior audio experiences for gamers.

"Our partnership with Ninja Theory for Senua's Saga: Hellblade II epitomizes Razer's dedication to elevating gaming audio. The precision and innovation in our products like the Leviathan V2 Pro and BlackShark V2 Pro ensure every gamer experiences the rich, immersive audio that Senua's Saga: Hellblade II deserves." said Barrie Ooi, Razer's Head of PC Gaming Division.

From the creator of the groundbreaking Arctis Nova line of headsets, SteelSeries.com, the original esports brand that fuses gaming and culture and worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals, today expands the Arctics Nova family with the introduction of the Arctis Nova 5 series headsets and Nova 5 Companion App.

For the newest member of the award-winning Arctis Nova line of headsets, the design and engineering teams set out to craft something new with three innovative goals in mind; create better audio for the games people play on Xbox and PlayStation; develop a wireless gaming headset that's both premium and accessible; and allow gamers to play longer and harder. The result is the Arctis Nova 5, and the Nova 5 Companion App, the first of its kind app to give players access to over 100 audio presets at their fingertips, Quick Switch Wireless freedom with high-speed 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth 5.3 at the tap of a button, an extraordinary 60+ Hour Battery Life, and a $129.99 price point. That's "affordable luxury" at its best.

Today we're taking the next step toward our vision for a more open computing platform for the metaverse. We're opening up the operating system powering our Meta Quest devices to third-party hardware makers, giving more choice to consumers and a larger ecosystem for developers to build for. We're working with leading global technology companies to bring this new ecosystem to life and making it even easier for developers to build apps and reach their audiences on the platform.

Introducing Meta Horizon OS
This new hardware ecosystem will run on Meta Horizon OS, the mixed reality operating system that powers our Meta Quest headsets. We chose this name to reflect our vision of a computing platform built around people and connection—and the shared social fabric that makes this possible. Meta Horizon OS combines the core technologies powering today's mixed reality experiences with a suite of features that put social presence at the center of the platform.

Sharkoon Technologies is an international supplier of high-quality, high-performance PC components and peripherals. Now, with the SKILLER SGH10, Sharkoon presents a headset that is based on the manufacturer's previous classic that was the SKILLER SGH1. The popular gaming headset now appears in the form of a new model that has undergone a careful modernization which retains unique visual features and, at the same time, focuses on the essentials.

Since the SKILLER SGH10, like the previous model, is designed to provide a particularly immersive gaming experience, the manufacturer has optimized the 40-millimeter drivers and, in addition, tuned them for a particularly powerful sound. The detachable, flexible microphone has also been designed with immersion in mind and, thanks to the new pop filter, should ensure even better communication with team colleagues and in meetings.

Leading gaming accessories maker Turtle Beach Corporation today unveiled a variety of high-quality, performance-driven gaming headsets, keyboards and mice, all available for pre-order today and launching May 19, 2024.

"We're thrilled to debut our new lineup of innovative console and PC gaming accessories launching next month, all under our industry-leading Turtle Beach brand," said Cris Keirn, CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "Starting with our best-selling $99.99 MSRP wireless multiplatform headsets, we're adding to the Stealth 600 series' already robust feature set with our newly redesigned Stealth 600 models. Plus, we're expanding our wireless Stealth headset range with the introduction of our new $79.99 MSRP Stealth 500 models." Keirn continued, "2024 is set to be a momentous year full of amazing gaming accessories from Turtle Beach. Today's announcements are just the beginning of our 2024 lineup as we have even more slated to launch this fall, including a newly redesigned Stealth 700 headset, plus additional Turtle Beach PC gaming peripherals, controllers, and simulation gear."

Corsair proudly announced the launch of its new series of all-essential gaming headsets: HS35 v2 and HS35 SURROUND v2. Boasting exceptional wide-ranging audio and universal 3.5 mm connectivity, HS35 v2 and HS35 SURROUND v2 deliver game-changing sound, across multiple platforms. The HS35 v2 series opens up a rich world of audio. A pair of custom-tuned 50 mm neodymium drivers produces a powerfully wide range of sound, enabling you to detect new details within your games. And with a multiplatform 3.5 mm connection, these headsets aren't limited to PC gaming - plug in and play on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and more.

For an even more immersive experience, HS35 SURROUND v2 adds another dimension to your games' soundscapes. The included USB receiver unlocks industry-leading Dolby Audio 7.1 surround sound on PC and Mac, placing in-game music, dialog, and audio cues all around you. Pinpoint the direction of enemy movements and abilities in competitive games such as Overwatch 2, or let yourself become completely engulfed in lush atmospheric titles like Starfield.

Pimax, a leading innovator in the Virtual Reality industry, announced two new high-end VR headsets at its Frontier 2024 event, held on YouTube this Monday. The Crystal Super is an ultra-high-end headset, packing 29.5 million pixels and the world's first changeable optical engine, allowing users to swap between QLED and micro-OLED panels. The Crystal Light offers the same 16.6 million pixels as the Pimax Crystal, but is much more budget-friendly, starting from 699 USD. Additionally, Pimax unveiled the 60G Airlink module, which leverages WiGig technology to enable true high-fidelity wireless PCVR.

The Crystal Super represents a substantial leap forward from the highly successful Crystal, with its greatly increased number of pixels, enabling a much larger field of view (FOV) and higher pixels per degree (PPD) simultaneously.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers and the #1 PC Gaming Headset Brand in the US, today announced the expansion of its most celebrated esports headset line to the console realm with the introduction of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for PlayStation and Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for Xbox. Building upon the legendary reputation of the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro for PC, these re-engineered console editions are tailored to meet the demands of PlayStation and Xbox esports, offering unparalleled audio precision, vocal clarity, marathon-ready battery life, and enduring comfort.

"The BlackShark headset is an icon among esports pros and hardcore gamers for a reason," said Nick Bourne, Head of Razer's Console, Mobile& Streaming Division. "Leveraging our position as the top gaming headset brand, we tuned these headsets for Xbox and PlayStation, working closely with pro gamers to refine the fundamentals of an esports class headset while introducing upgrades that we know highly competitive gamers are seeking."

The International Data Corporation (IDC) has been tracking sales of Sony's PlayStation VR2 virtual reality headset since launch time (February 2023)—a new report claims that a backlog of unsold units has accumulated. Bloomberg's analysis of IDC data reveals that PS VR2 sales have consistently declined each quarter, despite promising early numbers—the publication alleges that Sony Group Corporation has paused production of its ($550 MSRP) PS VR2 headset: "until it clears a backlog of unsold units, according to people familiar with its plans, adding to doubts about the appeal of virtual reality gadgets." Anonymous industry moles reckon that manufacturing facilities have pumped out over two million examples since launch time. Sony is unlikely to admit, publicly, that it is having a tough time shifting its second generation virtual reality headset—Bloomberg's network of insiders believe that "stocks of the device are building up."

The lack of AAA content, developed exclusively for the PS VR2's ecosystem, is cited as big stumbling block—Bloomberg (alongside numerous publications) reckons that sales have suffered due to an absence of system-selling titles. Horizon: Call of the Mountain (2023) was an impactful launch title, but the headset's software portfolio contains a lot of "novelty" items, casual experiences and glorified tech demos (according to community feedback). Late last month, Sony admitted that it was exploring options beyond the VR2's normal mode of operation (PS5 acting as host): "We're pleased to share that we are currently testing the ability for PS VR2 players to access additional games on PC to offer even more game variety in addition to the PS VR2 titles available through PS5. We hope to make this support available in 2024, so stay tuned for more updates." This surprising announcement arrived mere days before the firing of (around) 900 PlayStation employees. Company leadership revealed that Firesprite's headcount would be reduced. This VR-oriented studio collaborated with Guerrilla Games on the development of Horizon: Call of the Mountain. Sony's London Studio will be closed down—its team had previously worked on PlayStation VR Worlds (2016) and Blood & Truth (2019)—compatible with Sony's first generation headset.

Leading digital lifestyle accessories brand, Trust Electronics Ltd, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Fayzo Wireless multiplatform headset, expanding its thriving gaming headset portfolio. Following on from the successful launches of the Fayzo Multiplatform Headset and Fayzo 7.1 USB headset, the brand new Fayzo Wireless offers an ultra-convenient dual wireless connection and is available in a range of stylish colours. The Trust GXT 491 Fayzo Wireless Gaming Headset is available from Amazon in black and purple for £59.99. The white colour is to follow late April.

With dual wireless functionality, the new top model in the Fayzo range allows gamers to wirelessly connect both their PC/console and phone at the same time. By connecting via the ultra-low latency 2.4 GHz USB receiver (PC/PlayStation) and Bluetooth (smartphone/Nintendo Switch), players will have the best of both worlds - able to enjoy in-game sound and chat or listen to music on their phone simultaneously.

Sharkoon Technologies is an international supplier of high-quality, high-performance PC components and peripherals. For light-colored gaming setups, Sharkoon is now launching a white version of the Hi-Res-certified SKILLER SGH50 gaming headset. Moreover, in addition to the usual synthetic-leather ear pads, the new white version and the already available black version will each include a pair of hybrid ear pads covered with a combination of synthetic leather and fabric.

Comfortable Hybrid Ear Pads
The white version of the SKILLER SGH50 comes already fitted with the new hybrid ear pads covered in synthetic leather and fabric, while, for the usual audio sounds, the black version comes fitted with ear pads that are furnished purely with synthetic leather. Together with the headband, which automatically adapts to the shape of the head, the manufacturer aims to put even more focus on comfort with the use of the new hybrid ear pads. Of course, the hybrid ear pads are also supplied with the black version.

Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year) is a huge celebration, so let's get informed about its tradition and meaning (read more below). Have you been wondering what the big celebration is all about? We've got you covered. Check out how SteelSeries is uniquely celebrating the Year of the Dragon! We have something special in our Arctis Nova 7 Dragon Edition. This incredible design embodies the characteristics of the dragon, with colors representing tradition and authority. Bring luck upon yourself with the blessing of the Dragon with the seals represented on special earplates as well as on the inside.

If you haven't been able to purchase one, check again soon around the beginning of March, as we will get more stock. There are incredible features of this gaming headset that make it a must, other than its themed design; it comes packed with a big assortment of top-notch audio quality features only from SteelSeries. Whether you're looking for an audio headset for gaming or for work, this is a fantastic option with wireless capabilities and Bluetooth.