We are one month into 2026, and the "spatial computing" revolution is hitting its stride. In Episode 9 of Reality Bytes, we take a bird's-eye view of the VR landscape before zooming in on the game that has consumed our lives for the last 200+ hours.

• The State of VR 2026: From the "Android moment" of the Google/Samsung XR collaboration to Meta’s dominant 74% market share, we discuss why this year feels like the definitive turning point for mass-market adoption.

• Arc Raiders: 230 Hours Later: Embark Studios’ extraction shooter was a breakout star at launch, but how does it hold up after the honeymoon phase? We discuss the "social experiment" of proximity chat, the brutal AI uprising, and whether the gameplay loop still feels fresh after hundreds of drops into Speranza.

• Staying Power or Seasonal Fad?: With a recent wave of DDoS attacks and the "three-strike" ban system rollout, we look at the health of the Arc Raiders community. Can it survive the competition from GTA VI and upcoming VR titans like Aces of Thunder?

• Looking Ahead: A quick preview of the February VR slate, including why you might want to keep an eye on Orcs Must Die! By The Blade.

Is Arc Raiders the "forever game" we’ve been waiting for, or is the magic starting to fade? Let's look at the data.

We’ve just touched down from Las Vegas, and the future is looking... a little crowded. In Episode 8 of Reality Bytes, we’re breaking down the absolute chaos of CES 2026. From humanoids that can actually fold your laundry to smart glasses that read your mind (well, your muscles), we cover the biggest pivots in tech:

• The Year of "Physical AI": Robots have officially left the lab. We discuss the Boston Dynamics x Google DeepMind partnership and the swarm of Chinese humanoid bots (like AgiBot) that are moving from "cool demos" to "mass production."

• Meta Ray-Ban Displays & The Neural Band: Meta stole the show without even having a booth on the main floor. We deep-dive into the new Ray-Ban Display features: the teleprompter mode and the "air-writing" EMG tech that lets you text just by moving your fingers.

• The International Pause: Why has Meta suspended the Ray-Ban rollout in the UK, Canada, and Europe? We talk supply chain drama and the "unprecedented" demand for AI wearables.

• Smart Home 2.0: From LG’s CLOiD home assistant to robot vacuums with actual legs that can climb stairs—is your house about to become a sci-fi set?

CES 2026 proved that AI isn't just behind a screen anymore—it’s out in the world. Let’s talk about whether we’re ready for it.

The holiday lights are up, the sales are live, and the pressure is on! In Episode 7 of Reality Bytes, we’re cutting through the marketing fluff to tell you which tech is actually worth your holiday budget in 2026.

We’ve tested the headsets, clicked the mechanical switches, and pushed the handhelds to their limits. Here is our "No-Regrets" gift guide for the year:

• The VR Sweet Spot: We compare the Quest 3S ($299) against the enthusiast-grade PSVR 2 (now frequently on sale for $399). Which one offers the best "wow factor" for a first-time user?

• Handheld Heroes: With the ROG Ally X and Steam Deck OLED leading the pack, we discuss why 2026 is the year of the portable powerhouse.

• The "Wait for It" List: We talk about the Valve Steam Frame and why some of you might want to hold onto those gift cards until the "early 2026" launch window.

• Stocking Stuffer Gadgets: From magnetic Hall-effect keyboards to the best third-party head straps and haptic pads, we highlight the small upgrades that make a massive difference.

Whether you’re buying for a loved one or "self-gifting" after a long year, this is your definitive guide to the best gear of the season.