Introducing VR Day at TechNet HQ

If we've learned anything from the launch of the Oculus Rift this week, it's that people are excited about virtual reality -- and the potential of VR in general. Will it change lives? Is it just for gaming? Is it just the biggest ViewMaster the world's ever seen? Or is it just one big nerdgasm? That's still TBD.
But at CNET we serve the community's needs by helping you figure out how technology fits into your current -- and future -- lives, and we have been for more than 20 years. And since VR is one of those things you really have to experience firsthand, we had an idea. Let's open our doors, gather up all of the VR gear we can find, and let you, our community, come try it out!
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT, next Wednesday, April 6, at CNET's San Francisco headquarters we're having a VR Day. Anyone is welcome to attend (it's free!), but you must sign-up to get an e-ticket in advance (tickets are very limited).
Don't miss out on this opportunity to go hands on (eyes on?) with the Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR and HTC Vive. We'll have some games and other VR experiences ready for you. Plus you'll get to meet CNET staff and editors and ask your most burning tech questions in person. We'll also have some fun giveaways at the event.
So sign up now!
If you are NOT in the Bay Area, you can fill out this form to let us know you'd like an event like this in your area. If there's enough interest and excitement, we'll try to rinse and repeat as much as we can. Can't wait to meet you!

Your Google Wallet card is about to die. Here's what you need to know

Google is shutting down its Wallet Cards, the physical debit cards for Google Wallet accounts. The debit cards let Wallet users spend money from their Wallet account when shopping at a retailer that doesn't support contactless NFC payments.

When does support for Wallet Cards end?

Wallet Cards will stop working on June 30, 2016 and you will not be able to add money (including any recurring transfers) to your Google Wallet account after May 1, 2016.

What will happen to my Wallet Card?

Your Google Wallet account will remain, but after June 30 you will only be able to use it to make Google Play purchases as a peer-to-peer payment service to send and receive money from friends. If you created a Google Wallet account for the sole purpose of using a Wallet Card, you can transfer your Wallet balance to your bank account at anytime.
For those who set up Android Pay with a Wallet Card, you will need to add another card to Android Pay before June 30. Same goes for any automatic payments you make with your Wallet Card -- you'll need to pick a new card for those payments before June 30.

Wallet Card alternatives

If you live in an area slow to adopt NFC mobile payments and want a similar card to your soon-to-be-deactivated Wallet Card, Google suggests the American Express Serve card or the Simple Visa card.
With the Amex Serve card, you'll earn 1 percent cash back on purchases, but pay a $5.95 monthly fee (unless you live in New York, Texas or Vermont). And for Wallet Card users, Amex will give you $20 after your third direct deposit of $500 or more. There are no fees with the Simple Visa card, and Wallet Card owners will get $20 just for opening a Simple account.