Troubleshooting FAQs for Virtual Pool IRL

Why is my cue stick stroke erratic?

Make sure your hand is visible to the Apple Vision Pro's cameras at the bottom. Use a pinched grip between your index finger and thumb, keeping them visible. Maintain this grip throughout both the backstroke and forward stroke until you hit the cue ball.

How much space do I need to play VPIRL?

You need enough space to walk around the table comfortably. Allocate about 2-3 feet on each side for optimal play. For a mini table (6x3), a minimum space of 10x7 feet is required. Larger tables will naturally need more room.

I accidentally disallowed an app permission for VPIRL. How do I fix that?

To fix an accidental disallow on the VPIRL permissions, press the Crown button to access the App menu. Navigate to Settings, then Apps, select Virtual Pool IRL, and enable both Hand Structure and Movements and Surroundings permissions. This should restore proper functionality.

How do I move the cue ball when I have Ball in Hand (BIH)?

To move the cue ball when you have Ball in Hand, walk over to it and place your thumb and index finger on the ball. Pinch them together and guide the ball along the table's surface, keeping your fingers together. The ball will stop if it encounters any obstacles like cushions or other balls. Release the cue ball by unpinching your fingers, and the cue stick will appear.

How can I stop the cue ball from jumping off the table when I break?

To prevent the cue ball from jumping off the table, keep your cue level during the break. An elevated butt angle can cause this issue. Additionally, make sure you hit the head ball squarely.

How do I start Shareplay with my friend

  1. First, initiate a FaceTime call with your friend using either an email address or phone number. Using an email address may be better when connecting to someone new.
  2. FaceTime can be done with the Apple Vision Pro or with an iPhone. If FaceTime is started on the iPhone, switch the call to your Apple Vision Pro by going to the People screen and selecting your friend.
  3. Start VPIRL and select SharePlay. If your friend hasn't started the game yet, they will receive a prompt asking if they want to play VPIRL. When they accept, the game begins.
  4. Only one player should set up the game and press Play to start playing. The other player will see the table appear with the game ready to go.
  5. If both players attempt to set up and press Play simultaneously, the game can become unstable. In this case, both players should quit the match and return to the main menu. Then, one player should set up and start the SharePlay game.

Virtual Pool IRL Play Tips

Aiming Techniques

  1. Head Position: Place your head directly over the cue stick to look down its length for precise aiming.
  2. Visual Alignment: Ensure you can see both edges of the cue ball and the object ball to accurately gauge their sizes and the impact area. Combine this with sighting down the cue for optimal aim.
  3. Consistent Practice: Regular practice enhances your aiming skills as your eyes and brain adapt to visual cues. In Practice mode, use the Undo feature to repeat shots and focus on improvement.

Cue Ball Control

  1. Draw and Follow: Use a low cue tip position to draw the cue ball back and a high cue tip position to follow it forward. These techniques work best when hitting the object ball straight on or nearly straight on.
  2. Applying English: Use left or right cue tip positions to apply spin, affecting the cue ball's direction off the rails. English significantly influences the cue ball's path, especially on thinner or glancing hits on the object ball. Experiment with English to effectively adjust the cue ball's trajectory.