New Features in VEXcode VR 4.0 – VEX Library

VEXcode VR 4.0 introduces a range of new features. This major update focuses on enhancing productivity and accessibility in robotics coding. Read below to learn what new features are available with VEXcode VR 4.0!

New VIQRC and V5RC Virtual Skills Playgrounds

The new VIQRC Rapid Relay and V5RC High Stakes Virtual Skills Playgrounds are now available with either a VEXcode VR Premium License or a valid RECF team registration for the 2024-2025 competitive season.

VEX V5 Robotics Competition (V5RC) registered teams will be able to access the V5RC High Stakes Playground and the VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC) registered teams will be able to access the VIQRC Rapid Relay Playground..

Go here to learn more about the VIQRC Rapid Relay and V5RC High Stakes Playgrounds.

Save and Load in Web-based VEXcode

Animated GIF of the VEXcode Project title bar changing from 'Not Saved' to 'Saved' after an action, indicating the project has been successfully saved.

Web-based VEXcode will now automatically save project changes once your project has been initially saved.

Other changes to the File Menu:

Load From Your Device has now been changed to Open.
Save to Your Device has now been changed to Save as.
You can also now manually save using the Save button.

For a step-by-step guide on how to load and save VEXcode VR Project, go here.

Read Blocks Aloud

All Blocks inside VEXcode V5 4.0 can now be read aloud with a simple right-click.

This feature is available on all devices but Android.

Customizable Voices: Choose from various voices and adjust speed and pitch in the new Tools Menu.
Context Menu Integration: Right-click any block to hear it read aloud.

Go here for step-by-step instructions on how to use the Read Feature in VEXcode.

Tools Menu

VEXcode VR 4.0 introduces a Tools Menu packed with features for productivity and accessibility.

A screenshot of the Tools dropdown menu in VEXcode VR. The menu options visible include 'Theme,' 'Keyboard Shortcuts,' 'Speech Settings,' and 'API Documentation.' The background of the menu is light blue, with the selected option highlighted in white.

Keyboard Shortcuts

There are new Keyboard shortcuts available for starting, stepping, stopping, opening help documentation, and opening the Playground.

Mac

Windows

The image shows a software interface with a blue header that includes a Tools menu. The menu is open and displays options such as Theme, Keyboard Shortcuts (which is highlighted), Speech Settings, and API Documentation. To the right of the menu, a panel displays keyboard shortcuts for various actions, including Start with ⌘ + return, Step with ⌘ + I, Stop with ⌘ + e, Open Help with ⌘ + h, and Open Playground with ⌘ + i. Below the header, a portion of a control panel with dropdown menus and input fields is visible. The UNDO button is located in the upper right corner of the header.

The image shows a software interface with a blue header that includes a Tools menu. The menu is open and displays options like Theme, Keyboard Shortcuts, Speech Settings, and API Documentation. To the right of the menu, a panel shows keyboard shortcuts for various actions, including Start with Ctrl + Enter, Step with Ctrl + I, Stop with Ctrl + e, Open Help with Ctrl + h, and Open Playground with Ctrl + i. Below the header, a control panel with dropdown menus and input fields is partially visible.

High Contrast Theme

High contrast themes increase the distinction between text and background, making content easier to read for users with low vision, color blindness, or other visual impairments.

Default

High Contrast

The image shows a vertical sequence of connected coding blocks representing a program flow. The top block is yellow and labeled when started, followed by a blue block that says drive forward. Below that, there is an orange block labeled wait until LeftBumper pressed, followed by a purple block that prints Left Bumper is pressed when triggered. Next is a dark blue block labeled stop driving, and the sequence ends with a light blue block that reads energize Magnet to boost. The blocks are connected, indicating the order of execution from top to bottom.

The image shows a sequence of connected coding blocks representing a program flow. The top block is yellow and labeled when started, followed by a blue block that says drive forward. Below that, there is an orange block labeled wait until LeftBumper pressed, followed by a purple block that prints Left Bumper is pressed when triggered. Next is a dark blue block labeled stop driving, and the sequence ends with a light blue block that reads energize Magnet to boost. The blocks are arranged to indicate the order in which the instructions are executed.

Speech Settings

Working with the new Read Blocks feature, you can change the voice used, the speed of speech, and the pitch from this menu.

A screenshot of the Speech Settings window in VEXcode VR. The window allows users to select a voice from a dropdown menu labeled 'Voices,' with 'Microsoft D' currently selected. There are two sliders below, one for 'Pitch' and one for 'Speed,' both set at 100%. A green button labeled 'Test Voice' is below the sliders. At the bottom right corner, there is a blue 'Done' button.

API Documentation

Access comprehensive API documentation, making it easier than ever to explore and utilize the full potential of your VEX VR robot.

Click here to access the official VEX API Reference site.