A few years ago, 1 could only observe technology from afar (video games, anyone). The experience of watching movies & playing games at a safe distance from our devices was exciting but not so immersive. Then, virtual reality (VR) made its debut, transforming the way we play games, watch movies or even look at our 3D photos. With just a headset & motion tracking technology, 1 is able to jet set to a virtual space. And feel as if you are an integral part of that virtual world.
Now, with popular VR devices, a wide range of options are available, with different types or models to choose from. So, there is the high-end tethered types, the standalone VR headsets, the mobile VR devices & so on & so forth.
Moreover, you also have to put into consideration different technology, apps, software & platforms that your VR device is compatible & the ones to combine them with for the best virtual experience. Here are some of the best VR headsets available in the market.
HTC Vive
HTC Vive is considered to be one of the best VR headsets you can find out there by many standards. It is a technically impressive gadget that delivers top quality VR experience. The package includes a headset; motion controllers & 2 base stations that help you define a “whole-room” virtual reality area.
One feature that stands out about the HTC Vive is its room-scale tracking. This impressive element allows you to move around in a 4.5 x 4.5 m space offering a more immersive experience than simply pressing an analog stick which is quite the fad with other devices. With the headset itself, you get crisp & clear imagery from its 2 1080 p screens.
However, on the downside, asides it being a little pricey, with the HTC Vive, you will also need a system with very high graphics processing unit (GPU) to use this device.
Oculus Go
Oculus Go represents a revolution in the world of VR headsets. One that introduces an innovation where smartphone & PCs are no longer required to enjoy virtual reality & all the good things it offers.
This standalone VR headset despite not being as pricey as the tethered models, manages to deliver VR quality that is just as awesome. You can choose between a 32 GB or 64 GB storage capacity & it comes with a Content library that contains over 1,000 games, apps & movies.
It provides a snug fit but you might find it a bit heavy on the face, it also has a low battery life compared to other headsets but still remains one of the best devices for a quick, easy & fun VR experience.
Sony PlayStation VR
This VR headset provides a perfect solution to one of the biggest issues with using VR headsets. Most of the regular top quality headsets like the HTC Vive still require you to have a strong gaming PC to get the best from them. For the PlayStation VR headset, however, you get to enjoy fast & responsive virtual gaming with nothing more than a PS4 console.
It offers a polished & convenient tethered virtual reality experience at a much affordable price. Moreover, you get to enjoy a good selection of games, although mostly propriety titles such as Resident Evil 7. You can also play some regular PS4 games in the theater mode which feels very much like sitting in front of a large theater screen.
Oculus Rift
The Oculus Rift can be considered the pioneer device in the VR cold war & still remains a major player till today. This VR headset rivals the HTC Vive on so many fronts. And, the best part is; it is a lot cheaper than its closest rival. Simply put, you get all the functionality of the Vive including touch controllers which you can say is even more advanced for US $200 or less. It is way cheaper than other VR headsets as well.
Where the Oculus Rift does not quite well match up with the HTC Vive is in Vive’s room-scale technology. While with the Vive you get to walk around in all directions, the Oculus Rift places 2 sensors right in front of you instead, giving you more of a single-sided tracking. This isn’t is its flipside though it does mean you need a little less space to use the Oculus Rift.
Samsung Gear VR
The Samsung Gear VR can be considered the best mobile VR device. The updated Gear VR now comes with a new &improved motion controller which has a touchpad & a trigger button. It is also more lightweight than before & features a sleeker design.
With a USB-C connector, you can hook this device directly to compatible Samsung phones from the Samsung S6 & later models like the S8, S8 plus & the Galaxy S9 &S9 plus. Of course, the headset’s performance at the end of the day is dependent largely on the phone you are connected to & it is only compatible with Samsung devices.
For headsets that works with other Android & iOS phones, you can go for Google Daydream or Google Cardboard.
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