Penetration into virtual reality is an opportunity to experience completely new sensations and emotions. Computer games have become part of our lives. IT manufacturers offer more advanced solutions, one of them is VR technology. Each of you wants to try yourself in the role of Neo from The Matrix, but how to do it with maximum immersion, and without harm to health? Our article will help you navigate both in technology and in brands. Often, the manufacturer attracts a low price on the gadget itself, without warning about the need to purchase additional collateral for an impressive amount. Conversely, the seemingly inflated cost, in fact, turns out to be quite justified.
Content:
Virtual reality glasses and helmet which company to choose
First of all, let's look at the difference between glasses and helmets?
Glasses (or headsets) are an advanced holder for a smartphone. They do not have their own screen, but there is additional equipment in the form of game manipulators (joysticks) and sound support. Of course, in any glasses there are specialized lenses.
Manufacturers of such equipment adapt to existing (and promising) models of smartphones. Some of them (for example, Samsung) are rigidly focused on the products of their brand.
The best representatives of this segment:
1. Samsung
2. VR Box
3. Google
Helmets are completely independent devices with a screen, a controller and often a sound system. Connect to game console or personal computer. Manufacturers use their own development, as well as actively cooperate with manufacturers of gaming stations and creators of software.
These companies include:
1. Oculus
2. HTC
Giving preference to the manufacturer, you actually choose the technology. For example, if you are a Sony PlayStation fan, it makes sense to buy a helmet from this manufacturer. And users of Samsung smartphones will get full compatibility with their gadgets by buying glasses from the same company.
Top virtual reality glasses
Google Cardboard 2.0
Despite the seeming toy, this is quite a functional device. It is a blank made of cardboard with molded fold lines. The buyer folds the figure into full-fledged glasses and attaches a rubber strap to them for fixing on the head. In the complete set plastic lenses of quite decent quality.
Ideal for first immersion in VR. If you understand that virtual reality is not for you - not so sorry for the money spent.
Benefits:
- Extremely low cost for this parameter - a product beyond competition.
- Easy to assemble and configure.
- Compatible with most modern smartphones, version 2.0 supports smartphones up to 83 mm wide.
- Convenient velcro fasteners.
- Durable and reliable belt.
- The possibility of compact storage unassembled.
Disadvantages:
- It is not possible to adjust the lenses under the distance between the eyes.
- Cardboard is not the most ergonomic material - there is discomfort during prolonged use.
- The body (if you can call it that) is wearing out quickly.
- Due to the lack of sealing material, light enters inside. It is preferable to use the gadget in the dark.
- The absence of the slightest technology - all functions are assigned to a smartphone.
VR BOX VR 2.0
Full headset entry price level. A separate container for a smartphone, install it longer, but the reliability of fixation at height.If you remove the price tag - the product looks like "adult" gadgets from the highest league. The workmanship does not cause any complaints, even a normal design is present, although this characteristic doesn’t care much for the user.
With a smartphone with a good screen resolution, you get 100% immersion in the virtual world.
Benefits:
- Light plastic case, modern and solid design.
- Convenient belt - can be configured for both child and adult user.
- Face frame is made of soft, ergonomic material. With prolonged use of any discomfort.
- Light practically does not penetrate inside the box.
Disadvantages:
- There is no regulator of the distance between the centers of the lenses.
- The joystick is only compatible with Android OS devices. With iOS gadgets, many management features will not be available.
- To reload the programs you have to remove the container with the smartphone.
HOMIDO VR
This model is located on the border of price categories. At a relatively affordable price, you get the functionality of the highest league. The main distinguishing feature is the presence of lens adjustment along two axes, as in the older models of this category. Because of this, all family members can use the same headset.
The glasses are compatible with smartphones up to 6 inches. For a tight and comfortable fit to the face, an ergonomic foam rubber nozzle is provided.
Benefits:
- The lens position adjuster works both in width and in depth of fit.
- Included are frames for long-sighted and short-sighted users.
- A wide range of screen sizes of smartphones.
- High quality plastic.
- Comfortable belt allows you to adjust to any head size.
- Tight and comfortable framing - the face does not sweat, snug fit is tight (no light comes up).
- Vent holes for anti-fog lenses.
- The kit includes its own application that is compatible with most mobile operating systems.
- Availability of carrying case.
Disadvantages:
- Inconvenient smartphone mount, too strong fixation.
- There is no own control panel - it is necessary to acquire separately.
Samsung Gear VR
This headset can be classified as a top class models. The main feature is the presence of a built-in tracking system. To control the built-in touchpad. The joystick will have to be bought separately, which significantly increases the cost. Of course, for such a price category, lens positioners are standard. Quality lenses - viewing angle of more than 95.
The manufacturer cooperates with Oculus, it allows to expand compatibility with applications. But the most advanced games from Oculus will not pull even a powerful Samsung smartphone.
Benefits:
- Low weight.
- Stylish design.
- The presence of a complete set of sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, approximation.
- A good base of applications, games.
- Focus adjustment (for visually impaired users).
- Connector for the charger.
- Snug fit prevents the penetration of light.
- Good ventilation: lenses do not fog up.
Disadvantages:
- Compatible only with Samsung smartphones, and the top.
- We have to buy more expensive controllers, despite the fact that the cost of the gadget is not the smallest.
- Heats up strongly (especially with powerful smartphones).
Top Virtual Reality Helmets
OCULUS RIFT CV1
This is a classic of the genre and trendsetter. A complete set of equipment on board: high-quality screen with a resolution of 2160x1200 and a frequency of 90 Hz. The viewing angle is close to the limiting possibilities of the eyes - 100⁰. In this helmet, you feel a complete immersion in the virtual world.
The cost is appropriate. The entire kit consists of a helmet, joysticks, a set of software. It makes sense to buy a full set, it is cheaper than collecting it separately.
Benefits:
- Top quality workmanship corresponds to the cost.
- For such a set of equipment - a very modest mass.
- High-speed matrix.
- A wide range of lens adjustments for people with low vision.
- Headphones built into the helmet, good sound quality.
- Head position sensors operate in the 360⁰ range.
- Excellent support for applications and gaming programs.
- Compatible with any OS.
Disadvantages:
- A fairly complex switching system with a personal computer.
- The absence of an operator's body position controller, only the head is monitored.
- High cost (however, it corresponds to the class of the device).
HTC VIVE
A joint product of HTC and Valve. Oculus main competitor. The struggle of technology has led creators to improve the gadget. So the kit includes sensors not only the position of the head, but also the movement of the body in space.
Immersion in the virtual world is even more real. Headphones are separated from the helmet, but included in the kit. This allows you to use (if desired) acoustics from other manufacturers. Fundamentally new approach to ergonomics of controllers. Work (play) is very convenient.
Benefits:
- A good set of compatible games and applications not only own production, but also third-party developers.
- Developers of all operating systems initially include support for HTC VIVE in the kernel.
- Precision accuracy of position sensors, up to the tenths of a degree.
- You can adjust the diopter lenses.
- There is a front camera: for orientation in real space, you do not need to remove the helmet.
Disadvantages:
- If it were not for the transcendental price - the model claims to be the leader in the segment.
- Long tuning software.
- Lack of popularized image, like Oculus.
PlayStation VR
This product occupies a special niche. With characteristics worthy of top models, it has a much lower cost. What's the secret?
Sony's virtual reality helmet is compatible only with the same game consoles. This does not detract from its consumer properties: the quantity and quality of the proposed game content is more than enough. However, the use of the gadget implies the presence of a PlayStation 4 game console.
Benefits:
- The highest refresh rate is 120 Hz.
- Relatively affordable cost, especially against competitors.
- There is information about the possibility of pairing the helmet with conventional PCs (in the near future).
- Standard PlayStation controllers are used - no additional costs are required.
- A good set of tracking sensors.
Disadvantages:
- A niche product, only for PlayStation 4 owners (at the time of writing this review).
- Graphic characteristics are lagging behind competitors (with the exception of the screen refresh rate).
- Playstation camera purchase required.
What glasses or virtual reality helmet to buy
First of all, it is necessary to determine the technology. Do you need a banal holder for a smartphone (even if it is equipped with motion sensors and software), or a full-fledged virtual reality helmet?
The first category has one advantage: price. True purchase implies the presence of a good and expensive smartphone. Full immersion still will not.
The helmet as much as possible makes you a Neo from the "Matrix". The truth is that you have to pay from $ 500 to $ 1500 - a pass to the virtual world is expensive.
1. In order to understand the meaning of virtual reality, it is not necessary to lay out a large amount. Buy Google’s “origami” cardboard, install your smartphone in it, and check your personal compatibility with VR technologies.
2. For normal work with virtual reality, an inexpensive gadget HOMIDO VR will suit. With it is convenient, you can adjust the lenses, is compatible with most smartphones.
3. If you are the owner of Samsung's top-end smartphone, the Samsung Gear VR virtual glasses are made for you. Full functionality (including motion sensors) and reasonable price.
4. The leader of VR technology in hardware and software - OCULUS RIFT. Competitors are just catching up with this model. Full penetration into the virtual world.
5. The PlayStation helmet is a sturdy middling. The quality is almost like that of top manufacturers, and the price is two times lower. The truth will have to buy another game console.
It will be interesting to friends too
