Wearable Smart Devices
VR Box - Enjoy Another Dimension
Virtual Reality was vaguely described by Stanley G Weinbaum during the 1930’s in a short story called Pygmalion’s Spectacles. Though VR seems like it is mainstream now, it was not a reality back then. In the 1960’s there were immersive stereoscopic videos and in the 1970’s interactive google street view was developed. VR-capable hardware is now everywhere. Today’s VR player options are affordable, impressive and phone-powered. Many developers are creating VR games and apps while film-makers are experimenting the potential for documentaries and animation. Both Facebook and YouTube are already offering 360-degree videos. You can read about the capabilities of various VR headsets and virtual reality boxes available before taking the plunge into the world of virtual reality.
When it comes to virtual reality kits, the most important device is the headset. VR headsets that are of high quality and expensive need to be connected to a computer to run apps or games while the cheaper ones use a smartphone clipped to the front of the headset. All of these VR player headsets need to be used with a good quality pair of headphones. The other accessories like hand controllers and treadmills are specially designed to enhance your simulation experience. You can even download games and apps from the app stores of VR devices. Virtual reality players are getting faster and better day by day with the help of extensive research labs and prototypes. Most smartphone manufacturers these days offer VR headset to their customers. There is a wide range of VR headsets available from powerful high-end ones to ones that offer mobile experiences.
What platform should I use for VR?
You need to keep certain things in mind while buying a VR box headset. Considering the technology that you already own is the most important thing. For example, if you own an iPhone, and you like how the Samsung Gear VR looks, you will not be able to use it as these are not compatible. Along the same lines, if you want to purchase the Oculus Rift but your laptop does not support virtual reality gaming, you may need to buy a laptop. You also need to decide whether you want the VR box for serious gaming or casual virtual reality experiences. The cheapest option is the Google’s Cardboard headset, if you want a device that can run through 360-degree videos or interactive adventures.
For playing simple games on your smartphone, you can opt for Google’s Daydream VR View or Samsung’s Gear VR or any other VR headset that is compatible with your iOS or Android smartphone. But if you want a device that offers PC level gaming ability and a range of advanced games, you can go for the HTC Vive.
Smartphones like the Google Pixel, Moto Z, Huawei Mate 9 pro, Asus Zenfone AR and the Samsung Galaxy S8 can be used for amazing virtual reality experiences. The apps in smartphones are limited in power and also restricted to videos and games that are exclusive to certain mobile stores.To use VR players like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, you will have to hook the VR headsets to your PC. But for starters, you will require an expensive PC that can power virtual reality games.
The simplest and cheapest way to experience virtual reality is through Google’s Cardboard headset. You can lock your smartphone into the cardboard case and download the Google Cardboard app to kick off. It has a very basic set up and a small magnetic switch on the side that can be used for simple actions while playing games. Apps like Google Arts and Culture or Within VR have a wide range of videos and documentaries that even kids can enjoy.
The PlayStation VR that arrived last year is a much awaited VR headset from Sony. This works with PS4 and it’s one of the easiest VR headsets that can be used by serious gamers. You will need to purchase a Playstation Camera to work with the headset.
Google’s Daydream was another highly anticipated virtual reality headset last year. This works with Google Pixel and many other android phones. The Daydream app can be used to play a range of games but it’s compatible only with a few smartphones and Bluetooth controllers.
You can browse through all the available options and check the VR box prices online before buying the one that best suits your usage.
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