If you go back to reading VR in the 90s, you will find that the word has a lot of meaning: from the movie talents mower's virtual space stimulation system to the 3D model on the computer screen, everything. However, as of today, VR is simple and straightforward: it is equivalent to seeing everything in VR headsets, except in certain situations.
However, with the sale of VR headsets, the differences have gradually emerged. People who want to start are selected in the three categories of entry, advanced and high-end. Use the simplest tool to experience the next VR? Or pursue the best experience? Or is it the middle of the two? The following reference guides clarify the key points for you.
This article is compiled from The Verge, the original titled "THE ULTIMATE VR HEADSET BUYERS GUIDE" (http://), reproduced must specify this article and the original link.
Getting Started
First, design and material
A convex lens, a cardboard, and a smart phone that acts as a screen, this is the simplest form of VR. Although everyone called it Google Cardboard, this idea existed before Google practiced it, but Google's own Cardboard suite was the most famous. Not all entry-level headsets are compatible with Google, but most of them are compatible with Cardboard-compatible content, which means that they work with VR apps on both Android and iOS systems.
A simple, fun and inexpensive Google Cardboard
These head-mounted devices are made of plastic or aluminum and are also easy to buy. However, the experience is limited and you can only take a look at the panoramic video. Because of the obvious discomfort that people can't wear for a long time, Google simply banned headbands in Cardboard's design ideas. The View-Master on sale by Mattel has a stronger sense of plastics, which can last up to 5 minutes at a time.
Less persistent View-Master, only 5 minutes at a time
Second, the pre-cost If you often participate in the technology summit or live in a big city, get a free Google Cardboard is not difficult. Many Google partners or dealers produce head-mounted devices, such as Verizon's Star Wars version of Cardboard. You can also buy convex lenses and cardboard, and go to Google's official website to download the template yourself. Google is pricing a Cardboard for 15 dollars. In addition, the official website can also link to Cardboard-compatible products like Dodocase and Knox Labs. In the case of convex lenses, the price of personalized or special materials will be higher, but they are mostly around 20 to 30 US dollars.
Third, the hidden form as long as you hold a smart phone, if you do not want to upgrade the hands of the device, use Google Cardboard on the line. As long as Google does not update the iOS version of Cardboard, the experience of iPhone users will not worsen. However, Apple does not place much emphasis on VR. Does iPhone have a good experience like Gear VR? Still unknown.
The disadvantage of Cardboard is that if your phone is very old, Google Cardboard's compatibility is hard to say. The experience may be loose and poor, certainly not comparable to Gear VR or higher-end devices.
Fourth, space is not all kind of Google Cardboard-style devices are easy to carry, but the most lightweight is still Google Cardboard. Cardboard can be easily released into the storage box, the smallest and glasses almost. More compact Cardboard headsets will reduce comfort and immersion will be affected.
Fifth, the controller is fully compatible with Cardboard, a head-mounted device needs to be equipped with a good input interface. Not that you have to have a button, after all, the simplest head-mounted device is the cardboard plus lens, so that you feel you can touch the screen. The button does not give the impression of a touch on the screen. What does this button do? Most of them are used to select menu options, or the buttons do not make people feel what the screen is. Or do something simple and slow in a video game. Some Cardboard apps combine them into one. You can stare at the menu for a second or two to select, or shake your head to change the direction of the video game.
6. The easiest VR device to buy is not only the lowest price, but also the widest range of use. More than a dozen Cardboard-compatible headsets are being sold on Google’s official website, and slightly more complex models such as the View-Master Cardboard are also on sale. Although Cardboard headsets have a short life, replacement is easy.
In addition, the Cardboard App App is ubiquitous despite its experience. Vrse, Jaunt, Ryot, IM360 and other apps all support VR video, and many independent apps are also working hard. Cardboard now supports Youtube video library for VR panorama video playback. It is not a dream to experience VR on a large-screen TV.
Youtube has now joined Youtube
Advanced Part I. Design and Materials Advanced VR headsets are less optional than Google Cardboard. The Cardboard looks like a smartphone case, but these phone-driven head-mounted devices include a capture sensor, a more complex built-in controller, a focus wheel, and even a screen. The most famous and most sophisticated head-mounted device in this category is Samsung's Gear VR, Zeiss's VR or French Homido. Recently, LG has just disclosed its own mobile phone headset device, there is news that Google will soon be announced.
Unlike the other two extremes on the market, the quality and characteristics of advanced products vary greatly. Gear VR clearly runs ahead. LG's 360 VR has problems with design and latency. The design of Homido and Zeiss is more like Google Cardboard.
Design a unique LG 360 VR, but it's a bit worse than Gear VR
Second, the pre-cost If you want to buy a head-mounted headset, it costs about 75 to 125 US dollars. For Gear VR, premiums are spent on software optimization, control systems (better than Cardboard) and better app stores. However, it's easy to get a VR One or Homido at this price. After all, they are more like the high-end convex lens Cardboard. Other prices are also worth looking forward to: LG's 360VR is still in secrecy, Google may also spoil. However, as long as the timing is good, getting Gear VR for free is not difficult. When Samsung pre-sells new phones, it will come with Gear VR, and Best Buy has bundled them.
Third, the hidden version If you just want to change the phone, it is worthwhile to start VR. Gear VR and LG 360 VR can only be compatible with Samsung and LG's latest flagship models. If Google introduces a non-Cardboard headset, it will probably only be compatible with specific new phones, such as the Nexus series. Ordinary mid-range models may be able to adapt to the iPhone, and there is no other alternative, will Apple change this situation? no one knows.
Into VR is about equal to mobile phone, Gear VR and 360 VR ideas consistent
Fourth, the space occupied by these head-mounted devices is actually somewhat embarrassing. They are easy to carry, more comfortable and more immersive than Google Cardboard. However, the inability to unlock the winding data lines is a major problem, and Gear VR has avoided this. They have an advantage over the interactive comfort and responsiveness of the sport experience that Cardboard can't do, although there is a feeling of vomiting. If the use of position capture technology can sense the spatial motion of the head rather than just the direction of rotation, can greatly reduce the discomfort. But now, VR needs an external capture camera to do this, so it is probably one of the features of a mid-range head-mounted device.
Future head-mounted devices can be positioned with the phone's built-in camera, but no one on the market can do this. Will it be Google? Everything is not easy to say.
Fifth, there are a wide variety of control systems for end-to-end devices in control systems. Homido or Zeiss's VR One is a controlless system and is comparable to Cardboard. And LG's VR is set up with two simple buttons. The Gear VR has the most sophisticated control system and the touchpad is pressed on one side of the device. Although not perfect, it integrates various input methods, such as waving, tapping, or pressing a "back" button. Technically, the device can be paired with the Bluetooth gamepad of most smartphones and use it as a control system. But the experience is mostly clunky and not smooth, and sometimes other equipment assists.
Zeiss VR One without Control System
6. How easy it is to buy As the first consumer-grade mid-range VR device, it's easy to buy a Gear VR if you survive the hot period. An ordinary head-mounted device like the Zeiss VR One is already available. However, there are still waiting for: LG has not announced the time of the device's release, Google and other mobile phone manufacturers may also be out of the product.
Among the existing options, Gear VR is the only non-Cardboard type terminal device. The relatively complex control design allows it to control hundreds of games, apps, Jaunt and VRSE can play on Google Cardboard and Gear VR, Samsung's Milk VR app can watch more videos.
Although Gear VR has made rapid progress in the game, Oculus and Samsung have already focused on this, and other device manufacturers have no such incentive. These VR games are more expensive than usual hand-to-hand games, although 5 to 10 dollars are not too difficult to accept, especially now that many are cutting prices.
High-end articles, design and materials In fact, the best VR experience cannot be driven by a smartphone. The Oculus Rift, Valve and HTC Vive, and the Sony PlayStation VR are three high-profile, high-end items that require an external computer or game console. Therefore, the complexity of the features is also well understood: the use of motion capture, high-resolution screens, and the best picture quality make wearing more comfortable, better immersive, and less prone to nausea. They will be shipped in the second half of this year and are still expensive for early adopters.
Oculus Rift, wearing another world
Second, the cost of high-end equipment in the early period, regardless of which standard, are expensive. Look at the Oculus Rift, which costs $599 and the price of the matching motion controller has not yet been announced. HTC Vive sells for $799 and Sony's PlayStation VR is still ignorant. Interestingly, the price difference between Rift and Vive is far from estimated, and the former is underestimated, while the latter is overestimated. So guess PSVR is not meaningful, but it is estimated at a few hundred dollars. In addition to the basic configuration, it also includes equipment that can be upgraded to the PS4 picture quality. These parts will certainly be reduced prices in the later period, but no one can speak for the time.
Third, the hidden cost is not that all computers are equipped with high-end VR devices. Although they can also play VR games and watch videos, they can't reach Rift or Vive's recommended parameters. Film or video shooters and video game enthusiasts, these people's computers are qualified. So for a perfect experience, spending $1000 to buy a new host is true. If the headset is bundled with a PC, you may spend less. As for the PlayStation VR, this account is much simpler. There is a PlayStation4 game console.
HTC Vive with target sales of 1 million units
Fourth, the space occupied by the ability to move or even walk in space is excellent, this is a major feature of high-end VR devices. The standard validation practice is to use Oculus or Sony, with LED lights or other kits, and then track them with an external camera. This kind of position tracking is very effective, but the distance you can move is much different depending on the amount of space the camera can take. PSVR lets you lean over, kneel down and change direction. With the help of multiple tracking cameras, the Rift lets you walk in any direction.
In contrast, HTC Vive uses a laser tracking system and you walk in a space of 1,515 feet. This is the largest space available in existing cameras. When close to the border, the monitoring system will open the camera to remind you. In addition to preparing a piece of land in open space, this means that you have to install a high-performance computer. However, Vive can also run in a small space, so the house is a bit crowded and there is no problem buying it.
Fifth, the high-end head-mounted devices that the control system supports perform better in video games. Both Oculus Rift and PSVR use the gamepad frequently. The Oculus Rift is compatible with the Xbox One control system, and the PSVR sometimes calls the PS4 control system. However, it is a powerful motion control system that truly separates these high-end goods. It is easy to play VR ping pong or 3D painting.
In this regard, Sony has introduced a motion capture PSMove, PS4 gamepad also has a tracking camera connection. Rift and Vive use their own control systems and have similar quality. However, delivery time is a problem: Rift's control system must be shipped after the device, while Vive only uses HTC and Vavle's system, not compatible with any traditional gamepad.
Ever wished for PS4, now looking forward to PlayStation VR
Sixth, the degree of difficulty in buying high-end VR equipment in April. Oculus Rift will begin shipping at the end of March, HTC will soon join in, and two high-end devices will be officially launched. However, many people may not receive the goods until this summer. On the one hand, Oculus Rift will postpone delivery, and now orders for delivery in July, but the PC bundled version can be started immediately. On the other hand, Vive's pre-sale has just started and HTC's inventory is still unclear. Although they will soon land in physical stores, don't expect much.
If you look at the PSVR, the front will be longer. Sony mentioned at the GDC conference that the PSVR may be released this fall, and some waited. Last year, Sony released about 17 games. There are also free games bundled with devices on the market, such as Luckys Tale with Rift and EVE: Valkyrie with pre-sale. Users who pre-order Vive can play Tilt Brush, Fantastic Contraption and Job Simulator. What is interesting is that each user is not clear about the user’s actual spending on the game.
Unless you want to be a fanatic tasting pretend (and possibly a big man), waiting for a while may be the best option. Both Oculus and Valve are stocking Rift and Vive, but it will take some time to ship. The new product will certainly take time to fix bugs, especially the Oculus Rift, to achieve the best experience to get the hand controller shipments in the second half of the year. If you are willing to wait, these are equipped with high-grade
The hardware of the VR device will only be cheaper.
However, with the sale of VR headsets, the differences have gradually emerged. People who want to start are selected in the three categories of entry, advanced and high-end. Use the simplest tool to experience the next VR? Or pursue the best experience? Or is it the middle of the two? The following reference guides clarify the key points for you.
This article is compiled from The Verge, the original titled "THE ULTIMATE VR HEADSET BUYERS GUIDE" (http://), reproduced must specify this article and the original link.
Getting Started
First, design and material
A convex lens, a cardboard, and a smart phone that acts as a screen, this is the simplest form of VR. Although everyone called it Google Cardboard, this idea existed before Google practiced it, but Google's own Cardboard suite was the most famous. Not all entry-level headsets are compatible with Google, but most of them are compatible with Cardboard-compatible content, which means that they work with VR apps on both Android and iOS systems.
A simple, fun and inexpensive Google Cardboard
These head-mounted devices are made of plastic or aluminum and are also easy to buy. However, the experience is limited and you can only take a look at the panoramic video. Because of the obvious discomfort that people can't wear for a long time, Google simply banned headbands in Cardboard's design ideas. The View-Master on sale by Mattel has a stronger sense of plastics, which can last up to 5 minutes at a time.
Less persistent View-Master, only 5 minutes at a time
Second, the pre-cost If you often participate in the technology summit or live in a big city, get a free Google Cardboard is not difficult. Many Google partners or dealers produce head-mounted devices, such as Verizon's Star Wars version of Cardboard. You can also buy convex lenses and cardboard, and go to Google's official website to download the template yourself. Google is pricing a Cardboard for 15 dollars. In addition, the official website can also link to Cardboard-compatible products like Dodocase and Knox Labs. In the case of convex lenses, the price of personalized or special materials will be higher, but they are mostly around 20 to 30 US dollars.
Third, the hidden form as long as you hold a smart phone, if you do not want to upgrade the hands of the device, use Google Cardboard on the line. As long as Google does not update the iOS version of Cardboard, the experience of iPhone users will not worsen. However, Apple does not place much emphasis on VR. Does iPhone have a good experience like Gear VR? Still unknown.
The disadvantage of Cardboard is that if your phone is very old, Google Cardboard's compatibility is hard to say. The experience may be loose and poor, certainly not comparable to Gear VR or higher-end devices.
Fourth, space is not all kind of Google Cardboard-style devices are easy to carry, but the most lightweight is still Google Cardboard. Cardboard can be easily released into the storage box, the smallest and glasses almost. More compact Cardboard headsets will reduce comfort and immersion will be affected.
Fifth, the controller is fully compatible with Cardboard, a head-mounted device needs to be equipped with a good input interface. Not that you have to have a button, after all, the simplest head-mounted device is the cardboard plus lens, so that you feel you can touch the screen. The button does not give the impression of a touch on the screen. What does this button do? Most of them are used to select menu options, or the buttons do not make people feel what the screen is. Or do something simple and slow in a video game. Some Cardboard apps combine them into one. You can stare at the menu for a second or two to select, or shake your head to change the direction of the video game.
6. The easiest VR device to buy is not only the lowest price, but also the widest range of use. More than a dozen Cardboard-compatible headsets are being sold on Google’s official website, and slightly more complex models such as the View-Master Cardboard are also on sale. Although Cardboard headsets have a short life, replacement is easy.
In addition, the Cardboard App App is ubiquitous despite its experience. Vrse, Jaunt, Ryot, IM360 and other apps all support VR video, and many independent apps are also working hard. Cardboard now supports Youtube video library for VR panorama video playback. It is not a dream to experience VR on a large-screen TV.
Youtube has now joined Youtube
Advanced Part I. Design and Materials Advanced VR headsets are less optional than Google Cardboard. The Cardboard looks like a smartphone case, but these phone-driven head-mounted devices include a capture sensor, a more complex built-in controller, a focus wheel, and even a screen. The most famous and most sophisticated head-mounted device in this category is Samsung's Gear VR, Zeiss's VR or French Homido. Recently, LG has just disclosed its own mobile phone headset device, there is news that Google will soon be announced.
Unlike the other two extremes on the market, the quality and characteristics of advanced products vary greatly. Gear VR clearly runs ahead. LG's 360 VR has problems with design and latency. The design of Homido and Zeiss is more like Google Cardboard.
Design a unique LG 360 VR, but it's a bit worse than Gear VR
Second, the pre-cost If you want to buy a head-mounted headset, it costs about 75 to 125 US dollars. For Gear VR, premiums are spent on software optimization, control systems (better than Cardboard) and better app stores. However, it's easy to get a VR One or Homido at this price. After all, they are more like the high-end convex lens Cardboard. Other prices are also worth looking forward to: LG's 360VR is still in secrecy, Google may also spoil. However, as long as the timing is good, getting Gear VR for free is not difficult. When Samsung pre-sells new phones, it will come with Gear VR, and Best Buy has bundled them.
Third, the hidden version If you just want to change the phone, it is worthwhile to start VR. Gear VR and LG 360 VR can only be compatible with Samsung and LG's latest flagship models. If Google introduces a non-Cardboard headset, it will probably only be compatible with specific new phones, such as the Nexus series. Ordinary mid-range models may be able to adapt to the iPhone, and there is no other alternative, will Apple change this situation? no one knows.
Into VR is about equal to mobile phone, Gear VR and 360 VR ideas consistent
Fourth, the space occupied by these head-mounted devices is actually somewhat embarrassing. They are easy to carry, more comfortable and more immersive than Google Cardboard. However, the inability to unlock the winding data lines is a major problem, and Gear VR has avoided this. They have an advantage over the interactive comfort and responsiveness of the sport experience that Cardboard can't do, although there is a feeling of vomiting. If the use of position capture technology can sense the spatial motion of the head rather than just the direction of rotation, can greatly reduce the discomfort. But now, VR needs an external capture camera to do this, so it is probably one of the features of a mid-range head-mounted device.
Future head-mounted devices can be positioned with the phone's built-in camera, but no one on the market can do this. Will it be Google? Everything is not easy to say.
Fifth, there are a wide variety of control systems for end-to-end devices in control systems. Homido or Zeiss's VR One is a controlless system and is comparable to Cardboard. And LG's VR is set up with two simple buttons. The Gear VR has the most sophisticated control system and the touchpad is pressed on one side of the device. Although not perfect, it integrates various input methods, such as waving, tapping, or pressing a "back" button. Technically, the device can be paired with the Bluetooth gamepad of most smartphones and use it as a control system. But the experience is mostly clunky and not smooth, and sometimes other equipment assists.
Zeiss VR One without Control System
6. How easy it is to buy As the first consumer-grade mid-range VR device, it's easy to buy a Gear VR if you survive the hot period. An ordinary head-mounted device like the Zeiss VR One is already available. However, there are still waiting for: LG has not announced the time of the device's release, Google and other mobile phone manufacturers may also be out of the product.
Among the existing options, Gear VR is the only non-Cardboard type terminal device. The relatively complex control design allows it to control hundreds of games, apps, Jaunt and VRSE can play on Google Cardboard and Gear VR, Samsung's Milk VR app can watch more videos.
Although Gear VR has made rapid progress in the game, Oculus and Samsung have already focused on this, and other device manufacturers have no such incentive. These VR games are more expensive than usual hand-to-hand games, although 5 to 10 dollars are not too difficult to accept, especially now that many are cutting prices.
High-end articles, design and materials In fact, the best VR experience cannot be driven by a smartphone. The Oculus Rift, Valve and HTC Vive, and the Sony PlayStation VR are three high-profile, high-end items that require an external computer or game console. Therefore, the complexity of the features is also well understood: the use of motion capture, high-resolution screens, and the best picture quality make wearing more comfortable, better immersive, and less prone to nausea. They will be shipped in the second half of this year and are still expensive for early adopters.
Oculus Rift, wearing another world
Second, the cost of high-end equipment in the early period, regardless of which standard, are expensive. Look at the Oculus Rift, which costs $599 and the price of the matching motion controller has not yet been announced. HTC Vive sells for $799 and Sony's PlayStation VR is still ignorant. Interestingly, the price difference between Rift and Vive is far from estimated, and the former is underestimated, while the latter is overestimated. So guess PSVR is not meaningful, but it is estimated at a few hundred dollars. In addition to the basic configuration, it also includes equipment that can be upgraded to the PS4 picture quality. These parts will certainly be reduced prices in the later period, but no one can speak for the time.
Third, the hidden cost is not that all computers are equipped with high-end VR devices. Although they can also play VR games and watch videos, they can't reach Rift or Vive's recommended parameters. Film or video shooters and video game enthusiasts, these people's computers are qualified. So for a perfect experience, spending $1000 to buy a new host is true. If the headset is bundled with a PC, you may spend less. As for the PlayStation VR, this account is much simpler. There is a PlayStation4 game console.
HTC Vive with target sales of 1 million units
Fourth, the space occupied by the ability to move or even walk in space is excellent, this is a major feature of high-end VR devices. The standard validation practice is to use Oculus or Sony, with LED lights or other kits, and then track them with an external camera. This kind of position tracking is very effective, but the distance you can move is much different depending on the amount of space the camera can take. PSVR lets you lean over, kneel down and change direction. With the help of multiple tracking cameras, the Rift lets you walk in any direction.
In contrast, HTC Vive uses a laser tracking system and you walk in a space of 1,515 feet. This is the largest space available in existing cameras. When close to the border, the monitoring system will open the camera to remind you. In addition to preparing a piece of land in open space, this means that you have to install a high-performance computer. However, Vive can also run in a small space, so the house is a bit crowded and there is no problem buying it.
Fifth, the high-end head-mounted devices that the control system supports perform better in video games. Both Oculus Rift and PSVR use the gamepad frequently. The Oculus Rift is compatible with the Xbox One control system, and the PSVR sometimes calls the PS4 control system. However, it is a powerful motion control system that truly separates these high-end goods. It is easy to play VR ping pong or 3D painting.
In this regard, Sony has introduced a motion capture PSMove, PS4 gamepad also has a tracking camera connection. Rift and Vive use their own control systems and have similar quality. However, delivery time is a problem: Rift's control system must be shipped after the device, while Vive only uses HTC and Vavle's system, not compatible with any traditional gamepad.
Ever wished for PS4, now looking forward to PlayStation VR
Sixth, the degree of difficulty in buying high-end VR equipment in April. Oculus Rift will begin shipping at the end of March, HTC will soon join in, and two high-end devices will be officially launched. However, many people may not receive the goods until this summer. On the one hand, Oculus Rift will postpone delivery, and now orders for delivery in July, but the PC bundled version can be started immediately. On the other hand, Vive's pre-sale has just started and HTC's inventory is still unclear. Although they will soon land in physical stores, don't expect much.
If you look at the PSVR, the front will be longer. Sony mentioned at the GDC conference that the PSVR may be released this fall, and some waited. Last year, Sony released about 17 games. There are also free games bundled with devices on the market, such as Luckys Tale with Rift and EVE: Valkyrie with pre-sale. Users who pre-order Vive can play Tilt Brush, Fantastic Contraption and Job Simulator. What is interesting is that each user is not clear about the user’s actual spending on the game.
Unless you want to be a fanatic tasting pretend (and possibly a big man), waiting for a while may be the best option. Both Oculus and Valve are stocking Rift and Vive, but it will take some time to ship. The new product will certainly take time to fix bugs, especially the Oculus Rift, to achieve the best experience to get the hand controller shipments in the second half of the year. If you are willing to wait, these are equipped with high-grade
The hardware of the VR device will only be cheaper.