Virtual Reality offers a simulated experience much like the real world or sometimes a made-up one. As a result, Virtual Reality was another boost in the technology industry. Although not as skyrocketing as smartphones, television, or even smartwatches, VR headsets are still in demand and worth it. Video games, movies, medical training, and even virtual meetings are its applications, especially with the new addition of augmented and mixed reality, otherwise referred to as XR or extended reality. Virtual Reality Hardware News can keep us updated on that.
Virtual Reality systems at the moment use Virtual reality headsets, which is a small screen in front of your eyes, and a user can see, hear and even interact with the world he sees. Besides this, multi-projected rooms or settings deliver a fantastic experience to the user. Now, since you know how cool it is, you might be considering investing in one, so what are the things you should know? Here’s a list of 6 things to ask yourself and be aware of while looking for a VR.
Wireless or tethered
So, purchasing a VR, what options do you have? Well, firstly, you need to select whether you want a VR headset with a cord or cordless. Generally, a corded one can offer you a more immersive experience as a computer backs it up or a PlayStation for the ones provided by Sony. Although the difference isn’t only in the performance, it’s the total costs too as you would need a high-performance PC with a corded VR.
PC requirements
If you go for a tethered headset option, you would need a PC to hook it up with; the recommended requirements for a PC are as follows:
- 8GB ram
- Quad-core processor
- USB 3.0 port
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 or AMD RX480 graphics card
A PC like this costs a lot. Hence a beginner’s move to enter the VR world would be to buy a standalone VR headset that does not need a PC in the first place.
A base station and lighthouses
These are different devices that let the VR headset know your movements. They need to be placed somewhere high in the room you plan to use it. They work by plugging them into an electrical outlet. Although wireless ones have these devices built-in, and hence are a more convenient option.
Resolution
If you are going to purchase a VR headset, you need to check the resolution it offers. A high resolution means a better quality of display; on the other hand, a low resolution gives you a more pixelated version that isn’t very appealing to the eyes.
Field of view
A significant metric while purchasing a VR headset is its field of view. It simply means the more comprehensive the field of view is for the VR headset, the more it covers or wraps your peripheral vision; this is essential to give you a more realistic experience. While you’re purchasing, you need to check the display horizontally, vertically, and diagonally.
Weight
Another thing that helps your comfort level is how heavy or light the VR headset is. So when you are about to purchase, go for something lightweight. Nowadays, they make elegant designs that are very easy to wear and not hard on the ears or the nose.
Buying a VR can be a fun and fulfilling experience. Besides the stuff mentioned above, look for the costs and where you’re buying it from; you can always opt for a used one that would be cost-effective. Make sure to meet the seller in a public area and follow all precautions.
Good luck!
