All Mode
Continued from previous posts…
With less than a year on the market, virtual reality has taken off in terms of the number of companies developing and producing virtual reality hardware and software. A huge variety of headsets and headset-ecosystems now exist and dominate the market. This is problematic for consumers because, for the most part, these ecosystems do not play well together.
Choices and More Choices
To help understand what you are getting with each headset, I have been exploring the major players that are currently throwing their hat into the VR ring. So far, this has included the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Google Cardboard, Chinese manufacturers, Microsoft, and Samsung’s GearVR platform.
Google Daydream Sale $50. That is $30 dollars off the normal price. Image credit: Google
Today, I will detail two more options before moving on to descriptions of the fragmented field of VR software. The two virtual reality platforms that I will detail here are Google Daydream and PlayStation VR. These platforms and their corresponding headsets provide differential access to apps, videos, and games. If you are thinking about purchasing one of these headsets, you should know that each has unique benefits and downfalls.
Google Daydream
This spunky upstart just joined the consumer virtual reality market in late 2016. Keep this in mind when browsing for content and apps that work with Google Daydream. Currently, software for Google Daydream is pretty sparse. This is especially notable in comparison to its ugly older brother (Google Cardboard). That said, Google Daydream is light years ahead of Google Cardboard and really worth checking out.
Google Daydream. Image credit Google
Working with only three phones at the moment (Zte Axon 7, Google Pixel, and Moto Z), a limited compatibility profile has made it possible for Google to create a honed phone-based virtual reality experience. Yes, like Google Cardboard, Google Daydream requires you to use your phone as a motion tracker and headset display. The new Snapdragon (820 and 821) processors in these phones do a great job with providing smooth frame-rates so you don’t throw up all over yourself. Additionally, Google Daydream headsets come with a nice little Wii-like controller. This little spud-muffin allows you to navigate and control VR apps.
PlayStation VR
The only console-ready virtual reality headset is the PlayStation VR. Released last fall, the PSVR headset costs $399. This makes it one of the more affordable high-end virtual reality offerings. The PSVR is compatible with the standard and Pro versions of the PS4. Sony, thanks for not limiting VR to the Pro! Running neck and neck with the Samsung Gear VR in terms of popularity, this headset is often considered the virtual reality headset that will bring VR to the masses.
Image credit: Sony, 3dScience (3d-Vag) and Bobo the Seal (Penile-Tank)
Most Comfortable
Whether history regards it as the VR messiah, everyone does agree that the PlayStation VR is the most comfortable headset currently available. Most people also agree that the best assortment of games also can be found on the PSVR. Although it was designed to be a gaming/console device, recently we have found out that the PSVR is also a great 3D 360 video consumption device as well.
New Compatibility
Image credit: Reddit
The LittlStar App available for the PS4 allows users to use 3D 360 video from USB devices. Potentially, this blows up the doors for PS4 owners to enjoy any kind of video content (including adult content). Additionally, the PlayStation VR headset can be used as a headset monitor, in what Sony calls the “Cinema Mode.” In this mode, the VR headset displays a big screen with content from other media devices including PCs, XBOX One, and pretty much any other HDMI compatible media.
In the next article, I will be describing the software platforms that make VR such a hot mess!
nice editing skills,. dildo on my handset. lol
well these seem better choices than the previous ones. lol
yes, specially the Sony headset as it has some better features then daydream but also the price is little higher.
But trust me PSVR is the best buy right now…. It is at a very sweet spot considering both affordability and quality…