Virtual Reality (VR) : Everything About Virtual Reality (Best Headset & Apps) [Guide]
The definition of Virtual Reality comes, naturally, from the definitions for both ‘virtual’ and ‘reality’. The definition of ‘virtual’ is near and reality is what we experience as human beings. So the term ‘virtual reality’ basically means ‘near-reality’. This could, of course, mean anything but it usually refers to a specific type of reality emulation.
We know the world through our senses and perception systems. In school we all learned that we have five senses: taste, touch, smell, sight and hearing. These are however only our most obvious sense organs. The truth is that humans have many more senses than this, such as a sense of balance for example. These other sensory inputs, plus some special processing of sensory information by our brains ensures that we have a rich flow of information from the environment to our minds.
Everything that we know about our reality comes by way of our senses. In other words, our entire experience of reality is simply a combination of sensory information and our brains sense-making mechanisms for that information. It stands to reason then, that if you can present your senses with made-up information, your perception of reality would also change in response to it. You would be presented with a version of reality that isn’t really there, but from your perspective it would be perceived as real. Something we would refer to as a virtual reality.
So, in summary, virtual reality entails presenting our senses with a computer generated virtual environment that we can explore in some fashion.
Answering “what is virtual reality” in technical terms is straight-forward. Virtual reality is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions.
Although we talk about a few historical early forms of virtual reality elsewhere on the site, today virtual reality is usually implemented using computer technology. There are a range of systems that are used for this purpose, such as headsets, omni-directional treadmills and special gloves. These are used to actually stimulate our senses together in order to create the illusion of reality.
This is more difficult than it sounds, since our senses and brains are evolved to provide us with a finely synchronized and mediated experience. If anything is even a little off we can usually tell. This is where you’ll hear terms such asimmersiveness and realism enter the conversation. These issues that divide convincing or enjoyable virtual reality experiences from jarring or unpleasant ones are partly technical and partly conceptual. Virtual reality technology needs to take our physiology into account. For example, the human visual field does not look like a video frame. We have (more or less) 180 degrees of vision and although you are not always consciously aware of your peripheral vision, if it were gone you’d notice. Similarly when what your eyes and the vestibular system in your ears tell you are in conflict it can cause motion sickness. Which is what happens to some people on boats or when they read while in a car.
If an implementation of virtual reality manages to get the combination of hardware, software and sensory synchronicity just right it achieves something known as a sense of presence. Where the subject really feels like they are present in that environment.
Why Have Virtual Reality?
This may seems like a lot of effort, and it is! What makes the development of virtual reality worthwhile? The potential entertainment value is clear. Immersive films and video games are good examples. The entertainment industry is after all a multi-billion dollar one and consumers are always keen on novelty. Virtual reality has many other, more serious, applications as well.
There are a wide variety of applications for virtual reality which include :
- Architecture
- Sport
- Medicine
- The Arts
- Entertainment
Virtual reality can lead to new and exciting discoveries in these areas which impact upon our day to day lives.
Wherever it is too dangerous, expensive or impractical to do something in reality, virtual reality is the answer. From trainee fighter pilots to medical applications trainee surgeons, virtual reality allows us to take virtual risks in order to gain real world experience. As the cost of virtual reality goes down and it becomes more mainstream you can expect more serious uses, such as education or productivity applications, to come to the fore. Virtual reality and its cousin augmented reality could substantively change the way we interface with our digital technologies. Continuing the trend of humanising our technology.
There are many different types of virtual reality systems but they all share the same characteristics such as the ability to allow the person to view three-dimensional images. These images appear life-sized to the person.
Plus they change as the person moves around their environment which corresponds with the change in their field of vision. The aim is for a seamless join between the person’s head and eye movements and the appropriate response, e.g. change in perception. This ensures that the virtual environment is both realistic and enjoyable.
A virtual environment should provide the appropriate responses – in real time- as the person explores their surroundings. The problems arise when there is a delay between the person’s actions and system response or latency which then disrupts their experience. The person becomes aware that they are in an artificial environment and adjusts their behaviour accordingly which results in a stilted, mechanical form of interaction.
The aim is for a natural, free-flowing form of interaction which will result in a memorable experience.
The age of virtual reality is upon us (again) with a torrent of devices and content launching throughout 2016.
There has been a buzz around virtual reality (VR) for the past few years. Some of this has come from the lengthy development of devices like Oculus Rift, but also through a growing interest in what we'll be able to get VR to do in the modern era.
The idea of VR isn't new. It's been circulating in the tech space for a number of years, but recently, the technology has broken through some of the long-standing barriers. Enabling access has helped, with devices like Google's Cardboard opening the door for anyone with a smartphone, right up to demonstrating what a fully-fledged premium system like HTC Vive will be capable of. We now have the power in home computers for lifelike virtual environments and this makes it a much more exciting time for VR.
So, without further ado, we've listed some of the top VR systems available. Their prices range dramatically, and some haven't actually been officially launched yet, but they're all worth being aware of, as you'll be seeing a lot more of VR in 2016.
Oculus Rift
Oculus Rift has probably commanded more headlines than any other VR system. First launched as a Kickstarter project and then acquired by Facebook, Oculus Rift is one of the most exciting VR systems you'll find.
The system comprises a headset that's loaded with sensors, offering a display for each eye and integrated headphones. It comes with a camera to add more movement detection information and initially ships with an Xbox One controller prior to bespoke Oculus Touch controllers launching later in 2016. You will also need a high-spec PC to run Oculus Rift, however, and this isn't included in the £500 asking price for the kit.
The result is a canny VR system and, from what we've experienced so far, one that's capable of creating some amazing VR worlds and experiences. It's now shipping to those who originally pre-ordered, although the demand means you'll be waiting until at least August if you order now. Oculus Rift is definitely in the premium VR category.
HTC Vive
Like Oculus Rift, HTC Vive is a full system VR experience that requires a powerful PC to run. It too is now available, but while there were some shipping delays, wait time is less than its direct rival.
HTC Vive is different from other VR systems because it gives you freedom to roam around a room. While other systems will allow you some movement, HTC Vive uses IR sensors mounted on walls to map your location in the physical space, integrating this into the virtual space. That allows for freedom of movement other systems currently don't offer. The downside is that you'll also need a big enough play space to use it in that fashion.
The headset integrates a range of sensors, presenting the slick visuals to your eyes and you have to wear additional headphones to complete the picture. There are bespoke Vive hand controllers and their locations are also mapped within the 3D space, offering plenty of versatility when it comes to immersion and interactivity.
We've experienced a wide range of different environments within HTC Vive, from climbing Everest to maintenance of robots in a Portal-style setting and we've been blown away. However, setting the device up is tricky, so sensor placement is paramount.
The HTC Vive is also the costliest option at £689 in the UK, $799 in the US.
PlayStation VR
Previously known as Project Morpheus, this headset has been rechristened PlayStation VR - somewhat fitting considering it is not PC but PlayStation 4 driven.
Rather than presenting a complete VR system, PS VR is an accessory for the PS4 console, meaning it will be less costly to own than something like Oculus Rift or HTC Vive when it arrives in October 2016.
The headset itself will be just £349 ($399) - a lot less than equivalent rivals - and the fact that the console is less pricey than a high-end gaming PC keeps costs down further.
PlayStation VR uses the same technologies as the others, although its screen resolution is lower than those used by HTC and Oculus.
It tracks movement of your head and uses the PlayStation Camera, in combination with your regular PS4 controller or PlayStation Move motion controls, to present the VR experience. This is an extension of your PS4, which is likely to see it as an easy VR choice for many.
There will also be a full line-up of content available from launch later this year. PlayStation VR Worlds has several mini-games and experiences, including the London Heist segments we've previously played. Other games will also include RIGS and The Playroom VR.
PlayStation VR removes plenty of barriers to virtual reality because it's an accessory to an existing platform. We expect to hear even more as the year unfolds. PlayStation VR is going to bring immersive gaming to your existing console.
Sulon Q
The Sulon Q VR headset was unveiled during GDC 2016 in San Francisco and it could be a big competitor to Oculus Rift and HTC Vive in that it runs on a Windows 10 PC architecture. Unlike those headsets though, it doesn't need a high-end PC to run and is completely "tether-free".
Instead it has the processing power built into the device, using AMD technologies to run "console-quality" games and applications, but without any wires needed to connect it to a separate box.
In addition to virtual reality uses, there are lenses on the headset that enable the user to use augmented reality applications too, in a similar way to the Microsoft HoloLens we describe below. These overlay computer graphics onto real-world objects.
There are earbuds built-in that provide spatial 3D audio and embedded noise-cancelling microphones enable voice communication without needing a separate mic add-on.
It all sounds good but we're yet to see the headset in action even though we were previously told "spring". The price is also unannounced as yet, and it could turn out to be rather pricey.
Samsung Gear VR
Samsung was one of the early movers on VR, launching the Gear VR headset, co-developed with Oculus, and designed to support a smartphone, rather than needing a connection to a PC or console.
There have been a couple of versions of Gear VR, supporting a number of different smartphone models from Samsung, with the handsets neatly sliding into the tray at the front. Internally there are lenses to split the display between your eyes and with Samsung's latest devices offering a high resolution display, this translates into slick visuals.
Samsung Gear VR has been used in a number of commercial settings, such car showrooms, but with Samsung offering a range of content from Oculus, it's an easy option for those with a Samsung handset.
Gear VR is available for around £100, and there's an optional controller too, which you can get for about £70. You'll need to make sure it's going to fit your chosen Samsung smartphone, however, with the newly launched Galaxy S7 and S7 edge devices claimed to be best. Gear VR opens the door to mobile devices, but you'll need to supply the Samsung smartphone.
OnePlus Loop VR
Android smartphone manufacturer OnePlus has a similar headset to the Gear VR in the shape of the Loop VR. It looks similar but is capable of working with "most handsets between 5 and 6-inches".
You slot the smartphone in the front of the device, which is padded and comes with a head strap for comfort, and in many ways it works like a posh version of Google Cardboard.
What's significantly different about the OnePlus Loop VR though is that it is free. OnePlus has made 30,000 headsets and they are available on a first come first served basis. Only shipping costs need to be paid, but considering that they start at £2.99 they are hardly likely to break the bank.
As a piece of technology, there's not too much to the Loop VR. It has orthoscopic lenses and 100-degree field of view, but the experience - including motion sensing - is all done by your phone. Naturally, the better the phone the better the experience. The manufacturer would clearly like that to be the OnePlus 3 when it is available.
The OnePlus Loop VR starts to ship on 6 June.
LG 360 VR
The LG 360 VR is a headset that you have to connect to your LG G5 via the USB Type-C cable, rather than slipping your phone into the front as you do with Cardboard. It takes the form of a pair of glasses, which you wear rather more conventionally than others. It's better than Cardboard and other basic systems because you don't have to hold it to your face all the time.
The headset itself has two 1.8-inch IPS displays inside, one for each eye, each with a resolution of 960 x 720 pixels, resulting in 639ppi. Those displays sit behind lenses that can be independently focused (you can't wear glasses and 360 VR at the same time), as well as being able to adjust the width to get the best fit to your face and ensure stereoscopic vision.
The headset also carries the controls for your VR environment, with an ok and back button for basic click navigation. Otherwise, it has motion sensors, to allow you to look around the virtual world you're in. There's also a sensor between your eyes. This detects when the headset is being worn.
When it comes to audio, there's a 3.5mm headphone socket on the underside of the 360 VR headset. If you don't use this, the sound comes out of your smartphone, which may be some distance away, or perhaps in your pocket.
The LG 360 VR is available from some retailers, priced at £200.
Google Cardboard
Google Cardboard was first unveiled in 2014, quite literally a folding cardboard container into which a smartphone could be placed. The beauty of Google Cardboard is two-fold: firstly, the hardware cost is almost minimal, often free, and secondly, it's universal, supporting a wide range of smartphone models - essentially, anything that will fit into the front and stay secure.
Google Cardboard is something of a breakaway success, allowing people to sample VR content (be that from Google or elsewhere), without having to invest in a more substantial system: Google reports that five million Cardboard viewers have shipped. Google has a range of applications for the device, and has highlighted VR for development and investment in the future. Importantly, Cardboard is not only this cardboard viewer, but also the name of the VR platform from Google.
Cardboard is really an ad hoc VR viewer: there's no head strap and if there was it would be uncomfortable to wear, instead intended to be held to the face to view the content. There are a range of Cardboard apps for content, as well as being able to view 360 environments such as Google Street View or watching 360 content on YouTube.
Cardboard makes perfect sense: if you want to dip your toe into VR, this is a good place to start.
Zeiss VR One and One GX
Optics specialist Zeiss has its own virtual reality headset that converts an iPhone or Android device into an immersive 3D experience. The Zeiss VR One is very similar to Samsung's Gear VR headset, but with a universal design. The VR One features a tray to hold your phone and you'll need the appropriate tray for your handset, be that iPhone 6, SGS6, Sony Xperia Z5 and so on.
The VR One will work with any app that is made for VR headsets such as Cardboard apps, delivering two images, so that each eye is separate and allows for a 3D experience. The VR One has a head strap and the One GX, like Cardboard, is designed for holding to your face. The Zeiss VR One is available now for about £110.
There are many more systems like the Zeiss VR that will accept phones in various forms and offer a similar approach to VR. If you're getting into smartphone-based VR, this is a good way to go.
Homido
Homido falls into the category of devices, like the Zeiss VR One, that give you a more substantial piece of hardware, but work in the same way as Google Cardboard.
In this case there's a sprung section on the front into which you can slide your phone, and you can then strap the thing to your head to view your VR content.
In this case it's a little cheaper, so you can get your hands on it for around £50, so if you're a little more of a VR fan and think that Cardboard will get too annoying with the constant handholding, then Homido might be a solution for you. It's cheap, easy and widely available now.
Microsoft HoloLens
Microsoft surprised everyone when it entered the world of virtual and augmented reality. It unveiled the Microsoft HoloLens headset, which works with Windows Holographic, a technology that adds 3D images in the world around us all. Technically this is more augmented reality than virtual reality, but it's playing in the same space as some of these other systems.
Microsoft wants to introduce augmented reality objects into every aspect of our world. Obviously, that won't happen with the naked eye, but users wearing HoloLens will be able to see holographic images overlaid onto real objects in front of them (which are projected by laser directly into their eyes). A full Windows 10 system is built into the headset and it runs off a battery, so it's completely untethered.
The headset displays digital images into your real-world field of view. You can then view and even interact with these digitised-objects as if they were in the room with you. Using Kinect-style tech to recognise gestures and voice commands, the system features a 120-degree field of vision on both axis and is capable of high definition visuals.
Currently released as a Development Edition only, HoloLens is something for the future, rather than the right now.
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Best Apps & Games for VR :
Google Cardboard and VR in general are starting to become big news. It’s becoming the latest platform for totally immersive apps and games that show you all kinds of stuff and let you do all kinds of things. Could it be the next big thing in media entertainment? Possibly, but for now it’s rather young. Let’s look at the best VR apps and games as well as the best Google Coardboard apps and games available right now!
Arte360 [Price: Free]
ARTE360 VR is a VR video application that shows you around various, beautiful places in full VR goodness. You’ll be able to do things like look at mountains, explore old, iconic buildings, ocean scenes, and all kinds of other stuff. It’s a bit simple and really it’s just a chance to see a good VR experience in action. Aside from looking around, there isn’t much else to do but the app developers have managed to fit a good bit of stuff in here so it’s worth a shot.
Bombsquad VR [Price: $2.99]
BombSquad VR for Cardboard is an arcade game with platformer elements where you must avoid all kinds of bombs, capture flags, and have a good time. You play with up to eight players and you must complete each level competitively. Think of it like Mario Party but with more explosions. The app costs $2.99 but you’ll also get the regular BombSquad Pro game unlocker included so you can play the non-VR version as well. With this game, you’ll need a second device running as a controller or a separate, third party controller.
Caaaaardboard! [Price: $1.99]
Caaaaardboard! is a VR game that works perfectly with Google Cardobard. This is a custom made version of the game AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! made specifically for VR headsets. Silly names aside, this is a fun, immersive experience that has you diving off of buildings while performing stunts. The game utilizes tilt controls so it’s totally hands free and one of the more intense gaming experiences you can get on VR. It’s a bit tedious sometimes according to user reviews, but otherwise, this is a great place to start.
Cardboard [Price: Free]
Cardboard is the Google app that they recommend you install when you first get your cardboard. It features guided tours of places like the planet Earth, the city of Versailles, and more. It also doubles as a video player, photo viewer, and more. It doesn’t have any particular point but the stuff it has not only shows you the power of VR, but it’s also kind of fun to experience. It’s also totally free so there’s no harm in grabbing it.
Cardboard Camera [Price: Free]
Cardboard Camera is a Google app that allows you to take photos with your device for viewing on Google Cardboard. It’s a simple premise but takes a steady hand and some patience to make some really awesome stuff. With this app, you’ll be instructed on how to take panoramic photos that you can then view in your Google Cardboard in 360 degree goodness. It’s not overly complex yet, but it is one of the very few ways you can make your own VR content without spending a ton of money.
End Space VR [Price: $1.09]
End Space VR is a first person flight shooter where you pilot a space ship and shoot down other space ships. It’s technically an infinite runner since there is no ending, but you do have three environments you can fly around through and you’ll be engaging with increasingly difficult waves of bad guys. End Space VR is definitely fun and one of the better games we’ve seen on VR so far. It’s $1.09 with no in-app purchases which also makes it a steal.
Fulldive VR [Price: Free]
Fulldive VR is the kind of application all VR owners should have. It’s kind of a directory of VR content that you can find on the web all in one easy place. It shows content from YouTube, including 360 and 3D content, includes a VR video player in case you have local files you want to watch, a VR browser, a VR camera, a 360 VR photo gallery, and a spot where you can view all of your VR apps. There are some bugs here and there that the developers are working diligently to correct, but it’s definitely worth a shot.
Hardcode [Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Hardcode is a newer VR game and one of the few that requires both a VR headset and a controller game pad. This is a third person shooter where you march through a campaign and kill lots of bad guys. It also supports local multiplayer which means you can do VR battle with your friends in the same room. It’s quite a bit of fun although you absolutely will have to have a controller to play it which will cost you extra.
Insidious VR [Price: Free]
Insidious VR is, admittedly a promotion for the Insidious movies but the VR experience it provides is actually fairly intense and does well to show off the power of VR. You get a voice guided tour of the afterlife in horrific way. It’s a tad short but it is an entirely free application. It’s good for a temporary download and it’s definitely good for showing off to friends who are interested in seeing VR.
Sites in VR [Price: Free]
Sites in VR is an application that shows you various landmarks from various countries in beautifully done VR. The landmarks range between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe mostly. You’ll be able to visit temples, mosques, tombs, palaces, museums, and even lesser stuff like inns, old houses, and parks. There is a metric ton of content and it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon or show your kids some world famous landmarks.
Sundance VR [Price: Free]
Sundance VR is a VR video application that has a bunch of VR videos from New Frontier. There aren’t a lot of options in this application just yet, but there is a good couple of dozen VR videos that help show what kind of storytelling and cinematography can be accomplished in VR. Some people have had issues with the app and it doesn’t seem to work for everyone, but it is a fairly enjoyable experience if it does work for you.
Titans of Space [Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Titans of Space is a guided tour application that shows you around our solar system along with a few stars. Along with a visual experience, the app also contains fun facts and information about the various celestial bodies so it doubles as an educational experience. This is great for parents wanting to teach their kids or anyone wanting to learn a little bit about the solar system.
Vrse [Price: Free]
Vrse is a very interesting story-telling application. It shows you sweeping landscapes and graphics while you listen to stories. It’s considered one of the best examples of VR to date and it’s totally free to use. Do keep in mind that the app is having difficulties with several devices and you cannot move it to the SD card. Other than that, it’s definitely worth giving it a shot.
WAA! VR [Price: $1.15]
WAA! VR is a VR game where you play as a little astronaut as you go on adventures. The game mechanics use focus as controls so you just look at something in order to select it. It features a full 360-degree view and the idea is that you must defend the astronaut from incoming asteroids. It’s fairly inexpensive, easy to play, and fun to do. It’s also good for kids.
YouTube [Price: Free]
YouTube is a no-brainer. The video streaming service has begun adding VR-enabled videos in their data base for use with VR headsets or even with your regular device. Google has been very open about using YouTube as a hub for VR video content, including things like guided tour videos and just general VR stuff. If you have Google Coardboard, then you should also have YouTube because a lot of awesome stuff is coming.
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