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Virtual reality headsets range from cheap Cardboard to expensive PlayStation
If you want to dip your toes in or swim with big fish in VR, here are your options
Want to give your family a little virtual reality experience this holiday season? Not sure where to start? do not worry.
From Google’s cheap Cardboard VR viewer to Sony’s new PlayStation VR, this guide will help you figure out what makes sense for your family’s interests, needs and budget. , if you want to walk up to your knees or actually swim with big fish in VR, here are your options:
Remember that virtual reality is a rapidly changing technology. Sites like CNETread user reviews before you take the leap.
Virtual reality viewers are inexpensive handheld devices that provide a three-dimensional view and the feeling of being in another place. The viewer’s lens works by adding depth to still images and animations, but cannot interact with the environment. To use them, download the app labeled “VR” on iTunes or Google Play, launch the app, and insert your smartphone into the viewer. Most viewers use their phone buttons or other basic inputs to control actions.
Main function
• cheap
• Compatible with most smartphones labeled “VR”, iOS or Android apps (except View-Master, which uses a specially designed app).
• More like a 3D movie than true VR
• Great for educational content and games
• Currently, the selection of quality apps is fairly limited.try New York Times VR Virtual Reality Stories When These recommendations.
Products in this category
• google cardboard ($14.99)
Literally made out of cardboard, this self-assembled handheld device is a fun and novel way to experience virtual reality. Works with any smartphone and his VR app for iOS or Android. Google offers a variety of viewers, including a steampunk-like viewer. Google Tech C-1 Glass VR Viewer ($14.99).
• SmartTheater Virtual Reality Headset ($19.99)
It’s a comfortable viewer with an adjustable lens, head strap and easy-to-use trigger input. It comes with a cardboard handheld motion controller that adds some oomph to the game. Works with most smartphones and iOS or Android VR apps.
• Viewmaster Virtual Reality ($29.99)
Designed for learning, not gaming, View-Master is available in a variety of packages that let you explore dinosaurs, space, wildlife, and more. Each pack contains an insertable picture reel (your phone provides the horsepower). Works with most smartphones and the specially designed View-Master iOS or Android app.
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It’s the VR headset that goes up in price and features. It’s similar to a viewer in that you download a VR app from the app store and insert your phone. The headset works with the exact same apps as the viewer (except Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View) but offers a more immersive experience.
The advantages of headsets are that they are more comfortable to wear for long periods of time, have a better fit (prevents light leakage), have better lenses and often have earphone ports. That is why some people like using them to watch videos. While he doesn’t make the video 3D, he does offer a personal cinematic experience. They also typically have game controllers built into the headset itself or work with handheld controllers, giving your app more options than a simple viewer.
Main function
• More expensive than viewers
• Compatible with most smartphones (except Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View) and iOS or Android apps labeled “VR”
• Provides a more believable, you-are-you-experience, but limited ability to interact with the environment
• Great for games, educational content, and watching movies
• Currently, the selection of quality apps is fairly limited.try New York Times VR Virtual Reality Stories When These recommendations.
• Headsets have minimum age requirements set by the manufacturer. Please check your age before purchasing.
Products in this category
• Merge VR Goggles ($79)
This big purple headset is made of flexible foam and features an audio port and dual input buttons for easy game control. Works with most iOS and Android VR apps.
• Google Daydream View ($79, shipping November 2016)
Crafted from fabric, this lightweight, plush headset is designed exclusively for Google’s latest Daydream VR platform. The platform includes Daydream-enabled phones (such as the company’s Pixel phone), apps, and controllers. Daydream View has a controller and The company says it will have 50 apps at launchgames, educational content, and streaming services.
• Samsung Gear VR ($99)
Designed specifically for Samsung smartphones, the Gear VR features an input pad on the side of the headset and works with Bluetooth controllers so you can easily navigate through your games. Works with Gear VR enabled games (including Minecraft Gear VR Edition).
• VR Kix Virtual Reality Headset ($49.99)
With individually adjustable lenses, a snug fit, and a smartphone tray that can be customized to fit your smartphone, Kix is well-suited for high-quality VR on any smartphone. Works with most iOS and Android VR apps.
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It is currently the only VR game console offered by Sony. The company’s holiday-friendly PlayStation VR headset works with PlayStation 4. If you don’t have a PS4 yet, you can buy a PlayStation 4 Slim or PlayStation 4 Pro (also new). holidays) and his PSVR. The horsepower provided by the headset and console makes for an immersive, interactive VR experience.
Main function
• high
• Sony PlayStation Exclusive
• Fully immersive and interactive. possibility of motion sickness
• There tends to be a wealth of mature games such as Batman Arkham VR, 100ft Robot Golf, Final Fantasy XV VR, Battlezone, and Resident Evil 7.
• Recommended by Sony Minimum age is 12.
Products in this category
• PlayStation VR Launch Bundle ($499.99)
It includes everything you need to turn your PS4 into a VR machine: headset, camera, 2 motion controllers, games, cables and more.
• playstation 4 slim ($299.99); PSVR sold separately
A newly redesigned slim version of the PS4, this version has better graphics, a lit controller and a quieter operation.
• playstation 4 pro ($399.99); PSVR sold separately
Improved graphics, faster action, optimized behavior in certain “Pro-Enhanced” games
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You may have heard of the sinister-sounding Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. These are super powerful VR headsets that offer a fully immersive experience. Some call it a “holodeck” in reference to the alternate reality of Star Trek. Both require a high-end, powerful PC (costing over $500).
Main function
• Super expensive
• Requires compatible games (for example, Everest VR is dedicated to the Vive) and a high-performance computer
• Full interactivity with the environment
• Games tend to be mature, such as The Assembly and Deus Ex Mankind Divided.
• Great for families with teens. The minimum age for the Oculus Rift manufacturer he is 13 years old. Valve says the Vive is “not for kids.”
Products in this category
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• HTC Vive ($799)
It offers a “room-scale experience”. If your kids play on the Steam Gaming Network, they’ve probably seen ads for the HTC Vive, since it’s made by the same company that owns Steam, Valve. Steam offers several Vive-exclusive games designed to take advantage of this headset’s unique features.
• oculus rift ($599)
Except for the computer, it comes with everything you need to make VR happen: headset, sensors, remote control, cables, Xbox controller, games.