Radikally Different - Our World View

Best Virtual Reality Headsets for 2016

29 Feb, 16 Virtual Reality,

As the world becomes more virtual in the technology world gaming enthusiasts can look forward to have a tremendous time with virtual reality headsets that is all set to take skeptics and cynics down. VR headgear promises by numerous players will soon absorb digital world. Starting 2016, gamers will be ensured of smooth and comfortable gaming experiences with big players like HTC’s Vive, Valve’s Steam VR, Facebook’s Oculus Rift and Sony’s PlayStation VR.

Facebook Oculus Rift

It has been creating quite a flutter. Oculus Rift developed by Palmer Luckey and Kickstarter having funded the project has experienced great going as it has been bought by Facebook for a whopping $2 billion. The system and functioning of Oculus is exciting enough to make headlines. Sensors and integrated headphones offer great experience for gamers. There is a camera that detects movement. The device is shipped with an Xbox controller. Slow desktops will not be able to handle the powerful Oculus. A high-spec PC is required for synchronized functioning of Oculus Rift. You need to wait for March shipping in 2016. The touch controllers will also be made available later in the year. Your hope will be the sole Xbox One control pad coming with the box. Get yourself the best games to have the best output. Pricing is done at an effective $599.

HTC Vive

All set to take on the market by coming April, HTC Vive is surely not for the faint hearted! Promising to be a sheer power packed VR headset HTC Vive will require to plug itself into a PC. As it is a collaborative effort with Valve there will be a giant gaming environment created. There is a concept of “context aware controller” which allows a user to move, shoot and interact (simultaneously like never before) with a wide range of virtual elements scattered across high-end games.

As conformed reports coming in, the headset is top-drawer with a cutting edge 360 degree head-tracking combined with 70 sensors. Refresh rate is 90Hz. The gaming experience is assured to not remain the same in the coming decade with headset launches like this one. Price suggestions currently stand at $799

HIi

 

Microsoft HoloLens

This is one device that combines the fine elements of reality and virtual. Whether you want to have real world elements that merge with the virtual ‘holographic’ images is your call. But what remains is much in the realization of its high-end gesture and voice command recognition.

A PC is not required as the headset comes with a complete inbuilt Windows 10 system that is battery enabled. High definition visuals are ensured with a 120-degree field of vision. Initially the development edition before moving on to other advanced versions. It comes with a price tag of $3,000.

Google Cardboard

If you are looking for a fine mix of trendy and classic this is the kit you must have. Versions 1 and 2 have been in the market. If you have a high-end HD Smartphone you need to put it together with the cardboard container and strap it on your head. No matter how primitive this might sound but Google cardboard comes really cheap and works extremely well in allowing users to have great VR experience.

You can play immersive games as well as space flying games with Google Cardboard. Putting Cardboard SDKs to use enhancements can be developed for better gaming experiences with Cardboard.
Your Smartphone should have positioning systems and standard gyroscopic sensors required to track head movements. This device comes for a mere $29.95. Google Play Store has Google Cardboard apps and games that can be picked up. You can buy the headset from Freefly VR, DodoCase or from Archos VR Headset.

Sony PlayStation VR

This is a PlayStation 4 powered headset that is reported to have a mid-2016 launch. Originally known as Sony’s Project Morpheus this device boasts of a 5.7 inch OLED display that will ensure reduced motion blur. Refresh rate is quite good taking up to 120H. A 120 fps makes real good gaming a real possibility.

Tracking accuracy has been heightened. Price is available on request for this refreshing new VR aid that also comes with positional awareness.

There are numerous other players like Zeiss, Samsung, Fove, Avegant, Google and Razer who have developed headsets (that are made for smartphones and high-end mobile devices) and are in process of developing many other VR headsets that cross all technical limitations and preconceived notions.
A new world of VR headsets being ready to deliver some great graphical and gaming demands traditional games will most likely take a bow. A new decade will follow where motion and smooth VR experiences will rule the world.
Game developers can have challenges to take up as these new-age power packed VR headsets will require good games to enjoy the reality of Virtual gaming!