Virtual Reality: A Handy Guide to VR Technology and VR Headsets

Virtual Reality is an advanced technology that allows users to enter a computer-simulated environment and experience something first hand.

Today, the virtual reality technology is one of the most talked-about thanks to the unlimited possibilities it offers through VR games.

What if I told you if you could experience the space without actually being there?

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Although it’s limited to games right now, the virtual reality technology presents limitless possibilities in key sectors such as health and education.

Imagine a school teacher asking her students to their wear VR headsets in order to enter a simulated environment where they can visit a historical site located a thousand miles away from them.

Similarly, the VR technology can potentially revolutionize the training for medical students when, for example, they can perform an operation in a simulated environment which will offer them the closest experience to one in an actual operation theatre.

What is Virtual Reality Headset (VR Headsets)

A virtual reality headset (aka VR headset) is a wearable gadget that helps you view (or rather experience) VR content.

VR headsets are designed to let you immerse into a simulated environment and be a part of and interact with it.

A truly immersive VR gadget makes it hard to tell the difference between what is real and what is not.

Types of VR Headsets

There are different types of VR headsets available in the market right now, ranging from affordable to expensive. While Google Cardboard is affordable, VR headsets such as Oculus Rift, Samsung VR Gear, and HTC Vive are expensive.

Quality VR is Very Expensive

Speaking of VR experience, a mobile phone cannot power the absolute best quality VR experiences. In short, high-end VR gadgets require external computers or game consoles in order to deliver the super-rich VR experiences.

While you can view VR content on your mobile device a standard VR headset, a high-end VR gadget such as Oculus Rift or HTC Vive comes with a headset as well motion controllers to deliver exceptional VR experience for the user. Understandably, it’s very expensive as well.

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But that’s not all – if you’re going for a high-end VR gadget such as the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, you will need a VR-ready PC with advanced graphics and processing power. In short, you need a PC that is equipped with specs found in a PC meant for professional film editing. Does that mean you can’t run a high-end VR on a normal PC? You sure can, but you will not get the desired experience.

Alternatively, you can invest in a Sony PlayStation 4 Console for nearly $350.

You Can Still Afford a Mid-range VR Headset

If you’re not one of those who fancy spending a fortune on high-end VR console, you can still invest on a mid-range VR headset such as Samsung Gear VR for as little as $84 on Amazon. Likewise, you can also opt for the LG 360 VR which is available for $238 on Amazon.

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However, you need to check if they are compatible with your current handset or not.

Low-range VR Headset

There are many low-range VR headsets available out there; however, they are not actually VR headset in a strict sense. In other words, they are meant for watching 360 videos on your mobile phones.

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Speaking of cheap VR headset, Google Cardboard invariably comes to my mind. Google offers a host of VR headsets ranging between $15 to $120.