How to choose a virtual reality glasses

Select a virtual reality is not easy. The market is young, but already segmented, so that the buyer could easily get lost in the brands, models and features. We will help you to understand all this and decide how much and what is worth paying.

To better orient you divide all the VR-devices into three price categories: budget, medium and premium.

1. Budgetary device: 15-50 dollars

What are the

The most simple VR-helmets are cardboard pieces with a pair of lenses and a connector for a smartphone. Just insert it into the device Android or iOS - get ready headset. This design is the first to show Google, calling it Cardboard. The company has also released the same name application to work with a helmet.

For design, these helmets are quite affordable to introduce virtual reality everyone. Later models were made of plastic and other materials from a plurality of manufacturers are compatible with Cardboard platform.

On website Google glasses are sold by partners of the company. There is also a guide on which the Cardboard can be collected independently from scrap materials. You can also easily buy a cheap helmet compatible Cardboard, for example, in one of the shops of Chinese art.

The stand

The main application of this type of set - to view 360-degree video and simple games. Cardboard (Android, iOS), WITHIN (Android, iOS), YouTube (Android, iOS) - this is not a complete list of programs for downloading and viewing of three-dimensional movies. And it is constantly growing.

Wait immersive effect of the cardboard glasses virtual reality is not necessary, but because of the impossibility of active movement with the unit may need to swivel chair on his head.

On the other hand, the pasteboard (aluminum, plastic) VR-headsets of this class are the most compact and often have a foldable structure. Albeit at the expense of isolation from the outside world.

According to Google's standard, any hand-made article is enough to have at least one control. Not necessarily button or trackball, enough pairs of magnets. Such control is only suitable to select menu options, or do other simple actions. The benefit of many management applications only use the accelerometer.

What to look for

In choosing a headset, make sure that it is compatible in size with a diagonal screen of your smartphone. Additionally, some helmets are only for specific models of smartphones. Check the information on the websites of stores or manufacturers points.

To smartphone VR-screen could become, it must support the application for virtual reality. You can check this by installing a program on it Cardboard. Quality and smooth video will depend on the resolution of the display and the power of your smartphone.

The more robust and high-quality housing material, the more expensive it will cost a helmet. Perhaps this is the main parameter, which determines the price of the budget set.

2. Mainstream device: 50-200 dollars

What are the

These suites also often used as a smartphone screen, but are trying to attract another buyer category. In contrast to the simple and rather clumsy Cardboard, mid-price points are equipped with additional sensors, more sophisticated control mechanisms, the ability to adjust the focus or even own screens.

The best known among these devices - Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream ViewDesigned for Android-smartphone. Alternatives from less famous designers like Homido VR, Merge VR, Carl Zeiss VR One Plus It is compatible with Android, and iPhone. Recently, a list of device srednetselevyh He joins the first self-contained head-mounted display Oculus GOThat works without any additional smartphones and other devices.

The stand

With additional sensors device of this segment more accurately track the movement of the head in space. This provides a higher smooth video and high interactivity in the games. The illusion becomes more convincing. But the accuracy of premium models equipped with external sensors, from such set is still not worth the wait.

Gadgets in this segment usually sold together with a Bluetooth-gamepad or remote control. This provides a new management, which is especially useful for gamers. Furthermore, on the housing such glasses have buttons or touch panel, by which to manage basic functions and games programs without any additional devices.

Mainstream manufacturers are increasingly focusing on points content. Gear VR, Daydream and Oculus GO - this entire ecosystem with a variety of games, software and movies. other points the developers are also trying to expand its range in order to please the users.

What to look for

Choosing srednetsenovoy VR-helmet, make sure that it is equipped with additional sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor. Check whether there is a complete gamepad or remote. Also, visit the manufacturer's website and see how many VR-applications support points. If you none of this is necessary, and pay is not worth it - you can take a simple Cardboard.

If you are looking for a device with integrated display, consider his resolution: the higher the better. If you choose sunglasses for your smartphone or your computer, check the compatibility with smartphones or computer's technical specifications online store / producer points.

If your device is too weak or old and does not support VR-helmets, think about buying a stand-alone points Oculus GO. They built a 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 2560 × 1440 pixels and Qualcomm Snapdragon quad processor 821 with 3 GB of RAM.

You still need a smartphone (Android or iPhone) to adjust the Oculus GO and installation of the new programs. But to use these applications on the glasses can be without the aid of a computer or a smartphone. Helmet is running Android 7.1. The version with 32 GB of internal memory costs $ 199, with 64GB - $ 249.

Obviously, you should pay attention to the design and weight of the headset. If you can not touch and to wear the device before purchase, to experience it for yourself, you can at least read reviews from other buyers.

If you have nearsightedness or farsightedness, it is better to choose a device with a focal length control.

3. Major League device from $ 300

What are the

The premium segment of the market is represented by VR-headset Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Sony PlayStation VR. Unlike the previous ones, these devices are not connected to the phone, and computers and video game consoles. Such helmets are complex ergonomically designed and equipped with high quality screens, audio systems and numerous sensors.

Sony PlayStation VR price is 300 dollars. To use the headset, you must have a Sony PlayStation 4 console, and even better - Sony PlayStation 4 Pro, which unleashes the full potential of these graphic VR-points.

Oculus Rift and HTC Vive stand 400 and $ 500, respectively. For each of them requires a powerful computer with Windows on board. In 2018, the release of Vive PRO - the new version of the helmet with improved ergonomics, optics and sound at a price of $ 800.

The stand

The headset of this class show a great level of graphics and surround sound. Features of the design causes minimal discomfort. And thanks to external cameras and sensors are accurately track the movement of a user in space. Together, these factors provide maximum user immersion in games and other interactive simulation.

What to look for

Buying premium VR-score is only relevant if you have a games console or PC performance. In the case of the PlayStation VR, which is specifically designed for the console from Sony, everything is clear. But if you want or Rift Vive, be sure to read the system requirements for the computer on the HTC website, or Oculus.

It would be superfluous to find out the range of games available for each helmet. The catalog is updated to for PS VR website PlayStation. Similar lists for Rift Vive or can be viewed at Steam. The more interesting your game supports a particular helmet, the significant reason to choose it.

When choosing a headset, do not forget to pay attention to it supplied. Some accessories are sold with the glasses, and the rest have to buy separately. For example, the base HTC Vive is sold together with sensors and controllers, and the version PRO - without any additional devices.

If you are interested in active games, make sure that you have enough space at home. Otherwise, the advanced tracking system, which constitute a considerable share in the cost of glasses, will be useless. This is especially true helmet Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, who can keep track of the player movement within 6 and 20 square meters respectively.

Buyer's checklist

• If you want to buy an inexpensive helmet for films and simple games, select any model Cardboard, the design of which you will enjoy.
• If you can spend a little more to buy more durable and comfortable glasses, guided by Google Daydream and Samsung Gear VR. But make sure that the selected headset is compatible with your model of smart phone or PC performance. If compatibility is not lucky, you can buy a standalone helmet Oculus GO.
• If you want total immersion in the cool games and money for you no problem, buy a PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. The first option - the best choice for owners of PS 4. The second and third - for the owners of large apartments and powerful PC based on Windows.