A virtual reality headset, or VR headset, is a wearable device (such as glasses) that allows users to experience virtual reality – a computer-generated environment that simulates physical presence in a real or imaginary world. In general, a VR headset is the primary interface through which users engage with and experience virtual reality, providing a combination of visual, auditory, and sometimes haptic feedback to create a convincing and immersive virtual environment.
We have already talked about what virtual reality is and why it came into being. This time we want to talk about what are the types of VR headsets . Virtual reality headsets come in different types, virtual reality glasses for computers, standalone or standalone virtual reality glasses (with an internal processor and storage space) and mobile virtual reality headsets (with a smartphone). VR glasses are used for a wide range of applications such as gaming, educational simulations, virtual tours, medical education, architectural visualization, etc.
Different components of VR headsets
- Display: One or two windows (one for each eye) that display stereoscopic images, creating a three-dimensional effect.
- Lenses: Lenses that are placed between the eyes and the screen to focus and reshape the image for each eye, enhancing depth perception.
- Head tracking sensors (sensors): Built-in sensors (such as gyroscopes and accelerometers) that track the user’s head movements, allowing the virtual environment to adjust accordingly, providing a sense of interactivity and presence.
- Audio output: Headphones or built-in audio jack for multi-dimensional sound, which improves the immersive interaction experience.
- Controllers: Handheld devices with their own triggers and sensors, or gloves that allow users to interact with and manipulate objects in a virtual environment. These controllers often have buttons, triggers, and sensors to track hand movements.
Virtual reality glasses for computers
Computer headsets are the oldest form of virtual reality headsets. Computer-based virtual reality headsets offer the highest level of graphical rendering and tracking accuracy among virtual reality headsets. Virtual reality headsets for computers are used because of their ability to run VR applications, games, and simulations that require the computing power of a connected computer. In fact, through the sensors of the glasses and handles, you send information to your computer for processing and placement in the virtual environment, and then the computer displays the image on the glasses to you after processing.
VR headsets for PC typically offer more immersive experiences with better graphics, wider software compatibility, and support for advanced VR features like room-scale tracking and high tracking rates.
The connection process for using VR headsets connected to a computer is as follows:
The PC (Desktop) runs the software and establishes software connections to communicate between various devices such as trackers, controllers, and glasses.
Cable: Transfers images from the computer to the headset
VR glasses: Displays images and also has sensors that can be identified through trackers.
Controllers: Controls the headset. This means that the controls act like your hands in the virtual environment. Sometimes, as seen in some of the best VR games, you can use the handles as weapons or hands or bows and arrows or swords.
Base Station (Trackers): Tracks the position of the controllers and headset via wireless signals.
It’s worth noting that since most of the processing and tracking is done outside the headset, PC VR headsets can be lighter. For example, PCVR headsets like the Oculus Rift weigh in at 470 grams, but sometimes that’s not the case, like the popular Valve Index (809 grams) or the HTC VIVE PRO. The BigScreen Beyond, which is set to be announced in 2023, sets new standards at just 155 grams.
VR headsets for consoles
The idea is not complicated. Console-based VR essentially replaces the computer with a gaming console. Since Xbox and Nintendo don’t offer VR headsets, the primary example of console-based VR is the PlayStation VR.
Developed by Sony, PlayStation VR (PSVR) is designed to work with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. The headset connects to the console and offers a wide range of games and content available through the PlayStation Store. PSVR uses the processing power of the PlayStation console to deliver VR content.
Note that PlayStation VR2 no longer requires a camera to track the user, as the tracking is built into the headset.
Virtual reality glasses for mobile
In mobile-enabled VR, a smartphone powers the headset. The difference from PC-connected and console-connected VR is that the mobile phone connects directly to the headset.
Due to the limitations of mobile VR headsets and the fact that the headset and smartphone must be compatible, these VR headsets are not very popular. An example of these VR headsets is the Samsung Gear VR.
Portable (standalone) VR headsets with mobile processors:
Standalone VR headsets, powered by mobile processors, offer a different approach to VR than PC or console systems. These headsets have their own built-in hardware and don’t require a separate computer or game console to operate.
In standalone VR headsets, the processor and tracking are built into the headset. This idea has a lot of advantages. You definitely don’t need a lot of extra equipment, so it’s easier to set up and generally cheaper. Of course, since the processor is internal, it means the device can be a little heavier and have less graphics.
These headsets are ideal for users who want a portable VR experience, enjoy wireless gameplay, and prefer a simpler setup process. They can also be used for VR gaming, immersive interactive experiences, watching VR movies and series, and even running training programs across various industries.
Portable (standalone) PC-based VR headsets
Tandalon VR headsets, which use PC-class processors, offer a combination of the portability and power of PC-based VR systems. These headsets typically have higher processing capabilities compared to mobile phone processors, allowing for more demanding applications and games.
Standalone headsets with PC processors strike a good balance between mobility and performance, and are perfect for VR enthusiasts who want flexibility and freedom from being tied to a specific location but still want the power of a PC for full VR experiences. They typically offer higher-quality visuals, better tracking, and compatibility with a wider range of VR apps and games than standalone headsets based on mobile processors.
It’s undeniable that VR technology continues to advance and become more accessible. Unlike early VR systems that required powerful computers or game consoles to operate, hardware advancements have led to the development of standalone VR headsets. These devices integrate computing power directly into the headset itself, offering greater portability and usability without sacrificing any of the features.
As a result, VR headsets represent a transformative leap in the way we interact with digital content and virtual environments. From gaming and education to healthcare and design, the applications of VR are becoming more widespread and promising every day. As a manufacturer of VR amusement equipment, Simoto has taken a major step in this direction with its virtual reality headsets. As technology continues to advance and adoption increases, the boundaries between reality and virtual are increasingly blurred, ushering in a new era of immersive interactive experiences for users around the world.
