Episode 70: Virtual Reality Review

Topic: Virtual Reality Review

 

This week, we took mom in to VR and the many trial and tribulations associated with being in a different WORLD!  Mom was very vocal during the event, and like all good people who look incredibly silly during VR, I decided to respect her dignity and not record it.  Maybe in the future, but it would have been wrong to do so otherwise.  Come listen to what we experienced.

 

 

Games Played:

 

Steam VR Home

 

Google Earth VR

 

Steam VR: The Lab

 

Spiderman: Far from Home – Virtual Reality Experience

 

Beat Saber

 

 

VR Set Ups:

 

Playstation 4 VR

A less confusing and cumbersome version of VR, this is a great route if you already have a Play station 4.  The setup requires a lot less work than typical VR, and if you’re used to purchasing games as you normally might for the PS4, it is an easier setup.  This is designed for people without the fancy PC and is an all in one system designed to be the most hassle free.

Needed Components:

• Playstation 4
• Playstation VR Headset
• Playstation Move

Expected Cost: $900 (Less if you have other components.  System can be bought as a bundle.)

 

 

Oculus Rift S

The original big name in VR, the system has gone through quite a bit of changes in the past decade since it was released.  With their newest version, the Rift S, there are now cameras outside of the device which remove the need for the older cameras that used to track the system from a far.  The cameras track the space around you and the controllers, but assume the movement of the controllers if they move outside of the camera view.  The system is still designed to work with a powerful PC and is tethered to the system via cables, but offers a rewarding experience for those looking to get in to the VR space.  The original version still exists, but as the Rift S offers better tracking at the same price point, it’s probably worth the getting the newer version.  As it has access to the PC, it offers probably the widest selection of games from both Steam VR and Oculus store.

Needed Components:

• Oculus Rift S
• A good, Powerful PC.

Expected Cost: $400

 

Oculus Quest

A standalone unit, the Oculus Quest is meant to be a more consumer friendly version of VR for those without a powerful PC.  Using similar tracking system as the Oculus Rift S, the standalone system doesn’t require a PC and runs on similar hardware as a top of the line cell phone.  This does however limit some of it access to games and other media, as you can only purchase approved games off of the Oculus Store.  But the free form nature of the system is best for being on the go and needing the most minimal of set up of any of the systems being discussed.

Needed Components:

• Oculus Quest

Expected Cost: $400

 

 

HTC Vive Cosmos

Considered the higher end system, HTC Vive is the second big name in VR, coming about two years after the Oculus Rift.  The major difference is that HTC Vive offered the first fully 3D movement for VR, allowing you to walk around in VR, where Oculus originally only let you do that in 180 degree without a third Camera Station.  This is achieved by the Base Stations: two small cubes you place on the outside of your play space which track the distance between each other and the headset/controller.  Like the Oculus, the newer Cosmos version is utilizing cameras on the outside of the system to eliminate the need for the original Base Stations, as the original HTC Vive is being discontinued; but with the base stations, you can still get better quality VR tracking.  Also like the Oculus Rift, you’ll still need a powerful PC to handle the processing.  The HTC Vive is considered the more high-end VR setup, with better graphics and more technology, but expect it to be more expensive as a result.  The HTC Vive is also limited to only the Steam VR platform, so games exclusive to Oculus aren’t easily available.

Needed Components: 

• HTC Vive Cosmos
• Powerful PC

Expected Cost: $700-$900 (Original vs. Elite)

 

 

Valve Index

The original HTC Vive was a collaboration between Valve and Steam, but the Index is Valve’s own stand alone system.  It’s more expensive than the HTC Vive, but meant for people who are already in the market, especially the HTC Vive as it can reuse components including the Base Stations and controllers.  It features 120hz refresh rate and superior controllers that are meant to be more intuitive and comfortable.  As it is the newest player in the market right now, but Valve has been there for several years now, making them already strong experts in the field of VR.

Needed Components:

• Valve Index
• Powerful PC

Expected Cost: $1000 (Can be lowered by already having HTC Vive Base Stations or other controllers)

Virtual Youtuber

Becoming a reality as of a few years ago, Virtual Youtubers are people who act as Youtube personalities, but do so using Virtual Character Avatars instead of their own real life selves.  Using tracking software and cameras, a person can map their face, arms, hands, and body to an avatar and have that avatar interact play out a person’s actual Youtube experience.  This is often seen for Let’s Plays, Reaction, or Life Style Vlogs that just show a person’s life.  They are more popular in Japan, with the biggest being Kizuna AI, which is a Japanese styled Idol singer reacting to various games, people, and events.