The entire concept of VR headsets/Virtual Reality headset is new to a large number of people out there.I have been getting a lot of comments in my comment section on what exactly is a VR headset and what do you use it for?
I feel a little sad knowing that not many people know about the thing that interests me the most(LOL, nerd mode on :P)! However keeping that thought aside I felt that there is a need to have a detailed post on what are these VR headsets and how they can be used and why is it that everyone is so excited about it?
Table of Contents
What is Virtual Reality?
Ever thought of actually being inside the game and literally interacting with the surroundings and being physically involved in the game?
That is what the entire concept of virtual reality is based upon, it simulates the environment around you via the VR headset that you wear and gives you the experience of the virtual world which is nothing but computer simulated reality(I can talk deep!! ).
Do I need a VR headset?
Well yes, if not a PC headset which are the high end Oculus Rift, Vive or the PlayStation VR, you should try the mobile VR headsets which are very easy to use and do not involve as many cables as the PC ones.Even if you are short on investments, you could easily try the google cardboard which for just $13 and then decide for yourself, if you like the VR experience or not.
However going for my #1 Recommendation, it is the Samsung Gear VR and it comes for around $75 and the newer version is for $99.In both cases the smartphone VR headsets are way cheaper than the PC VR headsets(Starts from $400).
My Recommendation
Samsung Gear VR($89): I really liked this VR headset and the only one headset which I felt is quite close to the Gear VR is the Noon VR, so if you do not have a Samsung phone then the Noon VR is the best one for you.Coming back to the Gear VR, the field of view is around 101 degrees which is almost as good as the PC VR headsets and I really liked the touchpad and everything added on to it.
This was the only one VR headset where I could not see the corners of the phone and the $75(After discount) you spend on it is worth every bit.It is perfect if you are a VR enthusiast and really want to experience the best quality VR.
I have a detailed review of the Samsung Gear VR headset and the difference between the new Gear VR which is to be released on August 19 along with the Samsung Note 7.
Google Cardboard ($13): The Google Cardboard is a cheaper version of the VR headsets and they were made so that it could reach a wider audience and everyone could get a taste of the VR headsets and the VR world.
I really liked the clarity and everything that came along the headset for the price for which it is offered.On top of that it is loaded with a lot of games in the Cardboard app which is pretty awesome for that price to be honest. A real taste of VR can be got by any of the above two headsets and for a complete review on the Google Cardboard, do check my complete review on it.
Must Read: Getting Started with Google Cardboard
These are my recommendations when it comes to mobile phone VR headsets.
Gameplay in the Mobile VR headsets
If you are into the Gear VR then there is no stopping for you as the Games here are never ending.To name a couple of them we have Into the Dead, Temple Run, Minecraft, Lands End and many more. I really want you to see the gameplay of at least one of these games to get the feel of how the entire VR thing looks inside the headset, so check out the video :
Well you do have some really good quality 360 degree videos as well which you could check out on both the headsets and the experience on both of them is pretty amazing. Do checkout my take on the PC VR headsets and gaming controllers that come along with these headsets for a better Gameplay(Optional) .Let me know what you think about these in the comment section below and do ask if you have any questions and I would be happy to help.
Hi, for something that interests me but know nothing about this gives me a good overview of what VR is and how it works. I honestly didnt know how mainstream it was now with headsets and interactive games for phones, etc.. Can i ask why you only recommended mobile VR headsets and not a couple from both mobile and PC based?
Hi Adam
Well there isn’t a VR headset for both mobile and PC. We have separate set of VR headsets for mobile phones and separate set of VR headsets for PC.This is mainly due to the reason that the phone screens are pretty small compared to the PCs and can be easily popped in front of the VR headset lenses but that is not the case for PCs 🙂