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What Is A VR Headset? Viewing Realities In A Device
ByAnna Bonilla- Read Time8 mins
You know I’m right when I say that VR headsets are one of the most amazing things to have ever been made in the history of technology (maybe I am overreacting, but it is very much true for me!).
Do you remember the holy time of VR Headsets? Where everyone, and I mean everyone, wanted to have one or even just try one? It was most likely halfway into the past decade and was pretty much available everywhere.
I remember my cousin was the first one to have it that I know of; we had a little family gathering celebrating another cousin’s birthday, and the whole family just had fun watching each other wear the VR headset, and the gameplay was being played on the television. It was all our first time wearing and playing with it. True to the name itself, it was like reality, but virtually.
What Is A VR Headset?
A VR headset is a device that you wear on your head that uses lenses and a display to create the illusion of being in a different place. It is made of advanced visuals, top-tier technology, and beautifully created experiences. It also provides stereoscopic 3D with stereo sound and tracks your position in space. This means that as you move your head around, the world moves with you. It also creates a fully immersive game experience that makes you believe you’re part of another universe.
The device provides virtual reality for the wearer. The price of a new VR headset has decreased significantly in recent years, with some models available for as little as $25 and shipping included. There are many applications, including simulators and trainers, which use this technology to provide immersive experiences not found elsewhere.
VR headsets have stereoscopic head-mounted displays, stereo sound, and a variety of sensors. The headset is controlled by head tracking technology which changes the field of vision as a person turns their head. It is possible for there to be a lag in the VR experience if the head moves quickly enough, though.
How Does A VR Headset Work?
VR headsets work by using a display to create a virtual environment. This display can be either in the form of a monitor that is placed close to your eyes or in the form of goggles that completely cover your eyes. The images on the screen are then processed by software and sent to the headset, which creates the 3D effect. The player who wears the headset can then interact with the game and experience it as if they were there.
The programs that are compatible with VR headsets are called VR applications. They are specifically designed to give you a unique experience and let you interact with the virtual environment in new ways, like interacting. Still, VR headsets are primarily used with gaming consoles. Many gaming console enthusiasts today have also been fond of VR headsets.
Uses Of VR Headsets
VR headsets can be used for educational purposes, such as giving students a virtual view of historical places and events such as going to the moon in a museum or even exploring ancient Rome City. There is also a lot of other information you can find in VR, like a human body tour. They can also be used for business, such as allowing someone to experience the interior of a house or apartment before buying it. VR headsets are very interactive and perceptive, one move and you can see a different frame. This is why many people who play horror games using VR Headsets are scared since it feels like you’re in the game.
As said, other uses for VR headsets are for gaming, such as playing the popular game Minecraft or even a virtual reality version of Monopoly. You can also play games with friends in VR like Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes. One of the most famous games VR headsets are used in is the game Beat Saber wherein you’re like playing Tap Tap Revenge but slashing it using a light saber.
Components And Parts Of A VR Headset
There are three main components in a VR headset- the screen, the lenses, and the software. Without any of these components, a VR headset would be unable to function. In addition, most headsets have straps around your head to stay in place while you’re using them.
Screen
The screen is responsible for displaying the image that you see. It shows the whole program on the screen in a 360-three-dimensional view. It can also display the program at a wide angle, which is how a normal set of eyes see things. Although, all that would hurt your eyes without the help of the next component.
Lenses
Then, there are the lenses. The lenses split the video source into two images and calibrate them to your eyes, which helps your eyes understand the visual correctly without hurting them due to how close the screen is.
Software
The software helps control how everything looks on your screen and provides an interface for you to interact with. The software depends on what the program is all about, like highly interactive games and simulators, which are very perceptive.
Headgear
The headgear or the headpiece is what pieces everything together. The screen has a circuit board inside, which has to be covered by the headgear. And for the full VR experience, the headgear also covers everything around the screen.
Controller
Not every VR headset is equipped with controllers. The controllers are used for interactive programs, which are like your hands in the game. If you know the Wii Sports, the controllers are similar to that.
VR Headset Manufacturers
VR headset manufacturing is a quickly evolving industry. It seems like a new player comes out of nowhere to challenge the big players every few months. Here are the top 5 VR headset manufacturers, and they will give you what you need to know about the brands and what they offer.
| HTC Vive | Known for its high-resolution VR sets |
| Oculus | The most famous VR headset brand |
| Sony | Best used or played with PlayStation consoles |
| Valve | Has the best motion controller VR sets |
| HP | Best used or played with Windows |
Types Of VR Headsets
VR headsets are used in various gaming and simulation applications and for training and entertainment purposes. Several types of VR headsets are available on the market, each with its own features and benefits.
| Tethered | Connected to a computer or console by a cable, which gives high-quality outputs |
| Standalone | Does not need to be connected to any device and can work on its own |
| Handheld | It needs a smartphone to work and has a slot for it to fit. |
How Much Does A VR Headset Cost?
VR headsets come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and they can range in price from $15 to $800. When choosing a PC virtual reality headset, there are many factors to consider. There are a few technical challenges to consider regarding standalone VR headsets and smartphone-mounted virtual reality devices.
The user’s desire for immersion, as well as their budgetary constraints, influence their selection. Because virtual reality headsets are constantly changing, there is a broad selection of affordable and more costly options for gamers of all skill levels.
And also, consider what you are using the VR headset for. Always. If you just need a visual of a program, go with the headsets without the controller; if you do, go with those headsets included with controllers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrap Up
VR and AR are both advancing rapidly. They will soon become more affordable and accessible to the general public. We can expect that in the future, everyone will be able to experience VR at some point in their lives. As I said, it is one of the best inventions that has been invented in our lifetime!
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you want to learn more about everything tech, then just look at our other articles on this website.
