It makes sense that if you are going to enjoy your virtual reality (VR) experience, that you are able to view something, right? Unless there is some ability to “sense” what is happening (which may come, who knows!), you need to be able to see what is going on around you so that you can respond to your virtual environment.
Of course, in addition to the visual, you also have the kinesthetic (touching) and the aural (hearing).
As with many games, in general, there are so many different options when it comes to choosing the right setup for your VR Viewer. This can vary depending on your VR setup (equipment, gadgets, devices), but also varies according to preference and budget.
- It helps if you start by defining what you have, already, in the area of virtual reality equipment and devices; and…
- what your objectives are when it comes to your VR experience.
Take An Inventory
An example would be listing the brand names of the equipment you currently own and possibly even adding equipment that you desire to purchase, to that same list. For the second part of the exercise, identify what it is that you want to experience with your virtual reality. You might want to consult your friends on this one. In fact, you might want to visit your friends and see what they have, experience it, and determine what you like or don’t like about their setup. Don’t forget to read online reviews, too, to see what people say about different features.
Review the Online Reviews
When you do consult online reviews, don’t put so much value into what you are reading that it is contradictory. For example, if you read a review that gives only one star out of five, it is tempting to think that that VR viewer is a bad investment until you read further down and realize that the reviewer doesn’t like the color. Buyer beware, and that goes for the reviews, as well.
Some VR viewers accommodate multiple smartphone brands (i.e. iPhone; Android). Another fun viewer is Google Cardboard, versatile and inexpensive, too. An example of a viewer that has all of these features and has at least four stars (out of five) is the Starlight Pocket Virtual Reality VR Headset (affiliate). These viewers are advertised that they are durable and yet still lightweight enough to be comfortably portable.
Defining the VR Viewer
Maybe the type of VR viewer that you want is something that works with multiple platforms. For example, a viewer that works with any smartphone, as well as a 3D movie box. These types of viewers may have more capabilities than the $4 or $12 viewers. These may have more bells and whistles, but they also cost a little more. An example of this type of viewer is the 3D Movie VR Headset (affiliate).
These are just two examples of VR viewers, including some features on either end of the spectrum. There are also viewers that have other features in common. This will give you an idea and a place to start to see what else is available (especially when hanging out on Amazon’s site!).
Oh, before we go, do you want something even more exciting? Build your own Virtual Reality Viewer, a Do-It-Yourself version, as directed in this activity kit (affiliate).
