The sky is the limit when it comes to possibilities for virtual reality (VR) experiences. It is difficult to decide what to call it. Are they games, excursions, or experiences? Why? Because the sky really is the limit.

If you have thought of something, that something can become a Virtual Reality. And, with all of the possibilities, it can turn into several things. Like a desktop software, a smartphone app, a game system application, a movie box, a YouTube panoramic video, and the list goes on from there.

So, let’s talk about a few possibilities, to get an idea. We will only scratch the surface by the time we have finished. But, you will believe me, when you hit that level of excitement in your chosen VR experience!

VR-Xterminator

You can guess from the name just what this software will do or allow you to do. You can feel like you are the one out there saving the day and fortunately, the software is only $4.99 so you can save the day in an affordable manner while you are at it.

This one is considered a Perspective game and it works well with Rift type gear, if not requiring it. This one might be a little more difficult to find, so you may need to find alternative perspective software that meets the same idea as this one. It is Windows software.

VR Holidays

This software allows you to experience Virtual Reality in different locations, such as Venice, Italy. It allows you to partake in holiday festivities and different cultures around the globe. It even allows you to learn about holidays that you may not already celebrate. (This may be a great way for you to learn about the culture of your future date, giving you both a chance to see if you are compatible in areas that you may not have thought of otherwise).

This software (app) is available for Android and Apple iOS, able to function on your smartphone and compatible with viewers such as the Google Cardboard viewer.

SIMS 2 Holiday Edition (affiliate)

While SIMS have been around for a while and were quite fun back in the 90s, they haven’t lost all of their popularity just yet. It used to be that there were 3D characters that could do things, pick up things, and participate in activities and the idea of that was enough to entertain a kid (or adult) for weeks.

Then, along came virtual reality (VR) and the ante was upped to a new level. That said, there is still a place for the world of SIMS. The simulated activities have not lost their favor within the realm of virtual reality. There are holiday styles, emotions, memories, and all sorts of aspects in this game. That is to be expected in any multi-level game system. In the Holiday Edition, there is even the opportunity to do some filmmaking. This allows one to see what it is that they experienced in their sense of virtual reality.

As with the practice of purchasing in bulk, bundles have caught on online and offline.

Virtual Reality (VR) is no exception to this rule and there are more and more VR bundles popping up at online retailers and vendors. These bundles are also available offline, but it appears that internet shoppers are more accustomed to these bundle pricing opportunities and more likely to go looking for the bundles.

Once a VR player has decided that he or she wants to take advantage of the purchasing power and benefit(s) that a bundle offers, it is a matter of 1) deciding what devices, gear, items should (or could) be included in the bundle; and 2) deciding what vendor (site) offers the best advantage over the other vendors (sites) when it comes to pricing, shipping, customer service, and conveniences.

It also helps to consult reviews in order to understand the experiences of others. It also helps to read the details of the bundles to ensure that one knows exactly what is included and what is not included in any particular bundle.

Another thing to consider is the benefit of the price break, assuming that that is the reason for the bundle pricing. If a particular bundle includes three items and you already have one of those three items, the first inclination may be to skip the bundle because it is not on sale if you already have the device or gear that is a part of the bundle. However, it may also be a case where the pricing of the bundle is so low that it is still cheaper than purchasing the remaining two items that are not already in your possession.

Be sure that you not only have an idea of what you are looking for in a bundle but understanding the different platforms and device/gear possibilities before choosing your bundle(s).

The following bundles (affiliate links) are not necessarily recommendations for purchase. These are example bundles to help guide the research process. They function only as that type of example.

________________________________________
Bundle: Oculus Rift Desktop, Headset, Controller, etc.
Qty of Items: 3
Link: http://amzn.to/2tznrTB
Price (at the time of this writing): $2,499.99
Rating (at the time of this writing): none
Notes: none
________________________________________
Bundle: Sony PlayStation VR Launch Bundle
Qty of Items: 3
Link: http://amzn.to/2vbIT32
Price (at the time of this writing): $499.00
Rating (at the time of this writing): 4.5 out of 5.0
Notes: Includes headset.
________________________________________
Bundle: Sony VR Bundle (PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR)
Qty of Items: 3+
Link: http://amzn.to/2t9KCEJ
Price (at the time of this writing): $460.08
Rating (at the time of this writing): none
Notes: Includes headset, camera, cables, system, headphones, controllers, etc.

Happy VR Bundle Hunting!

Virtual Reality (VR) may be a catchphrase, but it can encompass many different aspects. It can be as simplified as you want it to be or as complicated. The key is to define it in a way that you understand it and in a way that meets your desires and needs when it comes to the VR experience.

The following are some common “setup” when it comes to Virtual Reality (VR) along with some introductory explanations of each of them. Please also keep in mind that there may be (and are) different vendors that handle these different environments and systems.

Video Games

Video games are technically the software end of things. They are called applications or “apps” for short. Generally speaking, “apps” are the small software packages that run on smartphones while software or program files or applications are the larger counterparts that run on a computer.

The term, “video games” is a term that is general. It is a case of defining the device on which it is used.

So, for example, if it is used on a computer, it may be in the form of a DVD. The DVD is inserted into the computer by way of the DVD drive. Then, the software is installed on the computer.

It may also be software that is used on a Game System (discussed in the next section). So, the definitions crossover from system to system.

Game Systems and Personal Game Systems

Game systems and personal games systems include devices that handle games. They are generally hardware and may incorporate other devices such as remotes, gadgets, and virtual reality gear. While computers can often handle the same type of thing, with their gaming technology, game systems are specifically geared toward the games rather than a computer system (even though the game system is a computer system).

Some example of game systems may include PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii University, and 3DS, to name a few (even if some of them are quite old).

Computers

Computers come in all different shapes, sizes, and ages. Oftentimes, there are the desktop versions and the laptop versions (for portability). There are Windows computers, Mac (Apple) computers, and even Linux and other *nix flavors of computers. Each of these has the capability of being the component on which the virtual reality experience begins, with software, video games, etc. That software can even be downloaded/installed by way of the cloud (i.e. dropbox.com).

So, with these first three sections, we mention the video games and then the two platforms that generally run them.

Movie Box / Video / 360 / 3D / YouTube

The direct definition of Movie Box, 3D apps, etc. is a little vaguer and yet, it is easy to define. Think of it in terms of panoramic views. If you have a video which allows you the opportunity to have a 3D view of your environment, while feeling like you are a part of what you are seeing, you are experiencing virtual reality. This is usually handled by way of some sort of viewer, even if it is the inexpensive Google Cardboard version.

Some gaming systems are built with 360 degrees or 3D. The Xbox 360 is one of those. Many of these definitions somewhat crossover between each other, as far as categories. So, in the case of the Xbox 360, it is a game system, but it uses 360 technology for the games. In the same way that we mentioned video games in one section and computers in another.

Smartphones / Mobile VR

This list would not be complete without including the smartphone. That also goes for the tablet technology, as well.

Many times the apps that run on the smartphone also run on the tablet counterparts. The tricky thing is getting those tablets into the headset viewers! This is why generally speaking, it is thought to be a smartphone component. This is because the Android phone or the iOS phone, etc. is more likely to fit into the headset viewer. Then, it functions as the Virtual Reality core, for that VR experience.

Smartphones are very popular in the VR technology world because of their availability and/or their low cost. Also, one can pick up an affordable viewer and you are all set and ready for a virtual reality experience. In comparison, some of the other platforms (and corresponding software) is more expensive to compile.

If you have been reading up on virtual reality (VR) you have probably come across terms like 3D sound. Other similar phrases include binaural audio systems or binaural recording systems.

The binaural recording system captures audio like a panoramic system captures a 3D visual representation. So, it would be similar to having the experience of 3D audio.

Stereo, Mono, 3D/Binaural Sound Systems

Do you remember hearing stereo, as compared to mono sound? Years ago, listening to mono was like listening to the sound with only one ear. It felt as if there was something missing, without that balance of the audio in the other ear. Very quickly, the culture demanded a stereophonic sound. It became essential and without it, the sound was not truly experienced.

Well, now we are entering into the next layer of sound with the 3D sound. Instead of two sources, like we have two ears, there is a new positioning of the sound. It is the interaction of the sound amongst other sounds within its field. This provides the true-life sound picture.

The perception of what we see produces a more lifelike visual representation. In the same way, the sound becomes more lifelike when it projects within a field of sound. It is a case of sound allowing the reflection of all that transpires in that arena.

Sound Engineers Weigh In With Their Perspectives

For so many years, decades, sound engineers have viewed the sound system as a matter of hearing the sound in one ear or two ears. Now, with binaural sound, there is the interpretation of the sound from within the entire human head, different positioning within the head, around the person, and the engagement with the surrounding area. We realize that simple sound is not as simple as it seems. The assessment of sound is more than two choices (stereo or mono).

The binaural sound system and recording system welcome themselves into the virtual reality (VR) world. Even with that transition, the 3D sound has not experienced full acceptance, when it comes to virtual reality (VR).

Part of the reason is that of the attitude is “if it isn’t broke why fix it.” Since we are able to hear just fine with our two ears, is there really a requirement for the next level of realistic (3D) sound.

However, as with any gainful technology steps, it is only a matter of time before the Virtual Reality world catches up and there is a demand for binaural (3D) recording systems. Once that happens, there will be competitors vying to improve upon the process and to be the first to cross this finish line or that finish line.