In the last two years, we have all heard a lot about terms like Metaverse and Virtual Reality or VR. We've written about virtual reality before. Today we will try to know more about what Virtual Reality really is. Is this really what the future is about?
In today's article we will try to find out the answer to such questions.
What Is VR?
Virtual Reality (VR) is an interactive and immersive experience supported by advanced technology. To experience VR, you'll put on a headset that usually has two lenses and screens inside. The headset either connects to a computer or contains everything it needs to create a virtual world, such as a roller coaster ride, and display it on screens.
There are many different use cases for VR headsets, with the main uses right now being gaming, fitness and entertainment.
Important Terms Related To VR
When you decide to try a product from a forum or blog with an acronym you've never heard before, it can be confusing.
Here are some of the terms and their meanings which hopefully will help you as much as possible during your research.
Field of View (FOV):
The extent to which you can see the environment after wearing a virtual reality headset will depend on the FOV. The higher the number, the more virtual scenery you can see, and the more immersive the experience will feel.
Refresh rate:
Like any computer monitor or TV, the display in your VR headset refreshes at a certain rate. The refresh rate of the display plays a major role in making the overall experience as close to reality as possible. The higher the refresh rate, the better. If you get VR motion sickness, you'll want to avoid anything with a refresh rate below 90 frames per second.
Positional Tracking
One aspect of VR that really enhances the feeling of being in another world is your ability to move around within that world. However, this requires the headset to track your movements.
This would mean that the headset would track where you're looking, where your hands are, and what they're doing, as well as where you're standing in a given space. Some headsets offer tracking on their own for this purpose, while others require dedicated base stations for better tracking.۔
Are VR Headsets Not Expensive?
VR headsets have traditionally been expensive. Since its market has grown, and more companies have started participating, its prices have since come down. For example, the Meta Quest2 headset, available for $299 which are wireless.
However, headsets like Valve's Index VR Kit (which includes two controllers and two base stations) are available for $999. There is another headset with two controllers and two base stations that is the most expensive, priced at $1399.
Do We Need Gaming PC To Operate VR Headsets?
Whether or not a gaming PC is required to run a VR headset depends on which headset you've purchased. For example, you can operate Meta's Quest 2 headset from anywhere, meaning they don't require a PC.
Not only does the Vive Flow look like a pair of sunglasses, it doesn't even require a connected PC, but rather an Android phone. Vive has several other VR headsets, such as the Pro and Cosmos series, all of which require connecting to a PC.
How Much Space Does The VR Headset Need To Use?
Technically, you only need enough clear space around you to move around and swing your arms and not bump into anything. However, my experience says that the more the space, the better.
You don't need as much space as a living room. But you'll want as much free space as possible, to make sure you don't hit anything. Meta recommends a 6.5-foot by 6.5-foot space to use its Room Scale feature. This allows you to move around the play area easily.
When using Meta Quest 2 in a new room, you go through a quick setup process to mark and identify your play space. You place a Grid on the floor, and then you can mark your safe spot by drawing a line on the floor.
During gameplay, if you move around and get close to the edge of the boundary, the virtual reality world you are currently seeing will stop being visible, and you will start seeing the real world around you. This thing is there to remind you that you are on the edge of your safe area.
What Safety Precautions You Need While Using VR Headsets?
Some people also experience dizziness while playing apps and games in which they are realistically still and their character is moving in the game. But those same people don't get dizzy when they watch a movie on Netflix or play a game like Beat Saber.
While using the VR headsets, you should consider following safety measures:
- If you feel tired while using headsets, this indicates that your body needs much needed rest.
- Use for short periods of time. Don't think you can play for 30 minutes or an hour at the beginning. Start by understanding the menu. Then watch a couple of videos. Then play a game that doesn't require movement. Then proceed step by step.
- For people who suffer from motion sickness, all the above mentioned headsets are useful. Screens with higher refresh rates are useful.
But most important thing is, enjoy it. Going to another world or talking and spending time with friends in the metaverse really makes you feel like you're living in the future. But the condition is that you don't get sick.
Read More:
Some of the Important Terms Related to Metaverse That You Need to Know
Types Of Virtual Reality: A Comprehensive Journey Into The VR Landscape
