Independent Immersive Headgear: Applications Explored
VR Headsets: The New Tech Frontier
Today's virtual reality (VR) market is bustling with innovations. The surge in location-based entertainment and the growing public interest in immersive experiences signifies the democratization of VR technology. In fact, our tech exhibition alone witnessed 10,000 visitors during the General Public weekend. Now, as the tech becomes less complex and more affordable, standalone headsets are even challenging PC headsets in terms of popularity. So, what's the deal with these standalone VR headsets, and what are their potential uses?
Navigating the World of VR Headsets
The VR headset scene caters to diverse needs and uses. Three main types of headsets are available: standalone, connected, and mobile. Each headset offers unique features catering to its specific purpose, depending on the device's technical capabilities.
Mobile Headsets: Accessibility Rules
For beginners looking for an easy-to-use and budget-friendly VR experience, mobile headsets are ideal. At first glance, they resemble traditional VR headsets, taking the form of a box that fits over your head. However, unlike other headsets, mobile headsets require a smartphone to work. The smartphone serves as a screen and application launcher. The mobile headset has lenses that split the image and send it to each eye.
In the mid-2010s, the first VR headsets started hitting the market. Several mobile headsets, such as the Samsung Gear VR in 2015 and the Google Daydream View in 2016 [3], entered the scene. Google even ventured to create a low-cost device, Google Cardboard, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in virtual reality for just €15. As for price, mobile headsets typically hover around €100; however, performance heavily depends on the smartphone being used. Soon, they were replaced by the first standalone headsets that debuted in 2017. Today, mobile VR headsets have reached their limits, and the Google Daydream VR is becoming obsolete.
Standalone Headsets: Performance on Par with Connected Headsets
In contrast, connected headsets offer top-notch performance and comprehensive use. These headsets connect to a computer via a wire to deliver complex, immersive experiences. The first headsets in VR history, like the Oculus Rift in 2012 and the HTC Vive in 2015, belong to this category. They accommodate complete user tracking, meaning head and body movements are closely followed. The images are also much more realistic due to improved resolution. Yet, their high price restricts individual use, primarily aimed at professionals and developers.
However, the boundary between standalone and connected headsets is gradually blurring. Standalone headsets, which operate independently of a computer, are becoming increasingly sophisticated and now offer full motion or hand tracking. For instance, at the 2020 CES in Las Vegas, Chinese manufacturer Pico showcased the Neo 2, the first standalone headset featuring integrated eye-tracking. Now, standalone headsets can compete with the most advanced VR headsets on the market, removing the need for a high-performance and expensive computer.
Industry Leaders in Standalone Headsets
Since the launch of the first standalone headset in 2017, the market has been flooded with numerous devices. Pico's Goblin starters the trend, leading to the release of Oculus Go in 2018. The Facebook-led headset is regarded as one of the best in its category, offering a superior quality-price ratio.
The Lenovo Mirage Solo, priced twice as much, at €310 compared to €160 for the Oculus Go, is a direct competitor. Both offer 3DoF motion tracking, with the Lenovo headset boasting a 4K image and augmented reality support, along with a dedicated controller for 6DoF motion tracking.
HTC joined the game in 2018 with the launch of the Vive Focus, exclusively targeting the professional market for training purposes. The second iteration, Vive Focus Plus, offers 6DoF motion tracking and upgraded lenses to minimize the grid effect.
Standalone Headsets: Pushing the Boundaries of Technology
In 2019, the standalone headset landscape marked significant advances with the release of the Oculus Quest in May. Many consider it the current best standalone headset, boasting improved performance over its sister model, the Oculus Go. It features 6DoF motion tracking, improved processor, and a sharper screen with a better resolution than the Oculus Rift. More immersive and convincing experiences are now possible thanks to these improvements.
Additionally, Oculus announced the addition of hand tracking to the Quest in December 2019, marking another major milestone for standalone headsets. In January 2020, Pico unveiled the second version of its Neo headset at the CES, featuring integrated eye-tracking powered by Tobii, allowing for foveal rendering, enhancing the virtual reality experience to closely mimic human vision.
By 2025, some standalone VR headsets on the market include:
- Meta Quest 3: With a price tag of approximately $499, this standalone headset requires no PC or console, featuring the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, high resolution (2064x2208 per eye), 120Hz refresh rate, 128GB/512GB storage options, and a battery life of roughly 2.5 hours. Pros include wireless portability, mixed reality passthrough, and a vast library of games and apps. Cons include limited battery life and lower power compared to PC-VR.
- Meta Quest Pro: Although not explicitly highlighted, Meta Quest Pro is known for its advanced features and higher cost compared to the Quest 3.
- Pico 4: Offering a high-resolution display and portable design, the Pico 4 will likely join the standalone headset lineup.
With improvements in both mobility and performance, standalone headsets are challenging the supremacy of connected headsets. These devices now cater to professional needs, leveraging advantages such as mobility, affordability, and self-contained operation. Moreover, the ability to access a broader selection of applications through streaming platforms like SteamVR is providing users with more immersive VR experiences on standalone devices.
Sources: [1] Meta Quest 3 specifications, [2] Pico 4 and Meta Quest Pro information, [3] Google Daydream VR and Cardboard history [4] Samsung Gear VR origins
Enrichment Insights:
- By 2025, the Meta Quest 3 is expected to retail for $499, with storage options of 128GB or 512GB.
- The Meta Quest 3 features the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, offers a resolution of 2064x2208 per eye, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and a battery life of approximately 2.5 hours.
- Key advantages of Meta Quest 3 include wireless portability, mixed reality passthrough, and a large library of games and apps.
- The Pico 4 and Meta Quest Pro are also standalone headsets, featuring advanced features and higher costs compared to the Quest 3.
- The Pico 4 promises high-resolution display and portable design, but specific pricing and release details are not available yet.
- The increasing popularity of standalone VR headsets showcases the democratization of technology, as they offer performance on par with connected headsets at more affordable prices.
- By the year 2025, various standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and Pico 4 are anticipated, promising immersive VR experiences with improved mobility and technical capabilities. These headsets will continue to challenge the dominance of connected headsets, making VR technology more accessible to the masses.
