The most important piece of a virtual reality kit is the headset, a device that you wear over your eyes like a pair of goggles.
Higher-quality gaming and business headsets are connected to computers to run games and apps. Cheaper VR sets use your cellphone display in front of the headset to create VR experiences.
From Oculus Rift S to Microsoft’s Military HoloLens, VR Is aiming for the sky. You enjoy virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) with video games. They are on the verge of making it big for use cases as well in healthcare, education, engineering, and of course accessibility.
Virtual Reality Kit Headset
Which VR system do you need for gaming and business?
Do you get accessories for older VR models?
Do VR hardware manufacturers develop new virtual games to play?
You’ll find your VR answers here.
There are a growing number of virtual reality headsets, apps, and VR accessories to explore.
Companies are dedicating more and more resources to business applications of virtual worlds. Brands like Samsung Gear have joined the Galaxy wearable line to provide exciting VR options. A crowdfunding campaign for a game console is no longer a pipe dream. Pioneers like Palmer Luckey do not focus on a particular area – like educational technology – but rather on versatile & budget-friendly devices that can be used by any department.
Gaming And Business VR Headsets
Best VR Headsets For Gaming
Oculus Rift S
Oculus Rift S
For the more advanced users that will be using VR at specific locations, we would recommend using Oculus Rift S.
The Rift S costs $399 — the same price as the new standalone mid-tier product Quest. Its main addition is the “Insight” system. This “Insight” system uses tracking cameras built straight into the headset. The previous versions used trackers that were mounted around a room.
The Rift S has five cameras to the Quest’s four. They are placed differently. Instead of a wide-angle camera on each corner, the Rift S has two cameras on the front, one on each side, and one on the top of the headset.
Unlike the totally wireless Quest, you’re still tethered to a computer with the Rift S, so the benefits aren’t quite as dramatic. You’d need a backpack computer to get the “arena-scale” that Oculus VR has shown in some Quest demos, for instance. But it’s still a real improvement over the original Rift.
Best VR Headsets For Businesses
The most important piece in the virtual reality hardware kit for businesses is the headset, a device that looks like a thick pair of goggles over your eyes.
The more expensive, higher-quality headsets are connected to a computer to run apps and games. Some cheaper ones use a cellphone clipped to the front of the headset. The mid-tier of devices are stand-alone devices like the Oculus GO.
All headsets need to be used alongside a good-quality pair of headphones. There are also other optional accessories from hand motion controllers to treadmills. These are all designed to enhance your simulated experience of being in another world.
Hand motion controllers translate your real-world gestures into whatever game or application you’re using. Standard gaming joypads can also be used.
VR devices have their own app stores, similar to smartphone app stores. There you can browse and download games and apps. Some of these stores are accessed using the device itself. Others – the VR section of the Steam digital games store, for example – can be browsed on your computer. Smartphone-powered headsets are quite common now.
Gear VR is a good example of how you use a virtual portal to explore new virtual worlds.
VR Business Headset: Entry-Level Guide
Oculus Quest 2
Oculus Quest 2 Headset
The Oculus Quest 2 is a wireless standalone head-mounted device (HMD) solution or an all-in-one VR headset that is designed to streamline and expand virtual reality in the workplace. Oculus Quest is aimed at helping companies reshape the way they do business through the power of VR in a standalone generation of headsets.
Offering comprehensive free-form movement, known as the Six Degrees of Freedom (6DoF tracking), the untethered nature of the kit makes it ideal for clients and teammates to explore virtual spaces, and take part in conferencing, and more.
The Oculus Quest’s features include:
- A self-contained VR headset allows for easy deployments
- An elegant design that allows for longer use without causing eye or neck strain
- Dual OLED displays with a resolution of 1440 x 1600 per eye
- Exceptional motion tracking
- Portable, lightweight, quick, and easy to setup
- Supported usage modes include seated, standing, and room-scale
VR Busines Headset: Mid-Level Guide
HTC Vive Pro Enterprise
HTC Vive
An outstanding example of functionality and precision tracking, the HTC Vive Pro HMD is engineered for professional-grade VR.
The new HTC Vive Pro is an enterprise-grade VR headset designed to work in seated, standing, and expansive multi-user environments to accelerate timelines, enhance training and design, and simulate impossible scenarios.
Easy to wear and intuitive to handle, the Vive Pro HMD works by establishing a set 15ft x 15ft virtual space, allowing for increased movement within a defined area.
If that seems restrictive, consider that it significantly opens a safely ring-fenced space, making the HTC Vive Pro perfect for first-time users and seasoned experts alike.
The key features of the HTC Vive Pro VR headset include:
- A higher resolution of 2880 x 1600 pixels per image, upping the system’s graphical fidelity
- Dual AMOLED screen
- Refresh rate of 90 Hz and a 110-degree field of view
- A much-increased pixel density of 615 dots per inch
- Visuals that have a richness and sharpness to them
- Precise, 360-degree controller and headset tracking
- Integration with 3D spatial sound for true-to-life immersive audio
All these features contributed to an overall reduction in motion sickness or nausea, also ensuring that any models or designs being showcased are visible in full detail.
Equally comfortable in short and long bursts, the HTC Vive Pro Enterprise HMD is perfect for businesses looking for ‘out of the box’ functionality.
VR Business Headset: Pro-Level Guide
Varjo VR-2 Headsets
Varjo VR2 headset
Varjo Technologies launched two industrial-grade virtual reality headsets for enterprise VR applications. Offering a high-level of visual fidelity, the Varjo VR-2 and VR-2 Pro are the Cadillac of enterprise VR headsets.
The key features of Varjo VR-2 and VR-2 Pro are:
- VR-2 Pro comes with next-generation hand tracking by UltraleapTM
- Human-eye resolution Bionic DisplayTM of over 60 PPD (pixels per degree)
- Integrated 20/20 Eye TrackerTM with below 1-degree accuracy
VR-2’s Bionic DisplayTM delivers a natural visual experience and pixel-perfect clarity when you interact and explore with high-resolution 3D simulations and models. The VR-2’s bionic display is unique, as it combines a pair of 1440 x 1600p AMOLEDs with two 1920 x 1080p micro-OLEDs.
This brings about:
- An 87-degree field of view
- Human-eye resolution of more than 60 PPD (pixels per degree)
- Color consistency and enhanced peripheral vision
Use it to add new improvements and insights, for prototyping exercises, and in the creation of designs that you review in person.
The level of detail and capacity for performance sees it deployed in the most exacting of markets, such as defense and aerospace, automotive, architecture, research, and retail.
You can deploy it in difficult markets like aerospace, retail, research, defense, and automotive architecture, as it has a high level of capacity and detail for performance.
Integrated 20/20 Eye TrackerTM
The VR-2 has the capacity for analysis and eye tracking that allow users to achieve impossible insights.
The Varjo VR-2 HMD is capable of an accurate and fast calibration performance that offers precise eye details to professionals dealing with safety-critical training, consumer research, and other applications.
VR-2 Pro State-Of-The-Art Hand Tracking By UltraleapTM
The Ultraleap-equipped VR-2 Pro HMD tracks the users’ hands, so they can manipulate objects in a virtual onscreen environment.
Enterprise organizations consider the Varjo VR-2 and VR-2 Pro a valuable investment, as they provide the capability to carry out accurate training sessions and spot design issues in the system.
360-degree Cameras
Modern 360 cameras are amazing pieces of gear that allow you to take fantastic videos and photographs.
These cameras provide the key footage needed in virtual reality applications. It’s ideal for business use in any virtual reality hardware set.
360 Photos vs. 360 Videos
Even photography novices can create 360-degree videos and images with these new cameras.
The 360-degree camera uses software to create images with the help of its two lenses and/or image sensors. You can also create a 360-degree video and photos by pairing one image sensor with a fish-eye lens.
360-Degree Video
The 360-degree camera normally has two image sensors inside paired with two different lenses. Each camera records one slice within the 360-degree scene.
For example, when you use two of these cameras, each camera shoots a 180-plus degree video. You’ll notice an overlap, as the software needs time to compile seamless videos. You can also use cameras with one fish-eye lens to shoot a 360-degree video.
360-Degree Photographs
A 360-degree image shoot shares some of the properties of panoramic photography. You move the lens to accommodate for each segment of the scene, as the camera shoots a series of photos.
There are some 360-degree cameras that use multiple lenses or image sensors to shoot photographs faster, while others achieve the 360-degree view naturally with a fish-eye lens.
Vital Characteristics
Built-In Cameras
The 360-degree camera with more than two built-in cameras shoots better-looking images than those a two-camera model. That’s because the camera lens creates less distortion in the surrounding environment view.
Resolution
The camera must capture the large field of view in high resolution to ensure the image is clear and with full detail.
The video must have at least 2K resolution (2048 x 1080 pixels per image), but you’ll get better results with 4K (3840 pixels × 2160 pixels) or higher when your budget permits.
Image Stabilization
Some cameras use electronic image stabilization or real-time digital image stabilization. This technique counteracts the motion by shifting the electronic image in the video – frame to frame.
The visible frame has pixels outside the border to buffer the motion. This technique helps smoothen the transition from one frame to another, as it reduces vibrations in these videos. 360-degree capture is done at higher resolutions, as you enable a wider field of view than when you shoot 2D.
Software Support
The manufacturers of most of these affordable cameras provide software that you install on your computer to view and edit captured images. The other option is to edit with an app that you download and install on your smartphone or tablet.
Virtual Reality Camera: Entry-level Guide
Insta360 ONE X
Insta360 ONE X
This sleek and seamless camera is a one-stop shooting machine that creates the best 360-degree action content and offers easy cinematic editing features.
Key Features:
- Weight: 115g
- Dimensions: 115mm x 48mm x 28mm (D x W x H)
- Stills resolution: 18 MP
- Video resolution: 5760*2880@30fps, 5760*2880@25fps, 5760*2880@24fps, 3840*1920@50fps, 3840*1920@30fps, 3008*1504@100fps
- Video Bit rate: Up to 100 Mbps
- Video Format: Insp, jpeg
- Power Source: Battery Capacity: 1050mAh (5V2A)
- Battery Run Time: 60 mins while shooting 5.7K @30FPS or 4K@50FPS video
- Price: $429.99 View at Amazon
You have the option to choose the bulky Insta360 EVO with 360 imaging and 3D, but you’d like the appeal of the Insta360 ONE X, thanks to its sleek and seamless design, smooth FlowState stabilization feature, and its app with a powerful video editing suite and subject tracking feature that you can use with your smartphone.
The Insta360 camera is every bit exceptional with its FlowState stabilization and 6-axis gyro system. You may experience a little shimmer when you are shooting indoors in low-light conditions, but the camera playback remains level at any angle in decent light.
You do need to calibrate the gyros once in a while. The optional selfie stick hides in the recorded footage.
The Insta360 ONE X was, on its release, a huge step forward for virtual reality, because of the advanced usability, quality, and simplicity. It comes with purpose-built dome lenses that make this camera waterproof up to a depth of 30 meters.
The only reason this becomes an entry-level recommendation in this list is that other 360 cameras are models that offer more versatility and better quality. The One X is just right for you if you like to shoot travel videos or consider yourself a part of casual experimenters.
Virtual Reality Camera: Mid-Level Guide
Ricoh Theta Z1
Ricoh Theta Z1
The latest 360 camera offer was released in May 2021.
Features:
- Weight: 182g
- Dimensions: 48mm (W) x 132.5mm (H) x 29.7mm (D)
- Stills resolution: 14MP
- Video resolution: 4K – 3840×1920 / 2K – 1920×960/
- Video bit rate: 4K – 56Mbps / 2K – 16Mbps
- Video format: 4K H264：3840×1920 pixels/29.97fps
- 2K H264：1920×960 pixels/29.97fps
- Power Source: Lithium-ion battery (built-in) *5
- Battery life: Still image: Approx. 300 photos *6 Video: Approx. 60 minutes *6
- Price: $996.95 View at Amazon
Ricoh Theta Z1 was first released in 2019 when a 360-degree camera was considered something of a novelty. The revamped version was released in May 2021 with enhanced 51GB of storage that easily surpassed the original’s 19GB storage.
Make sure to check the one you’re offered before you click the “Buy” button.
The new Ricoh Theta Z1 fully justifies its price, as it does produce high-quality 360-degree video. You’re comfortable with its smooth design.
You’ll find its sensors larger than those you find on cameras of this type. This improves its dynamic range. The fact is that other cameras remove the edges in raw resolution terms. This is a mid-range option to consider.
Virtual Reality Camera: Pro-Level Guide
GoPro Max
GoPro Max
If you wished your old GoPro Fusion offered better stabilization features, then choose the GoPro Max, the king of smooth videos.
- Weight: 163g
- Dimensions: 64 x 69 x 40mm
- Waterproof: 5m
- Stills resolution: 16.6MP
- Video resolution: 360 Video: 6K Source / 5.6K Stitched, 3K Source / Stitched; HERO Video: 1440p, 1080p
- Video Bitrate: 78 MB/s
- Video Format: MP4 (H.264/AVC), MP4 (H.265/HEVC)
- Power Source: 1600mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- Battery life: 85 minutes of 360-degree recording
- $399.98 W/ 1-year subscription from GoPro
Just about anyone can use the GoPro Max camera, even though it looks like a 360-degree action cam made just for enthusiasts.
The GoPro Max is designed for 360 magic, as within reason you can neglect framing when you hit the record button. All you do then is edit the footage you capture in the app itself. This appears at the top of this list because of its superior microphones, range of headsets, and good-quality capture.
If you use 4K sparingly, it shows you the best way a camera performs as an action cam and vlogging cam.
It would be better if it had regular 4K single-camera capture and some work was done on the app experience. However, the Max is a huge step forward in filmmaking when you consider everything that it can do and is definitely the best 360 camera among the current lot.
Virtual Reality Applications
What Is A Virtual Event?
Maybe you’ve attended a conference without leaving the comfort of your desk simply by using a video conferencing tool. Odds are you’ve either attended an online meeting, watched a workout class on demand, or attended a webinar.
These are examples of virtual events. Individuals experience the content of an event online. It’s a virtual event rather than a physical event. The world is moving more towards virtual according to Google Trends.
Main Types of Virtual Events
Virtual events can be added to a mix of internal events, the events that you attend, and the events that you host to complete your event program. Virtual events are actually a new type of event you include to increase the reach of your program.
Here are the four main types of virtual events.
1. Virtual Conferences & Summits
The agenda for virtual conferences remains similar to in-person conferences, in that it includes breakouts, sessions, keynotes, and more. Virtual conferences involve community engagement tools and include multi-session content.
The in-person event is more effective in terms of networking and lead capture, but virtual conferences permit attendees to interact with other attendees, view keynotes in real-time, and build an agenda for themselves using on-demand, relevant content.
2. Webinars
What’s a webinar? Webinars are usually conducted for somewhere between 45 to 80 minutes. One or more speakers in virtual webinars are able to present content to attendees from across the world.
Companies offer these webinars free of cost to attendees or use online payment services to charge a fee. Webinars are powered by video conferencing tools that allow you to play a pre-recorded video, present live, enable a Q&A session, or offer on-demand content after in fact the webinar is over.
Webinars include external and internal training. They have 100% virtual attendance because of their one-off educational nature.
3. Internal Live & Virtual Events
These are trainings, sales kick-offs, department meetings, company-wide events, town halls, and more. Internal hybrid events share a message to all the company employees. Organizations can reach out to them even though they are in a different place, different countries, and even different continents.
The only other option is to host part in-person, part virtual events. Virtual team-building activities work extremely well at internal hybrid events.
4. External Live & Virtual Events
Industry conferences and user conferences are examples of these events and are held outside the organization.
Video production levels at these events are higher to ensure virtual attendees get the same quality as in-person attendees. Those attendees who cannot reach the event physically are able to participate and learn at these events.
External hybrid events do face a challenge when they must provide similar value because in-person attendees have a distinct advantage. They engage easily with content and network more freely than those who attend virtually.
Why Are Virtual Events So Important?
One of the greatest benefits of virtual events is that you can deploy them in very little time. That means your corporate event planner, your team, and you spend less time on planning. You now have the ability to conduct the virtual event whenever you decide.
The Fundamentals Matter With Virtual Reality
Event planning eventually boils down to the fundamentals. It’s highly probable that events are already part of your marketing mix.
Think about the practical aspects of virtual and in-person events. Prospects and customers are able to attend both, your virtual events and in-person ones.
These events combine with the rest of your marketing mix to reach audiences and provide the complete picture of interest. So, include virtual events with the rest of your events. Integrate them into your events program and meetings.
Virtual Reality Game Trial In Denmark Boosts COVID-19 Vaccinations
Game designers in Denmark have started using virtual reality to motivate people to take COVID-19 vaccinations. It’s a game around a city square, where people are maneuvering through a crowd infected with a virus.
This University of Copenhagen experiment allows participants to wear goggles and act like an elderly person trying the cross the square while they avoid COVID-19 infected bypassers. Characters already vaccinated are dressed in blue.
Virtual And Augmented Reality
VR and AR reality are no longer used just to make 360-degree videos for an epic space game, clever multiplayer game, or for building game suits. They are on the cusp of scoring big in use cases that involve engineering, course availability, education, and healthcare.
The Canetroller is another accessibility innovation by Microsoft. The Canetroller is a device to increase the accessibility for people with a white cane to get involved in virtual environments. It uses auditory feedback and haptic (touch-based) to create a simulated experience that’s similar to a real-world scenario.
London’s National Theater conducted augmented reality experiments to benefit people with listening disabilities. Audience members are given access to a pair of Epson AR smart glasses fitted with a digital display capable of providing closed captions to the show, which allows them to keep track of the performance.
Thousands of developers working on the same project increase creative potential resulting in mind-boggling AR and VR accessibility applications. For example, people with visual disabilities were able to experience classic artworks better with virtual reality as the Touching Masterpieces installation used it to great effect.
Users could virtually feel the sculptures with a pair of haptic gloves. They could now explore the ancient Egyptian bust of Nefertiti and Michelangelo’s David with their hands and without eye strain.
Conclusion
Users will eventually seek out immersive content like virtual reality when they familiarize themselves with immersive experiences, even if the experience is focused on 360-degree video. Even though you may find it difficult to get Google Cardboard or Google Daydream in the future, Gear VR and Gear 360 on mobile devices are exciting options.
As users become more familiar with the experience of immersive video with mobile headsets, even if only through 360-degree video, they will likely seek even more immersive content like virtual reality.
