Virtual reality headsets are going to become a reality for consumers in 2016. The Oculus Rift and other headsets are going to make their debut this year. There have been other attempts in the past at virtual reality headset, like the Nintendo Virtual Boy. But those failed quickly, so one wonders what will be different this time?
Every so often a technology comes along and it is the next great thing. Then it quickly fades away, 3D TV maybe on the this track as well as all Wii systems. So what makes these new virtual headsets any different from all the others?
The first major factor is the experience. The visuals and feel of virtual reality is much better than the meager attempts in the 90’s. Also companies like the Oculus Rift has major money and backing behind them such as Facebook. Of course Oculus Rift is not the only headset that will be out there. The Samsung Gear, HTC Vive, PS VR, and Google Cardboard are other types of headsets that will be available.
The Google Cardboard and Samsung Gear are a little different from the others, these headsets use the user smart phone to create the virtual reality and the price tag for these are $99 and below but the the experience on these will be no where near as engaging as the higher end models.
The Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive are to be used with a PC and powerful one at that, one that can handle high end 3D graphics, for most hardcore PC gamer that is not a problem, but for average users this could get costly. The Oculus Rift alone with out the PC will cost right around $600, that is a bit of hard pill to swallow, considering you can get a PS4 for $400 with a large library of games.
Speaking of the PS4, the PS VR is their version of the virtual reality headset, that will be compatible with the PS4. As far as price and functions not much is known at this time. Of course the main market these headsets are targeting out the gate is the gaming market. But to succeed they will need lots of QUALITY content and a reasonable price.
Virtual Reality Set Oculus Rift
Can they pull it off? No one is sure, but most of these headsets have very large companies behind them. It is hard to be eager and to be the early adopters of these technologies not knowing what the future may hold. $600 for a headset, then at least another $1200 for a decent PC to play on seems like a real large investment for something that may or may not fail.
Another interesting aspect of these headsets is gaming is not the only market these devices can succeed, and this may be the key to their success. These headsets could be used in education, where students can see and study other lands and cultures through a headset. Other areas would be construction, sports, engineering and car design.
Just as many other fledgling technologies, it will come own to mass acceptance and if they can support and maintain content at a reasonable price. What are your thoughts on virtual headsets, are you going to buy one right away or take the wait and see approach?
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