In 2015 the news is viral “Virtual reality (along with augmented reality) is coming to consumers in the very near future. Announcements are coming out almost daily. Within the next year, Oculus (Facebook), Sony, Google, Samsung, and HTC are all developing headsets that can envelope a user in interactive 3D virtual worlds.”
But now virtual reality is going to be a game-changing technology and in the coming years. Ahead seems to be almost a foregone conclusion, but can it get beyond the gamer led consumer world, and make an impact on eLearning and education? On one hand, virtual reality is already being tested and discussed all over the world through applications as diverse as training advanced medical students, in K-12 classrooms, and exhibits in cultural institutions and museums– virtual reality’s attraction is the immersive environment that it creates, and it seems intuitive that students are a perfect test case.
Why is VR so important now?
Today’s interest in virtual reality stems from rapid technological advances in the headsets that make an immersive experience possible. While a number of headsets were developed in the 1990s by Sega (link), Nintendo, and others (see this article), they never took off due to poor quality of graphics and unwieldy headsets. Similarly, a number of quality virtual reality technologies had previously been developed (ex. CAVE Cubic Automatic Immersive Environment), but proved too expensive for mass adoption. For virtual reality to become widespread, it must be both affordable and provide a unique, stimulating experience.
eLearning is about to become more interactive, more fun, and more social, according to many observers with the help of virtual reality.
Greater collaboration and social integration
Making new experiences possible
Increased student motivation
New rewards with a focus on positive stimulation
Inspiring creative learning
Following is the List of Low Cost Virtual Reality Devices
1.Google Cardboard
Google announced its Cardboard virtual reality headset way back at I/O 2014. Popping a smartphone into a cardboard container and then strapping it to your head may sound like a joke, but it actually works and is a low-cost way to experience virtual reality.
After all, your smartphone contains all the necessary gyroscopic sensors and positioning systems to accurately track your head movements. There’s actually a bunch of unofficial Cardboard headsets but Google also now sells the real deal in its store. It’s better than you’d think… honest.
Approx. $15 | store.google.com
2.Bobo VR Z4 Virtual Reality Headset with Headphones
The Bobo VR headsets are a welcome attempt to try something a little different from the other Google Cardboard contenders. It’s USP is that it comes with built-in speakers, so can just plug in the minijack to the headphones socket on your smartphone and hear stereo sound. The quality is as good as you can reasonable expect on a piece of kit costing under £30, but the convenience factor is undeniable.
The Bobo VR’s build quality is rather good, although the weight is a rather hefty 748g. The headsets allow fine control of the focus of both lenses and the unit thankfully comes with a proper Google Cardboard QR code which makes set-up a doddle and helped us achieve acceptable clarity with a wide field of view.
Approx. $25| amazon.com
3.Fiit VR Headset
The Fiit VR is priced very competitively indeed and has been picking up a lot of 5-star reviews on both sides of the Atlantic. It’s easy to see why – the Fiit VR presents itself as the next evolutionary stage in Google Cardboard-compatible VR headsets. It does all the simple things well, such as having a latch mechanism that is easy to use and is utterly secure in day-to-day use.
The field of view is a claimed 102 degrees, and while we don’t have the tools at our disposal to verify that figure (eye protractors perhaps), we can assert that you do see more of the action than on most of the other headsets in this line-up, with the possible exception of the Merge VR.
Approx. $30 | store.google.com
4.Homido VR Headset
The Homido VR headset retails for just under £50 in the UK and offers adjustable lenses and a handy 100° field of view, also boasting three alternate settings for those with glasses: far-sighted, near-sighted and ‘normal’ vision
Being able to enjoy VR apps hands-free thanks to the headstrap is a god-send, and the foam outline running along the inside of the accessory feels comfy even during long play sessions.
We found that one of the main advantages of using the Homido was that the headset doesn’t allow light to flood into the viewer itself. Wear some headphones with the Homido on your head and you’ll feel truly immersed.
Approx. $60| amazon.com
5. Freefly VR Headset
From the plush faux leather padding to the slick smartphone clamping mechanism, you can see attention to detail throughout the Freefly proposition.
The bundled GLIDE Bluetooth controller is slicker than most accessories of its type, and even includes a mini-joystick along with the control pads. But sadly, even this device is neutered by Apple’s iOS 9.2 update on iPhones.
The build quality, relatively light weight and secure straps combine to make the Freefly VR comfortable to wear even during extended sessions – although you will get sweaty, bleary-eyed and a little dizzy.
Approx. $65| amazon.com
6. Google Daydream View
The first headset born out of Google’s Daydream VR platform, View was first revealed at I/O 2016. Google claims View is 30% lighter than other mobile headsets on the market – no names named but we’d guess they mean the newest Samsung Gear VR.
For now it’s only compatible with a handful of handsets including Google’s new Pixel phone, but expect more Daydream-ready smartphone throughout 2017. We’ve done a full Google Daydream VR review and have to say the headset has gone down well at Wareable HQ – our only niggle is the comfort and light bleed which isn’t quite up to scratch.
Still, with an impressive batch of launch apps and a bundled handheld controller, when it comes to mobile VR experiences, it’s already one of the best. Look out for more details around Huawei’s Daydream VR headset and more this year.
Approx. $79 | store.google.com
7. Samsung Gear VR
Last year’s Samsung Gear VR doesn’t look much different to its predecessor but it has several upgrades that make it totally worth it. Gone is the hugely annoying lens fog thanks to new vents and more space inside the headset.
Of course, the visual experience of using Gear VR will depend on which Samsung smartphone you use. But there are some improvements to the actual headset no matter which Sammie handset you’ve got – specifically Samsung has widened the viewing angle to 101 degrees (from 96 degrees) and darkened the colour tint to reduce glare and reflections.
The price of the latest Gear VR hasn’t gone up at all either – you’ll just need one of the following compatible devices to plug in: Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, Note 5, S6, S6 Edge or S6 Edge+. Read our full Samsung Gear VR review for more details and impressions. If you have a Samsung phone, this is still the best mobile VR experience you can get.
Approx. $100 | samsung.com
