Vergence-Accommodation Conflict<\/a><\/strong> (VAC) is a problem that can cause eye strain and headaches for some people in VR, and it is due to the inability of current VR headsets to simulate the normal accommodation and vergence mechanisms of your eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\nNormally, when you want to focus on an object, your eyes move to look at that object (vergence), and the lenses of your eyes adjust to focus the light coming from that object on the back of your eye (accommodation). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In VR, when looking at an object in the distance, your eyes need to accommodate to focus on a screen that is only inches from your eyes. This mismatch in where the image appears optically, and what your eyes and brain must do in reality can result in eye strain, and blurring of the object, as your eyes struggle to adapt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whilst your brain is able to decouple vergence and accommodation, it takes longer and is more difficult for your brain. Some people have minimal issues with this, whereas some people find VR headsets to cause eye strain quite quickly. There are a number of technologies being actively developed to mitigate or resolve this issue, but it is likely to be a few years before they are widely used in VR headsets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Lack Of Connection With The World<\/h3>\n\n\n\n When using a VR headset, you are largely cut off from the outside world. It’s harder to respond to someone outside of VR, and you usually have to take your headset off if you want to do something as simple as having a drink or checking your phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part of this is due to the focus of current headsets on VR, rather than including augmented reality (AR) and other extended reality technologies, that use external cameras to allow you to see the outside world and superimpose virtual objects onto the real world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bulky nature of current VR headsets is another issue that restricts your connection with the outside world. This will slowly be addressed as new headsets get smaller, lighter, and more comfortable, and allow you to retain more of a connection to the outside world if desired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The medium-term goal will be to have combined VR and AR headsets that look closer to a pair of bulky glasses, rather than a large box strapped to your face. I expect that the next few years will see big improvements in this area, so if you do decide to hold off a bit longer, I don’t think you’ll have long to wait before smaller headsets that incorporate VR and AR become commonplace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standalone VR Headsets VS PC-Tethered VR Headsets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n For most people looking for an entry point into VR, a standalone headset such as the Quest 2 or Pico Neo 3 is the best option, as these provide a cost-effective, quality VR experience. You can also link these headsets up to a VR-capable computer to enjoy all the benefits of PC VR. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you are a VR enthusiast, the very best VR experiences are still to be found with a PC VR headset. You will find greater clarity, higher FOVs, and more cutting-edge features in a PC VR headset. Controller and body tracking are still better with external base stations than headsets that use inside-out tracking methods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Personally, I currently use an HP Reverb G2 and a Meta Quest 2. The Reverb G2 is slightly better in most areas, but I actually use the Quest 2 at least as much as my Reverb G2, due to the user-friendly hardware and software. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is Quest 2 Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Meta\/Oculus Quest 2<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSince its release in October 2020, the Quest 2 has gone on to sell over 10 million units, and with the combination of good visuals, affordable pricing, and a growing library of content, I think the Quest 2 is definitely worth buying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Quest 2 currently accounts for more than 75% of all VR headsets sold, so if you want to buy a VR headset, you should seriously consider the Quest 2 as one of the main contenders. The Quest 2 has a display resolution of 1832\u00d71920 per eye resolution, and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, providing a smooth and clear experience that fully showcases what VR can do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Should I Wait For The Quest 3?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n It is likely that the Quest 3 will release in 2023, and will be a significant upgrade in most areas. As with all technology products, you will always have the option to wait for a better product in the future, but you have to weigh that up with the reality of postponing your introduction to VR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Is The Best VR Headset?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n As of 2022, I consider the following to be the best VR headsets;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meta Quest 2<\/strong> – This is the best VR headset for most people. This standalone headset is excellent value, has good visuals, and has an excellent library of software. <\/li>HP Reverb G2<\/strong> – Best PC-tethered VR headset for simulation racing and flight sim fans. Terrific visual clarity, 114-degree FOV, and inside-out tracking.<\/li>Valve Index<\/strong> – One of the best general-purpose PC VR headsets. 130-degree FOV, comfortable, and good visual clarity. External tracking increases complexity but provides the best tracking solution. <\/li>Varjo Aero<\/strong> – Best high-end consumer headset. Unparalleled clarity, but high price, and requires external tracking. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhy Is VR Not Popular?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The popularity of VR headsets has grown steadily for about the last 7-8 years, and the lack of rapid growth initially was largely due to the limitations of VR technology, and the lack of VR software. Both combined to discourage consumers from buying VR headsets and developers from making VR software. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This situation has changed dramatically over the last 2 to 3 years, with VR headset sales growing rapidly as the technology has matured, costs have reduced, and the amount of VR software available has grown exponentially. Sales of VR headsets are forecast to grow from 11.2 million in 2021 to 50 million in 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So After All That, Is VR Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n I’ve tried to keep this article as balanced as possible, but obviously, I’m a VR enthusiast that really does feel VR is here to stay. Regardless of whether you decide to give VR a go or not, I hope you’ve enjoyed this article, and have a better understanding of the pros and cons of VR, so you are better placed to make your decision. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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