With a torrent of VR headsets that have been released lately, the entertainment industry hit a new record. Although the idea of ​​virtual reality has been in the technical space for a long time, lately, the information technology giants have overcome old barriers to use it in a variety of virtual reality devices. Although some of them require dedicated anchor points, others can be accessed with a mobile phone.

Virtual reality is a fascinating way of projecting the user in a wide range of environments through the power of technology. With the use of headphones and motion tracking sensors, you can explore virtual space. Some of the VR headsets recently released include HTC’s HTC Vive, Facebook’s Oculus CV1, and Samsung’s Gear VR, as well as Google’s Daydream.

With the power of using virtual reality through computers and mobile devices, it is an exciting time for virtual reality systems. Although the price ranges differ, the features are similar but different, depending on the virtual reality platform for which the devices are intended. So, let’s take a look at the various key aspects and features of the different latest VR headsets.

Mobile or tethered device experience

Currently, virtual reality devices that are trends can be classified into tethered or mobile. Mobile headphones have room to fit your smartphones and are basically just a frame with specialized lenses. These lenses ensure that the screen is divided into two images. This turns your smartphone into a state-of-the-art virtual reality device. Mobile headsets include Google Daydream View and Samsung Gear VR. The downside is that smartphones are not designed for virtual reality, so the image quality is not really good even with the special lenses on the headphones. In contrast, virtual reality devices on connected or dedicated platforms, such as Facebook’s Oculus CV1 and HTC Vive, allow you to walk in virtual space while physically connected to a computer. Although the attached cables make it restrained and a bit unwieldy, the clarity and feel are greater.

However, you don’t need a device strapped to your face as the video processing is done on the computer. The dedicated screen on the headset is sufficient and you don’t need the smartphone or the motion sensors. The additional camera tracker improves image quality and head tracking. However, the Oculus experience outperforms other VR headsets as it has built-in headsets.

Virtual reality device weight

If you use all of the VR headsets mentioned above, you will notice that HTC is the heaviest at 555g, when it comes to net weight. Oculus CV1 weighs 470g, Samsung Gear VR weighs 318g and Google Daydream only 220g. However, when comparing the Oculus CV1 or Daydream to HTC, you will notice that although the Oculus is lightweight, HTC has a higher room scale and Steam VR is really good.

Exploration and future of virtual reality

When it comes to cutting-edge technology and a future-driven approach, HTC hands down wins over competing VR headsets. Although it’s front-heavy, it has two motion controllers and dual-base Lighthouse stations to get a feel for the “whole room” VR area. It outperforms the rest in tracking in terms of latency and lag. It’s technically impressive as this device has the only virtual reality system that tracks your movement within a ten foot cube rather than from your seat. Motion controllers are more sophisticated than those of virtual reality devices. By using Stream VR as the content hub, HTC Vive stays way ahead in a seamless experience compared to other competing devices. You can even connect to iPhone and Android devices to receive messages and alerts while the player is in virtual reality. Some of its features have already been implemented while Google and Oculus are still on it.

Easy to use

When it comes to convenience, Google Daydream comes out on top. The soft knit fabric covered ear cup ensures a snug fit and stays comfortable. Some reviewers felt it was like a soft pillow. Powered by Android Nougat, Daydream conveniently powers up on the Pixel phone and comes with a highly sensitive remote that has the app, home buttons, and volume rocker. Compared to other virtual reality devices, Google Daydream outperforms Gear VR in comfort.

Future of virtual reality devices

State-of-the-art virtual reality devices using mobile phones are here to stay and that’s precisely why Samsung’s Gear VR is the one to bet on. In terms of resolution, it uses 2560 by 1440 Galaxy smartphones with state-of-the-art graphics and internal motion sensors that are accurate. The touchpad and side buttons put the VR headset a bit above the rest. Working through Samsung’s Milk VR store or Oculus app, from casual gaming to high-end video consumption, there is enough to keep users busy.