VR Headsets have been back in the media for a couple of reasons lately. One of these is the much anticipated PS4’s project Morpheus. It features a head-mounted display with 1080p resolution and a 90° field of view. It features their new 3D audio technology that re-creates stereoscopic sounds in all directions. So like in real-life, if you look a certain way, something sounds louder than if you were facing the opposite it. When you move your head in the game, the sounds in the game will reflect that. It will also work with both the dual-shock and PlayStation Move controllers. It is still in its prototype phase, with no definite date for its public release.
The other main VR game player is the KickStarter launched company, Oculus. Other than coming out with an amazing product, Oculus has been bought by Facebook. There have been lots of ‘discussions’ on forums in regards to peoples opinion on this matter, but the truth is, they now have a lot of money that they can work with to provide a better product that in the end will be beneficial for all us consumers.
The Oculus Rift has a boxier look than the PS Morpheus, looks almost like a mini TV you latch on your head, yes it provides a ultra-low latency 360° head tracking, to give you that real life feel. Every movement you do is tracked in real time. Oculus Rift does give you a 100° field view, which is slightly more than the Morpheus is offering. That combined with its stereoscopic 3D view, creates an immersive virtual reality experience for the player.
There are a couple of rumours of one of the most respected names in the virtual reality field, Microsoft, releasing a product. At this time they say they are concentrating on new interactions with games that revolve around its Kinect system of camera-based motion control.
But stay tuned, I’m sure more players, dates, and information will be released soon.