Discussion
Northbloke said:
Yes I heard Crypto mining mentioned as a cause (but don't really understand it).
In a nutshell, a GPU (as found in a graphics card) is just a special type of CPU with thousands of cores rather than the handful that your main CPU has. The cores are much more limited in what they can do, but are very good at mathematical calculations. Crypto Mining involves making lots and lots of complex mathematical calculations, so the miners buy up graphics cards as it is much more cost-effective per-core to use a GPU to do this than using a CPU. Supply & demand means that since the miners are buying up second hand graphics cards, it pushes prices up.
J4CKO said:
Ordered an Oculus Rift, will be here tomorrow.
Will provide some feedback, totally feels like a folly/gimick but there is an itch I have been wanting to scratch for ages.
I bought one for the same reason as I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. However If you are like me you'll be wowed for the first few weeks\months then put it away and it will quietly gather dust. Don't get me wrong it is an amazing experience, the future of gaming etc but the current tech isn't quite there yet in terms of user friendliness or ergonomics and neither are the games.Will provide some feedback, totally feels like a folly/gimick but there is an itch I have been wanting to scratch for ages.
I'll definitely be re-visiting it in 2-3 years though when they will hopefully have sorted some of those issues out.
Guvernator said:
I bought one for the same reason as I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. However If you are like me you'll be wowed for the first few weeks\months then put it away and it will quietly gather dust. Don't get me wrong it is an amazing experience, the future of gaming etc but the current tech isn't quite there yet in terms of user friendliness or ergonomics and neither are the games.
Totally agree. It was an amazing experience initially. Even the Oculus demo / tutorial when you are in the trailer / caravan thing. It was "wowwwwww! OMG!". But once you are over all that, the experience becomes a little more gimmicky and, as you say, the shortcomings become apparent.
I must say, though, that when I play FPS walking sims, like What Remains of Edith Finch, I find myself thinking "this would work really well in VR".
I don't regret buying it, mind.
Arrived and setup was pretty simple, all I can say is wow, it is amazing, just had a go on the demo where you are in van full of computers, knelt down to have a nosey and tried to use the in game furniture to stand up, which obviously doesnt work.
Then Google Earth VR, makes you feel like Superman, even the wife said she was impressed, and that is unusual, her first go on the internet illicited a shrug and "Cant see the point".
Then Google Earth VR, makes you feel like Superman, even the wife said she was impressed, and that is unusual, her first go on the internet illicited a shrug and "Cant see the point".
J4CKO said:
Arrived and setup was pretty simple, all I can say is wow, it is amazing, just had a go on the demo where you are in van full of computers, knelt down to have a nosey and tried to use the in game furniture to stand up, which obviously doesnt work.
Then Google Earth VR, makes you feel like Superman, even the wife said she was impressed, and that is unusual, her first go on the internet illicited a shrug and "Cant see the point".
That was my first impression too. Then Google Earth VR, makes you feel like Superman, even the wife said she was impressed, and that is unusual, her first go on the internet illicited a shrug and "Cant see the point".
Sadly, this feeling will wear off after a few days.
But the price is worth it just for that initial "wow".
Clockwork Cupcake said:
J4CKO said:
Arrived and setup was pretty simple, all I can say is wow, it is amazing, just had a go on the demo where you are in van full of computers, knelt down to have a nosey and tried to use the in game furniture to stand up, which obviously doesnt work.
Then Google Earth VR, makes you feel like Superman, even the wife said she was impressed, and that is unusual, her first go on the internet illicited a shrug and "Cant see the point".
That was my first impression too. Then Google Earth VR, makes you feel like Superman, even the wife said she was impressed, and that is unusual, her first go on the internet illicited a shrug and "Cant see the point".
Sadly, this feeling will wear off after a few days.
But the price is worth it just for that initial "wow".
Just bought all 4 Serious Sam games in VR for 27 quid, and was tempted by the Solus Project until I saw the comments above. Will report back if I get a chance to play this weekend, provided my motor skills still work and I'm not a twitching wreck. Those games are bad enough when you're playing on a screen, trying to kill hundreds of things running at you in VR might be a bit much!
Novelty not worn off yet, bought "Affected, the manor", which is pretty scary but very short/linear, Arizona Sunshine is a good Zombie shooter, only had an hour on that so took a bit of time to get into how to play it but shooting a Zombie in the head at close quarters is very satisfying.
Had to buy a USB 3 header for the motherboard as had run out of USB's on the rear, also had to get some wall mounts for the sensors and some extension cables as otherwise I have to have the sensors ont he desk and they get knocked/moved and you have to re calibrate it all.
The best bit is Google Earth VR, really is amazing, I love Google Earth anyway, this just takes it to another level.
Had to add another hard disk due to all the stuff I was downloading.
A few good free things, the ISS Space Walk BBC thing is fun, just worth downloading them all and giving them a go, then delete.
Might add a third sensor at some point , will see how mounting them higher up works.
The dog isnt coping with it though, he lurks round your feet, I have coped ok, standign up on a rollercoaster can get you a bit unbalanced though, just need to shut your eyes briefly.
Had to buy a USB 3 header for the motherboard as had run out of USB's on the rear, also had to get some wall mounts for the sensors and some extension cables as otherwise I have to have the sensors ont he desk and they get knocked/moved and you have to re calibrate it all.
The best bit is Google Earth VR, really is amazing, I love Google Earth anyway, this just takes it to another level.
Had to add another hard disk due to all the stuff I was downloading.
A few good free things, the ISS Space Walk BBC thing is fun, just worth downloading them all and giving them a go, then delete.
Might add a third sensor at some point , will see how mounting them higher up works.
The dog isnt coping with it though, he lurks round your feet, I have coped ok, standign up on a rollercoaster can get you a bit unbalanced though, just need to shut your eyes briefly.
How far away do you have to mount the sensors? Reviews seem to suggest Rift is mainly aimed at seated games while the more expensive and heavier Vive is better on moving about games. Sounds like you're using the Rift on standing/moving games though? Presumably with the touch controllers?
TopTrump said:
Try the F For Freddy BBC Lancaster Bomber run in VR. Very good.
That is the future of VR- immersive learning.
Yes, forgot about that, its pretty good, really gives you a small impression of what that must have been like, really felt like I was in a plane when it took off, it really does add somethign to the experience compared to watching it on a screen.That is the future of VR- immersive learning.
RizzoTheRat said:
How far away do you have to mount the sensors? Reviews seem to suggest Rift is mainly aimed at seated games while the more expensive and heavier Vive is better on moving about games. Sounds like you're using the Rift on standing/moving games though? Presumably with the touch controllers?
Currently got the sensors on my desk but going to move them to the pelmet and angle them down, didnt think there was any difference in the focus of the Vive vs the Rift, would like to try a Vive to compare.Was happily stood up shooting Zombies last night, works well for Google Earth VR sat down.
My son got in from work and did three hours on the Zombie game.
Have to say its been a hit, my wife was telling her mate how much fun it is, normally she is nonplussed by a lot of stuff like this but she sees there is something of value in it.
I have both the vive and OR. The Vive is way easier to set up for roomscale, no need for the million USB connections, just power, so no silly USB ext leads and it's generally agreed that out of the box the tracking is better. That said I didn't have any issues on a 2 sensor system.
The OR is lighter and maybe a bit more comfortable in standard form although the vive deluxe audio strap improves that immensely.
The OR controllers seem to be generally prefered they are more flexible and the hat control is better than the trackpad on the vive but I think they are a little small. I think the Steam knuckles will be a game changer.
Screen/resolution, nothing in it. Vive pro I've not tried, not enough of an improvement to warrant the expense.
The are both brilliant, I'm glad we have them both and new players coming in as well.
Get Gorn.
The OR is lighter and maybe a bit more comfortable in standard form although the vive deluxe audio strap improves that immensely.
The OR controllers seem to be generally prefered they are more flexible and the hat control is better than the trackpad on the vive but I think they are a little small. I think the Steam knuckles will be a game changer.
Screen/resolution, nothing in it. Vive pro I've not tried, not enough of an improvement to warrant the expense.
The are both brilliant, I'm glad we have them both and new players coming in as well.
Get Gorn.
I do as it happens.
They both have limited space for glasses. I can't wear my 'big' glasses (sort of wayfarer style) or my wide glasses in either. The smaller lensed wire framed glasses are fine. I think it's more to do with face shape than the glasses shape. All the glasses fit but only the wire ones are comfortable. From my reading the general consensus appears to be that for glasses wearers Vive is marginally better which matches my personal experience.
If you get serious there are prescription lense holders available for both.
They both have limited space for glasses. I can't wear my 'big' glasses (sort of wayfarer style) or my wide glasses in either. The smaller lensed wire framed glasses are fine. I think it's more to do with face shape than the glasses shape. All the glasses fit but only the wire ones are comfortable. From my reading the general consensus appears to be that for glasses wearers Vive is marginally better which matches my personal experience.
If you get serious there are prescription lense holders available for both.
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