New Oculus VR set up
Discussion
Evening PH. I really fancy trying out some VR. The only exposure I’ve had so far is a small go of a friends PS VR and Star Wars which did look and feel pretty good.
It did make me feel a little woozy though and reminded me the ride in Disney that’s a scaled down version of the training rig used for fighter pilots, space training etc. But I think that was because it was pure immersion.
What I liked about oculus is that there is a pass through function that can let me flick a switch and see the environment a lot quicker without having to take the headset off quickly. Anyway I’m sure that will go away the more I use it.
I like the fact is doesn’t need a massive spec PC to do it’s thing but it can do with oculus link should you wish to.
Games as far as I can see are very much still in the phase of showing what VR is capable of rather than delivering a great story along with a great game but again I guess that will come.
Very annoying that you NEED a Facebook account though.
Any owners of the new rig care to make comment or give some advice. I’m about to buy the £399 one but would love some input for the PH loyal.
It did make me feel a little woozy though and reminded me the ride in Disney that’s a scaled down version of the training rig used for fighter pilots, space training etc. But I think that was because it was pure immersion.
What I liked about oculus is that there is a pass through function that can let me flick a switch and see the environment a lot quicker without having to take the headset off quickly. Anyway I’m sure that will go away the more I use it.
I like the fact is doesn’t need a massive spec PC to do it’s thing but it can do with oculus link should you wish to.
Games as far as I can see are very much still in the phase of showing what VR is capable of rather than delivering a great story along with a great game but again I guess that will come.
Very annoying that you NEED a Facebook account though.
Any owners of the new rig care to make comment or give some advice. I’m about to buy the £399 one but would love some input for the PH loyal.
Unless you are planning to keep masses of games on the headset (or maybe you want to load videos onto it to take with you traveling) you don't need to pay the hundred quid extra for the 256gig version - 64gigs is more than enough to hold a bunch of games as even the very largest are 8gig and most are between one and three gigs.
The biggest drawback with it IMO is battery life. You get about 2 hours with a full charge so budget for a 'battery strap' or external pack at some point.
I find the supplied headstrap quite OK but will probably get a better one (likely with battery built in) at some point. The official straps from Oculus are good designs but seem to be suffering from some poor quality materials (possibly a bad batch?) at the moment, causing quite a few broken ones so I'm holding off to see what they do about it, or what third parties come up with.
Also the supplied foam padding that goes between your face and the headset isn't the best for comfort or fit, so I will upgrade that too.
Overall though, great bit of kit. Light years ahead of my PSVR and I haven't even had the change to try it on my main gaming PC yet, this is just the standalone native Quest games, which by an large don't make full use of everything that the Quest 2 hardware can do. The whole 'pick up any play' element can't be underestimated. You can be in a VR game within about 60 seconds of picking it up, as opposed to messing around with a console/PC, tracking setup and cables.
The biggest drawback with it IMO is battery life. You get about 2 hours with a full charge so budget for a 'battery strap' or external pack at some point.
I find the supplied headstrap quite OK but will probably get a better one (likely with battery built in) at some point. The official straps from Oculus are good designs but seem to be suffering from some poor quality materials (possibly a bad batch?) at the moment, causing quite a few broken ones so I'm holding off to see what they do about it, or what third parties come up with.
Also the supplied foam padding that goes between your face and the headset isn't the best for comfort or fit, so I will upgrade that too.
Overall though, great bit of kit. Light years ahead of my PSVR and I haven't even had the change to try it on my main gaming PC yet, this is just the standalone native Quest games, which by an large don't make full use of everything that the Quest 2 hardware can do. The whole 'pick up any play' element can't be underestimated. You can be in a VR game within about 60 seconds of picking it up, as opposed to messing around with a console/PC, tracking setup and cables.
Thanks, Lucas, I've been keeping an eye on the prices on both 64 and 256 models (price spy alert) and prices are coming down quickly.
I'm wondering if this is just a timing thing with both a new x Box and PS5 currently launching?
I am planning on buying a Ps5 anyway and currently, the PSVR system is holding its money well (around the same price as a 256GB Oculus).
Do we think the better strategy is to forget the Oculus project (it does annoy me that it is displaying all the traits of Facebook etc).
Obviously, the initial outlay for a PS5 and PSVR is much more but looking at the games coming up for PSVR vs the games being developed for Oculus there is clearly more being done by Sony.
It reminds me of Nintendo where they clearly had capable hardware and devs but didn't capitalise on it until the Switch came along and wiped the floor with its rivals.
Are we approaching another Nintendo Switch "lightbulb" moment with Oculus and they are biding their time?
One of the cool things I like about Oculus is the passthrough mode that will help with any motion sickness / spatial awareness. Not sure if PSVR does the same.
I'm wondering if this is just a timing thing with both a new x Box and PS5 currently launching?
I am planning on buying a Ps5 anyway and currently, the PSVR system is holding its money well (around the same price as a 256GB Oculus).
Do we think the better strategy is to forget the Oculus project (it does annoy me that it is displaying all the traits of Facebook etc).
Obviously, the initial outlay for a PS5 and PSVR is much more but looking at the games coming up for PSVR vs the games being developed for Oculus there is clearly more being done by Sony.
It reminds me of Nintendo where they clearly had capable hardware and devs but didn't capitalise on it until the Switch came along and wiped the floor with its rivals.
Are we approaching another Nintendo Switch "lightbulb" moment with Oculus and they are biding their time?
One of the cool things I like about Oculus is the passthrough mode that will help with any motion sickness / spatial awareness. Not sure if PSVR does the same.
Davie_GLA said:
What do you currently pay to facebook? Have you got their VR setup already?
I have a Quest 1. As soon as they announced the mandatory Facebook for number 2 I crossed it off the list. I also stopped buying anything in the Oculus store. Anything in future will be Steam. On firing up the Quest 1 after a few weeks it wouldn't let me in unless I specified whether I was going to link Facebook or not. I know much hardware is like that now but no need to be so aggressive.
bloomen said:
I have a Quest 1. As soon as they announced the mandatory Facebook for number 2 I crossed it off the list. I also stopped buying anything in the Oculus store. Anything in the future will be Steam.
On firing up the Quest 1 after a few weeks it wouldn't let me in unless I specified whether I was going to link Facebook or not. I know much hardware is like that now but no need to be so aggressive.
It's genuinely the only thing that's holding me back, Facebook DEMANDING you link it to the platform or else you're not playing it. But at least they are being transparent about it upfront. On firing up the Quest 1 after a few weeks it wouldn't let me in unless I specified whether I was going to link Facebook or not. I know much hardware is like that now but no need to be so aggressive.
I don't use FB anywhere near as much as I used to, mostly for some groups that have members with people who refuse to use anything else that I need to manage for a couple of businesses and to keep in touch with some relations, etc.
Depending in your level of tin foil hattery you can disappear down a rabbit hole you didn't really want to. Then of course there is the sensationalist YouTubers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYaUpCYzVHE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3nIxzTE7-Y
I'm not paranoid or owt. Me taking the piss out of a UOkHun? post on there should not mean a large and expensive games library is denied to me and hardware rendered useless.
I find it slightly difficult to find the link there.
I don't use Facebook anyway and never will so it's out the window for me regardless.
A HP Reverb G2 is next for me if it fits on my giant head.
I find it slightly difficult to find the link there.
I don't use Facebook anyway and never will so it's out the window for me regardless.
A HP Reverb G2 is next for me if it fits on my giant head.
bloomen said:
I'm not paranoid or owt. Me taking the piss out of a UOkHun? post on there should not mean a large and expensive games library is denied to me and hardware rendered useless.
I find it slightly difficult to find the link there.
I don't use Facebook anyway and never will so it's out the window for me regardless.
A HP Reverb G2 is next for me if it fits on my giant head.
I've just been reading about FB accounts getting "jailed" for some silly reason then like you say it means your new toy is now an expensive paperweight for the duration. They are also onto the people creating dedicated accounts just to use the VR platform and banning them permanently.I find it slightly difficult to find the link there.
I don't use Facebook anyway and never will so it's out the window for me regardless.
A HP Reverb G2 is next for me if it fits on my giant head.
Maybe FB will buy Google and we can then log on with Google's SSO platform. Even better if Google bought FB and then killed it. I am aware that Google isn't much better when we talk about privacy and even they are forcing you to log in when you install chrome to sync everything.
I'll have a read of the Reverb bumph but looks like it's ultra-expensive and might need a PC anyway?
In closing though I don't want this to turn into a convo about FB being the devil and owning your soul then selling it back to the highest bidder. I just want a good VR experience!
Yes. The G2 is PC only. I thought the Vive Cosmos was standalone but it looks like I'm wrong and everyone hates it anyway.
If there was a date for the new PSVR I'd like to see what it had in store. The existing one is so prevalent you'll only lose a few quid buying second hand, trying it and selling it on if you don't like it.
I had one of those too. Many aspects were good, far more comfy than the Quest and no fitting problems. It was a right faff setting it up so like so many others it didn't get much use before being sold.
If there was a date for the new PSVR I'd like to see what it had in store. The existing one is so prevalent you'll only lose a few quid buying second hand, trying it and selling it on if you don't like it.
I had one of those too. Many aspects were good, far more comfy than the Quest and no fitting problems. It was a right faff setting it up so like so many others it didn't get much use before being sold.
bloomen said:
Yes. The G2 is PC only. I thought the Vive Cosmos was standalone but it looks like I'm wrong and everyone hates it anyway.
If there was a date for the new PSVR I'd like to see what it had in store. The existing one is so prevalent you'll only lose a few quid buying second hand, trying it and selling it on if you don't like it.
I had one of those too. Many aspects were good, far more comfy than the Quest and no fitting problems. It was a right faff setting it up so like so many others it didn't get much use before being sold.
Apparently Sony have no plans for any developments in new PSVR hardware through 2021 so it looks like they have put it on hold for now.If there was a date for the new PSVR I'd like to see what it had in store. The existing one is so prevalent you'll only lose a few quid buying second hand, trying it and selling it on if you don't like it.
I had one of those too. Many aspects were good, far more comfy than the Quest and no fitting problems. It was a right faff setting it up so like so many others it didn't get much use before being sold.
(The old headset will work with the PS5 though as will the games. Apparently you need to get them to send you an adapter for the PS Camera.)
Considering it's getting on for five years old now, was always pretty low cost and the Playstation was never really specced for VR ... there are some really good games for it.
It's just such a massive hassle getting it all set up and working when you feel like a VR session - the head tracking is very suspect for me (I seem to 'rotate' in the game world over time) and that bulky cable and 'dongle' for the headset is really annoying and keeps catching my arm. The lack of proper locomotion controls also holds it back. They should have supported the Nav controller as well as the Move controllers, for movement.
The Quest (1&2) is just worlds ahead. Untethered operation is fantasic, it's super quick to get up and running and the picture quality is highly detailed and smooth compared to PSVR. No problems with tracking and can even do hand tracking in supported games. Can't wait until they start really supporting the enhancements of the Quest 2. And of course you can use it as a PC headset and benefit from a powerful gaming system providing the graphics.
Well, i pressed the button on a Q2 - it shall be here tomorrow!.
I'll report back when I've had a go (stopped being sick
)
What are "locomotive controls"?
Also, "Lone Echo" and "Climb" seem to be the games to push it, and you to some of it's capabilities.
I will of course download the light sabre / box smashy one and I give it less than 15 minutes before I break something that my wife has had for years or do myself an injury.
Quite sad that I'm very excited by this...
I'll report back when I've had a go (stopped being sick
)What are "locomotive controls"?
Also, "Lone Echo" and "Climb" seem to be the games to push it, and you to some of it's capabilities.
I will of course download the light sabre / box smashy one and I give it less than 15 minutes before I break something that my wife has had for years or do myself an injury.
Quite sad that I'm very excited by this...
Well, had it for a while now and it is excellent. For those still on the fence, I'd urge you to go for it. If you're more patient you might even get a better deal on Black Friday.
Spend some time setting it up for your head & eyes, I've read a few stories of people sending them back because the image looks fuzzy straight out of the box.
Battery life is woeful though. But I've been on it non stop. Will need to check if there is an external battery solution available.
I haven't bought a single game yet, I've messed around with what is there already or available for free. There's a 3 part Everest production that is breath taking.
D.
Spend some time setting it up for your head & eyes, I've read a few stories of people sending them back because the image looks fuzzy straight out of the box.
Battery life is woeful though. But I've been on it non stop. Will need to check if there is an external battery solution available.
I haven't bought a single game yet, I've messed around with what is there already or available for free. There's a 3 part Everest production that is breath taking.
D.
Edited by Davie_GLA on Sunday 15th November 19:38
FB thing is no big deal. Just connect it up and get on with enjoying it.
Long time faves are Robo Recall and Beat Saber.
Just tried Population One today but much sick so requested a refund.
I'm not a massive gamer so enjoy the experiences just as much. Youtube VR, Oculus TV etc. Phenomenal.
Long time faves are Robo Recall and Beat Saber.
Just tried Population One today but much sick so requested a refund.
I'm not a massive gamer so enjoy the experiences just as much. Youtube VR, Oculus TV etc. Phenomenal.
One thing I don't like about the Facebook thing, is the 3D pictures section, which pulls from your timeline. It's a bit disconcerting to be presented pics of your aunty trekking or whatever, in VR with little warning. Sign of things to come perhaps.
There was an update starting to roll out yesterday, V23. Best bit is much higher quality PC link.
There was an update starting to roll out yesterday, V23. Best bit is much higher quality PC link.
LimJim said:
One thing I don't like about the Facebook thing, is the 3D pictures section, which pulls from your timeline. It's a bit disconcerting to be presented pics of your aunty trekking or whatever, in VR with little warning. Sign of things to come perhaps.
There was an update starting to roll out yesterday, V23. Best bit is much higher quality PC link.
I won't be using it for anything social other than maybe posting some pics I take within games or videos etc. There was an update starting to roll out yesterday, V23. Best bit is much higher quality PC link.
I just tried the demo of Beat Sabre! f
k me that will get the heart rate up. LimJim said:
One thing I don't like about the Facebook thing, is the 3D pictures section, which pulls from your timeline. It's a bit disconcerting to be presented pics of your aunty trekking or whatever, in VR with little warning. Sign of things to come perhaps.
There was an update starting to roll out yesterday, V23. Best bit is much higher quality PC link.
Haven't bothered using any Facebook stuff on it but they are no doubt scraping as much personal info as they can from anyone who uses it. I would imagine that they are at least transcribing if not outright recording all voice chat, for example.There was an update starting to roll out yesterday, V23. Best bit is much higher quality PC link.
But for the price, the tech on offer is good enough to make me give up some privacy. A lot like smartphones.
Lucas Ayde said:
Haven't bothered using any Facebook stuff on it but they are no doubt scraping as much personal info as they can from anyone who uses it. I would imagine that they are at least transcribing if not outright recording all voice chat, for example.
But for the price, the tech on offer is good enough to make me give up some privacy. A lot like smartphones.
That's my thinking. They won't get anything too new on me that they haven't gotten from my phone, so is, iPad, WhatsApp etc etc.But for the price, the tech on offer is good enough to make me give up some privacy. A lot like smartphones.
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