The BEST
AR/VR DEVICES
Written by | Jichen Zhu
AR DEVICE
Google Glass Enterprise 2
SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1
OS: Android Open Source Project 8.1 (Oreo)
Camera: 8 Megapixel color sensor
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth
Device Description:
Google Glass Enterprise 2 builds on Google's early leadership in AR, combining it with a disciplined dedication to savvy professional users to deliver real value where it matters. It's also relatively cheap compared to competitors, selling for about $1,000 each. Google is aiming for lightweight all-day wearables. It helps those who are on the go, giving them a glanceable voice-activated control while accessing critical information.
Pros:
- Super comfortable and all-day wearable
- 8MP camera
- Unobtrusive
Cons:
- Can't be worn with glasses
- Screen only one eye, which can feel awkward at first
Source:Microsoft
AR DEVICE
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Display: 2K 3.2 light engines
Head tracking: 4 visible light camera
Eye-tracking: 2 IR cameras
Front camera: 8MP stills, 1080p30 video
Microphone array: 5 channel
Device Description:
Unlike Google Glass Enterprise 2, which is designed for quick access to information and a wearable streaming device for remote workers, HoloLens interacts with mixed reality through holographic projections that users can manipulate. No gloves are required, and the device allows for fully articulated hand tracking so users can touch, grasp, and move the hologram with a natural feel. The price of HoloLens 2 is relatively high, ranging from $3,500 for standard equipment to $5,000 for a Hardhat Integrated version that can work in harsh environments. But the return you get on that investment is significant, which is why so many big brands have adopted HoloLens in manufacturing, engineering and construction, healthcare, and entertainment.
Pros:
- Wonderfully immersive
- Vivid display
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Battery life not great
VR DEVICE
Sony PlayStation VR
Positional tracking: Standing VR, Seated VR
Display: 5.7” OLED 1080p display up to 120 frames/second
Tracking: Positional tracking, Standing VR, Seated VR
Vision: 360-degree vision
Visuals: Custom OLED screen and smooth 120fps visuals
Audio: 3D Audio
Device Description:
SONY's years-old PSVR headset remains the only head-mounted display on a game console, and its screen still offers a surprisingly immersive experience. The PlayStation VR2 takes virtual reality gaming to a whole new level, giving players a stronger sense of presence and the ability to escape the world like never before. With headphones on and a controller in hand, players will experience a range of heights unlike any other senses -- thanks to the creativity of our world-class developers in building the game world, and the latest technology incorporated into the hardware. Building on the PS5, the PlayStation VR2 adds a true next-generation experience with high-fidelity visuals, new sensory features, enhanced tracking, and a simplified single-wire setup.
Pros:
- Plenty of games
- Lower price
- Works with many PlayStation controllers
Cons:
- Resolution isn't cutting-edge
- Sony hasn't made a great VR controller that can
match the competition
Source: Sony Play Station
Source: Meta Quest
VR DEVICE
Oculus Quest 2
Hardware: 6GB RAM, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset
Display: Single LCD panel, 1832 x 1920 pixel resolution.
Tracking: Oculus Insight inside-out tracking
Audio: Integrated positional audio
Storage: 128GB, 256GB
Device Description:
The Oculus Quest 2 is less expensive, offering VR gaming and immersive VR experiences anywhere for just $299. This virtual reality headset is faster, smaller, cheaper, and more comfortable to wear than the original Quest, but you have to be logged into Facebook to use it. The new Quest 2 has twice as much storage as the $299 model, for an extra $100 to get 128GB.
The versatility and fun of the Oculus Quest 2 reminds me of the Nintendo Switch, and it only takes seconds to boot up, making it perfect for glasses. This VR headset features independent motion tracking and full-motion 6DOF VR controllers (same as the Oculus Rift on PC), plus a stunning high-resolution display and built-in speakers. Apps are downloaded directly to the headset's onboard storage. Its limited mobile processor can still play games like Beat Saber, Moss, and SuperHot VR just fine, and it can even connect to a PC with a USB-C cable if you want.
Pros:
- Self-contained and wireless
- Lower price
- Great touch controllers
- Comfortable design for gaming
Cons:
- Resolution isn't cutting-edge
- Must have a Facebook account to use