Reality-distorting headsets and glasses are becoming more of a thing nowadays. There are companies like HTC, Meta, VITURE, XREAL, and others making these kinds of devices, and we expect to see more as time goes on. This is especially true with Samsung’s XR headset on the horizon. But there are different types of reality-distorting technologies out there (VR, AR, XR, and MR), and it can be a bit confusing.
What do those terms mean? Also, if you’re looking to buy a device, which one would be best for you? That’s what we’re going to explain. Also, we’ll give you examples of devices that you may want to look into buying.
What is VR?
Let’s start off with the first technology to hit the mainstream. VR stands for Virtual Reality, and you’ve most likely seen this technology in sci-fi films and TV shows. Virtual reality technology completely immerses you in an entirely different reality. With it, you’re not supposed to have any sort of context as to where you are in the real world.
So, if you’re playing a VR game about being on another planet, once you put on the headset, say goodbye to your living room! This was the first reality-distorting technology to hit the public. Without diving too far into the history of VR (its roots go back as far as 1838!), the modern VR age was sparked by the Oculus Rift back in 2013. This device, along with similar devices of the time, is far from the kind of headsets we have today.
Firstly, VR headsets from the early 2010s needed to be connected to your computer. Basically, the headset would pass the footage from your computer through the lenses. You’d see the video game in 360 degrees, and use your controller to control your character. Obviously, it was a far cry from what we’d typically associate with VR technology, but it set the stage for a ton of innovations to come in the space.
What is AR?
Next up, there’s AR, which stands for Augmented Reality. This technology actually doesn’t require a special headset, as there are applications on your phone that can bring an AR experience. However, an immersive set of goggles or glasses can really make the experience that much better.
Virtual Reality is meant to make you think that you’re in a completely different reality. Augmented Reality, by contrast, still lets you see the real world. Instead of taking you out of the world, it places objects into it. Say, you’re playing an AR game where you’re a wizard, and you wave your wand to summon a creature right in your living room. That’s the essence of AR.
If you’re still confused, think about Pokemon Go. You point your phone at the world and you see and battle Pokemon. The thing about AR technology is that you can interact with the digital objects, but the objects don’t interact with your environment. So, imagine displaying computer monitors, videos, text, directions, and other objects over the real world, but just having them float there.
What is MR
Now, we come to the meeting of both worlds. Many of the headsets we see nowadays fall under this category. MR stands for Mixed Reality, and it shares some similarities with AR. Like Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality involves showing objects over the real world. You have a sense of where you are and your environment.
However, Mixed Reality brings another dimension of immersion entirely. With it, the digital objects actually interact with your environment. Let’s use a floating video window as an example. AR would have the window simply floating in front of your face. If you move your head, the window will move along with it.
MR, on the other hand, goes the extra mile to make the video window seem like a part of your environment. The headset would scan your environment and allow the video to float in 3D space. So, imagine placing the window over your coffee table and having it stay there, no matter if you move your head. Also, if you walk away from the window, it remains glued over the coffee table.
Another example would be a game that has little creatures interacting with objects in your room. The headset would scan your room to create a 3D map of where everything is, so it could have a creature land on your bed, dresser, or nightstand. The creatures would remain in the same place in relation to your environment. So, you’ll be able to walk around them as though they were really there.
Another thing about MR is the use of haptics. Most MR devices come with controllers that vibrate when something happens. This adds to the experience that much more.
What is XR?
This is the simplest term to describe. XR stands for Extended Reality. It’s an umbrella term that refers to all of the other terms. So, it encompasses VR, AR, and MR. There are glasses and headsets designed specifically for certain types of technologies. For example, the Valve Index is specifically for VR. We also see AR glasses that only project an object over your eyes. However, devices that cover all of the bases are called XR devices.
A great example would be the Apple Vision Pro. This device can seamlessly transition from the virtual world to the real world, and it allows you to use VR, AR, and MR apps. Right now, there are several XR devices on the market from companies like Meta and HTC. At the time of writing this, Samsung is still gearing up to launch its XR headset. As these companies develop more of these devices, we’re going to see more XR headsets from other companies hit the market.
What are the best devices to buy?
So, there are some amazing devices on the market that you can buy to enhance your gaming, productivity, or media-watching experience. What are some of the best ones to get? To be honest, at this time, there’s a pretty limited pool of devices. Devices like these are relatively new to the mainstream, so not as many companies have come out with their own headsets. Let’s see what’s out there.
Meta Quest 3 – $499
Meta (then Facebook) bought the company that brought forth the VR renaissance in 2013, Oculus. Since then, the company has produced some pretty amazing devices. Right now, the company’s newest devices are under its Quest 3 line. Both of these devices are XR headsets.
Starting off with the Quest 3, this headset gives you a crisp 2,064 × 2,208 per eye resolution, so you’ll love watching all sorts of content and playing games. Speaking of games, the Quest 3 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 SoC. This makes it a powerful device, able to run the graphically intensive Batman Arkham Shadow and other good-looking games. You’re also able to run multiple apps at the same time. Do you want to relax with a YouTube video in the background while scrolling Instagram? You can do that.
The Meta Store has a ton of great VR, AR, and MR apps that you can buy. You can play the smash hit Power Wash Simulator VR, Square Enix’s Triangle Strategy, the aforementioned Batman: Arkham Shadow, and many more. Many of the apps cost money, with prices up to $29.99, but you’ll find your free games as well.
The Meta Quest 3 lets you adjust the IPD (inner pupillary distance: how far the lenses are from each other), so you’ll be able to better cater the experience to you. With a decent 110° field of view, you’ll see much of the world in good detail.
Meta Quest 3S – $299
The Quest 3S has a fair number of similarities to the Quest 3, along with some differences. Starting off with the similarities, both devices use the same operating system and processor, so you’ll run all of the same applications with the same level of smoothness. Also, both devices use the same controllers and hand tracking.
When it comes to differences, the Meta Quest 3S produces a 1080p display, which is noticeably less sharp than what you get with the Quest 3. Also, it has a 90° field of view compared to the Quest 3’s 110°field of view. While the Quest 3 allows you to smoothly adjust the IPD, the Quest 3S has three pre-set distances.
One of the most notable differences is the type of lenses they use. The Quest 3S uses fresnel lenses while the Quest 3 uses pancake lenses. The difference is that more of the scene is in focus with the Meta Quest 3 than with the 3S. Rounding out the major changes is the fact that the Quest 3S doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Be that as it may, the Meta Quest 3S has some advantages over the Quest 3. Firstly, you will get better battery life with the Quest 3S. This will give you about 40 more minutes of usage. Also, there are extra cameras on this device that make hand tracking much better. Lastly, there’s a dedicated XR button that allows you to switch between VR and AR modes. The Meta Quest 3 has a double-tap gesture that isn’t quite as convenient.
The Meta Quest 3S is a fantastic device, and the $300 price makes it perfect for people who are just getting into XR.
Apple Vision Pro – $3,499
Apple really shook the world when it launched its first XR headset. The company put just about everything it could into this device. As such, it’s an advanced piece of hardware. Coming with features like eye tracking and hand tracking, there are different ways for you to interact with your content and interface. It comes with a super sharp 3,660 × 3,200 per eye resolution, so everything you see will pop off of the screen.
When it comes to the processing power, you’re looking at the most powerful XR headset on the market. Apple used its powerful M2 chip, the same chip that powers a whole line of full desktop Mac computers. So, you’re basically using a Macbook on your head. As such, you’re able to run multiple applications and use them all smoothly. Everything including productivity apps, creation apps, media consumption apps, ETC. will work flawlessly. This is a work device, so you can expect an experience to go along with your workflow.
Since the Vision Pro is an Apple product, you know that it will integrate seamlessly with the company’s ecosystem of services and products. It will be able to connect with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac computer for a fully integrated experience. This means that you’ll be able to send files between your devices and more.
If you’re a person who wants to have an augmented computing experience, this is a great device to use. The Vision Pro can act as your computer. You can connect it to your Mac computer and project multiple monitors using your headset. So, you’ll be able to work in VR/MR space with several screens without needing the physical space.
There are some limitations to this platform at the moment. For example, there’s a limit to what kind of content you can watch on the platform. Also, the Apple Vision Pro was not made with gaming in mind, so you most likely won’t be able to have any sort of gaming experience.
XREAL One – $499
This is a pair of AR glasses that you can use for pretty much everything that you’d need. Since these are AR glasses, you won’t have the fully immersive experience you’d get with VR or MR devices. Be that as it may, these are for people who want to view their content in the real world. Coming with a pair of Sony Micro-OLED panels, viewers will be able to watch all kinds of content, like movies, and have it all look amazing.
You’ll be able to see a screen right in front of your face, and that screen can be a variety of shapes. Do you want a small square display in the corner of your vision while you’re doing something? The XREAL One is perfect. However, do you want to have an ultrawide display for an immersive experience? They’re perfect for that, too. What’s neat is that you can either have the display follow you, or you can anchor it in 3D space.
Along with being able to see video content, you can also connect them to your gaming console. This means that you can game on an extra-large display without needing the physical space. The 120Hz refresh rate means that you’ll have a pretty good gaming experience.
With three different lens transparency modes, you can either shut out the world for a more immersive experience or see it. What makes these special is the fact that they blend in better than a headset. So, you’ll be able to wear them in public without attracting too much attention.
Other features include a 50° field of view, a 147-inch spatial screen, adjustable IPD, and high-quality speakers. This is a great pair of glasses to wear if you want a great AR experience.
