Virtual Reality is an expression that refers to the devices used to digitally simulate an environment by the machine (computer). Depending on the technologies used, it allows the user to experience a virtual universe through his different senses: sight most often but also touch, hearing, smell. Virtual reality thus allows a person to live an immersion experience and to carry out a sensomotor activity in an artificial world. To guarantee total immersion, the user uses a virtual reality headset. It uses the stereoscopic 3D display principle to place the viewer in a virtual world generated by a machine.

Occulus rift: a technological revolution in VR

In 2009, a young American electronics enthusiast, Palmer Luckey, launched a virtual reality headset project from which he would release several prototypes. By sharing his advancements on the Internet, he meets John Carmack, the president of id Software, a studio that has created major video game titles. This will make it possible to widely extend the notoriety of this project and attract some of the big names in the sector. At the same time, Palmer launched a Kickstarter financing project whose objective was achieved in less than 24 hours. Following the success of this campaign, Palmer Luckey then decided to create his own structure called Oculus VR which will lead to the marketing of the famous VR headset that we currently know: The Occulus Rift. He then sold the company to Facebook for several billion dollars. Visit https://immersive-display.com for more about Oculus Quest accessories.

Virtual Reality: a professional tool

Virtual reality and more precisely VR headsets were first developed with the objective of deeply improving the video game experience through a total 360° immersion. The technology was a direct result of the missed opportunity in the 1990s and promised to become a major player in the entertainment industry. The main technological locks had been broken. But the price of headsets and equipment, technical obstacles (necessary space, reduced movement) and the limited range of games have finally found other ways to develop. From now on, it is the professional world that adopts these immersive headphones. The maturity of this cross-technology with the advent of experiential marketing has therefore propelled RV through different professional sectors that we will focus on.

360° Immersion: what are the VR headsets on the market?

Since the appearance of the Occulus, many VR headsets have been introduced. We will review them here and give details on their range, embedded technology and uses:

 Occulus Rift VR Headset

The Occulus Rift: the first "new generation" VR headset for the general public. It is a wired headset connected to a computer with a good display quality. Controllers are also available to interact with the virtual environment displayed in the headset. It requires the installation of several sensors to track the headset wearer in a room.

VR HTC Vive Headset

The HTC Vive: a direct competitor of the Occulus, the HTC Vive is also a wired headset (soon available as a wireless headset) connected to a PC. It also has controllers and requires the installation of two sensors to track the user in space. Its range of action is however greater than that of the Occulus but the HTC requires a slightly more powerful configuration than its rival.

Samsung gear VR headphones

The Samsung Gear VR: autonomous and connected to the Samsung smartphone, it is obviously less powerful than the two models presented above. However, it is much less cumbersome and still delivers a good immersive experience. It also proposes to interact through small controllers.

Oculus Go Headset

The Oculus GO: The latest from Oculus, this headset is positioned in the same segment as the Samsung Gear VR. Unlike its Korean counterpart, the Oculus GO does not require a smartphone to operate. The brand's objective is to offer a fully autonomous headset at a very affordable price. A remote control tracked by the headset is also available to easily navigate through the menus.

Google Cardboard VR headset

The Google Cardboard: it is the cheapest headset on the market (only a few euros) since it is made of cardboard and can be folded by yourself. It offers a first glimpse of what the VR is and can be used by sliding your smartphone directly into the headset. It is perfect for simple 360° reading. You have to hold it yourself on your head.

 VR PlayStation VR Headset VR

The VR PlayStation: Only available on the PlayStation game console, it is primarily dedicated to certain video games available on the dedicated store.