Which VR Headset is best for your business?

You may be familiar with with what VR can do in terms of gaming and immersive entertainment experiences. But beyond traveling to new worlds, battling zombies and learning about other cultures, Virtual Reality has been an invaluable resource for business for years. From engineering to research, to on-the-job training and even customer experience, VR has helped significantly evolve the way businesses operate today. According to a survey commissioned by Grid Raster, nearly 91% of companies surveyed have implemented or plan to implement AR or VR technology. VR has progressed in almost every industry, and it's quite possible that VR has influenced your favorite product or service.

So, how do you actually with start evaluating VR opportunities for your company? Given the limitless possibilities and solutions that VR offers, it can seem like a huge challenge to find the best solution for your company. Well, the solution really depends on your needs. But the best place to start is perhaps with the Headset, arguably the most important tool in the Virtual reality arsenal.

Not all headsets are built the same and they can serve very different purposes. Two of the most popular and versatile headsets types are the PC-based Headset (PCVR) and the all-in-one Headset. Essentially, PC-based VR headsets are wired to Computers (or connected wirelessly via a wireless accessory), while with Standalone or All-In-One (AIO) headsets, all necessary components are housed in the housing of the Headset. Let's tell you all about each and how they can work for your business.

PCVR: a VR headset with top specs, precise tracking, connected VR

PCVR remains a popular choice due to its technical specifications. Since the Headset is connected to a PC, much of the effort is taken by the various parts of the Computer; the CPU for speed, the GPU for visual fidelity, and the power supply unit for power. So the VR headset essentially uses the full capabilities of whatever Computer it's connected to to provide the best visual fidelity, refresh rate and display quality, while the Headset can display the most immersive content.

But what's beyond the PCVR headset is another feature that sets it apart from AIO headsets. PCVR uses outside-in tracking, meaning the Headset and Controllers get their room's spatial awareness by communicating with with base stations mounted on walls or ceilings. The base stations then help map the room and constantly communicate with the Headset to provide the most accurate tracking (but don't worry, all data is stored locally and never shared). This is incredibly important when the VR experience requires precise design elements or multi-user training.

Since PCVR is attached to a PC and requires setting up base stations, it is best used for longer term solutions or at fixed locations. Although there are many companies that have found portable PCVR solutions for events, education and trade shows.

All-in-one VR headset: portable, versatile, VR with content

The main difference between with AIO headsets is the absence of cables or external processing aids, such as a Computer. Where PCVR hosts the Computer's specs, AIO has a dedicated CPU, GPU, and power supply, all packed tightly under the shell, and usually runs on a processor designed specifically for mobile VR . AIO also uses so-called inside-out tracking, where the Headset actually plays the role of the base stations and uses the sensors and cameras on its face to understand its position in relation to the boundaries set by the user during installation. (Note, some PCVR headsets like our VIVE Cosmos also support inside-out tracking).

AIO headsets are also usually Wi-Fi enabled, providing a seamless experience for downloading new apps, browsing the web, or even broadcasting what's happening in the Headset to a tablet or other mobile device.

The main advantage of the AIO headset is that it is completely wireless and portable, making it perfect for training, remote collaboration, rehabilitation in healthcare institutions, a unique presentation tool for on the go and many other valuable applications. Kiosk mode on the Vive Focus Plus all-in-one VR headset allows businesses to restrict access to apps and navigation and convert the Focus into a portable, high-performance stationary device. with This easy-to-use feature allows interns and clients to focus on just your business apps.