With the release of PlayStation VR, I became very interested in games and other things that use VR goggles.
However, because it's not yet a very mature field and the initial investment is high, there were hurdles that prevented me from getting involved.
However, after doing some research recently, I learned that there are apparently simple VR goggles available that use smartphones.
I thought it might be worth trying if I could experience what VR is like for around 3000 yen, so I bought it.
I'd like to introduce VR in a way that will pique the interest of people who are wondering, "What is VR?" or "What's so fun about it?"
What are VR goggles?
Simply put, it's a goggle-type display that makes you feel as if you're in a virtual space.
VR goggles that use smartphones like iPhones are inexpensive, but they require connection to a core smartphone, earphones, and remote control, making them cumbersome to use.
Recently, the price of VR goggles that can be activated independently has dropped considerably.
Standalone devices that start up on their own require only the effort of putting them on and turning them on, so they're incredibly convenient.
However, I feel that the inexpensive VR goggles I'm introducing here are just about right for experiencing what VR is like.
What can you do with VR goggles?
First, the image appears three-dimensional.
This is because, just like in real human vision, each eye displays images from slightly different angles.
By displaying an image seen from the right to the right eye and an image seen from the left to the left eye, you can perceive things in three dimensions.
Furthermore, thanks to the motion sensor found in iPhones and other devices, moving your head up, down, left, or right will display images in your field of vision corresponding to that direction.
Combined with three-dimensional visuals and sound, it truly feels as if a virtual space is unfolding right before your eyes.
It's not just a simple 3D image; it truly feels like virtual reality.
Also, although not included in the simple VR goggles I'm introducing here, there are controllers that utilize motion sensors.
By utilizing these technologies, a more realistic virtual experience becomes possible.
What is the price range?
The VR goggles that use smartphones, which I'll be introducing today, are very inexpensive, generally priced around 3000 yen.
However, standalone VR goggles that operate independently cost around 50,000 to 80,000 yen.
The recently released VR headset, "Oculus Go," is priced in the 20,000 yen range despite being a standalone device.
Since devices that can be started independently require less effort, the barrier to installation is significantly lowered.
I have a feeling that this product will finally help VR become widespread among the general public.
Examples of using VR goggles with an iPhone
The "SAMONIC 3D VR goggles" I purchased cost 2880 yen on Amazon (as of September 2018).
This product is not exclusively for iPhones.
The package includes the goggles themselves, earphones, a Bluetooth remote control, and a cleaning cloth.
However, the earphones had a connector that wasn't compatible with the iPhone, so I used the original earphones that came with my iPhone.
The goggle cover can be opened with a snap, as shown in the photo above.
You'll need to install your iPhone here, but there are a few things you need to do beforehand.
First, make sure you've paired your iPhone with the Bluetooth remote control beforehand.
Otherwise, you won't be able to control videos or apps from outside the goggles.
Having to take it out every time I want to use it is really stressful.
Next, you play a VR-compatible app or video.
In my case, I used the DMM VR video app to play the video.
When you play a video for VR, the screen is split in the middle, and slightly different images are displayed on the left and right sides.
Therefore, launching incompatible videos or apps is completely pointless.
Once playback is ready, put on the earphones and guide them out of the goggles as shown in the diagram.
That completes the preparation.
Now, put on your goggles in a safe place and enjoy watching with the remote control in hand.
My impressions after actually using it
To be honest, I experienced a level of immersion I'd never felt before.
It's quite a shocking feeling.
You can truly feel as if the people in the video are actually present in that space.
どんな動画を観賞したのかを言うのは憚られますが、人物が近くに寄ってくると、本当に緊張してしまうくらいです。
Furthermore, the three-dimensional sound is realistic; for example, if someone speaks close to your ear, it sounds as if they're coming from that direction.
It creates the illusion that you are actually there, stimulating both your sight and hearing.
However, there are a few things I'm not happy with.
Although there is a manual focus adjustment function, perhaps due to the low price of the goggles, it wasn't perfectly focused.
Even if you focus on a person when they are far away, the focus will be lost again when the person moves closer.
I suppose this is unavoidable, but it would have been wonderful if once you got it right, everything was fine.
Also, even if you choose a video with very good picture quality, if you look closely you can see the grid pattern inherent to the video.
I think this is because we unconsciously compare it to real-life images, and therefore we become more aware of the parts that fall short.
Finally, there's the issue of usability.
I think this is unavoidable given that it's an inexpensive product.
After playing a video, the only things you can do with the remote control are rewind 10 seconds, fast forward 10 seconds, pause, close the app, and adjust the volume.
Watching a single video is fine, but if you want to switch to another video or app, you have to open the content and operate it manually.
Incidentally, the instruction manual stated that "due to the closed nature of iOS, only volume adjustment is possible with the remote control," but I was able to operate it without any problems (iOS 12.0).
However, the fact that there are so many complaints also means that, conversely, "it would be even better if it were done this way."
In fact, I think most of these problems can be solved by purchasing expensive equipment.
Currently, I think these goggles are perfectly adequate for easily experiencing VR.
summary
If you just want to try VR, I recommend buying a pair of goggles for around 3000 yen; you'll get a sense of how fun it is.
難しいことはないので、興味がある方は気軽に試してみてください。