Now that you have your shiny new Virtual Reality (VR) headset (HMD, Head Mounted Display), you’ll need the essential accessories.
Here’s an undated list of the must have VR accessories: July 2016
Leap Motion:
Leap Motion
A USB device that tracks your hand movements. It’s not just for VR, but their newest software release, Orion, was developed expressly for VR users. In theory Leap Motion achieves must have status by bringing hand tracking without gloves or other devices to VR. In practice, it is still very much in development. Users aren’t overly impressed, and most good ratings come from buyers that are cognizant that they’re early adopters. Nevertheless, if you’re a VR junkie then you must have this in your toolbox, if not for anything else but VR street cred – if that’s really a thing.
I have to confess when I first heard of this device I rolled my eyes, but after listening to the creator’s pitch, I was sold. What you have here is a workout tool that you’ll want to use more often and longer.
Probably the most compelling thing about VR, in general, is its ability to hijack your senses and convince your body it’s somewhere else. The VirZoom isn’t a cheesy bike that you ride while using VR and it’s ability to provide a fully immersive workout translated into results. It comes with games built just for VirZoom users. What you do on the bike is reflected in the gameplay. Your body and mind achieve a level of commitment via the gamification of working out that you’ve probably never attained before. It just makes sense. It folds up for easy storage and pre-orders come with a lifetime VirZoom Plus membership – online multiplayer and fitness tracking. It might not be pretty to look at, but it’s a workout powerhouse.
Probably the most compelling thing about VR, in general, is how it hijacks your senses and convinces your body you’re somewhere else. The VirZoom isn’t a cheesy bike that you ride while using VR and it’s ability to provide a fully immersive workout translated into results. It comes with games built just for VirZoom users. What you do on the bike is reflected in the gameplay. Your body and mind achieve a level of commitment via the gamification of working out that you’ve probably never attained before. It just makes sense. It folds up for easy storage and pre-orders come with a lifetime VirZoom Plus membership – online multiplayer and fitness tracking. It might not be pretty to look at, but it’s a workout powerhouse.
The VR adventure isn’t complete without good sound. If you have (or will purchase) an Oculus Rift, then you don’t need to worry as it has a built-in sound system. If you’ve pre-ordered an HTC Vive or Playstation VR (PSVR), or you’re using a mobile VR headset, then you’ll need some decent headphones. Sure the Vive and PSVR include wired earbuds, but who needs more wires? You’re already tethered to a console (unless you’re using a mobile headset), so cut wires where you can and grab a pair of G-Cord Bluetooth headphones. There’re a couple of essential features to consider when using headphones with VR that the G-Cord sports:
They’re earbuds. Don’t buy headphones that go over the top of your head. It’s a pain in the butt when adjusting the VR HMD. Earbuds allow users to move the headset, for whatever reason, without knocking off the headphones.
Supporting multiple Bluetooth devices at once. This way while you’re in a far-off land you’ll maintain connectivity with the real world. Adjust your phone settings to notify you only for particular situations so you won’t miss an important phone call or message.
At $20 with 4.4/5 stars you’re safe with these headphones. NOTE: PSVR requires a Bluetooth dongle. According to Reddit, this and this should do the trick. Head over to Reddit for more details.
VRCover.com offers stylish products that protect your HMD’s foam liner from dirt and sweat. They’re (mostly) machine washable and come in a variety of materials including leather and cotton. Currently, the website only features products for Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Samsung Gear VR – they also cover some of the dev kits.
These are some remarkably cool accessories, but in reality, most people won’t drop an extra $300-$4,000 on these very advanced systems. If you’re hardcore then check them out:
FeelReal.com: “It maximizes your virtual reality presence and allows you to explore virtual worlds using smells and simulated effects of wind, heat, water mist, and vibration.”
Teslasuit.com: “The world’s first full-body haptic suit that lets you touch and feel the future of Virtual Reality and gaming.” Looks like they canceled their Kickstarter campaign. It appears they are still moving forward, though.
Virtuix.com: “The Virtuix Omni™ lets you walk, run, sit and strafe with 360-degree freedom of movement allowing you to control your avatar without restraints.”
STEM System: “The STEM System will support up to five wireless motion trackers, or STEMs, for full position and orientation tracking of the head and hands, the entire body, or other configurations.”
What accessories do have, or plan on purchasing, for your HMD?
