So…I bought thing
I’ve wanted a VR headset since VR headsets were invented. In fact, I had one to play with at work, way back when they were new and extra stupid. I loved it.
The Steam one, the one I want, is around £1,000. Not only that, I’d have to sink at least that much into my computer to make it capable of driving it.
Not. Happening.
But I got to talking – okay, Tweeting – with someone who has spent thousands on VR. She said the Oculus one was worth having. It wasn’t nearly as good as the really expensive ones, but it’s pretty darned good for the money.
The money being around £300. For a refurb, considerably less than that. So…I did it.
I’ve only been through the setup and introduction and browsed a few of the apps. The batteries last about two hours and it’s given me a headache (I think I need to upgrade the head strap), but it’s way cool.
Yes. Okay. FINE. This makes me officially part of Mark Zuckerberg’s lame-ass Metaverse. I even had to link it to my phone and my real name Facebook Account.
But. You know. SHINY.
Have a good weekend, all!
Posted: February 25th, 2022 under technology.
Comments: 15
Comments
Comment from Uncle Al
Time: February 25, 2022, 8:44 pm
Wow! Shiny, indeed! I’m sure I’m not alone in looking forward to your commentary as you put the thing to use.
And I do hope your headache is cured by replacing the strap. Otherwise, you’d have to replace your head and that’s sure to be quite expensive. Just a thought: if it isn’t the strap maybe booze will help.
Comment from S. Weasel
Time: February 25, 2022, 8:55 pm
Booze always helps.
So far, I’ve contented myself playing with the controls and tutorials. I’ve bought some games, but I haven’t figured out how to port them from Steam to the Oculus.
I keep forgetting that what I’m seeing isn’t real and whapping my hand against the lampshade.
Comment from Uncle Badger
Time: February 25, 2022, 9:14 pm
Meanwhile, the cat and I sit in the corner of the room, clutching one another with laughter like Laurel and Hardy and cracking Stevie Wonder jokes.
Just sayin’
Comment from durnedyankee
Time: February 25, 2022, 9:24 pm
Nah, it existed before Metaverse so you’re good.
Durnedson #3 loves em. Course he says “don’t look down” for a lot of the games he plays, and there have been incidents of the physical room furnishing interfering with major battles in the virtual world in ways that only occur for the hero at just the wrong moment in movies.
Have a blast!
Me, I can do without the throwin up part that attends me playing anything that moves and isn’t in the real world.
That’s the only thing that has kept me from sinking serious cash into a VR headset and an expensive drone.
Comment from QuasiModo
Time: February 25, 2022, 9:50 pm
Let Simon Stålenhag’s VR paintings be a cautionary tale, SWeasy:
Comment from MrKnowitall
Time: February 25, 2022, 11:32 pm
Yay! Shiny!
You need to get a few essential games to start:
Tripp (trippy meditation for this troubled world)
Beat Saber (because the law requires you have Beat Saber in VR)
Echo VR (You’ll need some room and a tolerance for occasional idiots – but the concept is awesome)
Death Horizon (because shooting zombies alone or with friends is wholesome fun)
Gravity Sketch (if you like 3D drawing)
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes (Bomb defusing for couples or groups. Perfect for parties and family get togethers. And possibly divorces)
Adam Savage’s Tested VR (go ahead, stand *right there* in front of Adam Savage as he talks to you)
Mission: ISS: Quest (float around in the international Space station)
Many more native apps, of course, and if your computer will handle it, tether the headset to the PC and get a bunch of stuff on Steam. (Lone Echo and The Lab for sure!)
If you feel bilious, STOP. Come back later. Trying to power through is a mistake. You’ll acclimatize easily if you take it in small steps.
Awaiting with bated breath to hear of your VR exploits!
PS:Added advantage is that pets will be certain you’ve lost your mind entirely.
Comment from S. Weasel
Time: February 26, 2022, 9:05 am
Oh, thanks very much, MrKnowitall. I do very much appreciate the recommendations (if anyone else would like to chime in). Of course, Zuckerberg made me tie a credit card to the account, so I’m all set for fleecing.
I bought half a dozen games on Steam before the headset came. A couple of bundles on sale for around £12, which is sweet. That’s before I realized you needed a cable to tie the thing to the computer. I ordered one on Amazon and it will be here today (I’ve sworn off Amazon, but some things have priority). I’ve forgotten which, though (other computer).
I downloaded a meditation app called Hoame that was really pretty and free. Turns out the app is free, but the meditation is on a monthly subscription. Feh.
Comment from MrKnowitall
Time: February 26, 2022, 12:59 pm
If you go the Steam route, don’t forget the driving (Assetto Corsa) and flying games(bunches), especially if you have the flightsticks, steering wheels, etc. The immersion is impressive.
Oh! And Zaccaria Pinball. Lean against a table or counter as if you are at a real pinball machine for an uncanny taste of realism with old school pinball play.
Comment from durnedyankee
Time: February 26, 2022, 1:13 pm
Heh – just try and avoid “tilting” the house.
I’ll check with Durnedson #3 to see what he and his buddies are playing. Almost certainly involves zombies.
Comment from durnedyankee
Time: February 26, 2022, 6:26 pm
There it is – https://store.steampowered.com/app/555880/Sairento_VR
Comment from tomfrompv
Time: February 28, 2022, 4:20 pm
Nausea is always part of the experience. I’ve heard the only cure is to keep playing and eventually the upchucks lessen in frequency and volume until you hardly notice. I’ve also heard there is XXX stuff available too, for the teens apparently. Its the future of gaming!
Comment from fuloydo
Time: February 28, 2022, 7:21 pm
Might I recommend Google Earth VR? It’s available for free on steam and if you’re the sort who enjoys messing around on google maps it will blow your mind. I’ve wasted an embarrassing amount of time with it myself over the past few years and it’s still my go-to app for just messing around in VR.
Comment from S. Weasel
Time: February 28, 2022, 8:10 pm
Yeah, Tom, I’ve seen the Hentai right out front in the Steam store. I didn’t know they did porn.
No nausea yet, but I’m playing the gentlest of games.
Yes, fuloydo! I read a review of Google Earth VR and I’m definitely going for it. I’ve always loved Google Earth. There are several apps that look like they dip into the Google Earth data.
I’m still working out the relationship between my headset, the Oculus app and Steam. Working is really getting in the way of my goofing off.
Comment from MrKnowitall
Time: February 28, 2022, 9:39 pm
Don’t forget the 360/VR content on YouTube. Riding along with somebody in a wingsuit is thrilling in VR!
Work vs goofing off? Surely there is a way to call this “research”.
Comment from blake
Time: March 2, 2022, 4:43 pm
I guess I’m the luddite in this mix. I don’t even like the concept.
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