Virtual reality is the current big thing.
With the pace at which it is making advancements, there is no doubt that this will continue in the future.
The world has seen the growth of virtual reality over the past decade.
There was a time when it sounded like a dream. Gradually, things started to shape up.
This has included TV ads touting VR products, people anticipating the first launch of the VR headsets, gaming consoles like Playstation offering VR add-ons and then Facebook buying VR equipment developer Oculus for $2 billion.
Things have been on a roller coaster ride for VR.
What is virtual reality?
Everyone who has been hearing about virtual reality wants to know what exactly it is. Virtual means ‘near’ and reality means ‘real’.
Thus, virtual reality means close to reality.
Humans have more than the five basic senses taught to us in the school.
We know the world through our senses and perception.
The additional senses, in collaboration with the smart processing of information by our brain, make sure that the flow of information from our environment to our brain is uninterrupted.
When we take things as being real, it is actually our senses working with our brain’s sense-making mechanisms.
This means that, if you present your senses with information that is made-up, your perception of reality will also change.
You will be confronted with a version of reality that isn’t real, but your mind will be perceiving it as real. This is virtual reality.
This means that virtual reality is a computer-generated version of things that isn’t real but is presented to us in such a manner, that we take it for real.
Virtual reality is a three-dimensional computer-generated environment.
It is an interactive and immersive experience.
Have you ever wondered how would it be like being a part of a sci-fi game?
Or what would it feel like being able to see the world from the highest point?
Have you thought about how the underwater world looks?
Virtual reality can provide you with these experiences, without having to step out of your house.
Progress over the years:
Virtual reality isn’t achieved easily.
It requires considerable effort and hard work.
It is a balanced blend of several technologies that successfully trick our brain into perceiving things for being real, when they actually aren’t.
If you are a tech freak and want to try the latest things hitting the shelves, you must have experienced or seen people using VR.
The most common ones are the hand-held viewers (like Google cardboard) or head-mounted viewers (like Samsung Gear VR).
Virtual reality has made considerable progress in a short period of time.
It started with hand-held viewers. The major players have now produced sophisticated, stand-alone headsets.
These companies have not disappointed us so far.
The intense competition between the manufacturers is proof that this industry has much to offer its users and that will continue to be important improvements.
Virtual reality has to date been oriented towards android platforms.
This is because the large companies producing VR systems, like Samsung and HTC, support the android platform.
There are other companies, like Oculus and Valve, that are PC oriented.
This has left iPhone users without access to virtual reality.
However, as they say, ‘when there is a will, there is a way.’ iPhone users have also found out ways to enjoy the immersive experience of virtual reality.
If you are an iPhone user and want to experience VR, keep reading.
What do you need to experience VR on iPhone?
Like any other smartphone, you need the following two things to experience virtual reality on an iPhone:
- An iPhone and a VR viewer, like Google cardboard or Samsung VR Gear, that is compatible with an iPhone. The viewer is a prerequisite, since it provides the two lenses and the immersive environment that is required for experiencing VR.
- Apps that deliver the VR content.
If these two things selected, nothing can stop you from indulging in the charismatic world of VR.
You can launch the app, place your iPhone into the viewer with the screen facing towards you and start enjoying the VR.
Your limit of interaction within the VR content is dependent on the software of your viewer headset and the app you are using.
VR has a variety of content. Some of the content is passive. You just watch and enjoy it like a 3D movie.
There is also other content which allows you to interact, like VR games.
Keep in mind that virtual reality for iPhone is currently in its infancy stages.
It has a long way to go. Do not expect too much out of it.
Most sophisticated headsets in the market have a compatible pair of controllers and a complete system to support complex VR functions.
The iPhone does not offer that.
It only lets you choose some options from the menu by using the available buttons on the headset or can track your stare on-screen for the selection of options.
iPhone is not compatible with Samsung VR Gear, since the lightning connectors of the iPhone do not fit in the micro-USB connectors of the VR Gear.
Some key points about iPhone VR:
- The immersion is partial: VR experience is all about getting immersed in the virtual reality world. iPhone VR has nothing sophisticated to offer in this regard. The actual VR experience lets you believe that you are in the VR world. You can interact with the VR environment and the objects from that environment react accordingly. VR in the iPhone is mostly passive content. It does allow some interaction but that experience is not as remarkable as with the other portals.
- The iPhone’s retina display isn’t up to the mark with the VR: iPhone XS Max has a screen display of 6.5 Super Retina HD display with a 2,688 x 1,242, 458ppi screen. This is an improvement by iPhone. However, it still lags behind Samsung S8 which offers a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED, 2,960 x 1,440, 570ppi screen. This means that the screen-door effect will be greater with the iPhone for VR. The refresh rate for the iPhone is also much lower, due to its slow CPU. This may result in motion sickness by the users.
- No VR iOS for iPhone: iPhone has been constantly working on developing AR apps and has neglected its need for developing VR apps. There is a dire need for an OS that supports the VR apps for ease of use and navigation. Unfortunately, Apple has failed its users regarding the VR compatible content.
- Restricted head movement: since Apple hasn’t come up with a sophisticated headset of its own, the cardboard inspired headset designs that support the iPhone for VR content do not allow many head movements. Head movements are supported by headsets having positional tracking. The headsets that are compatible with the iPhone do not have positional tracking. Therefore, too much movement may cause sickness to the user.
This shouldn’t make you lose hope.
Don’t throw away your iPhone yet.
There are many headsets available in the market for iPhone VR.
We will discuss them now.
Some of the best VR Headsets for iPhone:
We do not wish to disappoint you.
However, these headsets are not close to the sophisticated ones in the market by HTC, Samsung, Oculus, and Valve.
However, something is better than nothing.
This is especially true when you cannot afford an expensive VR system and a headset.
Here is your list of your saviors.
-
Google Cardboard:
Available for only $15 at Amazon, as the name suggests, Google Cardboard is made up of cardboard which means you will be required to show some extra care and love, if you want it to last longer.
This is at least until Apple brings you a headset or until you can afford something expensive in VR.
A cardboard viewer is the cheapest way of entering into the VR experience.
You can also get unofficial cardboard headsets at Amazon at a lower price.
However, they are more fragile than the Google cardboard.
Some of them come with a strap and NFC, so you can power up an app on demand.
The cardboard viewer headsets are compact and foldable and need extra care for their longevity.
-
Merge VR Goggles
If the idea of a cardboard viewer doesn’t appeal to you, you can purchase the Merge goggles made of soft foam.
They are very lightweight and have an adjustable strap that fits anyone from 10 years to 100 years of age.
The Merge goggles are available at Amazon.
These goggles fit all models of the iPhone.
However, fitting them in and taking them out of larger models of the iPhone can be a little snug.
These goggles can also be used for some augmented reality fun.
Just pop out the little window in the front.
Launch the Merge AR app and hold the cube in your hand.
You can enjoy unlimited AR fun with Merge goggles.
-
Carl Zeiss VR One Plus
If you are looking for something on the premium end of iPhone compatible headsets, try VR one plus by Zeiss.
The usual VR viewers are plastic boxes with lenses.
Zeiss has been making lenses for companies, like Sony and for medical uses, which is indicative of its expertise in the field.
VR One Plus fits all iPhone models and promises a 100-degree field of view.
-
Hamswan VR
The Hamswan VR headset is available at Amazon for about twenty dollars.
This headset offers a 100-degree field of view, adjustable pupil distance and lightweight design.
The Hamswan headset is suitable for people suffering from myopia.
This headset is ideal for most iPhone models.
However, it won’t be able to fit into very large ones.
The front cover of the headset is removable, which enables heat dissipation.
This means that you can remove the cover and cool off your iPhone, in case it gets heated.
-
Homido Virtual Reality Headset V2
The second-generation headset by Homido offers a 100-degree field of view, compatibility with all the models of iPhone (starting with the 5s) and is slimmer in design.
The latest design lets the headset to be worn with eyeglasses.
The headset has a faux leather interchangeable seal.
Homido has been working hard to cater to the needs of its users.
It has VR glasses for users who do not enjoy wearing headsets.
However, the experience will not be as immersive.
There is also the portable Homido Grab, which is compatible with cardboard and offers a 100-degree field of view.
Homido also has a series of other accessories, like 360-degree cameras and controllers for the immersive gaming experience.
The Homido Headset is available at Amazon.
-
Xiaozhai BoboVR Z5
This headset from Xiaozhai comes with built-in speakers that can provide 720-degree 3D audio.
This headset offers a 120 degree field of view but can only fit in iPhones that are four-six inches long.
The built-in speakers can only synch to the traditional ports, which means you will need a dongle to make them compatible with your iPhone.
The Hiaozhai Bobo VR headset comes with an adjustable strap and focal controls for a comfortable VR experience.
You should be careful because the DayDream version of this headset is not compatible with the iPhone.
The Homido Headset is available at Amazon
-
Freefly VR Beyond
The Freefly VR beyond was previously launched for Android only.
The latest version also supports iPhones with a field of view of 120-degrees.
It also has cross-fire capacitive touch triggers for playing games.
The launch of the Freefly FF3 headset was announced in 2017.
However, since then, everything related to it has disappeared from the internet.
The FF3 is supposedly a hybrid headset that will let you enjoy augmented, virtual, and mixed reality experiences.
Everyone is still waiting to hear the good news regarding its launch anytime soon.
Cool VR apps for iPhone:
You can use most VR apps on all your iPhones.
However, some of the apps work better with the latest versions.
Apple has many VR apps to offer. You should not, however, expect the VR apps and content to be as enjoyable as offered by other platforms.
Check out the best iPhone VR apps in this list.
End Space VR
Space battle games are fun.
End Space VR, by Justin Wasilenko, is an excellent space battle game with a beautiful and dramatic environment.
You are the controller of your spaceship against a bunch of enemies.
You have to kill your enemies, before they kill you.
This game is fun and thrilling, as the shield of your spaceship weakens.
You do not know whether you will be able to survive for another day.
It is full of detailed and colorful graphics and frenetic gameplay and is available for 99 cents.
VR Mojo Orbulus
If you have a traveler’s soul but cannot afford to explore much, you must try this app.
Orbulus offers you many sights and sounds from around the world.
The app begins with a number of spheres floating in front of you, with each sphere representing a different destination.
Stare at the sphere that interests you, and you will be transported to that destination.
You can explore the pyramids in Egypt, go for a ride on EuroRail or see how New York looks at night.
You can also walk on the surface of Mars or experience how what it feels like being inside a washing machine.
VR Noir
Do you want to play the detective?
The VR Noir app by Start VR can help you realize your dream.
This app lets you play the role of Veronica Coltrane, a divorced mother.
The protagonist becomes a detective after being thrown out of the police force.
You can decide what you will do in a new case and how far you will go in solving it.
The game is unique since it is interactive and more like a motion movie with real people and real settings.
The game urges you to make decisions, in order to drive the plot forward.
VR Roller Coaster
This will definitely satisfy the adventure lover inside of you.
There are many VR roller coaster apps but VR roller coaster beats them all.
It is very intense, with three roller coaster ride tracks to choose from.
The tracks take you to the usual ups and downs with sudden and startling upside-down moments.
Zombie Shooter VR
Zombie shooter VR is the next adventurous thing.
The game lets you shoot zombies, which is essential for your survival.
The game starts with you alone in a dark and dank room.
Pick up the weapon, flip the door open and set out on your journey to kill your enemies, the zombies.
The game brings you close to obstacles and hurdles that you need to manipulate in order to survive.
You will have to spend $1.99 to enjoy this latest adventure on VR.
Within
Do you enjoy the idea of exploring different scenarios, places and people?
Do you like to do it on your own? If you do, then WITHIN VR is an app for you.
It is an immersive gateway to take you away from the real world.
The app features many fictional adventures, animated scenarios and documentaries.
You can become part of any of it and have a lot of fun.
You can sit in the audience and listen to a Mozart concerto or see how drug dealers play roulette.
You can even swim in the deep oceans along with the beautiful marine life or take off on a space adventure.
There is a lot of content available, which ensures that you will have many incredible hours each time.
VirtualSpeech
Are you afraid of speaking in public?
There is an app to make you a pro at speaking in front of large crowds.
VirtualSpeech has a myriad of different scenarios, in which you will be required to speak in front of people.
It can be a business meeting or making a presentation.
You can add your slides to the presentation for a realistic experience.
VirtualSpeech provides words of wisdom from famous people on how to speak in public.
The app offers feedback on your performance after each session.
Star Chart VR
Do you find the universe grand and want to observe and explore it?
You can have an entire planetarium on your iPhone and can experience it in VR.
This app takes you on a trip through the Solar system, where you can find yourself among the planets, stars and constellations.
You can stare at a particular star or planet and explore it.
It allows you to study in detail the rings of Saturn and the many moons of Jupiter.
You can get the details regarding each object, by pressing the action button.
It is a great way of exploring and learning about the solar system.
This app is available for $2.99.
Last word
VR on the iPhone is still in the initial stages of development.
Considering how Apple has lived up to the technology and has never disappointed its users, we are expecting VR developments by Apple in the near future.
Although the VR experience is not as good as with other platforms, Apple users have the option of many headsets and a large library of apps to enjoy the VR experience.
The available VR content on the iPhone is very limited with regards to interaction.
However, we have high hopes and we expect to have a lot of interactive content from Apple soon.
