One thing currently hindering virtual reality adoption is how the headsets are very clunky to use. To be more precise, the powerful headsets require a powerful desktop computer to properly project VR images. This severely drives up the cost, as the computer is often twice or three times as expensive as the headset itself. Stand-alone hardware is the only path forward, by the look of things.
Wireless Virtual Reality Is The Future
Every new form of technology needs to go through different iterations and generations before it can be embraced by the masses. Virtual reality is no different in this regard, even though the current types of VR headsets seemingly do a good job. That is, assuming one can afford them and the computer required to enjoy virtual reality in the first place.
One could argue the mobile VR headsets do the job just fine, even though they do not work with all phones either. Users will need a high-end smartphone, which is far more likely to occur compared to people owning a gaming computer. Then again, the VR environment on a smartphone is very different from its PC counterpart.
Another problem hindering PC-oriented VR headset adoption is the cable management. A lot of people have tripped over the extension cords connecting their VR headset to the computer. Portable backpacks containing a gaming PC are a potential solution, yet they still remain expensive. Moreover, they do not entirely solve the cabling issue either. It is due time standalone solutions come to market, although that may not necessarily be as easy as assumed.
As of right now, Oculus VR is allegedly working on a standalone VR headset. This project has been dubbed Oculus Santa Cruz, although that name may change. HTC has announced their standalone version of the Vive as well. This new headset will use infrared light tracking to get rid of the cable management. Unfortunately, it will still require a very expensive gaming PC. It is possible future generations will have the hardware equipped in the headset itself, though.
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