Top VR experiences – Virtual reality goes mainstream – what’s on offer?

Not only has it been a big week in the world of virtual reality, but it also seems to have been a big month- and we’re only in the 2^nd week.

With big announcements of new releases, virtual reality is really working its way up the market scale, and as predicted by Deloitte Global, VR is expected to have its first billion dollar year in 2016- well they may just be right.

Following the recent announcements, CBR lists the top VR experiences released by big brands so far this month.

1. Oculus Touch

The social networking giant, Facebook recently announced that it is developing a new headset, very different to its former Oculus Rift headset.

This headset is not expected to need personal computer to be powered, and was described as a standalone headset, which means it is wireless.

The Oculus Touch includes a second camera sensor bar, along with two games: VR Sports and The Unspoken.  The UK price for the device is £190.

2. Microsoft HoloLens

Taking a different angle, Microsoft has announced its HoloLens headset, which will be released in six new countries, including the UK.

The company has identified its angle as ‘mixed reality’, with the headset to include sensors and features which enable users to view the real world overlaid with virtual objects in the form of hologram-like graphics.

The device has also been used by organisations such as NASA and Audi. The development edition is revealed at an expected price of over £2000, with the commercial suite versions reaching double at over £4000.

3. Sony PlayStation VR headset

Sony joined the race against its competitors, with the release of its new PlayStation VR headset.

The device is designed to be paired with the PlayStation 4 and all other upcoming PS4 consoles, therefore no new equipment will be needed for users that already own any of the PlayStation consoles.

It is to include dual lenses and 3D depth sensors. UK priced at £350.

4. IMAX VR Centre

The organisation recently announced its plan to install its first pilot IMAX VR centre in Europe, to be located in Manchester, in partnership with ODEON & UCI Cinemas Group. It is expected to open by the end of 2016.

The centre is to be deployed with a modular design, consisting of various pods in order to enable a vast amount of users to enjoy interactive, exciting, moveable VR experiences.

Each of the interactive content experiences to be shown, are expected to range between 5 and 10 minutes each.