How do VR glasses work?

VR glasses, also referred to as HMD (Head Mounted Display), are a type of glasses that allow you to discover a new reality in combination with a smartphone, PC or games console. The glasses work by projecting various images per eye for the user and creating the illusion that he finds himself in a different location. The 3D effect that occurs per eye by means of the image difference ensures that you are transported into a world that looks realistic. The device has been developed in such a way that it registers head movements. So you can walk round freely in a game or city. The world of virtual reality already originated in the 1980s, but it can only now be applied on a large scale thanks to the current technological developments. The new technologies enable better and better performances of the reality and resolution of the images.

Application possibilities

During recent years, the technological developments have ensured that there are many applications which VR glasses can be combined with. VR glasses are frequently used for playing games via your smartphone, games console as well as PC. The variety within this is continually increasing: from fast action games to the most fascinating worlds of discovery. In addition, with the glasses you can watch 360° videos and livestreams. Ideal if you want to attend a concert by your favourite artist like in real life, explore nature areas or sit in the front row at a football match. The applications even go that far that you can attend a meeting from your home or you can view a house. Nowadays, educational programmes are also more often published to be used in combination with VR glasses, for instance studying nature phenomena and understanding architecture. The possibilities are endless and will only increase more and more during the next few years.

Types of VR glasses

For experiencing the world of virtual reality, there are various glasses on the market, each to be used with various equipment. The advantage is that you are not limited to one single device in order to have this experience. Below, we explain the most common glasses:

• Smartphone: The most common type of VR glasses has been especially developed to be used in combination with the smartphone. You can easily clip them into the system and the movements are registered by the device or the smartphone. Advantages are both the low purchase price and the freedom of movement that you have. Sitting, jumping and walking, you can do all these things. Another advantage is the portability thanks to the low weight of the models. A disadvantage of this device is that you need a high-quality smartphone for an optimum experience. In addition, the battery of the smartphone goes flat relatively quickly. These glasses are therefore mainly for use for playing simple games and playing 360° videos.
• PC/Laptop: For the most intense experience, it is recommended that you purchase VR glasses that are powered by a PC. As well as a built-in screen, these VR glasses have various sensors for controlling all the applications. The great advantage of these glasses is that you can operate heavy applications and games on the system and you are connected to the electricity network. Thanks to the rapid developments, there are numerous applications (see application possibilities) for which you can use this device. This is also the disadvantage connected to this. Because due to these rapid technological developments, new models appear on a regular basis and so you also have to buy a new model on a regular basis for the best experience.
• Games console: The current generation of games consoles cannot remain behind in the area of VR. As a result, models for the Playstation have already appeared. These glasses connect you to the system and you can then install applications via the games console. These vary from games and educational applications to films. Just as with the glasses for the PC, consoles have a more powerful system than the smartphone. The advantage is that you can also use controllers to perform certain activities.